Podcasts about Verse

Doug Horchak discusses 2 Timothy 3:15-17—“And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Why would he deprecate the use of coercion on the non-frum? The answer lies in his own and his family's history...

The Gospel | Romans 7:7-25

Short month, long episode! First, Ben Lindbergh and Charles Holmes extoll the virtues of one of their favorite fantasy stories, the anime series ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey's End,' touching on its themes, influences, and characters, as well as why it makes a great gateway show for non-anime fans. They also discuss some other highlights of a peak period for anime (including ‘Journal With Witch' and ‘Jujutsu Kaisen'), preview a few coming attractions, and take a detour with discussion of ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu.' After that, other Ringer-Verse hosts, friends, and listeners salute unsung releases to top off another monthly roundup of fandom favorites from TV, anime, movies, video games, books, comics, and beyond that were released recently, but not yet covered in depth on a full-length episode. Intro (00:00) ‘Frieren' (03:04) ‘Journal With Witch' (25:34) ‘Jujutsu Kaisen' (37:15) Van's recommendation (50:15) Steve's recommendation (51:55) Miles's recommendation (54:37) Daniel's recommendation (56:21) Devon's recommendation (58:30) Arjuna's recommendation (59:32) Matt's recommendation (61:29) Listener nomination (69:03) Recap of picks (71:13) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Devon Renaldo, Daniel Chin, Miles Surry, Arjuna Ramgopowell, Matt James, Steve Ahlman Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we sit with Verse Three from the Tao Te Ching and explore what happens when we overestimate greatness, overvalue possessions, and inherit desires that were never really ours.This verse can sound harsh at first, emptying minds, weakening ambition, creating confusion. But beneath the surface, it points to something deeply practical:How much of our striving comes from comparison?How much of what we want has been shaped by what we see others wanting?We reflect on:Why putting others on a pedestal can quietly make us feel smallerHow social media and career comparison distort our sense of “enough”The difference between ego-driven ambition and steady inner resolveWhat it means to “empty the mind and fill the core”How confusion can sometimes be the beginning of real clarityThis conversation isn't about rejecting success or suppressing desire. It's about gently questioning where our desires came from and whether they still belong to us.Verse Three invites us to step out of borrowed races and return to something steadier.Not what impresses.Not what competes.Not what looks good from the outside.But what feels true from the inside.“You can have resolve without ambition.You can be committed without being competitive.”Where in your life are you measuring yourself against someone else's highlight reel?What desire might not actually be yours?What would “enough” feel like — not look like?If this episode resonated with you, consider sitting with the verse for a few days instead of moving on quickly. Let it work on you.Until next time… may your mind be empty, and your core be full. ☕

 “Render to Caesar ...” That verse gets quoted anytime Christians start asking hard questions about authority. “Just obey.” “Stay in your lane.”But that's not what Jesus was teaching. In fact, this moment is far more subversive than most people realize.And it all hinges on a coin. The answer is in the very thing that Jesus asked to see! And it was all to make a point that we very often miss!Let's get into it… 

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Eight and Verse Sixteen

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Eight and Verse Seventeen

In den letzten Jahren und Jahrzehnten war immer wieder vom Verschwinden der Arbeit die Rede, jedoch könnte man eher sagen: Die Arbeit und die Arbeiter wurden ausgeblendet – auch in der Literatur.Eine grandiose Ausnahme ist der Versroman „Am laufenden Band“ von Joseph Ponthus. Der Autor verdingte sich als Zeitarbeiter in Fisch- und Fleischfabriken. Wenn die Kraft nach Feierabend oder am Wochenende noch reichte, verwandelte der schon mit 42 Jahren verstorbene Schriftsteller diese Erfahrungen in große Literatur. „Am laufenden Band“ erzählt von der Eintönigkeit, der beständigen Unsicherheit, den Gefahren, dem Widerspruch zwischen Theorie und Praxis.Ponthus schildert ein absurdes Theater, das die Realität ist. Mehr dazu von Ole Nymoen und Wolfgang M. Schmitt in der neuen Folge von „Wohlstand für Alle“-Literatur!Literatur:Joseph Ponthus: Am laufenden Band. Aufzeichnungen aus der Fabrik. Übersetzt von Mira Lina Simon und Claudia Hamm, Matthes & Seitz.Unsere Zusatzinhalte könnt ihr bei Apple Podcasts, Steady und Patreon hören. Vielen Dank!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/wohlstand-f%C3%BCr-alle/id1476402723Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oleundwolfgangSteady: https://steadyhq.com/de/oleundwolfgang/about

David Johnson discusses 1 Corinthians 10:23—“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.”

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, "Neighbors are three: one with a single right, another with two, and one with three rights." Do you know these rights? Join us for today's Tafseer session as we explore Allah's advice on helping the poor, your neighbours, travellers, and servants. Let's begin.

Ramón Besa analiza el enfrentamiento entre Real Madrid y Manchester City por quinto año consecutivo en eliminatorias de la Liga de Campeones. 

