Rooted and Grounded

Why Jesus Came To Save Not Condemn

Jesus doesn’t arrive as a critic looking for reasons to condemn us. He arrives with a mission, and John 3:17 says it plainly: God sends his Son to save the world. That single verse changes the emotional temperature of the Gospel, and we slow down to ask what it means for real people who carry real guilt, real wounds, and real questions about who Jesus is and why he came. We trace the mission through Scripture the way the Bible presents it. John the Baptist points and names Jesus “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,” and we talk about why that language mattered to Israel and why it still matters for Christians today. Then Luke 2 brings Simeon onto the scene, holding Jesus and calling him salvation, a light for the Gentiles and glory for Israel. That’s not small or tribal. It’s worldwide and deeply personal. From there we step into John 4, where Jesus “has to” go through Samaria and meets the woman at the well. Watching him love someone labeled an outsider forces us to face a hard truth: outsiders sometimes see what insiders miss. We also connect Jesus’ own mission statements, his resolve to finish the work, and the way his cross draws people in, leading straight into the Great Commission and the ongoing mission of the church. If Jesus truly is the Savior of the world, what does that change about how we treat the unreachable, the untouchable, and the people we’d rather avoid? Subscribe, share this with a friend, leave a review, and tell us what part of Jesus’ mission you want to live out this week. Learn More at 109.church [https://109.church] We invite you to join us in this journey of faith. If you would like to learn more about a deeper relationship with God or need someone to pray with, please reach out to us at hello@109.church [hello@109.church]. We are here to support and encourage you in your spiritual growth.

Who Is Jesus

If we’re going to give our lives to Jesus, we should be able to answer one question without dodging it: who is He? We’re back on Rooted and Grounded with a fresh format and a focused theme, and we start where Christianity truly begins and ends, the claim that Jesus is the Son of God. That confession isn’t a religious slogan; it’s the line between “good teacher” and Lord of everything. We trace the evidence straight from the Bible, moving from the Father’s words at Jesus’ baptism (“This is my beloved Son”) to Peter’s confession that becomes foundational, and then into Colossians 1 where Christ is described as the image of the invisible God, creator and sustainer, head of the church, and the one who brings peace by the blood of the cross. We also talk about a detail many people overlook: even demons recognize Jesus’ identity in Mark 5, and that spiritual witness adds a sobering weight to the question of belief. Then we bring it down to street level. What does it mean today to confess “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God”? We connect that confession to Hebrews 1 and to the authority Jesus shows in John 11 when He calls Lazarus out of the grave, plus the controversy in Mark 2 when He forgives sins and people realize only God can do that. We also make space for skeptics who get stuck on “impossible” claims like the virgin birth or resurrection, and we explain why belief often grows through layers of evidence and an honest, seeking heart. If you’ve ever wrestled with who Jesus really is, press play, share this with a friend who’s asking hard questions, and leave a review so more people can find it. Subscribe for the rest of the series and tell us: what Scripture most clearly answers “who is Jesus” for you? Learn More at 109.church [https://109.church] We invite you to join us in this journey of faith. If you would like to learn more about a deeper relationship with God or need someone to pray with, please reach out to us at hello@109.church [hello@109.church]. We are here to support and encourage you in your spiritual growth.

If Every Knee Will Bow, When Will You

We trace the golden thread from Psalm 110 to Pentecost to show why Jesus’ ascension means he reigns now. We unpack what “right hand of God” signals for power, hope, and how we live while every enemy moves toward defeat. • Psalm 110 as the map for Christ’s enthronement • Right hand as authority, honor, and finished work • Jesus confronting the Pharisees with David’s Lord • Peter’s claim: made both Lord and Christ • Enemies as footstool: already and not yet • 1 Corinthians 15 and the last enemy, death • Ancient victory imagery and public submission • Courage for believers under pressure • Bow willingly now rather than later Learn More at 109.church [https://109.church] We invite you to join us in this journey of faith. If you would like to learn more about a deeper relationship with God or need someone to pray with, please reach out to us at hello@109.church [hello@109.church]. We are here to support and encourage you in your spiritual growth.

Lifted Up: Why The Ascension Matters

A cloud didn’t end the story—it expanded it. We dive into Acts 1:6–11 to explore why the ascension is not Jesus’ exit, but the moment His earthly ministry gives way to His heavenly reign and the church’s global mission. If you’ve ever wondered why He had to go, or how the Spirit changes ordinary people into bold witnesses, this conversation brings clarity and courage. We start with the disciples’ honest question about restoring Israel and uncover how Jesus redirects their focus from timelines to power. The ascension becomes the necessary pivot for Pentecost, where the Spirit empowers the witness that spreads from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Along the way, we unpack how the ascension confirms the Father’s acceptance of the Son’s perfect work, why intercession matters for your prayer life, and how Ephesians 2 repositions our identity with Christ in the heavenly places. We also sit with the angels’ words: stop staring and start serving. Readiness for Christ’s return is not a countdown; it’s a calling. Expectation turns into action—repentance today, courage today, love today—because the same Jesus who ascended will come again. If you need a fresh vision for mission, a deeper confidence in prayer, or a reason to raise your eyes without leaving the ground, this one is for you. If this conversation stirred you, share it with a friend, hit follow, and leave a review so others can find the show. Tell us: what changes in your life when you live between ascension and return? Learn More at 109.church [https://109.church] We invite you to join us in this journey of faith. If you would like to learn more about a deeper relationship with God or need someone to pray with, please reach out to us at hello@109.church [hello@109.church]. We are here to support and encourage you in your spiritual growth.

Resurrection: The Promise Before the Proof

The resurrection of Jesus Christ represents the ultimate victory—over sin, life, death, and eternity—establishing the foundation of our faith and transforming how we approach God's promises. • The gospel in its simplest form: Christ died for our sins and rose again • God's pattern throughout Scripture: making promises before fulfilling them • Jesus repeatedly prophesied His resurrection (Matthew 16:21, 17:22-23, 20:17-19) • The empty tomb confirms Jesus' words, not just provides physical evidence • The disciples initially struggled to believe despite clear predictions • Jesus connected His resurrection to all Scripture (Luke 24:27) • Our faith stands on God's spoken word, not just what we can see • If Christ hasn't been raised, our faith is futile (1 Corinthians 15:17) • The resurrection declares Jesus as Son of God with power (Romans 1:4) • Believing God's word transforms our lives and empowers our witness Join us for our next episode as we explore the resurrection we will experience when Christ returns. Learn More at 109.church [https://109.church] We invite you to join us in this journey of faith. If you would like to learn more about a deeper relationship with God or need someone to pray with, please reach out to us at hello@109.church [hello@109.church]. We are here to support and encourage you in your spiritual growth.