How to Win at Life in 2 Easy Steps

·1 hr 15 min·5 clips

A year ago, our pastor's criminal past from the 1980s surfaced, plunging our 30,000-person church into devastating chaos.

The episode is a sermon delivered by Thomas, a guest speaker originally from Sissonville, West Virginia, who now lives in Texas. He begins by sharing his personal history, including growing up in First Assembly of God Church in Charleston and giving his life to Christ at Camp Whitney. Thomas recounts joining the New Light and Power singing group in 1991 after hearing them on Praise 101 radio. He later moved to Texas to attend Christ for the Nations Institute, funded by a gift from Living Faith Church. Thomas served at Gateway Church for over two decades, first as worship leader and then as executive pastor. He reveals that a year ago, Gateway's pastor resigned due to a criminal act from the 1980s, causing chaos and leading Thomas to resign in October. The sermon's core message is based on John 13, where Jesus washes his disciples' feet. Thomas argues that Jesus, knowing his identity and authority, chose to serve, setting an example. The first step to winning at life is prioritizing people, serving them as Jesus did. The second step is prioritizing the presence of God through worship, prayer, and the Word. Thomas uses personal anecdotes, such as his competitive nature and love for Disney, to illustrate serving others. He shares a nightly ritual of giving both praise and pain to God. The sermon concludes with an analogy from Antiques Roadshow, urging listeners to give their whole lives to God without holding back, and a call to forgiveness and service.

As heard by us

A live sermon where Bartimaeus and John's Last Supper account shape a call to seek Jesus, serve others, and stay close to grace.

This Living Faith sermon moves through need, service, and devotion with the feel of a room gathered in real time. It begins with Bartimaeus calling out to Jesus while the crowd tries to silence him, then follows that longing for mercy into a broader call to meet Jesus, serve…

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Why you'd press play

Press play when Bartimaeus, John 13, and one preacher's very real dislike of feet need room in the same service.

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