Podcasts about apostle john

Do you feel unsteady? Are you looking for meaning and purpose? Jesus offers an identity that is secure for your entire life, and the Apostle John wants you to know that in his letters. Join us as Ross Lester explores our identity, longing, and purpose, which find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

Join Larry Spargimino and Jonathan Cahn for part two as they discuss his newest book, The Great Altar of Pergamon. The fact is that this altar has been sealed from the public, locked behind scaffolding as Berlin's Pergamon Museum undergoes renovation. The altar is a huge structure that has been disassembled for transport. In 2027, the doors reopen, and the altar will again be visible to the world. In Revelation 2: 12-13, the Apostle John identified this altar as the "throne of Satan." Adolph Hitler and one American President (Obama) made proclamations from the altar: "The mystery is so colossal it has  literally altered the history of the world."

Love God and love others—it's Christianity 101, right? But the Apostle John wants us to know that obedience and unity are pathways to experiencing the fullness of God's love and evidence of the assurance that Christ already won for us on the cross. Join us as Ross Lester explores how knowing God means obeying Him and obeying Him means loving others.

Join Larry Spargimino and Jonathan Cahn as they discuss his newest book, The Great Altar of Pergamon. The fact is that this altar has been sealed from the public, locked behind scaffolding as Berlin's Pergamon Museum undergoes renovation. The altar is a huge structure that has been disassembled for transport. In 2027, the doors reopen, and the altar will again be visible to the world. In Revelation 2: 12-13, the Apostle John identified this altar as the "throne of Satan." Adolph Hitler and one American President (Obama) made proclamations from the altar: "The mystery is so colossal it has  literally altered the history of the world."

What happens when your family, your life, or your church gets out of alignment? In this message, Pastor Doug dives into 1 John 5 to explore how the Apostle John brought the early church back into agreement on who Jesus is and what it truly looks like to follow Him. Discover how to align your prayer life with God's heart, recognize the warning signs of spiritual drift, and hold onto the confident knowledge that you have eternal life in Jesus. Remember: any step you take towards Jesus is a step in the right direction.

In this episode of The Leader's Notebook, I invite you to approach the Book of Revelation not as a complicated timeline to be decoded, but as a powerful revelation of Jesus Christ. Written by the Apostle John during his exile on Patmos, Revelation is both a letter to the Church and a sweeping spiritual vision filled with images, sounds, symbols, and promises. Rather than reading it like a Western textbook, we should experience it more like a great Hebrew opera—allowing its message to reveal the glory, authority, and ultimate victory of Christ. We will examine Jesus' letters to the seven churches and the message He gives to every generation: He knows the truth about His Church, He calls His people to overcome, and He promises eternal life and fellowship to those who hear His voice. Revelation was never intended to frighten believers with beasts, tribulation, or the spirit of Antichrist. It was written to assure us that evil is temporary, Christ is victorious, and the outcome has already been decided. No matter what happens in history, Jesus remains present among His people. The question is not whether difficulties will come, but whether we will listen to His voice, remain faithful, and live as overcomers. - Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:36) - The epistles of the Book of Revelation(00:02:02) - The Revelation of Jesus(00:06:04) - An Unorthodox View of the Book of Revelation(00:07:34) - The challenge of reading the Book of Revelation(00:12:02) - The Book of Revelation: A Hebrew Opera(00:18:46) - Revelation is Full of Symbols(00:25:06) - Revelation 2: Confronting the Book of Revelation(00:26:40) - Book of Revelation(00:29:46) - The Letter to the Church of the Seven(00:36:33) - Book of Revelation(00:38:51) - The First Place Where Jesus Appears is in the Church

Every once in a while the monotony of driving the Interstate is broken by some interesting signs. Sometimes I'll see one and my mind will get going, and it will process what I saw and I'll think about it for several minutes. I remember one in particular. There was a big, old truck speeding down the Interstate and it had in bold letters this sign: "Guaranteed Destruction of Confidential Files and Records." Well, that got me going! There was also a phone number. I didn't write it down; I didn't actually have any need for their services. But there was a number to call if you wanted all your confidential things destroyed. I thought about who might want a service such as that. I brainstormed some intriguing reasons and some intriguing people who might want to call that number. Guaranteed destruction! Actually, there's another sign that interests us even more. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Guaranteed Disclosure." Our word for today from the Word of God comes from 1 Corinthians 4, and I'll begin reading at verse 4. Paul says, "My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness, and He will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time, each will receive his praise from God." This phrase that brings to light the hidden things and exposing the motive of men's hearts in the original Greek has the thought of turning something inside out; opening all the closets, showing what no one else has seen before. In other words, God is going to expose every secret. Now, there might be some who think they've destroyed all the evidence. The fellow driving that truck, he had that sign that said, "Will destroy your confidential files and records." Did you know that no matter who destroys them on earth, God still has His copy? He knows every detail of every one of your financial dealings, every financial transaction, and every business transaction. He knows the letters you have written that you want no one else to see. He knows your motives, your websites. He's recorded every idle word, every angry word, and every dirty word. We think we got away with it because no one else knew. If God knows, you're caught, and He does. And so will everyone else one day. That's why the Apostle John says, "Walk in the light as He is in the light." It's so freeing to be able to live saying, "I've got nothing to hide." Live without sinful secrets. You don't have to worry then if the closets come open. There's nothing there to hide. Live lives that are relaxed and confident, because you've got no fear of discovery; you don't have to keep looking over your shoulder. When you're living within the limits, you don't have to keep looking in the rearview mirror to see if the law enforcement is coming over the hill. Again, some of the most liberating words in the world; look in the mirror, "Nothing to hide." Isn't that awesome? God's sign says: "Guaranteed Disclosure of Confidential Files and Records." So, live the kind of life that isn't afraid of everybody knowing, because they will.

