Podcasts about Ahab

When Elijah stood on Mount Carmel, he challenged an entire nation: "How long halt ye between two opinions?" In a world pulling us in a thousand different directions, are we trying to keep one foot in Zion and the other in Babylon, or are we ready to let God prevail? Summary: In this episode, we explore the dramatic events of 1 Kings 12-22 . We transition from the massive building projects of Solomon to the fractured, divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, uncovering the crucial role of the prophets in calling a drifting people back to their covenants. The Division of the Kingdom: We analyze the critical leadership mistakes of Rehoboam, who rejected the wise counsel of the elders to double down on burdens, and Jeroboam, who created a convenient, counterfeit religion to keep his people from the Temple. The Test of Exact Obedience: We study the sobering and tragic story of the unnamed younger man of God in 1 Kings 13, discovering why resisting temptation once doesn't mean the trial is over. The Widow of Zarephath: We look closely at Elijah's interactions with a starving widow in Zidon, learning how her willingness to put God's prophet first turned a final, meager meal into a continuous source of life. The Fire on Mount Carmel: We break down Elijah's epic confrontation with the 450 prophets of Baal, analyzing how Jehovah systematically dismantled and discredited the Canaanite pantheon. The Still Small Voice: After the fire, wind, and earthquake, Elijah finds God not in the spectacular displays, but in the quiet, inner whisper. We talk about the loneliness of leadership and how the Lord reminds us that we are never as alone as we think. Call-to-Action: Elijah repaired the broken altar of the Lord before he called down the fire. What is one "broken altar" or spiritual habit in your life that needs to be repaired this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you are ready to stop halting between two opinions and build an "Unshaken" faith, please like, subscribe, and share this video! Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 2:54 Rehoboam's Lack of Wisdom 25:10 Jeroboam's Lack of Faith 1:02:06 Visions of a Blind Seer 1:23:10 Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath 2:03:08 Elijah and the Priests of Baal 2:44:02 Hearing the Still, Small Voice 3:06:27 Ahab and Jezebel 3:24:00 Conclusion

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes(00:00) An overview of these chapters. The kingdom of Israel divides when Solomon's son Rehoboam refuses to reduce the burden on the northern tribes.(06:55) A brief history of the Lost Ten Tribes in the north and Judah in the south.(10:48) Jeroboam, worried that his people will turn their hearts towards the leaders in the south when they go to the temple in Jerusalem, decides to build rival sanctuaries in Dan and Bethel.(13:25) Do not take counsel from your fears or be fooled by an imitation.(19:18) A man of God warns Jeroboam against false worship, prophesying of a future day when Josiah will destroy it.(22:17) What happened to the Ark of the Covenant? Could Shishak of Egypt have taken this treasure from the Jerusalem temple?(29:13) Elijah, an embodiment of great power, is a type of many prophets. All prophets are types of Christ. (31:49) Elijah seals the heavens and is fed by a raven. He goes to Zarephath and asks a widow woman for her barrel flour and jar of oil, promising they will never become empty during the famine.(40:30) Elijah raises the widow's son from the dead. Jesus duplicates the miracles of Elijah.(43:28) Obadiah, part of Ahab's court, saves 100 prophets from Queen Jezebel and also helps Elijah.(47:29) Obadiah and Elijah's “50” can be seen as part of a bigger picture, as members of a choral arrangement that were connected to the temple and the sacred drama in many ancient cultures.(52:37) Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to call down fire from heaven. They fail.(57:14) At times the Lord will manifest miracles to show his might and prove that he is God. The Book of Mormon is that proof for us today.(1:03:40) The famine ends and Queen Jezebel seeks the life of Elijah. In his loneliness, Elijah experiences deep sadness, believing that the prophets are dead. At times, we may feel as Elijah did. Being with the Saints and remembering the truth of the gospel message can bolster our resilience.(1:11:44) Elijah's experience with the still small voice of the Lord.(1:18:17) Ahab, king of Israel, is attacked by the Syrian army. A prophet tells Ahab that Israel will win. Ahab later desires the vineyard of Naboth, who refuses to sell his land. Jezebel, Ahab’s wife, orchestrates a conspiracy to frame Naboth for blasphemy, and Ahab acquires the land through deceit. Elijah comes to inform Ahab that Ahab’s line will cease, that Jezebel will be eaten by dogs, and that Ahab’s blood will be licked up by dogs in the very spot where Naboth was killed. Time vindicates the prophets. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 378 | 1 Kings 12-22, Come Follow Me 2026 (June 29-July 5) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

Is modern culture actually paganism with better marketing? Dr. Lili de Hoyos Anderson explores how the worship of ancient gods of appetite never truly vanished–and why the keys Elijah restored are the hinge on which the salvation of Jesus Christ turns for the living and the dead.YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/zygaJqBXhPkFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook WEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE0:00 - Part 1 - Dr. Lili de Hoyos Anderson1:22 Dr. Anderson bio and gratitude for her late husband1:46 Overview of paganism, ancient and modern4:04 Bio and her book The Non-Victim Christian 08:37 The divided kingdom and context for Elijah's ministry09:51 Elijah's ministry and keys11:44 Joseph Smith and Elijah14:15 Joshua to David to Solomon, Northern vs. Southern Kingdom25:51 Ahab and Jezebel and pagan gods28:57 The body is the test32:34 Paganism defined, dopamine culture and moral relativism41:00 Ancient paganism mirrors modern society47:52 Pornography and pastoral care for those struggling52:30 Christ's mercy, shame vs. guilt57:30 Ahab and Jezebel institutionalize idolatry; Obadiah hides the priests1:00:28 The widow of Zarapeth1:03:55 Elijah raises a child1:05:44 End of Part 1 - Dr. Lili de Hoyos AndersonThanks 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

In this Bible Story, Jehoshaphat becomes king over Judah and rules righteously. He sends out teachers and priests to care for the people, and teach them God's ways. However, his alliance with Ahab the King of Israel proves to be unwise, as Ahab leads them into an unwinnable battle. This story is inspired by 1 Kings 22 & 2 Chronicles 17-19:3. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Chronicles 17:10 from the King James Version.Episode 126: Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, spent his time fortifying cities and tearing down idols. He also sent teachers and priests to the surrounding territories so that they might know God. What the King was doing became so influential that even other nations such as the Philistines took notice and sent tribute. Jehoshaphat wanted to extend this peace to his brothers in Israel, so he made an alliance with King Ahab. During their celebration, King Ahab requested Jehoshaphat's help in reclaiming some territory. But Jehoshaphat wanted to hear from the Lord first. So Micaiah was called in and prophesied that this battle would be King Ahab's last.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 11–12, 2 Chronicles 24, 1 Timothy 6 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the June 24th episode of the Daily Radio Bible! Join Hunter, your Bible reading coach, as we journey together through the pages of scripture on day 176 of our year-long adventure. Today, we'll explore gripping stories from 2 Kings 11–12, 2 Chronicles 24, and 1 Timothy 6—witnessing the dramatic rise of young King Joash, the hidden works of God behind seemingly unchanging evil, and the call to live out true godliness and contentment. Along the way, Hunter encourages us to shed transactional views of God and embrace the unwavering truth that we are loved, full stop. Grab your Bible, prepare your heart, and let's warm ourselves by the fires of God's love together. TODAY'S DEVOTION: God is at work, even when evil wears the crown. Seven years. That's how long Athaliah, the evil queen, reigned—a time marked by violence, heartbreak, and darkness. She took the throne through bloodshed, even murdering her own grandchildren. Her story reminds us of how deeply entrenched evil can seem, wearing the crown and calling the shots for years on end. She was a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, a legacy of darkness, and for seven years, all must have seemed lost. But as we read in the story of Joash, we discover that things are not always as they seem and they will not always remain as they are. Hidden away, out of sight, within the quiet places of the temple, was hope—a child, a son, preserved by God's providence. God's kingdom was advancing even when no one could see it, even when hopelessness filled the air. At just the right time, Joash was revealed and crowned, the entrenched evil uprooted, and hope restored to the people. This is a picture—a compelling, even if incomplete, foreshadowing—of what God is doing not just in the pages of ancient scripture, but in our own stories. Behind the scenes, beneath the surface, God is always at work. Sometimes it feels as if evil is too strong, too established, and nothing will ever change. But the true King—God's own Son, Jesus—is waiting for the perfect moment to be revealed in power and glory. Unlike Joash, Jesus does not falter. He does not fail. He is accomplishing all that the Father has given him to do, and he will reign forever. Take hope: there is a real King alive, reigning, and even now, God's spirit is preparing hearts, overturning evil's claims, and bringing in his eternal kingdom. Hold on—don't despair when the world's headlines or your life's hardships make it seem otherwise. Trust: your king is coming. That's the good news for us. Behind the tangled mess of our circumstances, behind every "crown" that evil seems to put on, God is present. He is faithful, bringing light in the darkness and hope in the silence. Let us live with that hope. Let us wait on the Lord, trusting that at just the right time, he reveals his salvation. May today you sense—beyond what you see or feel—the steady, unstoppable advance of God's kingdom in and through you. That is my prayer for my soul today, for my family, and for you. May we hold fast to this hope, and may it change how we wait, how we watch, and how we worship. Amen. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

In this Bible Story, we dive more into the mind of the Witch Queen Jezebel. Her evil and twisted ways have a hold on King Ahab, as she enacts cruelty on his behalf. After she has a farmer killed for his land, Elijah confronts Ahab, and he repents before the Lord. This story is inspired by 1 Kings 21. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 1 Kings 21:3 from the King James Version.Episode 125: In Israel, there was a man named Naboth who lived close to the land of the king. Naboth had a beautiful vineyard that had been handed down in his family for generations. Naboth loved his vineyard and saw it as a gift from God to himself. But King Ahab also saw it and wanted it for himself. When Naboth refused Ahab, he left to go sulk to his wife. Jezebel was quick to plan and execute Naboth's murder. Though she was crafty, her involvement did not go unseen. And God would not let her or her husband go unpunished.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode, Elisha acts through messengers and servants to accomplish kingdom-altering acts. First, the king of Aram sends his servant Hazael to ask Elisha if the king will recover from his sickness. While speaking with him about the matter, Elisha sees Hazael's future, which one of terrible power and destruction. Later, Elisha sends a young prophet to anoint Jehu, an army commander, to be king over Israel. With a number of cunning strategies, Jehu overthrows the house of Ahab, kills Jezebel, the prophets of a Baal, and avenges the blood of Naboth the Gileadite on behalf of the Lord, who predicted Ahab's fall through Elijah. 2 Kings 8 - 1:11 .  2 Kings 9 - 8:32 .  2 Kings 10 - 18:28 .  Psalm 100 - 27:07 .  Psalm 101 - 27:52 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The toxic combo of Ahab and Jezebel “caused the downfall on the Northern kingdom”.  When things are at their worst, you call in a man who has “strength of will, force of character, and personal courage”…a man who was “an example of solid faith in the Lord” to save the day!If you'd like to view the video that goes with the podcast, click here!

