un-distant

matthew 27:55-56. God came near when we went distant. amenpodcast.com

Matthew 27:51-54. In Christ, nothing can separate us from God. amenpodcast.com

Jesus didn't just die — He was forsaken. For 3 hours, darkness covered the land, and the Son of God cried out "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" — and the Father didn't answer.In this episode, Alex walks through Matthew 27:46-50 and uncovers what actually happened in those 3 hours on the cross, why Jesus stopped calling God "Father," and what it means that He declared "It is finished."If you've ever felt like God went silent on you, or if you're still secretly trying to earn what Jesus already paid for — this one's for you.Topics covered: The 3 hours of darkness and what they represent | Why Jesus called God "God" instead of "Father" | What "It is finished" actually means for your everyday life | Why your salvation can't be 99% — it has to be 100% | How bad theology leads us to look for salvation in the wrong places📖 Matthew 27:46-50 | Psalm 22 | Habakkuk 1:13 | John 10:17-18Support the show → amenpodcast.com | Venmo: @amenpodcast | Cash App: $amenalex

Most people assume they're on the right road. Jesus says otherwise. In Matthew 7:13-14, at the close of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus draws a line — two roads, two destinations, two kinds of people. The wide road is easy, crowded, and leads to destruction. The narrow road is hard, crushing, and leads to life. Alex breaks down what it really means to be on the narrow road, why none of us found it on our own, and what the Zoe life actually looks like. Lokelani closes with her own honest reflection on total depravity, grace, and what it costs to follow Jesus. A convicting and freeing conversation for anyone serious about their faith.https://www.instagram.com/amenpodcast/🌐 amenpodcast.com | Support the show at Venmo @amenpodcast

The Darkness at the Cross | Matthew 27:45When the sky went dark at noon, it wasn't just a weather event—it was God marking the moment His wrath fell on Jesus for our sin.In this episode, we explore the darkness that covered the land during Jesus's final three hours on the cross. We dive into what darkness meant in the Old Testament, why God dwells in "unapproachable light," and how the fear of the Lord is actually the beginning of knowing Him.Jesus entered the impenetrable darkness of God's wrath so we could walk in His light. This changes everything.AFTER THE AMEN QUESTION: What is a small view of God that you have that needs to change?SUPPORT THE PODCAST: We're 100% donor-funded with no ads or sponsors → Donate: amenpodcast.com → Venmo: @amenpodcast → Cash App: $amenalexCONNECT WITH US: Instagram: @amenpodcast Website: amenpodcast.comIf this episode encouraged you, subscribe and share it with a friend. Your support helps us keep creating content that gives Christians a bigger view of God.

Jesus Was Mocked on the Cross—And So Will You | Matthew 27:33-44The world mocked Jesus as He hung on the cross. "If you're God's son, come down!" they shouted. But here's what they didn't understand: God's vindication doesn't look like the world's vindication. Jesus didn't come down from the cross to prove Himself—He stayed on it. And three days later, the empty tomb said everything.If you're facing mockery for your faith, if you're waiting for God to defend you, or if you're wondering why He isn't showing up the way you expected—this message is for you.In this sermon, we walk through Matthew 27:33-44 and uncover four powerful truths about Christ's crucifixion:TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] Intro - The Most Evil Day in History [02:04] The Crucifixion Begins [06:08] Golgotha: The Place of the Skull [08:19] Jesus Takes Our Place [16:26] Penal Substitutionary Atonement Explained [19:07] Prophecy Fulfilled: Psalm 22 [24:02] The Religious Leaders Mock Jesus [29:18] Moses, Miriam, and God's Vindication [33:42] Worship That Goes Deeper Than "He Loves Me" [35:34] How Jesus Responded to Mockery [36:25] Christianity Isn't About Being Understood [39:06] After the Amen Q&AKEY TAKEAWAYS:Let it humble you - You're the soldier, the mocker, the one who deserved the cross. Yet Jesus died instead of you.Let it fuel authentic worship - When you see Jesus didn't just die for you but instead of you, worship goes infinitely deeper.Respond with steadfast obedience - Like Jesus, you don't need the final word. God will vindicate you.Stop trying to be understood - Christianity isn't about being understood. It's about where you stand in Christ.The resurrection proves God will vindicate His children. You may face mockery now, but one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.CONNECT WITH US: 🎙️ Listen to our House Church sermons: [Search "House Church" on podcast apps] 💬 Leave a comment - we read them all! ⭐ Leave a review if this blessed you 💰 Support this ministry: amenpodcast.com Venmo: @amenpodcast | Cash App: $amenalexNOTE: House Church is currently closed to visitors as we focus on shepherding our local community. We're prayerfully considering future meetup options for when you visit Kauai. Thank you for understanding! 🤙Amen Podcast exists to create biblical content for 18-30 year old Christians who feel overlooked by traditional church. We're 100% listener-supported - no ads, no sponsors, just the Word.

What happens when the King of Kings gets publicly humiliated — and says nothing?In Matthew 27:27-30, Jesus is stripped, mocked, crowned with thorns, and beaten by Roman soldiers. It's brutal. It's degrading. And it's the scene most of us want to skip over.But this is where we see something we desperately need — the most powerful Being in the universe choosing silence over revenge. He could have destroyed every soldier in that room. He didn't. Not because He was weak. Because He trusted the Father's plan more than His own flesh wanted to fight back.In this episode, Alex and Lokelani walk through what Jesus' response in that moment teaches us about suffering, pride, and what it actually looks like to have real hope — not the kind the world sells you, but the kind that quiets your soul even when everything around you is falling apart.We also dig into Psalm 131 and 1 Peter 2:18-24 to unpack why staying in your lane isn't giving up — it's trusting God with the parts of life you can't control.If you've ever been mocked for your faith, overlooked for doing the right thing, or just felt like the good you're doing isn't being seen — this one is for you.📖 Scripture: Matthew 27:27-30 | Psalm 131 | 1 Peter 2:18-24🙏 Support Amen Podcast (ad-free, sponsor-free): 🌐 amenpodcast.com 💸 Venmo: @amenpodcast 💵 Cash App: $amenalex📺 Subscribe & hit the bell 💬 Drop your answer in the comments: What are you suffering right now?