In this second part of The Quiet but Bold Disciple, we continue examining the Apostle John through his interactions with Peter and his relationship with Jesus. We consider John standing faithfully at the cross while Jesus entrusts His mother to his care, and then follow Peter and John as they run to the empty tomb … Continue reading "The Quiet but Bold Disciple (Part 2)"

On the Cross, the Lord charged the Apostle John to care for His holy Mother. The Apostle settled her in a house in Jerusalem, where she lived for the rest of her days on earth, praying and offering counsel and encouragement to the Apostles. In her old age, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to her and told her that in three days' time she would enter into her rest. Giving thanks to God, she hastened to the Mount of Olives where she prayed continually, preparing herself to meet the Lord. Meanwhile, the Apostles, scattered in various parts of the earth, were caught up in clouds and miraculously brought by the holy Angels to Jerusalem, so that they might all be with the Theotokos at her repose. After she had blessed them, she gave up her soul to God. The Apostles buried her with all honor, solemnity and joy at Gethsemane. The Apostle Thomas, who was delayed (again!) by God's providence, arrived on the third day and went to her tomb, intending to honor her. But when the Apostles opened her grave, they found her holy body gone and only the winding-sheet remaining. That evening the Theotokos appeared to them surrounded by angels, and said to them, 'Rejoice: I will be with you always!'. Thus they learned that she had been bodily translated to heaven, anticipating the general resurrection of all. Her age at her repose is not known, but many say that she was about sixty years old.

In this message, we begin a study of the Apostle John, one of the “sons of thunder” who is often overshadowed by the more outspoken Apostle Peter. Yet as we follow John through the Gospel accounts, we discover a disciple whose quiet and humble character was accompanied by remarkable boldness and faithfulness. We consider the … Continue reading "The Quiet but Bold Disciple — Part 1"

We can't always trust people's words. But we can always trust God's words, which will be fulfilled exactly as He has said in His Word. This episode opens with Revelations 21:5, where the Lord Jesus Christ says to the Apostle John that His promises about the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem are certain and must be recorded “for these words are true and faithful.” Later, Christ identifies Himself as “Alpha and Omega,” underscoring His divine sovereignty and the finality of God's plan. God's Word is true and faithful to what it promises to both believers and unbelievers. The moment you trust that Christ died for your sins personally and rose again, you are saved from your sins and the lake of fire, and obtain the free gift of salvation, a home in heaven, and eternal life in Christ. https://bereanbiblesociety.org/tbg-episode/212-true-and-faithful-words/ Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sGkNcJBEun8 Buy episode on DVD: https://store.bereanbiblesociety.org/shop/dvd-transformed-by-grace-single-episode-1-dvd-201-232/?attribute_pa_episode=212-part-6-true-and-faithful-words Buy series on DVD: https://store.bereanbiblesociety.org/shop/dvd-transformed-by-grace-series-scenes-from-the-final-act/

Send us Fan MailIn this EPISODE 477 Author and host Elbert Hardy covers the Prophecy Signs Jesus himself gave about World War Three and the End Times we are living through today. Plus what Jesus had inspired the Prophet Joel and the Apostle John in the Book of Revelation. He asks the Why? Questions: Why will the sun grow dark? Why will the Moon not give her light? Why would the stars go out and the weather be ended? The answers may surprise you, but Jesus reveals why. Please listen!Support the showGo to itellwhy.com to read Elbert's books free of charge, no Ads and no requests for money or Email addresses. You can watch faith building YouTube Links to Videos and the listen to Elbert's Life of Christ Audio Book in 30 minute Episodes arranged and read by the author straight from the Bible, but rearranged in logical harmony of the Gospels, Revelation and other scriptures. All FREE of charge in the public interest.