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Eight and Verse Fifteen

Buckle in, Swifties! Today, we're going deep into the lore surrounding Taylor's most Reputation-esque track on The Life Of A Showgirl… CANCELLED! That means Laura and Sara have prepped a whole segment unpacking the drama surrounding Blake Lively, and how Taylor keeps her female friendships close, even through public scrutiny and dogpiling. This one is a BIG one… enjoy!Chapters(00:00) Introduction(00:44) What's On Our Plates(12:45) Taylor Updates: A Rundown of Blake & Taylor's Text Messages and Legal Complications With "It Ends With Us"(45:05) Introducing "CANCELLED!" (49:27) Personal Associations With The Song(53:02) Folk"lore" of The Song(01:03:06) Verse 1: Descending Into Taylor's "Underworld," Cancel Culture Waiting To Take A Woman Down(01:06:49) Pre-Chorus 1: Sarcastic Commentary On Reasons Cancellations Happen & MacBeth References(01:10:23) Chorus 1: Tongue and Cheek Love For Friendship Embroiled In Scandal, Thorny Flowers Lore, Scar References In Past Music(01:18:21) Verse 2: Real Friends Stick Around, Mob Mentality(01:20:42) Pre-Chorus 2: Musical Theater-Esque Vibes, Tiny Violin Reference From Texts(01:29:50) Bridge: Horror Movie Instrumentation, Friendship Goes Beyond Public Perception(01:36:02) Chorus 3 & Outro: Infamy Loves Company, Max Martin Adlibs(01:40:51) Music Theory Analysis: Creepy Builds, Broadway and Rock Elements, Musical Mode(01:43:00) Favorite Lyrics & Rating(01:44:27) This Song As A Recipe(01:46:24) Signing Off!(01:48:49) Patreon PreviewSUPPORT US ON PATREON! Show us some love and get monthly bonus episodes and first dibs on upcoming episode ideas. We'd be enchanted to have you join our Swiftie community!Links ReferencedCandied Cheez-its RecipePistachio and Ricotta Swirl Cake Recipe (Reddit recipe)A Full Timeline Of Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's ‘It Ends With Us' Feud In Court, Online & In The MediaI Read Taylor Swift's Texts with Blake Lively — And You Can TooTaylor Swift Wants to 'Stay Away from the Drama' After Her Texts with Blake Lively Are UnsealedJenny Slate's "Damning" Comments About Justin Baldoni Have Been RevealedSagittarius Whisky Sour RecipePlease make sure to subscribe and leave a review. If you'd like to reach out to send in a question or comment, please do so via any of these platforms:email blankplatepod@gmail.comleave a voicemail at (717) 382-831Patreon (get bonus episodes and first dibs on episode ideas)YouTubeInstagramTikTokYou can also follow Sara and Laura individually:• Laura: Instagram and Tiktok• Sara: InstagramListen to our previous podcast: Passports & Pizza

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-d2ee1f7d062c3b3e85d15dbe7467f5e5{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-d2ee1f7d062c3b3e85d15dbe7467f5e5 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-d2ee1f7d062c3b3e85d15dbe7467f5e5 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 03 – February 26Genesis 1 – 2 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – February 26 Genesis 1 – 2 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/03-0226db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible The Creation of the World Genesis 1 1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was undeveloped [1] and empty. Darkness covered the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3 God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good. He separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” There was evening and there was morning—the first day. 6 God said, “Let there be an expanse [2] between the waters, and let it separate the water from the water.” 7 God made the expanse, and he separated the water that was below the expanse from the water that was above the expanse, and it was so. 8 God called the expanse “sky.” [3]There was evening and there was morning—the second day. 9 God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together to one place, and let the dry land appear,” and it was so. ⎣The waters under the sky gathered to their own places, and the dry land appeared.⎦ [4] 10 God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathering places of the waters he called “seas.” God saw that it was good. 11 God said, “Let the earth produce plants—vegetation that produces seed, and trees that bear fruit with its seed in it—each according to its own kind on the earth,” and it was so. 12 The earth brought forth plants, vegetation that produces seed according to its own kind, and trees that bear fruit with its seed in it, each according to its own kind, and God saw that it was good. 13 There was evening and there was morning—the third day. 14 God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to divide the day from the night, and let them serve as markers to indicate seasons, days, and years. 15 Let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to give light to the earth,” and it was so. 16 God made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set these lights in place in the expanse of the sky to provide light for the earth, 18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. God saw that it was good. 19 There was evening and there was morning—the fourth day. 20 God said, “Let the waters swarm with living creatures, and let birds and other winged creatures [5] fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.” 21 God created the large sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their own kind, and every winged bird according to its own kind. God saw that it was good. 22 God blessed them when he said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the waters of the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 There was evening and there was morning—the fifth day. 24 God said, “Let the earth produce living creatures according to their own kind, livestock, [6] creeping things, and wild animals according to their own kind,” and it was so. 25 God made the wild animals according to their own kind, and the livestock according to their own kind, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its own kind. God saw that it was good. 26 God said, “Let us make man [7] in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that crawls on the earth.” 27 God created the man in his own image. In the image of God he created him. Male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 God said, “Look, I have given you every plant that produces seed on the face of the whole earth, and every tree that bears fruit that produces seed. It will be your food. 30 To every animal of the earth, and to every bird of the sky, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning—the sixth day. Genesis 2 1 The heavens and the earth were finished, along with everything in them. [8] 2 On the seventh day God had finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had been doing. 3 God blessed the seventh day and set it apart as holy, because on it he rested from all his work of creation that he had done. The Creation of Man and Woman 4 This is the account about the development [9] of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens: 5 No bushes that grow in the field were yet on the earth, [10] and no plants of the field had yet sprung up, since the Lord God had not yet caused it to rain on the earth. There was not yet a man to till the soil, 6 but water [11] came up from the earth and watered the entire surface of the ground. 7 The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground [12] and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. 8 The Lord God planted a garden [13] in Eden in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 Out of the ground the Lord God made every kind of tree grow—trees that are pleasant to look at and good for food, including the Tree of Life in the middle of the garden and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. 10 A river went out from Eden to water the garden, and from there it divided and became the headwaters of four rivers. 11 The name of the first river is Pishon. It flows through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold, 12 and the gold of that land is good. Incense [14] and onyx stone are also found there. 13 The name of the second river is Gihon. It is the same river that winds through the whole land of Cush. [15] 14 The name of the third river is Tigris. This is the one which flows along the east side of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates. 15 The Lord God took the man and settled him in the Garden of Eden to work it and to take care of it. 16 The Lord God gave a command to the man. He said, “You may freely eat from every tree in the garden, 17 but you shall not eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, for on the day that you eat from it, you will certainly die.” 18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is a suitable partner for him.” 19 Out of the soil the Lord God had formed every wild animal and every bird of the sky, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them. Whatever the man called every living creature, that became its name. 20 The man gave names to all the livestock, and to the birds of the sky, and to every wild animal, but for Adam [16] no helper was found who was a suitable partner for him. 21 The Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. As the man slept, the Lord God took a rib [17] and closed up the flesh where it had been. 22 The Lord God built a woman from the rib that he had taken from the man and brought her to the man. 23 The man said, Now this one is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She will be called “woman,” because she was taken out of man. [18] 24 For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and will remain united with his wife, and they will become one flesh. [19] 25 They were both naked, the man and his wife, and they were not ashamed. Footnotes Genesis 1:2 Or without form Genesis 1:6 Traditionally a firmament Genesis 1:8 Or the heavens Genesis 1:9 The Greek Old Testament includes the sentence in half-brackets. It is not in the Hebrew text. Genesis 1:20 The Hebrew word oph usually refers to birds, but it means “flyers” and can include other flying creatures such as insects and bats. Genesis 1:24 Or domestic animals Genesis 1:26 The rendering of the Hebrew word adam is a key issue in this section. Adam may refer to man, mankind, or Adam. This translation retains the article where it occurs with adam (the man) and retains singular or plural forms of verbs and pronouns according to the Hebrew text. Genesis 2:1 Literally all their armies Genesis 2:4 The Hebrew word toledoth, which is used in the headings of the ten sections of Genesis, is related to the Hebrew root for give birth, but as used in the section headings of Genesis (such as 2:4; 5:1; 6:9, etc.), toledoth seems to refer to the development more than to the origin of the group being discussed. For this reason, in the section headings of Genesis, toledoth is regularly translated account about the development. Genesis 2:5 Literally every bush of the field was not yet on the earth. This wording seems to refer to the time before the creation of plants on day 3, but the context of chapter 2 seems to be the preparation of the Garden of Eden as a special home for man and woman. Some commentators suggest that this verse refers only to the area of the Garden of Eden, which had been left unfinished, but the wide term on the earth does not seem to be a natural way to say this, so this may be a reference back to day 3. Genesis 2:6 A rare word (ed) is used. It may refer to springs or, less likely, to mist. Genesis 2:10 refers to the presence of rivers. Genesis 2:7 Literally as dust from the ground. This means man is still dust and will return to dust. Genesis 2:8 In Hebrew, the term garden includes groves of trees. Genesis 2:12 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain. It probably refers to a fragrant resin or a precious stone. Genesis 2:13 In the Old Testament, Cush often refers to the land south of Egypt. Here the names of the third and fourth rivers suggest an area in Mesopotamia, today's Iraq. Genesis 2:20 Here the Hebrew word adam without the article becomes a personal name. Genesis 2:21 Part of his side is a more literal translation than the traditional translation rib. Genesis 2:23 Here the Hebrew word for man is ish not adam. Like the English word pair man/woman, the Hebrew words ish/ishah correspond to one another. Genesis 2:24 Verse 24 may be a continuation of the words of Adam or a comment of the inspired writer. In either case, Jesus recognizes them as part of the divine institution of marriage (Matthew 19:4-5). #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

