Podcasts about Agape

Why do we suffer? In this powerful spiritual talk, Rev. Lee Wolak unpacks the core reason behind nearly all emotional and mental pain—our resistance to what is. Discover how non-acceptance fuels stress, anxiety, and paralysis, and why true freedom begins the moment we stop fighting reality. Learn how spiritual acceptance empowers you to meet life with clarity, courage, and inner peace. If you're on a path of awakening, presence, or self-realization, this message is for you. Sign up for my daily thought and weekly newsletter by clicking this link: https://www.agapespiritualcenter.com/free-affirmations If you find value in what Agape offers—spiritually, emotionally, and in community—consider becoming a supporting member. Your recurring contribution helps us continue to share truth, healing, and transformation with the world. Click here to become a supporter: https://www.agapespiritualcenter.com/recurring-contributions/

Unlock New Thoughts Through Emotional Alignment is a transformative talk that explores how your emotional state determines the quality of thoughts you accept—and the truth you can receive. When your emotions are in harmony, your mind becomes a fertile space for inspired ideas, spiritual awakening, and inner peace. Discover how to align with higher consciousness, tap into divine intelligence, and reprogram limiting beliefs through emotional resonance. This is where deep healing, clarity, and conscious living begin. Sign up for my daily thought and weekly newsletter by clicking this link: https://www.agapespiritualcenter.com/free-affirmations If you find value in what Agape offers—spiritually, emotionally, and in community—consider becoming a supporting member. Your recurring contribution helps us continue to share truth, healing, and transformation with the world. Click here to become a supporter: https://www.agapespiritualcenter.com/recurring-contributions/

Discover why Clarity Is Your Superpower and how it can completely transform your spiritual journey. In this bold and eye-opening spiritual talk, Rev. Lee Wolak—Zen practitioner, author of The Power in You, and teacher of Religious Science—dives deep into why most people feel stuck: they simply don't know what they truly want or why they want it. Learn how to cut through the mental noise, awaken your inner purpose, and harness the power of focused intention. If you're seeking practical spiritual insight to elevate your life and align with your highest truth, this talk is for you. Sign up for my daily thought and weekly newsletter by clicking this link: https://www.agapespiritualcenter.com/free-affirmations If you find value in what Agape offers—spiritually, emotionally, and in community—consider becoming a supporting member. Your recurring contribution helps us continue to share truth, healing, and transformation with the world. Click here to become a supporter: https://www.agapespiritualcenter.com/recurring-contributions/ #Spirituality #Meditation #Healing #Selflove #HigherConsciousness #SpiritualGrowth #RaisingVibration #EmotionalHealing #SpiritualAwakening #SelfWorth #ScienceOfMind #RevLeeWolak #Zen #ThePowerInYou #MindBodySoul #SelfRealization

What does it mean to truly walk your own path? In this powerful spiritual talk, Rev. Lee Wolak, Zen practitioner and author of The Power in You, explores what it means to live as your own master. You'll learn how to stop conforming to societal expectations, break free from the need for validation, and embody the freedom of authentic self-expression. Discover the spiritual strength that comes when you no longer seek to fit in—but instead, stand boldly in your truth. Sign up for my daily thought and weekly newsletter by clicking this link: https://www.agapespiritualcenter.com/free-affirmations If you find value in what Agape offers—spiritually, emotionally, and in community—consider becoming a supporting member. Your recurring contribution helps us continue to share truth, healing, and transformation with the world. Click here to become a supporter: https://www.agapespiritualcenter.com/recurring-contributions/ #Spirituality #Meditation #Healing #Selflove #HigherConsciousness #SpiritualGrowth #RaisingVibration #EmotionalHealing #SpiritualAwakening #SelfWorth #ScienceOfMind #RevLeeWolak #Zen #ThePowerInYou #MindBodySoul #SelfRealization

Welcome back, Fireflies

In this special bonus episode of the Daily Living for Christ podcast, join Donald E. Coleman as he shares a powerful live message preached at The RISE Church in Oceanside, California: “The Hidden River: Five Principles of God's Agape and the Spiritual Awakening of Our Age.”This message shares the DNA of TCBCL and the ROOTED Global Movement.  Donald takes listeners on a journey beneath the noise and chaos of our world, revealing how God's Agape flows like a hidden river, quietly fueling a global spiritual awakening. Drawing from Scriptures like John 3:16, John 17, Romans 12:2, and Ephesians 3:14-19, he explores five profound principles of God's Agape:✅ God's Agape is gracious and available to all—a love that reaches beyond all boundaries and divisions.✅ Agape is relational and seeks unity, inviting hearts into deep connection and community.✅ Agape is transformational, reshaping lives from the inside out and sparking creativity and innovation.✅ We choose how deeply to receive Agape, determining whether we merely observe awakening or participate in it.✅ We can cultivate receptivity to Agape through prayer, worship, and spiritual practices that open the soul to God's transforming presence.In this message, Donald calls people to recognize the hidden river of divine love flowing beneath global unrest and personal struggles—a persistent current drawing humanity back to its true Source.If you've ever felt a longing for deeper meaning, divine connection, or spiritual renewal, this episode will awaken you to the reality that God's love is not distant—it's flowing right beneath your feet, ready to carry you into a new life.➡️ Listen now and discover how to step into the hidden river of God's Agape and become part of the spiritual awakening unfolding in our time. ➡️ As an added bonus, download the article "The Hidden River: Five Principles of God's Agape and the Spiritual Awakening of Our Age. "Have Questions, Send us a Message" This podcast is a production of The Center for Biblical Coaching and Leadership. If this episode has been useful or inspiring to you in any way, please share it with someone else. Lastly, please follow the show and write a review.If you want to go deeper on this journey, visit www.tcbcl.org to learn how we're walking this path together through biblical coaching, spiritual formation, and the ROOTED Global Movement.