John 8:39-59 Our sermon text this morning is John 8:39-59. In the provided pew Bibles, you can find that on page 1063. This is a continuation of Jesus' dialog with the Pharisees. In our verses last week, Jesus told them that true disciples would know the truth and the truth would set them free. Remember, he was speaking about knowing him and being set free from slavery to sin. Well, the Pharisees did not think they were enslaved to anything. Because they were physical descendants of Abraham, they believed they were in right standing before God. In response, Jesus made it absolutely clear that they were not true sons but rather slaves. Jesus alluded to the fact that they had a different father. As I read, be listening for who their father truly was. Reading of John 8:39-59 Prayer I'm not proud of this, but when I was in elementary school, I often did not want to listen to my sister. And so, I would plug my ears and sometimes I would also say over and over "I can't hear you. I can't hear you." By the way, that had the side effect of irritating her. Honestly, it was very immature. I'm thankful for the Lord's work in my heart over time. But it is true that sometimes we just don't want to listen. We don't literally plug our ears, but we sometimes walk away or just dismiss everything that someone else says. We see that on display in public. Sometimes, people walk out of speeches on purpose like at college graduations. Other times, people heckle to distract the speaker and prevent other people from hearing. Honestly, those tactics say more about the people protesting than the one speaking. Well, in our verses today, it's as if the Pharisees had their ears plugged. They did not want to listen to anything that Jesus said. Jesus even pointed that out to them. Look at verse 43. He said, "you cannot bear to hear my words." And at the end of verse 47, Jesus said, "The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God." That's pretty intense. Really, this whole dialog, as you heard, is very intense. In fact, in the narrative arc of John's Gospel, chapter 8 is the climax of the verbal conflict between Jesus and the Jews. It began back in chapter 5 when Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath. It continued in chapter 6 when Jesus claimed to be the manna from heaven because he is the Son of God. It escalated in chapter 7 when Jesus declared that he was living water bringing eternal life. And now in chapter 8, Jesus and the Pharisees have come to this heated confrontation. To be sure, I'm not saying that these verses are the climax of the conflict. No, that will happen in the immediate lead-up to the cross. Rather, these verses are the climax of their interaction. And in the back and forth, we learn who is truly driving the Pharisees' anger and hate, and that is the devil himself. So, let's consider this text. We'll do that in three points this morning. 1. The Fight Over Fatherhood - you know, who is the Pharisees' real father and why? 2. The One Greater than Abraham - Jesus declares that he himself is God 3. The Triumph of Abraham's True Descendants - who are the true descendants of Abraham, and what benefit do they receive? That's where we are headed. 1. The Fight Over Fatherhood (8:39-50, 52) Again, #1, the Fight Over Fatherhood As you heard, Abraham is a central figure in the conflict. According to the Pharisees, because they were Abraham's physical offspring, they considered themselves God's people, with God as their ultimate father. But, as you heard, Jesus made very clear that they were not acting as true sons of Abraham. Jesus essentially gave them two reasons. ·      First, they were not doing the works that Abraham did. He said that right there in verse 39. Jesus then pointed to the Pharisees' desire to kill him. Their murderous desires betrayed Abraham. Abraham was a man of deep faith and he demonstrated that many times. He lived out his faith. Abraham responded to God's commands. Abraham's true spiritual children would not be acting like the Pharisees. ·      Second, not only were they not doing the works that Abraham did, but they were also not honoring God. The Pharisees were not listening to his word, as I mentioned earlier. They would not even consider that perhaps Jesus was the Messiah. Later in our text, Jesus made it absolutely clear that they were dishonoring God the Father by dishonoring him. That was very different from Abraham. Multiple times in Abraham's life, God spoke to him. Abraham humbled himself and listened to God and his word. Abraham lived out his faith by hearing God and believing. Now, just to be sure, Abraham was a sinner, but he sought the Lord by faith. The Pharisees, on the other hand, had no faith and no desire to seek the Lord. And for those reasons, Jesus declared that their true father was the devil. The Pharisees demonstrated through their lies and deceit and murderous hearts that they were not of Abraham, they were not of God, but rather, they were of the devil. In response, the Pharisees lashed out at Jesus. They questioned Jesus' origin. They told Jesus that he was a Samaritan, whom the Pharisees hated, and they accused Jesus of having a demon. Do you see how the conflict has reached new heights? A couple of times in the past, we've talked about how the Gospel of John is written like a play. Each chapter is like a new scene. You know, the curtain opens; the audience sees a new setting; we then witness Jesus speaking to different people. In each scene, Jesus reveals who he is in different ways. Well, for the apostle John's Jewish audience, every new scene challenged their understanding of God and Jesus and the purpose of their Jewish practices and beliefs. I want you to imagine that you are a Jew in the late first century. Imagine that you are hearing this for the first time. And imagine how shocking this interaction would have been. I mean, the tension had been escalating, but then Jesus drops the bomb in verse 44: "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him." Think about how that would have come across. The Pharisees were the Jewish authorities. And yet, Jesus called them out as having the devil as their father. You see, the Apostle John was pressing against his readers' presuppositions and beliefs. He wanted them to re-evaluate everything. He