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In a world filled with anxiety, pain and uncertainty, many of us are seeking peace.  We ask questions like: Why is this happening to me? Is there meaning in my pain?  How can I move on from a horrible experience?  Why are my successes empty? Is there a way to live with hope? 

We long for practical answers and spiritual nourishment in order to find more love, more joy and more meaning in our lives.  Some of us have given up on Christianity and other religious communities because they seem to be the cause of the problems rather than the solution. 

The cornerstone of The Door to Peace Podcast are guest interviews. These raw conversations highlight how finding peace is possible in the midst of tragedy, bad decisions, addiction and a myriad of circumstances. Our hope is that just as God infiltrated their lives in dramatic and beautiful ways, you can also experience peace in your life. 

In addition, our host, Pastor Tom Stephen, will share key messages of peace that integrate biblical reflection and cultural topics that offer practical ways to be a follower of Jesus even if you have given up on organized religion.  

Our core value is that Peace begins by opening the door to God’s work in your life.  Jesus said it this way: Here I am. I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and be with them.  

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MEET HOST

Tom Stephen spent the last 18 years serving as pastor of the Monte Vista Presbyterian Church in Newbury Park, CA.   He and that community are committed to helping others develop as prayerful, compassionate and humble disciples of Jesus who are enthusiastic about sharing the good news with others.  

Tom regularly works with individuals and their families struggling with addiction.  He has also spent years walking with those who experienced trauma and grief. 

Tom has been marred to his wife, Ginny for over 30 years. They have four adult children and three dogs.  When not with them, you can find Tom in the surf off Ventura, CA. 

Tom Stephen

NEXT STEPS

Putting Jesus Christ at the center of our life means acknowledging the love and power of our almighty God.  It means surrendering control and focus from being on me to God.   This doesn’t mean giving up; Actually quite the opposite.  It means finding greater strength through a life centered on God. God wants us to live righteously and humbly and to love and honor him. 

How do we do this?  How do we love God and love our neighbors?

This is a faith journey where our relationship with God is a path filled with seasons of both emptiness and bountifulness.  Like any relationship, it can’t be passive or one sided.  We have to actively work on it, build it.  

Jesus says, Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If you’ll hear my voice and open the door, I’ll come in!”  This invitation is alway there. The knock and voice can come at you in different ways and intensity.  If you are seeking and you are listening, you will hear it.  It’s up to you if you want to accept it and invite Jesus Christ into your life.  If you do, your life will change dramatically — maybe immediately or over time.  Everyone’s relationship starts and grows differently, but you will receive a Peace that surpasses all understanding.  This peace comes from God’s promises:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

I will never leave you or forsake you

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.

When we open the door to a relationship with Jesus Christ, meaning and purpose are restored in our lives.  We are not the center of the universe. God is.  Our purpose becomes one of growing in our relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, bible study, worship, and service to others.  We show honor and glory to God through righteous living and loving others.  Simply through this committed relationship, we know when our life on earth ends, we’ll enter into the kingdom of heaven for eternity where brokenness and sin are eliminated and perfect beauty, peace, love, and joy is restored.  In heaven, God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.

You don’t have to wait to hear this podcast, join a church, or get encouragement from a friend.  If you’re hearing or feeling God tugging on your heart, simply pray (and mean) the following:

Dear God, thank you for knowing, loving, and seeking me.  Lord, I know that I’m broken and a sinner.  I believe you gave your Son Jesus to the world to take on our sins.  He was crucified, died, and rose from the grave for the forgiveness of my sin. I choose to turn away from my brokenness and follow you for the rest of my life.  Open my heart and soul to grow ever stronger in a loving relationship with you. Amen.

That’s it. Now your journey begins.  The next section Grow Your Faith gives you practical ideas on how to grow in your faith and experience grace, love, joy, and peace in your life.

The ways we grow in our relationship are by studying about God, talking to God, worshiping God, and serving for God.  Practical ways to do these things include: 

Study – Read the Bible and get into Bible studies to understand the God-inspired written word as well as the first hand testimonies of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Gospel (Good News) writers and other eyewitnesses. Also, there are a lot of great christian podcasts and books that will add color and promote critical thinking to your faith.

Pray- Take time to pray regularly. It will draw you closer to God and provide direction and peace in your life.  Praying when you get up and go to bed, before meals, in times of great joy or sorrow, for wisdom in important decisions, or on behalf of others.  The more you do it quietly to yourself or aloud with others, the stronger your faith and relationship with God will become.

Worship – Worship is typically thought of as Sunday mornings at a Church service, and it is a great way to worship.  However, many churches will now stream their services so you can watch anytime and not be restricted to a particular church or day and time.  Adding praise songs on your smartphone to listen in the car, on hikes, while cleaning, or falling asleep are great ways to worship and be inspired too. Christian retreats are also another avenue to get away for a few days and focus on worship and growing in your faith walk with other like minded individuals or families.

Serve – There is no better way to love others than to help or serve others especially those who are most in need and vulnerable.  The opportunities to service in our local communities or around the world are great.  By doing so, you’re sharing the Love and Peace of God with those you are serving and serving with, and you’ll naturally grow and experience great joy through that service– further expanding your faith.    

FEEDBACK

The Door to Peace team would love your thoughts and feedback on our podcast. Do you have a favorite episode? Do you have a suggestion for a future guest? Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us. We usually respond within 48 hours.