We're so glad you joined us for pt. 5 in our series "Agape." We pray God speaks to you through this message and ultimately we pray that you grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ!Pursuit Church on Social Media:facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PursuitChurchDenver/?ref=bookmarksinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit_church/Pursuit Worship on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pursuit-Worship-671274439695803/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit.worship/

Paul tells the church at Thessalonica, “And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.” The motivating factor for serving Jesus is and should always be “love.” Jesus told his disciples the people would know we belong to him because the love we have for one another. Paul says his love overflows for the church at Thessalonica but also he brags on their love for one another and their love for others in their community...and that is despite of persecution that the outsiders are bringing upon them! Does your love overflow into others' lives? Can people actually see Jesus in you and your love for him?

Author : Rachel Swirsky Narrator : Mur Lafferty Hosts : Alasdair Stuart and Norm Sherman Audio Producers : Adam Pracht and Mur Lafferty Eros, Philia, Agape originally appeared on Tor.com and first appeared on Escape Pod on Episode 250, July 22, 2010. Marital strife and implied child abuse Eros, Philia, Agape (Excerpt) By Rachel Swirsky The […] Source

Your voted for tracks. New music by MC Jin, River Movement and Victor Claye. Playlist: "Hallelujah (ft. Izzy n The Profit,. Kris-Bo & Bugsy Ocampo)" by Common Thread Collective "Heaven Sent (ft. Miles Minnick)" by Lecrae "Pass Me The Mic" by Victor Claye "Hustle (ft. Cjae)" by Kaboose "ROB HELL (ft. Jon Keith)" by indie tribe. "My Rhymes IV (ft. The Profit)" by Jonnie 3:16 "Agape (ft. ATTAM & Joshua Penn)" by J.Solo "Be Back Soon" by The Profit "Sufficient Grace (ft. Javy XI & Aciya Iona)" by Knaladeus "This Time" by JPoint "Into The Night (ft. Leela)" by Monkish Manners "Answer" by River Movement "Just Watch" by WildTribe "Rise Again" by MC Jin "Vengeance (ft. Griffin, Procyse & DJ Kair One)" by Tae Lamar "Who Is He? (Terror Firma Remix)" by Oakbridge Vote on the playlist at www.definitionradio.com/show/953 Leave your requests/shout-outs on our socials www.facebook.com/DefinitionRadio www.instagram.com/DefinitionHH www.twitter.com/DefinitionHH www.krosswerdz.com

Listen to a message from Emmanuel Baptist Church of Longview, TX.Support the show

Welcome to part 4 of our series "Agape | What the modern world is missing". We pray that God uses this message in your life today to encourage you and build your faith.Pursuit Church on Social Media:facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PursuitChurchDenver/?ref=bookmarksinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit_church/Pursuit Worship on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pursuit-Worship-671274439695803/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit.worship/

Long time friend and prayer partner of mine, Mark Anthony Lord is a teacher of A Course in Miracles, an author, a Centers for Spiritual Living Minister, an Agape trained Science of Mind Prctitioner and a brilliant teacher/counselor. In this week's episode, Mark and I discuss how the 12 Steps Programs and the Big Book align with A Course in Miracles. To learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Course in Miracles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Powerofloveministry.net⁠⁠. For the transcript of this episode and more please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LivingACourseinMiracles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Healing is happening now!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're so glad you're joining us for pt. 3 in our series, "Agape." We pray this message helps you to understand the true posture of love!Pursuit Church on Social Media:facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PursuitChurchDenver/?ref=bookmarksinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit_church/Pursuit Worship on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pursuit-Worship-671274439695803/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit.worship/

I wanted to share with you a powerful recent talk that I was honored to give at The Agape International Spiritual Center where I work closely with Michael Bernard Beckwith. In this episode I show you how taking the smallest steps in the direction of your dreams is the fastest way to manifest your dreams.And I show you how to do it all from a feminine energy of Rest, Resourcing and Receiving.  Please let me know your takeaways!! I'm so excited to announce my first ever in person Sanctuary Retreat!! You take care of everyone else.  Now it's time for YOU! Click the Link below for more details: https://courses.suzilula.com/SANCTUARY