wanted them to see that the very one at the center of it all is truly the promised One, the Son of God. John wanted them to know that there is no place for neutrality. Now, you may be sitting here, and you may be thinking, "Ok, but I don't live in the first century and I'm not Jewish. Why does this matter?" Let me try to answer that. In John's Gospel, the unbelieving Pharisees are the main antagonists. Really, they are the antagonists in all the Gospels. But their unbelief is representative of any and all outright rejection of Christ… back then and today. Not only do they not know God, they are hostile to him. They do not care to listen. Their hearts are full of murder and lies. Jesus is their enemy. They hate him and hate those that love him. On the outside, they are religious, but their religion is driven by the devil whose goal is to undermine the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their opposition to Jesus is the same opposition to Jesus that we see in different ways today. We see that opposition in false religions. We see a similar rejection in the hearts of those opposed to God and opposed to truth and opposed to his standard of right and wrong. That includes those who present a perversion of who Jesus is or reject his divine or human nature. And it is all driven by the devil. You see, we are engaged in a cosmic battle of light versus darkness. It's a battle of the truth of God versus the lies and murders of the great enemy of faith. The hard thing for us is that we live in a time and place where the Christian ethic is still relatively strong. And so, we sometimes don't see the spiritual battle that is raging. In our culture, the light and darkness can sometimes appear to blend together to produce shades of grey. When that happens, it is harder to see and distinguish the light from the darkness. But what we learn in John 8 is that the dividing line is still there. Discerning right and wrong is still at the center of pursuing truth. Good and evil are no less real today than they were in the first century. The devil is still breathing his lies and spreading unbelief as he was in the hearts of these Pharisees. There are plenty of people today who outright reject Jesus, who reject God the Father, and who live a life opposed to him. They are like the Pharisees, unknowingly driven by the father of lies. The devil is at work all throughout the world, some places more than others. As the Scriptures say, he prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour. We need to be aware that there is both God the Father, the father of truth and light and life, who gave his Son; and there is also the father of lies and murder, the devil himself. He hates God and hates the truth and he seeks to undermine Jesus and the Gospel. Now, there is no comparison in who has true authority and who will conquer the other in the end. That is the one true Father, but for now he has given the devil room to lie and deceive the world. 2. The One Greater than Abraham (8:53-59) Ok. That brings us to point #2 - The One Greater than Abraham. In these verses, Jesus makes absolutely clear who he truly is. It's unmistakable. Remember, the Pharisees were the ones who originally brought up Abraham. But then Jesus turned the tables on them. Because the Pharisees rejected him, Jesus made it very clear, as we considered, that they were not true descendants of Abraham. And part of Jesus' argument included his claim that he was the Son of God and that his Father was God the Father. And so, the Pharisees asked him in verse 53, "Are you greater than our father Abraham?" Jesus answered them and he said two things. And speaking of shocking statements, these two statements were scandalous. First, Jesus said to them that "Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it and was glad." That's verse 56. And then second, Jesus said, "before Abraham was, I AM." Let's consider those two statements in order. First, Abraham rejoiced to see Jesus' day. The question is, what was the apostle John referring to? What was that day? Well, that question has been asked for centuries. The general consensus, which I agree with, is the day refers to the day that Isaac was born. You see, as we read earlier in Genesis 15, God promised to give Abraham a son. It seemed impossible, though, especially as Sarah aged, but yet God fulfilled his promise to Abraham. Do you remember what happened when Isaac was born? Abraham and Sarah laughed. It wasn't like the laughter before, when they were questioning God. Rather it was a joyful laughter of amazement. In fact, the name Isaac means "to laugh." The semantic range for the word "laugh" in Hebrew includes a joyous laughter. That's why I think that particular day is the one referred to in verse 56. Abraham saw God fulfill his promise in an amazing way. Abraham then rejoiced when Isaac was born. And he knew, as God had promised, that through Isaac, his offspring would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. He knew, as God also promised, that all the nations of the earth would be blessed through him. You see, the promise that God made to Abraham was the promise of a Messiah. Just like God gave Abraham and Sarah a son according to God's promise, so one of Abraham's descendants would be the promised Messiah. In that sense, Abraham saw Jesus' day and rejoiced. But when Jesus said that, it only further enraged the Pharisees. They said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Which brings us to the second and even more shocking statement. Verse 58. Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” "I AM." We've come across that statement multiple times now. Earlier in chapter 8, Jesus twice said, "I am he." In the Greek it is simply "I am" - "Ego Eimi." In the Hebrew it is Yahweh. Jesus was saying that as God the Son, he is the eternal God and he has always existed. Before Abraham was, I AM. It was yet another claim of divinity. Jesus was indeed greater than Abraham. Let's take a step back for a moment. You know, every Sunday, I try to connect our sermon text to some of John's overall themes. Really, it's helpful to see how each passage fits within the book as a whole. Well, one thing that God has been revealing in John is all the ways that Jesus has been fulfilling God's promises of old. For example, Jesus has been entering into the major Jewish institutions and he has been revealing that he is their ultimate fulfillment. ·      In chapter 2, Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding, revealing that he is the bridegroom who will cleanse his bride the church. ·      In the same chapter during the Passover, Jesus declared that he was the fulfillment of the temple. Do you remember that? ·      Chapter 5's setting was the Sabbath, another institution. Jesus demonstrated he was Lord of the Sabbath. ·      Chapter 7 and earlier in this chapter, Jesus revealed how he has fulfilled the Feast of Tabernacles as the living water and light of the world. Since most of us don't have a Jewish background, we don't naturally see those connections. But for John's original audience, each example has been expanding their understanding of who Jesus is and making the case that he is the true Messiah. Well, besides institutions, Jesus is also greater than the patriarchs and prophets of old. Back in chapter 6, Jesus revealed that he is the prophet that Moses promised. He revealed that he is greater than Moses. He is the true manna from heaven. Moses was held in great regard, but Jesus, as God the Son, is greater. And when we get to these verses on Abraham, it's similar. Abraham was the preeminent father of the Jewish people. Abraham was the one through whom God promised a people would come, as we already considered. And so, when Jesus said that before Abraham was, I am, it was a remarkable declaration of his preeminence as the God of all creation and over his people. Do you see how all these fulfillments are working together? They all reveal that Jesus is indeed the One in whom life and light is found. It's all an amazing revelation for us to grasp and believe. But, for the Pharisees, again, it was scandalous. Jesus had just declared that the devil, not Abraham, was their father, and now, he claimed that he is greater than Abraham. Look at verse 59. "So they picked up stones to throw at him." Of course, they did. They were enraged and furthermore, in their minds, Jesus had blasphemed God. Their response only confirmed that indeed the devil was their father. They could not stand for truth. They could only do what was in their nature as sons of the devil. They all the more rejected Jesus and sought to kill him. As they went to get stones, Jesus then slipped away into the crowd. As he has said before, it was not yet his time. But Jesus' time would come. You see, Chapter 8 accelerates the path to the cross. The day would soon come when Jesus would bring his fulfillment to completion. And in God's sovereignty, he would use the Pharisees (and others) to accomplish his plan. 3. The Triumph of Abraham's True Descendants (John 8:47, 51) Which brings us to #3. Point 3: The Triumph of Abraham's True Descendants. God's true sons and daughters will "not see death," but live. You know, in the order of the narrative, this point should really be point number 2. The reason that I put it last is because I wanted to end with encouragement. I did not want to end with the devil or the stones that they picked up. Rather, I wanted to end with the blessing of being a true descendant of Abraham. Now, I know that a couple of you here have Jewish roots, but the vast majority of us are Gentiles. We are the nations that have been grafted into Christ. It doesn't matter where you or your family is from, what nationality or ethnicity. It doesn't matter if you have some Jewish heritage or not. No, the only thing that matters is whether you are a true spiritual descendant of Abraham by faith. Look at verse 47. "Whoever is of God hears the words of God." Remember, the question is who their father is. And we learn that those who hear the words of God have God as their father. Those are the ones who are true descendants of Abraham - spiritual descendants by faith. What matters is believing in the Gospel - it is believing in who Jesus is and what he has accomplished. And when you do, then you are a true descendant of Abraham, a spiritual descendant by faith. In Romans 9, it says "It is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring." Galatians 3 uses similar language. It says, "In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. ...And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise." If that is you, then you can say that Abraham is indeed your spiritual father, through faith… the promise to him of salvation is the promise for you. Let me say one more thing. You know, as we've gone through John's Gospel, we've come across several "truly, truly" statements. Each of those statements emphasizes an important truth. When Jesus uses the phrase "truly, truly", he is saying, "most assuredly I tell you this important truth" and he goes on. Well, in our verses today there are two "truly, truly" statements. One of them we've already considered. "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." The other one is in verse 51. Look at it. Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." Those who truly hear Jesus, and truly believe in him, and demonstrate their faith by abiding in his word, "will never see death." No, the true descendants of Abraham will triumph with Jesus forever. As we've read over and over in John's Gospel, we will receive eternal life in him. You see, in the middle of this chapter of conflict, there is hope. At the very heart of these verses - where the Pharisees are called out as sons of the devil, and by the way, who are also destined to spend eternity apart from God - at the heart of these verses, there is a promise. And the promise is this: Those who believe in Jesus' word will overcome death. They will be with God forever. It is a hope and promise reserved for those truly of God, who are spiritual descendants of Abraham. It's for those who believe in Jesus as the I AM of God, the eternal God of the universe, the Son of God, who is greater than Abraham. So, may we not plug our ears like the Pharisees, but instead hear Jesus' words, for they are words of life. May we also see the reality of the devil… and know that he is the father of lies who sows darkness and opposes the truth of God. BUT, may we know that as true descendants of Abraham, we will be with Jesus forever.

