Podcasts about abrahamic

#mormon #christianity #islam #judaism Youtube link: https://youtu.be/wDWcKvxGQWkPodcast link: Click on link for podcast: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/6B7jSHyE8XbJoin us as we have a conversation about how Abrahamic religions are the most captivating physiological and financial scams the Black community have ever seen! Hashtags: #religion #god #islam #jesus #faith #love #christianity #church #bible #christian #spirituality #muslim #allah #atheist #peace #art #pray #prayer #quran #atheism #spiritual #india #jesuschrist #christ #hope #instagram #life #truth #catholic #amen

How did the Saints wrestle with the revelation on plural marriage in Doctrine and Covenants 132 and how can reading their own accounts inform our faith, and personal testimony?SHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTS English: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC246EN French: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC246FR German: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC246DE Portuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC246PT Spanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC246ESYOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/6Zb8xWjyIFgALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIM.co2021 Episode Doctrine & Covenants 129-132 Part 2https://youtu.be/BKG8_p8uYqMFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook  WEEKLY NEWSLETTER https://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter  SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE:00:00 Part 2 - Sister Brittany Chapman Nash00:07 Don't need to have a testimony of plural marriage02:01 Context to a revelation for Emma Smith05:21 Emma rejected the revelation08:44 Joseph F. Smith's statement on this section11:44 Preaching publicly about this revelation14:09 Section 132 would have been different if delivered to body of the Saints17:26 Provenance of Section 13220:19 Joseph Smith restoring patterns from previous dispensations22:30 Not a statement about what God thinks about marriage27:25 Some motivations for marriage30:34 Pattern of women (and men) agreeing to plural marriage35:08 Having increase and Abrahamic sacrifice38:35 Finding peace through reading first-person accounts40:20 Marriage can be good or evil, depending on the people practicing42:26 No social or religious repercussions for those who did not practice46:51 Nephi killing Laban50:39 Let's Talk About: Polygamy by Brittany Chapman Nash53:27 The Saints reception of plural marriage56:22 Martha Craig Cox writing about the principle59:11 Consent is an eternal principle1:01:12 Reflections on living plural marriage1:04:21 The results of wrestling with difficult topics1:05:34 Moving forward with faith in Jesus Christ1:08:25 End of Part 2 - Sister Brittany Chapman NashThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

It goes without saying that War is Peace, especially when the President of Peace continually threatens war or supports the same indirectly: from Gaza to Venezuela and now Nigeria. The President posted this threat to Nigeria over the Halloween weekend: “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,' to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities. I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!” In response, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth responded: “Yes sir… The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria — and anywhere — must end immediately. The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/01/politics/trump-pentagon-nigeria-action According to a 2024 report from “The Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa,” there have been 11,000 incidents of extreme violence from October 2019 through September of 2023. The violence left 55,910 people dead in 9,970 deadly attacks — as well as 21,621 people abducted in 2,705 attacks. The total number includes civilian deaths, terror group deaths, and Nigerian Armed Forces deaths. Of the total deaths, 30,880 were civilians. Of the civilians, at least 16,769 Christians were killed, 6,235 Muslims were killed and 154 adherents of traditional African religions were killed. The religions of 7,722 victims are unknown. The report says further: “The ratio of Christians to Muslims killed rises significantly when the religious composition of the states is taken into consideration. Looking at the overall numbers, the ratio of Christians to Muslims killed was 2.7:1; the ratio of Christians to Muslims abducted was 1.4:1. However, when taking into account the relative sizes of the Christian and Muslim populations within the different states, the ratio of Christians to Muslims killed increases to 6.5:1, and the ratio of Christians to Muslims abducted to 5.1:1.” “Fulani Ethnic Militia are targeting Christian populations, while Muslims also suffer severely at their hands,” the Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam, another analyst for The Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa, said in a statement. https://ewtn.co.uk/article-56000-killed-in-nigerias-ethnic-and-religious-violence-christians-disproportionately-affected/ https://orfa.africa/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26082024-ORFA-4-YEARS-REPORT.pdf Sure, Christians are being targeted, but so are Muslims. But in both cases, religion is not the driving factor behind the attacks and killings in Nigeria. Just as many Christians are killed in Nigeria over farmland, Israeli settler have been slaughtering Palestinian farmers, with no mention of their religion made in the news, for over half a century. A recent AP article confirmed with video evidence that Israeli terrorists beat farmers during the recent olive harvest in the West Bank. https://apnews.com/article/israel-settlers-west-bank-attack-annexation-1e9cbd6af6ea502fbfca5d9ffe949b0bFather Bashar Fawadleh, parish priest of the Church of Christ the Redeemer in Taybeh, told ACI MENA: “The town, which the Gospel of John (11:54) refers to as ‘Ephraim' — the place Jesus withdrew to before his passion — is no longer safe for its people today… We do not live in peace but in daily fear and siege.” https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/amp/news/265035/priest-warns-christian-town-of-taybe-in-holy-land-no-longer-safe-amid-settler-attacksIn July 2025 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country "deeply regrets that a stray ammunition" hit Gaza's only Catholic Church. A few weeks before Israeli forces assaulted Christians in Jerusalem on holy Saturday at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8ge7vllw9o.amp https://www.newarab.com/news/israeli-forces-assault-christians-jerusalem-holy-saturdayIn 2024, Israel bombed a Catholic Church in Lebanon, Saint George's, destroying the offices of the parish and the residence of the local priest. They even slaughtered the rescue team.https://zenit.org/2024/10/11/israel-bombs-catholic-church-in-lebanon-and-attacks-un-blue-helmets/#google_vignetteIsrael has repeatedly bombarded Christian towns in Lebanon, specifically targeting Christian homes.  In 2024 they blew up the historic Shrine of Shimon, or the Shrine of Saint Peter. https://www.newarab.com/news/israeli-forces-blow-shrine-shimon-south-lebanonIsrael has likewise been working to create sectarian divisions while carrying out sabotage operations or assassinations aimed at triggering internal conflicts in Lebanon. https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/gallery/2024/10/15/israel-kills-at-least-21-in-strike-on-christian-town-in-north-lebanonAfter regime change in Syria, a country that allowed religions to coexist relatively peacefully, the new Israel and US backed Islamic radical government began targeting Christians. In June 2025 60 people were injured in the attack at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias, in an eastern Damascus suburb. The violence has gotten so bad that Christians believe they will be the target of genocide in Syria now. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c79q8p8qx1do.ampThe only thing worse than double standards and hypocrisy is a willingness to use oppressed minorities as political fodder. Democrats do this with blacks and gays, Conservatives do this with Jews and Christians. The only thing sicker than that is motivation for a holy war. To ignore the Israeli targeting of Christians, which has only intensified, and instead to focus on what is happening in Nigeria is disingenuous and repulsive.https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250819-the-zionist-project-a-danger-for-lebanon-and-its-christians/?ampPete Hegseth, tattooed with the Jerusalem cross, has all but made it official policy at the pentagon that his Christian warrior ethos will go to war with Islam wherever it can. It appears one of the first battles of this new holy war is set for Nigeria. Meanwhile, Nick Fuentes has called for a universal Catholic theocracy, not too dissimilar from Curtis Yarvin's, the guy who gives JD Vance his political philosophies, techno-monarchy.  https://divinity.uchicago.edu/sightings/articles/when-christ-and-trump-are-kingshttps://www.aiu.edu/blog/the-new-monarchy-the-neo-totalitarian-proposals-of-curtis-yarvin/It's understandable why some cling to extremist religious views when they have otherwise been assaulted with atheistic anti-humanism. The self-correction is also a manual over-compensation. Christians have gone from criticizing the Obama administration's targeting of their identity, claiming First Amendment rights, to calling for the banning of Islam and deportation of all Muslims. That sickness has now grown to include Hinduism too, and even other Christian denominations according to Nick. *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tst-radio--5328407https://thesecretteachings.info/donate-subscribe/https://x.com/TST___Radio https://www.facebook.com/thesecretteachingshttp://tstradio.info/https://buymeacoffee.com/ryangableBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.

It goes without saying that War is Peace, especially when the President of Peace continually threatens war or supports the same indirectly: from Gaza to Venezuela and now Nigeria. The President posted this threat to Nigeria over the Halloween weekend: “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,' to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities. I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!” In response, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth responded: “Yes sir… The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria — and anywhere — must end immediately. The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/01/politics/trump-pentagon-nigeria-action According to a 2024 report from “The Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa,” there have been 11,000 incidents of extreme violence from October 2019 through September of 2023. The violence left 55,910 people dead in 9,970 deadly attacks — as well as 21,621 people abducted in 2,705 attacks. The total number includes civilian deaths, terror group deaths, and Nigerian Armed Forces deaths. Of the total deaths, 30,880 were civilians. Of the civilians, at least 16,769 Christians were killed, 6,235 Muslims were killed and 154 adherents of traditional African religions were killed. The religions of 7,722 victims are unknown. The report says further: “The ratio of Christians to Muslims killed rises significantly when the religious composition of the states is taken into consideration. Looking at the overall numbers, the ratio of Christians to Muslims killed was 2.7:1; the ratio of Christians to Muslims abducted was 1.4:1. However, when taking into account the relative sizes of the Christian and Muslim populations within the different states, the ratio of Christians to Muslims killed increases to 6.5:1, and the ratio of Christians to Muslims abducted to 5.1:1.” “Fulani Ethnic Militia are targeting Christian populations, while Muslims also suffer severely at their hands,” the Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam, another analyst for The Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa, said in a statement. https://ewtn.co.uk/article-56000-killed-in-nigerias-ethnic-and-religious-violence-christians-disproportionately-affected/ https://orfa.africa/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26082024-ORFA-4-YEARS-REPORT.pdf Sure, Christians are being targeted, but so are Muslims. But in both cases, religion is not the driving factor behind the attacks and killings in Nigeria. Just as many Christians are killed in Nigeria over farmland, Israeli settler have been slaughtering Palestinian farmers, with no mention of their religion made in the news, for over half a century. A recent AP article confirmed with video evidence that Israeli terrorists beat farmers during the recent olive harvest in the West Bank. https://apnews.com/article/israel-settlers-west-bank-attack-annexation-1e9cbd6af6ea502fbfca5d9ffe949b0bFather Bashar Fawadleh, parish priest of the Church of Christ the Redeemer in Taybeh, told ACI MENA: “The town, which the Gospel of John (11:54) refers to as ‘Ephraim' — the place Jesus withdrew to before his passion — is no longer safe for its people today… We do not live in peace but in daily fear and siege.” https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/amp/news/265035/priest-warns-christian-town-of-taybe-in-holy-land-no-longer-safe-amid-settler-attacksIn July 2025 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country "deeply regrets that a stray ammunition" hit Gaza's only Catholic Church. A few weeks before Israeli forces assaulted Christians in Jerusalem on holy Saturday at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8ge7vllw9o.amp https://www.newarab.com/news/israeli-forces-assault-christians-jerusalem-holy-saturdayIn 2024, Israel bombed a Catholic Church in Lebanon, Saint George's, destroying the offices of the parish and the residence of the local priest. They even slaughtered the rescue team.https://zenit.org/2024/10/11/israel-bombs-catholic-church-in-lebanon-and-attacks-un-blue-helmets/#google_vignetteIsrael has repeatedly bombarded Christian towns in Lebanon, specifically targeting Christian homes.  In 2024 they blew up the historic Shrine of Shimon, or the Shrine of Saint Peter. https://www.newarab.com/news/israeli-forces-blow-shrine-shimon-south-lebanonIsrael has likewise been working to create sectarian divisions while carrying out sabotage operations or assassinations aimed at triggering internal conflicts in Lebanon. https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/gallery/2024/10/15/israel-kills-at-least-21-in-strike-on-christian-town-in-north-lebanonAfter regime change in Syria, a country that allowed religions to coexist relatively peacefully, the new Israel and US backed Islamic radical government began targeting Christians. In June 2025 60 people were injured in the attack at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias, in an eastern Damascus suburb. The violence has gotten so bad that Christians believe they will be the target of genocide in Syria now. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c79q8p8qx1do.ampThe only thing worse than double standards and hypocrisy is a willingness to use oppressed minorities as political fodder. Democrats do this with blacks and gays, Conservatives do this with Jews and Christians. The only thing sicker than that is motivation for a holy war. To ignore the Israeli targeting of Christians, which has only intensified, and instead to focus on what is happening in Nigeria is disingenuous and repulsive.https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250819-the-zionist-project-a-danger-for-lebanon-and-its-christians/?ampPete Hegseth, tattooed with the Jerusalem cross, has all but made it official policy at the pentagon that his Christian warrior ethos will go to war with Islam wherever it can. It appears one of the first battles of this new holy war is set for Nigeria. Meanwhile, Nick Fuentes has called for a universal Catholic theocracy, not too dissimilar from Curtis Yarvin's, the guy who gives JD Vance his political philosophies, techno-monarchy.  https://divinity.uchicago.edu/sightings/articles/when-christ-and-trump-are-kingshttps://www.aiu.edu/blog/the-new-monarchy-the-neo-totalitarian-proposals-of-curtis-yarvin/It's understandable why some cling to extremist religious views when they have otherwise been assaulted with atheistic anti-humanism. The self-correction is also a manual over-compensation. Christians have gone from criticizing the Obama administration's targeting of their identity, claiming First Amendment rights, to calling for the banning of Islam and deportation of all Muslims. That sickness has now grown to include Hinduism too, and even other Christian denominations according to Nick. *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tst-radio--5328407https://thesecretteachings.info/donate-subscribe/https://x.com/TST___Radio https://www.facebook.com/thesecretteachingshttp://tstradio.info/https://buymeacoffee.com/ryangableBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.