We're so glad you're joining us for pt. 2 in our series on Agape love. We pray that this series speaks to you and God uses it in your life!Pursuit Church on Social Media:facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PursuitChurchDenver/?ref=bookmarksinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit_church/Pursuit Worship on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pursuit-Worship-671274439695803/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit.worship/

A life of exploits requires deep knowledge of God (Col. 1:10) and fruitfulness in every good work (John 15:2), built on unwavering diligence (Prov. 22:29) and excellence like Daniel (Dan. 6:3). Those who live by God's principles (Luke 4:16) and cultivate virtue, temperance (1 Cor. 6:12), and patience (Prov. 25:28) stand out. There are 7 key ways to do exploits: consistency (2 Pet. 1:1–8), discipline, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and godliness. Without these, like Reuben (Gen. 49:3–4), greatness slips away. True impact demands living by godly customs—not doing what's right in our own eyes (Judg. 17:6).

This Sunday, we are going to continue our series called Summer of Love. One of the great encouragements in the call to love one another as God has loved us is that the source of our love is the eternal and immutable Triune God. Agape love is extremely challenging. Loving others as Christ has loved us is not something that we can merely “will” into existence. Loving those who have wronged us or neglected us can seem impossible. It is impossible if it's left to us. Here's the good news: Agape love is actually the overflow of our relationship to God. It is Christ in us who loves through us. The impulse in our hearts to love one another is something that flows out of an eternal impulse with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The early church father, Augustine famously said these words: “Wherever there is Love, there is a Trinity. A Lover (God the Father), a Beloved (God the Son) and a Fountain of Love (the Holy Spirit).” We are going to dive into the depths of Triune love this Sunday and discover how and why God's love compels us to love others just as He loved us! Our message is called How The Trinity Fuels Our Love. Our Scripture will be John 17:20-26. Looking forward to worshipping with you. Connect with us online at www.waterbrooke.church

The Bible doesn't tell us to like everyone, but we are commanded to love everyone. Here are just a few of the scriptures that make it clear: 1 John 4:21: And he has given us this command:  Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:8: Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. Luke  6:32 & 35 Jesus said: Love your enemies. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. Leviticus 19:18: Love your neighbor as yourself. In fact, Jesus said there are two great and primary commandments (Matthew 22:37-40) and simply put, they are: Love God and love people. In fact, Jesus said all the commandments hang on these two; they are foundational to our faith. Easy to say, right? Love God, love people—but when you run into unlikable people, you feel like you've hit the spiritual brick wall. Since we cannot like them, we usually conclude we cannot love them either. Isn't it true that we just naturally think you have to like someone before you can love them? Like is the first step, the beginning of love. So how can you love someone you don't like? Part of the problem is that love has different definitions, and we sometimes get them confused. In the Bible we find three types of love in the original language. The first is Philo, which is the love we have toward friends, family, and others in our lives. Philo love is what Paul describes in Romans 12:10: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Then there is Eros love, which is a more physical form of love. It's the kind of love shared between a husband and wife, hopefully accompanied by Philo love as well. Then there is Agape love, which is the unconditional love God has for you and me. Nothing you do can change how God loves you. Ephesians 2:4-5 describe this Agape love: But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. This is love which loves because its own inherent nature is to love. That's why the Bible says, God is love (1 John 4:8). Love is his nature. The kind of love we need to love people we don't like is agape love. Now, agape love is not necessarily a feeling. We can love with agape love whether the feelings are present or absent, whether they are good or bad, whether this love is reciprocated or not. It is not based on feelings. Agape love is an action. That's how it's always described in Scripture. The Bible tells us we know God loves us because he sent his Son into the world to redeem us. We know Jesus loves us because he gave his life for us. The Bible says,  Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends (John 15:13). And Jesus said that we know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands (1 Johnn 2:3). God's kind of love is an action, not a feeling. Now, that really is good news, because it means we can love people toward whom we do not necessarily have good feelings. You can love people toward whom you have no feelings at all. Since love is an action, you can obey God's command to love everyone. First Corinthians 13 is a good place to look for a practical description of love. A few of these are: Patience: When you act with patience toward someone, you are loving them. Keep in mind that love is not a feeling, so we don't have to feel patient. Can you remember acting with patience even when you did not feel patient? That is agape love. Kindness: When you feel like saying something sarcastic or cutting or angry, but instead you say something kind, that is a love action. Not Jealous: When you refuse to behave jealously or possessively, you are showing love. Has Good Manners: Just plain courtesy is a love action. How often we forget good manners, like not interrupting others when they're talking, letting others go ahead of us, etc.

