Podcasts about all god

July 30, 2025Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 15:10-35Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 15:10-35; Acts 24:24-25:12“Saul said to Samuel, ‘I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me that I may bow before the Lord.'” (1 Samuel 15:24-25)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Saul had sinned. He had failed to hear and heed the Lord's words when facing God's enemies. And Saul's sins had consequences. Because he rejected the Lord, the Lord would remove him from the throne, and eventually give the throne to David. When Saul sinned, God sent him a preacher to hold up the mirror of God's law and show Saul his sins. Samuel was the preacher God sent to Saul.God does the same for us, too. We sin. So often we fail to hear and heed God's word. So often we give in to God's enemies of sin, death, and the devil. Quite often, our sinful actions - though forgiven and absolved in Jesus and by your pastor - have consequences in this life too. God sends us preachers as well, to hold up the mirror of God's law and show us our sin - they're not Old Testament prophets like Samuel, but they do speak God's word like he did. God gives us pastors to preach God's word, to show us our sin, and to give us pardon.And that's one of the great differences between us and Saul. Saul was rejected from being king of Israel. But so that we would never be rejected, the true King of Israel, the Son of David, Jesus, was born, lived, suffered, died, and rose from the dead so that we would never be rejected. On the cross, he was forsaken and cut off so that in our sin we would never be forsaken or cut off from God's presence. He suffered his passion on the cross so that he would pardon our sin. For all the times we've failed to hear and heed God's word, Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father's will and did that for you. For all the times we've transgressed God's Commandments, Jesus kept every one of them for you. All God's commands are fulfilled in Jesus. He perfectly feared, loved, and trusted the Father, and he did that for you, too. All the punishment for sin, Jesus took on himself. Even sin itself, he bore for you on the throne of the cross, under the crown of thorns, all so that he could crown you with glory, grace, and goodness, now and forever.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, may Your wounded hand impart Your healing to my broken heart; Your love alone can form in me A heart that serves You joyfully. (LSB 616:3)Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

The most important gift of the Spirit, PROPHECY, is for everyone! All God's children can receive & grow in this gift. In this process, everything must be done decently and in order. There is a purpose & protocol to the prophetic ministry that will promote safety and the presence of God.

We cannot, in our natural form, turn away from sin in our own strength. We NEED the power of the Holy Spirit to help us get that sin, that separation from God, out of our lives. Now, here's the good news: if you've given your life to God and have been baptized, you already have the power of the Holy Spirit living inside you!!! In today's message, Pastor Mark will share a little about that good news! AND, how you can fully step into ALL God has called you to be, when you lean on the Holy Spirit! Let Him strengthen you, guide you, and encourage you to turn away from your sin, and turn toward the calling God has put on your life!

This breakthrough… this breakout… this big break — it's ALL GOD!

We all feel it—that pull toward comfort, passivity, and self-preservation. In this week's message, Pastor Mike Wilson dives into the concept of “Social Loafing,” where people do less when others are around to do the work. It's a scientific reality—and a spiritual problem. Using Galatians 5:17 and James 1:22, Pastor Mike shows how our sinful nature is constantly in tension with the Holy Spirit, creating a gravitational pull that keeps us stuck. Left unchecked, this pull can lead us to believe lies like, “Someone else will do it,” or, “I have to do it all myself.” Drawing from the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37), we're reminded that compassion isn't optional—and passivity isn't neutral. Every believer has a role in building the Church and blessing their city. We also get challenged to trust God in our generosity and reminded that true transformation doesn't come from more strength—it comes from more surrender. Key Takeaway: You weren't saved by works, and you won't be sanctified by them either. Let go of “social loafing” and step into the full life Jesus offers—together with the Church. Need a challenge today? Ask yourself: Am I pulling my weight in my faith? Where have I said “someone else will do it”? Am I surrendering to Jesus or just trying harder? Like, Comment, and Subscribe to stay connected with New Life Church. Visit newlifegillette.com for more sermons and next steps. #SocialLoafing #GravitySeries #NewLifeGillette #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #FaithInAction #GoodSamaritan #ChurchCommunity #Generosity #Galatians517 #Luke10 Chapters (00:00:00) - Foreign Church Teaching(00:00:34) - God's Gravity Pulls Us Down(00:09:28) - All God's Love For You(00:11:03) - Coming as You Are(00:15:54) - What is the type of Gillette person?(00:19:41) - Social Loafing and Gravitational Pulls(00:26:33) - Donor's Paradise(00:32:57) - Wonders of the World Take Communion

"Detroit in Black and White" hosts Adolph Mongo, Vanessa Moss and Allan Lengel talk with Rev. W.J. Rideout III of All God's People Church about violence in our streets and the June 27 fatally shooting at a park on Detroit's east side of Samir Josiah Grubbs, 4, and Davlyon Shalmonson-Bey, 18, and the wounding a 17-yea-old male.They also talk with city council candidate Michael Richard, who is running in the 5th District. 

In this lighthearted and sort of all over the place episode you'll hear us talk about herbal drinks and our lack of tea (again), what we're watching and reading, Brooke's growing Anglophile tendencies, Lauren's recent fiascos, the app that's helping us reduce our phone usage, high heels, bangs, and more. You're getting some snippets of our silly sides here, so buckle up. Mentioned in this episode:Molly & Herbs Herbal Honeys - Home of the HerbellionBePresent | Reduce Screen TimeThe Lunatic Farmer documentary (Joel Salatin) and The Biggest Little Farm documentaryThe Marvelous Pigness of Pigs: Respecting and Caring for All God's CreationThe Remains of the Day: Winner of the Nobel Prize in LiteratureHuman Garage - Home - Human GarageRowe Casa Dry Shampoo - DRY SHAMPOO | 2 ozWildlings (Lauren's barefoot shoe pick) - Wilding our lives with every stepGrounding Shuhe (Brooke's barefoot shoe Pick) - Groudingschuhe - EtsySHOW NOTES “FOOTER”Connect:Email us to say hi: holywildbirth@gmail.comPut in a request for future topics and/or submit a question for future Q&A episodes: Fill out the formApply to tell your birth story on the podcast: http://sisterbirth.com/podcast-guestHang out with us and other Holy Wild Women in our private community (off Facebook): https://anointed-birth.mn.co/Become a holy, wild birthkeeper with us inside Hearthmother JourneyFrom Lauren:InstagramMidwifery consults: Email  rootedinedenpma@gmail.comFrom Brooke:InstagramTrust God, Trust Birth Workshop - a 5-part high-level roadmap to a confident home birth (pay what you can)Faith-Filled Home Birth Workshop - a free, 3-part video series delivered to your inboxEmbrace Birth Journey - comprehensive and holistic faith-based home birth preparation (courses + private community)Intro and Outra Music Credit -Betty Dear By Blue Dot Sessions is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

What if your greatest trials became the foundation for someone else's breakthrough? In this deeply moving episode of Her God Story, Kathy Branzell opens her heart about walking through shattered dreams, a 14-year battle with cancer, and the heartbreak of her son's life-threatening illness—only to discover that God was weaving a legacy far greater than she imagined.Through every detour, Kathy chose prayer over panic and purpose over pity—and now leads a nationwide movement of intercession as President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Her story is a powerful reminder that the faith you live today becomes the hope others carry tomorrow.As you listen, you'll be encouraged to see your pain through God's perspective, find strength for your own journey, and be equipped to leave a legacy of unshakable faith—one that echoes through generations.Rate the Show! Click here for SHOW NOTES!Start a Her God Story Podcast Club! Learn more here!Share this message with a friend and subscribe for weekly encouragement and inspiration! Check out HerGodStory.org for a FREE 6-WEEK DEVOTIONAL and to see upcoming guests. Want to help Widows and Orphans? Join our growing company of women meeting special needs of parentless children and nurturing their unique gifts so they can be ALL God has in mind for them! And help meet real needs of women who have given a lifetime of service to God! Support the Somebody Cares Widows and Orphan fund today! Learn more about the ministry at SomebodyCares.org, Read Jodie's BLOG at LivingYourFaith.netFOLLOW US ON:Facebook: @SomebodyCaresAmerica Youtube: SomebodyCaresAmerica Rumble: SomebodyCares X: _SomebodyCares.Instagram: SomebodyCaresAmericaLinkedIn: Somebody Cares America You can also receive periodic ministry updates or join our prayer team by signing up here!

Tell of All God's Wonderful Works!