In this Bible Story, Elijah meets with God on Mount Sinai, and flees from Jezebel, The Witch Queen, fearing for his life. His troubled and weary mind is met with the gentle touch of God's presence and direction. The Lord gives guidance to Elijah, and tells him that there was a civil war approaching that would topple the kingdom of Ahab and Jezebel. This story is inspired by 1 Kings 19. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 1 Kings 19:9 from the King James Version.Episode 124: Ahab, sore from being made a fool by God's display at Mount Carmel, went home to complain to his wife Jezebel. Filled with anger at his actions, Jezebel sends a death threat to Elijah. When Elijah received the message, he fled until he had no strength left. Collapsing by a tree he begged God to take his life. But God showing him compassion sent an angel to provide for his needs and prepare him for the long journey ahead. A journey where he would meet with God Himself and be encouraged.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We continue in our timeline of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah today. Remember that King Ahab has died, but at this point Elijah is still alive. Ahab's son Ahaziah is now on the throne, but he won't outlive the Lord's prophecy against Ahab which says that his family line would come to an end in the next generation. King Jehoshaphat continues to reign in Judah and partner with the kings of Israel, pointing each king to consult the Lord through his prophets. And speaking of the prophets, in today's episode Elijah passes his mantle to Elisha who receives a double portion of Elijah's spirit. 2 Kings 1 - 1:13 .  2 Kings 2 - 5:45 .  2 Kings 3 - 12:21 .  2 Kings 4 - 18:26 .  Psalm 98 - 27:28 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Send us Fan MailGod shows His mercy to Ahab, a very wicked king, which causes Ahab to repent and avoid the immediate judgment of God.  

We begin a new series that we will go in and out of for a while called "What You Talking Bout Jesus?" where we look at Biblical passages that are confusing or have elements that need deeper dives and explanations. To begin, we talk about 1 Kings 22 and the story of Micaiah and Ahab and the host of heaven. A lot of great discussion and deep diving in this episode. If you have a verse and/or passage you want us to look at during this series, please email us at theologyinthedirt@gmail.com and let us know! www.theologyinthedirt.com

Daily Dose of Hope June 22, 2026   Scripture:  1 Kings 16   Prayer:  Almighty God, We come before you with awe and humility.  We are nothing without you.  We need you desperately, Lord.  Help us gather our scattered thoughts today as we focus on you.  In these next few moments of silence, help us remember that we belong to you.  Help us lay our worries and cares on the throne of your grace...We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently working our way through 1 Kings.  It's been quite a ride so far!  Let's see what we have in store today.    Our reading on this Monday is 1 Kings 16.  The Northern Kingdom is one, hot sinful mess! King after king, there is disobedience, idolatry, and violence. By the time we get to King Ahab at the end of chapter 16, we think it can't get any worse.  And yet, it really does. Ahab was the worst of the worst. He went above and beyond when it came to deliberately thumbing his nose at God and he took pagan worship to a new level.  Then, there was child sacrifice. To be honest, I wasn't really clear about what verse 34 meant–what does it mean to build the foundations of a city or the gates at the cost of a child? Apparently, infants (alive or dead) would be placed in a container and then literally placed in the masonry of the foundation.  The idea was to ward off evil and please the gods. I have a hard time even typing the words. How absolutely horrific and blatantly against the law of the one true God.   One more aspect of Ahab's total disregard for the Lord–the rebuilding of Jericho. Most of you probably remember the great story of Joshua and the people of God conquering Jericho after circling for seven days. At the time, God warned of death to the person (and their family) who attempted to rebuild the city.  And Ahab rebuilt it.  The author is reminding us that while it might not appear to be so, God's Word still stands. God is still in control. Ahab will not have the final word.  Evil does not win.    And evil does not win today.  It's a good reminder for all of us because there are times when the depravity around the globe can be almost overwhelming.  God will have the final word.  Of course, we live on the other side of the cross.  We know that Jesus has won victory over sin and death.  However, we do live in an in-between time.  Maybe a better way to say it is that the war has been won but there are still some battles remaining.  Until Jesus returns in final victory, evil will still have a place in this world.  When he returns, we can look forward to a time when evil will be vanquished for good.  No more tears, no more violence, no more injustice.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki

In this Bible Story, Elijah puts the God of the universe on display against the false Gods of Baal. 450 prophets of Baal and King Ahab gathered to challenge Elijah and the One True God. In front of the whole nation, God sent fire and rain down from the skies to prove his power and might. The blighted and unfertile land finally received rain. This story is inspired by 1 Kings 18. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 1 Kings 18:39 from the King James Version.Episode 123: For three years the famine in Israel continued and King Ahab was desperate to find Elijah. One day, when his servant Obediah was out searching for water, Elijah appeared to him. Elijah tells him to send for the king and challenges king Ahab to bring all of his “prophets” of Baal and Asherah for a showdown on Mount Carmel.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PAVING THE WAY HOME:   YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pavingthewayhome85 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/paving-the-way-home-podcast/id1517252693 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sywWGWjqXFSErvxOcNeEt?si=jjRM2DjsQvGUJppEQqFS_g   HOLY FAMILY MISSION: If you wish to support the work that Holy Family Mission does, you will find details on how to do so here - https://www.holyfamilymission.ie/supportus   Visit https://www.holyfamilymission.ie/ to learn more about Holy Family Mission.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 18, 2026 is: acquiesce • ak-wee-ESS • verb To acquiesce to something is to accept it, agree with it, or allow it to happen by staying silent or by not arguing. Acquiesce is somewhat formal, and is often used with in or to. // Eventually, the professor acquiesced to the students' request to have the seminar's final class be a potluck lunch. See the entry > Examples: “It may be just the right time for a chicken burger to become a significant stop on the American burger's continual evolution—but whether beef-clinging purists will acquiesce to a poultry spin, or cry fowl, remains to be seen.” — Talib Visram, Slate, 6 Apr. 2026 Did you know? If you're looking to give your speech a gentle, formal flair, don't give acquiesce the silent treatment. Essentially meaning “to comply quietly,” acquiesce has as its ultimate source the Latin verb quiēscere, “to be quiet.” (Quiet itself is also a close relation.) Quiēscere can also mean “to repose,” “to fall asleep,” or “to rest,” and when acquiesce arrived in English via French in the early 1600s, it did so with two senses: the familiar “to agree or comply” and the now-obsolete “to rest satisfied.” Herman Melville employed the former in Moby-Dick, when Ahab orders the “confounded” crew to change the Pequod's course after a storm damages the compasses: “Meanwhile, whatever were his own secret thoughts, Starbuck said nothing, but quietly he issued all requisite orders; while Stubb and Flask—who in some small degree seemed then to be sharing his feelings—likewise unmurmuringly acquiesced.”

We continue in our timeline of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah today. Remember that King Ahab has died, but at this point Elijah is still alive. Ahab's son Ahaziah is now on the throne, but he won't outlive the Lord's prophecy against Ahab which says that his family line would come to an end in the next generation. King Jehoshaphat continues to reign in Judah and partner with the kings of Israel, pointing each king to consult the Lord through his prophets. And speaking of the prophets, in today's episode Elijah passes his mantle to Elisha who receives a double portion of Elijah's spirit. 2 Kings 1 - 1:13 .  2 Kings 2 - 5:45 .  2 Kings 3 - 12:21 .  2 Kings 4 - 18:26 .  Psalm 98 - 27:28 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Jehu's story is one of the most dramatic and unsettling narratives in Scripture. Anointed by God to confront corruption and bring judgment on the house of Ahab, Jehu acts with decisive courage—but his story doesn't end the way we might expect.In this episode, we explore the violent events of 2 Kings 9–10, wrestle with difficult questions about divine judgment, and examine the tension between obedience and ambition. Why does Jehu begin so well and finish so poorly? What happens when our zeal for God becomes mixed with our own desire for power, success, or recognition?Along the way, we'll reflect on Jezebel's downfall, the consequences of compromised worship, and the sobering reality that accomplishing God's purposes is not the same thing as having a heart fully devoted to Him.This conversation invites us to consider a challenging question: Are we pursuing God's will, or simply using God's will to pursue our own?

Pastor Jack shares a powerful lesson from the story of Ahab, Jezebel, and Naboth's vineyard. Even after Ahab's great wickedness, God responded with mercy when he humbled himself and repented.

In our last episode, Ahab struck a deal with Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram instead of destroying him, but because the Lord had set him apart for destruction, an unnamed prophet pronounces judgment on Ahab. Some time passes, and Ahab sets his sights on a field that belongs to another man. After he refuses to sell it, Ahab pouts in his room until Jezebel hatches a scheme to murder him and take his land. Elijah appears to prophecy his demise, and remarkably, Ahab responds with humility. Later, the prophet Micaiah shares a vision of the Lord's throne room where God permits a lying spirit to bring about Ahab's demise. 1 Kings 21 – 1:07 .  1 Kings 22 – 7:42 .  Psalm 95 – 18:41 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

After experiencing the power and authority of the God of Israel on top of Mount Carmel, where fire fell from heaven to consume Elijah's sacrifice, the prophet runs to Jezreel ahead of King Ahab. Upon hearing Jezebel's threats to execute him, Elijah then flees in despair to a distant mountaintop. Later, King Ahab of Israel goes to battle with Ben-Hadad of Aram. The Lord sends an unnamed prophet to alert Ahab that the Lord will win the battle for Israel so that Ahab will know that He alone is God over the whole earth. Then, when Ahab disobeys the Lord's command and spares Ben-Hadad instead of destroying him, the Lord sends another unnamed prophet to pronounce judgment. 1 Kings 19 – 1:09 .  1 Kings 20 – 6:35 .  Psalm 94 – 18:23 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

What if the greatest thief of your joy isn't your circumstances—but your comparison? In this powerful conclusion to the Ten Commandments series, Pastor Josh Whitehead reveals how coveting quietly poisons gratitude and keeps us chasing a life God never intended for us. Through the commands to honor your father and mother and not covet, we're challenged to embrace the life God has given us instead of grasping for someone else's.