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Listen as Coach Bill O'Brien, Gregory P. Barber '69 and Family Head Coach of Boston College Football, shares the story of his career and how his faith accompanied him and his family along the way. Date of talk: April 8, 2025 Learn more about and follow Agape Latte: Website: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/centers/church21/programs/agape-latte.html Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapelatte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeLatte/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/AgapeLatte 

Welcome to part one of our series "Agape | What the modern world is missing". We pray that God uses this message in your life today to encourage you and build your faith.Pursuit Church on Social Media:facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PursuitChurchDenver/?ref=bookmarksinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit_church/Pursuit Worship on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pursuit-Worship-671274439695803/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit.worship/

This Sunday we conclude our 3 week series at the Table called Agape focusing on Divine Love and we welcome guest Bishop Sally Dyck to share today's Message. Worship online with thetable.live. CCLI #805699 / CCLI Streaming #094804

Agape love is a spiritual discipline—to love like God loves. Thank you for listening to Encourage-Mint. If you've been refreshed, don't forget to subscribe, Leave a review on iTunes, and share a little Encourage-Mint with someone you love. Encourage-Mint is a podcast from Family Radio. These moments are just a taste of what you can hear every day. Listen at FamilyRadio.org or find more encouragement on the Family Radio app.  Get daily Scripture and encouragement by following Family Radio on your favorite social media platforms:FacebookInstagram Twitter

This Sunday we continue our new 3 week series at the Table called Agape focusing on Divine Love and we welcome guest Kathy La Point Collup to share today's Message. Worship online with thetable.live. CCLI #805699 / CCLI Streaming #094804

Divine resources are spiritual and material gifts from God, given to empower His children to fulfill their destiny (Genesis 22:14, Deuteronomy 8:18). These include faith (Romans 10:17), spiritual gifts, and the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Eternal life through Christ is the greatest resource (John 3:16, John 17:3). God provides abundantly so we lack nothing for His purpose (2 Corinthians 9:8, Psalm 24:1). Jesus, though rich, became a servant—our model for using divine resources (Philippians 2:7).

What does real love look like? Jeff explores Pope Leo XIV's inaugural message that emphasizes the importance of love in today's world. Jeff discusses the different Greek words for love—Phileo, Storge, Eros, and Agape—and highlights the profound impact of Agape love. He reflects on 1 Corinthians 13 to bring out the biblical understanding of love and connects it to our everyday relationships. Snippet from the Show True love rises above problems, conflict, and everything that divides us. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!

Making friends in your 20s and 30s is different, it's harder, requires more intentionality. We're here to help. God designed you as a young adult to crave contagious community and you're feeling lonely. That's all normal. Join us this May for a brand new series with new conversations every Friday as we unpack God's design for selfless love regarding humanity. Agape is the Greek word for unconditional and selfless love. Theme verse for Agape: Ephesians 3:18 ”may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ”   Our sponsors for this series: Minnesota Young Adult WKND: www.youngadults.today/the-wknd GFA World's Paid Apprenticeship: www.gfa.org/apprenticeship Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/f.y.i.podcast www.fyi-podcast.com | www.youngadults.today

19. bis 24. Mai - 5. Woche der OsterzeitDie Gedanken zu den Evangelienstellen, die in dieser Woche in katholischen Gottesdiensten gelesen werden macht sich die Theologin Mag.a Ebru Noisternig. Sie ist Ethikbeauftragte und Wertemanagerin in der Caritas Wien.Es geht in den Textabschnitten aus dem Johannesevangelium vor allem um die Liebe - in all ihren Aspekten: Lieben, geliebt werden, von Freundschafts- bis Gottesliebe, Caritas und Agape.Samstag, 24. Mai... weil ich euch aus der Welt erwählt habe.Joh 15, 18-21Die jeweiligen Texte des Tages finden Sie hier.

19. bis 24. Mai - 5. Woche der OsterzeitDie Gedanken zu den Evangelienstellen, die in dieser Woche in katholischen Gottesdiensten gelesen werden macht sich die Theologin Mag.a Ebru Noisternig. Sie ist Ethikbeauftragte und Wertemanagerin in der Caritas Wien.Es geht in den Textabschnitten aus dem Johannesevangelium vor allem um die Liebe - in all ihren Aspekten: Lieben, geliebt werden, von Freundschafts- bis Gottesliebe, Caritas und Agape.Freitag, 23. MaiLiebt einander, so wie ich euch geliebt habe.Joh 15, 12-17

19. bis 24. Mai - 5. Woche der OsterzeitDie Gedanken zu den Evangelienstellen, die in dieser Woche in katholischen Gottesdiensten gelesen werden macht sich die Theologin Mag.a Ebru Noisternig. Sie ist Ethikbeauftragte und Wertemanagerin in der Caritas Wien.Es geht in den Textabschnitten aus dem Johannesevangelium vor allem um die Liebe - in all ihren Aspekten: Lieben, geliebt werden, von Freundschafts- bis Gottesliebe, Caritas und Agape.Donnerstag, 22. MaiBleibt in meiner Liebe.Joh 15, 9-11

In this powerful message from our Summer at the Movies series, Pastor Peter uses Top Gun: Maverick to explore how we can overcome the heartaches of the past and move forward with freedom. Learn what Jesus says about forgiveness, how to love your enemies, and how to break free from the weight of relational wounds. You don't have to stay stuck in pain. Discover how to become a relational “ACE” by embracing Agape love, committing to prayer, and extending forgiveness—just like Christ did for us.