In religion and mythology, occultism and folklore, a demon (or daemon, daimon; from Greek daimôn) is a supernatural being that is generally described as a malevolent spirit; however, the original neutral connotations of the Greek word daimon does not carry the negative ones that were later projected onto it, as Christianity spread. In Ancient Near Eastern religions as well as in the derived Abrahamic traditions, including ancient and medieval Christian demonology, a demon is considered an "unclean spirit" which may cause demonic possession, to be addressed with an act of exorcism. In Western occultism and Renaissance magic, which grew out of an amalgamation of pagan Greco-Roman, Jewish and Christian tradition, a demon is considered a spiritual entity that may be conjured and controlled. - www.manaministries.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: Despite the history of persecution against the Jews over many years, God has promised that one day the nations will look up to the Jews, wanting to follow them and worship their God. Many prophecies in God's word have already come true, so we can trust that this will come true too. **

Many people still blame rock music for the rebellious nature of the world today, and that the deal with the devil includes the weakening of morals to easily create a political movement to allow Luciferianism to destroy the Abrahamic religions. Furthermore, the demand for exorcisms appears to be on the rise in many parts of the world. A growing interest in spirituality and mystical experiences, particularly among young people, has also been cited as a reason for increased demand. But has it bred a Satanic acceptance over all? It depends on what you believe the trappings of Satan are. If you think that more people are aware of supernatural forces and the devil, then you are correct. Listen to Ground Zero with Clyde Lewis M-F from 7-10 pm, pacific time on groundzeroplus.com. Call in to the LIVE show at 503-225-0860. #groundzeroplus #clydelewis #satan #devil #exorcism #God

Are you curious about the hidden threads that connect the world's spiritual traditions? In this week's episode, Richard and I explore a secret narrative, hidden in the Christian Bible – from Abraham to the Exodus, and beyond – linking the wisdom of the East and the West. Tune in to discover: – The mystical connections between the Abrahamic and Hindu traditions, including the surprising linguistic and spiritual links.– The fascinating story that connects the biblical figures of Joseph and Moses with the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten, and their mission to preserve a truth essential to spirituality on Earth.– Practical ways to affirm and nurture the “I AM” presence — the Spark of the Divine — within yourself.– Profound revelations from Richard, following his recent Cosmic Consciousness experience, into the biblical phrase “God made man in his own image”.– Revelations given by extraterrestrial sources about the true spiritual stature of our Sun …! Don't miss this fresh and enlightening perspective on spirituality, history, and your own inner potential!  https://youtu.be/MmLpI93MQdc?si=GfQM5iTHwGEB5fZf  

Are you curious about the hidden threads that connect the world's spiritual traditions? In this week's episode, Richard and I explore a secret narrative, hidden in the Christian Bible – from Abraham to the Exodus, and beyond – linking the wisdom of the East and the West. Tune in to discover: – The mystical connections between the Abrahamic and Hindu traditions, including the surprising linguistic and spiritual links.– The fascinating story that connects the biblical figures of Joseph and Moses with the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten, and their mission to preserve a truth essential to spirituality on Earth.– Practical ways to affirm and nurture the “I AM” presence — the Spark of the Divine — within yourself.– Profound revelations from Richard, following his recent Cosmic Consciousness experience, into the biblical phrase “God made man in his own image”.– Revelations given by extraterrestrial sources about the true spiritual stature of our Sun …! Don't miss this fresh and enlightening perspective on spirituality, history, and your own inner potential!  https://youtu.be/MmLpI93MQdc?si=GfQM5iTHwGEB5fZf  

For centuries, a single line from Paul's letter to the Romans - “not all Israel is Israel” - has been used to rewrite the story of God's faithfulness.  But was Paul really declaring that the Church replaced Israel? Or was he weeping over his people, trusting that God's promises still stand? This episode takes a deep look into Romans 9–11 and Galatians 6, unpacking what Paul meant by “the Israel of God” and how a single mistranslated conjunction has shaped two millennia of confusion.  We'll explore the grief behind Paul's words, the endurance of God's covenants, and the modern drift that has led Christians to read prophecy as poetry and Israel's story as metaphor. As anti-Semitism rises and theology grows foggy, it's time to recover what the Apostle Paul never meant to erase: that Israel's unbelief doesn't cancel God's faithfulness - it magnifies it. Key Takeaways Paul's “anguish and unceasing sorrow” in Romans 9 reveals grief, not rejection. “Not all Israel is Israel” distinguishes the nation from its remnant, not Israel from the Church. God's covenants - Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New - remain active and irrevocable. “The Israel of God” (Gal. 6:16) refers to Jewish believers, not the Church replacing Israel. Translation shifts like changing “and” to “even” have fueled replacement theology. The Church's inclusion in God's plan never meant Israel's exclusion. When we forget Israel, we lose the storyline of our own salvation. Chapter Markers (Approximate) 00:00 – Why “Not All Israel Is Israel” Is Misunderstood 05:00 – Paul's Heartbreak and the Faithfulness of God 14:00 – Israel's Covenants Still Stand 22:00 – The Real Meaning of “The Israel of God” 30:00 – How History and Translation Warped the Story 40:00 – Why This Matters for the Church Today 46:00 – God's Faithfulness and the Invitation to Clarity God's promises to Israel were never revoked - they're being fulfilled before our eyes. The story of redemption still runs through Jerusalem. Don't just listen - learn to read Scripture the way Paul wrote it: with tears in your eyes and hope in your heart. Explore more resources at thejewishroad.com, join us on the journey to Israel, or become one of The Few - standing with us as we help the Church make sense of God's story for Israel and the nations.

In this powerful episode of Out of Zion, ICEJ USA President Dr. Susan Michael shares why your prayers for Israel matter more than ever. She dives into the biblical foundation behind this call to prayer—revealing God’s heart for Jerusalem and the Jewish people, the prophetic promises surrounding the Holy City, and the unbreakable Abrahamic covenant that still stands today. You’ll also learn why the enemy works to stop God’s plan for Israel and how you can stand in the gap as an intercessor for His people and His promises to be fulfilled. Get Your Free Resource: https://icejusa.org/shownotes Learn more about the Feast of Tabernacles at: https://icejusa.org/feast-tour Get Your Free Resource: https://icejusa.org/shownotes Learn more about the Feast of Tabernacles at: https://icejusa.org/feast-tour

The Rosetta stone, discovered 1799: The top and middle texts are in Ancient Egyptian using hieroglyphic and Demotic scripts respectively, while the bottom is in Ancient Greek. Allowed us to unlock hieroglyphics Covenant is to scripture interpretation the same way. Should we follow the Law? Keep the Sabbath? God in the OT can seem very harsh, and in the NT He's all about love--has He changed? Does God cause evil or not? OT: Amos 3:6 “ shall there be evil in a city and the Lord has not done it?” and Isa 45:7 “I form the light and create darkness: I make peace and create evil: I the Lord do all these things”. NT: 1 John 1:5 “God is light and in him is no darkness at all”. John 10:10: "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." "Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever" (Heb 13:8), and “God is not a man that he should lie or the son of man that he should change his mind” (Num 23:19). The difference has to do with the covenants in place at the time. How did David have the courage to face Goliath? He knew His covenant (1 Sam 17:26, 36) circumcision was a sign of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 17:10-14) which covered all Isaac's descendants (Gen 17:19). Included: God will bless those who bless Abraham and his descendants, and curse those who curse them (Gen 12:3) + "The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways" (Deut 28:7) (Mosaic covenant in place by this time too) Jonathan and his armor-bearer knew the same promises applied (1 Sam 14:6). Covenant = Testament (Diatheke) Old and New Testament = Old and New Covenant New Covenant anticipated at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19-20), fulfilled by the cross (Hebrews 8:6-7). Gospels before this are still under the Old Covenant (Mosaic). Jesus 'didn’t come to destroy the law but fulfill it' (Matt 5:17) After the cross: Galatians 3:12: "the law is not of faith, being made a curse for us" Romans 4:7 “you died to the law” Gal 5:4: “Christ is become of no effect unto you; whosoever of you are justified by the law you are fallen from grace.” Paul’s anger in Galatians 5:12 against those who insisted that circumcision (part of the Abrahamic covenant) should continue for Christians--if used as a tool for justification Rom 3:31 “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We explore the devastating fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonian Empire in 586 BC. We examine God's faithfulness in both promises and judgments, as seen through the lens of the Sinai Covenant. The episode delves into the three stages of Babylon's invasion, culminating in the destruction of Solomon's Temple and the exile of Judah. We discuss how this event fulfilled the curses of the covenant, scattering Abraham's nation and to the seeming failure the Davidic and Abrahamic promises.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

By Nathan Hoag

Blessing as a Means to Spiritual Growth      God's blessings are intentional expressions of His character and His grace. He blesses all humanity with the gifts of life, provision, and the sustaining order of creation that reflects His goodness. As Jesus declared, “He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matt 5:45). Likewise, Paul explained that God “did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17). In these passages, God's grace is freely given to all, and this because He is gracious by nature. Yet, His blessings toward His children are of a richer kind, flowing from a covenant relationship that imparts both spiritual and temporal benefits (Eph 1:3; Jam 1:17). These blessings not only make life enjoyable but also serve as reminders of the Giver Himself, calling believers to gratitude, humility, and faithful stewardship. God entrusts His children with resources, whether material, relational, or spiritual, so that they might use them for His glory and the good of others (1 Cor 4:2; 2 Cor 9:8-11; 1 Pet 4:10).      Scripture affirms that “every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (Jam 1:17). The Hebrew word bārak (בָּרַךְ), often used in the Old Testament (Gen 12:2-3; Num 6:24; Psa 103:2), carries the sense of endowing with benefit, prosperity, or favor, and reflects God's purpose to enrich the lives of His people according to His covenant love. According to Oswalt, “To bless in the OT means ‘to endue with power for success, prosperity, fecundity, longevity, etc.'”[1] It means the one whom God blesses is granted a life marked by richness, abundance, and fullness (John 10:10). Its New Testament counterpart, eulogeō (εὐλογέω), conveys the same idea of divine favor and gracious bestowal, emphasizing both God's act of blessing His people and their reciprocal act of praising Him in gratitude (Eph 1:3). Paul echoes this truth in the New Testament, teaching that God “richly supplies us with all things to enjoy” (1 Tim 6:17). These blessings are not only for our personal delight but also to reveal the goodness of the Giver, that our enjoyment might lead us into deeper worship and thanksgiving.      Yet with blessing comes responsibility. Moses warned Israel that prosperity could easily lead to spiritual amnesia, saying, “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God…otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them…then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God” (Deut 8:11–14). According to Wiersbe, “If we forget God, then success has a way of making us proud (Deut 8:14), and we forget what we were before the Lord called us.”[2] The danger is that blessings, if received without humility and gratitude, can foster pride and self-sufficiency. Paul raised the same concern when he asked the Corinthians, “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Cor 4:7). Thus, blessings must be received with gratitude, humility, and a recognition of stewardship under God.      Blessings are also designed to teach us about God's good nature and His desire to bless His people. David wrote, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things” (Psa 103:2–5). Ross states, “God satisfies us with good things, i.e., things that enhance and benefit our lives, so that we may be renewed (spiritually and/or physically).”[3] God blesses because He is gracious and generous by nature. In the New Testament, Paul affirms that God “is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Eph 3:20). Blessings therefore serve as tangible reminders that God is good, gracious, and personally involved in the well-being of His people.      Moreover, God blesses His people so they may in turn bless others. This principle is rooted in the Abrahamic covenant. God told Abraham, “And I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing” (Gen 12:2). The blessings given to Abraham were never meant to terminate with him but to overflow toward the nations. Fruchtenbaum states, “These blessings upon Abram included both material and spiritual blessings…Since Abram is to be blessed by God, as contained in the first three promises, he is now to become a blessing to others.”[4] Likewise, Paul emphasized to the Corinthians, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed” (2 Cor 9:8). Divine provision equips the believer not only to meet his own needs but also to serve generously in the lives of others, making God's goodness visible in practical ways. Paul further declared, “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God” (2 Cor 9:10–11). Ryrie states, “Acts of giving bring rewards in this life and the one to come. The generous giver will be given increasing means to give (multiply your seed for sowing) and increasing fruit.”[5]      Examples throughout Scripture highlight believers who used God's resources to bless others. Joseph, after being elevated to power in Egypt, used his God-given position and wisdom to preserve life during famine, declaring, “God sent me before you to preserve life” (Gen 45:5). Boaz used his wealth to provide for Ruth and Naomi, reflecting covenant kindness (cḥesed, חֶסֶד), which would ultimately advance God's messianic plan (Ruth 2:8–12; 4:9–10). In the New Testament, Barnabas, “who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet” (Acts 4:37), exemplified generosity that fueled the early church's ministry. Such examples show that God blesses His people not to hoard resources but to distribute them voluntarily in service to others.      Blessings can therefore become instruments of maturity when rightly received. They test the believer no less than trials. The apostle reminded Timothy that those who are rich in this world's goods must not be “conceited or fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (1 Tim 6:17–18). Blessings rightly used create spiritual capacity, expanding the believer's effectiveness in both service and witness. Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.   [1] John N. Oswalt, “285 בָּרַך,” in Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999), 132. [2] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Equipped, “Be” Commentary Series (Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub., 1999), 63. [3] Allen P. Ross, A Commentary on the Psalms (90–150): Commentary, vol. 3, Kregel Exegetical Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2016), 235. [4] Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Ariel's Bible Commentary: The Book of Genesis, 1st ed. (San Antonio, TX: Ariel Ministries, 2008), 241–242. [5] Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update, Expanded ed. (Chicago: Moody Press, 1995), 1857.