Dr. Ted Traylor talks about the sins of Ahab and Jezebel and how we reap what we sow in this message based in 1 Kings 21:17-25. 00:00 - Introduction 12:07 - I. When Obedience Is Ignored 15:32 - II. When Selfishness Is Exalted 19:36 - III. When Evil Is Unchecked

Our Daily Scripture Readings and Reflection: The story of Ahab reminds us how authority can be misused against the innocent. Today's reflection examines how believers must stand for truth and justice even when power is weaponized.

Message Take Aways:1. Jehu served as an instrument of judgment bringing retribution upon the house of Ahab in fulfillment of God's prophetic warnings—“Yet surely My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? So they returned and said: ‘Just as the LORD of hosts determined to do to us, according to our ways and according to our deeds, so He has dealt with us.'” Zechariah 1:62. Jehu served as a reformer in Israel as he executed the worshippers of Baal and destroyed their temple—“for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” Exodus 34:143. Though Jehu was utilized by God in Israel, his reluctance to fully submit to the law of the LORD revealed the true condition of his heart—“I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:10

In this thought-provoking episode of the Who's Who in the Bible series, Fr. Assisi Saldanha, C.Ss.R., explores the fascinating story of the House of Omri, one of the most powerful and influential dynasties in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Delving into the lives of Kings Omri and Ahab, Queen Jezebel, and Jehu, he uncovers the complex interplay of politics, faith, power, and covenant loyalty that shaped Israel's history.The episode examines the political instability that characterized the Northern Kingdom, contrasting it with the enduring Davidic dynasty in Judah. Viewers will discover how Omri emerged as a strong ruler who established Samaria as Israel's capital and strengthened the kingdom through strategic diplomacy. Fr. Saldanha also offers fresh insights into the often-debated figures of Ahab and Jezebel, exploring the challenges they faced and the religious tensions that arose from foreign influences and the worship of Baal.The story culminates in the dramatic rise of Jehu and the downfall of the House of Omri, raising important questions about leadership, faithfulness, and the consequences of abandoning God's covenant.Join us for this enriching journey into biblical history and spirituality.

Raising Expectations with Pastor Joe Schofield, Stefanie and Dr Craig Thayer, Dr Paul Hall, and Ron Greer Fatherhood, Identity, and the Healing Power of Godly Mentorship Guest Teri Werner, Author of Train Wreck to Triumph Friends, Join us for a heartfelt discussion with Teri Werner, 'Raising Expectations' family member, as she shares her expertise in helping people overcome trauma and life's challenges, offering a message of hope and transformation. Special insights on what a Father is and means to us all! Teri, a renowned coach, author, and speaker, will inspire and uplift us with her gift of encouragement, alongside her husband Dave, a special witness for Jesus Christ. Pastor Joe Schofield Opens Raising Expectations In this episode of Raising Expectations, host Pastor Joe Schofield welcomes listeners and introduces the program's faith-centered mission of raising expectations through Christ, family, freedom, finances, and encouragement. He notes that Stefanie Thayer and Dr. Craig Thayer are not present for this episode, while Dr. Paul Hall, Ron Greer, and Melba Schofield join the conversation. Pastor Joe also welcomes returning guest Teri Werner, describing her as part of the Raising Expectations family and highlighting her work as a transformative coach and author of Train Wreck to Triumph. Teri Werner Reflects on Father's Day and God's Loving Kindness Teri opens the main discussion by reflecting on the approaching Father's Day season and the spiritual importance of fatherhood. She shares how deeply her own father shaped her understanding of God's loving kindness, describing the biblical idea of loving kindness as covenant loyalty, mercy, forgiveness, grace, unconditional love, and steadfast affection. Teri explains that many women told her that getting to know her father helped them better understand the Heavenly Father, because he gave them a visible example of godly love, strength, and care. Fathers, Daughters, and the Formation of Identity A central theme of the episode is the powerful influence fathers have on daughters. Teri says daughters often see themselves, the world, and future relationships through the lens their fathers give them. If a father shows love, respect, attention, and honor, a daughter is more likely to expect those things from others. If he withholds them, she may become comfortable with neglect, disrespect, or emotional distance. Teri also discusses how girls who do not know their importance to their father by adolescence may later search for validation through overachievement, overproduction, or unhealthy relationships. Ron Greer on Fatherlessness and Social Breakdown Ron Greer responds by drawing on his years of ministry and research, including work with prison ministry and men's discipleship. He says the absence of a biological father in the home is strongly connected to many social problems, including incarceration, gang involvement, school dropout rates, suicide risk, sexual assault, and cycles of family breakdown. Ron emphasizes that the damage of fatherlessness can continue across generations, affecting children, grandchildren, marriages, and spiritual identity. He argues that nothing is more important than a biological or godly father figure who reflects the character of the Heavenly Father. The Struggle to Understand God as Father The group also discusses how painful father experiences can make it difficult for people to understand God as a loving Father. Ron explains that when he trained people for prison ministry, he warned them to be careful using phrases like “loving Father,” because many inmates had no positive concept of fatherhood. To them, “father” could mean abandonment, hurt, harsh discipline, or distrust. Teri adds that hopelessness can enter when a person cannot trust an earthly father and then struggles to trust God. The conversation frames healing as a process of separating God's true character from wounded earthly examples. Gender Identity, Masculinity, and the Family Dr. Paul Hall raises the question of gender identity and how it may connect to father absence, family confusion, and cultural instability. Ron responds that many identity struggles are tied to the lack of strong father figures and the destruction of biblical masculinity. He argues that Satan's attack on manhood, marriage, and family begins in Genesis and continues today. The discussion also touches on feminism, the cultural shifts of the 1970s, abortion, the Ahab and Jezebel spirits, and the ways both men and women can abandon or distort their God-given roles. Teri stresses that these issues are not simply about blaming one gender, but about recognizing spiritual patterns that damage families. Mentorship, Spiritual Fathers, and Restoring Young Men and Women The conversation then turns toward solutions. Ron describes resources from Man in the Mirror, including tools for spiritual fathers, mentoring, and discipleship, designed to help older men pour wisdom into younger men. He says men do not need to be trained theologians to mentor; they simply need life experience, scars, humility, and willingness to be transparent. Teri asks how similar mentoring could be created for women, suggesting that women also need trusted guides who can help them grow in identity, faith, and emotional health. The group agrees that mentoring must be built on trust, transparency, and real engagement rather than lectures or shallow church activity. Churches, Leadership, and the Need for Relevance The hosts and guest also discuss the need for churches and denominations to become more engaged with real-life struggles rather than relying on old formats, dark stages, loud worship, institutional meetings, or surface-level programming. Teri argues that leadership is a skill requiring intentional study, engagement, and the ability to connect with people where they are. Ron adds that many pastors themselves grew up in an era affected by fatherlessness and may not have been trained in biblical manhood or discipleship. The group says churches need to return to making disciples, not merely drawing people into buildings, and must provide meaningful guidance for young men and women searching for significance. Transparency, Brokenness, and the Cross Near the end, Dr. Paul Hall points to brokenness and the necessity of the cross, saying people must understand that they were bought with a price and fiercely loved by Christ. Teri adds that real connection comes through emotional intimacy, trust, and transparency. She says people are changed when leaders are willing to be honest, vulnerable, and Christlike, not when they simply perform or try to be popular. Pastor Joe closes by emphasizing that painful experiences can become sources of strength, peace, and purpose when brought under Christ's healing. He thanks Teri, Ron, Paul, and Melba, previews next week's guest Brad Stine, and encourages listeners to lift their expectations to the Lord and trust Him for a cure rather than a temporary bandage.

Dr. Ted Traylor discusses the depression faced by Elijah when Ahab and Jezebel came against him, and how God provided him with a time of renewal. Focused on 1 Kings 19. 00:00 - Introduction 10:49 - I. Rest and Recovery 14:30 - II. Revelation 18:52 - III. Reengagement

In this message we explore 1 Kings 18:41–46 and Elijah's response to God's promise of rain after years of drought. This teaching challenges believers to stop living reactively and start living proactively by faith. Through Elijah's persistence in prayer, humility before God, and willingness to run ahead of Ahab's chariot, we discover that disciples are called to trust God's promises before they become visible realities. When we keep pace with the Holy Spirit instead of the culture around us, we position ourselves to walk in God's purpose and move ahead of what He is preparing to do.Scripture: 1 Kings 18:41–46Speaker: Pastor Kyle HornerDid you make a decision to follow Christ today? We'd love to support you—email us at info@theconnectchurch.com.Learn more about The Connect Church and stay connected: https://linktr.ee/theconnectchurch

Sermon Notes

In this episode of All for the Kingdom, Ben Smith preaches from 1 Kings 21:17–29 in a message titled “Faithful in Every Season.”After Naboth is murdered and Ahab takes possession of his vineyard, the Lord sends Elijah to confront the king with a word of judgment. Ahab had sold himself to do evil in the sight of the Lord, and Elijah's message exposes the sin that Ahab may have tried to hide behind excuses.This sermon considers the call for God's people to speak truth faithfully in every season. Believers must be willing to confront sin, contend for righteousness, and declare the whole truth of God. Yet this passage also reminds us that God's purpose in confronting sin is not merely retribution, but repentance and restoration.Scripture Passage: 1 Kings 21:17–29Series: The Story of ElijahKey Themes: Elijah, Ahab, Naboth's vineyard, repentance, judgment, restoration, faithfulness, speaking truth, biblical preachingTo learn more, visit BenSmithSr.org.