Fully Known, Fully LovedDescription:Pastor JP explores God's unconditional love, emphasizing identity as His children, leading to freedom and gratitude-driven transformation.Chapters:0:00 Opening00:01:37 God Fully Known and Loved00:02:39 Fully Known, Fully Loved00:05:18 John 3: Lavished Love00:10:44 Jesus Christ: Fully Known, Fully Loved00:14:28 John 3: Fully Known, Fully Loved00:23:45 Purification is Saying No to Sin and Yes to Righteous Life00:26:08 I'm Fully Known and Fully Love by You00:31:33 3 Things to Do This Week for Personal Purification00:34:04 All God's Love For UsRecorded on May 25, 2025 at Skycrest Community Church.

Ever heard the phrase "all for one and one for all"?  It's a catch phrase that has various meanings for a few different situations.  I think Paul's chapter 12 in Corinthians promotes this idea.  All God's people are in the faith engagement with God for God and his glory and the Holy Spirit gives each of us gifts of all the others in the body of Christ.

Uncle Si can't stop laughing when he finds out Jep's been kicked out of his own bed. With the house overflowing with people, pets, and parked cars, Jep's stuck sleeping on the couch. Phillip prepares for an emotional wedding day meltdown when his daughter gets married, just like the one Si had at his own daughter's. Martin is horrified by what Joe Exotic posted on Instagram, and John-David celebrates his birthday with a feast cooked entirely by 12-year-old girls.  Check out All God's Children here: https://www.allgodschildren.org/sponsorship Duck Call Room episode #450 is sponsored by: https://drinkag1.com/duck — Get a FREE bottle of AG D3K2, an AG1 Welcome Kit, AND 5 of the upgraded AG1 travel packs with your first order. http://hillsdale.edu/duck — Enroll now for FREE in Hillsdale College's “Ancient Christianity” online course to discover the improbable and miraculous story of Christianity. https://fastgrowingtrees.com/duck — Save up to half-off on select plants and use code DUCK at checkout to get an additional 15% off! https://rocketmoney.com/duck — Cancel unwanted subscriptions with Rocket Money. The average person saves up to $740 a year when using all the app's features! - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What challenges do inner city missions face? | Gifts for All God's Children Show Notes: On today's episode, we're joined by Patti Jaques and Hailey Noonan from Gifts for All […]

Exodus 33:12-17 — In this sermon on Exodus 33:12–17 titled “Why We Should Pray for Revival,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks about the vital matter of revival among God's people and how it must be brought to the Lord in prayer. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out the powerful example in the way Moses prayed to God in Exodus 33:12–17. Moses's motives were clear when he approached the Lord: a concern for the glory of God and His honor, his concern for the children of Israel, and his agony of their sin. All God's servants pray, and should pray, with these motives. There is no hope for revival until Christians forget themselves and begin to be concerned with the church. How often do Christians pray for the church? Their main concern should be God and His glory. They must stop thinking of the church as a gathering of institutions and organizations, and get back to thinking they are the people of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also shares the way in which Moses boldly prayed. He prayed with confidence, no hesitation in sight, and was assured of God's nearness. He was direct and orderly in what He was asking the Lord to do, reasoning and pleading, and reminding Him of His promises. The Christian must be like a child speaking to their Father, pleading with Him because of His own name's sake.

Exodus 33:12-17 — In this sermon on Exodus 33:12–17 titled “Why We Should Pray for Revival,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks about the vital matter of revival among God's people and how it must be brought to the Lord in prayer. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out the powerful example in the way Moses prayed to God in Exodus 33:12–17. Moses's motives were clear when he approached the Lord: a concern for the glory of God and His honor, his concern for the children of Israel, and his agony of their sin. All God's servants pray, and should pray, with these motives. There is no hope for revival until Christians forget themselves and begin to be concerned with the church. How often do Christians pray for the church? Their main concern should be God and His glory. They must stop thinking of the church as a gathering of institutions and organizations, and get back to thinking they are the people of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also shares the way in which Moses boldly prayed. He prayed with confidence, no hesitation in sight, and was assured of God's nearness. He was direct and orderly in what He was asking the Lord to do, reasoning and pleading, and reminding Him of His promises. The Christian must be like a child speaking to their Father, pleading with Him because of His own name's sake.

Exodus 33:12-17 — In this sermon on Exodus 33:12–17 titled “Why We Should Pray for Revival,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks about the vital matter of revival among God's people and how it must be brought to the Lord in prayer. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out the powerful example in the way Moses prayed to God in Exodus 33:12–17. Moses's motives were clear when he approached the Lord: a concern for the glory of God and His honor, his concern for the children of Israel, and his agony of their sin. All God's servants pray, and should pray, with these motives. There is no hope for revival until Christians forget themselves and begin to be concerned with the church. How often do Christians pray for the church? Their main concern should be God and His glory. They must stop thinking of the church as a gathering of institutions and organizations, and get back to thinking they are the people of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also shares the way in which Moses boldly prayed. He prayed with confidence, no hesitation in sight, and was assured of God's nearness. He was direct and orderly in what He was asking the Lord to do, reasoning and pleading, and reminding Him of His promises. The Christian must be like a child speaking to their Father, pleading with Him because of His own name's sake.

Exodus 33:12-17 — In this sermon on Exodus 33:12–17 titled “Why We Should Pray for Revival,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks about the vital matter of revival among God's people and how it must be brought to the Lord in prayer. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out the powerful example in the way Moses prayed to God in Exodus 33:12–17. Moses's motives were clear when he approached the Lord: a concern for the glory of God and His honor, his concern for the children of Israel, and his agony of their sin. All God's servants pray, and should pray, with these motives. There is no hope for revival until Christians forget themselves and begin to be concerned with the church. How often do Christians pray for the church? Their main concern should be God and His glory. They must stop thinking of the church as a gathering of institutions and organizations, and get back to thinking they are the people of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also shares the way in which Moses boldly prayed. He prayed with confidence, no hesitation in sight, and was assured of God's nearness. He was direct and orderly in what He was asking the Lord to do, reasoning and pleading, and reminding Him of His promises. The Christian must be like a child speaking to their Father, pleading with Him because of His own name's sake. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29

Discover Hope and Purpose Through Karen Hardin's Powerful Story of Redemption!What if the darkest parts of your past could become the foundation for your greatest impact? In this episode, Karen Hardin shares her deeply moving journey—from a childhood marked by trauma and fear to a life transformed by God's voice, guidance, and miraculous provision. As she stepped out in faith, from missions in Asia to moments of divine healing, Karen experienced how God redeems every chapter of our story for His glory.You'll be inspired by Karen's resilience and encouraged to believe that the same God who restored her life wants to work powerfully in yours. Learn how to recognize God's leading, say “yes” even when it's uncomfortable, and discover that ministry isn't about a platform—it's about obedience. Whether you're facing uncertainty or waiting for breakthrough, Karen's testimony will equip you with hope, courage, and fresh faith for your own journey. Rate the Show! Click here for SHOW NOTES!Start a Her God Story Podcast Club! Learn more here!Share this message with a friend and subscribe for weekly encouragement and inspiration! Check out HerGodStory.org for a FREE 6-WEEK DEVOTIONAL and to see upcoming guests. Want to help Widows and Orphans? Join our growing company of women meeting special needs of parentless children and nurturing their unique gifts so they can be ALL God has in mind for them! And help meet real needs of women who have given a lifetime of service to God! Support the Somebody Cares Widows and Orphan fund today! Learn more about the ministry at SomebodyCares.org, FOLLOW US ON:Facebook: @SomebodyCaresAmerica Youtube: SomebodyCaresAmerica Rumble: SomebodyCares X: _SomebodyCares.Instagram: SomebodyCaresAmericaLinkedIn: Somebody Cares America You can also receive periodic ministry updates or join our prayer team by signing up here!

Take a moment to reflect on the incredible grace and mercy of God, and you'll see that there's truly no one who can love you more than He does. He sent His One and only Son, Jesus, to be sacrificed on the cross for your sins. He sent His Spirit to be alongside you and within you. What steps have you taken to draw nearer to Him? Today, Pastor Richard invites you to reunite with God. All God desires is for you to turn back and reconnect with Him! 