Give Attention to Reading | John 1-2

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Eight and Verse Fourteen

Insights and comments could be sent to Jonathan@thepararshapodcast.comThey will be addressed during our daily classes to enhance the discussion.For Parasha & Navi Special Classes, please visit:Apple podcast link:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-parasha-podcast/id1525436805Spotify link:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6w6PD5kC5vi9qqJ8VDU0JV?si=939c0262383e4c1cFor Navi classes, please visit:Apple podcast link:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-navi-podcast/id1549133051Spotify link:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WxjXKNXllLVr9p1enQIc8?si=71de5d3ff961455dFor Tehillim classes, please visit:Apple podcast link:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tehillim-podcast/id1588773372Spotify link:https://open.spotify.com/show/79ooU0LqW7FF8Zh5YfJAkp?si=a33c064f60374646For Ketuvim classes, Please visit:Apple Podcast link:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ketuvim-podcast/id1734069288Spotify link:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5pMd7hhOBAb1Oy2RhWMX0H?si=8da277c698b94890 #Parasha #Navi #Torah #Bible #Wisdom #psalms #songs #Tehillim     

When you reach that quiet moment where you think, I don’t know if I can keep doing this, you’re not alone. In this episode, I talk honestly about soul-level exhaustion, the temptation to choose comfort over commitment, and why endurance is essential to spiritual maturity. Through Elijah’s story in 1 Kings, we see that God meets us not with condemnation, but with rest, nourishment, and a whisper of grace. If you’ve felt weary, discouraged, or on the brink of quitting, this conversation will remind you that exhaustion lies—but God is faithful. Don’t walk away. Sometimes the breakthrough comes right after the moment you almost left. Don’t forget – This is your final week to enter the giveaway for A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul. All you have to do is: Leave a podcast review (1–2 sentences is perfect), and you’re entered!! The winner will be announced in the next episode! Xo, Donna And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Listen in to learn more : [0:00:12] When Your Soul Is Tired in a Way Sleep Can’t Fix [0:04:30] The Quiet Moment Right Before You Quit [0:09:24] Choosing Commitment Over Comfort [0:13:45] Training in Small Hard Things to Build Endurance [0:17:30] God’s Gentle Interruptions Are Mercy, Not Abandonment Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my new book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith! Connect with Donna Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jeremy Lallier discusses 1 Samuel 14:6, NET Bible—“Perhaps the LORD will intervene for us. Nothing can prevent the LORD from delivering, whether by many or by a few.”