"Rajiv's books have been an important part of awareness building. And now we often get people who are activated, who have read Rajiv's books- say, Invading the Sacred or The Battle for Sanskrit or Indra's Net. Now, all of a sudden, they've been awakened to all of these different ecosystems and ideologies that have kept our civilization from tapping into our history, into our identity, in the way that we talk about ourselves and who we are has been constricted by a Western or Abrahamic framework. In some sense, it kind of becomes the entry point for anyone who's read any of Rajiv's books to want to become an activist, which, of course, is great for the Hindu American Foundation."- Suhag A. Shukla, Executive Director, Hindu American Foundation Who Is Raising Your Children? - https://whoisraisingyourchildren.com/Battle For Consciousness Theory - http://battleforconsciousnesstheory.comSnakes in the Ganga - http://www.snakesintheganga.comVarna Jati Caste - http://www.varnajaticaste.comThe Battle For IIT's - http://www.battleforiits.comPower of future Machines - http://www.poweroffuturemachines.com10 heads of Ravana - http://www.tenheadsofravana.comTo support Infinity Foundation's projects including the continuation of such episodes and the research we do:इनफिनिटी फ़ौंडेशन की परियोजनाओं को अनुदान देने के लिए व इस प्रकार के एपिसोड और हमारे द्वारा किये जाने वाले शोध को जारी रखने के लिए: http://infinityfoundation.com/donate-2/

I read the 1st three chapters of my new book.  WELCOME Thousands of churches expected to close in UK over next 5 years As The World Promotes The Abraham Accords, It Forgets The Abrahamic Covenant - Harbinger's Daily Tony Blair & Bill Gates: A Global Prototype Of The Antichrist And False Prophet?

In this episode, Joel Settecase — apologist, teacher, and President of The Think Institute — unpacks the first distinctive of New Covenant Theology:God has one plan, revealed in many covenants, and it's all centered on Jesus Christ.Through a deep dive into Scripture, Joel explores how the biblical covenants — from Noah to Abraham, Moses, David, and the New Covenant — fit together perfectly within God's unified redemptive plan. If you've ever wondered how the Old and New Testaments connect, this episode will clarify the big picture of God's work in history and in your life.Why God has one plan of salvation, not separate plans for Israel and the Church.How every covenant — Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New — points to and is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.Why salvation has always been by faith, from the Old Testament through today.The stunning continuity of Scripture and how the gospel was preached even to Abraham.How the New Covenant transforms believers, granting forgiveness, righteousness, and the indwelling Holy Spirit.Why understanding God's one plan deepens your worship, strengthens your confidence, and equips you to lead your family in the biblical worldview.Help us equip Christian men to lead their families with biblical clarity and confidence.Partner with The Think Institute today:

The Book of Malachi: A Call to Authentic Worship In this sermon, we delve into the often-overlooked Book of Malachi, the last prophetic voice in the Old Testament before an extended silence that lasted until the Advent of Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the theme of genuine worship and the importance of covenantal faithfulness. Understanding Malachi's Context Malachi's message was delivered in a period known as the post-exilic era, a time when the Israelites had returned from Babylonian exile. Despite their return to Jerusalem, the people had become disillusioned and questioned God's love for them. The prophet Malachi responds by reminding them of God's unwavering love and challenges them to examine their own faithfulness. The Core Message: God's Love and Human Response God's Love Affirmed: Malachi begins with God proclaiming His love for Israel, despite their circumstances. The people question this love, pointing to their hardships as evidence of God's neglect. Covenantal Context: The sermon highlights three significant covenants: the unconditional Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, and the conditional Mosaic covenant. The Israelites' failure to uphold their end of the Mosaic covenant led to their hardships. Malachi's Challenge to Israel Worship and Offerings: The Israelites' worship had become perfunctory. They offered blemished sacrifices, revealing their lack of reverence for God. Malachi rebukes them for offering what they wouldn't even present to their earthly governors. Life as Worship: The sermon stresses that worship extends beyond temple rituals. It encompasses every aspect of life — including family, finances, and community relationships. The Israelites' failure in these areas reflected their spiritual apathy. A Divine Challenge: Test God's Faithfulness In a unique biblical moment, God invites His people to "test" Him in Malachi 3:10. He challenges them to bring their full tithes and offerings. He promises to "open the floodgates of heaven" and pour out blessings if they do. This call to trust God with their resources is a metaphor for trusting Him in all areas of life. Modern Application: Worship in All We Do Excellence in Worship: The message calls believers to offer their best to God in all endeavors, echoing Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Holistic Worship: True worship involves honoring God in our relationships, work, and community engagement. It's about serving God with integrity and excellence, recognizing that everything we do is an offering to Him. Conclusion: A Call to Reflect The sermon concludes by urging believers to evaluate the quality of their worship. Are we offering God our best, or are we merely going through the motions? The challenge is to serve God wholeheartedly, honoring Him in every facet of life. This is the essence of true worship — living for the glory of God, knowing that we are ultimately serving the Lord Jesus. In embracing the lessons from Malachi, we are reminded that God's love is steadfast and His blessings are abundant when we align our lives with His covenantal promises. Let us strive to be a people who live out our worship in every aspect of our lives, reflecting the greatness and love of our God.

John Davis and Alex Ferrari discuss the historical and theological context of Jesus' teachings, emphasizing the influence of Greco-Roman Christians and the Roman Catholic Church. John argues that the New Testament, particularly the writings of Luke and Paul, were created centuries after Jesus' death and reflect a messianic agenda. He highlights the importance of Jesus' teachings on self-empowerment and the inner kingdom of heaven, contrasting them with the fear-based doctrines of the Catholic Church. John also recounts his past life regression experiences and the significance of Jesus' laughter and joy, which he believes were central to his teachings. John Davis and Alex Ferrari discuss the evolution of religious beliefs, emphasizing the inclusivity of faiths like Baha'i and Zoroastrianism. They critique the fear-based origins of Abrahamic religions and the shift towards a more loving, conscious world.John shares personal anecdotes, including his son's profound understanding of God and his own health transformation through positive affirmations. They explore the King James Bible's translation and the influence of the Catholic Church on historical texts. The conversation also touches on the New Age concept of the 5D, the rapture, and the misconceptions around hell and Satan, highlighting the importance of present-moment consciousness and love. John Davis emphasizes the importance of living in the present and expressing love, referencing the teachings of Jeshua. He invites people to take control of their own narratives, suggesting that choosing a positive outlook on life is more fulfilling. John promotes his work through his website, johnofnew.com, and his YouTube channels, including "The Recovering Catholic." Alex Ferrari praises Davis's contributions and mentions their collaboration on an upcoming course available at Next Level Soul.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/next-level-soul-podcast-with-alex-ferrari--4858435/support.

Sunday, September 21, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "Who was Jesus the ordinary man, as represented across the three Abrahamic faith traditions?"

One God is the cornerstone of Judaism, Islam and Christianity or the three Abrahamic religions.  The teaching of one God is found in the Hebrew scriptures  ("the Lord our God is one Lord")  in the Quran "Our God and your God is ˹only˺ One" and in Christianity "Love God and love your neighbor as yourself." Listen as Larry shares thoughts about some other "gods" that may be in our beliefs and which rule our lives. Please follow the link below if you are guided to share a gift of appreciation for our podcasts.Support the show

The question of Israel's chosenness isn't abstract - it's foundational.  If God's covenant with Abraham is conditional, then Israel's future and even our own assurance in Christ are uncertain. But if it's unconditional, then God's faithfulness to Abraham secures hope for us all. In this episode, Ron and Matt Davis trace the Abrahamic covenant from Genesis 12, 15, and 17. They unpack the ancient covenant-cutting ceremony, the unconditional nature of God's promise, and how the Mosaic covenant fits alongside it.  They also show how the New Testament reaffirms - not erases - God's oath to Abraham, and why that matters for both Jews and Gentiles today. With analogies of trust funds and house rules, they bring clarity to common misunderstandings. God's covenant stands not because of human performance but because of His promise. And that means His faithfulness to Israel is the same faithfulness we depend on in Jesus. Key Takeaways God initiated and ratified the Abrahamic covenant alone - it's unconditional. Genesis 12–17 reveals a promise of people, place, and purpose. The land boundaries are literal, not symbolic. Circumcision is the covenant sign, not its source. The Mosaic covenant governs life in the land but does not annul Abraham's promise. The New Testament celebrates - not cancels - the Abrahamic covenant. God's gifts and calling are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome and framing the question 05:10 – Genesis 12: God's call to Abram 13:20 – Genesis 15: Cutting the covenant 28:15 – Genesis 17: Everlasting covenant and circumcision 41:00 – Mosaic covenant vs. Abrahamic covenant 55:30 – Genesis 22: Binding of Isaac and covenant confirmed 1:05:10 – New Testament voices: Galatians, Romans, Hebrews 1:18:00 – Analogies: trust funds, house rules, and irrevocable promises 1:28:00 – Final reflections and what's next God's covenant with Abraham is unconditional, everlasting, and still active. It anchors Israel's destiny and secures the hope of all who trust in the Messiah. Explore more resources from thejewishroad.com, join us on a future trip to Israel, or consider becoming one of The Few who support this work regularly.

The Daily Quiz - Entertainment, Society and Culture Today's Questions: Question 1: The language 'Algerian Arabic' belongs to which language family? Question 2: 'Connecting people' is a slogan associated with which technology brand? Question 3: In Western cultures what is the traditional gift for a 1st wedding anniversary? Question 4: In which 1945 Hitchcock classic does Gregory Peck not remember if he committed a murder? Question 5: Which film contains the character 'Norma Desmond'? Question 6: In the Abrahamic scriptures, who asked Pharaoh to let his people go? Question 7: The Model S is a car made by which manufacturer? Question 8: What is the name of the magical kingdom in Frozen? Question 9: In what Disney animated film is Cruella de Vil the villainess who kidnaps a group of animals? This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Southwest Radio Ministries for 'Watchman on the Wall,' featuring an exciting preview of the upcoming Prophecy in the News live conference in Bristol, Virginia. Discover the significance of the Abrahamic covenant, a critical examination of Calvinism, and explore timely topics with speakers like Pastor Larry Spargiamino, Dr. Greg Patton, and more. This episode invites listeners to deepen their understanding of faith, prophecy, and current events. Register now to be part of this engaging gathering.