Raising a daughter with a heart of compassion and Christ-like love means helping her see the dignity, value, and worth of every person—including those who are differently abled. But as parents, how do we guide our girls in developing genuine empathy and understanding? How can we equip them to navigate friendships with peers who have disabilities with confidence, kindness, and a Biblical Worldview?  In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay, Founder & Executive Director of American Heritage Girls, welcomes Shauna Amick, disability rights advocate, mother of a child with Down syndrome, and a key member of Joni & Friends, the global ministry founded by Joni Eareckson Tada. Together, they explore how families can instill in their daughters the heart of Christ when it comes to inclusion, friendship, and honoring those with disabilities.  We'll dive into Shauna's powerful personal story—how her daughter's diagnosis transformed her faith and deepened her understanding of God's purpose in suffering. She shares insights on how parents can model and teach empathy, drawing from both scripture and her work with Joni & Friends. We'll also discuss practical ways to help young girls befriend and uplift peers with disabilities, address common fears or misconceptions, and reinforce the truth that every life is created in God's image.  Patti and Shauna also highlight the long-standing partnership between American Heritage Girls and Joni & Friends, including the development of the All God's Children Badge Program, AHG's Serving Persons Impacted by Disabilities National Day of Service Initiative, and the new children's book A Paintbrush for Joni.  If you're a parent, grandparent, or mentor looking for Christ-centered wisdom on raising a compassionate, service-minded daughter who sees all people through God's eyes, this episode is a must-listen.  To learn more about disability ministry resources that can transform your family's approach to inclusion and service, visit joniandfriends.org.  Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org       Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com

"All God's giants have been weak people"-Hudson Taylor. God meets the weak and becomes their strength. When that happens our mindset shifts from I can't do this without you to I won't do thus without you.

For your convenience and as an outreach of our ministry, this video is shared from our Sunday Worship Service. This week we begin the season of Lent by reading about the Temptation of Christ from Luke 4:1-13 and hearing from Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 describe nearness to God as shelter. ​[Leader:] The God of our ancestors heard our cries; [Deut. 26:7, 8]and saw our oppression when we were slaves in Egypt. [Ps. 91:1, 9, 15–16][ALL:] God brought us out with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm,with signs and wonders God brought usthrough the wilderness.​[Leader:] The Lord, our shelter, our refuge, our dwelling place, says,[ALL:] “When my people call to me, I will answer them;I will be with them in trouble;I will show them my salvation.”www.JesusLoves757.com/sunday

Today Deacon Harold & Ace are sharing from the Beacon of Truth Playlist talking about the song "All God's People" by Queen. The purpose is not to over spiritualize songs but ones that have spoken to us and maybe you and what we can learn from them as we apply wisdom and truth to our faith. Also looking at Soulful Psalm 98.

For your convenience and as an outreach of our ministry, this video is shared from our Sunday Worship Service. This week we read from Luke 9:28-36 and Exodus 34:29-35 with a sermon by Pastor Scott Crowder that looks at what it means to glorify Christ in our lives, choosing virtue over vice.[Leader:] What is God's will?[ALL:] God's will is to reconcile all things to himself in Jesus Christ and to establish his kingdom on the earth. His will is revealed in the whole of Scripture and especially in Jesus Christ, whom I am called to serve and imitate with my whole life. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Psalm 119:1-16, 104-5; Proverbs 4:1-9; Matthew 22:36-40; John 6:39-40; Romans 8:28-30; 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:78-19)​[Leader:] What does God desire to accomplish in your life?[ALL:] God desires to free me from captivity to sin and transform me into the image of Jesus Christ, by the power of his Holy Spirit. (Exodus 33:18-23;34:29-35; Psalm 27:4, 7-14; Matthew 17:1-9; Romans 6:5-II; 2 Corinthians 3:12-18)www.JesusLoves757.com/sunday

Wednesday, 5 March 2025   For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,' and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,' and he does it.” Matthew 8:9   “For I also, I am a man under authority, having under me soldiers. And I say to this, ‘You go,' and he goes. And to another, ‘You come,' and he comes. And to my slave, ‘You do this,' and he does.” (CG).   In the previous verse, the centurion showed great humility before Jesus. He noted he was unworthy that the Lord would come under his roof, and rather implored Him to just speak a word and his servant would be healed. Next, he explains how he knew Jesus could do that, beginning with, “For I also, I am a man under authority.”   The KJV inexplicably leaves out the word kai, translated as “also.” It is found in all manuscripts. The centurion is placing himself in the same situation as Jesus. They are both men and they both have powers subject to them. Leaving out the word also destroys the comparison and sets the centurion apart from Jesus, distancing the entire discourse he is about to make from Jesus.   As for his words, the meaning is not that he is under someone else's authority but that he is a man who possesses authority over others. Being a centurion, both were true, but his words refer to those under him. He led a contingent of one hundred men bearing arms. But he would also have servants under him as well.   Understanding this, he explains what his authority entailed, saying, “having under me soldiers.”   A soldier in the Roman army was led by those appointed over him and he was to comply without asking why. His superiors were given the absolute right to make decisions for him and he simply responded with obedience and compliance. He had no right to disobey unless his superior was in violation of Roman law.   This is how militaries are normally run. There is to be adherence to lawful orders without question or complaint. When this structure breaks down, the effectiveness of the unit and the army will be compromised. Therefore, the centurion continues with, “And I say to this, ‘You go,' and he goes. And to another, ‘You come,' and he comes.”   This is the life of an underling in the military. The word that is spoken is to be considered an order. In a word as just mentioned by the centurion, there is no occasion to say, “Why do I have to do that?” or “I will be there in twenty minutes because I am having dinner now.” Rather, immediate and absolute compliance is expected.   The reason for this is that when the time for engagement of an enemy comes, the soldier must be so thoroughly conditioned to obedience that he will not hesitate. Even in the face of death, his responsibility is to the one appointed above him. And this is because the one appointed above him went through the same process of growing through obedience that he is now going through.   Eventually, each higher level was to give the same obedience to those above them until the decision was left at the feet of the emperor, the final and supreme decider who represented the Roman Empire. Understanding this, the centurion continues with, “And to my slave, ‘You do this,' and he does.”   Here is a new word, doulos, a slave or a bondservant. The word can be literal or figurative and the state can be voluntary or involuntary. This is different from the pais, servant, of verse 8:6. That generally signifies a child under training which emphasizes the ongoing development that is needed to attain the height of his destiny.   The doulos may very well be born as a slave, live as a slave, and die as a slave. He may have no destiny to attain. Rather, he was normally considered property and would often even be a part of the next generation's inheritance.   Like the soldier, such a person had no right to question why. He had nothing on which he could base a complaint, and if he were to attempt to escape, he would be subject to intense discipline or even death. As such, their life was one of obedience without question.   Understanding the nature of these two categories, the reason he is saying these words to Jesus becomes evident. This centurion understood that Jesus held authority. His word was a command and its compliance to His word was absolute. If Jesus spoke a word of healing, it would come about as surely as the centurion's soldier or slave would comply with his own directive word.   Life application: This Gentile had heard the word about Jesus, had understood that what he was told was a sign of authority, and had then equated this authority to his own. The miracles that had been told him made him understand that what he had heard meant that what Jesus could do signified power within the spoken word itself.   Therefore, he perceived Jesus was unlike any doctor or physician who had to wield his intelligence, physical stamina, skill with a knife, etc. Rather, the only effort required to accomplish His word was to utter it.   In other words, the centurion was demonstrating faith in Jesus' power without even having seen it with his own eyes. He knew what he heard was true and he accepted that it was so.   Now, with the word about Jesus' fulfillment of the law, death in fulfillment of it, and resurrection from the state of death, we have the chance to likewise participate, by faith, in what Jesus is doing. He is building a church in the presence of His Father. All God asks us to do is believe. Through faith, we are counted righteous before God.   This is the message of the Bible. God sent His Son on a mission. Jesus accomplished that mission, and now He offers us the chance to join Him in what He is doing. The way to participate is to believe that it is so. Believe and receive. Eternal life awaits!   “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Ephesians 2:5-11   Heavenly Father, You have made our reconciliation with You as simple as it gets. You just ask for faith that we accept the word, believing that You have done everything necessary to restore us to You through Christ our Lord. We believe and we receive! Thank You, O God, for Jesus. Amen.

