The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Here I Am, Send Me

Tom Graves

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October 1, 2026

Isaiah’s powerful response to God was no accident. Isaiah 6:8b“I said, “Here I am. Send me.”[1]  Before he spoke those words, he had a life-changing encounter with the holiness of God. Standing before the Lord’s majesty, Isaiah became acutely aware of his own sinfulness and unworthiness. He cried out, recognizing that he was a man of unclean lips living among a people who were also spiritually needy. Yet God did not leave him in his brokenness. Through His grace, God cleansed Isaiah and prepared him for service.

The same pattern holds true today. God often calls us after revealing His holiness and love to us in a deeper way. When we spend time in His presence, He transforms our hearts. We begin to see ourselves honestly, receive His forgiveness, and recognize the needs around us. A heart touched by God’s cleansing fire becomes willing to serve. Our readiness to answer God’s call grows out of our relationship with Him.

A Willing Response to God’s Call

The nation of Judah desperately needed God’s message, and God desired a servant who would carry His word to the people. God had a question. Isaiah 6:8a“Whom should I send as a messenger to this people?” [2] Isaiah immediately volunteered. Unlike Moses, who initially questioned and resisted his assignment, Isaiah did not debate, negotiate, or delay. He simply made himself available to his Master.

What made Isaiah’s response so immediate? He had been in God’s presence and understood his own need for grace. He saw the spiritual condition of the people around him. Most importantly, he heard God’s heart for His people and the nations. Isaiah’s words, “Send me,” reflected complete surrender and trust.

God still calls believers today. The specific assignment may differ, but the response God desires remains the same: a willing heart. Never underestimate what God can do through one person who is fully available to Him.

Following the Example of Christ

Jesus Christ is our ultimate example of obedience. He willingly accepted the Father’s call and carried out His mission without hesitation. Though the path led to suffering and the cross, Jesus faithfully obeyed because of His love for the Father and for us. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He demonstrated what it means to be completely surrendered to God’s will.

As followers of Christ, He invites us into that same mission. God not only calls us but also equips us. He transforms reluctance into readiness, fear into faith, and weakness into strength. When we encounter God’s holiness and hear His voice, we are empowered to step forward in obedience. Today, consider where God may be sending you. Whatever the assignment, may our response echo Isaiah’s words: “Here I am. Send me.”

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/sent-out

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

From Unclean Lips to Holy Service

Tom Graves

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September 30, 2026

Isaiah is transformed from unclean lips to holy service as God calls him to be a prophet. Standing before the overwhelming holiness of God, Isaiah became painfully aware of his own spiritual condition. After seeing the Lord seated on His throne, he was in despair. Isaiah 6:5 “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips.”[1]  The closer Isaiah came to God’s holiness, the clearer he saw his own sinfulness.

This is often the first step in spiritual transformation for many of us. We cannot experience God’s cleansing power until we honestly acknowledge our need for it. In a culture that promotes self-sufficiency, Scripture calls us to be vulnerable and honest before God.

Many believers struggle with feelings of inadequacy, believing their flaws disqualify them from serving God. Yet Isaiah’s experience teaches the opposite. Awareness of our spiritual condition is not the end of the story; it is the beginning of grace. God does not reject those who come to Him broken and aware of their need. Instead, He meets them to bring restoration.

The Grace That Purifies

Isaiah could not cleanse himself. His transformation required divine intervention. A seraph flew to him, carrying a burning coal from the altar and touched his lips. Isaiah 6:7 “10-1-26

” [2]  The very lips Isaiah identified as unclean became the point of God’s cleansing touch.

This burning coal symbolizes God’s purifying power. The coal came from the altar of sacrifice. It was the remnant of a blood sacrifice to redeem the sin. It reminds us that forgiveness is not something we achieve by our own efforts.

God Himself provides the means of cleansing. For Christians, this finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Christ became the perfect atonement for our sins. His blood cleanses us of all unrighteousness and restores us to fellowship with God.

No failure is beyond His grace. No past mistake is too great for His forgiveness. Just as God initiated Isaiah’s purification, Christ initiates our redemption and restoration. When we come to Him in repentance and faith, He removes our guilt and grants us a new identity. We don’t need to define ourselves by our sin but by His grace.

The Fire That Sends

God’s purification always has a purpose. He cleanses us so that we can participate in His work. Forgiveness ignites passion. Grace produces obedience. Those who have experienced God’s mercy become instruments of His mercy in the world.