When the drought was severe and the nation had turned away from God, the Lord raised up the prophet Elijah to remind His people that true hope and strength come from Him alone. In this powerful message from 1 Kings 18, Pastor Jason explores how God works through weary people, strengthens those who obey Him, and sends breakthrough after seasons of waiting.Elijah stood before King Ahab during one of Israel's darkest spiritual moments and declared that rain was coming, even before he could see a cloud in the sky. After praying persistently and trusting God completely, a small cloud appeared, and soon the heavens opened with a mighty rain. This story reminds us that God's promises often begin with small signs of hope and that His power shows up when our own strength runs out.In this message, discover:Why God sometimes allows spiritual “droughts”The meaning behind Elijah's name: “Yahweh is my God”How God empowers exhausted and discouraged peopleWhy obedience often comes before breakthroughThe biblical significance of the number sevenWhat it means to walk and run WITH God instead of trying to run FOR HimHow God's hand still strengthens believers todayIf you've been tired, discouraged, or tempted to quit, this message will encourage you to trust God in the waiting season. The same God who strengthened Elijah still gives supernatural strength, endurance, and hope to His people today.

Marriage, Divorce and Fornication (1) (audio) David Eells, 5/24/26   Scriptural Marriage and Divorce David Eells I know this can be a real can of worms and such a touchy subject when dealing with people who love each other, but we owe it to the brethren to speak the truth concerning their eternal life. We must consider scripture rather than human reasoning, which has gotten a lot of people in trouble and they don't know why they are there. Here are some basic things the Lord has shown from scripture on divorce and remarriage: Jesus' commands superseded the Jews' permission for divorce by His statements, so we cannot go to the law to justify divorce. (Mat.19:8) He said to them, Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. Once again religion is wrong. Hardened hearts cannot be turned easily but in respecting scripture there is safety. There is only one reason for divorce. (9) And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for fornication (Numeric) and marries another woman commits adultery.” If a spouse commits fornication, whether outside of the first marriage or by illegal remarriage, the other is free to remarry because the first spouse broke the marriage bond. Being legally able to remarry does not mean this is God's will for you. God loves to restore. If your mate repents and asks your forgiveness, then forgive as Christ forgave you. Also, spiritual fornication of the heart is not an excuse, for the scripture speaks of physical fornication of the body. You may be concerned, thinking, “What can I do if I got married before I came to the Lord?” Don't worry about that, because everything we did before we came to the Lord was sin, and we can't go back and do anything about it. After you're saved, you are now a new creation in the Lord, and your sins are washed clean by the blood of Christ. The disciples admitted this was a hard statement, and many think so today, but it is better to obey than to bring yourselves under a curse that many endure. (Mat.19:10) The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.” Even in the Old Testament, it was fornication for a believer to be married to an unbeliever but hear me out... (Ezr.9:2) For they have taken of their daughters for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the peoples of the lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass. ... (Ezr.10:10) And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have trespassed, and have married foreign women, to increase the guilt of Israel. (11) Now therefore make confession unto Jehovah, the God of your fathers, and do his pleasure; and separate yourselves from the peoples of the land, and from the foreign women. Don't act here without reading on. And so it is in the New Covenant: (1Co.7:39) A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. Notice we are to marry “only in the Lord”. (1Co.9:5) Have we no right to lead about a wife that is a believer. Notice the condition, the wife must be a believer.. (2Co.6:14) Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever? (If one becomes one with an unbeliever to some extent they are leavening themselves.)(16) And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you. Better not even to date an unbeliever, saints. You don't want to go there because it will bring you a lot of heartache and curses in the future. However, God makes a concession in the New Testament when a person comes to the Lord with an unbelieving spouse because the unbelieving spouse might eventually be saved through their faith. (1Co.7:12) But to the rest say I, not the Lord: If any brother hath an unbelieving wife, and she is content to dwell with him, let him not leave her. (13) And the woman that hath an unbelieving husband, and he is content to dwell with her, let her not leave her husband. (14) For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. If that spouse, as an unbeliever, departs, you can remarry. (15) Yet if the unbelieving departeth, let him depart: the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such [cases]... Even if you are remarried illegally many times before coming to the Lord, the commands are to Christians and are not retroactive to the old life, for we are a new creation, cleansed of all past sins. Also, Christians can do things in ignorance that are under the blood, for knowledge precedes sin in the New Testament, as before the Law. (Rom.5:13) for until the law sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed when there is no law. (Rom.7:8)... for apart from the law sin [is] dead. (Jas.4:17) To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (Joh.15:22) If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no excuse for their sin. This is not an excuse for someone to falsely claim ignorance because God looks on the heart and knows all; He knows what you understand and what you do not. Judgment is sure for fornicators and adulterers. (1Co.6:9) Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators (Basically illegal sexual actions), nor idolaters, nor adulterers (Sometimes this is marrying someone who is already married and not scripturally divorced), nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men, (10) nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (Rev.21:7) He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (8) But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part [shall be] in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. Marriage and divorce can be a very convoluted problem. If, after diligently searching into all that the New Covenant teaches on this subject and asking elders with no satisfaction, remember what Moses did. (Exo.18:25) And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. (26) And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves. God told Moses that he would be as God to Israel. For some things, we need to get a word from our Lord. But be careful that you don't receive a flesh pleasing answer from your own mind. Samson kept choosing women for looks rather than staying with scripture and it got him killed. Let's look at what Paul wrote to the Corinthians about marriage. (1Co.7:1) Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. (2) But, because of fornications, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. (3) Let the husband render unto the wife her due: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. (4) The wife hath not power over her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power over his own body, but the wife. (5) Defraud ye not one the other, except it be by consent for a season, that ye may give yourselves unto prayer, and may be together again, that Satan tempt you not because of your incontinency. (6) But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment. (7) Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that. (If you're not married, then you won't be distracted, but not everybody has this gift to be celibate, and we're told, (Pro.18:22) Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of the Lord.) (8) But I say to the unmarried and to widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. (9) But if they have not continency, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. (10) But unto the married I give charge, [yea] not I, but the Lord, That the wife depart not from her husband (11) (but should she depart, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband); and that the husband leave not his wife.  (I know there are circumstances where a believing or unbelieving husband can be very obnoxious, very overbearing, very sinful, and that's very crucifying to the wife, but that's not an excuse to leave. In most cases, unless he is asking the wife to willfully sin, there can be submission on her part. However, no one should stay in a situation where their life or the lives of their children are in physical danger. We have permission in such a case to flee (Matthew 24:16; Luke 21:21; etc.). (12) But to the rest say I, not the Lord: If any brother hath an unbelieving wife, and she is content to dwell with him, let him not leave her. (13) And the woman that hath an unbelieving husband, and he is content to dwell with her, let her not leave her husband. (14) For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. Sanctified here means that the influence of you Christian life can save them and also your faith can stand in for them. (15) Yet if the unbelieving departeth, let him depart: the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such [cases]: but God hath called us in peace. (Just know that in the New Testament, being married to an unbeliever is not grounds to leave them; again, only if they leave you, are you free. In the Old Testament, however, if a believer married a non-believer, they demanded a divorce over that because for Jews to be married to non-Jews was fornication (Nehemiah 13:23-30; Ezra chapters 9 and 10). (Neh.13:26) Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, and he was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did foreign women cause to sin. (27) Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to trespass against our God in marrying foreign women? Back to (1Cor.7:16) For how knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? Or how knowest thou, O husband, whether thou shalt save thy wife? …(25) Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy. (26) I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, [namely,] that it is good for a man to be as he is. (27) Art thou bound unto a wife? Seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? Seek not a wife. (28) But shouldest thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you. (29) But this I say, brethren, the time is shortened, that henceforth both those that have wives may be as though they had none; (In other words don't let this distract from your service to God.) (30) and those that weep, as though they wept not; and those that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and those that buy, as though they possessed not; (31) and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away. (32) But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord; (In other words, they're not divided in their attention. However, people don't have to be divided in their attention; they can be celibate or they can always put the Lord first.) (33) but he that is married is careful for the things of the world, how he may please his wife, (Well, if a man is married, it's necessary for him to please his wife, but not to the extent that he lets her be the head of the house; that's bad, very bad. That's like Jezebel and Ahab  and I'll share more on that later.) (34) and is divided. [So] also the woman that is unmarried and the virgin is careful for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married is careful for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. (Is this a bad thing? No, it's commanded, as a matter of fact. It's not a bad thing; it's just that your ability to have your total attention on the Lord without being distracted by family situations is going to be limited. God created the family, so He's not against families. He's against families where they're not married, obviously. What Paul is saying is that if a woman is married, she has to please her husband.) (35) And this I say for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is seemly, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. (36) But if any man thinketh that he behaveth himself unseemly toward his virgin [daughter], if she be past the flower of her age, and if need so requireth, let him do what he will; he sinneth not; let them marry. (You have to understand that a woman was under the authority of her father until she married.)(37) But he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power as touching in his own heart, to keep his own virgin [daughter], shall do well. (38) So then both he that giveth his own virgin [daughter] in marriage doeth well; and he that giveth her not in marriage shall do better. (39) A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. (40) But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.   Polygamy in the Church? Question from a sister: Someone told me that polygamy is allowed by God! I don't believe this, but I had no way to refute this claim. I tried finding some scriptures, but to no avail. When I looked this subject up on the internet, I actually found a “Christian” website promoting polygamy. What will they think of next? Can you share some scriptures that refute this claim? My answer: Under the Law, they were permitted to have more than one wife and divorce their wives because of their “hardness of heart” but under grace, there is no such permission. Jesus said a man could have one wife and “the two shall become one flesh.” (Mat.19:5-8) and said, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh? So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. They say unto him, Why then did Moses command to give a bill of divorcement, and to put [her] away? He saith unto them, Moses for your hardness of heart suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it hath not been so. From the beginning, God gave Adam, the Son of God, one wife. It appears his righteous seed through Seth were monogamous also. Cain's evil descendant, Lamech, was the first to take two wives. (Gen.4:19) And Lamech took unto him two wives. In order that a line of Israel not be extinct, the next of kin was permitted to raise up seed to a dead man's wife. But the seed of New Testament spiritual Israel is passed on through the Word (seed or sperma) of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Although they disobeyed God, the Kings of Israel were forbidden to multiply wives. (Deu.17:17-19) Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, out of [that which is] before the priests the Levites: and it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear Jehovah his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them. The Apostles had one wife. (1Co.9:5) Have we no right to lead about a wife that is a believer, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? All of God's people must be upright, but Paul required elders to be “without reproach” and “blameless” in that they were to be the “husband of one wife.” This is definitely one wife at a time because fornication is a legal ground for divorce and remarriage (1 Corinthians 7), and the death of a spouse is a legal ground to remarry. (1Ti.3:2) The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach. (12) Let deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling [their] children and their own houses well. (Tit.1:6,7) if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly. For the bishop must be blameless, as God's steward... If the elders or the mature in the Lord need to be upright in having one wife, all need to be this way to be mature. The husband is the head of one wife as Christ is the head of one church. (Eph.5:23-33) For the husband is the head of the wife (not wives), as Christ also is the head of the church, [being] himself the saviour of the body. (24) But as the church is subject to Christ, so [let] the wives also [be] to their husbands in everything. (25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it; (26) that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, (27) that he might present the church to himself a glorious [church], not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (28) Even so ought husbands also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his own wife loveth himself: (29) for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church; (30) because we are members of his body. (31) For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife (not wives); and the two shall become one flesh. (32) This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church. (33) Nevertheless do ye also severally love each one his own wife even as himself; and [let] the wife [see] that she fear her husband. Now, I want to share this, too. Men, do not appease a Jezebel spirit; it's going to seduce you and lead you astray. This is our command from God. (Eph.5:22) Wives, [be in subjection] unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (The Lord, not I, said this, but those who have a Jezebel spirit will still get angry, although this is the truth. We have to obey God's Word, or we can't call ourselves “disciples.”) (23) For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, (Just as much as Jesus is Head of the Church, the husband is the head of the wife.), [being] himself the saviour of the body. (If a wife does not obey her husband, she is not going to get saved.) (24) But as the church is subject to Christ, so [let] the wives also [be] to their husbands in everything. (To make this possible for the wife, we are then told,) (25) Husbands, love your wives (Feeling unloved isn't an excuse for a wife to disobey her husband, but love makes it easier for the wife to obey her husband.), even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it. Men, loving your wife does not include giving in to a Jezebel spirit. Giving in means you are putting yourself under a demon spirit and taking yourself and your family out from under God. If you do that, you will pay the price. On the other hand, do not judge the lost wife. God insists on Christ the Word being your Head. Don't judge her, but don't allow her to be your Head. If Jesus is not your Head, then you are following a false god. It's very plain. (Mat.12:30) He that is not with me is against me… If, because of your stand for Christ, your wife leaves you, then suffer for Christ's sake. We all have to suffer in one way or another, but do not follow a false god. The Bible says, (1Co.7:15) Yet if the unbelieving departeth, let him depart: the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such [cases:] but God hath called us in peace If your spouse leaves because you follow Jesus, then so be it. You are not bound in such a case; God never really wants you to be married to an unbeliever anyway. He says to stay married to them only if they are content to dwell with you, because they can be saved through your witness. Amen! The wife who has an unbelieving husband should obey him up to, but not including, moral sin. (1Pe.3:1) In like manner, ye wives, [be] in subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives. (Read our book on our site, Word Woman and Authority.) If you want to be a disciple of Jesus, you have to follow the Word. If you want to be a “Christian” and not be a disciple of Jesus, you are not going to be saved. It's that simple. The word “Christian” is a very loose term in our day, meaning almost nothing. In the early days, people were called “Christians” because they followed Christ Jesus and did His works. Today, the word “Christian” should mean more, but, sadly, it doesn't mean much to people. Jesus told us, (Mat.10:34) Think not that I came to send peace on the earth (You might think, “Peace between me and my wife is the most important. I have to do whatever I have to do.” No, you don't. Jesus did not come to send peace on the earth.): I came not to send peace, but a sword. (And that “sword” is to divide those who are loyal to God's Word from those who are not.) (35) For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law (Now, there are many more relationships. He's just making a point.): (36) and a man's foes [shall be] they of his own household. When you come to God, and they have not, you have no communion there. The Bible says, (2Co.6:14) Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? If you follow the Lord, they can be converted by your witness. If you don't follow the Lord, you have no favor from God, and in that event, don't expect your family to be saved. For your family to be saved, the most important thing for you to do is follow the Lord as a disciple of Jesus Christ and have favor from God. He will save your family if you believe Him for it. (Mat.10:37) He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. You can love people more than you love the Word. The Lord and Word are the same. If you love someone or something more than the Word, you are going to be deceived. It's possible to pity demon-possessed people and then, through demons manipulating that pity, to be deceived and fall right into their situation. Don't believe that all those who call themselves “Christian” are going to be saved, because (Mat.10:38) And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me. (We are to die on our “cross” in order to gain our higher life, the life of the born-again man.) (39) He that findeth his life (This is the old psuche life.) shall lose it; (39) and he that loseth his life (Again, this is the old psuche life, the carnal self.) for my sake shall find it. Let me share with you a testimony we have on our site called:   Marriage Lost and Found William and Jamie Leek - 02/09/2010 My wife and I have been separated and near divorce twice since the year 2000 because we loved “our sin”, plain and simple. The first separation was in 2002 and 2003. This separation wasn't as bad as the second, but there were a lot of lies and deceit practiced by both parties during the first separation. We got back together in 2003, where our “Mother in the Lord” renewed our vows. The only problem with this is that we were still mocking God in our walks with Him and still “playing church.” We had made a “confession” of Jesus Christ, but we were not being taught the “whole counsel of God,” so we thought the Lord forgave our sin at the cross, and we were “Covered in the Blood.” According to Matthew 12:43-45, when we confessed Christ and His blood cleansed us from our sin and the curse, we allowed that sin to remain in our lives. The demons, which plagued us, brought seven more back with them, stronger than the first. Thus, we were worse off than ever before. We thank the Lord for His mercy, grace, and long-suffering with us. In 2004 came the second separation. This time, the Lord had given us both over to the desires of our very own wicked hearts and allowed us to sink to levels of darkness that we never knew we had in us. During our second separation, the Lord allowed us to see just how sick the human heart, will, and emotions really are (Jeremiah 17:9). During this time of separation, we both fled at top speed back into the world, and we returned to our old ways. I began to smoke pot again (all day EVERYDAY), and she began to drink more than she ever did. We both began to sleep around with other people outside of our marriage. We were separated for nine months, and the combined number of people the two of us slept with was 16. The Lord really allowed us to fall to the bottom of the depths of the sea of sin, which our lives had become. We were going to a little Pentecostal church at the time when these separations took place. It was here we met a woman I considered to be like a mother in the Lord. She loved my wife and family with all her heart. She took time to come to our home and share the scriptures with us once a week for an extended period of time. She believed with her whole heart that we were “called” to the ministry. She would call me in the middle of the night and say, “I woke up in tears, praying in tongues because I just had such a burden for your family.” The Lord would end up using this mighty woman of God and her fervent prayer life to reconcile our marriage and heal our family. She also told me during the 2004 separation that the Lord gave her a dream where He showed her my family living together in a home happier than we had ever been. This, of course, did not matter to me at the time because my heart was full of rage and hatred. I don't believe in accidents; I believe in the sovereign God written about in the scriptures. In January of 2005, I took a trip to Florida with a woman with whom I had been committing adultery. We drove down together, but for some reason at the end of the trip I made her get on a plane, and I drove home alone. On the trip home, my wife and I started to talk again. The Lord also began to really convict me of my sin. Even though, at the time, I did not understand the meaning of “conviction of sin.” All I knew was that I had an overwhelming feeling of guilt for what I was doing. I knew that a change had to come. In April of 2005, my wife and I really started to talk again on a regular basis. At the beginning of May, we had been together for the entire weekend when we received a phone call from a lady with whom we had gone to church. This lady had news that would shake my wife and me to the very core of our being. She told me that my Mother in the Lord, Shirley Summers, was dying of cancer. Well, this is where we know the Lord began to heal our marriage. When the woman shared this news with me on the phone, I began to weep. With tears streaming down my face, I shared the news with my wife, and we shared tears together. She looked at me and said, “I am going to my parents' house, and I'm getting my things, and I am coming home.” That was on May 4, 2005. The next day, my mom called me on the phone and told me that Shirley had gone on to glory. The reason this stands out as one of the most important events in our marriage is that this woman prayed for us fervently (James 5:16). She never stopped believing in our call to the ministry, and she stood in faith for our marriage when we couldn't. Also, the number “5” in the scriptures signifies “GRACE,” and we didn't realize that until a year later, that our Mother in the Lord had died on 5/05/05, a number and day of GRACE. The Lord was very long-suffering with my wife and me. It was not until after we reconciled that we ran across a website where we began to hear the “full Gospel” being preached. We had never heard all the important doctrines taught throughout the scriptures. We had not been taught about repentance, obedience, holiness, or real Bible faith. We also realized that neither one of us was truly saved, as spoken of in the Bible. The scariest thing of all is that we realized that if the Lord would have called our numbers, we would have gone to HELL! It has been a long journey for both of us, as we got rid of the leaven in our lives after leaving the organized church. Over the years, we have had to learn what it means to repent and to truly come to the Lord, believing who He is and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. We thank the Lord for UBM for standing for the “TRUE GOSPEL”! Deuteronomy 4:30 When you are in tribulation, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, you will return to the Lord your God and obey his voice. Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Now, what about common law marriage? Is that biblical? Most states in America have abolished common law marriage, and only a few states recognize it as a legal marriage between two people who have not purchased a marriage license or had their marriage solemnized by a ceremony. The few states that do recognize it have conditional statutes. Scripture is clear that marriage is a binding commitment before witnesses and God; a public, covenantal relationship. It is a commitment agreement until death. When Christians marry, they commit to loving each other just as Christ loved the church. If you are not married, you are living in fornication.   Heterosexual and Homosexual Fornication Letter from a friend:  Hi! I have a neighbor friend with whom I've been having sort of an ongoing “discussion/argument” about whether sex outside of marriage is OK, according to the Bible. I know in my heart it is not, but he wants me to prove it to him with scripture. I haven't studied it extensively, but what I've read doesn't say it precisely enough to prove my point. There is one passage about two unwed people being found in the act and having to marry. Since the Ten Commandments do not say, thou shalt not have sex outside of marriage, he thinks it is ok. (LOL) Of course, the real issue is that he's not a born-again believer. But he asked me to prove it to him, so I'm going to try to do it. I don't know much about the Hebrew meanings of the words, etc. Can you help when you have time? :-) Thanks! My reply:  Fornication is the broad term that covers all sex outside of heterosexual marriage. Adultery, homosexuality, whoremonger, bestiality, and masturbation all fall under this category. The Greek word for fornication is “porneia”, from which we get pornography. Many commit fornication with pornography in print or on any visual screen, TV, social media sites, movies, etc. (Mat.5:28) but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. The same is true for any other illicit sexual desire. Repentance and faith deliver from these sins.   Heterosexual Fornication Everyone who has sex out of marriage is a fornicator. (1Co.7:1) Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. (7:2) But, because of fornications, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. All fornicators must repent or face eternal damnation. (1Co.6:9) Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men, (10) nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (11) And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God. (15) Know ye not that your bodies are members of Christ? shall I then take away the members of Christ, and make them members of a harlot? God forbid. (16) Or know ye not that he that is joined to a harlot is one body? for, The twain, saith he, shall become one flesh. (17) But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (18) Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. (1Co.10:8) Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. (Gal.5:19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness (License to “go beyond the things that are written”), (21) envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Rev.21:7) He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (8) But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part [shall be] in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. (Rev.22:14) Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right [to come] to the tree of life, and my enter in by the gates into the city (the bride). (15) Without are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie. (1Co.7:9) But if they have not continency (self-control of sexual appetites), let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. (1Ti.5:14) I desire therefore that the younger [widows] marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling: (15) for already some are turned aside after Satan. (Job.31:1) I made a covenant with mine eyes; How then should I look upon a virgin? (9) If my heart hath been enticed unto a woman, And I have laid wait at my neighbor's door; (10) Then let my wife grind unto another, And let others bow down upon her. (11) For that were a heinous crime; Yea, it were an iniquity to be punished by the judges: (12) For it is a fire that consumeth unto Destruction, And would root out all mine increase. (Pro.2:16) To deliver thee from the strange woman, Even from the foreigner that flattereth with her words; (17) That forsaketh the friend of her youth, And forgetteth the covenant of her God: (18) For her house inclineth unto death, And her paths unto the dead; (19) None that go unto her return again, Neither do they attain unto the paths of life: (Exo.22:16) And if a man entice a virgin that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife. (17) If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins. (Deu.22:28) If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, that is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found; (29) then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel's father fifty [shekels] of silver, and she shall be his wife, because he hath humbled her; he may not put her away all his days. Do you believe that because you are “saved” that you can get away with this willful disobedience? (Jer.7:9) Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods that ye have not known, (10) and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered; that ye may do all these abominations? (11) Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it, saith Jehovah. (12) But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I caused my name to dwell at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel. (13) And now, because ye have done all these works, saith Jehovah, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not: (14) therefore will I do unto the house which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I did to Shiloh. (15) And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim. That is just the Old Testament, you say? In any place that we are willfully disobedient, we need the fear of God. Sins of ignorance (Rom.5:13; 7:8,9) and sins of failure (Rom.7:19-25) are under the blood when we repent. However, we cannot claim the sacrificial benefits if we willfully walk in premeditated sin. (Heb.10:26) For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, (27) but a certain fearful expectation of judgment... Jesus bore all sin; He also bore the penalty for all sin, except willful disobedience. Notice that there is “no more a sacrifice” for that sin. We would have “a certain fearful expectation of judgment.” Many of us have been lied to about the cleansing of the blood. (1Jn.1:7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. The blood cleanses the one who walks in the light of the Word, not in the darkness of willful disobedience. For willful disobedience, we are promised certain judgment. We pay the penalty for this sin here and now, as in the following verses: (Mat.18:34) And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors (demons), till he should pay all that was due. (35) So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts. God will use the demons to make us pay for a sin of the will. (Mat.5:25) Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art with him in the way; lest haply the adversary deliver thee to the judge (God), and the judge deliver thee to the officer (demon), and thou be cast into prison. (26) Verily I say unto thee, thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou have paid the last farthing. The prison here is spiritual bondage to sin and the curse, administered by the demons. Jesus came “...to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening [of the prison] to them that are bound” (Isa.61:1). Willful disobedience throws us back into the prison that Jesus delivered us from. David sinned willfully with Bathsheba. When he repented, Nathan the prophet said, “The Lord also hath put away thy sin”, but he also said, “The sword shall never depart from thy house.” In other words, I forgive you, but you will have to pay the penalty. This proved true, for David lost three sons and many people. His own son Absalom won the sympathy of the people and usurped the kingdom. David had to flee for his life. As parents we do not spank our children for failure or mistakes, but for willful disobedience. Paul said, “For the good which I would I do not: but the evil which I would not (willed not), that I practice. But if what I would not (willed not), that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me” (Rom.7:19,20). Paul was failing God in a sin that his will was against. Notice that he hated the sin and was not accounted guilty; the old sin nature was guilty. When we are against the sin, God takes our side against the sin. He takes the side of the spiritual man against the old man. In this state, Paul cried out to the Lord. (24) Wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me out of the body of this death? Then he accepted God's promise of deliverance by faith. (25) I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus bore the curse of the sin for a person who, like Paul, is repentant. The curse of death is upon the one who will not save themselves for marriage. (Deu.22:13) If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her,(14) and lay shameful things to her charge, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came nigh to her, I found not in her the tokens of virginity; …(20) But if this thing be true, that the tokens of virginity were not found in the damsel; (21) then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death with stones, because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the harlot in her father's house: so shalt thou put away the evil from the midst of thee. Only repentance and faith in the sacrifice of Jesus removes this curse. (22) If a man be found lying with a woman married to a husband,(Adultery) then they shall both of them die, the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away the evil from Israel. (23) If there be a damsel that is a virgin betrothed unto a husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; (24) then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them to death with stones; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbor's wife: so thou shalt put away the evil from the midst of thee. (25) But if the man find the damsel that is betrothed in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her; then the man only that lay with her shall die: (26) but unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbor, and slayeth him, even so is this matter; (27) for he found her in the field, the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her.   