Are you feeling drained, overwhelmed, or spiritually disconnected? In this powerful episode, host Jodie Chiricosta sits down with Mindy Caliguire to discuss her transformative journey of soul care—learning to move from exhaustion to a life of deep spiritual renewal. As the founder of SoulCare, Mindy is dedicated to helping others cultivate inner health while pursuing their calling. She opens up about her struggles with burnout, the importance of abiding in Christ, and the practical tools that can help you reconnect with God in a meaningful way.Jodie and Mindy dive into what it truly means to flourish—moment by moment, day by day—while navigating the demands of life and leadership. They also explore how soul care goes beyond self-care, offering a deeper, lasting restoration that comes from aligning with God rather than just managing stress. Whether you're a leader, a caregiver, or simply someone longing for rest, this conversation will inspire you to nurture your soul and embrace a life of abundance. Don't miss this uplifting and insightful episode!Rate the Show! Click here for SHOW NOTES!Start a Her God Story Podcast Club! Learn more here!Share this message with a friend and subscribe for weekly encouragement and inspiration! Check out HerGodStory.org for a FREE 6-WEEK DEVOTIONAL and to see upcoming guests. Want to help Widows and Orphans? Join our growing company of women meeting special needs of parentless children and nurturing their unique gifts so they can be ALL God has in mind for them! And help meet real needs of women who have given a lifetime of service to God! Support the Somebody Cares Widows and Orphan fund today! Learn more about the ministry at SomebodyCares.org, Read Jodie's BLOG at LivingYourFaith.netYou can also receive periodic ministry updates or join our prayer team by signing up here!

To be faithful with what God has given us is the most important thing. In our dying moment, it is all that will matter to us. All God requires, and all of God's promises of reward are based upon faithfulness - not performance, and not great accomplishments. What God gives a person, as far as knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures, and the truths of the Word of God that make up God's ways, he must never water down or mix with false doctrine for any reason, if he expects to hear, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." How faithful have you been with what you once knew to be true?

Embracing the Father Heart of God changes everything! Listen as Anna Harris, founder of Defined by God Ministries, shares her powerful journey of overcoming feelings of abandonment and discovering her true identity as God's beloved daughter. From adoption struggles to embracing the Father's unconditional love, Anna reveals how this revelation sparked healing and spiritual growth.In this episode, you'll learn how to overcome feelings of rejection, embrace your identity as God's child, and find practical steps to deepen your relationship with Him. If you're seeking healing and transformation through God's love, this episode is for you. Rate the Show! Click here for SHOW NOTES!Start a Her God Story Podcast Club! Learn more here!Share this message with a friend and subscribe for weekly encouragement and inspiration! Check out HerGodStory.org for a FREE 6-WEEK DEVOTIONALand to see upcoming guests. Want to help Widows and Orphans? Join our growing company of women meeting special needs of parentless children and nurturing their unique gifts so they can be ALL God has in mind for them! And help meet real needs of women who have given a lifetime of service to God! Support the Somebody Cares Widows and Orphan fund today! Learn more about the ministry at SomebodyCares.org, Read Jodie's BLOG at LivingYourFaith.net FOLLOW US ON:Facebook: @SomebodyCaresAmerica Youtube: SomebodyCaresAmerica Rumble: SomebodyCares X: _SomebodyCares.Instagram: SomebodyCaresAmericaLinkedIn: Somebody Cares America You can also receive periodic ministry updates or join our prayer team by signing up here!

In a world full of distractions, how in the world are we supposed to hear God's still small voice? When people say things like, “God told me, or God said,” what does that sound like? And how do I know who's talking? Discover the joy, peace, and genuine happiness that comes from living a life in alignment with God. In this episode of the Powerhouse Podcast, Coach Megan explores the fulfillment and freedom found in a purified life, free from deceit and rooted in God's love and rewards for His diligent followers. Learn how to move forward with a clean slate, embracing a life where God's got your back. Quotes:   2:02       “   Part of becoming a successful person and a mature developed person is…”   3:08      “   All God things are good things, but not all good things are God things.”   8:15      “  Faith and fear cannot exist at the same time.”   MASTERMIND 2025 https://mastermind.powerhousepageantry.com   Grab our BRAND NEW FREE PAGEANT COURSE: powerhousepageantry.com/freecourse  READY TO BE YOUR BEST SELF? GET THE “THINK LIKE A WINNER” COURSE HERE: https://powerhousepageantry.com/tlaw-sales-page   For more free pageant coaching content, follow us on IG  www.instagram.com/powerhousepageantry  wwwinstagram.com/meganswansonrhodes www.youtube.com/@powerhousepageantry   If you want to place higher or win your pageant this year, and you're ready to work with us, click here to apply for a free call with Coach Megan to create your “Place Higher” strategy for 2025 and see if you qualify to work with the best coaches in the pageant world! https://sessions.powerhousepageantry.com/chat  

What if your deepest pain was actually preparing you for your greatest calling?In this powerful episode, Dawn Gibler shares her journey of faith, healing, and purpose. From discovering unresolved trauma to working in an anti-trafficking ministry, she reveals how God transformed her pain into a calling. She discusses her transition from teaching to becoming the Awareness and Intervention Director at Elijah Rising, where she empowers women trapped in exploitation through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Dawn's story is a testament to God's grace, healing, and the power of perseverance. It is also a reminder that healing is a journey, and God patiently walks with us through every step. Whether through ministry, personal struggles, or unexpected opportunities, He uses all things for His glory.If you've struggled with unresolved pain, overcommitment in ministry, or finding balance in your faith walk, Dawn's story offers encouragement and hope.Rate the Show!Click here for SHOW NOTES!Start a Her God Story Podcast Club! Learn more here!Share this message with a friend and subscribe for weekly encouragement and inspiration!Check out HerGodStory.org for a FREE 6-WEEK DEVOTIONAL and to see upcoming guests.Want to help Widows and Orphans? Join our growing company of women meeting special needs of parentless children and nurturing their unique gifts so they can be ALL God has in mind for them! And help meet real needs of women who have given a lifetime of service to God! Support the Somebody Cares Widows and Orphan fund today!Learn more about the ministry at SomebodyCares.org,Read Jodie's BLOG at LivingYourFaith.netFOLLOW US ON:Facebook: @SomebodyCaresAmericaYoutube: SomebodyCaresAmericaRumble: SomebodyCaresX: _SomebodyCares.Instagram: SomebodyCaresAmericaLinkedIn: Somebody Cares AmericaYou can also receive periodic ministry updates or join our prayer team by signing up here!

Our readings today – in Exodus and Romans tie in together in their reference to the exaltation of Moses, now ready, in God's sight, to serve him after 40 years of preparation “in the land of Midian.”  Moses is now a meek and humble man (Numbers 12 v.3) – God can now use him. Paul's points in our Roman's chapter (9) are illuminating: first, he states  how God “says to Moses, ‘'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy… So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who has mercy.'” [v.15,16] In our Exodus reading yesterday we saw how God could not use Moses' own “will and exertion” [2 v.11-15].  Paul then drives home the lesson that one cannot deserve, i.e. ‘earn' God's blessing by their own efforts. All God's blessings are an expression of God's mercy. This is parallel to talking about God's grace; therefore it is really saddening today when so many talk and write glibly about ‘grace' as though it is an ever-flowing factor that they can be certain about – regardless of how they behave, Paul next makes the point that “Scripture says to Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth'”. [v.17]  This is not the proclamation of God's actual name as an intellectual understanding, but of God's reputation that was about to be established by what he did.  We will read of this in the next few days; the dramatic deliverance from Egypt of the descendants of Jacob. In relation to this look carefully at our reading in Exodus 3  where God's name is given as , “I will be what I will be” [v.14 – as shown in the ESV footnote] Primarily, this means God will ‘make' his name, that is, his reputation, by what is about to happen – “This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.” [v.15]   Their deliverance from Egypt became a ‘memorial' which all generations would look back to – as a foundation for their confidence in God.  Thus, when we come to read Psalm 135 and its praises to the LORD we will see the full significance in v.8-13 of the LORD's name and “renown.”  It is fully expressed in Isaiah 63 v.11-14 how you God “led your people to make for yourself a glorious name.”  Daniel makes the same point in his impassioned prayer (9 v.15)  In the same way we look back to the sacrifice and resurrection of our Savior – and how God made for himself the name of ‘Father.'  We are privileged to call God  ‘Father' – but how many “hallow” that name when they say the Lord's Prayer.  Do we?   Just as vital is to ask; how many are striving to make a ‘name' for themselves which Christ will “remember” when the time comes for him to “confess' what those in his service have achieved according to the “talents” given to them?  Think about what Jesus says in Rev. 3 v.5, “The one who conquers (him/herself!) … I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.”    Our ‘name” that Christ will “confess” will be achieved in many different ways; for example, to quote James 1 v.27, “to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”   