Pilate, Cancel Culture, and the Blood of Jesus | Matthew 27:19-26They wanted Jesus DEAD. But why?In this episode, we're breaking down one of the most intense moments in Scripture—Jesus standing trial before Pilate. You'll see how cancel culture isn't new (it's been around for 2,000+ years), how fear makes us follow the crowd instead of God, and why Pilate's attempt to "wash his hands" of Jesus reveals something dark about all of us.We also dive into: ✓ Why the crowd chose a murderer over the Messiah ✓ How you become what you consume (and why that matters) ✓ What it means that Jesus took Barabbas's cross (and yours) ✓ The only thing that can truly wash away our sinsKEY TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 2:33 - Street League & Pilate's Impossible Position 5:55 - Pilate's Wife's Warning Dream 7:14 - The Enemy Influencing the Crowd 10:10 - Calling for Barabbas Instead of Jesus 11:10 - You Are Barabbas 13:54 - Cancel Culture 2,000 Years Ago 16:08 - Different Crowd or Same Crowd? 17:57 - Jesus Doesn't Trust His Heart to Men 21:59 - You Become What You Consume 24:11 - "His Blood Be On Us and Our Children" 27:55 - Jesus Never Changed His Mind 32:34 - After the Amen Q&AAFTER THE AMEN QUESTION: In what ways do you need to follow God instead of following the crowd?ABOUT AMEN PODCAST: We're Alex and Lokelani, pastors of House Church in Kauai, Hawaii. We create biblical content for young Christians (18-30) who want theology that's deep but accessible. We preach verse-by-verse through Scripture because faithfulness > fame.SUPPORT THE MISSION: We're 100% donor-funded as a 501(c)3 nonprofit Venmo: @amenpodcast Cash App: $amenalex Website & More: amenpodcast.comCONNECT WITH US:  Listen on all podcast platforms 📱 Instagram: @amenpodcast 🌐amenpodcast.comSUBSCRIBE so you don't miss new episodes every week!Mahalo for watching! Until next time, go out and be the church.

There were two men named Jesus at the trial. One was a murderer and rebel. The other was the Messiah. The crowd chose the criminal over the Savior.But here's the real question: Which Jesus would YOU choose today?In this message, we break down the shocking differences between Jesus Barabbas and Jesus Christ—and why we're still tempted to follow the wrong one. From making a name for ourselves to shaking peace instead of making it, this is a challenge every Christian needs to hear.🔑 KEY POINTS: • The choice between two different Jesus's • Barabbas: notorious, proud, violent, self-promoting• Christ: gentle, lowly, peaceful, self-sacrificing • Why we still choose the wrong Jesus today • How Jesus switched places with Barabbas (and us) • Which Jesus does YOUR life show?⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro: The Choice 2:33 - Would We Still Choose Wrong? 6:11 - Barabbas the Murderer 11:19 - Peacemakers vs Peace Shakers 14:20 - Making a Name vs Lifting His Name 20:14 - Jesus Died FOR You, Not WITH You 23:21 - After the Amen Q&A🎽 NEW MERCH: Chi Rho "Jesus Is God" shirts available now! 👉 Shop: amenpodcast.com💬 AFTER THE AMEN QUESTION: By examining your life, which Jesus does your life show?📲 CONNECT WITH US: Website: amenpodcast.com Support: Venmo @amenpodcast | Cash App $amenalexIf this challenged you, leave a comment and let us know which Jesus you're choosing today. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear this!#Jesus #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Matthew27 #Gospel #ChristianPodcast #YoungAdults #BibleStudy

Why did Jesus stay completely silent when falsely accused? And what does that mean for you when people come after you?In Matthew 27:12-14, Jesus stands before Pilate while the religious leaders hurl accusations at Him—and He doesn’t say a single word. Pilate is shocked. But Jesus’s silence wasn’t weakness—it was sovereign obedience.In this episode, we break down: ✓ Why Jesus chose silence over self-defense ✓ The prophetic fulfillment of Isaiah 53 ✓ How Christ’s silence gives us a defense before God ✓ When YOU need to stop defending yourself ✓ Trusting God’s sovereignty when falsely accused ✓ Real-life examples of choosing silence over conflictThe hard truth: Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is shut up and trust God. Not every attack needs a response. Not every accusation deserves your energy.Jesus didn’t defend Himself so that WE would have a defense on Judgment Day. That changes everything.Question for you: Where in your life do you need to stand silent before your accusers?SUPPORT THIS MINISTRY: 💰 Venmo: @amenpodcast 💰 Cash App: $amenalex 🌐 Website: amenpodcast.comCONNECT WITH US: 📍 House Church - Meeting in our garage in Kauai, Hawaii 📧 Questions? DM us on InstagramIf this episode helped you, hit that like button and subscribe for weekly biblical content made for young adults navigating faith in the real world.#JesusTrial #BiblicalWisdom #ChristianPodcast #Matthew27 #FaithInAction #SovereignGod #YoungAdultChristian #AmenPodcast