This week, dear listeners, Scary Spirits Podcast lifts its candle to the storm‑lit heavens to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Ken Russell's 1986 cult horror film Gothic—a delirious vision born of madness, poetry, and moon‑drenched terror. Join your devoted hosts, Karen and Greg, as they descend into the fevered dreams of the film, where Lord Byron himself looms large, temptation whispers, and nightmares take elegant form. Between spectral analysis and wicked insight, they sip a specially crafted Lord Byron Cocktail, a libation as darkly seductive as the poet's own legend. If you crave horror film discussion, gothic cinema, and literary hauntings served with wit and atmosphere, this episode of Scary Spirits is your invitation to the Villa Diodati—where art, excess, and horror first dared to collide. Pour a drink, dim the lights, and linger with us among the spirits. Lord Byron Cocktail • 1 part KLEOS Mastiha Spirit• 1 part gin• 3/4 parts fresh lemon juice• 1/4 part simple syrup• 6 cucumber slices Instructions: Shake all ingredients vigorously. Strain and serve up in a chilled coupette. Garnish with a cucumber peel. Source: drinkkleos.com A Brief Synopsis: On a warm summer night in 1816 at the Swiss lakeside château of Lord Byron, the poet and his guests — Percy Bysshe Shelley; his fiancée, Mary Wollstonecraft; her half-sister, Claire; and his private doctor John Polidori — spend the evening sharing ghost stories while under the influence of experimental compounds provided by the doctor. As the night goes on, reality and the horrific tales begin to commingle. Some of the topics discussed and highlights of this episode include: Karen gives us a brief history of each of the main characters Claire Clairmont Dr. John Polidori Lord Byron Percy Shelley Mary Shelley Our rating of the film: This movie was OK. It took us 3 cocktails to get through it. Take our online survey! We want to know more about you! Please take our survey. All questions are optional and you can remain completely anonymous if you prefer. Tell us what you like or would like to hear more of! All music on the Scary Spirits Podcast is provided by the band “Verse 13”. Please check them out. You can listen to all their music on their Bandcamp page. Get social with us! Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram Subscribe on YouTube to watch Greg attempt to make all the featured cocktails Follow @ScarySpiritsPod Questions, comments or suggestions? Shoot us an email at info@scaryspirits.com As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small percentage of qualifying purchases through our links.

Shri Krishna reveals the sign of one who has practiced the path to Self-knowledge: humility and the vision of equality. By seeing beyond names and forms and focusing on the essence—the Creator in all—we treat everyone equally and live anchored in the Truth. This is Essential Verse 17: Chapter 5, Verse 18.➡️ To maximize your experience of this season, we encourage you to request your FREE copy of the Essential Love eBook. Incorporating accessible translations and practical application, the eBook accompanies each episode with additional ways to learn, synthesize, and reflect on key insights.

-What We've Been Watching-Join Our Patreon And Over 50 Exclusive Episodes In 2026. All Episodes Ad-Free & Early Access https://www.patreon.com/GeekVerse-Find Our Discord, Podcast/Video Feeds & Social Media In The Link Below! https://solo.to/geekverseTOPICSSony Officially Rebooting The Sony-Marvel Verse, Planning Out Our Phase 1 Of The RebootTrailer Reviews :Backrooms, Toy Story 5, The Yeti, Over Your Dead Body, The Mummy, Bodycam, SlantedBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/geekverse-podcast--4201268/support.

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Eight and Verse Thirteen

Die Tuinroete-distriksmunisipaliteit in die Wes-Kaap sê bek-en-klouseer is bevestig op 'n vers-plaas naby Mosselbaai, 21-kilometer noord van die oorsprong-plaas. ʼn Woordvoerder, Herman Pieters, sê kalwers van die oorspronklike plaas is Saterdag na hierdie eiendom verskuif. Hy sê alle vee op die betrokke plaas, asook ʼn buurplaas, is intussen ingeënt:

The Michaelangelo to Bob Ross to Akira Kurosawa to Jason Griffin pipeline is strong. Master Collaborator and accomplished visual artist Jason Griffin is a Caldecott Honoree for his work with Jason Reynolds on their 2022 collaboration Ain't Burned All the Bright, their third book together (we'll talk about the others in this episode). But his work with our friend and future guest Winsome Bingham is what brings us here today. The 2024 multicultural, multi-generational picture book collab The Table will be followed in September by the amazing, poignant, gorgeous On Fridays. Check out our Instagram later this week (on Friday, actually) for some very cover-y things to be revealed! Resources to consume that were discussed in this episode: Elizabeth Gilbert's TED Talk featuring THE Tom Waits anecdote Akira Kurosawa's iconic blood spray oopsie _________ This episode's book reviews:  RAINBOW PANDA, words by Lisa Muchnik, pictures by Emilie Timmermans ALBERTO SALAS PLAYS PAKA PAKA CON LA PAPA, words by Sara Andrea Fajardo, pictures by Juana Martinez-Neal THE BLACK MAMBAS THE WORLD'S FIRST ALL-WOMAN ANTI-POACHING UNIT by Kelly Crull   The artwork for You May Contribute a Verse features our quokka mascot, Versey, and was generously created by the great Maddie Frost! Find her on IG @hellomaddiefrost or on her website Maddie-Frost.com    Our theme music is So Happy by Scott Holmes. You can find more of his music at scottholmesmusic.com     Love the podcast and wanna support more episodes like this? Find Community Shoutouts, Merch and our Patreon here!!    Find us on Bluesky @joshmonkwords, @brennajeanneret, and @jonseym0ur and as always, let us know what you think via a rating, review, or comment!

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Tuesday morning, the 24th of February, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Gospel of John 20:25. Thomas said: “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” Folks, there is nothing worse than doubting. We need to stop doubting and we need to start believing. They talk about Thomas being the doubting Thomas but I want to say to you that Thomas eventually believed. Eight days later, the Lord came and stood in the midst of them and He said to Thomas, ”Thomas, put your finger here and look at my hands and reach your hand here and put it into my side and do not be unbelieving but believing.” Verse 28 - the Bible tells us that when Thomas saw this, he said, ”My Lord and my God.” Thomas did eventually believe and he believed so much that he went to India to preach the Gospel and there he was martyred. I want to say something to you. It is better to have doubted and then believe, than to have never believed at all. Of course, once you see, then you don't need faith, do you? But to believe, having not seen Jesus, is a wonderful thing and that's what Jesus said to Thomas, ”There will be those who come after you who have never seen me and yet believe.”It is so sad for me when people are determined not to believe the word of God. There is more evidence that Jesus Christ walked on this earth than there is that Julius Caesar existed. Why is it that our hearts become so hardened? I want to say to you today, you really need to believe by faith. I want to pray for you because I believe there are some people who are listening to this thought for the day every morning, but you still don't believe. Now please, if you want more faith to believe that Jesus Christ not only is alive, not only is He the saviour of the world, but that He's coming back soon, pray this prayer after me: Dear Lord Jesus, please forgive me for doubting You. Lord, when I look around and I see the devastation in the world, I find it hard to believe, but today I choose by faith to believe that You, Jesus Christ, are the Son of the living God. Amen.God bless you and have a wonderful day.Goodbye.

