Counterculture Church | Jesse Lusko
Messages from Counterculture Church in Portland, Oregon. Experience thriving faith in a sometimes skeptical world.
Episodes
Have you ever had an authority figure hurt you? News headlines glow with stories of nations and people struggling for dominance. These power trips can also hit close to home, with parents, spouses, and bosses often misusing or even abusing their authority. This is the way of Babylon. Today, a different ruler finally arrives on the scene and brings a total revolution to our ideas of greatness. Jesus, the true King, shows us that Go...
In Daniel’s apocalyptic vision, empires rise like monsters from the deep—violent, boastful, inhuman. This episode explores what happens when we trade God's wisdom for our own, becoming like beasts—and how the Son of Man shows us a way back to who we were always meant to be.
We all face pressure to blend in, sell out, and go numb. But Daniel and his friends didn’t rise up or cave in– they played the long game. They took Babylonian names, learned the system, but drew a hard line when it mattered. Their story can teach how daily integrity in the small things can prepare for the face the blazing furnace when everyone is watching.
In a world that feels like exile, we’re not called to become like Babylon or withdraw from Babylon—but to be a light within it. This episode explores how to live faithfully and seek the good of the city, even when it’s broken.
Solomon started with wisdom but ended in ruin. This episode unpacks how small compromises lead to collapse—and why only Jesus offers true treasure.
When fear rules our lives, we build fragile kingdoms. But in Exodus, two midwives show us that fearing God leads to courage, freedom, and an unshakable purpose. Scripture: Exodus 1: 8-22
Modern day slavery is still taking place right here in Oregon and throughout the world. Listen to Esther Garrett share her own story as a survivor and her work from over 20 years of fighting human trafficking as the founder of Safety Compass.
In our series "Fallen Empire" we begin by looking at the founding of Babylon and its infamous tower. We see the the deeply human tendency to strive to "build a name for for ourselves," how it is often done at the expense of other people and in utter defiance to God's wisdom. We examine why so many societies collapse into violence and dysfunction and learn about the alternative identity and meaning that Go...
The gospel of Luke contains a story where Jesus astounds two dejected and hopeless followers and takes them on an Easter Egg hunt through the Hebrew Bible. He shows them that crucifixion was always planned and predicted beforehand. When we actually take time to examine the historical data for the resurrection and see the big picture of scripture we are offered joy, peace and amazement. Listen and learn why nearly 3 billion people s...
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Jesus’s final, defiant entry into Jerusalem—a peaceful protest against corruption and injustice, symbolized by his choice to ride a donkey like a humble king. This dramatic act declared him as the true king, challenged religious and political power structures, and set the stage for the confrontation that would lead to his crucifixion, showing a God who weeps over injustice and chooses to suffer fo...
Many of us deal with anxiety, depression or another mental burden on a regular basis. Jesse Lusko sits down with Yemi Fashola, a local licensed therapist, and to hear his story entering the field and stories from the field. Gain some practical insights on how to help loved ones who are struggling and learn the signs of when you might need a bit of professional counseling yourself.
Sometimes Christians who are supposed to be known for love are instead harsh, self-righteous and even hateful. What gives? Jesus' friend John helps us see that there is a difference between simply adhering to the message of God's love in Jesus and truly being centered on it so that it saturates and defines your life. When the gospel takes its proper place it can liberate us to take off the masks of pretense and superio...
The things we say have the power to burn and harm or warm and empower. Like fire when our words are out of control they can cause serious damage but when our tongue is brought under the guidance of God's spirit we can inspire and bring life to those around us. Scripture: James 3
In the final message of "Error 404: What the Internet Can't Give You," we note that the digital world often leaves us amused but deeply isolated. In the New Testament we vividly see that real life worship and community was always God's beautiful vision. If we amputate ourselves from it we miss out on something vital. God wants to do extraordinary things in community– we just have to be there. Scripture: Ephesian...
Some churches can stand on a pedestal and look down on people, but the way of Jesus is to build a ramp that is accessible to the spiritually wounded -- but it takes all of us. We have to build it together. Scripture: Romans 15: 1-13
When we spend too much time online the days just blur together. But real experiences tend to be a bit more memorable. Baptism is a profound memory marker that clearly declares new life in Jesus. The water seals the deal. Scripture: Acts 10:44-48
Why do we take communion (eucharist) every week at Counterculture? Is this tiny juice and cracker really all that important? Join us as we unpack the rich legacy of Passover and Jesus' final meal and see how communion can unlock the meaning of the past, allows us to reflect in the present, and invites us into a magnificent future.
Ever wonder why we sing so much at church? Why not just stay home and listen to Spotify? The Bible tells us that when we worship together we can experience God's presence and be empowered to live lives that count and not waste our limited time. Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-20
Some objects are just too heavy to carry on your own—they require a team. Some emotional burdens and periods in life are a lot like that. We need a community around us to help us get through our grief and difficulties. Technology often leaves us living in our own isolated virtual worlds, but that can leave us feeling totally alone. Real church community has the potential to be transformative when we show up for each other and love ...
God's love lives in us and is often described as a mighty lion. Josh describes all the ways we can be impacted when we decide to let the lion out of the cage. Scripture: 1 John 4:10-17
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