In this powerful message from our Summer at the Movies series, Pastor Peter uses Top Gun: Maverick to explore how we can overcome the heartaches of the past and move forward with freedom. Learn what Jesus says about forgiveness, how to love your enemies, and how to break free from the weight of relational wounds. You don't have to stay stuck in pain. Discover how to become a relational “ACE” by embracing Agape love, committing to prayer, and extending forgiveness—just like Christ did for us.

Today we begin a new 3 week series at the Table called Agape focusing on Divine Love and we welcome guest Motoe Yamada-Foor to share today's Message. Worship online with thetable.live. CCLI #805699 / CCLI Streaming #094804

Making friends in your 20s and 30s is different, it's harder, requires more intentionality. We're here to help. God designed you as a young adult to crave contagious community and you're feeling lonely. That's all normal. Join us this May for a brand new series with new conversations every Friday as we unpack God's design for selfless love regarding humanity. Agape is the Greek word for unconditional and selfless love. Theme verse for Agape: Ephesians 3:18 ”may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ”   Our sponsors for this series: Minnesota Young Adult WKND: www.youngadults.today/the-wknd GFA World's Paid Apprenticeship: www.gfa.org/apprenticeship Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/f.y.i.podcast www.fyi-podcast.com | www.youngadults.today

John 10:22-30At that time, the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and asked him, “How long will you keep us in the suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us, plainly.”Jesus answered them, “I have told you and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me, but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they will never perish. No one will snatch them from my hand. What the Father has given me is greater than all else and no one can snatch it from the Father's hand. The Father and I are one.” “You do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep.”“You do not believe because you do not belong.” What if that's the whole tweet, as they say? What if that's all we need to hear this morning? And what if you and I are supposed to be convicted by that – as followers of Jesus – rather than use it as some kind of judgement against those who consider themselves not to be followers of the Jesus we claim?“You do not believe because you do not belong.”Jesus is talking to the Jews who weren't on board yet with what he was up to. And, with a little pastoral imagination, I like to think his disciples were within earshot of this conversation; that they were following him around, as usual, and that Jesus knew he was being heard by both at the same time; that he was speaking to both crowds at once – those who belonged and those who didn't believe.There are plenty of people in the world who don't believe in Jesus – or God – or have a Christian faith for all sorts of rational, considered, thoughtful, theological reasons. Maybe they're deliberately, purposefully atheists. Maybe they're people of another faith – Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, pagans. I'm not talking about them, necessarily.Instead, I found myself wondering this week about those who don't believe, but who would, could, might believe, if only we – as followers of Jesus – would do better at finding ways for them to BELONG, first. (“You don't believe because you don't belong…”)I heard two stories just this week, in two very different, settings, from two very different sources, about two sets of parents who were struggling with the fact that their gay or lesbian children weren't people of faith; didn't go to church; didn't believe or worship or practice a faith that their parents wished that they would. In one case, the child had been raised in the Church, but had fallen away from an active, practicing life of faith. In the other case, the family wasn't one who had ever practiced a faith, but the father came to believe in mid-life, and wanted to bring his wife and grown children along with him for the journey. (For what it's worth, one of these stories came by way of a colleague, here in Indianapolis. The other was from a completely unrelated story I heard on “This American Life.”)Anyway, what these two sets of parents have in common, is their outspoken disapproval of their children's sexuality, which is evident to the adult children they want to love, by either the theology they adhere to (“Love the sinner. Hate the Sin.” sort of stuff.), their political persuasion (the politicians and policies they support that do harm to their gay children), or both.In other words, the children of these parents know that they don't – and will never – BELONG to their parents' faith communities or fit into their misguided view of the world, so how could they and why would they ever want to believe in the things their parents professed about a loving, gracious, merciful God?“…you don't believe because you don't belong.”In my opinion, so many people in so many walks of life are falling away from the faith or throwing it all out with the bath water, because they see Christianity connected with exclusion, judgment, hypocrisy, greed, violence, and more. People don't believe because they don't belong – or because they don't want to belong – to a body that embodies any of those things. And, as hard and as sad and as frustrating as that is, it makes perfect sense to me. And it's why we have so much work to do.And I think that work starts with belonging. They don't believe because they don't belong.People long to feel and to experience welcome, love, and affirmation. And when they do, they might begin to wonder about believing and embracing the God who promises it.If we want people to feel like part of God's family… If we want people to learn about the grace we proclaim… If we want people to believe in the wideness of God's mercy, in the amazing love of our creator, in the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and in life everlasting…I'm convinced that they need to know, trust, and feel like they BELONG, first. And