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Eight and Verse Twelve

In this episode, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb explore one of Scripture's most fascinating puzzles: the parable of the lost sheep appears in both Luke 15 and Matthew 18, yet teaches dramatically different lessons depending on its context. In Luke, it defends Christ's mission to seek the lost and exposes Pharisaic self-righteousness. In Matthew, it becomes a pastoral manual for church discipline, humility, and restoration. This conversation challenges the common assumption that parables have only one meaning and demonstrates how the same story can illuminate multiple theological truths. The hosts unpack the scandalous grace woven throughout both accounts while wrestling with practical implications for church life, confrontation, and the celebration of repentance within the covenant community. Key Takeaways Context transforms meaning: The parable of the lost sheep appears in both Luke 15 and Matthew 18 with similar wording but vastly different applications—proving that parables can have multiple valid meanings depending on their literary and theological context. Matthew 18's audience is internal: Unlike Luke 15, which addresses outsiders and critics, Matthew 18 speaks to disciples about life within the kingdom community—focusing on humility, care for "little ones," and the church's responsibility toward vulnerable or straying members. The parable sets up church discipline: In Matthew 18, the lost sheep parable (vv. 12-14) directly precedes and theologically grounds the church discipline passage (vv. 15-20), teaching that confrontation should be motivated by pastoral rescue, not punitive justice. "Little ones" matter to the Father: The phrase "little ones" refers to children, new believers, and those vulnerable within the church—Christ warns sternly against despising them and insists it is not the Father's will that any should perish (v. 14). Restoration is the goal, not excommunication: Verse 15's language of "gaining your brother" frames confrontation as recovery. Even final excommunication (v. 17) should be carried out with ongoing hope for repentance and return, not with triumphalism or relief. Christ's presence empowers difficult work: The promise that "where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them" (v. 20) is not a general prayer meeting verse—it's a specific assurance of Christ's authorizing presence during the judicial and painful work of church discipline. Divine intention shapes church posture: The statement "it is not the will of my Father...that one of these little ones should perish" (v. 14) must color every step of the discipline process, ensuring the church never loses sight of God's restorative heart. Explanatory Paragraphs Context Transforms Meaning One of the most significant insights from this episode is the recognition that the parable of the lost sheep serves distinct theological purposes in Luke 15 and Matthew 18. In Luke, Jesus tells the parable to Pharisees and scribes who criticize Him for welcoming sinners—the lost sheep represents those outside the covenant community whom Christ seeks. In Matthew, however, Jesus addresses His disciples within the context of kingdom life, and the lost sheep represents a believer who has wandered from the fold. This contextual shift demonstrates that parables are not rigid allegories with single meanings but flexible teaching tools that illuminate different facets of divine truth. The hosts argue that this reality should free interpreters from overly narrow readings and encourage careful attention to literary setting, audience, and surrounding discourse when seeking to understand Jesus' teaching. The Parable Sets Up Church Discipline In Matthew 18, the parable of the lost sheep (vv. 12-14) is not an isolated story but a theological foundation for the church discipline instructions that immediately follow (vv. 15-20). By emphasizing the shepherd's joy in recovering the one lost sheep and stating that it is not God's will for any "little one" to perish, Jesus prepares His disciples to approach confrontation with a restorative rather than punitive mindset. The language of "gaining your brother" (v. 15) echoes the recovery theme of the parable—confrontation is rescue, not victory. This connection is often missed because English Bible headings create visual breaks between verses 14 and 15, obscuring their flow. When read together without interruption, the passage reveals that every step of church discipline—from private conversation to final excommunication—must be undertaken with the Father's heart, which longs for the wanderer's return rather than their expulsion. Christ's Presence Empowers Difficult Work The promise in Matthew 18:20—"where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them"—is frequently misapplied as a general encouragement for small prayer groups or house churches. While Christ's omnipresence certainly validates such gatherings, the primary context of this verse is judicial and ecclesiastical. The "two or three" echoes the Old Testament requirement for multiple witnesses in matters requiring serious judgment (Deuteronomy 19:15), and the phrase appears at the climax of Jesus' teaching on church discipline. Christ is promising His authorizing presence specifically during the church's most difficult and painful work: confronting sin, evaluating repentance, and when necessary, declaring someone outside the visible church. This is both sobering and comforting—sobering because it reminds us that church discipline carries divine weight, and comforting because Christ does not leave His church alone in this weighty task but stands in the midst of the assembly, confirming its righteous judgments and sustaining its members through heartbreak. Memorable Quotes "This almost proves the idea that parables have one meaning just isn't really real...a single parable with the same words can have multiple, at the very least, can have multiple gradations of meaning." — Tony Arsenal "The scandal here is that it's not God's will that any one of these little ones should be lost. And that sometimes, I think, in the midst of great conflict feels scandalous." — Jesse Schwamb "Gaining your brother frames confrontation as rescue...discipline begins maybe actually all the way through as pastoral care. It's not public shaming." — Jesse Schwamb Full Transcript [The complete, unedited transcript of the episode would be included here for reference and accessibility.]

David Johnson discusses 1 Corinthians 16:8—“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.”