Homosexual Fornication (Jude 1:7) Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them, having in like manner with these given themselves over to fornication and gone after strange flesh (Men with men/women with women), are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire. (2Pe.2:6) and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, having made them an example unto those that should live ungodly; (7) and delivered righteous Lot, sore distressed by the lascivious life of the wicked (8) (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed [his] righteous soul from day to day with [their] lawless deeds): (9) the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment; (10) but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise dominion. We have seen many people who fell into faction and ultimately into fornication of many kinds, and God reprobated them. Let me share a portion of a dream from Reynaldo Portela: In this dream, an angel put me in a room where a group of men was practicing homosexuality, and the angel told me, “The man who has sex with another man is going to regret it. God hates the practice of that sin.” (David: In the spiritual, we are reborn with Christ's spirit. Therefore, we should only sow Christ's spirit in our soul, which is our mind, will, and emotions. If we receive the spiritual seed of “men”, we often lose our first love and become reprobate.) (Rom.1:24) Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves: (25) for that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (26) For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature: (27) and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due. (28) And even as they refused to have God in [their] knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting (32) who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they that practise such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with them that practise them. In an open vision, I, David, saw a factious group, and one of them that I knew left them and went behind a wall. The Lord said, “Follow him,” so I did. What I saw behind the wall was this man committing sodomy on 3 of his friends. Over the next day or two, I went to this man and told him my vision, and his eyes widened, and Michael and I both saw he was guilty. He didn't deny it, but later he threatened me. The factious leader told me about three times that he spoke with them during a certain time period, when he was supposed to be with us, and then he fell away three times. I told him he could not associate with them according to the Word. Eve Brast had a dream where they had captured her, and they were bisexual. Other factious leaders had the same problem and were also bisexual. They all have sexual perversion. Satan demands perversion from his servants. The DS are satanists also and are bisexual. They have the same spirits. God is always willing to deliver anyone like this if there is repentance. (Gal.5:19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (21) ...they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (1Co.6:9) Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men, (10) ... shall inherit the kingdom of God. (11) And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God. (Deu.23:17) There shall be no prostitute of the daughters of Israel, neither shall there be a sodomite of the sons of Israel. (18) Thou shalt not bring the hire of a harlot, or the wages of a dog, into the house of Jehovah thy God for any vow: for even both these are an abomination unto Jehovah thy God. (Rev.21:7) He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (8) But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part [shall be] in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. (Rev.22:14) Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right [to come] to the tree of life, and my enter in by the gates into the city. (15) Without are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie. Sodomite Crossdressers -(1Ki.14:24) and there were also sodomites in the land: they did according to all the abominations of the nations which Jehovah drove out before the children of Israel. (1Ki.15:11) And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah, as did David his father. (12) And he put away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. (Deu.22:5) A woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment; for whosoever doeth these things is an abomination unto Jehovah thy God. (Lev.18:22) Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (Lev.20:13) And if a man lie with mankind, as with womankind, both of them have committed abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.   Bestiality (Exo.22:19) Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death. (Lev.18:23) And thou shalt not lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith; neither shall any woman stand before a beast, to lie down thereto: it is confusion. (Lev.20:15) And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast. (16) And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Deu.27:21) Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.   Masturbation (Gen.38:8) And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and perform the duty of a husband's brother unto her, and raise up seed to thy brother. (9) And Onan knew that the seed would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest he should give seed to his brother. (10) And the thing which he did was evil in the sight of Jehovah: and he slew him also. Remember I said that through repentance and faith in Jesus and His sacrifice for us, there is deliverance from these sins and its curses. Now God knows that you did not necessarily choose this life, and some of you think you had this from birth, which is not true. A lot of you already know that you were molested at some point in your life, and you became a sinner. Well, these demons entered in then. Now the Good News of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ bore this sin upon Himself for you, and He is offering you grace to repent and be delivered from it so you will never have these wrong desires and emotions again. He took away the sin nature of homosexuality and any sin of fornication. He wants you to repent and surrender your life to Him. Confess your sins as the Bible says in 1Jo.1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God will give you a new, clean spirit and a new nature, this free gift of His salvation! Let's pray. Father, we thank You, and we ask You, Lord, to reach out and touch the people out there who are in bondage to sin, homosexual, heterosexual, or any kind of sin, and we ask You, Lord, to reach out and touch them with Your convicting power. Father, we ask You to show them that Your word is true. We ask You to reveal Yourself to them, and to show them the Real True Good News that Jesus has already delivered them from this; He's already borne their sin on the cross, and they don't have to bear it any longer. Father, we ask it in the name of Jesus that You go forth right now and deliver those who are listening to us who believe what's been shared here. Please, Lord, go forth and deliver them now in the name of Jesus. We rebuke these demons from your life in the name of Jesus Christ! O Lord, we thank You for Your mighty power going forth to restore those that You have loved from the foundation of the world. Thank you, Father.  Now, friends, if you agreed and prayed this with us, you need to go and start reading your New Testament and believe what it says and know that the Lord is working in you both to will and do of His good pleasure. It's not by your works, it's His working in you! Now, I want to share a published article on a study done that proves there is freedom from homosexuality.   'Groundbreaking' study shows 'gays' can change  Posted: September 15, 2007 1:00 a.m. Eastern © 2007 WorldNetDaily.com In the first longitudinal, peer-reviewed, scientific study of its kind, researchers have concluded that some homosexuals can change their “orientation” through religiously mediated guidance. Researchers Stanton L. Jones and Mark A. Yarhouse released the results of a three-year study on Thursday during an address at the American Association of Christian Counselors World Conference. Their conclusions contradict the claims of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association, which contend that such a change in sexual orientation is impossible and attempting to pursue it likely will cause depression, anxiety, or self-destructive behavior. The new study concluded such changes do not cause psychological harm to the patient. Nicholas A. Cummings, former American Psychological Association president, praised the research. “This study has broken new ground in its adherence to objectivity and a scientific precision that can be replicated and expanded, and it opens new horizons for investigation”, he said. Exodus International, the world's largest Christian ministry to homosexuals, said it funded the research because of the absence of any scientific, peer-reviewed research on the topic. The major findings are reported in a book to be released by the evangelical Christian publisher InterVarsity Press, “Ex-Gays? A Longitudinal Study of Religiously Mediated Change in Sexual Orientation.” A homosexual-activist group called Truth Wins Out warned news organizations “to be highly skeptical of a biased 'ex-gay' sham study.” The homosexual group said, “Caution should be taken in prematurely critiquing the study until the full methodology is available. However, based on unconfirmed reports, there is great concern that these notorious anti-gay researchers did little more than professional ex-gay lobbyists and ministers from Exodus International, and ask them if they had 'changed.'” Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International and a former homosexual, said, “Finally, there is now scientific evidence to prove what we as former homosexuals have known all along - that those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction can experience freedom from it.” “For years, opponents of choice have said otherwise, and this body of research is critical in advancing the national dialogue on this issue”, he said. Chambers said, “the life-changing process of leaving homosexuality behind” is not easy, but “for thousands of us, the journey has been well worth it, and we are grateful that these study findings give credence to our existence as men and women whose lives have been transformed by Jesus Christ.” Jones, a provost and professor at Wheaton College, an evangelical school in Wheaton, Ill., told CitizenLink magazine in an interview he was prompted to do the study because of the “ever-increasing pessimism expressed in the professional world that sexual orientation could ever be changed.” “This was in contrast to the fact that I occasionally met individuals in Christian circles who claim to have experienced precisely such change”, he said. “When the mental-health field actually began to say that change is impossible - that sexual orientation cannot be changed - it formed the perfect scientific hypothesis to be able to conduct a study.” Jones noted there have been dozens of studies conducted suggesting change is possible for some people, but “the research is not of the highest quality and has been deeply and highly criticized.” After studying the criticisms of those studies, Jones and Yarhouse concluded the proper methodology would need to be both “prospective and longitudinal.” “Prospective means that you catch people before they begin the change process and follow them through the process, while longitudinal means that you're actually following people over time to see if the change is stable”, Jones explained to CitizenLink. “The scientific characteristics of the study are unique, in that no one has ever started early and then followed people over a long period of time like we did.” Jones said they found that, by following the subjects over time, “not everyone is successful, not even a majority is successful, but a very substantial group of people report fairly dramatic change.” “We found that 15 percent of our sample of about 100 claimed to actually have changed from homosexuality to heterosexuality”, he said. “These people experienced significant enough change that they really felt like they had left one sexual orientation to shift into another.” He acknowledged “life is still complicated for these people, and some still have some residuals of their homosexual attractions.” “However, they are people who report being able to function as heterosexuals, they're happy with their marriages, and they feel that their lives have changed dramatically”, he said. The other type of success he found - in almost a quarter of the subjects - was “people who left the homosexual lifestyle and experienced very substantial reductions in homosexual attraction by embracing the Christian discipline of chastity, not acting on their sexual impulses.” “These were people who felt like they were free now to orient their lives not on their sexual, erotic desires and needs, but on their relationship with God and on healthy, nonsexual intimacy with other people”, Jones said. The two groups together, those who converted and those who experienced chastity, made up about 38 percent of the sample. “We feel these changes observed over this substantial period of time provide a clear indication that the opinions of the secular mental-health field that change is impossible are simply wrong”, Jones said. The second area of the research focused on the secular mental-health community's claims that the attempt to change is harmful. Jones and Yarhouse administered a standard psychological inventory that measures psychological distress to subjects at every point along the way. “We found that there was essentially no change in their psychological distress over time”, Jones said. “On that basis, we feel that there is no evidence that the change attempt is harmful, and we found evidence that change is possible for some people.” He added, however, the research does not prove that anybody can change or that no one has ever been harmed from the attempt to change. “It just suggests that the forceful way in which the secular mental-health community is saying change is impossible and harmful is just not well-advised”, he said. Jones pointed out that the American Psychological Association has a blue-ribbon panel right now examining the question of how it should formulate its policies on the subject of attempts to change sexual orientation. Certain members, Jones noted, have already said publicly that change is impossible and harmful. Jones said he hopes “there will be enough of an open mind on the part of the secular mental-health community that they will not continue the movement towards banning these kinds of attempts to change sexual orientation, harassing them out of existence and labeling as unethical any professional person who cooperates with them.” “There is a need to respect the autonomy of individuals who are distressed about what they have experienced sexually and for religious or moral reasons want to try the attempt to change”, Jones told CitizenLink. “Those people first need to be fully informed about just how complex and difficult that process is, and then they should have the right as individuals, as an exercise of personal and religious freedom, to seek support in their attempt to change sexual orientation.”   Printer-friendly version

