Relishing The Gospel
Relishing The Gospel is a Christian podcast hosted by Marvin Esonga. It focuses on appreciating the teachings of scripture and applying them to everyday life. Each episode encourages listeners to deepen their understanding of the Bible and live out its principles. The show aims to help people grow in faith through practical, day-to-day application of God's word.
Episodes
Contending for our Faith | Staying the Course | Jude 20-25
Remain consistently committed to your course and purpose. Remember that God is always by your side, offering guidance, strength, and steadfast support through every step of your journey.
Contend For Your Faith | The Work of Our Faith | Jude
Sometimes, it's helpful to remember that Christianity is really about having a relationship with Jesus, not just holding certain ideas about Him. Since nobody is saved simply by believing in a set of concepts, the responsibility to stand up for our faith isn't only for pastors or church leaders—it's something every true believer should do too.
Theology Sunday | Born Again? What does it mean? Romans 8:30
Theology Sunday: Exploring the Meaning of Being Born Again — A Reflection on Romans 8:30.
The Pleasure of God's Word | Why is it important | 2 Timothy 3
"The Pleasure of the Word of God" emphasizes the profound joy, satisfaction, and spiritual fulfillment that believers find in engaging with the sacred scriptures. Reading, meditating on, and internalizing the divine words brings a deep sense of happiness and divine connection, enriching one's faith and understanding of spiritual truths.
The Pleasure of Revival | The Pleasure of the word of God | Jeremiah 15
"The Pleasure of the Word of God" emphasizes the profound joy, satisfaction, and spiritual fulfillment that believers find in engaging with the sacred scriptures. Reading, meditating on, and internalizing the divine words brings a deep sense of happiness and divine connection, enriching one's faith and understanding of spiritual truths.
The Practice of Revival | Awakened | Isaiah 6:1-8
The more consistently you dedicate time to prayer and reading the Bible, the more insightful and revealing God's Word becomes about the true state of your heart. As you deepen your spiritual relationship, the Holy Spirit begins to expose areas of sin, pride, and selfishness that need God's grace. Recognizing these aspects is essential for genuine growth in your faith and character. Therefore, enga
Theology Sunday | Doctrines of Salvation - Adoption | Ephesians 1:1-7
God, in His divine love and mercy, makes even those who are undeserving of His grace His children through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This act of grace showcases His willingness to adopt and welcome all people into His family, regardless of their past or their worthiness.
The Practice of Revival | Passion For God's Word | 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Revival is deeply fueled by the knowledge and understanding of God's holy word. In this sermon, we will explore the importance of spending dedicated seasons, or intentional periods, immersing ourselves in God's Word to foster spiritual growth, renewal, and a closer relationship with Him.
The Place of Revival | Lay Down Control | Luke 9:23-26
When God reveals Himself to us through His divine presence and truth, we are immediately confronted with the stark reality of our own lives—our actions, thoughts, and motivations often reveal a filthy, sinful nature. This moment of divine revelation is a humbling experience, where our shortcomings and need for salvation become painfully evident. For true revival—spiritual renewal and transformatio
Theology Sunday | Justification
How can a sinful man, burdened with guilt and imperfection, establish a meaningful relationship with a Holy and righteous God? In this sermon, discover how God's grace and mercy ultimately enable us to be justified from our sins, bridging the gap between human weakness and divine holiness.Romans 5:1-11.
The Place of Revival | At the Altar | 1 Kings 18:30-39
The altar is a place of sacrifice, repentance, andencounter. Before revival comes, we must restore the brokenplaces of worship in our lives.
A Journey of Faith | The Road to Life | Matthew 28:1-17
The Lord came to life as he had promised and in doing so, he achieved for us various eternal victories. Resurrection Sunday is not mostly about getting physical things back but receiving in the Lord precious promises for the soul.
