Podcast Summary: "Jesus Remains"
Church of the Highlands - Sunday Messages
Date: November 2, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode, titled "Jesus Remains," centers on the enduring presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Pastors Dino, Mark, and Blake weave stories of generosity, outreach, and personal growth into a biblical reflection on John 20—Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ—and the transformative role of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. The episode concludes a sermon series on God's goodness, focusing on how Jesus not only reigns, forgives, calls, restores, grows, serves, weeps, and celebrates but crucially, remains with us always.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Power of Generosity and Outreach
- Generosity as a Reflection of God’s Goodness:
Early in the message, the pastors highlight the church’s collective outreach—feeding thousands, supporting veterans, responding to disasters in Jamaica, and partnering with organizations like Convoy of Hope (02:10) and Mercy Chefs. - Impact Stories:
- Story of a man touched by the church during a difficult time:
“But your team came and brought us some [food], reminded us that God cares. They left with both groceries and hope.” (03:41) - Auburn campus packed 300+ blessing bags for veterans; a veteran shared, "I thought people forgot about us, but you didn't. Glory to God." (04:23)
- Story of a man touched by the church during a difficult time:
2. The Message: "Jesus Remains"
- Transition from Jesus’ Physical Presence to the Holy Spirit:
Pastor Dino likens frequently losing things (keys, wallets, even a rifle!) to the disciples experiencing loss after Jesus’ death (07:58–09:31). He recounts Mary Magdalene’s devotion and sorrow, visiting the tomb early because “she could not imagine life without him” (10:21). - Mary’s Encounter with the Risen Jesus (John 20):
- Mary clings to Jesus, but he tells her:
“Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father…” (13:03) - Pastor Dino explains:
“Jesus was not being rude at all. He's giving her a revelation... I'm going to ascend so that my Spirit can be with you everywhere.” (14:10) - Key shift: Moving from holding onto Jesus to being held by Jesus through the Holy Spirit (14:47).
- Mary clings to Jesus, but he tells her:
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit
- Jesus’ Promises about the Spirit:
- John 14, 15, 16: "I will ask the Father… He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." (15:20)
- Pointed reminder: “It ain't like the Holy Spirit only comes to those who got a certain handshake. It ain't about all that… The Holy Spirit is the presence of God now in us, the power of God now through us, and the person of Jesus Christ now with us.” (18:45)
- What the Holy Spirit Does:
- Searches You:
“He knows you fully. He searches you not to shame you... He searches you to heal you and to help you.” (21:51, 22:38) - Sanctifies You:
“If you will yield to him, he will bring transformation now, and he will bring transformation over time.” (23:05) - Strengthens You:
“He gives you self-control when you’re tempted… He, he strengthens you when I’m weak.” (23:50–23:57) - Speaks to You:
“When he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth... The more time you spend with the Holy Spirit, the clearer his voice will become.” (24:17, 25:01) - Seals You:
“Let the Holy Spirit seal your past. Let the Holy Spirit seal your wound.” (25:54–26:12) - Sends You:
“He then makes you a carrier of his presence… you become a carrier of his presence, and he sends you.” (26:46)
- Searches You:
4. Series Recap – Seeds of God’s Word
Pastors walk through previous messages—“Jesus reigns,” “Jesus forgives,” “Jesus calls,” “Jesus restores,” “Jesus grew,” “Jesus serves,” “Jesus wept,” “Jesus celebrates”—each one likened to a seed planted into listeners’ hearts (28:26–31:45).
- Pastor Blake notes: “These are messages from God that Jesus grew. He wants to move you forward. He wants you to take a next step.” (30:15)
5. “Never Walk Alone”
- The overarching assurance is that Jesus remains with believers—no matter the circumstance—through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
- “I remain in you. And you’ll never walk alone.” (32:53)
6. Action Steps for Listeners
- Learn More about the Holy Spirit: Search “Holy Spirit” on the Church of the Highlands website for teachings (27:21).
- Join a Freedom Group: Take next steps in spiritual community (27:36).
- Seek Prayer: Receive personal prayer for the Holy Spirit’s help after service (27:43).
7. Real-Life Application – Being Sent
- Heartfelt story of Jeremiah, a barber who felt called by God to serve the homeless:
“The Holy Spirit sent me here to do this.” (34:39) - Listeners are encouraged that being sent may look different for everyone, but it is always a reflection of God's goodness (35:38).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Jesus’ Enduring Presence:
“Mary, don’t hold me. I plan on holding you. Jesus remains—to shift from holding Jesus to being held by Jesus.” — Pastor Dino (14:47) - The Holy Spirit’s Availability:
"It ain't like the Holy Spirit only comes to those who got a certain handshake… The Holy Spirit is the presence of God now in us, the power of God now through us, and the person of Jesus Christ now with us." — Pastor Dino (18:45) - On Missed Loved Ones:
“How many days have you wanted to call your dad? ... Jesus wept to give healing and hope for the hurts.” — Pastor Mark, referencing Pastor Blake’s loss (31:29) - Commissioning Listeners:
“He seals you, and he sends you.” — Pastor Dino (33:30) - Everyday Mission:
“You become a carrier of his presence, and he sends you.” — Pastor Mark (26:46) - A Life Changed:
“Now the Holy Spirit sends him to cut other people’s hair.” — Pastor Dino, about Jeremiah (34:39)
Important Timestamps
| Time | Segment/Key Point | |-----------|------------------------------------------| | 02:10 | Outreach and Jamaica relief efforts | | 03:41 | Story: Groceries bringing hope | | 04:23 | Auburn campus Veterans’ outreach | | 07:58 | Pastor Dino’s lost keys story | | 11:18 | Mary Magdalene at the tomb (John 20) | | 13:03 | Jesus’ Resurrection encounter with Mary | | 14:47 | “Mary, don’t hold me…” | | 15:20 | Jesus promises the Holy Spirit | | 18:45 | The Spirit’s availability to everyone | | 21:51 | What the Holy Spirit does (breakdown) | | 25:54 | The sealing of the Spirit | | 26:46 | "He sends you"—life as God's ambassadors | | 28:26 | Visual Recap of Series Themes | | 31:29 | On grief—Jesus wept and healing | | 32:53 | Assurance: “You'll never walk alone” | | 34:39 | Jeremiah’s story—the Spirit sends |
Final Takeaways
- Jesus’ presence is not limited by time or geography; through the Holy Spirit, He remains with every believer, guiding, comforting, empowering, and sending them into the world.
- The Holy Spirit does a multifaceted work: searching, sanctifying, strengthening, speaking, sealing, and sending each believer.
- Listeners are urged to plant the Word in their hearts, walk in community, and become carriers of Jesus’ presence, reflecting God’s goodness in their families, communities, and beyond.