RVAXA Podcast

Marcus brings our sermon series, "Built Different: City on a Hill in a Dark World," to a powerful conclusion at Wednesday Night Live. Drawing on the series' themes, he delivers a compelling message on how we can embody our faith in a world that often challenges our beliefs. Expect Marcus to inspire and challenge us as we conclude this impactful series with wisdom and a renewed sense of purpose.

Ashley takes the stage at Wednesday Night Live to deliver an inspiring message on unity within the body of Christ. Her words illuminate the importance of harmony and collaboration among believers, emphasizing how working together can strengthen the faith community. She challenges us to be a light in the world, spreading love, compassion, and the teachings of Christ to those around us. Ashley's message promises to be a source of encouragement and a call to action, reminding us of our role in fostering unity and being a shining example of Christ's love to all.

Jen deliverers a powerful message on being the light of the world, drawing inspiration from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. She reminded the fellowship that despite the challenges and trials they face, their inner light can shine through, revealing God's grace and purpose. Jen encouraged her listeners to focus on the eternal rather than the temporary, teaching them to be a source of hope and inspiration in a world filled with darkness, knowing that their faith and steadfastness can make a lasting impact.

Global worker Glenn Smith passionately shared his experiences and ministry in East Africa, captivating his audience with stories of transformative impact. He spoke of the challenges and triumphs he and his team faced while working to improve the lives of the local communities. Glenn's heartfelt account left a lasting impression, inspiring others to support and engage in the vital work of transforming lives in this region.

Sam Godzwa and Ivana Thompson sharing their unique insights and the profound messages they've received from God. Whether it's a testament of faith, divine guidance, or transformative encounters, their stories promise to leave you with a deeper understanding of what God has been speaking to them.

Mike emphasizes the message of freedom that permeates this scripture passage, reminding his listeners that Christ's sacrifice had liberated them from the burdens of the law. He elaborated on the significance of living by the Spirit, highlighting the virtues of love, joy, peace, and self-control as fruits of a life in Christ

Jasmine delivers a compelling sermon on Galatians 3:1-14. In this passage, she unpacks the profound message of how faith in Christ, rather than adherence to the law, is the true path to righteousness and salvation. Drawing from her deep understanding of Scripture, Jasmine will illuminate the transformative power of grace and the liberating effect of faith in Jesus. Her sermon promises to inspire and challenge us, reminding us that our relationship with God is rooted in faith and His unmerited favor, inviting us to embrace the freedom and redemption found in Christ alone.

Listen to a wonderful student testimony from Josly about her obedience in being a light and a hope in the community for Jesus.

Then Moises, delivers a thought-provoking sermon on Galatians 2:11-21. Moises dives into the heart of this passage, exploring the clash between Peter and Paul and its profound implications for our understanding of being saved by grace He sheds light on the transformative power of the gospel message and the freedom it offers from the burden of the law.

Our Chi Alpha Director, Mike Godzwa, delivered an inspiring message drawing from the powerful message in Galatians 1:1-10. With deep insight and a heart for imparting wisdom, Mike explored the profound connection between our beliefs and the person we are destined to become. He'll guide us through the rich teachings of Galatians, highlighting that our faith shapes our identity and the path we walk. Don't miss this transformative message that promises to illuminate the profound truth that what we become is intricately tied to what we believe.

Ashley Granados sheds light on the importance of work and rest from a Biblical lense. Ashley unpacks practical elements from Genesis that is able to come alive in the lives of college students from common everyday stresses and concerns.

Drawing inspiration from Matthew 6:5-13, Jen emphasizes the importance of approaching prayer with sincerity and humility. Jen encouraged her listeners to seek a deeper connection with God, reminding them that it's not about the words they say but the faith in their hearts. She shared the significance of the Lord's Prayer as a model for their own conversations with God, stressing the fundamental elements of reverence, surrender, and trust in God's divine plan for their lives.

Marcus illuminates the timeless wisdom found in Psalm 146, highlighting the importance of entrusting our future to God's faithful care. With a focus on trust, reliance on Jesus, and the strength of community, Marcus will guide us on a journey of spiritual growth and resilience. Drawing from the psalmist's praise for God's unfailing love and the power of coming together in community, Marcus will encourage us to lean into our faith, find strength in our Savior, and embrace the support of our Christian family. This sermon promises to be a powerful reminder that, as we trust God with our future and rely on Jesus within the context of community, we can navigate life's challenges with hope and confidence.