In this powerful message, Apostle John Tetsola explores the biblical process between receiving a promise from God and actually experiencing its fulfillment. Using Joshua 21, Joshua 23, Luke 1, and Obadiah 1:17, Apostle Tetsola reminds us that God is faithful to fulfill what He has promised, but there is a process we must walk through. He unpacks the significance of Mount Zion and the progression described in Obadiah: dependence upon God, deliverance, holiness, and ultimately possessing what God has promised.

As we dive into PART 2 of this sermon, ask yourself this question: How do you remain standing when life brings pressure, adversity, delay, sickness, financial challenges, or unexpected battles? In this powerful message, guest speaker Apostle John Tetsola teaches on how to develop a strong spirit for difficult seasons. Drawing from scriptures including 2 Corinthians 4:8–9, Proverbs 18:14, Proverbs 24:10, Psalm 112, Matthew 7, Ephesians 3:16, and Hebrews 4:12, Apostle Tetsola explains why our ability to endure adversity is connected to the strength and capacity of our inner man. A strong spirit anchors you to the promises of God, fuels your perseverance, and gives you the strength to remain faithful even when circumstances seem to contradict what God has spoken.

What happens when an ordinary life is changed by Jesus? Join us for a ministry performance reflecting on the life of the Apostle John and a message to help us see that Jesus changes our capacity, our courage and our witness - and He is still transforming lives today. So, if Jesus really changes lives, how has He changed yours?_____If you need prayer, we're here for you. Reach out at ⁠www.gatewaybaptist.com.au/prayerNew to faith or returning to Jesus today? We'd love to help you take a next step. Reach out via gtwy.au/online and our team will connect with you.Subscribe for more content to help you grow as a fully devoted follower of Jesus: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GatewayBaptistChurchAus?sub_confirmation=1Key Scriptures:Matthew 4:18–22 Acts 3:6–8 Acts 4:13 John 20:30–31John 21:24–25________________________Gateway Baptist Church meets across six locations in South-East Queensland and online.For over 90 years, we've been committed to guiding people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus.Learn more about us at ⁠https://gatewaybaptist.com.au⁠ or join us on Sundays at ⁠gtwy.au/live#FollowJesus #GospelOfJohn #ApostleJohn #Testimony #AmazingGrace #GatewayBaptist #Gospel #Salvation #Jesus #Faith #Christian #Church #Churchonline #GatewayOnline #JasonElsmore #timlucas

Today we hear from guest speaker Chris Lautsbaugh teaching from the book of John. The Apostle John has spent a lifetime serving Jesus and reflecting on His teachings. In John 17, he shares what he considers essential for Christian maturity.

Today we hear from guest speaker Chris Lautsbaugh teaching from the book of John. The Apostle John has spent a lifetime serving Jesus and reflecting on His teachings. In John 17, he shares what he considers essential for Christian maturity.

Do You Believe that “He {God} gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”? MESSAGE SUMMARY:  You have got to believe; but until you get your thinking right, your life will not change – you have got to believe! It is hard for some people, today, to believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus celebrated on Christmas day. Ok, just start where you are in what you believe. Can you believe that you are a sinner? Can you believe that you are not perfect? Can you believe that you have violated God's laws? Despite this life background, can you believe that God loves you just as you now are? Can you believe that God sent His Only Son, Jesus, to save all that believe in Him so that you would not perish but have eternal life? Maybe this is where you start in believing in the miraculous birth of Jesus; you need to start where you are. Jesus' life was defined by His death on the cross and by His resurrection, thereby, living up to the translation of His name, Jesus – “Salvation”. The Apostle John succinctly summarized the purpose of Jesus birth in John3:16-17: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, fill me with the simple trust that even out of the most awful evil around me, you are able to bring great good — for me, for others, and for your great glory. In Jesus' name, amen.     Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 91). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because I am in Jesus Christ, I will trust in the Lord with all my heart. I will trust in the Lord with all of my heart and lean not on my own understanding.  In all my ways I will seek to know Him, and He will make my pathways straight.   From Proverbs 3:5f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 1:1-18; Luke 1:27-38; Luke 2:1-22; John 20:27-29; Psalms 69b:13-24. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Christians in the Church Must Become Christians in the Marketplace of Unbelievers” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Apostle John Tetsola joined us for a special session Saturday morning to minister, share the word of God, and move in the prophetic with our congregation here at Living Stones.

Start your day off with this 1 minute devotional from Pastor Mike Fabarez of Focal Point Radio Ministries. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1339/29?v=20251111

We begin a series that examines the events that the Apostle John saw leading up to and then into the eternal state, as recorded in the last three chapters of the Book of Revelation. As we're bombarded with chaos, temptation, deception, broken families, corrupt governments, and opposition against God—much of which is the result of Satan's work—it is very comforting to know that the devil's days are numbered. We are reminded in this episode that God is in control and will have the final say over the devil. Satan has made the fatal choice in rebelling against God and at first will be bound for 1,000 years, loosed for a short time, and then ultimately cast into the lake of fire to suffer in torment there forever. https://bereanbiblesociety.org/tbg-episode/207-the-devils-days-are-numbered/ Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LuJ4X_SgLH0 Buy episode on DVD: https://store.bereanbiblesociety.org/shop/dvd-transformed-by-grace-single-episode-1-dvd-201-232/?attribute_pa_episode=207-part-1-the-devils-days-are-numbered Buy series on DVD: https://store.bereanbiblesociety.org/shop/dvd-transformed-by-grace-series-scenes-from-the-final-act/

In this episode, we will look at a brief outline of the book of revelations. You will also dispel the myth of a rapture church before its time. This is part one of the wonderful, unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ as it was given to the Apostle John.

Each of us forms one body in Christ, yet God has given us distinct gifts according to His grace. Today, we continue our series on Spiritual Gifts by focusing on two essential motivations within the church: Leadership and Mercy. Using the biblical examples of Nehemiah and the Apostle John, we break down what these gifts look like in practice, their characteristics, how they can be misused, and how Jesus ultimately modeled both for us. Key Scriptures: Romans 12:4–8 1 Corinthians 12:1 & 1 Peter 4:10 Nehemiah 1–4 1 John 4, 3 John, John 11 & 13 Get Involved:

Do You Believe that “He {God} gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”? MESSAGE SUMMARY:  You have got to believe; but until you get your thinking right, your life will not change – you have got to believe! It is hard for some people, today, to believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus celebrated on Christmas day. Ok, just start where you are in what you believe. Can you believe that you are a sinner? Can you believe that you are not perfect? Can you believe that you have violated God's laws? Despite this life background, can you believe that God loves you just as you now are? Can you believe that God sent His Only Son, Jesus, to save all that believe in Him so that you would not perish but have eternal life? Maybe this is where you start in believing in the miraculous birth of Jesus; you need to start where you are. Jesus' life was defined by His death on the cross and by His resurrection, thereby, living up to the translation of His name, Jesus – “Salvation”. The Apostle John succinctly summarized the purpose of Jesus birth in John3:16-17: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, fill me with the simple trust that even out of the most awful evil around me, you are able to bring great good — for me, for others, and for your great glory. In Jesus' name, amen.     Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 91). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because I am in Jesus Christ, I will entrust to Him my future. I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.  From 2 Timothy 1:12 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 1:1-18; Luke 1:27-38; Luke 2:1-22; John 20:27-29; Psalms 69b:13-24. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: ““Jesus, Teach Us To Pray””, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Pastor Frances Huezo shares a powerful perspective about the final major prophetic event before the rapture: the Battle of Gog and Magog. In this episode, she breaks down why she holds that view, offers a clear and accessible explanation of the battle and its key players, and highlights the crucial differences between Ezekiel's prophecy and the battle the Apostle John describes in Revelation 20. Don't miss it!For more information visit: globalgraceministries.com/