The sermon explores the theological implications of baptism, particularly within the context of the Abrahamic covenant, asserting that all believers, regardless of status or background, are heirs to God's promises. Drawing from Galatians 3 and connecting to the Old Testament, the message emphasizes the responsibility of parents, acting as stewards and guardians, to raise children within the fear and admonition of the Lord, recognizing them as belonging to Jesus and claiming the covenant promises made to Abraham. The sermon challenges secular notions of individual consent, affirming that infants are inherently part of God's household and deserving of baptism as a sign of that belonging, while acknowledging the potential for individuals to forsake their inheritance, urging the community to support parents in their sacred duty.

Sermon 9-14-25, Ex 32:7-14, Lk 15: 1-10   The scripture for today really caused me to lean into my identity as a chaplain – and a word of warning – a chaplain will likely leave you with more questions than answers… The role of a chaplain is to ask questions that support others in remembering and reconnecting with their own coping strategies and belief systems One question that today's scripture brings up is What is the nature of God?   /        /        / This is a question that I often explore with patients I think of the 50-year-old woman with newly diagnosed triple-negative breast cancer – a very aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancer -- who finds the courage to ask “Is God punishing me for something?” as she comes to terms with how every aspect of her life is now upended and at risk /        /        / What is the nature of God?   This is an age-old question that humankind continues to wrestle with Not only among various religious traditions But also within Christianity Maybe especially within Christianity This disagreement is understandable – as we have two conflicting examples of God's nature in scripture today. In Exodus, the Lord says to Moses: “…Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them” (Ex. 32:10) /        /        / Then in Luke Jesus likens God to one who continues to seek, welcome and rejoice over humankind – especially those who have “been lost” Throughout scripture we can find examples of God's nature to justify whatever perspective we choose to hold As we can with most issues Is God slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love or punishing sinners in judgement? Perhaps the more challenging debate lies within the questions about ourselves What do we believe?    How do we live out those beliefs? How do we respond when we inevitably bump up against life circumstances and people who challenge those beliefs? /        /        /        / I utilize psychology and sociology often as a chaplain, and draw upon those studies as I reflect on theology – the study of God – today Anthropomorphism is placing human attributes on things or beings that are not human We do this with our pets all the time, imagining their mood or desires We do this with plants and trees, imagining the grass is crying out in despair after days without rain – or rejoicing after the rain finally comes It's easy with these examples to recognize how we're likely projecting ourselves onto our dog or cat or lawn But what about with God? Might we also project ourselves onto who we wish God to be? /        /        /        / So I read and reflect upon today's scripture with the awareness that anthropomorphism and projecting are real I also reflect on them from an Internal Family Systems perspective which acknowledges that we have different, and sometimes competing parts of ourselves that influence our thoughts and behavior This acknowledges how at times there is a part of myself that wants my enemy to suffer AND a part of myself that wants to extend compassion to my enemy /        /        /        / Going back to the reading from Exodus with this perspective I think about Moses Moses who at the beginning of his call story begged God to pick someone else – anyone else – to do this work Moses who realized the difficulty of his call and lamented the grumbling and complaining of the Israelites to God Moses who continually turned around and devoted himself to guiding and teaching these people who kept messing up and falling short of “the plan” Moses who today implored God to return to God's good nature – and changed God's mind /        /        /        / The Israelites built the golden calf and began worshipping it instead of God This is the famous example of idolatry that Abrahamic traditions reference But, it also demonstrates humankind's greed – And desire to possess and control God /        /        /        / If God seems to stretch us too far out of our comfort zone Let's project onto God traits that are more like us Let us make a god into one we can understand And abide And feel better about worshipping /        /        /        / So we hear this anger from God in the book of Exodus over the people worshipping the golden calf and breaking the covenant They break their promise to worship only God They cannot keep their end of the bargain And God is angry – so angry God plans to burn wrath hot against them and consume them! But I wonder Is this God's anger Or Moses'? Moses - After years of serving in this role that he didn't really want Teaching and guiding and nurturing these people Literally participating in saving their lives While being on the receiving end of their grumbling and disobedience I wonder if Moses is angry /        /        /        / Fast-forward about 1200 years and the religious leaders are grumbling The Pharisees are grumbling about Jesus who cannot be controlled Jesus the Christ cannot be predicted or contained Jesus' love is bigger than what the law holds as he welcomes those outsiders Jesus, one with God, is despised and rejected Jesus persists in showing compassion to sinners Those who aren't keeping the covenant promise with God /        /        /        / Jesus gives us yet another window through which to glimpse the nature of God Through his own actions And with two parables One about a shepherd and one about a woman These are two other groups in addition to the tax collectors that the Pharisees looked down upon And here Jesus likens God to both a shepherd and a woman       /        / Jesus draws us a picture with his story of God who rejoices over those who return to God – and calls a huge celebration! /        /        /        / What is the nature of God? Jesus is trying to show the Pharisees that their righteousness has become a barrier to their ability to experience God Perhaps the merit of following the law is not the most important thing Somehow keeping track of right and wrong is preventing them from sharing in God's love and celebration “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Lk 15:7) The wild thing is that in these parables we know that neither sheep nor coins can repent There is no criticism of the sheep who wandered off, wondering what was it thinking and how long it wasn't paying attention to where it SHOULD have been going It's laughable to blame a coin for getting lost in the couch but I suppose we'd likely blame the caretaker of that coin for being so irresponsible God is rejoicing over what the Pharisees would have called worthless sheep and coins Who cannot even repent Which begs the question -- can we repent? /        /        /        / In spite of Moses' – or God's anger In spite of ignorance and sinning and irresponsibility God keeps the covenant God keeps God's promise God continues to show humankind mercy And Jesus is calling the Pharisees – and us - out God calls us out of the human nature of judgement and criticism And toward God's celebration /        /        /        / What is the nature of God? Maybe deciding we know the answer to that question is like building another golden calf Maybe focusing on God's nature is yet another way to avoid confronting our own nature What parts of ourself want to burn hot against someone What parts of ourself feel justified in the good works we do What parts of ourself continue to notice the short-comings of others What parts of ourself criticize our own mistakes or times when we chose poorly What parts of ourself limit our ability to celebrate and rejoice for keeping track of all our own faults and all that's wrong in this world /        /        /        / What is the nature of God? I do know that I want God to be slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love when I'm looking into this woman's tearful eyes listening to hear fears about not seeing her teenage daughter graduate from high school I also recognize the part of me that wants God to be a flaming hot wrath consuming the one whose actions and words seem so wrong And because of that I know that I have to let it go – and let God be God And refocus on my call and challenge as a Christian To continue to wrestle with the enormity of God's love To believe that God keeps God's promise even when I can't keep mine To give love to myself and to my neighbor in ridiculous and generous ways And in the midst of it all, celebrate and rejoice with God Amen.  

In this episode, we continue our discussion of the context leading to Orson Hyde writing a letter to the Missouri Republican. Utah is desperately trying to get into the Union while half of the states are seceding from the Union. Gerrit then reads the letter and provides commentary. We also discuss a litner's email about Christian's understanding of the Trinity based on the King James Version of the Bible.   Kristy's KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): Gerrit shares his thoughts on D&C 101 and the idea of what do we do when the Lord doesn't answer our prayers in the way we may want Image attempting to explain the Trinity: https://thepentecostalwesleyan.substack.com/p/the-core-doctrines-of-the-christian-4fb    Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2027: ⁠ https://standardoftruth.com/tours Our 2026 tours are sold out, but if you would like to join us in the future, here is a link to our 2027 tours: ⁠ Sign up for our free monthly email: ⁠ ⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠   If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com   Rex's Elders Quorum President's Show Notes: •00:05:00 – Sunday School etiquette humor and Kristy's Corner segment •00:07:20 – D&C 101: Zion's expulsion, Joseph's 1833 letter to Missouri Saints •00:10:04 – Lessons from unanswered prayers — “be still and know that I am God” •00:12:16 – Hope of Zion's redemption and Abrahamic parallels of consecration •00:13:52 – Listener mailbag: Lacey's email on the Trinity and KJV •00:16:02 – Banter about reading emails late and missionary timelines •00:18:08 – Explaining the Nicene Creed: three persons, one God, and why it confuses •00:20:28 – The “triangle diagram” of the Trinity and its limits •00:23:00 – Matthew 3:16–17 — Baptism of Jesus challenges Trinity claims •00:25:22 – Workarounds: Some early Christians claimed “the voice was an angel” •00:28:05 – Story: Lithuanian Catholic convert rejects Trinity after reading scripture •00:31:00 – Council of Nicaea and how early Christians struggled with monotheism & Christ's divinity •00:35:26 – Who still uses the King James Bible today? Presbyterians, Baptists, Pentecostals •00:39:16 – NIV vs KJV — John 1:18 and doctrinal differences in translation •00:41:00 – Listener Dawson's email introduces Orson Hyde's Civil War letter •00:45:00 – Charleston newspapers: downplaying fears of large-scale war in 1861 •00:48:00 – Missouri newspapers: hope that secession won't mean inevitable war •00:51:00 – Virginia's call for a 10,000–20,000 militia — seen as scandalous then •00:55:00 – Hartford Convention (1814): New England nearly secedes during War of 1812 •01:00:00 – Hindsight bias: Chamberlain's “peace for our time” compared with prophecy •01:05:00 – Critics on D&C 87 — manuscript evidence and Pearl of Great Price 1851 printing •01:10:00 – Faith and prophecy: why hindsight makes Joseph's revelation look “obvious”

3I-ATLAS has ignited an online cataclysm of theories. They range from alien spaceships to the return of a messiah figure. What few stop to consider, however, beyond the necessity and rational of keeping an open mind, is how the symbolic nature of comets themselves could fulfill certain religious prophecies without much actually changing in the world. The presence of a celestial harbinger in the sky acts a portent of disease, regime changes, war, spiritual transformation, and prophetic visions, but the object is not a singular and final event. Comets come and go; they are part of the natural cosmic order of panspermia and apocalyptic destruction. And this latter point of view is how Buddhists see the Abrahamic eschatology. Viewed in this manner, the narratives built around the macrocosmic 3I-ATLAS begin to shrug. *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.FREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVEX / TWITTER FACEBOOKWEBSITEDISCORD CHATCashApp: $rdgable EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / TSTRadio@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.

In this episode of The Healers Café, Manon Bolliger, FCAH, RBHT (facilitator and retired naturopath with 30+ years of practice) speaks to Dr Jeff KD Myers, a physician and acupuncturist, discusses his journey from Western medicine to integrative healing, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches. He highlights his specialization in peak performance, neuroplasticity, and self-actualization, and his extensive teaching on various health modalities. Dr. Meyers shares his personal experience with chronic pain, which he managed through Feldenkrais exercises, reducing his pain from 95% to 5%. He also discusses the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in pain management and the importance of individualized treatment approaches. For the transcript and full story go to: https://www.drmanonbolliger.com/dr-jeff-kd-myers   Highlights from today's episode include: Dr. Jeff KD Meyers emphasized the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in pain and healing, explaining that treating one aspect can improve the others, and that modern research supports this holistic view. (0:08:56–0:13:29) Dr. Jeff KD Meyers shared his personal journey with chronic pain and how discovering and consistently practicing Feldenkrais exercises helped him reduce his pain dramatically, illustrating the importance of individualized healing paths. (0:28:35–0:32:13)  Manon highlighted the importance of discernment and tuning into one's own body and intuition when choosing therapies, stressing that healing is a personal journey and that change is always possible. (0:35:33)   ABOUT DR JEFF KD Meyers: Jeff “KD” Meyers, M.D., L.Ac. is a physician, acupuncturist, guide, and storyteller whose work bridges Western medicine, holistic healing, and expanded states of consciousness. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, he completed residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Penn and has practiced integrative medicine for over 30 years. Dr. Meyers specializes in peak performance, neuro-plasticity, and self-actualization and fulfillment, leading seminars and retreats focused on innovative, integrative approaches. He teaches internationally on topics including rehabilitation, resilience, yoga and Ayurveda, acupuncture, somatic practices, psychedelics, archetypes, and the transformative power of music. His journey as a healer has been influenced deeply by the wisdom of spiritual traditions including the Abrahamic lineage--Sufism, Judaism, and Christianity, as well as Buddhism, yogic and syncretic traditions. A profound awakening in 2003 opened him to non-dual awareness and years of exploration with indigenous and church-based plant medicine traditions in South America. These experiences catalyzed archetypal and prophetic insights and connection to lineages including the Divine Mother and the Holy Grail. Dr. Meyers holds certificates in Psychedelic Therapies and Research from CIIS, Family Constellations, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and biodynamic osteopathy. He is a certified firewalking instructor, and has co-directed Dharma Mittra's Life of a Yogi Teacher Training and teaches in Jeff Carreira's Mystery School. Blending science, spirituality, and art, Dr. Meyers is excited to guide individuals and groups toward healing, self-realization, and expanded human potential.  His new book with collage artist Jody Smith--Secrets from the Heart of Yoga:  New Yoga Sutras--will be out this fall. Core purpose/passion: My core purpose is to receive and share the Joy that is at the Heart of the Creation and healing, and is expressed through all of the Creation-- especially accessible through music and art, and to use this as a modality for solace and healing. Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Linktr.ee   ABOUT MANON BOLLIGER, FCAH, RBHT  As a de-registered (2021) board-certified naturopathic physician & in practice since 1992, I've seen an average of 150 patients per week and have helped people ranging from rural farmers in Nova Scotia to stressed out CEOs in Toronto to tri-athletes here in Vancouver.  My resolve to educate, empower and engage people to take charge of their own health is evident in my best-selling books:  'What Patients Don't Say if Doctors Don't Ask: The Mindful Patient-Doctor Relationship' and 'A Healer in Every Household: Simple Solutions for Stress'.  I also teach BowenFirst™ Therapy through and hold transformational workshops to achieve these goals. So, when I share with you that LISTENING to Your body is a game changer in the healing process, I am speaking from expertise and direct experience". Manon's Mission: A Healer in Every Household!  For more great information to go to her weekly blog:  http://bowencollege.com/blog.  For tips on health & healing go to: https://www.drmanonbolliger.com/tips  Follow Manon on Social – Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter | Linktr.ee | Rumble   ABOUT THE HEALERS CAFÉ:  Manon's show is the #1 show for medical practitioners and holistic healers to have heart to heart conversations about their day to day lives.   Subscribe and review on your favourite platform: iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Libsyn | iHeartRadio | Gaana | The Healers Cafe | Radio.com | Medioq |   Follow The Healers Café on FB: https://www.facebook.com/thehealerscafe   Remember to subscribe if you like our videos. Click the bell if you want to be one of the first people notified of a new release. * De-Registered, revoked & retired naturopathic physician after 30 years of practice in healthcare. Now resourceful & resolved to share with you all the tools to take care of your health & vitality!    