A Journey of Faith | The Road to Purpose— Rooted in the Resurrection | 2 Cor. 5:11-21
Christ is alive! This is good news. But there’s more to it. He is risen so that we can become ministers of reconciliation; reconciling the lost souls back to him through the gospel.
A Journey of Faith | The Road to the Tomb| Isaiah 53/ Matthew 27
What was ot like for the disciples to experience the burial of their closest friend, the source of their hope, the anchor of their faith? The tomb is a place of silence and darkness, and that’s what it might have felt like for the disciples not to have Jesus close by— silence and defeat. In lif,e we face such moments as well— of silence and defeat. But we need to remember that God always works eve
A Journey of Faith | The Road to the Cross| Isaiah 53/ Matthew 27
What did it cost Christ to journey to the cross? How significant are his experiences as we contemplate the Easter message? Jesus surrendered to God’s will and went to the cross for us!
The Preparations for Revival | Walk in Worship | Matthew 8, 9, 15
Worship is a lifestyle that expresses our submission to God. Scripture has several examples of how people carried out themselves in the moment of worship as they encountered the Lord. How we approach God matters and is a great prerequisite to experiencing revival.
The Doctrines of Salvation | Propitiation and Submission | 1 John 2:2
Christ is the propitiation for my sin since he satisfied God’s wrath against my sin and against me. He is also my substitute who took my sin upon him. 2Corinthians 5:21.
Preparing For Revival | Psalm 51 | Create in Me a Clean Heart
Part of the preparation for revival is going back to God in repentance, as David did when he was confronted by the prophet Nathan. When we cry out to God, he promises to revive us.
Preparing For Revival | 2 Chronicles 34:3 |
Revival is a beautiful journey that starts with some intentional preparations. Just like King Josiah, who experienced a wonderful revival during his youth, we too can embrace the fullness of God’s renewing work in our lives. So let’s get ready and open our hearts to this amazing transformation!
The Doctrines of our Faith| Election and Predestination| Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 8:29
The doctrine of election and predestination can be a little perplexing. But the Bible is not as complicated on the matter as we suppose. For has chosen us in Him for adoption and sanctification. But what does that look like in view of Biblical text? Let us hear what the Bible says and how to engage our minds amidst different Theological persuasions.
Revive us Again | The Purpose and Cost of Revival | Psalm 85:6
The Lord wants to revive us in every aspect of life so that we can rejoice in Him. But for revival to happen, we must count the cost of it since it just doesn’t come easy. God is ready to do it as we draw to him.
The Service of Love | Life of Forgiveness | Colossians 3:13
Forgiveness is a command from God and, much as it may be tough and unthinkable, it is expected of us. We serve each other by extending forgiveness.
The Service of Love | The Cost of Love | Luke 9:18-27
Serving Jesus is a great privilege that also comes with a great cost. Just as in anything, we all must count the cost of we will serve the Lord and his people the way he served us. Jesus counted the cost and gave himself to the work. We, too, must count the cost if we’ll serve as he served.
The Church | Shares in Gospel Ordinances
The Biblical Church observes two ordinances by command from Christ: baptism and Holy Communion. These two are exclusively observed by born-again believers, not just any random person. We share in these elements for our joy and Christ’s renown.
The Service of Love | Serving the Needy | Matthew 25:31-46
The call to serve is a strong foundation of Biblical living. Jesus says that it’s so important that on judgment day, how we serve others will come into play. All around us, there are opportunities to serve Jesus by seeing him in the needy people around us. Whatever we do to them, we do unto the Lord.
The Service of Love | The Source of Love | John 3:16
"God calls us to serve others, and this service stems from His love for us. In His love, God expressed service by sending His Son, and He now calls us to serve others at the level where those whom we serve are at."
The Church | Practices Accountability | 1 Peter 2:4-5
As the community of redeemed individuals gathers, they diligently support and encourage one another in their faith journey. Their mutual sense of accountability stems from a deep conviction that this pilgrimage is enriched by togetherness, and they are all driven by the shared aspiration to ultimately reunite with their Lord in their eternal home.