In this message from Revelation chapter 4 we examine the beautiful word pictures the Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle John to write.  In this, the second vision, he sees the very throne room of God and describes all that are around the throne. We examine practical applications of what we learn to help us live today for Christ, for we see the end and His glory, and eternity He shares with all who will come to Him.

This episode is part 39 in a series going through the story of the Book of Mormon.This episode covers chapters 19-30 of the book of 3 Nephi. The Mormon Jesus teaches his disciples more about prayer. He prays away from them, with them, and at them, and they all glow bright white.The Mormon Jesus also gives more prophecy about the end times, the revealing of the Book of Mormon, and the regathering of Israel and the descendants of Lehi. He gave them Isaiah chapters 52 and 54 and Malachi chapters 3-4. Three of the twelve disciples get a special gift of immortality until the end. Supposedly they and the Apostle John are still out there somewhere walking among us, but harder to find even than Bigfoot.Further research:"Question: What is known about the name Greek name "Timothy" in the Book of Mormon?" FAIR Latter Day Saints."Didn't Nephi already have authority to baptize before Christ appeared to him?" Ask Gramps, September 26, 2020.Alexander Campbell, Delusions: An Analysis of the Book of Mormon (Boston: Benjamin H. Greene, 1832).Book of Mormon in videoJoseph Smith: The Prophet of the RestorationThe Book of Mormon online: 3 Nephi [chapter 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30]Have questions for Truthspresso? Contact us!

Jesus warns that false prophets don't look like wolves—they come dressed as sheep. In this sermon for the Eighth Sunday after Trinity, Rev. Tyrel Bramwell examines Christ's warning in Matthew 7 alongside the Apostle John's striking command in 2 John: "Do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting." What did John mean? How should Christians identify false teachers? And what does it mean to love our neighbor without participating in false doctrine?This sermon explores why doctrine—not popularity, sincerity, or outward success—is the true fruit by which teachers are judged. Yet it also ends where every faithful sermon must: at the cross of Jesus Christ, where even those who have failed to guard the truth receive full forgiveness through His death and resurrection.

If you have truly given your life to Jesus, there is a question you have probably asked more than once: If I am really saved, why do I still sin? The fact that the question bothers you is itself a mark of genuine faith. A person who doesn't know Jesus wouldn't be troubled by it. Augustine gave the best answer over 1,600 years ago: “During this earthly pilgrimage our life cannot be free from temptation, for none of us comes to know ourselves except through the experience of temptation, nor can we be crowned until we have come through victorious ….” The battle is real, and the Apostle John knows it. But the fantastic news is that in the end, sin can't win. Salvation comes in three tenses: We have been saved from the penalty of sin (our past), we are being saved from the power of sin (our present), and one day we will be saved from the very presence of sin (our future). John gives us three truths in 1 John 3:4–10 that show why daily victory over sin is not just a hope but a real and present possibility for every believer.

When Jesus Asked You: “Whom do you say that I am?”, Did You Answer Jesus: “You are my God and the Lord of my Life!”?  MESSAGE SUMMARY: The stories of the New Testament tell us that Jesus was no ordinary man. The Apostle John, in John 1:1-5, points out that Jesus, the Word, was the Creator of the Universe: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.". John tells us that Jesus had authority over nature, over creation, and over life itself, and he tells us that Jesus was the life-giver that came to earth for us. In John 20:26-29, Jesus asked the Apostle Thomas a fundamental question that Jesus asks you today– “Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me?'”: “Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.' Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'”. When Jesus has asked you: “Whom do you say that I am?”, and how did you answer? Did you tell Jesus: “You are my God and the Lord of my Life!”? Have you, in your life, become a Jesus Follower? If not, why not?   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 1:1-18; Isaiah 7:2-14; Matthew 1:21-24; Psalms 67:1-7. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: ““Jesus, Teach Us To Pray”” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

The final city of our series is one of the most important in the New Testament. Ephesus was Paul's home base for many years, a gospel hub and gateway to Greece. The church was pastored by Timothy, and the Apostle John made it his home as well. The church received a letter from Paul, two to Timothy, and one from Jesus in Revelation. It was a city transformed by the Gospel, and a model for ministry today. 