I think our call is to show and to shout and to share the good news of that belonging as loudly and as clearly, as often and in as many ways as we can manage.I heard another, beautiful story this week – perfect for Mother's Day – about a different family altogether who proved what belonging can do. Many years ago, this set of American parents adopted a 7 year-old boy from Romania, who had lived the first 7-and-a-half years of his life in an orphanage where he shared a crib with another boy his age that entire time. As they grew, they stayed in that crib, to the point that they had to sleep sitting up. They didn't go to school. They didn't go outside. They only left their crib to eat and to use the bathroom. Daniel, the boy who was adopted by the Americans in South Euclid, Ohio, never even knew the names of the adults who took care of him in that orphanage.The short of the long is that Daniel came to the states utterly unprepared for the life with which his adoptive parents hoped to give him – he simply wasn't ready socially, emotionally, or intellectually for a life with people who loved him. After 7 years in a crib, how could he be? And after a six-month honeymoon period with his new family in the states, things went downhill fast and furiously.Daniel developed an anger and rage over all that he couldn't process or understand about his experience in the orphanage, his having been put there in the first place by his birth parents, and his place in the world and with his new mom and dad. He threw tantrums they described as “tornadoes of rage … eight hour marathons where he would throw anything he could get his hands on.” There were thousands of holes in his bedroom walls from his violent outbursts.He abused social workers and specialists. He choked a puppy. He gave his mom, Heidi, a black eye, once. He held a knife to her neck, another time. It got so bad they hired the equivalent of a bodyguard to be in the house, so that Heidi was never alone with her new son.Finally – and I'm leaving out a lot of the story, mind you – they embarked on a fascinating, controversial treatment for Daniel's diagnosed Attachment Disorder where they pulled him out of school, Heidi quit her job, and they spent several months side-by-side, literally no farther than three feet apart. If one of them went to the bathroom, the other waited outside the door. They only time they were not next to each other, was when they were sleeping.They worked to establish the bond that's supposed to be created between mothers and infants, under normal circumstances, by being very deliberate about eye-contact, for instance, and proximity. Daniel wasn't allowed to ask for anything – he had to learn, from experience, that Heidi would provide basic needs for him, like food and drink. Daniel's punishment for not playing along, or for doing something wrong, was called a “Time In,” where he would be subjected to time on the couch, being hugged by his mother.Ultimately, it worked. After eight weeks of this and a year of “holding therapy” where the family of three cradled each other – holding 13 year-old Daniel like a newborn – for 20 minutes, every night for a year, Daniel began to transform, slowly, but surely, almost imperceptibly, into a boy who believed that he would be and could be and was LOVED by his parents. Another way to say this, if you ask me, is that Daniel came to believe in that love, because he was finally convinced that he belonged to his new family. He believed because he belonged.And I think this is our call as people of God in the world. People need to see and to know that they already belong to the good news and grace and eternal life we claim. And I think it's our job and it should be our joy – even when it's hard – to show that kind of love and belonging to them.I think they need to see us marching at PRIDE parades.I think they need to see us teaching about and practicing anti-racism.I think they need to see our kids walking against homelessness and they need to see us giving money to their cause.I think politicians need to receive our letters, our phone calls, and our votes – in the name of Jesus – that speak out on behalf of people who are hungry and homeless and criminalized for that. (Join us for that next Sunday, between services.)I think the women who are served by our Agape ministry to sex workers need to experience the proximity and generosity of that ministry.And the list goes on. But I've said enough. And, just because it couldn't be more timely, I'll close with something from the new Pope Leo that makes me think he'd agree with me. Apparently, he said this once:“We are often worried about teaching doctrine, but we risk forgetting that our first duty is to communicate the beauty and joy of knowing Jesus.”They don't believe, because they don't belong.I think those who don't believe what we claim to know about the grace of God need to experience it, first; they need to see us making room for them, for their doubts, and for their unbelief – whoever “they” may be. And that needs to happen, not because it's our job to convince them of God's love, but because we – and the world – will be blessed and better for having shared this love humbly, hopefully, and with a warm welcome of belonging, in Jesus' name.Amen[To hear the full story of Daniel and his family, listen to Episode 317 of This American Life, “Unconditional Love.”]

In dieser Predigt von Leo und Susanna Bigger geht es darum, wie du interessant für deinen Partner bleibst. Sie beleuchten die drei Arten der Liebe: Agape, Philia und Eros. Agape ist die selbstlose Liebe, die uns dazu beruft, den anderen in den Mittelpunkt zu stellen, inspiriert von Bibelstellen wie Hohelied 8:6. Philia, die freundschaftliche Liebe, wird durch Komplimente und Dankbarkeit gestärkt. Eros, die leidenschaftliche Liebe, soll mit Hingabe und Heiligkeit gelebt werden. Leo und Susanna ermutigen dich, diese Liebesarten in deinem Alltag zu integrieren, um Beziehungen zu vertiefen und zu erneuern. Sie betonen, dass Gott die Quelle dieser Liebe ist und dass du durch seine Hilfe in der Lage bist, diese Liebe zu leben. Welche Art der Liebe möchtest du heute in deinem Leben stärken?