Over three centuries after its initial publication, Nehemiah Coxe's seminal work "A Discourse of the Covenants" remains as vital as ever in understanding Baptist Covenant Theology. Paired with John Owen's Exposition of Hebrews 8:6-13, this twentieth anniversary edition of Covenant Theology from Adam to Christ features updated content and indices. In this conversation, Richard Barcellos, Ron Miller & Fransico Orozco discuss the history of this book's initial publication, Coxe's view of the Abrahamic covenant, and more. For more information about CBTS, visit: https://cbtseminary.org

Over three centuries after its initial publication, Nehemiah Coxe's seminal work "A Discourse of the Covenants" remains as vital as ever in understanding Baptist Covenant Theology. Paired with John Owen's Exposition of Hebrews 8:6-13, this twentieth anniversary edition of Covenant Theology from Adam to Christ features updated content and indices. In this conversation, Richard Barcellos, Ron Miller & Fransico Orozco discuss the history of this book's initial publication, Coxe's view of the Abrahamic covenant, and more. For more information about CBTS, visit: https://cbtseminary.org

For resources connected to biblical theology, visit handstotheplow.org and jasonderouchie.com. To support the work of Hands to the Plow, visit handstotheplow.org. 

Every dynasty insists on its permanence. Every people clings to the hollow echo of its own voice. Every generation invents its own despair and dares to call it light. Yet Scripture unmasks the fragility of these human building projects.The voices of despair rise in the camp, soothing themselves with stories of morality, while kings and judges build false legacies and nations carve idols in the light of their own eyes. Again and again, the words of God cut across this chorus, splitting the false consolation of narrative with the constellation of Abrahamic function: exposing human futility with divine riddle, and announcing what no human voice can summon: the surplus of grace and light. Or perhaps, when hope is gone and the fall seems final, it descends for you not as light but as despair.Can you even tell the difference? Are you still confused about the Shepherd's identity? Yes, you are. Because you are a Westerner. And now even the East has turned West. All of you are talking about yourselves.Catch up quickly, ḥabībī. God is written. God does not forget. God does not turn. And God, as the Apostle said, is not mocked.This week, I discuss Luke 8:41.Ἰάϊρος (Iairos) ‎/י־א־ר (yod-alef-resh, “light”)‎י־א־ש (yod-alef-shin, “despair”) /‎ي־ء־س (yāʾ-hamza-sīn)The functions י־א־ר (yod-alef-resh, “shine”, “light”) and י־א־ש (yod-alef-shin, “despair”) share the same first two letters (י + א). Only the last letter is different: resh (ר) for shine, shin (ש) for despair. In Semitic languages, this kind of overlap often forms a word-family or cluster where similar-looking roots embody opposite meanings. The placement and structure leave the door open to hear and see them as two edges of the same blade—one edge to shine, the other to despair. The Arabic cognate يَئِسَ (yaʾisa, “to despair”) expands this constellation of function, confirming the polarity as it treads across the breadth of Semitic tradition. (HALOT, pp. 381-382)The Double-Edged Sword of Semitic Function: Despair and Light1. The Voice of the People: DespairLuke 8:49 “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any longer.”The crowd speaks. The household voices despair.This is not faith, not trust, not light, not life. It is the voice of the human being declaring finality. It is the voice of war in the camp, of the cruelty of throwing children away.The Hebrew/Arabic root י־א־ש / ي-ء-س (to despair) captures this perfectly. Across Semitic tradition, despair is the word of man: resignation, futility, darkness.“None despairs تَيْأَسُوا (tayʾasu) of the mercy of God except the disbelieving people.” (Qurʾan, Surah Yūsuf سورة يوسف “Joseph” 12:87)Again, despair is attributed to the people.Human communities, when confronted with death, loss, or trial, give voice to hopelessness.2. The Voice of God: Light and HopeLuke 8:50 “Do not fear; only trust, and she will be saved.”This is not the voice of the people. It is the word of the Lord, cutting through human despair.The name Jairus (יָאִיר, yaʾir “he will shine”) itself belongs not to human commentary but to God's proclamation. The child will live; light will shine.“Until, when the messengers despaired ٱسْتَيْـَٔسَ (istaʾyasa) and thought that they were denied, our help came to them, and whoever we willed was saved. But our might cannot be repelled from the guilty people.” (Qurʾan, Surah Yūsuf سورة يوسف “Joseph” 12:110)The human limit is despair. God's instruction interrupts where human beings fail. His mercy and help arrive at the point where human voices collapse.In both the Gospel and the Qur'an, the sword of Pauline Grace hangs above the scene. On one edge is the people's despair: sharp, cutting, self-inflicted, and final. On the other edge is God's light: sharper still, decisive, and life-giving. Scripture allows no compromise between the two. One voice must be silenced: the word of the people falls, and the word of God stands, forever.‎πίπτω (pipto) / נ־פ־ל (nun-fe-lamed) / ن־ف־ل (nūn-fāʾ-lām)The root carries the function “to fall, fall down, be slain, collapse, fail; to fall in battle, collapse in death, or prostrate,” and in its semantics it denotes a sense of finality, the collapse of life or order.According to Lane's Lexicon, the root ن-ف-ل (nūn–fāʾ–lām) indicates “he gave without obligation, akin to Pauline grace as a free gift” (نَفَلَ nafala), “that which falls to a man's lot without his seeking it” (نَفْل nafl), or “booty, spoil, bounty” (أَنْفَال anfāl), while Tāj al-ʿArūs describes it as “that which falls (يَقَعُ yaqaʿu) to someone's portion.” This resonates with Paul's use of χάρις (charis, grace), where salvation is not earned but freely given: “For by grace [χάριτί (chariti)] you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Likewise, Paul stresses that justification comes “being justified as a gift [δωρεάν (dorean)] by his grace [τῇ αὐτοῦ χάριτι (te autou chariti)] through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).“She has fallen [נָפְלָה (nafelah)], she will not rise again, the virgin Israel. She lies neglected on her land; There is no one to raise her up.” (Amos 5:2)“They fell [ἔπεσαν (epesan)] on their faces before the throne.” (Revelation 7:11)In the Qur'an, Paul's teaching is carried forward from Luke, and the function of the fall is inverted: human failure becomes a gift, a “surplus”, not the false surplus of the billionaire abundance mafia, but what God allots beyond human expectation. Where Hebrew נ־פ־ל (nun-fe-lamed) and Greek πίπτω (pipto) establish the fall as collapse, ruin, and death, Arabic ن-ف-ل (nūn-fāʾ-lām) reshapes the same constellation into grace: what falls to one's portion without effort, the unearned bounty. Thus, the Jairus mashal, where the daughter falls into death yet rises as a surplus of life, finds its perpetuation in the term's Qur'anic itinerary: the fall itself becomes the site of God's grace.Luke 8:49-50: “Your daughter has died; do not trouble the Teacher anymore.” But He answered, “Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be saved.”Romans 3:24: “Being made righteous as a gift [δωρεάν (dorean)] by his grace [χάριτι (chariti)] through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.”Qurʾan, Surat al-Anfāl سورة الأنفال “The Spoils of War” 8:1: “They ask you about the spoils [ٱلۡأَنفَالِ (al-anfāl)]. Say, ‘The spoils belong to God and the Apostle.'”Judges were intended to function as earthen vessels: temporary saviors raised up by God to deliver Israel, re-establish order under the Torah, and cultivate dependence on him and him alone. Instead, like all dynastic bureaucrats, they mistook the spoils of God's victory as their own possession, converting deliverance into personal legacy. Jair's brief rule in Judges...

Tune in to this episode of School of Divine Mysteries with Aba Al-Sadiq (fhip) and his disciple Tiffany, as they uncover why the Prophet Muhammad say “the world is a prison for the believer”? What does it really mean to live in a world that feels more like a cage than a paradise? From ancient philosophers to the prophets of the Abrahamic faiths, from Hindu and Buddhist teachings to hidden Gnostic gospels, again and again humanity has described this life as a trap. In this episode, we explore why so many traditions, East and West, have warned that our reality is not what it seems… and what it means for those who seek freedom beyond it.