Verse by verse exposition of Daniel ch. 8

Every Sunday Night we will be diving deeper into specific chapters and verses throughout the bible. We created this service to provide a space to equip our church family with a deeper knowledge and understanding of scripture.We invite you to join us on Sunday Nights at Captivate Point Loma!-----Join us for service online or in person every Sunday at 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, & 5pm (PST).Connect to Captivate! - https://shorturl.at/nKxQuDownload the Captivate App to Stay Connected! - https://shorturl.at/5PfXPIf you want to share how God is moving in your life through this ministry, please let us know at info@captivatesd.com!Decided To Follow Jesus? Sign up to receive a copy of our “I Have Decided” booklets - https://shorturl.at/93CHSGet plugged in!Next Steps - captivatesd.com/next-stepsVisit - captivatesd.com/visitCommunities - captivatesd.com/communitiesIf you would like to support Captivate financially you can give online through our website by clicking here captivatesd.com/giving Need prayer? Please let us know! - https://captivatesd.churchcenter.com/people/forms/597023For more information about Captivate Church, visit captivatesd.com or follow us on our social media platforms below.Instagram - Instagram.com/captivatechurchsdFacebook - facebook.com/captivatesd

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Eight and Verse Eleven

For more information visit amarillofellowship.com

One of the most important principles of the Christian life is that of living by faith. Today, we're studying Numbers 21 where the people's faith is truly a matter of life & death. We'll see the severity of their situation and how their faith prefigured the faith that we're to have in Jesus as our only way of salvation. Join us for another important study in God's Word! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    The podcast mentioned that we skipped over several chapters which chronicled several difficult challenges that the Children of Israel faced. What do you think the people's mood would have been like at this point?  2.    What were the events of Numbers 21:1-3? What did the Children of Israel do? How was this unique? How did the Lord respond to them in verse 3? 3.    Verse 4 sets up the main event of this chapter. Verse 4 mentions that they had left Mount Hor and were going around the land of Edom. This was going to be a 200-mile detour. How did the people handle this in verse 5? How do you think you would have responded to a 200-mile trek that was out of your way? 4.    In verse 6, what was the Lord's response to their complaints? How was their response different in verse 7? 5.    In verse 8, what did the Lord tell Moses to make? What were the children of Israel supposed to do with this? What would happen if they obeyed? Did people obey? 6.    The podcast went over some of the heart change their obedience would demonstrate. What do you think their obedience reflected about their belief in God?  7.    Now, fast forward 700 years to 2 Kings 18:1-4. What were the people doing with the Bronze Serpent in this passage? How did their behavior reflect the people's faith now? What did Hezekiah do with the Bronze Serpent? How did his actions reflect his faith and obedience? How do Hezekiah's actions show us the way to handle anything that gets in the way of true worship?  8.    In John 3:14-16, Jesus refers to this event when explaining the kind of faith we need to have to be saved. How does looking at the Bronze Serpent prefigure the faith we are to have in Christ? What are we to be trusting Christ for?  9.    How is Jesus the only way of salvation, in a way that is similar to the Bronze Serpent being the only way the people could be saved?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

