Podcasts about Abundant life

There are some conversations that are hard… but so necessary.Today on the Anchored by the Sword Podcast, I'm joined by Alisha Roth, author of the brand new book: Courageous Divorce: A Christian Woman's Guide to Healing, Rebuilding, and Embracing an Abundant Life (releasing this Tuesday!)In this episode, Alisha shares her deeply personal story—growing up strong in her faith, longing to do everything “right,” and then walking through a marriage that became unhealthy, painful, and ultimately unsafe.This is a conversation about the things we don't always talk about in the Church…The hidden struggles.The shame.The silence.And the feeling of being completely alone.Alisha vulnerably shares:✨ Her journey through marriage, brokenness, and divorce✨ The reality of abuse and the confusion many women face✨ The weight of shame—and how God meets us in it✨ The stigma of divorce in Christian spaces✨ Rebuilding faith after everything feels like it's falling apart✨ Finding authentic community and healing on the other side✨ Hope for women who feel stuck, afraid, or unsure of what to do next.One of the most powerful reminders from this episode:

Sinda, March 15th, 2026

In this episode, Pastor Jason Polk explores Jesus' declaration in John 10, inviting us to embrace an abundant life overflowing with purpose, relationship, and security. By understanding Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life out of love, we discover the foundation for our rescue from sin and despair. This sermon challenges us to move beyond mere survival in faith, urging us to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus, hear His voice, and live a life that overflows with His love. Perfect for those seeking a deeper connection and purpose, this message encourages us to align with Jesus, allowing His goodness to radiate through us and transform our faith into a thriving testament of His kindness and power.

Are you making life harder than it needs to be? In this episode, Julie shares 10 things you can stop doing the hard way — from overfunctioning and overthinking to carrying guilt, earning your rest, and trying to be everything to everyone. If you've been feeling tired in a deeper way, this conversation will help you breathe again and choose a lighter, wiser way forward with Jesus. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insights. Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/.Support us on PayPal!

Barry emphasizes the importance of being in touch with the Spirit of Truth for guidance and revelation. Learn how to cultivate a heart sensitive to God and witness life-changing breakthroughs!

Run To Win - Pray for the Abundant Life by Anchor Church Palos

614 Conference Sunday Special Episode!In this moving and convicting message, legendary missionary Jackie Pullinger shares her heart on what it truly means to follow Jesus into the darkest corners of society. Drawing from her decades of experience in Hong Kong's Walled City, Jackie challenges the Church to move beyond comfortable ministry and embrace the "lurching disasters" of the world.In this message, Jackie discusses:- The Mandate of the Poor: Why ministry to the marginalized isn't an "optional extra" but the heart of the Gospel.- The Concept of Kenosis: How Jesus emptied Himself, and why our own "emptiness" is actually the doorway to God's abundance.- Handling Disappointment: Encouragement for those who have been "burnt" by ministry and how to find the grace to go again.- Spiritual Gifts: The practical necessity of the Holy Spirit's power when our own resources run dry.Jackie reminds us that we don't have to go to Hong Kong to find the lost—we simply need to start where we are, waste our "perfume" on the one in front of us, and trust that God will bring the harvest.Be sure to follow 614 Church online:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/614_church/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/614church/Website: https://www.614church.orgTo support our ministry, https://614church.org/give/To fill out a contact card so we can stay in touch, click the link below!https://614.churchcenter.com/people/forms/283193Until Everyone Knows Jesus.#614church0:00 – Introduction: Welcoming a Woman of God1:27 – Prophetic Song: "Will You See? Will You Go?"4:02 – The Foolishness of Tongues: Building Yourself Up6:17 – Human Becoming: Reflecting God Differently7:47 – Why the Poor? The Essential Gospel Mandate13:25 – Legends of Lust: A "Lurching Disaster" Success Story24:14 – The Principle of Kenosis: Dying Daily to Live Fully42:47 – A Prayer for the Disappointed: Going Again After Getting "Burnt"

Are you living like everything is an emergency? In this first episode of a brand-new Top 10 series, Julie talks about the difference between urgent and important — and why so much of what feels pressing in our lives isn't actually a true emergency. From unanswered texts to messy kitchens to the pressure to keep up, we often live in constant urgency without even realizing it. This episode will help you slow down, reset your perspective, and choose peace over panic. If you've been feeling overwhelmed or stuck in survival mode, this conversation will feel like a deep breath for your soul. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insights. Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/.Support us on PayPal!