As with the murders of Israeli embassy workers Yaron Lischinsky and Sara Lynn Milgrim in 2025, a story that conveniently ran interference for Israeli soldiers threatening to kill foreign diplomats in the West Bank just hours before, the August 27, 2025, mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School-Church did something similar for another story about Israel twice bombing a hospital the same week, killing patients, aid workers and journalists. The shooter, Robin Westman, was classified by the following political affiliations as such:   The political right blamed his trans identity, implying drugs were involved, and accused the political left of inciting the violence because one of the messages written on his equipment included “kill Donald Trump.” The whole of LGBTQ was indicted, and he was referred to as having been “groomed.”  The political left blamed the far-right, guns, and Nazism, because among a collection of writings and messages the shooter had scribbled on his equipment phrases like “6 million wasn't enough,” “Israel must fall” and “Jew gas.” He had also spoken of murdering “filthy Zionist Jews” in a video manifesto and wrote in a journal “Free Palestine” using the Cyrillic alphabet.  Robin Westman (or Westwoman) also strangely wrote “release the list” next to an upside down cross that we can be assured had nothing to do with St. Peter. On two separate ammo magazines he wrote “suck on this” and “where is your God” respectively. Strangely, it appeared that below the former he drew a bird above the Arabic word “Mashallah.” These details were used as evidence that his influence was Islam, and that Muslims were coming to kill Jews.   However true any of the above actually is the fact remains that a supposedly antisemitic mass shooter decided to take his anger about Zionism out on Catholics, and children specifically, at a facility where his mother found employment. Something was seriously wrong with this story. First, the concerns of drugs, hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and radical leftwing rhetoric is a valid concern; but blaming the shooting on “transgenderism” serves no other role than to incite and obfuscate. Second, the accusations of Nazism against Westman by the leftwing seem to be a great example of why you aren't supposed to throw stones in a glass house; isn't the political left perceptually the party of anti-Israel? Third, someone who wants “the list,” presumably of Jeffrey Epstein's clients, released could be motivated by either political bias, or by an anarchial spirit against all organized government. Fourth, the tropes about “6 million” dead Jews and Jews being gassed are nothing but atrocity propaganda and gas lighting in light of the facts. Also, the phrase “Israel will fall” is itself anti-Nazi since the latter helped to establish the former. Fifth, the phrase “Free Palestine” has been associated with nearly every act of public violence in the U.S. since October 7, 2023. Sixth, the idea that this shooter was influenced by Islam makes even less sense if he wrote “where is your God,” unless that phrase was meant to imply that he believed the Christian God was different than Allah, an Arabic word for God; and for added confusion on this point, there are three Abrahamic religions, including Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Seventh, the word “Mashallah” denotes the beauty or greatness of something and is a protective charm against the evil eye; it is especially popular among Arabic Christians. Eighth, why would a kid who grew up in a Christian community, presumably, grow to hate Jews, Israel, and Zionists so bad that he would decide to carry out an act of violence against… Catholic children?Within hours, understandably, the FBI began investigating the incident as an “act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.”  We are to believe the word “Mashallah” indicates his Islamic inspiration, which itself is beyond confusing because the word draws on beauty and peace, not violence. Put another way, a Christian anti-Zionist who hated Jews became a Muslim, though he doesn't actually believe in God, and then killed Catholics.An equally peculiar question can be asked about why someone who wanted to “kill Donald Trump,” a leftist chant, would write supposedly radical, rightwing, Nazi phrases - themselves the modern language of the political left - on their equipment before carrying out a shooting against the Church?  It seems clear that the rhetoric here is meant to convince us once again that not only are Muslims terrorists, but godless ones that should be shown no mercy; we are to imagine that Muslims hate Jews and Christians so much they will slaughter their children; the mysterious writing is intended to confuse and obfuscate, creating unclear conditions where emotions override critical thinking; the upside down cross facilitates the subconscious Christian reaction. Even more bizarre is the fact that above the Arabic word “Mashallah”, itself semitic, was what appeared to be a bird drawn on one of the magazines. Birds play a role in the Islamic holy texts as symbols of wisdom and guides from Allah, similar to Huginn and Muninn, the sacred ravens of Odin. Birds also fly, swim, walk on land, and are symbols of fiery rebirth like the phoenix. This must have a deeper meaning because not only is a bird representative of the four elements, i.e., GOD, but the shooter wrote “like a phoenix we rise from the ashes” on his equipment too. For the layman these things appear to indicate some sort of cryptic symbolism, which no doubt Internet sleuths will argue over for months or years to come. But what it may mean in context is yet another covert insult to God. Finally, we read from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency of another curious phrase written by the shooter: “A YouTube account believed to have belonged to Westman shared videos prior to the shooting in which gun parts and smoke grenades can be seen with neo-Nazi messaging including, ‘6 million wasn't enough,' ‘Burn Israel,' ‘Israel must fall' and ‘Destroy HIAS,' a reference to the Jewish humanitarian organization. The videos were removed after the shooting. HIAS was also targeted in online writing by Robert Bowers, the man convicted of murdering 11 Jews in the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh in 2018.”                    Based on what we learned about HIAS earlier, the picture here begins to form into a clear remedy for all the confusion. Why would a Christian inspired by Islam and a hatred of Jews, specifically blaming HIAS for facilitating illegal immigration, also hate Donald Trump while simultaneously writing or saying things considered rightwing, and then after all is said and done kill Catholic children as punishment for what the Jews supposedly had done? All the propaganda and rhetoric surrounding Jews conveniently became a national story just as the country is questioning why Israel bombed a hospital, waited for journalists and aid workers to arrive with help, and then bombed the facility a second time. According to the New York Post, “the deranged gunman mused about assassinating President Trump and Jews,” but instead decided on the “children of innocent civilians.” The Robin Westman shooting appears to be CIA-Mossad intelligence operations, if not the even itself then the response.*The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.FREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVEX / TWITTER FACEBOOKWEBSITECashApp: $rdgable EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / TSTRadio@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.

In Class 6, we explore the concept of covenants within a theological framework, emphasizing humanity's total depravity and inability to achieve salvation through works. God righteously hates sin and sinners, but simultaneously desires to show unmerited favor (sola gratia). This grace enables individuals to exercise faith alone (sola fide) to receive salvation, as exemplified by a series of biblical covenants—Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic—all of which foreshadow and culminate in the New Covenant, made possible by the Covenant of Redemption within the Trinity and sealed by the Holy Spirit. True spiritual freedom and reconciliation with God are gifts that transcend human effort, which should lead us to a profound appreciation for God's redemptive plan and a call for compassionate evangelism.

The Daily Quiz - Entertainment, Society and Culture Today's Questions: Question 1: In the Abrahamic scriptures, who asked Pharaoh to let his people go? Question 2: Name the movie that matches the following plot summary: 'A stranger joins forces with a desperado to protect a widow from an assassin.' Question 3: Which of these religions originated in Japan? Question 4: Which actress has acted in both That '70s Show and Black Swan? Question 5: Who is the Roman goddess of destiny? Question 6: What word is used for Germany's main highways? Question 7: Which actress featured in films including Men in Black 3 and Love Actually? Question 8: Name the movie that matches the following plot summary: 'The lives of mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of bandits intertwine in four tales.' This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Loretta welcomes Renee Blodgett and Anthony Compagnone!Renee Blodgett and Anthony Compagnone are the co-authors of Magdalene's Journey: Mary Magdalene's Untold Story and Teachings, released in January 2025. This visionary, fictional, historical tale follows Cambridge-based Rochelle and her partner Angelo, whose lives are forever changed after receiving visitations from souls who once walked the earth over two thousand years ago.Filled with personal revelation and timeless wisdom, the story explores the life of Mary Magdalene—Miriam of Magdala—her relationship with Yeshua of Nazareth, and her deep connection with both male and female apostles. Magdalene's Journey challenges the filtered, patriarchal narrative that has long defined Abrahamic religions and diminished women's roles in history. It offers a liberating vision—one that rebalances the masculine and feminine energies within us all and urges us to reconsider our very definitions of truth, reality, and consciousness.Renee Blodgett and Anthony Compagnone are also the founders of Blue Soul Earth®, where they help raise global consciousness through courses, workshops, retreats, and their Blue Soul Summit® video series, which bridges science and spirituality by featuring thought leaders from around the world. Their teachings focus on Universal Consciousness, heart-centered living, and the balance of divine masculine and feminine energies.Website:https://magdalenesjourney.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A wide-open conversation with David Whitehead on Iran's hidden history: Persia vs. modern ideologies, underground cities and mythic “giants,” ancient feuds that still script today's conflicts, strange alliances, China/fentanyl influence, and the illusion of choice in global power.Topics: Iran's erased/rewritten history; symbolic/ritual value of the region; underground networks (Turkey–Iran–Levant); giants lore & megalithic puzzles; sectarian feuds across the Abrahamic world; manipulation of consciousness; fentanyl/China irregular warfare; controlled consent vs. free will; courage and sovereignty.BUY ME A COFFEE LINK

Episode 129 of the Uncovering Anomalies Podcast dives into the strange convergence of UFO disclosure and end-times prophecy.Topher and Adam unpack Avi Loeb's “messiah,” wild predictions tied to 3I/ATLAS, and the growing chorus of voices warning of imminent apocalypse. From Elizondo's legal team to ICJ judges declaring “the end times,” the narrative of disclosure is being woven into religion, geopolitics, and chaos itself.We also explore how the UFO conversation is increasingly being anchored in Abrahamic frameworks — ensuring old institutions of power remain unchallenged — while AI, finance, and global conflict swirl into the same apocalyptic storylines.Are we witnessing genuine prophecy, manipulation, or just the latest evolution of the UFO control system? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, we examine the claim that the land promise in the Abrahamic covenant has already been fulfilled. Joshua 21:43 states that "the LORD gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers." Does this mean that futurists are incorrect when they say that Israel can expect a return to the land of their forefathers? Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction01:33 The Language of the Abrahamic Covenant05:42 Various Interpretations of the Land Promise08:38 Joshua 21:43-45 and the Land Promise Being Fulfilled16:12 The Danger of Taking Verses Out of Context18:09 The Example of the Noahic Covenant22:14 The Boundaries Promised to Israel26:16 Context of Joshua 21:43-4531:58 Context of Judges 135:30 Context of Exodus 23:3037:50 What does the Law and the Prophets Say?45:32 What Does Joshua 21:43-45 Mean?Gary DeMar Article Quoted: https://americanvision.org/1738/israel-gaza-land-rapture/Maps used from https://biblemapper.com/If you have found the podcast helpful, consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leaving a review on Itunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rating it on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also find ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Bible Sojourner on Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠petergoeman.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information on the podcast or blog.Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ shepherds.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks Romans 4. This chapter centers on Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, to illustrate Paul's central argument: justification comes by faith alone, not by works or adherence to the law. Paul draws from Genesis 15:6, where Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” The Jewish audience highly esteemed Abraham's obedience, but Paul reframes their understanding—Abraham's righteousness was not earned; it was imputed by God's grace. This chapter unpacks the Abrahamic covenant and demonstrates how God's promises extend beyond Israel to bless all nations.  Through Abraham's example, Paul builds a defense for justification by faith, culminating in the Reformers' essential word: alone. Michael Easley reminds us that nothing we do—no obedience, no good works—can earn God's favor. Likewise, our sins are no longer credited to us but placed on Christ, whose righteousness is given to us. The miracle of forgiveness should never grow stale; it transforms how we see ourselves and how God sees us—in Christ, righteous and redeemed. Romans 4 calls us to rest in this grace, boasting not in ourselves, but in God's provision through Jesus Christ. Takeaways: Romans 4 uses Abraham's life to explain justification by faith alone. Abraham's righteousness was imputed, not earned by obedience or works. The Abrahamic covenant points to God's plan to bless all nations through Christ. Paul contrasts Jewish views of merit with God's grace credited through faith. Our sins are not counted against us; Christ's righteousness is credited to us. Forgiveness is a miracle we must never take for granted. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

In this conversation, Quentin and Fred DeFalco explore deep themes of faith, personal experiences, and the intricacies of the Abrahamic covenant. They discuss the importance of understanding one's strengths and weaknesses in business, particularly in real estate, and emphasize the significance of mindset and self-value. Fred shares his life lessons, including the role of ego in success and the philosophies of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. The conversation culminates in discussions about setting ambitious goals and the pursuit of peace, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own journeys and the impact they can have on the world. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

In this week's episode, Caleb is joined by Jason DeRouchie (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Research Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Seminary, to discuss God's covenant with Abraham from a progressive covenantalist perspective. Together, they unpack the key points of the Abrahamic covenant and how it fits in the larger storyline of Scripture.ResourcesAn Arc of the Covenants: Tracing How the Bible's Storyline Climaxes in Christ by Jason DeRouchieCounting Stars with Abraham and the Prophets: New Covenant Ecclesiology in OT Perspective by Jason DeRouchieDelighting in the Old Testament: Through Christ and for Christ by Jason DeRouchieGod's Covenant with Abraham by Peter GentryKingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants by Stephen Wellum and Peter GentryGod's Kingdom through God's Covenants: A Concise Biblical Theology by Stephen Wellum and Peter GentryChrist from Beginning to End: How the Full Story of Scripture Reveals the Full Glory of Christ by Stephen Wellum and Trent HunterProgressive Covenantalism: Charting a Course between Dispensational and Covenantal Theologies edited by Stephen Wellum and Brent Parker40 Questions About Biblical Theology by Jason DeRouchie, Oren Martin, and Andrew NaselliCovenant and God's Purpose for the World by Thomas Schreiner

