Waterstone Community Church Podcast

Hospitality goes beyond hosting meals—it’s about creating a space where everyone feels seen and valued, just as the Good Samaritan cared for a stranger in need. By stepping beyond our comfort zones to embrace outsiders, we build deeper connections that foster unity and compassion in a divided world. References:  Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara “Hospitality isn’t to change people but to offer them a space where change can take place.” Henry Nouwen

In today’s fast-paced world, the constant push for productivity can overshadow the importance of being present and connected to something greater. Instead of merely focusing on accomplishing tasks, we can embrace stillness and intentionally seek God's presence. This can lead to deeper personal growth and fulfillment. By prioritizing relationships and prayer over endless to-do lists, we can experience a richer, more meaningful life, where true transformation occurs in the quiet moments of connection and awareness. References: "The first and most basic thing we can and must do is to keep God before our mind. This is the fundamental secret of caring for our souls…" - Dallas Willard Jesus Changes Everything Devotional TRANSCRIPT

Thinking about who you’re becoming can be a pretty eye-opening experience. We’re all influenced by the stuff we engage with daily—what we watch, the people we hang around, and even social media. If we’re not careful, these influences can steer us away from who we really want to be. By focusing on self-denial and putting others first, we can shift our mindset from just chasing personal happiness to finding deeper fulfillment in our relationships and faith. It’s about more than just knowing Bible verses; we need to live them out in our daily lives. This means surrounding ourselves with supportive friends, stepping out of our comfort zones, and being open to the changes God wants to make in us. Ultimately, it’s about making a conscious effort every day to reflect Christ’s love in our actions and choices, allowing that transformation to shape who we are becoming. So, let’s honestly ask ourselves—are we clinging to our comfort zones, or are we ready to take tha

Our connection with Jesus grants us a transformative new identity that reshapes our lives. Instead of being defined by our past mistakes or societal expectations, we are invited to embrace our worth as children of God, which empowers us to overcome unhealthy habits and live with renewed purpose. This change is profound, moving beyond mere resolutions to an internal transformation that aligns our values and actions with Christ’s teachings. By understanding our identity in Jesus, we can navigate life’s challenges with security and confidence, ultimately allowing us to live authentically and impactfully as we reflect his love and purpose in our daily lives. References: “Without knowledge of self, there is no knowledge of God. Our wisdom, insofar as it ought to be deemed true and solid wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves. But as these are connected by many ties, it is not easy to determine which of the two precedes and gives birth to the other.&r

God’s love is relentless and deeply personal, like a parent teaching a child to walk. Even when we fail or turn away, his compassion never wavers. Jesus embodies this love as the faithful Son, stepping into our brokenness to bring hope and redemption. In this season, reflect on the depth of God’s grace, embrace his forgiveness, and trust that his presence meets us in both our struggles and joys. As we live in the tension between present challenges and the promise of restoration, may we find renewed intimacy with him and the courage to walk in his love. References: “The disappointment and brokenness, suffering and pain that characterize life in this present world is held in dynamic tension with the promise of future glory that is yet to come next. In that advent tension, the church lives its life.” Fleming Rutledge TRANSCRIPT

Pastoral leadership is a calling to shepherd the church with integrity and a genuine heart, especially in challenging times. It emphasizes the importance of community through small groups, the unique role of church elections, and the relevance of Scripture, such as 1 Peter, in navigating chaos. Pastors are called to serve eagerly and willingly, avoiding dishonesty and modeling Christ-like servant leadership to inspire and guide their congregations. TRANSCRIPT

In this episode Waterstone pastors, Larry Renoe and Paul Joslin, have their final conversation on the podcast and discuss the recent presidential election with hopes to provide a space to process this 2024 political season.

As the end of all things draws near, believers are called to live purposefully according to God’s will, emphasizing prayer, love, and service. Especially during divisive times like the election cycle, unity through prayer becomes essential to foster peace and order. With this sense of urgency, believers are encouraged to use their spiritual gifts to serve others, practice hospitality, and cultivate a loving community that both reflects Christ’s love and prepares for his return. References: “We do not naturally drift to better habits of prayer.” - D.A. Carson Lectio 365 App TRANSCRIPT

Waterstone’s Lead Pastor, Larry Renoe, interviews Dr. Scott Klingsmith, who is the Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies at Denver Seminary and also has over 35 years of missions experience overseas. Scott brings a global perspective to our podcast this episode and the focus of their conversation is on the history of Christians in politics. What has the political engagement of Christians throughout history looked like and how should Christians engage today? They also cover the much debated topic of whether or not America is a Christian nation. We hope this is a helpful discussion as we approach the presidential election in November 2020 and again in 2024.