The Speech of Love | Extra ordinary Comfort | 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
In times of adversity and struggle, we can find solace and strength in the comforting embrace of God, which empowers us to extend support and encouragement to others as we walk together on our path of faith.
Speech of Love | Speech that Announces Good | Isaiah 52:7, Mark 16:15
Reflections on the need for Edifying Speech
What are the most painful words you’ve received within your family set up? Either from parents or siblings? What words sum up the music you listen to or things you watch? Does it edify, or does it leave you tainted and broken? God desired that we see ourselves beyond words spoken to us so that we fulfill his works.
The Church | Sings the Gospel Together | Psalm 96:1-6
Many people struggle to engage in meaningful singing in the church for various reasons. But the command to sing to the Lord isn’t for a chosen few but to all who are the ransomed of God. Why should we sing when we meet? Because the Biblical church sings the gospel together when it gathers.
Singleness, Marriage, Divorce | 1 Corinthians 7:1-17
In his response to the Corinthian Church, Paul delves into the significance of singleness and marriage, acknowledging God's placement of value in both states. He also provides guidelines for those who may struggle to meet the high calling associated with these life choices.
The Peace of God | Celebrate Recovery | John 14:27
What burdens are you carrying that feel particularly heavy? It's important to take the time to find peace within yourself before you can fully support and care for others. Inner peace can be achieved through nurturing a meaningful and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. By seeking his guidance, love, and compassion, you can find the strength to overcome the challenges and burdens you face.
Speech of Love | Not filthy, foolish or Crude | Ephesians 5:1-14
God has summoned us to embrace unconditional love, mirroring the love He has bestowed upon us. Additionally, we can demonstrate love by abstaining from speech that fails to manifest the divine light within us.
The Church | Relishes The Gospel Together | Romans 1:16
When you come together with fellow believers, do you gather for worship and participate in activities of fellowship? The authentic church celebrates and embraces the gospel collectively.
Speech of Love | Love is the way of life | 1 John 3:11-18
God has called each of us to love unconditionally, just as He has loved us. The most profound evidence of a life lived in the manner of Christ is the love that we demonstrate to one another. It's essential for us to cultivate and nurture this love so that others may also encounter its transformative power.
Speech of Love | Our Heart and Our Mouth | James 3:1-12
Speech is something we all have need for change. Once in a while (or often) we find ourselves saying the wrong things, in the wrong way, at the wrong time for the wrong reasons. The main issue usually isn’t that we have bad speech but that our hearts need change!
Shaken Foundations | The Lord is in his Holy Temple | Psalm 11
Our foundation is built upon the strength and guidance of God. We believe placing our trust in man will ultimately lead to disappointment, so we look up to God as our unwavering source of support and direction.
The Church | Why should I join? | For Shepherding
"Why should I join the church, when it's full of problems and drama? Well, the church is like a living organism, and in it, you can find shepherding, which is crucial for our daily journey. Do you have a shepherd in your local church? Do they know your name? Does the head shepherd know your name?"
Loving Others | Disciple People | 2 Timothy 2:2
"Do you feel a strong connection with God? According to Jesus, it is our responsibility to spread His teachings to people across all nations. Our deep love for God should drive us to help others grow in their faith in Christ. If you truly love God, then take the initiative to go out and guide someone in their spiritual journey."
Loving Others | Pray for People | 1 Timothy 2:1
Expressing love for others in a tangible way can be found in the teachings of Jesus in the scriptures. According to His teachings, living a life that reflects His values and principles involves the act of praying for others. This act of prayer is seen as a genuine and heartfelt expression of love for God and for one another.
Loving Others | Be Impartial | James 2:1-26
Loving others can be quite demanding. Many times, we may believe that we are capable of loving others without being intentional with our actions, particularly when it involves those who we perceive as being inferior to us. However, the ability to remain impartial is the genuine reflection of Gospel love.