When you hear the word "shaman," I'm guessing a web of associations starts to form in your mind. Perhaps you imagine strange ceremonies and strong substances; maybe you think of an earlier time when magic and superstition reined. But shamanism is not just some relic of the past, or a curio from exotic lands. It's part of our present, and it will almost certainly be part of our future. This is because the roots of shamanism lie within us all. My guest today is Dr. Manvir Singh. Manvir is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of California, Davis and a regular contributor to The New Yorker. He's also the author of a new book—Shamanism: The Timeless Religion. Here, Manvir and I talk about his fieldwork with Mentawai shamans in Indonesia. We discuss what makes a shaman a shaman, and consider the cognitive building blocks that make shamanism so widespread and so appealing. We discuss the shamanic origins of Abrahamic religions. We consider how, over the course of history, shamanism has repeatedly resurged, despite attempts to snuff it out. And we also talk about the various forms and flavors that shamanism takes in contemporary Western societies. Along the way, Manvir and I touch on: drumming, fasting, and the “dark tent”; Jesus; experimental Edens; witches, prophets, and messiahs; glossolalia; disenchantment and re-enchantment; the rise of neoshamanism; Paleolithic rock art; hedge wizards and tech CEOs; Western exceptionalism; and the routinization of charisma. If you enjoy this episode, I highly recommend that you check out Manvir's book—it's a captivating blend of narrative and ideas and it goes far beyond what we were able to talk about here. I'll also flag that this Manvir's second time on Many Minds. Back in July of 2020 we had another conversation—broader in scope—where we talked about shamanism but also Manvir's work on witches, stories, and music. So you might check that one out as well. Alright friends, on to my conversation with Dr. Manvir Singh. Enjoy!   A transcript of this episode will be available soon.   Notes and links 4:00 – For a video examples of shamanic rituals from around the world, see Dr. Singh's recent thread on Bluesky / Twitter. 12:30 – On the idea of “cultural attraction” and “cultural attractors,” see here and here. For a recent treatment of the idea of “super-attractors,” see Dr. Singh's preprint here. 16:00 – On the case of cultural loss among the Northern Aché, see the recent work by Dr. Singh and a colleague. 17:30 – For more on Dr. Singh's theoretical framework for understanding shamanism, see his earlier academic paper. 19:00 – The 2005 review of altered states of consciousness by Vaitl et al. For more on psychedelics and altered states, see our recent episode with Chris Letheby. 29:00 – Murcia Eliade's classic work on shamanism—Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy. 34:00 – For the book by Martin Riesebrodt on the nature of religion, see here. 36:00 – For more on the human propensity for ritual, see our earlier episode with Dimitris Xygalatas. 43:00 – For one influential interpretation of Paleolithic rock art as evidence for shamanism, see David Lewis-Williams' book, Mind in the Cave: Consciousness and the Origins of Art. 52:00 – For a discussion of psychedelics and organized religion that touches on the “routinization of charisma,” see this article by Michael Pollan. 54:00 – For more about the case of Alice Auma, see Dr. Singh's recent piece in The New Yorker. 1:00:30 – For more about neoshamanism and Michael Harner, see the website of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies—www.shamanism.org. 1:03:00 – Samual Johnson analysis of money managers 1:04:00 – For the analysis of financial managers, by Samuel Johnson, see here.  1:06:00 – For more on the quasi-shamanic flavor of tech CEOs, see Rakesh Khurana's book, Searching for a Corporate Savior: The Irrational Quest for Charismatic CEOs. 1:08:00 – See, again, Dr. Singh's recent piece in The New Yorker in which he discusses Trump and prophet-like status. 1:13:00 – For Dr. Singh's work on other complex cultural traditions, see the website for his lab.   Recommendations The Sambia: Ritual, Sexuality, and Change in New Guinea, by Gilbert Herdt The Falling Sky: Words of a Yanomami Shaman, by Davi Kopenawa & Bruce Albert   Many Minds is a project of the Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute, which is made possible by a generous grant from the John Templeton Foundation to Indiana University. The show is hosted and produced by Kensy Cooperrider, with help from Assistant Producer Urte Laukaityte and with creative support from DISI Directors Erica Cartmill and Jacob Foster. Our artwork is by Ben Oldroyd. Our transcripts are created by Sarah Dopierala. Subscribe to Many Minds on Apple, Stitcher, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also now subscribe to the Many Minds newsletter here! We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions. Feel free to email us at: manymindspodcast@gmail.com. s For updates about the show, visit our website or follow us on Twitter (@ManyMindsPod) or Bluesky (@manymindspod.bsky.social).

On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, Stewart Alsop talks with Larry Diamond, co-founder of Healing with the Diamonds, about his journey from severe metabolic illness to vibrant health and his work helping others do the same. They explore topics like heart-brain coherence, the alchemical journey, insulin resistance, seed oils, and the deeper spiritual dimensions of healing, weaving in references to David Hawkins, Rupert Sheldrake, and the lost wisdom of the divine feminine. Larry shares insights on metabolic testing, ancestral eating, and the importance of authentic living, while also touching on the role of parasites—his term for the forces keeping humanity in fear and incoherence. You can find more about Larry and his work, as well as access his consulting, at healingwiththediamonds.com, on Instagram and Facebook at Healing with the Diamonds, or listen in iTunes to his upcoming podcast.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:00 Stewart Alsop introduces Larry Diamond of Healing with the Diamonds; they discuss his healing journey, health coaching, and the meaning of heart-brain coherence.05:00 Alchemical journey, crystals, the hero's journey, integrating masculine and feminine energies, and the idea of parasites feeding on fear.10:00 Kindness vs niceness, morphic fields, Rupert Sheldrake's theories, and quantum entanglement as evidence of interconnectedness.15:00 Scientism vs true science, metabolic illness, citizen science, Larry's 2013 health transformation.20:00 Metabolic syndrome, C-reactive protein, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, and Larry's weight loss story.25:00 Seed oils, refined carbs, ultra-processed foods, and strategies for restoring metabolic health.30:00 Carb cycling, primal eating, intuitive healing, and ancestral wisdom.35:00 Spirituality beyond religion, Yeshua vs Jesus, divine feminine, and writing your own gospel.40:00 Living authentically, kindness in daily life, and finding healing in sovereignty and connection.Key InsightsLarry Diamond shares how his journey from severe metabolic illness to vibrant health became the foundation for Healing with the Diamonds. He explains how hitting rock bottom in 2013 inspired him to reject mainstream dietary advice and embrace a primal, whole foods approach that reversed his insulin resistance and helped him lose over 100 pounds.A major theme of the conversation is heart-brain coherence, which Larry describes as essential for true wisdom and discernment. He connects this to ancient teachings, referencing Yeshua's “sword of discernment” and suggesting that Western culture intentionally suppressed this knowledge to keep people in fear and mental fragmentation.The episode explores the alchemical journey as a metaphor for inner transformation, likening it to Joseph Campbell's hero's journey. Larry emphasizes integrating masculine and feminine energies and overcoming ego as key steps in remembering our divine nature and embodying authenticity.Larry critiques scientism, which he calls the inversion of true science, and encourages listeners to reclaim citizen science as a path to health sovereignty. He shares practical tools like testing for C-reactive protein, A1C, fasting insulin, and using triglycerides-to-HDL ratios to assess metabolic health.He identifies the “Big Four” dietary culprits—seed oils, refined carbs, ultra-processed foods, and sugar—as drivers of chronic illness and advocates returning to ancestral foods rich in natural fats and nutrients. He stresses that flavor and enjoyment are critical for sustainable healing.On the spiritual side, Larry reframes the Abrahamic religions as distortions of deeper wisdom traditions, contrasting the figure of Yeshua (aligned with love and sovereignty) with the institutionalized Jesus narrative. He highlights the divine feminine, Sophia, as a source of intuition and co-creation with the cosmos.Finally, Larry encourages listeners to “write your own gospel and live your own myth,” seeing authentic, kind, and sovereign living as both a spiritual and practical act of resistance to what he calls the parasite class—forces of fear and manipulation seeking to block human awakening.