John 15:1-8,“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.This morning we come to the seventh of Jesus's seven great “I am” statements in the Gospel of John. Jesus is the bread of life; he is the light of the world, the door, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life; he is the way, the truth, and the life. And finally, in John 15, he is the vine.The vine. It's such a memorable and concrete image that it might be hard for some of us to hear it afresh. One of the challenges for us is how this old English word “abide,” which is not a word we use today. Anyone use “abide” on the street this week? It's an old word, but it's easy enough. It just means “remain” or “stay.” “Abide in me” equals “Stay in me.”Now, that command to stay or abide in Jesus doesn't come until verse 4. Verses 1-3 set the table with vital background information before Jesus turns to us, the branches, in verse 4, and says, Stay in me.So, we branches have something to do here, to engage in. In this picture of Christ's provision, you do get to play a part. You are not decisive, but you are involved: you stay, remain, continue. Or, said negatively: don't bail, don't fall away; don't coast and drift from Jesus — especially when conflict comes, when interruptions come, when agitation comes, disorientation, confusion, insults, opposition, slander.The call to abide, to stay, assumes a context of conflict, with forces pulling on the branches, trying to disconnect them from the vine.It's easy to pull these verses out of context and imagine a nice, peaceful, sunshiny day in the vineyard. But John 15 is right at the beginning of the storm. Remember this is the longest Thursday night, the night before Jesus dies. The storm is bearing down on them, and Jesus is getting his men ready.He said in 14:27:“Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”And he said in 14:31, “Rise, let us go from here.”But he keeps talking. I imagine the disciples rising to their feet, but before they go, Jesus wants to prepare them a little bit more, with a battlefield speech: I am the vine; you are branches. That's what you need for this storm. Stay in me.Then in 16:1 Jesus will say why he said what he did in chapter 15:“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.”So, abiding is not about cushy, idyllic days. It's about staying in Jesus when forces are trying to pull you away from him. Which relates to another context for this passage: our context. Jonathan called it our “Troubled Heart Situation”: the jarring interruption of our worship a few weeks ago, with its insults, and since then, the questions and many misunderstandings we've endured from those who don't know the truth and may show little interest in it.So, originally, the Vine and branches was to help Jesus's disciples, against opposition, stay with him. And now God has given Cities Church the Vine and branches this morning to help us, against opposition, stay with him.Now, when we see ourselves in this passage, it is a very simple, modest role. Jesus uses the word six times: branch. That's what you are, what I am: we are branches. Humble branches, totally dependent, powerless and unimpressive on our own — and yet branches on a good vine can be very happy, nourished, well supplied, empowered, and fruitful.So, we make our way this morning with four truths about us as humble, happy branches who need to stay in Jesus in the storm.1. We branches are distinct from the Vine. (vv. 1–2)We are just branches. We are not the Vine. Jesus is the Vine. We are distinct from the Vine and we do not become the Vine, and yet, amazingly, we are joined to the Vine. And not just Vine, but in verse 1, Jesus says “true vine.” “I am the true vine.”We've seen Jesus use the word true throughout John to talk about being the real or genuine or ultimate. He is the true light, the true bread, true food, true drink. And now true vine.True vine implies that another vine has come before, and now Jesus comes as the true one, the ultimate one. What was the previous vine? Israel. Psalm 80:8–9 is one place among many:You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land. In Psalm 80, and in Isaiah and Jeremiah and Ezekiel, Israel is God's vine, and tragically, in the prophets, God's vine that did not bear the fruit it should have.So, this is no small claim when Jesus says he's the true vine. He's saying that God's first-covenant people, the first vine, the old vine, were not the final vine. And now Jesus comes as the new vine, the true vine, the ultimate vine. Which means he's the new and final place of connection to God, not Israel.Previously, to be God's people, you had to be born into or specially brought into God's ethnic people. But now, to be God's people, you need only to be joined to Jesus.This joining to Jesus is what we call “union with Christ.” Through faith, by the connecting power of the Holy Spirit, men and women from every nation, whatever ethnicity, are joined to Jesus and, in union with him, experience all the benefits he provides: righteousness, redemption, forgiveness, holiness, sonship, and true family, and best of all, at the center of it all, the surpassing joy of knowing Jesus.And a union works in two directions. A husband and all he has becomes his wife's, and the wife and all she has becomes her husband's. So, verse 4 says, “Abide in me, and I in you.” Verse 5: “Whoever abides in me and I in him.” This is mutual indwelling. We branches are not only in the Vine by faith, but he is in us: “I in you.” As we saw last week, the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us, is the presence of Jesus in our lives and ministers to us the realness of Jesus. (And we'll see in a minute how this gets more tangible.)So, we branches are not the Vine; we are distinct from the Vine. And yet, we are joined to the Vine, united to the Vine. Which raises a question in verse 2:Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he [the Father, the vinedresser; literally, the Farmer, geōrgós] takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.Get this, it's not just vine and branches. There's a Farmer in the vineyard: the Father. He walks the vineyard. He helps the Vine and the branches by pruning the good ones and removing the fruitless ones. We'll come back to the Father and his pruning, but here's the question: What do we make of these branches that are “in the Vine” but the Father “takes away”? Verse 6 continues the thought:If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away [cast out] like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.Can someone be truly in the vine and taken away? The answer is the metaphor is not meant to go that far. Jesus has made plain again and again in this Gospel that no one can take his true sheep from him (6:37; 10:29; 17:12; 18:9), and John has made it clear that there are some who seem to believe, so-called followers of Jesus, even Judas among his twelve (2:23-24; 6:60, 6; 8:30ff; 12:42-43). The reality is not that they were once truly in and then fell away, but that their falling away shows they were never truly in the Vine. Those who are truly in Jesus persevere; they abide, and bear fruit; and they are the ones the Father prunes that they might bear more fruit (like the Lord's discipline in Hebrews 12:4–11).The point is that true Christians will bear fruit, not that a person could be genuinely united to Jesus and lose their connection.Jesus is the Vine, and we are the branches, distinct from him, and united to him by faith and the Holy Spirit. 2. We branches delight in the sap. (vv. 3, 7a)I assume we don't have many viticulturists in the room. I should probably make it clear that life-giving sap flows in one direction: from the Vine to the branches. Sap, containing water and nutrients and sugar flows from the vine to the branches to nourish the branches that they might grow and develop fruit.And if you ask, Okay, that's great in theory about the vine, but how does this relate to our union with Jesus? Verse 7 gives us the critical answer for how this union becomes tangible:“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you…”Did you hear it? What's staying in us when we stay in Jesus? His words. And this is not the only mention of his words in this passage. Jump up to verse 3:Already you are clean [katharoí, same root as “prune” in v. 2] because of the word that I have spoken to you.So, before telling them to abide, Jesus says, already (one of the most important words in this passage) you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. What's the word he spoke to them? In chapter 13, Jesus says something very similar. He's washing the disciples' feet, and Peter objects. Jesus says, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” So, Peter says, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus responds, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean [same as 15:3], but not every one of you” (referring to Judas).So, here's the significance of this first word in 15:3: it's his word of full acceptance, a declaration of right standing (what Paul will call justification by faith). Before you're purified, you are pure. Before you're cleaned, you are clean. You are in Jesus by faith, united to him, before you abide the storms. Union first, then abiding. Not abide to secure union; abide because you're united. So, verse 3, refers to a word Jesus speaks that effects full acceptance with God, in union with him, that is already true before we abide.Then, back to verse 7, where we have his word for fresh abiding, or the word for daily strength. This is the ongoing, sustaining flow of grace that comes to us in union with Jesus through his word. This is the word for sanctification or for perseverance. Jesus's word, with his Spirit, is the sweet sap that flows to our souls and gives them life and delight. (Do you long for and enjoy his word like a branch enjoys the sweet sap of the vine? Do you, like a newborn infant, long for the pure spiritual milk of his word? 1 Peter 2:2.)Vital to abiding in Jesus is savoring the sap of his word, having his word stay in you, getting his words lodged into our hearts. How do you do that? Not just reading Scripture but meditating on it. Chewing on it. Savoring the sap, slowing down to savor the sap of his word, and ponder it, and lodge it in your heart, that Jesus himself might abide in you by his Spirit.Healthy branches stay in the vine through regular, particular moments of intentional, unhurried abiding, staying in Christ's word, not reading quick, praying quick, checking the box, and onto the rest of your day; but lingering unhurried in the Vine through his word. Put your phone away. Carve out enough time to lose track of time, to stay, without rushing, abide, in the presence of God in the Vine, savoring his words as energizing, life-giving sap for your soul.So, branches delight in the sap, that is, the word.3. We branches depend on the Vine. (vv. 4, 5, 7b)Not only does the sap of the word flow from the Vine to the branches, but there is a particular orientation of the branches back toward the Vine: utter dependance. There is in humble, happy branches a glad admission of powerlessness, and a glad response to the word called prayer, asking for more of the Vine and for his help in doing what he calls us to do: be fruitful.The powerlessness is in verses 4–5:As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. . . . [A]part from me you can do nothing.So, such powerless dependent branches, delighting in the word of the Vine, respond with their own words called prayer. The last part of verse 7:“ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”We saw another of these “ask whatever” verses in chapter 14, verses 13–14:“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”We'll see another next week in 15:16:“…whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you…”Now verse 7:“…ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”I don't think Jesus is giving us a blank prayer check for natural desires, and clearly we all know from our experience that we don't have that. The key in verse 7 is to remember the context. How different it is when you're in a trial and hanging on his words! His words in us feed our desires and prayers that echo his own heart. And “in my name” qualifies it. We have a banner in Jesus's name. And we have a backstop in the Spirit interceding for us. Romans 8:26–27: …the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us [in our] groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.Perhaps the main thing to take away is how much the Vine wants his branches to pray. He wants to hear from us — to live on the sap of his word, lodge his words and his will in our souls, and then, in his name, speak back to him. Pray. He wants there to be relationship, communion in the union.And a holy heart, shaped by God's word, is unleashed to ask, and ask, and ask, and know that when we don't know how to pray, and pray for the wrong things, we have the Spirit of Jesus in us interceding for us.So, the branches are distinct from the Vine, and we delight in his words, and we depend on him in prayer.4. We branches develop fruit, and so draw attention to the Farmer. (v. 8)Go to verse 8:“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”I say develop fruit because fruit doesn't happen in a moment. It grows organically, bit by bit over time. If you ask, what does “bearing fruit” mean for us, it includes all the good that flows from our union and communion with Christ: love for one another and joy and obeying commands and being his means to others coming to abide in him (more on that next week).None of which branches should hear as a burden! Bearing fruit is a joy for branches. That's what they were made for. Branches bearing fruit are branches fully alive and happy.And if you ask how you might evaluate your fruit, I would say this: don't evaluate your fruitfulness relative to how well you could someday love or obey or be effective in evangelism, or comparing yourself to the fruit of others. But ask yourself about you: your past, your former desires, your old self — how is the life-giving sap flowing into your soul and developing the fruit of love for others in your life? Perhaps you've heard the famous quote from John Newton:I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am.And verse 8 is clear that developing fruit does not make you to be Jesus's disciples but proves you are his disciples. Our fruit shows that we had already become his. Which makes the Vine look good. And the vine producing fruit, through his branches, makes his Father, the Farmer, look good.Pruning Cities ChurchSo, we come back to verse 2 and that there's a Farmer. John 15 isn't just Vine and branches. We have a Farmer, the Father, who walks the vineyard. And he serves the vine and all the fruitful branches by removing the unfruitful ones. And he prunes the fruit-producing branches so that they can produce more fruit.So, I want to end with this question: Was the Farmer away on January 18? He was not away. John 15 clues us in on what he was doing: he was pruning Cities Church for our good, that we might bear more fruit. I don't think “more fruit” means headlines or relates to the opinions of people far away. But in the Vine, God has given us fruit together in these first eleven years in worshiping Jesus together, and loving one another, and seeking the good of these Cities. And “more fruit,” I would assume, would relate to these same three avenues.Brothers and sisters, the Farmer wasn't caught off guard on January 18. And he hasn't been away since. He is ever vigilant over his Vine and his branches. He is ever gardening. He is pruning with perfect cuts. And I can already see he's done and is doing some amazing work, to take so many individuals from some fruit to more fruit, and to work on us a people to prune us from fruit to more fruit. Most of you have leaned in with an engaged hope that has been remarkable. But if the last month has distanced you from the Vine, if you sense yourself withering, with less of his word, less prayer, less fellowship, make this your day of turning. The main thing the Farmer is doing in this suffering is causing his branches to go deeper into the Vine. Don't drift from the Vine. Stay. Remain. Abide.Delight in his sap. Lodge his sweet, life-giving words into your mind and heart. Depend on his help. Having filled yourself with his words, pray in your own words. And ask him for whatever you need in his call to love each other and these Cities.Fellowship of BranchesWe said at the beginning, we are not the Vine. And now: you are not the only branch. Jesus says branches. You are never a lone branch in Christ, and never alone at this Table.We call this Communion for two reasons: communion with the Vine and communion with the other branches that are in him. So, take a morsel of nourishment, and a thimble of sap, and let's enjoy the Vine together.