The expectation of forgiveness | Matthew 18:21-22
Loving others calls us to learn how to live with them in understanding and forgiveness. This journey involves developing empathy, compassion, and patience to truly comprehend others' perspectives and pardon their shortcomings. What is God's call in this regard?
Loving others by Sharing the gospel | John 4
One of the ways to demonstrate our love towards others is by sharing the gospel with them. It is through this act of sharing that we show our care and concern for their spiritual well-being and offer them a pathway to eternal life. It is crucial that we do not remain silent about the gospel, as the consequences of not sharing it can be significant. Therefore, we must be bold and vocal in our effor
Loving Others | Judging and Stumbling blocks | Romans 14:1-23
Loving others goes beyond the surface level; it requires a deep understanding of what it truly means to care for someone. According to God's command, we must strive to love others by refraining from judging them and not causing them to stumble. This means that we should avoid being a hindrance to their growth and well-being and, instead, act in a way that encourages and supports them.
The Church | Local and Universal | 1 Corinthians 12:17
The Church is a community of people who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. It is not confined to any specific location or group of people but is rather a global gathering of saints from all nations and throughout all generations. The Church is universal, encompassing all believers, past, present, and future, and local, consisting of individual gatherings of believers who come togethe
God is able | Ephesians 3:20
In his prayer for the Ephesians, Paul expresses his deepest desires for them to have an intimate and profound connection with God. He believes in the power of prayer and makes some bold requests, but remains confident that God can do unimaginably more than he has asked for. The Bible speaks of God's omnipotence and infinite potential, and Paul's prayer is a testament to his unwavering faith in God
Loving Others: Helping the Needy | Luke 10:25-37
Jesus' teachings call upon us to express love and compassion toward those who are in dire need, even if they cannot offer anything in return. By doing so, we are emulating His example of selflessness and kindness toward those who need it the most. As believers, we recognize the importance of lending a helping hand to those who are less fortunate than ourselves, as we, too, have received His grace
Loving Others | Honoring Authority | Romans 13:1-7
When we love God with all our hearts, souls, and muchness, we are moved to express this love in practical ways that benefit those around us. One of the most important ways we can show love to others is by taking up our responsibility to obey authority. This means willingly submitting to those in positions of authority over us, such as our employers, government officials, and spiritual leaders. By
Because He Lives | The Power of His Resurrection | Hebrews 12:2
As we celebrate Easter, we are reminded of the profound meaning of Christ's resurrection. The essence of this event is that we can experience the transformative power of his resurrection in our daily lives. It is not merely a story to be retold but a truth we must experience daily. The hope and joy that come from this truth can bring light to even the darkest days and give us the strength to overc
Loving God | God causes us to love God | Philippians 2:12-13
"When God instructs us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, it is a serious call to take our spiritual growth seriously. We must approach this process with respect and avoid treating it lightly. It is not easy to love God with all our hearts, mind, and soul, but God helps us to do so. He works within us to transform our hearts and enable us to love Him more."
Church Songs: Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual songs: Colossians 3:16-17
When it comes to selecting songs for church, it's common to wonder which genres or styles are biblically preferred. However, it's important to remember that our God is a creative being who delights in the diversity of worship styles. He encourages us to sing to him in a variety of ways, while also reminding us to sing a new song to him. In this way, we can honour his desire for both tradition and
By God, Of God, To God: Deuteronomy 6:20-25
What actions has God taken to provide us with salvation? How do these actions inspire us to love Him? God has mercifully delivered us from the entanglements of sin and offers us the reward of eternal life if we choose to walk in obedience to His will. As a result of what He has accomplished for us, we should be filled with gratitude and love towards God.
