March 2026.
Personal Devotion and the Power of Gathering
Is your faith stronger when you're connected or when you're on your own? Pastor Anthony Lombardi on devotion, community, and a thriving faith.
Jesus’ Secret to Strength
Even Jesus, fully God and fully man, needed solitude with the Father. While everyone searched for Him, He had already slipped away to a
The Power of Together
The early church didn't accidentally stumble into powerful community—they
Filled with the Holy Spirit
Peter's answer to
Baptized into One Body
Baptism isn't a private spiritual experience—it's a public declaration that you belong to the Body of Christ. When the Spirit baptizes you into this one body, being the church isn't optional; it's essential. You have a role, a function, a purpose within the community of believers. Too many have been
BAPTISM | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSON
What did Jesus really intend when he commanded baptism? Pastor Matthew Johnson unpacks the full weight of what it means to die to yourself.
Acts 28:17-22 | Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard | TCBS
Paul meets the Jewish leaders in Rome. A rich conversation about unmet expectations, open hearts, and why humility matters more than we think.
Raised to New Life
Just as Christ was raised from the dead, baptism declares you are walking in newness of life. This isn't just forgiveness—it's transformation. You emerge from the water with a new identity, new purpose, and new power. But here's the question: Do you know what you're committing to? Who is your new allegiance? What does your new life look like? Many people get baptized without understanding they're enlisting in God's Kingdom purposes. You're not just saved from something; you're saved for something. Your life now belongs to advancing Christ's Kingdom. Today, reflect on your calling. How has Jesus asked you to live differently? What new habits, relationships, or priorities should characterize your new life? Newness isn't passive—it's actively walking in the resurrection power of Christ daily.
Buried with Christ
Baptism is more than getting wet—it's a funeral and a birth. When you go under the water, you're declaring that your old self has died with Christ. Every broken pattern, every sin, every piece of your former identity is being buried. This requires honest reflection: What specifically are you putting to death? Paul asks,
Counting the Cost of Surrender
Jesus never promised an easy path—He promised a transformative one. When He calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him, He's inviting us into total surrender. This isn't a one-time decision but a daily recommitment. Before baptism, we must honestly assess what we're leaving behind and what we're embracing. What old patterns, sins, or allegiances need to die? The transition from unsaved to saved should be dramatic, not subtle. Today, take inventory of your life. What are you clinging to that prevents full surrender? True discipleship begins when we stop negotiating with Jesus and start obeying Him completely. The unstoppable force of the church is built on individuals who've genuinely counted the cost.
The Immigration Debate Christians Can't Avoid | The Branch
Immigration is complex. In this Branch Podcast episode, three pastors unpack what the Bible actually says and what Christians are called to do.
Honoring God-Ordained Authority
Submitting to authority feels difficult, especially when we disagree with leaders or question their decisions. Yet Scripture is clear: all authority is established by God, and resisting authority is resisting God's appointed order. This includes government officials, employers, church leaders, and parents. Submission doesn't mean blind obedience to evil—we answer to God first. But it does mean we honor the position even when we struggle with the person. When we submit to imperfect leaders, we're actually demonstrating trust in a perfect God who works through flawed vessels. Today, examine your attitude toward those in authority over you. Do you pray for them? Respect them in word and deed? Remember, God often speaks through leaders, and rebellion—even quiet rebellion—cuts us off from His blessing.
Submitting to One Another in Love
Christ's model of submission wasn't passive—it was powerfully active love. He chose to serve, to put others first, to consider their needs above His own comfort. This is the heart of mutual submission in the church. When we approach relationships asking
The Authority of God's Word
Scripture isn't merely one influence among many—it's God's authoritative voice for every aspect of life. Yet many believers treat the Bible as a reference point they consult occasionally rather than the captain of their souls. When we know what Scripture teaches but choose our own way, we move from ignorance to rebellion. God has revealed His design for relationships, finances, sexuality, work, rest, and purpose. The question isn't whether God has spoken—it's whether we'll obey what He's said. Today, examine your life honestly. Are there areas where you know God's Word but haven't submitted to it? Remember, spiritual maturity isn't measured by knowledge alone but by obedience. Let Scripture equip you for every good work God has prepared.
Acts 28: 11-16 | Paul's Arrival at Rome | TCBS
After years of hardship, Paul finally reaches Rome. What does it mean to be part of something bigger than your local church?
THE STRENGTH OF SURRENDER | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSON
What does it truly mean to follow Jesus? Pastor Matthew Johnson delivers an honest challenge on total surrender, submission, and the strength found in letting go.
Listening to the Spirit's Voice
God doesn't leave us guessing about His will—He speaks through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit guides us into truth, nudges us toward obedience, and checks us when we're heading the wrong direction. But hearing requires listening, and listening requires stillness. Many Christians miss God's direction because they're too busy talking, planning, and moving to hear His voice. The Spirit speaks through Scripture, through godly counsel, through circumstances, and through that inner witness that confirms truth. Today, create space for silence. Ask God to speak, then wait expectantly. When He nudges you toward an uncomfortable obedience or checks you from a questionable decision, will you respond? Submission begins with listening and ends with obedience.
Denying Self to Find Life
Jesus' invitation to
The Privilege of Partnership
You are not an optional part of the Body of Christ—you are essential. When you don't serve, the Body doesn't just adapt; it suffers. It functions like an arm in a cast—surviving but not thriving. Yet serving isn't a burden; it's a privilege. You get to partner with the Creator of the universe in loving His children and advancing His kingdom. When you stand before God, what will you offer as your life's work? Earthly achievements fade, but serving God's people echoes into eternity. Like the Amish raising a barn—when everyone contributes their part, impossible things happen. The question isn't whether the church needs you; it's whether you'll accept the honor of being used by God. Today, take one concrete step toward serving in your church or community. Don't wait for the perfect opportunity—just say yes to the next one.
THE DETHRONING OF SELF | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSON
Jesus doesn't call you to be served. He calls you to serve. Pastor Matthew Johnson unpacks what that really means for every relationship in your life.