In the Kingdom, some people receive more than others. In the Kingdom, some people know Jesus deeper. In the Kingdom, some people experience greater things. Often, the difference between those who experience ALL God has for them and those who live a limited Christian life is they don't truly believe they are a very qualified candidate for the miraculous. There's enough to go around, you're not in competition, and God desires to pour his miracles over you today, RIGHT NOW! Subscribe to the latest sermons: http://bit.ly/TBCsermons To learn more about The Block Church: http://theblockchurch.org/ Stay Connected Facebook: http://bit.ly/2vOiaLa Instagram: http://bit.ly/2nzZNWB Twitter: http://bit.ly/2KEScPL #theblockchurch #ChurchOnline #Onlinechurch

Dereje Zeleke of All God's Children International joins the podcast to talk about supporting vulnerable children and families in Ethiopia using TBRI. Links from this episode: AGCI TBRI Ambassador Organizations Follow Dereje: LinkedIn | Facebook

Pay attention! God has something to say to you! Throughout Paula Mullen' life God has directed her in various ways. Listen as she shares her inspiring journey of faith, from her immigrant roots and Catholic upbringing to her transformative experiences with prayer, fasting, and motherhood. Discover how she found God's guidance through trials, embraced the joys of adoption, and balanced career, marriage, and family life, all while trusting in His provision. You'll be encouraged in your faith walk and inspired to pay attention to His gentle voice too!Rate the Show!Click here for SHOW NOTES!Start a Her God Story Podcast Club! Learn more here!Share this message with a friend and subscribe for weekly encouragement and inspiration!Check out HerGodStory.org for a FREE 6-WEEK DEVOTIONAL and to see upcoming guests.Want to help Widows and Orphans? Join our growing company of women meeting special needs of parentless children and nurturing their unique gifts so they can be ALL God has in mind for them! And help meet real needs of women who have given a lifetime of service to God! Support the Somebody Cares Widows and Orphan fund today!Learn more about the ministry at SomebodyCares.org,Read Jodie's BLOG at LivingYourFaith.net

'About the beginning of our Lord's thirtieth year, John the Forerunner, who was some six months older than our Saviour according to the flesh, and had lived in the wilderness since his childhood, received a command from God and came into the parts of the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance unto the remission of sins. Then our Saviour also came from Galilee to the Jordan, and sought and received baptism though He was the Master and John was but a servant. Whereupon, there came to pass those marvellous deeds, great and beyond nature: the Heavens were opened, the Spirit descended in the form of a dove upon Him that was being baptized, and the voice was heard from the Heavens bearing witness that this was the beloved Son of God, now baptized as a man (Matt. 3:13 17; Mark 1:9 11; Luke 3:1 22). From these events the Divinity of the Lord Jesus Chist and the great mystery of the Trinity were demonstrated. It is also from this that the present feast is called "Theophany," that is, the divine manifestation, God's appearance among men. On this venerable day the sacred mystery of Christian baptism was inaugurated; henceforth also began the saving preaching of the Kingdom of Heaven.' (Great Horologion)   When Thou was baptized in the Jordan, O Lord, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest; for the voice of the Father bare witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the certainty of the word. O Christ our God, Who hast appeared and hast enlightened the world, glory be to Thee. — Troparion of Theophany   'But Christ's descent into the river has also a further significance. When Christ went down into the waters, not only did he carry us down with Him and make us clean, but He also made clean the nature of the waters themselves... The feast of Theophany has thus a cosmic aspect. The fall of the angelic orders, and after it the fall of man, involved the whole universe. All God's creation was thereby warped and disfigured: to use the symbolism of the liturgical texts, the waters were made a "lair of dragons". Christ came on earth to redeem not only man but through man the entire material creation. When He entered the water, besides effecting by anticipation our rebirth in the font, he likewise effected the cleansing of the waters, their transfiguration into an organ of healing and grace.' Bishop Kallistos, "Background and meaning of the Feasts" in the Festal Menaion.   The western feast of Epiphany, also on this day, commemorates not Christ's baptism but the adoration of the Magi.

Did you know you have a unique and vital role in God's masterpiece? From seemingly small acts to courageous decisions, God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. The women in Moses' life—midwives, mothers, sisters, and even Pharaoh's daughter—each played a key role in fulfilling God's grand plan, demonstrating how faithfulness in our daily tasks can lead to incredible outcomes.Join host Jodie Chiricosta as she explores these inspiring stories and unpacks how you, too, are part of God's intricate design. Through scripture and powerful examples, discover how saying “Yes!” to God's call transforms your life and helps fulfill His eternal purposes. No matter how small your role may seem, God's plan for you is significant, and His work is nothing short of a masterpiece.Tune in and be inspired to embrace your place in God's extraordinary story!Rate the Show! Click here for SHOW NOTES!Start a Her God Story Podcast Club! Learn more here!Share this message with a friend and subscribe for weekly encouragement and inspiration! Check out HerGodStory.org for a FREE 6-WEEK DEVOTIONAL and to see upcoming guests. Want to help Widows and Orphans? Join our growing company of women meeting special needs of parentless children and nurturing their unique gifts so they can be ALL God has in mind for them! And help meet real needs of women who have given a lifetime of service to God! Support the Somebody Cares Widows and Orphan fund today! Learn more about the ministry at SomebodyCares.org, Read Jodie's BLOG at LivingYourFaith.net