The God who touched Isaiah’s lips still transforms lives today. Let us come honestly before Him, receive the cleansing Christ provides, and answer His call with courage. God’s purification fuels a passion for service, turning unclean lips into voices that proclaim His glory and advance His mission.

To learn more about the transformation from unclean lips to holy service, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/sent-out

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Doomed by Sin

Paula K. Graves

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September 29, 2026

After experiencing the worship of heaven and God’s holiness, Isaiah felt doomed by sin. Isaiah 6: 5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” [1]

Isaiah realized that his life was in great contrast to the holiness of God. He promptly confessed his sin and understood how serious his problem was.

Woe is Me

The NLT interprets the beginning of verse 5 as “It’s all over!” The ESV translates it as “Woe is me!”[2] The Hebrew word translated woe means a passionate cry of grief or despair. [3] But the wider use of woe in Scripture has a greater connotation. “Woe is an exclamation of judgment upon God’s enemies, or of misfortune on oneself, or of sadness over those who fail to recognize the true misery of their condition.[4]

Here, Isaiah despairs over his sin, which he fears will bring his doom. He knows he deserves divine judgment for his sin and rebellion against God. Isaiah had heard the seraphim’s song of praise to God for His holiness. He knew that he was not holy and had seen God in the vision.

Isaiah would have known what God had said to Moses. Exodus 33: 19 The Lord replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. 20 But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.”[5]

Filthy Lips

Isaiah focused on filthy lips. This may sound odd to us today, but Jesus taught that filthy lips imply a sinful heart. Matthew 12: 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.[6]

God’s vision made Isaiah aware of his personal sin and unworthiness. And not only was he sinful, but so were all the people around him. Isaiah needed transformation, or he was doomed to experience God’s judgment.

Our Call to Transformation

We must recognize our need for transformation before we are willing to let God transform us. When we, like Isaiah, are confronted with the might and purity of God’s presence, we must confess our sins. Then we must humbly acknowledge our need for grace. Jesus’ work on the cross provides the means for our reconciliation and cleansing. Romans 5: 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.[7] We are no longer doomed by sin, but saved by grace through faith! What an awesome God we serve. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/sent-out

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Is 6:5). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Is 6:5). (2025). Crossway Bibles.

[3] Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

[4] Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. Martin Manser.

[5-7] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Experiencing Holiness

Paula K. Graves

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September 28, 2026

Isaiah found himself experiencing holiness in a God-given vision. Isaiah 6: 2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” 4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke. [1]

The seraphim were heavenly beings who perpetually sang God’s praises. Even these beings don’t look directly at God. They cover their faces because they recognize God’s overwhelming holiness and majesty. “The traditional interpretation of the seraphim links them to the Hebrew word for “burning,” so some think these creatures are called “seraphim” because they burn with the love of God.”[2]

Holy, Holy, Holy

The seraphim praise God for being holy. “The Hebrew word for holy is “qodesh,” which means “apartness, sacredness,” or “separateness,” showing that God is altogether holy, sacred, set apart, or separate from His creation.”[3] Isaiah has encountered God’s absolute otherness and purity. A genuine encounter with God’s glory can strip away our complacency and move us towards a more intentional and passionate pursuit of His purposes.

Any time Scripture repeats a word, it increases its importance. Here the seraphim repeated the word “holy” three times. This implies the ultimate holiness of God. God’s power shakes the Temple and fills it with smoke. God can remove the earthly things that can be shaken and replace them with His things that cannot be shaken. The smoke would also block Isaiah’s direct view of God and help protect him from God’s overwhelming power.

Awe of God

Many of us have lost our awe of God. We want to remake our picture of God into something we can understand. We think of the word holy just meaning to be moral or to follow the rules and have lost the idea that God is totally unlike us. Isaiah’s vision helps us grasp God’s separateness, glory, and unapproachable holiness. The vision leaves us in awe of God.

When we see God as holy and majestic, it transforms our understanding of His character. His holiness is in great contrast to our sinfulness. It is only through the work of Jesus on the cross that we are enabled to approach God’s holiness with confidence. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we want God’s holiness to permeate our lives to reshape our actions. The shaking of the Temple serves as a metaphor for how our lives should resonate with and be reshaped by God’s purposes.

Isaiah’s vision challenges us to live in constant awareness of God’s being and character. When we realize our need for Jesus because of God’s holiness, we are willing to carry out His mission to impact those around us. To learn more about experiencing holiness, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/sent-out

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Is 6:2–4). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Walker, L. L., Elmer A. Martens. (2005). Cornerstone biblical commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, & Lamentations (Vol. 8, p. 38). Tyndale House Publishers.