Do not love the world | 1 John 2:15-17
Loving the Lord our God means that we prioritize our love for Him over our love for the world. This means that we cannot have a divided heart, where we try to love both God and the world at the same time. Instead, we must make a conscious decision to put God first and foremost in our lives and recognize that our devotion to Him should be all-encompassing. This doesn't mean that we should hate the
The Church | Blood 🩸 Bought Saints | Acts 20:28
"What exactly is your understanding of the Church? And who, in your opinion, forms the Church? I must ask, do you consider yourself a member of the Biblical Church that has been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ? It is important to note that the Church primarily consists of individuals who have been purchased by Christ, rather than a mere physical structure or gathering place."t a building
Love the Lord your God| With all your much-ness| Deutronomy 6:5
What does it look like to wholeheartedly live for the Lord and serve Him with all of our strength, energy, and resources? The Hebrew word used for 'strength' is 'Me'od', which signifies an abundance of power and vitality. The Lord is inviting us to live for Him in an extravagant, passionate, and wholehearted way. Will you choose to embrace this invitation and live for Him with all your might, givi
Love the Lord your God | With all your Soul | Deutronomy 6:5
As believers, we are called to love God with more than just our emotions but with every fibre of our being. This includes our heart, soul, mind, will, and emotions. Loving God with our hearts means having a deep affection for Him, while loving Him with our soul involves a genuine and authentic relationship with Him. Loving God with our mind requires us to seek knowledge and understanding of Him, w
The Battle Field | Romans 12:2
Do you have a deep understanding and appreciation for the spiritual battle we face? Remember that we have been given all that we need by God to emerge victorious and keep our minds protected.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart | Deutronomy 6:5
Loving God with all our hearts is a divine commandment that demands our complete devotion. We should confidently seek to understand how best to fulfil this commandment and express our love for God with unwavering faith.
What the Church is NOT: Luke 19:45-46
It is quite evident that many churches today are in pursuit of their own desires rather than what Jesus wants. Heavily influenced by the course of this world, these churches have adopted several unbiblical practices, thus losing their credibility and influence on society. In light of this, the true church, which is the body of Christ, must come out and define what the Church is and what the Church
Obey God joyfully: John 14:15
Loving God is a beautiful thing that starts with obedience. God calls us to joyfully follow His commandments, which are not oppressive but rather designed to help us live fulfilling lives. When we love God, we show Him that we trust and obey Him, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all things. Keeping His commandments and putting Him first in our lives brings us a deep sense of peace, joy, and purp
God loved us first: 1 John 4:10,19
According to the Bible, God commands us to love Him with all our hearts. However, as human beings, we are weak and imperfect, making it hard for us to love a holy and perfect God. This is where the concept of God's love comes in. Scripture tells us that we are able to love God because He loved us first. In other words, God's love for us is the foundation on which our love for Him is built. This ki
Vanity of Vanities | Ecclesiastes 1-9
Have you ever wondered about the purpose of life? It's a big question, but one thing is for sure - in Christ, life always has meaning, no matter what's going on around us. So don't worry, keep your chin up, and remember that you're here for a reason!
The Power of Jesus | To Hold us fast | Luke 22:31-34
Do you wonder if you will make it to the end? Do you question if you will be welcomed home? Are you worried about how you will survive the wave of temptations that may come your way? As the year draws to a close, may you take comfort in the promise of Jesus, who assures us that despite our weaknesses and wandering, he will hold us fast until the end.
The Power of Jesus | Contemplation of a disciple as a witness | Acts 1:6-8
When we accept God's salvation, it is not just for our own benefit, but also for the purpose of becoming disciples who go out into the world and bring positive change to the lives of others. Our mission is to spread the word of Jesus and share His love with everyone we encounter. However, this is not just a matter of speaking words, but rather it requires us to live a life that reflects the values
The Power of Jesus | To give us victorious Christian lives | 2 Pt. 1:1-3
God gives us victory over sin and not just that, but victory in our Christian life. You and I can walk in the Lord, going over all the hurdles the world throws our way.