Almost every Christian denomination accepts that God is sovereign--which is interpreted to mean that He always does precisely what He pleases, and everything that happens on earth has either His explicit or implicit stamp of approval. So when we find ourselves in a crisis--we or someone we love gets a terminal diagnosis, or we don't have enough money to make the mortgage and may lose the house, or we're in the direct path of a natural disaster, etc--we pray for a miracle, because we all know that God can do anything He wants. And who knows? Maybe He'll say yes. But if He says no, the common theology goes, it's because He sees the bigger picture. He knows more than we do, and we have to just trust that He knows best. That sounds so spiritual, doesn't it? Some believers manage to weather these trials of faith, pointing to Job as their example, when he said, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21) and "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job 13:15). (One side note. When you hear of a great saint who loses everything and yet clings to their trust in God anyway, certain that He has a greater purpose for their loss, does that inspire you to praise God--or to praise that great saint? Who actually receives the glory for that?) This theology has its roots in Calvinism, which espouses an extreme form of predestination (meaning that God chooses whether each of us will ultimately be saved, or damned, before we're ever born. He has to do this, they argue, because it is God who gives us the faith even to be saved, Eph 2:8-9, and if He withholds that faith, salvation for that individual is impossible.) So God, in this theological persuasion, decides a priori who will be saved and who will not, and then punishes those to whom He has not given the faith to be saved for their sins. They do have scriptures to back up their argument--if you take them out of context. One of the big ones is Romans 9:18-21, which says: "Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens. You will say to me then, 'Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?' But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, 'Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?'" In this passage, Paul was comparing Israel's hardness of heart in rejecting the Messiah to Pharaoh from the time of the Exodus (Romans 9:15-17). The reason it took ten plagues and the decimation of Egypt for Pharaoh to finally release the Israelites was because Pharaoh's heart was hardened, far beyond reason. Paul's point in this passage was that God did this so that He could display His power to the Israelites, delivering them with great signs and wonders (Romans 9:17). If Pharaoh hadn't resisted, it would not have taken great miracles to do it. (In the same way, Paul argues, the fact that Israel had rejected Jesus gave the Lord the opportunity to bring the Gentiles in to the New Covenant, too.) But if God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, is Pharaoh still responsible for his own actions? If we go back to the original source text, we can see that this isn't quite the whole story. God did tell Moses in advance that He would harden Pharaoh's heart before the plagues ever began (Ex 4:21, 7:3). But for the first five plagues, Pharaoh hardened his own heart (Ex 7:22, 8:15, 8:19, 8:32, 9:7). It was only by the sixth plague that the scripture says God hardened Pharaoh's heart (Ex 9:12). Pharaoh still made his own choice first; God just enforced it and used it for His own purposes. I love the analogy Charles Capps uses to explain this. If one sets clay and wax out in the hot sun, the sun will harden the clay, but melt the wax. The sun adds the same heat to both, but the substance (wax or clay) determines its effect. A potter chooses whether to make “noble or ignoble” vessels from clay not arbitrarily, but on the basis of the quality of the clay. If the clay is supple and pliable, it can be made into something beautiful; if it is brittle, it might not be fit to shape into something worthy of display. God works with what we give him. In the same way, in Jesus’ Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23), the sower sows the Word indiscriminately, but it is the condition of the soil that determines the harvest. Luke later writes that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), and Peter writes that He is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9, more on this later). Likewise, any reasonable person would have been terrified into obedience by the plagues, long before they progressed to the death of the firstborn. And some of the Egyptians did believe and take refuge in Goshen, and the final exodus included “a mixed multitude” (Exodus 12:38), meaning some of the Egyptians were convinced, converted, and left with them. God gave the Egyptians the opportunity to escape the plagues that might otherwise have caused death, telling them to pull their livestock and their servants inside before the hail (Exodus 9:19), and to paint their doorposts with the blood of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:22-23), which was symbolic of and foreshadowing the blood of Christ. Again, the Lord is “not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). He didn't want to harm the Egyptians, but neither did he want them to keep His people in bondage. So, did God harden Pharaoh’s heart? Yes, but perhaps only in the sense that God performed the miracles, and Pharaoh’s heart was such that those miracles caused him to dig in his heels. We’ve all met stubborn people like this, with whom any direct attempt at persuasion will cause them to double down on their original position. God does not override our free will, so in this case, He worked with it, using it to His advantage. Our choices do matter. But He's so amazing that He takes those choices and still manages to work “all things together for good to those who love God, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). As a result of Pharaoh’s stubbornness, God’s people had a legacy of spectacular stories to remind their children and their children’s children of His might on their behalf. My point in saying all that is just that the argument that God sovereignly controls everything that happens is inconsistent with the overall teachings of scripture; even the individual verses that seem to suggest that don't stand up to scrutiny. But a larger problem is that, taken to its logical conclusion, the theological position that God's will is absolute, and will come to pass no matter what we do, leads to a sense of futility. Why pray--why even evangelize--if God is going to do what He's going to do, regardless? To their credit (though against logic), most Calvinist denominations recognize that the scriptures are very clear that we should still both evangelize and pray, and they therefore preach that we should do both, just because God said we should. (Sort of the equivalent of a parent saying, "Because I said so, that's why!") But historically, many Protestant denominations stemmed from or were heavily influenced by Calvinist doctrine. As a result, until about the late 18th and early 19th century, almost all missionary activity around the world came from the Catholic church, which I suspect was precisely because it held no doctrine of predestination, so they thought their efforts could make an eternal difference. Motivation matters. (Protestant missions largely date back to William Carey's work in India in 1793. The London Missionary Society was founded two years later, in 1795, and in 1810, the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions was founded.) Even if we're not ultimately each predestined for heaven or hell, God is still sovereign, though, right? He knows way more than we do. So doesn't that mean sometimes He'll say no to our prayer requests, and when we all get to heaven, we'll understand why? Yes, God is sovereign in the sense that He is all-powerful, all-loving, and all-knowing, but He is not all-controlling (and I covered this extensively in this podcast https://www.drlaurendeville.com/podcasts/why-bad-things-happen-from-a-biblical-perspective on why bad things happen, from a biblical perspective). God told Adam and Eve not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil; they did anyway. Was that God's will? Certainly not! He did everything He could to keep them from doing it, short of making them automatons, when He told them, don't do it. Likewise, any sovereign can set laws that his citizens may not necessarily obey. The US is a sovereign nation and in 1974 the administration set the "National Maximum Speed Law" of 55mph. But many drivers exceeded that speed limit daily. The New English Translation has the word “sovereign” appear more than any other biblical translation (368 times). Not one of the original Hebrew or Greek words connotes the idea that He controls everything that happens. Most of the time, "sovereign" is just the way they render God’s names. The word sovereign is often translated from Shaddai (meaning Almighty) when it’s part of God’s name (48 times in the OT). Other times it’s translated from ‘elohiym: supreme God, as a superlative, or ‘elyown, meaning High or Most High. Sometimes it's thrown in as part of the transition of ‘Adonay: an emphatic form of the Lord. Sometimes it's translated from tsaba’, also translated the Lord of Hosts, meaning one who commands an army. In some cases the word sovereign is used to describe God's characteristics, but in context, it doesn't mean what we typically mean by the word (that His will always happens). The NET version of 1 Chronicles 29:11 says, "O LORD, you are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You have dominion and exalt yourself as the ruler of all." Only this translation uses the word sovereign; the others , translate it Head. This word connotes the idea of a supreme ruler, but not of one who always gets His way. Psalm 84:11 says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield (magen: shield, buckler, protector).” The same verse is translated in NET: "For the LORD God is our sovereign protector." Clearly the word magen does not indicate that He always gets His way, either. Sovereign power is also translated as holiness from qadash: "to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate." This word is used in Ezekiel 28:25: "'This is what the sovereign LORD says: When I regather the house of Israel from the peoples where they are dispersed, I will reveal my sovereign power (or holiness) over them in the sight of the nations, and they will live in their land that I gave to my servant Jacob." It doesn't mean supreme dictator there either. Micah 5:4 says, "He will assume his post and shepherd the people by the LORD's strength, by the sovereign authority of the LORD his God. They will live securely, for at that time he will be honored even in the distant regions of the earth.” Sovereign authority here is the words ga'own (exaltation, majesty, pride) shem (name, reputation, fame, glory): thus, it's better translated “in the majesty of the name” of the Lord. Not a supreme dictator there either. Habakkuk 2:14 says, "For recognition of the LORD's sovereign majesty will fill the earth just as the waters fill up the sea." Sovereign majesty here is yada (to know, to perceive, to make known) kabowd (glory, honour, glorious, abundance), also translated “for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.” Still not indicating ultimate control over everything that happens. Of course God's will does not always come to pass. As I mentioned earlier, the classic example of this is 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance,” and 1 Timothy 2:4: “[He] desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Matthew 18:14 also says, “Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” Jesus paid for the sins of the whole world, not just those who are saved. 1 John 2:2 says, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world”, and 1 Tim 4:10 says, "That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.” This doesn't sound like a God who created anyone for the expressed purpose of eternal damnation to me. On the contrary, He did everything He could possibly do to save us all, short of making us automatons. But not everybody will be saved, because He doesn't force us to choose Him--nor does He make any of our other decisions for us, either. Jesus said in Matthew 7:13: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." God wills it; He paid an enormous price for it; but He won't get all of us, because we get a choice. There are other verses that imply the concept of sovereignty as we typically define it (in the sense that when God decides to do something, He does it, and no one can stop Him). Here are a few of those verses: Job 42:2: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Isaiah 46:10: “I declare the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.” Romans 8:28: “All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.” (i.e. He can use bad and work it for good.) But these verses refers to God’s right and His power -- they say nothing about voluntary restrictions that God has placed upon His own power. Those limitations are defined by the covenants God had in place with mankind at various points in history. Once He gives His word that He will do this and not that, He cannot violate it--He exalts His word even above His name (Psalm 138:2). It's the integrity of His word that literally holds the universe together (Hebrews 1:3). Again, more on this in this podcast: https://www.drlaurendeville.com/podcasts/why-bad-things-happen-from-a-biblical-perspective and extensively more in "Blood Covenant Origins" and "Blood Covenant Fulfilled" from this book series: https://www.drlaurendeville.com/books/biblical-retellings). A quick overview, though: since God gave the earth to man in the garden, and man decided to obey Satan, God had to find a legal entry to get back in. That was the purpose of the covenants—first the Adamic, then the Noahic, then the Abrahamic, then the Mosaic, and now finally, the New Covenant. In the middle three there were stipulations of what we had to do, and therefore what God would do for us, if we kept up our end. But there were provisions for blessings even in those. For instance, a common Old Testament example I've heard preached to back up the idea that we never know what God's going to do, but we should have faith in Him anyway, is Daniel 3:18. Here's how that verse is preached: "If you throw us into the fiery furnace, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not save us, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up." Except that's not what that verse actually says. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego, the Hebrew kids in Babylonian exile in that story, were under the Mosaic covenant, and they were on the right side of it--so they had a right to the blessings (Deut 28:7), and they knew it. They knew God’s promises. That’s why they were able to stand up to the king—just like David could call Goliath that “uncircumcised Philistine,” absolutely convinced of the outcome, because he had a covenant, and Goliath didn’t. In the story in Daniel, what the verse actually says is, “If you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” The Jewish captives respond saying, “If that is the case” (implying, if you will throw us in to the furnace, the subject of the previous verse). Then they say, “But if not”—and the Hebrew never qualifies if not what. People tend to assume they are saying “but if God doesn’t deliver us” (the end of the previous thought). But it could just as easily have meant, “If it is not the case that you will throw us into the fiery furnace,” just like it did in previous verse. This would change the entire meaning of the verse, and would be far more consistent with the rest of scripture. I can think of no instances anywhere in scripture where someone put faith in God’s covenant promises, and God did not come through. He can’t not come through—because again, He exalts His word above His very name (Ps 138:2)! In the New Covenant, Jesus paid to make sure we are always on the blessing side, having fulfilled the law perfectly on our behalf, and become the curse for us (Gal 3:13). Because of that, every single promise is now Yes and Amen in Him (2 Cor 1:20). When Christ saved us, the word in Greek is sozo—that word appears 110 times in the New Testament. It includes spiritual salvation, but it also means physical healing, to rescue from physical danger, and to deliver from the penalties of judgment. All of these things are accessed by faith. Scripture doesn’t say that sometimes God says no to physical healing; on the contrary, every time someone came to Jesus for healing, they got it—and He was the exact image of the Father (Col 1:15), doing nothing but what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19). He turned no one away, saying, “Nope, this one is God’s will for you, to bring glory to Himself.” What brings God glory is healing, not sickness (John 9:1-4), and the “fruit” of answered prayers (John 15:7-8). It’s the blessings of God on our lives that are supposed to get the attention of the world around us. So back to the issue of praying for miracles. The theological position of most Christian denominations is that God can do anything, but there’s no guarantees that He will. Because of course, we can look around and see so many good Christians (some of the best!) who pray, and don’t seem to receive. What are we to do with that? Shouldn’t we adjust our theology to account for all of these practical examples… no matter what the Bible actually says? My dad died of cancer when he was 48 years old. We had lots of people praying. I had several well-meaning believers after the fact try to console me with the idea that God “allowed” this to happen for some inscrutable reason of His own… maybe someone might come to the Lord as a result of our loss, someone suggested. (What actually happened was that I became a religious Pharisee for about 10 years, going through the motions, but I didn’t trust God at all. I figured, based on that theology, that God was like an army general who made sacrifices for the greater good, and sometimes—sorry!—it’s you. The effect on the rest of my family's faith and outlook on the world was similar to mine, or worse.) All of that is predictable in hindsight, because cancer and death are the fingerprints of the Enemy, not of God. The Enemy comes to “steal, kill, and destroy”—Jesus came that we might “have life, and have it more abundantly.” It’s very clear who does what. But the vast majority of the body of Christ today preaches this confused theology, attributing horrific things to God under the strange explanation that because God’s ways are higher than our ways, somehow from His perspective, bad is good, and wrong is right, and once we all get to heaven, we’ll understand. (No wonder I didn’t trust God anymore when I believed this. How could I trust a God like that?) I get why the Church at large preaches this—they’re trying to make the Bible fit our experience. God's supreme sovereignty is a nice, spiritual-sounding explanation which borrows from the long Calvinistic tradition, even if we don't take it quite to that extreme (though some denominations still do even that). But what finally set me free was when I realized that God’s definition of good and mine are actually the same. That my dad’s death at such a young age was never His will. That how God dealt with mankind at various times in history was dependent upon the covenants in place at the time--and today, we're under the best covenant of all, the one where all the curses for disobedience are paid for in full, and all that's left is the blessing, which we can receive by faith. Here's what that doesn't mean: it doesn't mean that faith is a new form of works, that God now watches to see if we reach the critical threshold of faith before He doles out our miracle... and if we don't quite get there, ah, too bad, try harder next time. No! He's not responding in real time to our faith at all, deciding which requests to grant and which to refuse. God already provided every blessing in spiritual form in Christ’s atonement, 2000 years ago (Gal 1:3, Isaiah 53:4-5, 1 Peter 2:24). We receive all of those blessings now the same way we receive salvation: by faith. It's "in your account" already, as it were, just waiting for you to make a withdrawal--just like salvation is freely available, waiting for you to accept it. But God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). He doesn’t sovereignly say yes to one person and no to another for things that we know are in His will—if we know that we’re asking for something already in His explicit will, He hears us, and if we know that He hears us, we know we already have the requests made of Him (1 John 5:14-15). (That is the key, though--we can only have faith that we'll receive things that were already paid for in the atonement of Jesus. We can ask God for other things outside of that, but in those cases, God might say yes, or He might say no, for our own good--James 4:3. So it's quite useful to know scripture, so you can know for sure what you can stand on!) Back to my dad, and so many others besides. At that time, my family didn’t know any of this. We thought, we should pray, we should ask, and maybe God will say yes and maybe He will say no. But that’s not faith—that’s hope. And God didn’t say no—He said yes, 2000 years ago! Jesus paid an incredibly high price for God to say yes. Jesus also gave us the formula of how to receive in Mark 11:23-24: believe, and don’t doubt. If you do that, it’s as good as done. Unopposed faith (without doubt, James 1:6-8) is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1). It’s cruel to tell people that they didn’t receive their miracle because they didn’t believe hard enough, or pray long enough, though. But the solution to that isn’t to blame God’s “sovereignty” instead! (That’s how people lose their faith—who wants to serve a God whom they believe “allowed” the Holocaust, or 9-11, or child trafficking, or etc to happen?) Rather, the solution is to understand that we’re in a war, and that Satan is seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). While he’s a defeated foe ever since the cross (Col 2:15), and we now have authority over him through Jesus (Matt 28:18, Eph 1:17-19), most of us don’t know it. We don’t know that, with the authority we now have, Satan’s only weapon against believers now is deception and fear (2 Cor 10:3-5)—and of course anything he can indirectly control against us that is part of the fallen world. But Jesus has already overcome the world on our behalf (John 16:33). And understanding God’s perfect love for us casts out fear (James 4:18). Because if He loves us enough to send Jesus, how will He not also freely give us all things (Romans 8:32)? But most of us are so focused on what we see, on the things this world says, that a cancer diagnosis, for example (or any other terminal doctor’s report, or insurmountable financial problem, etc), strikes fear into our hearts. Whatever we focus on, we magnify—and if we’re in a church that tells us maybe God will come through and maybe He won’t (for things that He’s explicitly promised in His word), then we’re standing on shifting sand. It’s hard enough to deal with our own doubt and unbelief, without being surrounded by the doubt and unbelief of others. But absolute trust God’s word—even if it means isolating ourselves from well-meaning believers who might cause us to doubt—is the only way. Jesus on numerous occasions got away from the crowds or put everyone out of the house except for his few top disciples before he performed a miracle. Abraham received because he did not consider anything except God’s promises (Romans 4:19). He didn’t have a contingency plan (or at least he didn’t anymore after the whole Ishmael thing was out of the way). Because he didn’t consider any of the natural circumstances, he didn’t waver in his faith. In the same way, today, our lack of fear of Satan’s schemes is proof to him that we’re going to win (Phil 1:28)—and if we stand firm (Eph 6:13-14) and resist the devil, sooner or later, he has to flee (James 4:7). We’ll win, if we don’t quit. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Body of Christ today doesn't understand a crucial aspect of the Abrahamic covenant: we have a calling, gifting, and command to influence places and people in authority in order to impact culture with Kingdom values. Dave Kubal, President of Intercessors for America, will address the difference between prayer and intercession as well as the impact of God's permissive and perfect will on how we pray.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.