[3] https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/what-is-the-biblical-definition-of-holy/

Encountering God on the Throne

Paula K. Graves

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September 27, 2026

In a vision, Isaiah found himself encountering God on the throne of heaven. Isaiah 6:1It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple.[1]

King Uzziah reigned for 52 years. He had started by pleasing God with his actions. As long as the king sought God’s guidance, he was successful. He had a powerful army and defeated the surrounding enemies. He also guided great building projects within the nation of Judah.

2 Chronicles 26: 16 But when he had become powerful, he also became proud, which led to his downfall. He sinned against the Lord his God by entering the sanctuary of the Lord’s Temple and personally burning incense on the incense altar. God punished Uzziah for this infraction with leprosy. This king who had started so well ended his reign badly.

God is Still on the Throne

Even though an earthly king had died, God revealed through a vision that He was still on the throne of creation. Isaiah encountered God’s sovereign power and majesty as He sat on a high and exalted throne. God continued to rule from the heavenly realm.

Isaiah noted an interesting detail: the train of God’s robe filled the Temple. Isaiah had worshiped in the earthly Temple that Solomon built. This earthly Temple was a copy of that in heaven. Hebrews 8: 5 They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven.[2] In the culture of the day, only dignitaries and royalty would have a train on their robes. The longer the train, the more authority the individual had. Since God’s train filled the Temple, He had all authority.

Jesus is on the Throne

Isaiah’s encounter with God on the throne foreshadowed how Jesus would one day be on His throne. Jesus came to earth to die for our sins on the cross. This paid the blood price we could never pay. Jesus wipes away our sin debt as a gift to us for our salvation. We receive this gift through faith. In this life, we want to continue to grow in our faith.

Hebrews 12: 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.[3] God honored Jesus for His work on the cross.

God not only gave Isaiah a vision of heavenly worship, He also gave the Apostle John a similar vision. John wrote this vision down in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 5: 13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” [4] Even though our Heavenly Father and Jesus are seated on high and lofty thrones, they invite us into a relationship with them. This is only made possible through the work of Jesus on the cross. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/sent-out

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Nourished in Community

Tom Graves

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September 26, 2026

The writer of Hebrews urges believers to be nourished in community. Hebrews 10:24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. [1] Jesus never meant Christianity to be a solitary journey. God created us to live, grow, and serve within a community of faith. Just as the body needs nourishment to stay healthy, our spiritual lives need the encouragement and support of fellow believers.

When we gather with other Christians, we are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles, doubts, or victories. The faith of others strengthens our own. Their prayers encourage us when we are weary, and their testimonies remind us of God’s faithfulness. Jesus Himself gathered disciples around Him, teaching them to grow together rather than in isolation. Likewise, our churches, small groups, and gatherings become places where God nourishes our hearts and renews our strength.

Encouraged to Persevere

One of the greatest gifts of Christian community is mutual encouragement. Life brings challenges, disappointments, and seasons of weakness. During such times, a timely word of encouragement can make the difference between standing firm and giving up. Hebrews urges believers to actively encourage one another because God knows how much we need each other.

 Meeting together helps a discouraged believer remember God’s promises. It is walking alongside someone carrying a heavy burden. It is lovingly holding one another accountable when we drift from God’s path. Through these acts, we reflect the love Jesus showed His followers. Isolation often leads to spiritual decline because we lose the support and wisdom that community provides. When believers gather regularly, they build strength, perseverance, and faithfulness to endure all seasons. In life, we are better together.

United in Hope and Mission

The writer of Hebrews connects Christian fellowship with anticipation of Christ’s return. Our gatherings are not merely social events; they are reminders of our shared hope. Every time we worship, pray, serve, and encourage one another, we proclaim that Christ is coming again.

Community helps us remain faithful witnesses in a world that often opposes God’s truth. Together, we inspire one another to live out Jesus’ selfless love and continue His mission. United believers can accomplish far more than isolated individuals.

Today, consider how you can both receive and give encouragement within your faith community. Reach out to someone who may need a word of hope. As you do, you will discover that God nourishes His people through one another, strengthening them to persevere until the day Christ returns. To learn more about being nourished in community, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/nourished

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Heb 10:24–25). Tyndale House Publishers.