John 1:1-13,1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. The first Sunday of a new year is a good time for a new series — and to give spiritual focus to a new year. New years are like new beginnings. The old is gone. It's over. You can't change it. Now the new has come. All of 2025 lies ahead. What might this new year bring? And who might we be together as a church in 2025?I'm not sure we could find a better new-year's passage than these opening verses of John, because what they mainly do is celebrate Jesus. That's how we will start 2025 as a church: making much of Jesus, considering him, enjoying him, marveling at him — which is how John opens his Gospel. Three Excellencies of JesusThe apostle John, who will five times call himself “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (13:23; 19:26; 20:2, 7, 20), knew Jesus as closely as anyone during his earthly life. And as his dearest friend and companion, he begins his Gospel in awe, in a spirit of worship. Perhaps you felt the dramatic flair as you heard these verses read.John begins like a show that opens with fog on the stage. He talks about a particular person, but uses images, and doesn't reveal this person's name until verse 17. This person is the Word, he says, capital W. The Word of God who is with God and is God.And he is the true Light. Other lights are secondary at best, and he eclipses them when he shines in his full strength. And this world was made through him, John says, and he came into the world he made, and the world did not know him. Who is this person? We'll see next week in verse 14 that he became flesh, human, and dwelled among us. Then finally comes verse 17: the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through . . . Jesus Christ.So, John begins in this dramatic, worshipful spirit with elevated and “rhythmical prose.” These opening verses are not poetry, but they are stylized, carefully chosen words with short, punchy sentences and striking repetition of key words: Verses 1–3: beginning, word, word, God, God, word, beginning, God, made, made, made.Verses 4–5: life, life, light, light, darkness, darkness.Verses 7–8: witness, witness, light, light, witness, light.There is fog and rays of light as John introduces and anticipates the key themes that are to come. And as John worships in these opening verses, he celebrates three particular excellencies of Jesus Christ.So, here's our plan: let's celebrate with John these three excellencies of Jesus as we begin 2025.1. Jesus Is God's Word to the World (verses 1–3)That is, he is the divine Word. This is the lead image in these verses; John starts with Word and comes back to Word in verse 14. Until he names him as Jesus Christ in verse 17, he is the Word.Why Word? John could have started, with his dramatic flair, in so many ways. Why start with Word? Why not Son, S-O-N? Why not sun, S-U-N? Why not Christ or King or Lord?John writes in Greek. And the word for word in Greek (logos) has a certain intrigue. It often was invested with philosophical significance. Logos was provocative, yet at the same time, its connotations were not too fixed and singular. It was flexible enough for Christian use.But more than that was the Hebrew background. The Old Testament is chalk full of the divine Word: God's word to his prophets, and God's speaking through them to his people. And John starts with “In the beginning,” which brings to mind Genesis 1, where the Bible begins with “In the beginning...” And you know what (or who) is the sleeper in Genesis 1? The Word of God. Eleven times Genesis 1 says, “God said”; four more times, “God called”; two more times, “God blessed.” If you ask, How did God create the world? What did he do to create? How did he act in Genesis 1? The clear answer is he spoke. He said. He called. He blessed. He made the world through his Word (as Hebrews 11:3 says, “the universe was created by the word of God”).But more than even that, as we'll see in this Gospel, Word anticipates the fullness of Christ, in his coming, as God's final, decisive Word. Jesus is not just a revelation of God, and even a very special revelation of God. He is the climactic and decisive revelation of God to humanity. As verse 18 will say, “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.” And Jesus will say to Philip in John 14:9, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus is God's Word to humanity.All God's lowercase words are preparing the way and pointing to his uppercase Word, Jesus. God's singular word, for all time, for all humanity, is Jesus.So, John begins his Gospel in verses 1–3:In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.Here John bundles together two essential truths about this divine Word. One, the speaking, self-reveling, self-disclosing of God almighty — is God himself: “the Word was God.” And this divine Word is not just God's own self, but two, he is God's eternal fellow. He was “with God” — which is not an adversarial with but a with of peace, love, mutual joy, shared life. It's a with of intimacy, companionship, personal relationship — a with-ness of persons before creation.The divine Word is God and with God. One divine essence, as the church would learn to say, and (here) two divine persons, as we'll soon see in this Gospel — Father and Son. (And soon enough a third divine Person will emerge!)What do we mean, then, when we celebrate Jesus as the Word of God? As God, he is fully divine, fully God, God himself. And as God's Word, he reveals God, perfectly. He proceeds from God to reveal God. He makes God known to us. Jesus shows us God and tells us about God. He is God himself and the climactic and final place that we look to, and listen to, that we might know God. He is the divine Word who became human: Jesus Christ.Tangible Word in 2025So, how might we make it tangible here at the outset of a new year? What difference might it make in 2025 that Jesus is the divine Word, God's word to us?Well, for one, know this about yourself, and learn to live in light of it: you were made to receive a Word from God. Or, say it this way, God made you to hear his revelation and respond to him. One of the strangest things about you, next to your nose, is those holes in the side of your heads. Have you ever thought about that? You have holes, God-designed holes, on either side of your head. And you know what those holes are made for? Words. Not just sounds and noises. Mainly words. The height of human hearing is receiving words.God made us to hear the words of our fellow humans, and he made us to hear him through his word, whether read or heard from someone reading aloud or heard through preaching. God made our souls, our inner person, to feed and live by hearing words through our ears. Like Jesus said, battling Satan's temptations in the wilderness, and quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”Try this for 2025: What if you attempted to have God's Voice, through his Word, be the first voice you heard in the morning? Not the word of texts and emails and notifications. Not the anxious voice of national news. Not the endless scores and numbers of ESPN and fantasy football. Not the broken English your aunt posts to Facebook, or the clips from your niece on TikTok.What if day after day, the first voice you heard was God's through his Word, Jesus, through his word, the Bible? How might your soul live, really live, if you started the day hearing God himself, feeding on God himself, in Jesus, rather than on the gravel of news and other noise?2. Jesus Is Our True Light (verses 5–9)Divine Word is the main term, but true light is the dominant image (light appears seven times in verses 4–10).In the rest of the Gospel, we'll see light is about salvation from our sin and the death sin deserves. But here, right after verses 1–3, light is first about creation. The Word shines in his world and makes sense of the world like no other light. Verses 4–9:In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.Three quick clarifications. First, look at the word “overcome” in verse 5. Other translations have “comprehend.” A good word that's a close equivalent in English is “grasp” (another is the verb “master”). You can grasp someone physically and overcome them; you can also grasp something mentally and understand it. I think that's what John means here: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it.” This anticipates the rejection theme we'll see again in a few moments, and throughout this Gospel.Second, see the word “true” in verse 9. We will see this over and over. When John says “true,” he doesn't just distinguish true from false, but the real and genuine from rival claims — true bread, true worshipers, true drink, true vine. Sometimes, he means ultimate. The light that came before was true (in nature and in the Old Testament), but now the true light has come, the ultimate light. It's a contrast with what came earlier and anticipated what was to come, and has now come, in Jesus. Creation itself and all the more the Old Testament and Israel and its temple and regulations gave light. But now the true light has come, the definitive light, the climactic light, the ultimate light.Which leads, third, to that phrase “gives light to everyone.” What does John mean that Jesus, “the true light . . . gives light to everyone”? Or better, how does he shine on all humans?His shining on all humans does not mean he saves them all, or even that all humans hear the name and full story of Jesus. They will not hear his name and the truth about him if Christians don't send and go and tell. What “shine on all humans” does mean is that Jesus divides humanity. His light divides the world. We'll see this in verses 10–13. Before the light comes, all are in the darkness of sin and death:John 3:19,“…this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.”John 12:46,“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.”Because of sin, our world is in darkness. The divine light shines enough to condemn through creation. And the divine light shines through the law and prophets and God's first-covenant people. Then in Jesus comes the true light, and for two thousand years, he has been the decisive issue in the world. What you do with Jesus, how you respond when the true light shines on you, either leads to life, or keeps you in the grip of death.Which brings to mind a famous statement by C.S. Lewis:I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen not only because I see it but because by it I see everything else.Jesus, the true light, is the one person who makes sense of the world. Or, Christianity is the faith that makes the most sense of the world in which we live. Its account of the world's goodness in the doctrine of creation. Its account of the world's pervasive darkness in the doctrine of sin. And its account of hope and redemption in the coming of the Divine Word, the true light, to secure for us real life. Which leads to the third image, and the one that meets us most deeply where we are as humans, as we'll see in verse 12.3. Jesus Gives Us Real Life (verse 4)The Gospel of John has much to say about life: God's life, human life, spiritual life, abundant life, and the most frequent mention, eternal life. For now, we'll just touch on this theme, and then we'll enjoy it scene by scene in the coming months.Just as the backdrop or contrast for light is darkness, so the contrast for life is death, or perishing (10:28), wrath (3:36), and judgment (5:29). Life begins with God. Jesus, like his Father, has life in himself (5:26). He creates and gives life, and he is able to give spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead because of sin. Jesus is “the bread of life” (6:48), “the resurrection and the life” (11:25), “the way, the truth, and the life” (14:6).In verse 4, Jesus, as God, is the source of all created life: “In him was life.” As God, he breathes life into all who live. But they are born into sin, and walk in darkness, under divine wrath and the just sentence of death, destined to perish forever. But Jesus lays down his own life to give life to his people (John 10:11, 15, 17; 15:13).This life is eternal, indestructible life, and it begins now, in the heart, in this earthly life (4:14 and 6:27, 33, 35; 6:63; 8:12; 10:10). We drink and eat now, by faith, and have divine life already in our souls by the Holy Spirit. And this spiritual life now leads to eternal life, which is the most important meaning of life. (Life eternal is already in those who believe: 5:24, 39-40; 6:53-54)And what is the essence of this eternal life? John 17:3: “this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”Death and Life in Verses 10–13How, then, does the life that is in Jesus relate to verses 10–13? Remember we said that Jesus, the true light, divides humanity. All are born into darkness. The light shines, and some come to the light; others turn from the light. Verses 10–11:He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him [the rejection theme we saw in verse 5]. 11 He came to his own [that is, his own land or home], and his own people did not receive him.The point here is life. Those who reject him, who is the life, do not have life — life in their souls now, and eternal life in the age to come.But then, verse 12:But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right [“authority”] to become children of God, 13 who were born [birth! That's life!], not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.There are two key elements here in having this life that is in Jesus. First is the legal, the “right.” What does John mean by “the right” to be children of God? This is right, not might. It's not power; it's authority. Official, formal, objective arrangements have been made such that there is a new covenant people, new covenant children, who are not based on ethnicity but faith. Not on first birth, but on new birth.When the Divine Word himself came, when the true light arrived, he brought with him a new formal arrangement for the people of God. Their right to be God's children, heirs of all his promises, and recipients of all privileges comes not through natural, human birth. John says: “not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man.” How, then, does it come?That's the second element: the subjective. The heart. The inner person. You are not born into his new-covenant people, but born again into his people. We call this “new birth.” What is it?God himself is the source of this new life in the soul. It is birth “from above,” birth by his choice, spiritual birth in his timing. Our action and choice is not determinative but God's. But we experience it.The cry of this new life, then, is believing in Jesus — not just faith (noun) but believing (verb). It's active, not static. John emphasizes this in his Gospel by never using the noun for “faith” (pistis), while using the verb “believe” (pisteuō) 98 times.Which leads us to John's stated purpose for why he wrote this Gospel, 20:31:“…these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”That would be worth memorizing and praying regularly for yourself and others in 2025: John 20:31: Father, help me to believe and keep believing that Jesus is the Christ [long-promised human hero-king], the Son of God [both rightful king of Israel and eternal second person of the Godhead], and that by believing I may have life in his name.” If you're with us this morning, and you do not yet believe, this Gospel was written that you might (for the first time) believe and experience real life in your soul, and one day, eternal life. And if you believe in Jesus already, as perhaps most of us do in this room, this Gospel was written that you might keep believing, and grow stronger in believing, and deepen and enrich your experience even now of the real life in Jesus. The essence of this new life is not the external, outward circumstances of our lives that we're so prone to focus on. The essence is in us, the inner person, the heart, the desires. And so we end with the word “receive” in verse 12: “to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”Receive Jesus with JoyWhat does it mean to “receive” Jesus? To receive him is to believe in him, but in what way? How do you receive him?You can receive something you don't like. You can receive a blow to the face. You can receive a pink slip. You can receive a traffic ticket. That's not the kind of receiving we're talking about here. We're not talking about receiving as a burden, or receiving with apathy. Jesus means to be received as a treasure.What's so amazing about this new birth, from God, is that he gives us a new heart. He puts in us new desires, so that when the divine Word comes to our ears, when the true light comes to our eyes, God's own life in us doesn't recoil from Jesus, or ignore Jesus, but receives him with joy. I believe in him. I enjoy him. I prize him. I treasure him.This heart is the heart of my prayer for us as a church in 2025: that we would receive him with increasing delight. Week after week, in the Gospel of John, glad reception. Give me more of Jesus. No apathy. No boredom. No burden. But eagerness. Joy.Our question for a new year is this: Where are you going for life? Where are you going for joy? Where are you trying to satisfy the deepest longings of your soul?Are you trying to drink it? Eat it? Watch it? Play it? Perform it? Accomplish it? Scroll it? I sat down next to a guy on a plane a couple months ago, just scrolling vigorously. Like he wanted life. He wanted joy. Like his soul was thirsty and he was trying to find something to satisfy. And he kept scrolling and scrolling, and I thought there's no way he can do this for more than a few minutes. And he scrolled like that, seeming so thirsty, for the whole flight from Atlanta to Springfield, Missouri.Are you like that, in front of a screen, at your job, in your eating and drinking, in your relationships, in your exercise, your automobile, your home decor — just vigorously clawing to find satisfaction there?What would it mean for you to “have life” in Jesus in 2025? Really have life? What needs to go? Or diminish? And what do you need to receive with joy more often and more deeply?Church Alive in '25And so we come to the Table to feed on Jesus for spiritual life, and drink in his grace, for life in our souls.Cities Church, let's seek to be fully alive in 2025 — alive in Jesus, and alive to Jesus.If you have new-year's resolutions, fine and good. Eat better. Exercise. Fine. Good secondary resolutions. But what are they serving? What's the focus? What if the focus were this: real life in your soul — Holy Spirit given and sustained affections for Jesus?