Listen to the first Chi Alpha service of the semester with students taking the stage to share their powerful testimonies, revealing the transformative impact of our ministry. Get ready to be inspired as they recount their personal journeys of growth, connection, and encountering God's love. Our Director will also cast a vision for Chi Alpha, painting a vibrant picture of the community, discipleship, and purpose that await you. D

Senior Celebration is an annual event that honors graduating seniors for their hard work and dedication. It provides an opportunity for seniors to come together, reflect on their accomplishments, and look ahead to their future. We also got to hear from our PhD graduate Josly on how Chi Alpha impacted her life and what words of encouragement she has for us.

We were privileged to hear from a missionary in Kenya who teaches at a Bible College. He shared his experiences of ministering to and teaching the people of Kenya, and how God is impacting the lives of those he serves.

Mike Godzwa sheds insight on Psalm 23 a well known Psalm. The clause “the Lord is my shepherd” comes from one of the most beloved of all passages of Scripture, the 23rd Psalm. In this passage and throughout the New Testament we learn that the Lord is our Shepherd in two ways. First, as the Good Shepherd, He laid down His life for His sheep and, second, His sheep know His voice and follow Him

Jen gives a powerful sermon Luke 10:38-40. Passionately speaking about Martha and Mary and how Jesus taught that we should be focused on His presence and teachings. She spoke about how we can learn from the example of Mary and be devoted to Him, taking time to learn from Him and remember that He is more important than the tasks of life. Jen reminded us that we should all take time to be still and bask in the presence of the Lord, making sure we do not get swept up in the busyness of life. Her sermon was inspiring and moving, and it left many with a renewed sense of peace and understanding.

Ashley speaks on Acts 19:1-22 in this passage, we see the Apostle Paul arriving in Ephesus, a major city in the Roman province of Asia. He meets a group of disciples there and discovers that they had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Paul then performs the laying on of hands and baptizes them in the name of the Lord Jesus.After this, we see a powerful demonstration of God’s power. Paul casts out evil spirits and performs many miraculous cures. This shows us the power of the Holy Spirit and how He can work through us if we allow Him to do so.We also learn from this passage how important it is to receive the Holy Spirit. Without it, we are powerless to stand against the forces of evil.

We must seek the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in our lives if we want to be victorious in our battle against sin.Finally, we learn from this passage the importance of sharing the Gospel with others. Paul took the time to share the Gospel with these disciples and it resulted in a powerful demonstration of God’s power. We should never underestimate the power of sharing the Gospel

Staff member Moises Davidson brings insight from Acts 6:1-7. In this passage, we see the early church addressing a problem that threatened to tear it apart. The Hellenistic Jews felt that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. They were concerned that the native Hebrews were getting preferential treatment.

The apostles recognized the injustice of this and chose to take action. Rather than simply taking sides or ignoring the issue, they came up with a creative solution. They appointed seven men of good reputation and full of the Spirit and of wisdom to look into the matter and make sure that everyone was being treated fairly. This passage offers us a great example of how we should respond when faced with difficult problems. We should not be reactive or hasty in our decisions. Instead, we should seek wise counsel and find creative solutions. This requires us to look at the problem from multiple perspectives and come up with a solution that is fair to all involved.

As we seek to live out the example of the early church, we can look to Acts 6:1-7 as a reminder of how to respond to difficult situations. Let us be wise and seek solutions

Brittany Jones is a pastor, mental health advocate and speaker. She has a passion for helping people find healing from depression and anxiety through their faith and the Christian community. She is a firm believer that faith and community can be powerful tools in helping people work through mental health issues. She speaks about her own mental health journey and the importance of building a strong support system around yourself. Brittany encourages individuals to seek help, find healing, and not be ashamed of their struggles. She hopes to empower others to seek out the help they need and understand that they are not alone in their journey.