Nourished in the Throne Room

Paula K. Graves

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September 25, 2026

The writer of Hebrews explains how we can be nourished in the throne room of heaven. We don’t have a celebratory feast as individuals, but as a group. We especially want to be in the presence of the one who is throwing the feast. God invites us to His feast (Isaiah 55:2); Jesus fed the people with physical food but also offered spiritual food (John 6). Now, because of what Jesus did on the cross, we can enter the throne room of heaven.

The Jewish Temple on earth was a copy of the heavenly Temple. The High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, only once a year during the Day of Atonement. And he could do this only with a blood offering. When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain which separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place supernaturally tore from top to bottom.

Mark 15: 37 Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. [1] This new access in the earthly Temple mirrored our new access to the heavenly Temple. Jesus’ sacrifice opened the way for direct access to God. This opened a relationship with God for all believers because Jesus paid the price for our sin.

Enter into God’s Presence

In the Old Covenant, the High Priest could only visit the Most Holy Place once a year. In contrast, now in the New Covenant of Jesus, we are invited to dwell in God’s presence every day.

Hebrews 10: 19 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. [2]

The Greek word for “enter” (parresia) means admission or authorization for access. Believers have access to the heavenly sanctuary; that is, they have free access to God.[3] Previously, the High Priest had to mediate between the people and God. Now Jesus acts as our High Priest, making a way for us to have a relationship with God. His sacrifice on the cross created a perpetual and life-giving path to God’s presence.

God’s Presence Nourishes Our Souls

God invites us to draw near to Him through Christ, receiving the nourishment and strength we need to live out our faith wholeheartedly. Jesus continues to intercede for us and assures us of constant access and intimacy with God because of the forgiveness He offers. We can approach God with confidence, free from guilt and doubt.

The assurance of forgiveness and God’s presence deepens our faith by nourishing us daily and helping us overcome personal struggles. What do you need to change to be nourished in the throne room? To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/nourished

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[3] Barton, B. B., Veerman, D., Taylor, L. C., & Comfort, P. W. (1997). Hebrews (p. 158). Tyndale House Publishers.

Jesus Provides the Way

Tom Graves

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September 24, 2026

Jesus provides the way. John 6: 37 However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.[1]  These words offer profound comfort in a world marked by rejection, disappointment, and exclusion. Jesus offers something entirely different. He welcomes all whom the Father draws to Him and promises that He will not turn away anyone who comes in faith.

This invitation is rooted in God’s eternal plan of redemption. Throughout Scripture, God promised to save His people. From Israel’s deliverance in Exodus to the sacrificial system that pointed to a coming Redeemer, God’s saving purpose was unfolding. Jesus fulfills those promises. He is both the way to salvation and the guarantee that God’s redemptive plan will succeed.

The fact that anyone comes to Christ at all is evidence of God’s gracious work. God’s Spirit awakens hearts, creates faith, and draws sinners to the Savior. Therefore, all who have come to Christ can rest in the assurance that God has been at work in their lives from the very beginning.

The Security of God’s Will

 Jesus continues: John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.[2] Our salvation rests not on our performance but on Christ’s perfect obedience. This truth gives believers deep security. We often struggle with doubts, failures, and circumstances that seem beyond our control. Yet, we don’t find our confidence in our ability to hold on to Jesus, but in His commitment to hold on to us. Jesus states that He will lose none of those the Father has given Him. What God begins, He faithfully completes.

Because Christ perfectly fulfilled the Father’s will through His life, death, and resurrection, believers can know that their eternal destiny is secure. The same God who planned redemption also guarantees its completion. This assurance lets us trust Him amid life’s uncertainties and trials, knowing our future is safely in His hands.

The Promise of Resurrection

Jesus concludes with a glorious promise: John 6:40 For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” [3] The final destination of every believer is not merely forgiveness but eternal life in the presence of Jesus. The resurrection is the ultimate assurance that salvation is complete and everlasting.

God values every person He saves. Not one believer is forgotten or overlooked. Every person drawn by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and awakened by the Spirit will be raised to everlasting life. One day, all who trust in Him will be raised from the dead and live with Him forever. Because Jesus provides the way, we can rest in His welcome, trust in His saving work, and rejoice in the certainty of resurrection life. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/nourished

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Sustained by the Bread of Life

Tom Graves

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September 23, 2026

As believers, we are sustained by the Bread of Life, a gift from God. John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.[1] With these words, Jesus revealed Himself as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and fulfillment. Every human heart longs for satisfaction, yet many seek it in temporary things of this world. While these may offer momentary comfort, they can never fully satisfy the soul’s deepest hunger.