God is patient, compassionate, and slow to anger—but His patience does have limits. Through the tragic story of Ahab and Jezebel, Pastor Jeff Schreve explains how repeated warnings from God were ignored until the day finally came when God said, “Enough.” Learn why presuming on God's mercy is spiritually dangerous and how delaying repentance can harden the heart. This powerful message is a wake-up call to turn back to the Lord while His grace is still extended.

Bro. Matthew Robbins , president Basileia Ministries Living water Worship Centre         In this powerful message, “Be of Good Cheer,” we continue exploring the battle between the soul, spirit, and flesh and discover how Jesus deposits courage, faith, and strength into believers through His Word. This sermon dives deep into how our minds become “grooved” by fear, pain, culture, addiction, pride, and worldly thinking—and how the Holy Spirit works to transform us from the inside out. Through the stories of Peter walking on water, Ahab and Jehoshaphat, Blind Bartimaeus, and the woman with the issue of blood, this teaching reveals the importance of surrendering to God's Spirit instead of being ruled by emotions and fleshly reasoning. If you've ever struggled with fear, discouragement, confusion, or spiritual warfare, this message will challenge and encourage you to let the Spirit lead your life.

Message by Pastor Mat - May 17, 2026 Apologetics, Debate, Bible Discussions, Evangelism, and much more "Christianity is a Person, not a system" - https://youtu.be/1-02nnh5Das?si=8-p2u1cxfCS2Uo4I Discerning the fruits of the Spirit vs the fruits of self - Mark 7:5-23 "The mystic fruit bowl" - https://youtu.be/kw7QiLQMQ_M?si=356Fx_r9ohUeTLwjThe Deity of Jesus Christ and the Gospel of Salvation - https://www.youtube.com/live/gquqBQIL_0U?si=7zmPLi1X0CcW-v7f(Discussing discipleship) Bible study on Luke 9:60-62 "Let the dead bury the dead" - https://www.youtube.com/live/BkWtkOrEs-Q?si=y-zyqNGfWi3kzVu2To know more on how to be saved, what are the requirements and such, please see our playlist on the Gospel and Eternal Security (assurance of salvation) - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3pJdCnnwrEeCQOCTTmDW1GjUYxpd44DG&si=_rT-lThl0klHt5Cd Our Ministries Website - https://christiancoffeetime.ca/ 1John 5:20) "And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life."-Music: A Flourish by Niya is licensed under a Creative Commons License.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/2xGHypM-

A spirit older than Israel is back — and it's broadcasting through your favorite podcasts. Alex Jones is calling for the 25th Amendment on Trump. Candace Owens is questioning Zionism. Tucker is platforming voices that quietly teach Christians to hate the Jews. None of it happened overnight. It was nibbled in, one "what about" at a time. Why are so many trusted conservative voices suddenly turning on the very leaders they once defended? Lance Wallnau breaks open Matthew 24:11 and reveals a Jezebel pattern hiding in plain sight across social media — the same spirit of manipulation, intimidation, and domination that emasculated Ahab and now sells outrage by the click. What spirit is profiting every time you share their video? In this episode: * The 4 "courageous voices" Lance names — and the incremental deception that turned them * Why a "false prophet" in the end times isn't who you think (and almost never wears a collar) * The Jezebel/Ahab pairing destroying Europe — and showing up in American media * Where Jesus REALLY went for 3 days between the cross and the resurrection (it isn't where you were taught) * The pit called Tartarus, the Nephilim, and the angels chained from Noah's day * 2 Peter 2 decoded: "in their greed they will exploit you" — the verse that names the click economy 2,000 years early * The "flaming dart" attack pattern — how to recognize when witchcraft is targeting your emotions * Why Christians who keep "nibbling" the hashish brownie end up with cold love (Matthew 24:12) If you've felt your trust in everyone collapsing, your emotions on fire, and your head spinning over the news — this is the diagnosis you've been missing. Podcast Episode 2122: Jezebel Spirit EXPOSED + False Prophets Making Millions off YOUR Clicks | don't miss this! Listen to more episodes of the Lance Wallnau Show at lancewallnau.com/podcast

Speaker: Brent Kercheville. Jehoshaphat was king over the nation of Judah. He walked in the footsteps of David, seeking the Lord and being his commands. But his association with Ahab, the king of Israel, has caused him to compromise. His faithfulness to the Lord was negatively impacted because he wanted to be connected to Ahab. Jehoshaphat was condemned […] The post The Battle Is The Lord’s…Remember? (2 Chronicles 19-20) appeared first on Biblical Truths from West Palm Beach church of Christ.