Making friends in your 20s and 30s is different, it's harder, requires more intentionality. We're here to help. God designed you as a young adult to crave contagious community and you're feeling lonely. That's all normal. Join us this May for a brand new series with new conversations every Friday as we unpack God's design for selfless love regarding humanity. Agape is the Greek word for unconditional and selfless love. Theme verse for Agape: Ephesians 3:18 ”may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ”   Our sponsors for this series: Minnesota Young Adult WKND: www.youngadults.today/the-wknd GFA World's Paid Apprenticeship: www.gfa.org/apprenticeship Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/f.y.i.podcast www.fyi-podcast.com | www.youngadults.today

▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/   This week we see Marcel Schwantes return to the show.  Marcel is an author, leadership coach, and advocate for humane workplace practices. His journey into leadership began during his time working in a toxic hospital environment, where relentless stress landed him in the emergency room—an experience that profoundly shaped his views on leadership and well-being. He now challenges traditional, warlike business narratives, advocating for radical love and humanity in leadership.  His work inspires leaders to foster compassionate, thriving businesses by shifting focus from competition to collaboration and introspection. We talk: Agape love “Eufear”: the good fear Retiring "target customers"‘ Working for love The 5 principles of Love In Action Links: Humane Leadership: Lead with Radical Love, Be a Kick-Ass Boss - The Book Marcel's Website Marcel's LinkedIn Profile Marcel's Substack Subscribe for more transformative conversations!

Brett Harper - Exposing Agape Boarding SchoolDec 12, 2022Brett Harper is a survivor of the Agape Boarding School system. The story he tells Ed Opperman is as unbelievable as it is cruel. But he is not alone to cast allegations at this establishment. Such is his fury at his and others' treatment at the school, he has written a book, not only detailing his own experience, but those of his peers.Spare the Rod is a troubling look into the abusive and terribly under-regulated troubled teen industry; a shadowy network of private juvenile prisons, therapeutic boarding schools, group homes, wilderness camps, boot camps, conversion therapy centers, boarding schools, rehabs, etc. Thousands of kids are abused each year and many of them suffer in silence. Some sustain life-long injuries and struggle with things like trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, depression, anxiety, abandonment, nightly night terrors, chronic pain and more! Their ability to form healthy relationships is forever impacted and often their connection to the family that sent them away completely severed. You might think this can't happen in the U.S.! Oh yes it can! Oh yes it does! Authoritarian fascists who believe in tough love and forcing teens to assimilate to their culture and morals is nothing new. It's been going on for hundreds of years!Book: Spare the RodBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Can you love someone you don't trust? Do you struggle with setting boundaries? If so, you're in for a treat! In conjunction with her newly released book, A New Way to Love Your Neighbor, Jada sits down to discuss some common questions surrounding the intricacies of love. She explores the importance of understanding divine love, the issue with boundaries, how to love your closest neighbor, and more. This conversation reveals her heart for the book and provides practical ways to begin this new journey to freedom. Order: A New Way to Love Your Neighbor https://www.amazon.com/New-Way-Love-Your-Neighbor/dp/1087789184

Making friends in your 20s and 30s is different, it's harder, requires more intentionality. We're here to help. God designed you as a young adult to crave contagious community and you're feeling lonely. That's all normal. Join us this May for a brand new series with new conversations every Friday as we unpack God's design for selfless love regarding humanity. Agape is the Greek word for unconditional and selfless love. Theme verse for Agape: Ephesians 3:18 ”may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ”   Our sponsors for this series: Minnesota Young Adult WKND: www.youngadults.today/the-wknd GFA World's Paid Apprenticeship: www.gfa.org/apprenticeship Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/f.y.i.podcast www.fyi-podcast.com | www.youngadults.today

This Agape Latte, Dan Ponsetto, Welles Remy Crowther Director of the Volunteer Service Learning Center at Boston College, began the evening with a story about how his faith helped him through a challenging time in his life.

Feeling overwhelmed by global chaos, political turmoil & fear? Michael B. Beckwith shares profound wisdom on why this is STILL a grand time to be alive. Discover how to navigate the collective "dark night," overcome negativity with love & high vibration, and tap into the solutions & hopeful future emerging for humanity right now. Find your power within!   Find more from Michael Beckwith: https://www.michaelbeckwith.com/   To find out more visit: https://amzn.to/3qULECz - Order Michael Sandler's book, "AWE, the Automatic Writing Experience" www.automaticwriting.com  - Automatic Writing Experience Course www.inspirenationuniversity.com - Michael Sandler's School of Mystics Join Our YouTube Membership for behind-the-scenes access - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVoOM-cCEPbJ1vzlQAFQu1A/join  https://inspirenationshow.com/ https://www.dailywoohoo.com/ - Sign up for my FREE daily newsletter for high-vibration content. ……. Follow Michael and Jessica's exciting journey and get even more great tools, tips, and behind-the-scenes access. Go to https://www.patreon.com/inspirenation   For free meditations, weekly tips, stories, and similar shows visit: https://inspirenationshow.com/   We've got Merch! - https://teespring.com/stores/inspire-nation-store   Follow Inspire Nation, and the lives of Michael and Jessica, on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/InspireNationLive/   Find us on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inspirenationshow