In Part 6, we slow down and take in the heart of Jesus' teaching in John 4:14–24. He speaks of living water that becomes a spring within the soul—satisfying, renewing, and overflowing into eternal life. But the conversation doesn't stop at thirst. It moves into worship. Jesus brings together two deep needs of the human heart: satisfaction and surrender. The water He gives changes us from the inside out, and true worship flows from that transformation. It is not about geography, heritage, or religious performance. It is about being made alive by Him and responding with honesty and truth. This message explores how living water and true worship are connected. When Christ fills the soul, worship is no longer forced or formal. It becomes the natural response of a heart that has been found, known, and renewed.

In this special guest episode, Julie sits down with her oldest brother, Marty, for a heartfelt and honest conversation about faith, family, and perseverance. Marty shares stories from childhood, lessons learned through marriage and fatherhood, and how walking through cancer and recent health challenges has strengthened his trust in God. This episode is a reminder that even when life feels heavy or unexpected, God's plan is steady, good, and still unfolding. If you need encouragement to keep going, this conversation is for you. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insights. Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/.Support us on PayPal!

Dr. Donald Love teaches on 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 and related passages.

Join Barry Bennett as he uncovers the key to abundant life and divine connection—learning to hear God's voice! Discover how spiritual hearing transforms not just your relationship with God, but your entire life.

“Imposter syndrome isn't the truth. It's fear wearing a disguise.”In today's episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, let me speak directly to midlife women who are navigating change, identity shifts, and seasons of self-doubt. I dive into a challenge experienced by nearly 70% of people: imposter syndrome - that persistent feeling that your success isn't deserved or that you'll be “found out.”I explain how our brains resist change and why transitions in midlife can trigger insecurity, perfectionism, and feelings of unworthiness, especially for high-achieving women stepping into new roles or redefining their purpose after 40 or 50.In this conversation, I share:Why imposter syndrome often affects successful womenHow perfectionism and low self-esteem fuel feelings of inadequacyThe link between midlife transitions, menopause, identity shifts, and confidence5 powerful affirmations to reprogram negative self-talk7 practical strategies to overcome self-doubt and reclaim self-worthHow to separate feelings from facts and challenge limiting beliefsWhy wisdom, resilience, and confidence deepen in midlifeI encourage you to embrace your evolving identity, honor the life experience you've gained, and recognize that your skills, wisdom, and purpose remain powerful in every new season.Midlife is not a decline; it is a transformation filled with clarity, courage, and renewed purpose.If you are navigating change, rediscovering your voice, or learning to silence self-doubt, this episode will help you trust your journey and live bravely in midlife.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro2:27 - What is imposter syndrome?3:28 - 5 affirmations you need in midlife5:19 - The meaning behind feeling like a “fraud”6:42 - Who experiences imposter syndrome the most9:10 - How imposter syndrome manifests11:08 - The psychology behind imposter syndrome13:11 - How aging, menopause, and life transitions can trigger self-doubt15:18 - 7 ways to overcome imposter syndrome22:13 - How to take actionQuotations:“Change is certain, but the brain resists it. Growth begins when we choose courage over comfort.”“Feelings lie. Facts show evidence. Truth reminds you who you really are.”“Perfection is a fallacy. Progress is powerful.”“Failure is not final, it is educational.”“Imposter syndrome is the real imposter.”Resources:

In Part 4, the conversation turns deeply personal. Jesus reveals that He sees beyond appearances and into the hidden places of the heart. What could feel like exposure becomes an invitation to transformation. The woman's past is not used to condemn her, but to lead her toward truth and freedom. As the dialogue unfolds, the focus shifts to worship, identity, and the true nature of knowing God. Jesus dismantles assumptions, redirects misplaced beliefs, and ultimately reveals Himself in a stunning declaration of who He is. This message explores how Jesus confronts without shaming, speaks truth with grace, and offers living hope to those who least expect it.

In Part 5, the conversation at the well reaches one of its most profound moments. Jesus redefines worship, shifting it away from locations, rituals, and traditions, and bringing it back to the heart. True worship is not about where we stand, but how we approach God. Jesus declares that the Father is seeking those who will worship in spirit and truth. This challenges comfortable habits, cultural assumptions, and the tendency to reduce worship to a weekly activity. Worship becomes something far deeper—an honest, surrendered response to who God is. This message explores what worship truly means, why it matters, and how it shapes the way we live long after the music stops.

