5 Stone Church with Jeff Lambert
5 Stone Church with Jeff Lambert
5 Stone Church
Welcome to the weekly Podcast of 5 Stone Church, led by Pastor Jeff Lambert. To learn more, visit our website at https://5stonechurch.org. To support this ministry and help us reach people all around the world click here https://5stonechurch.org/giving. Be blessed!
In Repair
We all want quick fixes – flex tape for the boat, five-second glue for broken things, and instant solutions for every problem. But what about the things we can't hold in our hands? What about broken relationships, shattered trust, and wounded hearts?This Sunday we tackled a tough truth: being a Christian means more than just showing up. It means taking ACTION, not just talking about change.Here's what hit home: Jesus said that harboring anger and unforgiveness in your heart is equal to murder in God's eyes. That's heavy. We're so quick to fix a cracked phone screen or a flat tire, but when it comes to relationships? We'd rather toss them aside or leave them broken because it's easier than having that uncomfortable conversation.The reality? Your kids are watching. They hear how you talk about people. They see what you're unwilling to fix. And they're learning that this is how Christians operate – and that's not okay.Three R's to remember:🔹 REAFFIRM your relationship with God (find 10 minutes before checking your phone)🔹 RECONCILE your relationship with others (choose one person you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from)🔹 RESTORE the harm you've caused (identify one specific thing that needs repair)Being "in repair" isn't comfortable. It requires action. It means admitting when we've messed up. It means having conversations we've been avoiding. But if we want to be the church that changes the world, it starts with fixing what's broken in our own lives first.Your foundation has to be God. Everything else builds from there. No excuses. Just action.Who's ready to stop talking and start doing? 💪
Dec 1, 2025
55 min
Video
“Basic Training in the Army of the Lord“
🎖️ BASIC TRAINING 🎖️This Veterans Day, I'm reminded that before you can be a veteran, you have to be willing to be a soldier.23% of Americans say they're in the army of the Lord. That's 80 million people. But here's the hard truth: most churches have more empty seats than full ones. Only 20% show up.What's going on?I've been thinking a lot about commitment lately. You can make a DECISION about Jesus, but never make a COMMITMENT to Him. The devil believes in Jesus too. But belief without commitment? That's not enough.Just like military basic training transforms civilians into disciplined, mission-ready soldiers, God wants to transform us through spiritual basic training. It's not easy. It's physical, mental, and emotional. But it builds:• ENDURANCE through trials• A RENEWED MIND through discipline • SPIRITUAL POWER through unityWe want God to just "zap" us with power, love, and a sound mind. But He doesn't. He puts us through things that BUILD those characteristics in us.The hard truth? Obedience is better than sacrifice. We can't tip God like a bad waiter and expect transformation.So here's my question for you today: Have you moved from a DECISION to a COMMITMENT?Decisions are cute. But commitment is real."I give myself away, so You can use me."Are you in? Really in?#ArmyOfTheLord #VeteransDay #Commitment #BasicTraining #SpiritualWarfare
Nov 10, 2025
1 hr 4 min
Video
YOU Are Gods VIP!
At the heart of this message lies a profound question that echoes through Psalm 8—a question David himself wrestled with as he gazed at the heavens: Why do we matter? Why does God care about human beings when the universe is so vast and magnificent? This isn't just ancient poetry; it's the cry of every heart that has ever felt ordinary, overlooked, or invisible. We live in a world that constantly measures our worth by achievements, appearances, and social status, yet this message reminds us of a radical truth: we are VIPs in God's eyes not because of what we've done, but because of who created us. This sermon walks us through powerful biblical accounts where people were brought to Jesus—by friends who tore through a roof, by parents who pushed past disciples, by a Samaritan woman whose testimony transformed a town, and even by enemies who intended harm. Each story reveals the same truth: it doesn't matter how we get to Jesus, only that we get there. The crumpled fifty-dollar bill illustration drives this home beautifully—no matter how life has wrinkled, stomped on, or damaged us, our value remains intact because it was placed there by the One with ultimate authority. We are chosen, not forsaken. We are children of God, crowned with glory and honor, put in charge of His creation. When we truly grasp this identity, it transforms not just how we see ourselves, but how we see others and how we live out our faith in a world desperate to know they matter too.
Nov 2, 2025
50 min
Video
Hitting the Shift Key: Breaking Cycles and Embracing God's Higher Calling
This powerful message takes us deep into the heart of Moses' story, revealing a profound truth about spiritual growth: our lives don't follow a straight upward trajectory, but rather move through cycles of highs and lows. Using the business concept of the S-curve, we're reminded that growth involves peaks followed by valleys—what's called the 'valley of death' or 'trough of disillusionment.' The critical question isn't whether we'll face these downturns, but whether we'll allow the Holy Spirit to shift our trajectory upward again. Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush exposes three devastating weaknesses that kept him trapped in a downward spiral: weak faith ('this is a bad idea, God'), weak self-image ('who am I?'), and weak obedience ('send someone else'). Yet God's response is transformative—He doesn't dismiss Moses' past or his shepherd's staff, that physical reminder of how far he'd fallen from palace royalty to tending sheep. Instead, God asks, 'What's that in your hand?' and proceeds to demonstrate that He can use even our testimonies of failure for miraculous purposes. The shepherd's staff that represented Moses' lowest point became the very instrument through which God would part the Red Sea and deliver a nation. This reveals a stunning truth: God doesn't erase our past, but He can redeem it and use it powerfully when we surrender it to Him. The shift we need begins with changing how we think—fixing our eyes not on what we can see (our current struggles and limitations) but on what we cannot yet see (who God is calling us to become). When we allow the Spirit to renew our thoughts and attitudes, we position ourselves for a course correction that can pull us out of any nosedive and set us on a path toward the victorious life God intends for us.