Today, Michael welcomes global lifestyle entrepreneur specializing in holistic well-being, Koya Webb. Known as a “transformational specialist,” Koya encourages sustainable lifestyle changes that maximize your ability to cultivate self-love, reverse life-threatening conditions, and experience optimal health through her Lifestyle Design Method. Koya's “Get Loved Up” yoga school and community of teachers inspire millions worldwide to practice more self-care, social justice, and sustainable living. She is a highly regarded expert and editorial contributor with media outlets nationwide. Koya has appeared on NBC, CBS, The Steve Harvey Show, E! Entertainment, and Home & Family, and has worked with a roster of celebrity clients.  During Koya and Michael's highly personal and heartfelt conversation, they discuss:  -Koya's painful childhood and feelings of not belonging -Her healing journey through Agape's teachings, yoga, meditation, and community support, shifting from fear-based thinking to spiritual alignment -The importance of self-care, breathwork, nutrition, and ritual stacking as key components of living a joyful, grounded life -The profound lesson Koya learned from her mother's transition—surrendering with grace while staying committed to purpose, plus managing grief, intuition, and spiritual connection after loss -The inspiration and philosophy behind Koya's wellness brand, “Get Loved Up,” which emphasizes self-love, sustainable self-care, and pouring from a full cup -How fast success during the pandemic led to Koya's deep burnout and loneliness, necessitating downsizing and choosing alignment over constant achievement -Conscious relationships, choosing love after trauma, and meeting her husband/divine partner  -Letting go of people-pleasing and learning to say “no” unless divinely guided -Transformational letter writing, the miracle of forgiveness, healing her relationship with her sister and mother, and so much more! Next, Michael leads a guided meditation on anchoring in wisdom, love, and intelligence. Follow all things Koya at her website, https://koyawebb.com/, and on social media.  Remember to Subscribe or Follow and set an alert to receive notifications each Wednesday when new episodes are available! Connect with Michael at his website – https://michaelbeckwith.com/ – and receive his guided meditation, “Raise Your Vibration and Be Untouchable” when you sign up to receive occasional updates from Michael! You can also connect with him at https://agapelive.com/. Facebook: @Michael.B.Beckwith https://www.facebook.com/Michael.B.Beckwith  IG: @michaelbbeckwith https://www.instagram.com/michaelbbeckwith/  TikTok: @officialmichaelbeckwith   https://www.tiktok.com/@officialmichaelbeckwith  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqMWuqEKXLY4m60gNDsw61w  And as always, deep gratitude to the sponsors of the Take Back Your Mind with Michael B. Beckwith podcast: -Agape International Spiritual Center: https://agapelive.com/  and -NutriRise, the makers of Michael's AdaptoZen product line, a few of which include: -Superfood Greens: https://nutririse.com/products/greens-superfood  -Superfood Reds: https://nutririse.com/products/adaptozen-superfood-reds   -ELEVATE+: Organic Fermented Mushrooms: https://nutririse.com/products/elevate-fermented-mushrooms-powder 

Making friends in your 20s and 30s is different, it's harder, requires more intentionality. We're here to help. God designed you as a young adult to crave contagious community and you're feeling lonely. That's all normal. Join us this May for a brand new series with new conversations every Friday as we unpack God's design for selfless love regarding humanity. Agape is the Greek word for unconditional and selfless love. Theme verse for Agape: Ephesians 3:18 ”may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ”   Our sponsors for this series: Minnesota Young Adult WKND: www.youngadults.today/the-wknd GFA World's Paid Apprenticeship: www.gfa.org/apprenticeship Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/f.y.i.podcast www.fyi-podcast.com | www.youngadults.today

Fr. Mike zeroes in on the deep friendship between Jonathan and David and the enduring power of their brotherly bond. He breaks down the different kinds of friendship according to Greek philosophy, and points out how true and virtuous friendship is so rare and special. Today's readings are 1 Samuel 20 and Psalm 142. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

These three sisters lived in Aquilea. When the Emperor Diocletian was visiting there, he learned that they were Christians and had them brought to him. When they would not deny Christ, they were cast into prison, then handed over to a general named Dulcitius for torture. Dulcitius conceived a passion for the sisters, and entered the prison planning to defile them; but when he tried to enter, he was deprived of his reason and fell upon the dirty pots at the entrance, embracing and kissing them until he was completely black with soot. Hearing of this, the Emperor appointed another general to torment the sisters. After terrible tortures Agape and Chionia were burned, but the sadistic general, knowing her pledge of virginity to the Lord, ordered Irene to be put in a brothel. By God's providence she was shot with an arrow before she could be forced to endure this fate.   So ends the version given in the Great Horologion. The Prologue gives a slightly different version: When Irene was being led to the brothel, an angel turned the soldiers back and led Irene to the top of a high hill. The next day the general came with his soldiers to capture her, but were unable to climb it. The general then ordered that Irene be shot with arrows.   St Anastasia, a prophetess in that town, gathered the bodies of all three sisters and gave them burial.