The Power of Jesus | To Restore the broken | Luke 5:17-26
Do you perceive yourself as irreparably broken? It is not uncommon for individuals to consider themselves beyond aid. However, Jesus possesses the power to heal and rejuvenate, steering us towards the path of recovery. Through his intervention, our hearts and lives are fully restored.
The Power of Jesus | To change our Identity/ Name | 2 Cor. 5:17
When we talk about our identity, it is essential to consider how the world perceives us and how we perceive ourselves. As Christians, it is crucial to align our identity with God's truth, as revealed in the scripture. In the Bible, God often changes the names of individuals to signify a transformation of their identity and destiny. For example, Abram's name was changed to Abraham, which means "fat
The Power of Jesus | To Save Sinners | Matthew 19:16-30
Have you had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ? If so, what kind of changes have taken place in your life as a result? While having an experience with Christ is a significant milestone, it's important to remember that true salvation involves a transformative process that goes beyond just having a religious experience. We can learn from the story of the two rich men in the Bible who were not o
The Power of Jesus | To Sustain All things | Romans 11:36
Jesus Christ is the ultimate authority and possesses all power. It's important to understand how this truth plays out in our daily lives. One of the most foundational ways is that Jesus is powerful enough to sustain everything. From the smallest particles to the vastness of the universe, Jesus' power holds everything together. This reality should bring us great comfort and confidence, knowing that
The Power of Jesus | What is it? | Colossians 1:16-17
The power of Christ is an all-encompassing force available to believers who seek it. This power is absolute, meaning that it is not subject to any limitations or restrictions. It abides and remains constant and enduring, even in adversity or challenges. This power is available to all saints who desire it and are willing to ask for it. By tapping into the power of Christ, believers can experience a
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value | Matthew 13:45-46
What’s your greatest fake longing and desire? Have you found that which truly satisfies you? Christ’s kingdom is the Pearl of great price that we should sell all our possessions so that we can gain it.
The Wrath of God | Romans 1:16-32
In his teachings, Paul delves into God's wrath being revealed against unrighteousness, shedding light on why this divine anger is provoked by those who act without virtue and morality.
Understanding the Gospel Message | Romans 1:1-15
In his writing, Paul strives to provide us with a deeper understanding of the message and the numerous benefits that come with accepting the gospel of Christ. This serves as an excellent reminder of the importance of our faith and the impact it can have on our lives.
The Proclamations of Christ | Blessed is the wakeful and clothed | Revelation 16:15
What does Christ assure and admonish us from heaven above? He tells the saints that he is returning, and because of that, he wants us to stay awake and clothed. Are you awake? Are you clothed?
The Proclamations of Christ | Blessed are those who die in the Lord | Revelation 14:13
According to Jesus, the best way to exit this life is to die in the Lord and rest from our labors. Are you a believer?
The Proclamations of Christ | Blessed are those who are persecuted | Matthew 5:10-12
Are you feeling persecuted today? Do you find yourself wanting to hide instead of standing up for your beliefs? It's true that the world may mock and persecute us because of our faith, but Jesus reminds us to be glad because there is a reward waiting for us.
His Mercies are new every morning | Lamentations 3:1-24
In times of grief, we see that God has left us alone. We think of Him as an enemy because of the pain we’re going through. But He is more involved than we think. Pain is a reality but not more significant than the reality of God’s Love and mercies.
The Proclamations of Jesus | Blessed are the peacemakers | Matthew 5:9
What is the source of your current conflict? How are you addressing it? Jesus calls upon the men and women of the kingdom to strive for reconciliation. Why? Because he has accomplished the greatest work of peacemaking on our behalf.
The Proclamations of Jesus | Blessed are the Merciful | Matthew 5:7
What does Christ expect from the Kingdom of man/ woman? That they express mercy to the less fortunate and suffering because they have equally received mercy from the Lord. Those who lay it upon themselves the burdens of others and refresh them shall themselves be refreshed.