Oct 26, 2025
1 hr 7 min
Video
"Shifting Your Thinking"
In this powerful message, we're reminded that God is always at work, even when we can't see or understand His plan. The central theme revolves around John 13:7, where Jesus tells us that we may not understand now, but later we will. This scripture encourages us to trust in God's process, even during our struggles and moments of confusion. The message draws interesting parallels between business growth cycles and our spiritual journey, emphasizing that downturns are often opportunities for renewal and growth. We're challenged to shift our thinking from downward spirals to upward, God-focused perspectives. This shift isn't about behavior modification, but rather allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our thoughts and attitudes. The message is deeply relevant to our daily lives, reminding us that our identity is not defined by our past mistakes or current circumstances, but by who God says we are. It's an inspiring call to lift our gaze beyond our immediate troubles and focus on the eternal, unseen realities of God's kingdom. Be Blessed!
Oct 12, 2025
46 min
Video
Shifting from Valleys to Growth
Are we truly growing in our faith, or merely riding the highs and lows of spiritual emotions? This powerful message challenges us to examine the reality of our spiritual growth. Using the analogy of business growth curves, we're reminded that true spiritual transformation isn't a constant upward trend, but rather a series of peaks and valleys. The key lies in how we respond to those valleys. Are we allowing them to become 'valleys of death' or recognizing them as opportunities for pruning and refining? The Apostle Paul's raw honesty in Romans 7 resonates deeply, reminding us that even spiritual giants struggle. Yet, Paul also points us to the solution - it's not about our willpower, but about surrendering to God's transformative grace. This message urges us to shift our perspective, seeing our valleys not as failures, but as hidden moments of growth preparing us for greater heights in our faith journey. Be Blessed!
Oct 5, 2025
1 hr 2 min
Video
Living as Children of Light: From Love Week to Love Life
This powerful message reminds us that we are called to be the light of the world, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:14-16. We're challenged to shine our light before others through acts of kindness and love, not hiding it but placing it where it can touch lives. The week's experiences of serving others – from blessing strangers with gift cards to dancing with seniors – demonstrate how small acts of kindness can bring immense joy and open doors to share God's love. The testimonies shared reveal the transformative power of stepping out of our comfort zones to serve others, showing us that when we seek to bless others, we often receive the greater blessing ourselves. This message encourages us to live a 'love life', not just a 'love week', constantly seeking opportunities to reflect Christ's light in our daily interactions.
Sep 28, 2025
1 hr 1 min
Video
Arise and Shine: Reflecting God's Light in a Dark World
In this powerful message, we're called to be the light of the world, reflecting God's love in a dark world. The central theme revolves around Jesus' words in Matthew 5:14-16, urging us to let our light shine before others. We're reminded that as Christians, our identity is intrinsically tied to being light-bearers, not just light-holders. The message challenges us to be visible and influential, drawing parallels between our lives and a city set on a hill. It's not enough to simply possess the light; we must actively shine it, even in the face of persecution or discomfort. The story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) beautifully illustrates how one person's encounter with the light can transform not just an individual, but an entire community. This serves as a powerful reminder of our potential impact when we choose to be intentional about sharing God's love. As we reflect on this message, let's consider: Are we truly visible in our faith? Are we influential for God's kingdom? It's time to arise, shine, and let our good deeds glorify our Father in heaven. Be blessed!
Sep 21, 2025
1 hr 1 min
Video
Arise and Shine: Answering God's Call in a Dark World
In this powerful message, we're called to 'arise and shine' in a world shrouded in darkness. Drawing from Isaiah 60, we're reminded that while darkness covers the earth, God's light rises upon us. This isn't just about personal enlightenment; it's a call to action. We're challenged to be the light of the world, reflecting God's glory even in the darkest places. The message doesn't shy away from the reality of spiritual warfare, acknowledging that we live in a fallen world where evil is tangible. Yet, it emphasizes that our light - God's light shining through us - is more powerful than any darkness. We're encouraged to step out of our comfort zones, to boldly proclaim the gospel even when it's difficult. The parallels drawn between modern-day challenges and the apostle Paul's trials remind us that while we may feel 'hard-pressed,' we are not crushed. This message urges us to check our theology, embrace the doctrines of sin and salvation, and understand our role in God's plan to illuminate the darkness. Be Blessed!
Sep 14, 2025
Video
From "I Think" to "I Know": Growing in Faith and Certainty
In this powerful message, we're challenged to move beyond simply thinking or believing in God to truly knowing Him. The sermon uses the imagery of backpacks to illustrate three levels of faith: 'I think,' 'I believe,' and 'I know that I know that I know.' We're reminded of the danger of a 'maybe faith' that keeps us stuck in uncertainty. The message draws from Hebrews 11:1, defining faith as 'confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.' This challenges us to trust God even when we can't see the outcome. The story of Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle is highlighted, showing how one encounter with Jesus can radically change our lives. We're encouraged to 'fan into flame' the gifts God has given us, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:6-7. This message urges us to move from an informational or relational knowledge of God to an experiential one, where we can confidently say, 'I know that I know that I know' God is faithful. Be Blessed!
Aug 17, 2025
52 min
Video
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