Send us a text6 Words of Wisdom for 2025 and Beyond!You'll never find peace living out of another person's head. If you are constantly worried about what other people are thinking, you will never be free to be who it is that God created you to be or free to do whatever it is that God has called you to do.God's not looking for ability, but availability. All God needs is your yes. It doesn't matter how unqualified you feel, but are you willing to say yes?Your weakest friend spiritually is the devil's strongest entry point. Surround yourself with friends who love Jesus as much as you do or more.If you can't say something nice, don't. If you can say something nice, do!  We live in a culture that is so critical…always criticizing everything! We aren't afraid to speak our minds and tell others how it should be. It's a lot easier for us to say mean things to others, than actually be nice. I encourage you, even if you don't have something nice to say, find something nice to say anyway.Never let what you did yesterday determine who you become today. When you mess up, run to God! When you run to Him, that's not when He first found out about it. He's not looking at you with an attitude of “How could you!” But He's looking at you with an attitude of, “Oh, my goodness, my daughter! I love you so much! Let's get through this together!”Choosing to forgive can't change your past, but it can change your future. Forgiveness isn't a feeling. Many people think, “I can't forgive because I'm still hurting.” Or “They don't deserve to be forgiven because of what they did.” Forgiveness is a choice, and it affects you more than it does them anyway. You forgive, because when you do, it sets a prisoner free…that prisoner is you! When we choose to hold onto unforgiveness, it makes us bitter. It changes us and not for the better. Ladies, check your emails this week for updates on the New UncommonTEEN App!!To ask your Ask Me Anything Questions or if you need prayer, head on over to UncommonTEEN.com.For the Ask Me Anything Questions, click on the RED BUTTON at the top of the screen. These questions may used on a future episode of the UncommonTEEN Podcast!For any prayer requests or more personal questions, click on the YELLOW CHAT TAB at the bottom right hand corner of the screen. These will not be used on the podcast unless you say you would like it to be used. Connect with Us!Website: UncommonTEEN.comInstagram: @uncommon.teenUncommonTEEN Live Conference: UncommonTEENlive.com

“The Mercy of God” by Pastor Mark (Scripture Reference … Psalm 86:5-7)5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.6 Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.Ephesians 2:4-54 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)Psalm 103:108 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.Romans 10:1111 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.Sermon Notes:God's Mercy Brings Forgiveness God's Mercy Has No Limit God's Mercy Is Available to All God's Mercy is Guaranteed to Those Who Believe Feel free to learn more about this church and our ministries and activities. Web - https://firstbaptistwelcome.comPodcast - First Baptist WelcomeFB - https://www.facebook.com/FBCWelcomeOnlineInstagram - firstbaptistwelcomeYouTube -First Baptist Church WelcomeOur service times are every Sunday morning service at 11am.We also do a Live Service on Youtube, and our website.Online giving: https://firstbaptistwelcome.com/giving/Our service times are Sunday school - 9:45 am all agesSunday service - 11am (LIVE) as wellYouth service(Jesus Mafia) - 6:30pmTuesday night - Ladies Online Bible Study - More info https://firstbaptistwelcome.com/online-bible-study/Wednesday night 6:30 Men's bible study7:30 pm Bell choirOur LIVE services are at 11:00amWebsite www.firstbaptistwelcome.com/liveAnd on YouTube First Baptist Church WelcomeAbout 11:20 (just after praise songs)

Every year it feels like it's never going to come, until finally Christmas eve is here. After thousands of years of prophecy and after 400 years of waiting for a word from the Lord, Jesus finally came. All God had promised came through in the person of Jesus.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/todayssinglechristianSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Cheatham, CEO of e3 Partners and I Am Second, was raised in a Christian, entrepreneurial family in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Scott started off in the business world as a successful entrepreneur living the American dream. But God got his attention in a powerful way, and led him to sell it all without knowing where God was taking him next. Through baby steps of radical obedience, God led his family to the nations to plant churches in one of the darkest places in the world.   Today, Scott's business expertise and church planting experience have come together as he leads e3's church planting network across over 100 countries. Scott is also closely involved with the Coalition of the Willing, a massive coordination effort among church planting organizations to see the gospel reach every person and village.    Major topics include: Scott's inspiring story of radical obedience to God Maturing a church plant into a healthy church Building accountability structures in church plants Tips for telling your story and sharing the gospel Collaboration between church planting organizations to advance the gospel QUOTES TO REMEMBER “The more obedient we were to Jesus, the more we were prompted to want to do more.” “We have a mission statement for our family and it's simply this: Lord, help us to leverage every give, talent, and resource You have given us for the full extent of Your glory.” “Our life with Jesus is just baby steps of incremental obedience.” “We should be asking, ‘Lord, open our minds and our hearts to the opportunities that we have in front of us to have spiritual conversations.'” “There's not power in your words. There's power in Jesus' words.” “God's the one who does the work.” “When we speak the truth in love, God does the work.” “All God is asking for us is the simplicity of obedience.” “God is setting the world's stage for hope in Jesus.” “Ask yourself, ‘Where am I investing in lostness?'” LINKS FROM THE SHOW E3 Partners I Am Second Coalition of the Willing The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Acts 2:43-47 | The New Testament Church And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

“Thou, O God, hast prepared of Thy goodness for the poor.” — Psalm 68:10 All God's gifts are prepared gifts laid up in store for wants foreseen. He anticipates our needs; and out of the fulness which He has treasured up in Christ Jesus, He provides of His goodness for the poor. You may trust […]