Jesus invites everyone to come to Him. His promise is extraordinary: those who come to Him and believe in Him will never face spiritual starvation. He alone provides the grace, strength, forgiveness, and peace needed for life’s journey. Just as bread sustains the body, Christ sustains the soul. His sufficiency is complete, and His provision never runs dry. Today, consider where you are seeking satisfaction. Are you relying on temporary solutions for eternal needs? Jesus calls you to find your fulfillment in Him alone.

Seeing, Believing, and Trusting

Jesus addresses a difficult reality: John 6:36 But you haven’t believed in me even though you have seen me.[2] Many witnessed His miracles and heard His teaching, yet still struggled to trust Him. The same struggle exists today among believers and non-believers alike. Doubt can cloud our vision, even when God is actively at work before us.

Spiritual sight is more than observing evidence; it involves trusting Christ’s promises. Faith requires believing that Jesus is who He says He is and that He will do what He promises. The phrase “I am” echoes God’s self-revelation and reminds us that Jesus is not merely a teacher or prophet. He is the Lord Himself, present to provide everything necessary for spiritual life.

When doubts arise, believers should focus on Christ’s faithfulness rather than uncertainties. He remains trustworthy even when faith is weak. Spiritual nourishment comes from turning to Him, trusting His Word, and resting in His promises.

Receiving the Bread of Heaven

To come to Jesus means more than knowing about Him; it means asking Him into your heart as your Savior. As we do, Jesus becomes our source of life, strength, and transformation. Baptism and Communion reflect this truth beautifully. They remind believers that Jesus gave Himself completely so that we might share in His life.

The true Bread from heaven came to strengthen and nourish His people, to transform lives, and to grant eternal life to all who believe in Him. His invitation remains open today: come and believe. No one who comes to Christ will leave empty-handed. In Him there is forgiveness for the guilty, hope for the discouraged, strength for the weary, and life for the spiritually hungry.

 As you walk with Christ today, be fed by the Bread of Life. He is sufficient for every need. Come to Him daily, trust Him fully, and be sustained by His unfailing grace. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/nourished

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Physical Food vs. Spiritual Food

Tom Graves

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September 22, 2026

The question of physical vs. spiritual food is one every believer must ask themselves. What I am pursuing in life affects not only me but also those around me, especially my family. Food is one of our most basic needs. Every day, we think about what we will eat, when we will eat, and how we will provide for ourselves and our families. Physical food sustains our bodies, but Jesus reminds us of a deeper hunger that physical food can never satisfy.

After miraculously feeding the five thousand, crowds followed Jesus, eager for more bread. Yet Jesus saw beyond their actions and into their hearts. John 6:26 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs.[1] Their pursuit of Jesus was motivated by temporary satisfaction rather than a desire for the eternal life He offered.

The same temptation persists today. We often pursue success, possessions, comfort, entertainment, or recognition for fulfillment. Though these offer temporary satisfaction, only God can fill the emptiness. Jesus’ question remains: What are you truly seeking?

The Problem with Temporary Satisfaction

 Jesus continued. John 6:27“ But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.” [2] He contrasts two kinds of pursuits: one that fades and one that endures forever.

Sinful human nature constantly chases after things that do not last. Yet once we obtain it, the satisfaction fades, and we begin searching again. Like physical hunger returning after a meal, earthly pursuits never permanently satisfy the soul.

This endless cycle reveals our deepest need. God created us for fellowship with Him, and nothing less will satisfy our hearts. The dissatisfaction we often feel is not merely a problem to overcome; it is a reminder that He made us for something greater. Recognizing the emptiness of temporary pursuits prepares us to receive lasting fulfillment in Jesus.

The Bread That Truly Satisfies

Jesus does not simply tell us what not to pursue; He directs us to Himself. He is the One whom the Father has sent to give the food that endures to eternal life. Later in John chapter six, Jesus declares that He is the Bread of Life.

Spiritual nourishment comes from knowing, trusting, and embracing His truth. Spending time in His Word, gathering with His people, and trusting His promises change our desires. The Holy Spirit transforms us to seek Christ rather than worldly, temporary things.

Focusing on Jesus’ truths brings a satisfaction that circumstances can’t take away. The world offers perishing food; Christ offers eternal life. Today, ask: What am I seeking? Turn to Jesus, the only one who truly satisfies the deepest longings of your soul. To learn more about physical food vs. spiritual food, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/nourished

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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