I'm back in the saddle to share the three lessons I learned from over 300 multi-millionaires coming off the heels of the annual Winter Adventure Mastermind up in Breckenridge, Colorado. These lessons are for anyone ready to live a life of abundance and become the person they've always wanted to be. I'll explain why success doesn't eliminate fear but refines it, how feeling "stuck" just means you are overcommitted to your current self, and why a positive mindset is key when things go sideways.Connect With MattWebsite: http://themattking.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattking.atx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattking.atx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingmatthewr/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbKAN0ZZUBLFJyuI9EQpjfRjq0Pm7kYC1 #gobundance #community #wealth #abundance #fear The Tribe of High-Performing Men: http://gobundance.com/tribe

In the final episode of The Stuff We Keep Inside series, Julie talks about what we don't want anyone to see—the parts of us we work hard to keep hidden out of fear, shame, or insecurity. Through Scripture and gentle encouragement, she reminds you that God already sees you fully—and loves you completely. This episode will help you take one honest step toward healing, freedom, and walking in the light of Jesus. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insights. Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/.Support us on PayPal!

True fulfillment comes when we seek God above everything else.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Favor: The Abundant Life

Send a textWhat if taking your thoughts captive isn't just biblical wisdom—but something that actually changes your brain?In this episode, Patricia Holbrook is joined by Dr. Lee Warren, neurosurgeon, pastor, and author of The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery, to explore the powerful intersection of faith, neuroscience, and emotional healing.Dr. Warren explains how repeated thoughts shape the brain over time—and why anxiety, fear, grief, and discouragement can become mental ruts. Together, they unpack what Scripture means when it calls us to take every thought captive, and how intentionally replacing lies with truth can lead to real transformation.If you're familiar with Patricia's book Twelve Inches, you'll recognize this theme immediately: the gap between what we know about God and how we feel and live it out. This episode brings scientific clarity to that spiritual bridge, showing why knowing the truth doesn't always translate into feeling free—and how that can change.

Jesus wants you to know that He cares about your present and your future. He is the door to abundance in your life!

Pastor Steve and Pastor Dave discuss how God's abundance doesn't always come along the most expected path, and how we are called into abundance together as the Body of Christ.

In the second episode of the series The Stuff We Keep Inside, Julie records this episode live and encourages women who are silently carrying heavy burdens—grief, anxiety, pressure, disappointment, and the weight of holding it all together. Through Scripture and practical faith steps, she reminds listeners that Jesus does not shame the weary—He invites them to come to Him for rest. This episode offers hope for the woman who feels heavy on the inside but looks fine on the outside, pointing her to God's truth and the abundant life Jesus came to give.Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insights. Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/.Support us on PayPal!

Pastor Dave's Sermon from 2/8/26:  “Invitation to Abundant Life" (week 3) Scripture Reading: John 4:46-54; 5:1-18

In Part 2, the conversation at the well begins to unfold. What starts as a simple request for water quickly turns into something far deeper. Jesus shifts the focus from physical thirst to spiritual thirst, revealing a need that reaches into the core of the human heart. As the dialogue continues, we see the woman's confusion, curiosity, and growing awareness that this is no ordinary man. Jesus gently leads her from everyday concerns to eternal realities, exposing the emptiness we all try to fill and pointing to the only source of lasting satisfaction. This message explores how Jesus meets us in ordinary conversations, drawing us from surface-level concerns to the deeper thirst of the soul.

Living a full and abundant life.

In this episode, Julie opens a new series, The Stuff We Keep Inside, by gently addressing the quiet thoughts that shape our joy, peace, and faith—often without us realizing it. From negative self-talk to hidden fears and unspoken pressure, Julie invites you to bring these thoughts into the light of God's truth. Through Scripture, personal reflection, and practical steps, this episode offers hope, freedom, and a reminder that God meets us with compassion, not condemnation. If you're ready to stop carrying the weight of unspoken thoughts alone, this conversation is for you. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 20 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/.Support us on PayPal!

Pastor Steve's Sermon from 2/1/26:  “Invitation to Abundant Life" (week 2) Scripture Reading: John 4:1-42

Week 5 of "The Abundant Life" series.