Ashley Granados-Chavez brings a powerful sermon on the transformative power of God through the Apostle Paul when he was still Saul. Here, we find Saul, a persecutor of the Christian church, on his way to Damascus. But then something unexpected happens. Saul is struck down by an overwhelming presence of God, and he is suddenly unable to move. Saul hears a voice from heaven asking him why he is persecuting Jesus’ followers. Saul is overwhelmed by the presence of God and recognizes that he is in the presence of the Lord. He responds by asking, “Who are you, Lord?”

In the following verses, we find that God sends a messenger to Saul and tells him to go to Damascus, where he will be told what he must do. Saul is then filled with the Holy Spirit, and he is baptized in water.

This passage is a powerful reminder that God loves us, even in our moments of spiritual darkness. Saul was a persecutor of the church, yet God still reached out to him and showed him

Jen Godzwa brings a powerful message from Acts 3

Peter and John were on their way to the temple when they noticed a man who had been lame from birth. He was begging for money from passersby. Peter and John stopped and looked at him. Peter said, "Look at us!" The man fixed his gaze on them, expecting to receive something from them. 

Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Immediately, this man was healed of his lameness and he began to walk and leap and praise God! 

This story is a powerful reminder of the power of Jesus' name and the authority we have in it. We have authority to speak life and healing into the situations that we face. We have authority to bring God's will and purpose into our lives and the lives of those around us. 

What can we learn from this story? We can learn to trust in the power of Jesus' name. We can learn to tap into His power and authority to bring healing and restoration in our lives. We can learn to speak life

Campus Director Mike Godzwa explores the passage in Acts 2, which talks about the coming of the Holy Spirit. We'll look at the events leading up to the arrival of the Holy Spirit, the effects it had on the disciples, and how the Spirit continues to move in the world today. We'll also discuss the implications of this passage for our own lives, and how we can be aware of and respond to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Join us for this exciting exploration of the Acts 2 passage!

Chi Alpha staff member Marcus Floyd opens up our sermon series on the book of Acts. Influencers: Empowered to Change The World. Looking at Acts 1 examining how the Holy Spirit is a catalyst for change in the life of a believer.  Marcus shares how the Holy Spirit has the power to take us from a place of feeling powerless to being empowered to make a difference in the lives of others. He encourages us to be open to the Spirit's leading, as it can be a powerful source of guidance that can lead us to have an impact and to make a difference. He reminds us that our words, our actions and our attitudes can have a lasting effect on the lives of those around us.

Tonight we get to hear from a notable speaker Shawn Gaylen. A missionary in Spain and get to hear his heart for the world.

Our staff member Moises Davidson shares with us the importance of hospitality and inviting others into our lives so they can become a part of the family of God. David in one account demonstrated kindness in this fashion to a specific individual.

Jasmine finishes our sermon series revealing the value of our testimony in Gods plan for our lives.

What qualified David to be the next King of Israel? In society sometimes we can be misguided by false worldly ideology and a mistaken sense of identity, when God looks at something much deeper. 

Campus Director, Mike Godzwa, begins our sermon series Highlight Reel with studying the actions of Jonathan during a military assault. We see that our decisions play a vital role in Gods plan for our lives and the benefits of anchored living. That is why our hearts and desires need to be oriented towards pleasing and loving God.

Want to know more about Chi Alpha? Listen to our First Look service at Wednesday Night Live. To start the fall semester students share about their experiences in our campus ministry. They unpack the necessity of being in a Christ-centered community and how Chi Alpha was a place where they encountered God. Marcus Floyd, staff member with RVAXA, then elaborates on the three anchors of Chi Alpha: Real Community, Real Devotional Life, and Real Responsibility,

Jasmine unpacks our last Anchor of Real Responsibility and the importance of being a Christ Ambassador. We are God's special agents that are called to proclaim and direct people into a life of obedience in faithfulness

Our staff put on a relationship panel where you can have your questions answered. Concerning how as a Jesus-follower we need handle love, dating, marriage, or singleness. 

We asked a couple of seniors to share with our fellowship what they got from Chi Alpha and what they want to leave behind. These individuals all had different presentation styles and come from different backgrounds but all had unifying themes of saying yes to God to seek His direction and will.

Marcus finishes are Anchored series with a message on the last anchor "Pass it On". He explains why love is a verb and the importance of showing Christ's hospitality to be able to have a Kingdom-centered community. Hear this challenging message about how to practically show love to others 

Jen Godzwa shares about the beauty of community and how to properly love others.