God made a promise to King David that his bloodline would sit on the throne of Israel forever. That promise was called the Davidic Covenant — and for 325 years, it was tested by 20 kings, hostile nations, and one wicked queen who came within one baby of ending it entirely. In this message, Pastor Kevin Weatherby walks through all 20 kings of the southern kingdom of Judah — their strengths, their failures, how they lived, and how they died. Some were great. Most were not. And one evil woman named Athaliah — the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel — seized the throne and tried to kill every royal heir in the house of David. She thought she had extinguished the line. She was wrong. One infant was hidden by his aunt in the storerooms of the temple, and the promise of God survived. Key Scriptures: 2 Samuel 7:16 | 1 Kings 12:11 | 1 Kings 15:11 | 2 Chronicles 16:12 | 2 Chronicles 20:12 | 2 Chronicles 21:14-15 | 2 Chronicles 22:3 The Story of God is a 10-week series tracing the full arc of Scripture — from the garden where God walked with man, to the city where He will live with man again. Every week follows three threads: The Big Pattern (Man Rebels, Rebels Destroyed, Righteous Saved, Start Over), The Sacrifice Thread, and Jesus Walking With Man through every age of history. The Davidic Covenant — God's unbreakable promise to David All 20 kings of Judah — their walk, their failure, their end Athaliah — the wicked witch who nearly ended the line of David One baby. One temple. One promise that would not die. The same promise God made to David — He has made to you Save the Cowboy is a western Christian ministry based in Kiowa, Colorado. New messages every week. Find us on YouTube, at LXRanch.org, or support the ministry at PushPay.

What happens when jealousy, lies, and unchecked words take control?In 1 Kings 21, a simple vineyard becomes the center of a shocking story involving greed, manipulation, false accusations, and a man who refuses to compromise what God entrusted to him. This message dives into the lives of Naboth, Ahab, and Jezebel and challenges us to examine our own hearts, our motives, and the power carried in the words we speak.Some words leave scars long after they are spoken. The question is: what are our words producing?

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get your Hosea Scripture Journal now. Our shout-out today goes to Doug Whiting from Alexandria, MN. Thanks for your partnership in Project23. Our text today is Hosea 1:4-5. And the Lord said to him, "Call his name Jezreel, for in just a little while I will punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel. And on that day I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel." — Hosea 1:4-5 Have you ever noticed how people assume that if enough time passes, God must have forgotten? That's the moment Israel had reached. Hosea's first son is born, and God tells him to name the child Jezreel. To modern readers, the name may not sound significant, but to the people of Israel, it would have immediately stirred memories. Jezreel was the place where King Jehu carried out a violent purge decades earlier. In a dramatic political revolution, Jehu wiped out the ruling house of Ahab and slaughtered many of his rivals. While God had used Jehu to judge wicked leadership, the violence that followed went far beyond what God intended. Blood had soaked the valley. Years passed. Kings rose and fell. The nation moved on. But God had not forgotten. Through Hosea's son, God announces that the bloodshed at Jezreel will finally be addressed. The dynasty of Jehu will fall, and the military strength of Israel will be broken. "I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel." The bow was the symbol of military power. Israel trusted in its armies, its victories, and its national strength. But God was warning them that their security would soon collapse. History confirmed this warning. Within a generation, Israel's political stability would crumble, its kings would be assassinated, and eventually the Assyrian Empire would conquer the nation. The lesson is clear: time does not erase sin. A nation may bury its history. Leaders may ignore their past. Cultures may try to move forward without accountability. But God sees what people try to hide. And yet, this warning is also an act of mercy. God was giving Israel a chance to see what they had ignored. He was speaking before judgment came. The name Jezreel was not just a reminder of past violence—it was a warning that there was still time to turn back. That same principle applies to our lives. Sometimes we assume that past choices no longer matter. But God's warnings are not meant to crush us—they are meant to wake us up. So today, take a moment to ask God to search your heart. If there are areas of hidden compromise, unresolved sin, or patterns you have ignored, bring them honestly before him. Confession is not the end of the story. It is often the beginning of restoration. DO THIS: Ask God to search your heart today and reveal any unresolved sin you may have ignored—and bring it honestly before him in confession. ASK THIS: Are there areas of your past you tend to minimize or ignore rather than bring before God? Why do people often assume that time erases the seriousness of sin? What would honest confession and repentance look like in your life today? PRAY THIS: Father, search my heart and reveal anything I have tried to hide or ignore. Give me the humility to bring it before you and walk in truth. Amen. PLAY THIS: "The Good Confession"

In this episode we concluded our study on the Ahab, Jezebel and Elijah paradigm.

Ahab's sin against Naboth was wicked, selfish, and deadly. Yet when Ahab humbled himself before the Lord, God showed mercy. This episode reminds us that mercy is never deserved, justice is never forgotten, and no one is beyond the reach of God's gracious hand when they humble themselves before Him.

Send us Fan MailIn this Healing the City podcast, Pastor Eric and Pastor Mark have a Bible Project–style conversation about the events leading up to Elijah being taken into heaven. They talk through the story of Ahab, Elijah, Elisha, and the chariots of fire, paying close attention to Elisha's response as his mentor is taken from him.The conversation covers some fascinating parts of Israel's story, including Ahab's role as king, Elijah's prophetic calling, and the strange beauty of a prophet who does not die but is carried away by God. It is thoughtful, layered, and a little funny, especially because both pastors are clearly tired while trying to make sense of one of the Bible's wildest scenes.Support the show“Healing the City” is a weekly podcast about what it looks like to build healthier communities. Featuring the voices and perspectives of people from the Village Church, each episode is focused on the real challenges and real opportunities for change in our cities.The podcast takes a whole-person approach. We talk about soul care and spiritual direction, along with mental health and community involvement. You will hear thoughtful perspectives on what people in our cities are up against, plus practical steps you can take to be part of the healing.Join hosts Corey Gilchrist, Eric Cepin, Ashley Cousineau, Jessica Dennes, Michael Cousineau, Mark Crawford, and Susan Cepin as we have honest conversations and keep pointing toward hope and next steps.The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comThe Village Church meets at 10a and 5p on Sundays1926 N Cloverland Ave, Tucson AZ 85712Mail: PO Box 30790, Tucson AZ 85751

On Mount Carmel, Elijah stood almost entirely alone against Ahab, Jezebel, and the prophets of Baal. Yet the silence of idols could not compare with the fire of the living God. This episode reminds us that truth is not decided by popularity, power, or public opinion. The Lord is God, even when nobody else acts like it.

ABOUT THIS SERMONIn this compelling message on the Fifth Commandment, Pastor James reveals that honor is the currency of God's kingdom—and the conduit through which His blessing flows. Drawing from Scripture, he explains how God blesses where honor is present and how dishonor, even with good intentions, shuts the door to divine favor. From Adam and Eve to Abraham and Sarah to Ahab and Jezebel, this sermon explores how God respects the order He establishes, and expects honor to flow upward to authority, outward to others, and downward to those under our care. Whether in marriage, family, or leadership, honoring God's design releases His power.KEY VERSES 1 Samuel 2:30 John 5:44 Matthew 7:24-27 Ephesians 5:21-33 ABOUT WORD OF GOD MINISTRIESIt is the vision of WOGM to preach Jesus as the manifested Word of God! Our passion is to share the love of God to all people, to spread the hope of the gospel, and the power of faith to more people, in more places, in more ways than ever before. We are dedicated to winning the lost to Jesus and making disciples of the saved (John 8:30-32). Through the anointing of wisdom, knowledge and understanding, Pastor James seeks to expound on the Word of God, bringing clarity, and making it applicable to the hearer.

ABOUT THIS SERMONIn this compelling message on the Fifth Commandment, Pastor James reveals that honor is the currency of God's kingdom—and the conduit through which His blessing flows. Drawing from Scripture, he explains how God blesses where honor is present and how dishonor, even with good intentions, shuts the door to divine favor. From Adam and Eve to Abraham and Sarah to Ahab and Jezebel, this sermon explores how God respects the order He establishes, and expects honor to flow upward to authority, outward to others, and downward to those under our care. Whether in marriage, family, or leadership, honoring God's design releases His power.KEY VERSES 1 Samuel 2:30 John 5:44 Matthew 7:24-27 Ephesians 5:21-33 ABOUT WORD OF GOD MINISTRIESIt is the vision of WOGM to preach Jesus as the manifested Word of God! Our passion is to share the love of God to all people, to spread the hope of the gospel, and the power of faith to more people, in more places, in more ways than ever before. We are dedicated to winning the lost to Jesus and making disciples of the saved (John 8:30-32). Through the anointing of wisdom, knowledge and understanding, Pastor James seeks to expound on the Word of God, bringing clarity, and making it applicable to the hearer.

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Jesus  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ ⇒ Get a copy of the MM Companion Journal: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/journal ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 21:1–6 - Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. [2] And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel. [3] For he rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah his father had destroyed, and he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah, as Ahab king of Israel had done, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them. [4] And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “In Jerusalem will I put my name.” [5] And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. [6] And he burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking him to anger. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: https://venmo.com/CareyNGreen  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ NON-ENGLISH VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/