Saturday, 30 November 2024   Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Matthew 5:25   “You be quickly well-minded to your opponent, while which you are on the way with him. Lest ever the opponent, he may deliver you to the judge, and the judge should deliver you to the assistant, and into the prison, you will be cast” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told His hearers that they should leave their gifts before the altar and go to be reconciled to their brother. Only after that should the person offering come and offer his gift. Now, He brings in a parallel thought from society to show how this precept is something that is understood even in everyday experience. He begins with, “You be quickly well-minded to your opponent.”   Here is a word found only once in the New Testament, eunoeó. It comes from two words signifying “good” and “consider,” “comprehend,” or something similar. Thus, it gives the sense of being well-minded or finding reconciliation. Here, Jesus is making a comparison to the previous thought:   First, you reconcile to your brother. You be quickly well-minded to your opponent.   Just as it is on earth towards one's opponent, so should it be towards God who watches over the state of enmity that exists between brothers. With that, He continues with, “while which you are on the way with him.”   These words correspond to the thought, “you leave, there, your gift before the altar, and you depart.” Both are in the process of doing something. The person in society is on his way somewhere while the one coming to the altar is on his way to presenting his gift. Again, Jesus is giving a real-life example of how things are so that the precept just stated is understandable to His audience. From there, He next says, “Lest ever the opponent, he may deliver you to the judge.”   In this case, the opponent is being equated to the brother who has something against the offeror of the gift at the altar. He may appeal to the Lord (being equated to the Judge in Jesus' example) in his heart, prayers, or tears. Such a precept is found several times in the law, such as –   “If you ever take your neighbor's garment as a pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down. 27 For that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What will he sleep in? And it will be that when he cries to Me, I will hear, for I am gracious.” Exodus 22:26, 27   When the Judge hears the complaint and agrees with it on behalf of the offended brother, Jesus next says, “and the judge should deliver you to the assistant.”   Here is another interesting new word, hupéretés. It comes from two words signifying “under” and “to row.” Thus, it is an under-rower, meaning a crewman on a boat. This term became synonymous with a subordinate who executes orders by those appointed over him. The word will be found twenty times in the New Testament, and it is variously translated as an officer, assistant, attendant, servant, or even minister.   The judge, ruling against the offender, hands him over to his underling to execute the judgment he rendered. In this case, Jesus says, “and into the prison, you will be cast.”   The point here is that Jesus is equating the life of the man with a seared conscience to someone who lives his spiritual life in this manner. Unless he changes direction and considers his ways, he is bound to be cast out of the Lord's presence and into hell, just as the offender before the judge is cast into prison, away from those who live properly in society.   Life application: One can see the difference between those under the law and those in Christ. Under law, the possibility of condemnation exists for such a person who turns from what is proper and fails to heed what the law demands. However, Paul says this of the believer's state in Christ (those in the Spirit) as opposed to those under law (those in the flesh) –   “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:1-8   The point of Jesus' words is that unless grace is extended to the offended brother, grace will not be extended to the one who offended him. In Christ, grace is extended to the offender before he does anything. All God expects of His people is to believe the message of reconciliation that is offered through the sacrifice of Jesus.   Once that is accomplished, the person is sealed with the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13,14) and is granted new life. He enters the New Covenant and becomes a part of what God has offered for the salvation of the human soul. The law was a necessary step to understanding this. In seeing how life under the law is, one who is wise will then be impelled to seek out the grace that is poured out in the law's fulfillment, meaning the finished work of Jesus Christ.   Heavenly Father, we come before You grateful for what You have done in Christ. You have made the first move, offering us salvation without us doing anything except believing that Jesus' work is sufficient to reconcile us to You. And we do believe! Thank You for Jesus who alone has done such great things. Hallelujah for Jesus! Amen.

"But Trap wasn't a flop!" you scream to the heavens. "Neither financially, nor critically!" you wail, desperately. "It made 83 million on a 30 million budget! And it got a mixed, but not-awful 52 on Metacritic!" But the uncaring Gods of Flop offer no comfort. Because whatever your personal feelings, Trap has inspired STRONG OPINIONS, and besides, when you have a great guest like Linda Holmes, you surrender to the whims of the floppiverse.We're in season 2 of FlopTV! Pop in for individual episodes, or get a price break with a season pass! Peruse the full line-up and/or get tickets here! And hey, while you're clicking on stuff, why not subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, “Flop Secrets?!”Wikipedia page for TrapRecommended in this episode:Dan: Daisies (1966), All God's Children (2024)Stu: Azrael (2024)Elliott: Celine and Julie Go Boating (1974), Lifeforce (1985)Linda: Hot Frosty (2024)For a limited time, visit AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura's best-selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code FLOP at checkout.

It truly is ALL God, including money, the government & everything else. ;) And we dive INTO this today with the one and only Carolyn Lovewell, (formerly Carolyn Elliott) author of the best selling book, existential kink. Todays episode covers everything from being embodied in your spiritual practices, to the USA's government, and the Power you hold when you choose to enjoy this crazy, epic, wonderful life. FREE QUIZ: Your Magnetic Mnifestation Style Join the Magick Woman Membership Cauldron $88/mo or $888/year   Find Carolyn's Work HERE, including her book Existential Kink Carolyn's Instagram HERE Instagram: Autumn Magick Woman Podacst

Two religious leaders in Brooklyn became concerned about rising tensions between Black and Jewish residents, and try to launch a new effort to create more understanding between the two communities. But that experiment proved more difficult than they imagined. The new documentary "All God's Children" follows Rabbi Rachel Timoner and Reverend Dr. Robert Waterman, and celebrates its world premiere as part of DOC NYC. We speak with the Rabbi and Reverend, along with director Ondi Timoner. This segment is guest-hosted by Tiffany Hanssen.

The most common instruction in the Bible is "do not be afraid," yet we humans are frequently fearful and worrisome. What's worse is that often we don't even recognize the deeper fears. These are the fears that cause us to pull back from God. Most men suffer from one of the following three fears: God has some limit. I'm too bad or broken for God to love My choices are too terrible for God to love Intellectually we may deny it - intellectually we know those aren't true. But deep down that fear can drive us to live our lives in a way that keeps us away from the Lord. Join me in this episode as I explore these fears and how to confront them. In order to trust the Lord and say "yes" to His will, we need a deeper humility and willingness to surrender. All God requires of us is to align our will to His. Do not worry about the rest. I also invite you to check out my free Manly Strengths Assessment at https://catholiclifecoachformen.com/manly-strengths-assessment-signup/

Faith and obedience go hand in hand.  What leads us to obey God is the fact that we trust Him.  If you don't trust him, you won't obey Him.  Faith is a choice.  Obedience is a choice.  Every time we do something just because God “said so” we are acting in faith.  Main Points:1. By faith we believe in the Word of God. This faith leads us to submit ourselves in obedience to our Savior. We obey because we truly believe. A lack of faith leads to a lack of obedience.2. We must admit that it's not always easy to obey. It's also not always easy to believe. Yet, this is what God calls us to. It's easier to obey when we can picture how God will bless our obedience, but so much harder when we don't see the point of it. God does not always reveal the why behind his call to obedience. 3. All God requires of you is to keep putting one foot in front of the other as you walk the walk of obedience. Your steps of obedience is the proof of your faith in God.Today's Scripture Verses:Hebrews 11:8 - "By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” James 2:17 - “Faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”James 2:26 - “Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Every single week, we send a new message across the world. He says Mosaic has incredible people who give generously and sacrificially to make this possible. He wants you to become a part of our support system. Allow Jesus to speak to you in a way that will change your life. In all of human history, there has never been a place where God was not at work. The question is not, is God working, but are you working with God? All God wants from you is, I am willing. In this moment, there was a simple invitation to everyone who was willing to come. Our dream was that mosaic would be the community that would commit itself to reaching the outlier. I'd like to propose that we spend the next ten years creating communities, not just in LA and in London. When God moves in history, there is an overflow of talent. We have to destroy the idea that if it's for God, all that matters is how sincere you are rather than how committed you are. You must become the best version of you. Be the measure of your life.

Host Curtis Chang and Good Faith contributor Andy Crouch strike a chord in their exploration of the dynamics of modern Christian worship music. Their conversation covers the ways that average Christians are becoming limited in their singing abilities, the concert-like performance style of worship leaders in our sanctuaries, and the commercial influence of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). Curtis and Andy contend a musical reformation in the worship lives of believers is needed urgently today, and offer some practical tips on how to get started.   Listen to The Kingdom of Jesus and get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church   Donate to Redeeming Babel HERE   Bring The After Party course to your church or small group!    REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: Buy Ken Myers book All God's Children Wear Blue Suede Shoes: Christians & Popular Culture (Amazon)   Beautiful Things by Gungor   Job 3 (Job's First Lament) ESV