In Part 1 of this series, we step into the opening scene of John 4. Jesus leaves Judea, travels through Samaria, and stops at a well—tired, thirsty, and fully human. What looks like a passing detail is actually a divine appointment. These verses introduce a powerful truth: Jesus intentionally goes where others would avoid. He enters uncomfortable spaces, crosses cultural lines, and meets people exactly where they are. Before the conversation unfolds, we already see His heart—patient, purposeful, and full of grace. This message lays the foundation for the encounter at the well, showing us that God's greatest works often begin in the most ordinary moments.

Episode 134!  Joining us in the studio today is Kelly Resendez.  Kelly is a transformational business strategist who empowers professionals to shatter limitations and embrace abundant living.  As the President of Menrva- a women's telehealth and technology company, a Strategic Advisor at GoodLeap and co-owner of GoBundance, she unlocks exponential growth through innovative mindset strategies and high-level consulting.Kelly is the author of "Big Voices," and is a thought leader at the intersection of personal growth and strategic thinking, where she proves that professional excellence and personal fulfillment are interconnected and guides individuals and organizations to break through barriers and design intentional paths to success.Tune in to hear Kelly share how she helps others create an abundance mindset, reduce self-sabotage and increase success. Enjoy! ================================================================Connect with Kelly here: Website: http://kellyresendez.com/https://gobundancewomen.com/Thanks for listening! Eric Sardina Executive Life Coaching As a business and life coach, I help individuals work towards authentic lives of meaning and purpose. I also work with organizations to optimize their teams and individual contributors. Interested in working with me or learning more? Connect with me below: Website: https://www.ericsardina.com - book a free, 15-minute strategy session. https://calendly.com/ericsardina/8-session-authentically-you-discovery-call-website-linkFollow me on: Instagram: @theericsardina Facebook: Eric SardinaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericsardina/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EricSardina Affiliate: LMNT hydration drink mix: get a free sample pack with your first order by using this link: http://elementallabs.refr.cc/ericsardina

If you've ever wondered whether quiet faithfulness really matters, this episode will gently remind you: choosing Jesus again and again—especially when no one is watching—makes all the difference. This month's guest episode is a quiet, beautiful conversation about what it really looks like to walk with Jesus in real life. Julie sits down with LuEllyn Rozeboom, a woman who continues to choose Jesus. They talk about growing in faith, seasons of doubt and renewal, seeking God with your whole heart, and staying connected to Jesus in ordinary days. You'll hear about the power of God's Word, the comfort of Psalm 23 and Psalm 91, and how worship, obedience, and small daily practices shape a life of faith. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 20 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

Abortion has become another form of birth control, but the Bible is very clear on its stance about life and innocent blood. No matter what choices and mistakes we have made in the past, God offers us abundant life in Him and we can accept His forgiveness, mercy and grace, but first we must accept the truth of our sin.

Are you waiting for your spiritual life to suddenly feel "abundant," or are you actively growing into it?In this message from November 23, 2025, Pastor Charlie Grimes opens 2 Peter 1:3-11 to show us that a fruitful life in Jesus isn't something we wait for—it's something we cultivate.In "The Abundant Life Realized," you will discover:The Divine Power: How God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness.The Apple Tree Illustration: Using the lifecycle of a tree to understand how faith must root, branch out, and bear fruit.The Sequence of Discipleship: A step-by-step look at verses 5-7 (faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love) and how these traits build upon one another.If you want to move from spiritual stagnation to a flourishing, fruitful walk with Christ, this message will encourage you to "make every effort" to grow in your faith.Connect with Us: If this message blessed you, please LIKE this podcast and SUBSCRIBE to the channel for more Biblical teaching and encouragement.We'd love to hear from you: Which step in the "sequence of discipleship" do you feel God is calling you to focus on right now? Let us know in the comments!#2Peter #AbundantLife #SpiritualGrowth #Discipleship #ChristianSermon #PastorCharlieGrimes #Faith #Fruitfulness #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving

What if God had more for you than just getting by, surviving the week, or maintaining the status quo? In John 10:10, Jesus tells us that He has come to give us abundant life! In this message, we dive into what it looks like to stop settling and take intentional steps toward the full, meaningful life God has designed for us.

Week 4 of "The Abundant Life" series.