Jasmine brings a challenging message on the importance denying ourselves to follow God wholeheartedly

How do we love God? How do we make God the center of our life? Marcus Floyd unpacks our first Anchor Love God in our series The Anchored Life.

When we come to college, we aren't always looking for community.  But in Faith's case God was looking for her, and she has been part of the XA community since.

PS thanks to Nate Godzwa for the slick new intro audio! 

Jessie participated in a mission trip to West Africa and was profoundly impacted by the experience.  She is now preparing to serve as a missionary there, and encourages us all to take the opportunity to participate.  The Lord is already working, and is calling us all into His missional work.

Hannah was born overseas, her family facing hardships through their beliefs.  But these lessons of faithfulness and courage echo through her ministry, even as she relinquishes her held dreams for those of the Father.

Noah grew up a Christian, but found community and a drive for missions and worship with Chi Alpha in college. 

Allyson Holmstedt was a military kid growing up who came to know Jesus right before college.  When she arrived at American University in DC as an international student, she found a loving community in Chi Alpha. Now, she serves on staff loving and caring for students from around the globe with Richmond Chi Alpha.

Mike Godzwa takes us through the final message of Who Do You Think You Are? with a sermon from Ephesians 6, reminding us to be strong in the Lord.

Many of our students are going abroad and to Washington DC for mission trips this week for spring break. Please take time to pray for them and that the gospel might be passed on through their encounters with people in those communities they are visiting.

Our soundboard's recorder stopped working during our service, so we don't have any sermon audio to share this week. We do have Zack and Jakia, though, and they're here to recap and discus Paul's charge to the Ephesians to imitate God. Speaking of imitating, Zack might share his Mike Godzwa impression (please don't @ him).

Music: "Symphony" by Switch Youth via. Life.Church (https://open.life.church/resources/4030-symphony-ep)

Almost forgot: Don't forget to sign up for Collegiate Day of Prayer at www.collegiatedayofprayer.org!

Stay blessed, y'all :)

This week we get to hear from THE Reverend Jen Godzwa on how to be a part of the body (of the church).

If you like this podcast, please let your friends know! It's really important for us to get the Word of God out there and make it as accessible as possible.

Rob Rhoden - the OG RVAxa staffer - comes to share with us a sermon on the love of God and how it empowers us.

"Because God's love is so big, you can dream big" -Rob Rhoden

Get our updates on Instagram: @rvaxa

This week we have just the sermon for y'all. Mike continues preaching through Ephesians, and unpacks both the good news and bad news (the good news is better).

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram: @rvaxa. We have some new stuff coming soon, and you don't want to miss it.

Who do you think you are? What is our identity - in Christ or otherwise? Is it weird if you put your hands in the air during worship? Zack and Marcus (the master of dance himself) replay and break down the first sermon of RVAxa's new sermon series, featuring THE Reverend Jen Godzwa.

Do know: God promises that we are adopted into God’s family, we are made innocent, cleared of all guilt and shame, and we are marked/selected by the Holy Spirit (a person, not the force).

Links:

- Marcus's Instagram: @marc.afloyd
- Free resources for ministry: https://open.life.church/
- Chi Alpha's CMIT program application: https://chialpha.com/cmit

We got a long one this time, folks! Mike went through the Lord's Prayer in great detail and Zack and Sam are here to talk about it. How great is it to be independent, anyway? How has God provided for us? Will we really have enough? We have a lot of questions.

Also, this podcast is now available through the Apple Podcasts app; if you are listening to us on Apple Podcasts, please rate us and leave a review.

Follow Richmond Chi Alpha on Instagram and Facebook: rvaxa

Catch Sam on YouTube: samanthanichole

Here it is, our very first RVAxa WN(R)L podcast!! We're very excited to welcome you to the show. This is going to be a recap of the last Wednesday Night Live, along some announcements and commentary provided by Zack (our host) and Hannah (our guest). We'll be talking about rules vs. relationship, and how this impacts our faith. Don't miss it!

(Okay, that's enough with the exclamation points. Also, we're in Luke 15 this week.)

Music for the episode is "Chi Alpha Goin Crazy" by Marc Stevens & Mission, and "Captain" by Hillsong UNITED.

Get more info at www.rvaxa.com