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Eight and Verse Ten

The Gospel | Romans 7:1-6

When does night become day? Where exactly does easy end and difficult begin?This week we're reading Verse Two from Stephen Mitchell's translation of the Tao Te Ching—a short passage about opposites, contrast, and why we exhaust ourselves trying to cling to only one side of life.We'll talk about mountains and valleys, cold drinks on hot days, and what it means to act without forcing.Pour some coffee. Take a breath. Let's sit with this for a few minutes.

Ask Joni a question here! --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

This week on Herbal Radio, we are joined by host Lucretia Van Dyke, and the spiritually attuned clinical herbalist who has found herself guided on an ancestral path to unite the Black herbalist community, Donette Lowe.   Join us as they explore: Spiritual herbalism: cultivating connection between person and plant Alchemizing ancestral medicine as a poisoner in the Hoodoo tradition Food as medicine: onions, collard greens, and everything in between   Customizing care aligned with the individual's lifestyle Donette's calling to connect the Black herbalist community Herbalism and social media: the real herbalist vs. the reel herbalist As always, we thank you for joining us on another botanical adventure and are so honored to have you tag along with us on this ride. Remember, we want to hear from you! Your questions, ideas, and who you want to hear from are an invaluable piece to our podcast. Email us at podcast@mountainroseherbs.com to let us know what solutions we should uncover next within the vast world of herbalism. Learn more about Donette and Lucretia below! ⬇️

Dave Myers discusses Exodus 31:13—“Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.'”