Wisdom, Perspective and Hope on the Border: A Wisdom Conversation with Gil Gillenwater Welcome back to The Main Thing Podcast. We recently engaged in a meaningful and transformative conversation with Gil Gillenwater, a trailblazing humanitarian leader. Gil has devoted his life to serving people in the U.S.–Mexico borderlands. This conversation offers listeners a deeper, more grounded understanding of the southern border, beyond headlines, politics, and talking points. Let's be clear from the outset: if you think this episode is about free handouts or opening up our borders to everyone, you are sorely mistaken. Your eyes will be dramatically opened when you listen to Gil's wisdom. What unfolds is a focused, human conversation about dignity, responsibility, faith, and hope—shared by someone who has lived and worked in the borderlands for decades. Podcast Resources & Links Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation (Gil's nonprofit): https://ranchofeliz.com/   Gil Gillenwater's book — "Hope on the Border" https://a.co/d/ciQvuDI  (From Amazon)   Videos about Rancho Feliz https://youtube.com/@ranchofeliz?si=JctJeBTZSm2M2ycT   Gil and Troy's Epic 1982 Journey - The Arizona Trail https://www.arizonahighways.com/archive/issues/chapter/Doc.1506.Chapter.7   A Focused Wisdom Conversation This episode invites listeners to elevate their perspective on one of the most complex and misunderstood issues in American life by hearing directly from someone with lived experience on the border. Gil shares what decades of service have taught him about humility, human dignity, leadership, and faith—offering insight that replaces assumption with understanding and reaction with clarity.   What You'll Learn in This Episode How lived experience reshapes our understanding of the U.S.–Mexico border Why responsibility and dignity matter as much as compassion What long-term service teaches us about leadership and humility How faith can inform action without relying on easy answers   More About Our Wise Guest Gil Gillenwater is the founder and president of the Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation, an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to long-term, dignity-centered service in the U.S.–Mexico borderlands. His work has been recognized with Arizona's highest honor for volunteerism, as well as formal recognition from Mexican authorities. Gil is also the author of Hope on the Border, a deeply human account of life and service in the borderlands, highlighting both hard realities and quiet acts of redemption.   Why This Episode Matters Few topics generate more emotion—and less understanding—than America's southern border. This episode is for anyone willing to have assumptions challenged and perspective expanded.   Credits Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg   Stay Connected with Us on Social YouTube @themainthingpod Instagram @themainthingpod Facebook  @TheMainThingPod LinkedIn   Help Support and Sustain This Podcast Become a subscriber. Share the podcast with one or two friends. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store. Buy a book from our curated wisdom collection on bookshop.org. Become a patron and support us on Patreon with funding.   Episode Chapters [00:00] — Wisdom, Perspective, and the Need for a Broader View [01:19] — Why the Southern Border Demands Wisdom, Not Sound Bites [02:03] — Meet Gil Gillenwater: A Life Devoted to the Borderlands [03:22] — Walking Arizona and the Power of Public Lands [05:43] — The First Trip That Changed Everything; Skipping Thanksgiving [09:01] — Dignity, Not Handouts: The Lesson That Reshaped His Mission [11:20] — What Americans Aren't Seeing About the Border [15:01] — Walls, Human Suffering, and Hard Truths [18:11] — Enlightened Self-Interest and the Power of Service [24:21] — Gil's "Main Thing": Service as a Portal to an Abundant Life [30:52] — Rancho Feliz and an Invitation to Participate [31:40] — A Parting Word on Interconnection and Shared Humanity

January is Sanctity of Human Life Month, with messages, marches, and more! Beth Burns, Executive Director of Abundant Life, joins us to share how they collaborate with 46 other organizations to bring the message of the Gospel and life to the Pacific Northwest. Abundant Life | Where there is help, there is hope (https://www.abundantlifewa.org/)

Week 3 of "The Abundant Life" series.

Christian ; Follower of GOD Servant of CHRIST        Decorated Combat Veteran; U.S. Marine Corps Urban Warfare Instructor;       S.R.T. Commander Active Shooter Response Team Law Enforcement Los Angeles Police (L.A.P.D.) Police Officer / Fugitive RecoveryF.B.I. Instructor N.R.A Instructor Competition Shooter; Multi Time State Rifle Pistol Champion Hunting; Life Long Hunter Proffessional Hunter and Guide Private Security Contractor; Several Agencies,  Current.Patreon https://bit.ly/3jcLDuZGOD Provides JESUS Saves

Week 2 of "The Abundant Life" series.

Slavery did not end in the nineteenth century—it persists today, hidden in global supply chains, religious justifications, and systems of power. Kevin Bales and Michael Rota join Evan Rosa to explore modern slavery through history, psychology, and theology, asking why it remains so difficult to see and confront.“It's time some person should see these calamities to their end.” (Thomas Clarkson, 1785)“There are millions of slaves in the world today.” (Kevin Bales, 2025)In this episode, they consider how conscience, power, and religious belief can either sustain enslavement or become forces for abolition. Together they discuss the psychology of slaveholding, faith's complicity and resistance, Quaker abolitionism, modern debt bondage, ISIS and Yazidi slavery, and what meaningful action looks like today.https://freetheslaves.net/––––––––––––––––––Episode Highlights“There are millions of slaves in the world today.”“Statistics isn't gonna do it. I need to actually show people things.”“They have sexual control. They can do what they like.”“Slavery is flowing into our lives hidden in the things we buy.”“We have to widen our sphere of concern.”––––––––––––––––––About Kevin BalesKevin Bales is a leading scholar and activist in the global fight against modern slavery. He is Professor of Contemporary Slavery at the University of Nottingham and co-founder of Free the Slaves, an international NGO dedicated to ending slavery worldwide. Bales has spent more than three decades researching forced labor, debt bondage, and human trafficking, combining academic rigor with on-the-ground investigation. His work has shaped international policy, influenced anti-slavery legislation, and brought global attention to forms of enslavement often dismissed as historical. He is the author of several influential books, including Disposable People and Friends of God, Slaves of Men, which examines the complex relationship between religion and slavery across history and into the present. Learn more and follow at https://www.kevinbales.org and https://www.freetheslaves.netAbout Michael RotaMichael Rota is Professor of Philosophy at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, where he teaches and researches in the philosophy of religion, moral psychology, and the history of slavery and religion. His work spans scholarly articles on the definition of slavery, the moral psychology underlying social change and abolition, and the relevance of theological concepts to ethical life. Rota is co-author with Kevin Bales of Friends of God, Slaves of Men: Religion and Slavery, Past and Present, a comprehensive interdisciplinary study of how religions have both justified and resisted systems of enslaving human beings from antiquity to the present day. He is also the author of Taking Pascal's Wager: Faith, Evidence, and the Abundant Life, an extended argument for the reasonableness and desirability of Christian commitment. In addition to his academic writing, he co-leads projects in philosophy and education and is co-founder of Personify, a platform exploring AI and student learning. Learn more and follow at his faculty profile and personal website https://mikerota.wordpress.com and on X/Twitter @mikerota.––––––––––––––––––Helpful Links And ResourcesDisposable People by Kevin Baleshttps://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520281820/disposable-peopleFriends of God, Slaves of Men by Kevin Bales and Michael Rotahttps://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520383265/friends-of-god-slaves-of-menFree the Slaveshttps://www.freetheslaves.netVoices for Freedomhttps://voicesforfreedom.orgInternational Justice Missionhttps://www.ijm.orgTalitha Kumhttps://www.talithakum.info––––––––––––––––––Show Notes– Slavery named as a contemporary moral crisis obscured by twentieth-century abolition narratives– Kevin Bales's encounter with anti-slavery leaflet in London, mid-1990s– “There are millions of slaves in the world today … I thought, look, that can't be true because I don't know that. I'm a professor. I should know that.”– Stories disrupting moral distance more powerfully than statistics– “There were three little stories inside, about three different types of enslavement … it put a hook in me like a fish and pulled me.”– United Nations documentation mostly ignored despite vast evidence– Decades of investigation into contemporary slavery– Fieldwork across five regions, five forms of enslavement– Kevin Bales's book, Disposable People as embodied witness with concrete stories– “Statistics isn't gonna do it. I need to actually show people things. There's gonna be something that breaks hearts the way it did me when I was in the field.”– Psychological resistance to believing slavery touches ordinary life– Anti-Slavery International as original human rights organization founded in U.K. in 1839– Quaker and Anglican foundations of abolitionist movements– Religion as both justification for slavery and engine of resistance– Call for renewed faith-based abolition today– Slavery and religion intertwined from early human cultures– Colonial expansion intensifying moral ambiguity– Columbus, Genoa, and enslavement following failed gold extraction– Spanish royal hesitation over legitimacy of slavery– Las Casas's moral conversion after refusal of absolution– “He eventually realized this is totally wrong. What we are doing, we are destroying these people. And this is not what God wants us to be doing.”– Sepúlveda's Aristotelian defense of hierarchy and profit– Moral debate without effective structural enforcement– Power described as intoxicating and deforming conscience– Hereditary debt bondage in Indian villages– Caste, ethnicity, and generational domination– Sexual violence as mechanism of absolute control– “They have sexual control. They can beat up the men, rape the women, steal the children. They can do pretty much what they like.”– Three-year liberation process rooted in trust, education, and collective refusal– Former slaves returning as teachers and organizers– Liberation compared to Plato's allegory of the cave– Post-liberation vulnerability and risk of recapture– Power inverted in Christian teaching– “The disciples are arguing about who's the greatest, and Jesus says, the greatest among you will be the slave of all… don't use power to help yourself. Use it to serve.”– Psychological explanations for delayed abolition– The psychological phenomenon of “motivated reasoning” that shapes moral conclusions– “The conclusions we reach aren't just shaped by the objective evidence the world provides. They're shaped also by the internal desires and goals and motivations people have.”– Economic self-interest and social consensus sustaining injustice– Quaker abolition through relational, conscience-driven confrontation– First major religious body to forbid slaveholding– Boycotts of slave-produced goods and naval blockade of slave trade– Modern slavery as organized criminal enterprise– ISIS enslavement of Yazidi women– Religious reasoning weaponized for genocide– “They said, for religious reasons, we just need to eradicate this entire outfit.”– Online slave auctions and cultural eradication– Internal Islamic arguments for abolition– Restricting the permissible for the common good– Informing conscience as first step toward action– Community sustaining long-term resistance– Catholic religious sisters as leading global abolitionists– Hidden slavery embedded in everyday consumer goods– “There's so much slavery flowing into our lives which is hidden… in our homes, our watches, our computers, the minerals, all this.”– Expanding moral imagination beyond immediate needs– “Your sphere of concern has to be wider… how do I start caring about something that I don't see?”– “It's time some person should see these calamities to their end.” (Thomas Clarkson, 1785)––––––––––––––––––#ModernSlavery#FaithAndJustice#HumanDignity#Abolition#FreeTheSlavesProduction NotesThis podcast featured Kevin Bales and Michael RotaEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Noah SenthilA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

What if the Exodus story is not just ancient history, but a picture of your own journey from bondage to abundance in Christ? In this message from Abundant Life Church, we open Exodus 12 to see how God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt and how Jesus, our Passover Lamb, delivers us from the penalty and power of sin.Discover how the blood of the Lamb over the doorposts points to the cross, where Jesus was sacrificed so that judgment would “pass over” all who trust in Him. Learn why the first step into God's promised land of abundant life is applying the blood of Christ and leaving the old life behind.We'll explore key scriptures including Exodus 12, John 10:10, 1 Corinthians 5, and 1 Peter 2 to see how God calls His people out of darkness and into His marvelous light—transforming former slaves into a royal priesthood and holy nation, set free to worship and serve Him.Whether you feel stuck in spiritual Egypt, bound by sin, shame, or your past, this sermon will invite you to receive Jesus “in haste,” purge out the old leaven, and step into the freedom and new identity God has for you.Connect with us on Social Media ↴Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abundantlifels/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantlifelsConnect with Pastor Phil ↴Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilHopperKCInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/philhopper_kcBooks & Resources       https://livingproof.co/resources/booksListen to The Well Podcast ⤵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wadnywAMEK7c0E1qatMoY?si=SjH6Ko7VR3OoHrRy1yYLlQ&nd=1&dlsi=395ae55d95ac4b11Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-well/id1233267223YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR50sV854C2hogfBmv7YogvCjiNYLz9a2Find Your Next Step: https://alife.livingproof.co/Watch more sermons: https://abundant-life.com/sermons/Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://abundant-life.com/ Listen to The Well Podcast ⤵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wadnywAMEK7c0E1qatMoY?si=SjH6Ko7VR3OoHrRy1yYLlQ&nd=1&dlsi=395ae55d95ac4b11Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-well/id1233267223YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR50sV854C2hogfBmv7YogvCjiNYLz9a2Find Your Next Step: http://alife.livingproof.co/ Watch more sermons: https://abundant-life.com/sermons/Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://abundant-life.com/ Connect with us on Social Media ↴Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abundantlifels/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantlifels Connect with Pastor Phil ↴Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilHopperKCInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/philhopper_kc/Web: https://abundant-life.com/resources/books/Learn more about the A-Life Discipleship Journey: https://alife.livingproof.co/ More information on our sermons: https://abundant-life.com/sermons/Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://abundant-life.com/

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