Read OnlineA Model of Holy Love and DesireOn the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him.” John 20:1–2When Jesus first encountered Mary Magdalene, she was afflicted by seven demons. Many Church Fathers interpret this number as symbolizing a complete domination by evil spirits. Though later traditions identified Mary Magdalene with the repentant prostitute or the woman caught in adultery, the Gospels themselves do not explicitly make that identification. What is certain is that she had been grievously afflicted by demons (cf. Luke 8:2).To fall into such spiritual bondage suggests a life marked by serious sin. However, diabolical possession is not always the direct result of mortal sin; at times, God may permit such affliction for reasons known only to His providence, allowing a greater good to emerge from it. Whatever the cause of Mary Magdalene's prior affliction, it is clear that God, in His infinite mercy, transformed her into a radiant model of holy love and desire. From her profound healing flowed a singular devotion to Christ.Today's Gospel beautifully portrays the emotion, desire, sorrow, and love flowing from Mary's heart. She was one of the few faithful disciples who remained with Jesus during His Passion and death. She stood by the Cross alongside Jesus' mother, the Apostle John, and a few other holy women. Her strength and devotion likely sprang from her heartfelt gratitude toward Jesus for delivering her from diabolical affliction. The freedom she experienced through Him enkindled in her an unwavering faith, recognizing Him as the Messiah and the Son of God.On Easter Sunday morning, before the sun had even risen, Mary made her way to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body. Since Jesus had died shortly before the Sabbath began—sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday—Mary and the other women had been unable to properly anoint His sacred Body. We can imagine that from the moment the Sabbath began, her heart was fixed on one desire: to return to the tomb and perform this final act of love. Her devotion could not wait. Love compelled her to act as soon as it was permitted, and in doing so, she became the first to behold the empty tomb—and soon after, the Risen Lord.We see Mary's holy love and desire also in her determination to remain at the empty tomb. After seeing the stone rolled away, she ran to tell the Apostles, and then returned with Peter and John. But after they departed, Mary remained. She stayed, weeping, loving, and longing. She was so consumed with desire for her Lord that, when she saw two angels seated in the tomb, she was neither startled nor impressed—not even when they spoke to her: “Woman, why are you weeping?” Her only thought was for Jesus: “They have taken my Lord, and I don't know where they laid him.”Even when Jesus appeared, His identity veiled from her eyes, she still sought only His body. Yet it was His voice—tender, familiar, unmistakable—that pierced the veil and opened her eyes of faith: “Mary!” She responded with that beautiful, personal cry of recognition, “Rabbouni!”Reflect today on the transformed soul of Saint Mary Magdalene. She went from diabolical affliction to a heart overflowing with holy love and desire for our Lord. She is a model for each of us. We must allow ourselves to be filled with the same gratitude for His grace and reconciliation, cultivate the same unwavering devotion, and burn with the same longing to find Him. When our hearts mirror Mary's, we too will hear the Lord call us by name. Be grateful. Desire Him. Listen for Him. And like Mary, you will find that He is already standing before you.Rabbouni! With Saint Mary Magdalene, I give thanks to You with all my heart for the freedom You have mercifully bestowed upon me. You have forgiven my sins, restored me to grace, and kept me safe from the snares of the enemy. With Mary, I pray that my passions and every movement of my soul may be caught up in love of You, driving me to seek You with all my being. Speak my name, O Lord, call me lovingly, and open my eyes to see You always before me. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: St Mary Magdalene, by Lawrence OP, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

What if the greatest threat to the church isn't false teaching but putting ourselves first?In one the shortest books of the Bible, the Apostle John introduces us to a man named Diotrephes. We don't know much about him, but one sentence says a lot about him: he loved to be first. That desire didn't just affect him, it damaged relationships, divided the church, and pushed people away from Christ.In this message from 3 John 9-11, Pastor Jason Barnett explores how pride quietly turns the Church of Christ into the Church of Me. We'll discover why the real issue isn't simply church leadership, but the throne of the human heart. When self sits on the throne, Jesus becomes a tool, the church becomes a means, and people become obstacles.Whether you've been hurt by church conflict, struggle with pride, or simply want to keep Jesus at the center of your life, this message offers both honest truth and the hope of the gospel.Jesus didn't come to build our kingdoms, He came to invite us to into His.Send us Fan MailLinkoln shares his story on why he started coming to Ravenna Church of the Nazarene and shares why you should consider doing the same.Ravenna Church of the Nazarene530 Main Street, Ravenna, KY 40472Support the showThe Dirt Path Sermon Podcast is a place for real sermons that speak to real life. Subscribe and walk the path with us every week.Consider visiting Ravenna Church of the Nazarene where Pastor Jason is the Senior Pastor.   Have a prayer need? Want to share something with Pastor Jason? Email dirtpathpastor@gmail.com

A Palm Sunday sermon by Kezzie Joyner, Evan Schmalzbach, William Sleeman, Ava DealScents have a way of rapturing us out of our present into a memory. The other day Daphne made beignets, the kind we both grew up eating in Africa, and as I bit into it and the smell filled my senses, I was a 6-year-old boy on the streets of Malabo. I can't describe how the smell and taste populated my mind and memory with the sights and sounds of Equatorial Guinea in 1988.I'm guessing the Apostle John had a similar scent memory with the smell of the perfume broken free from Mary's alabaster box. Decades later as John composed his Gospel, I wonder if the smell came back to him. I think it did. I think whenever he smelled nard, he was transported back to that night when, “The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume” (John 12.3). It was a sweet memory because it signaled the time had come for Jesus to become our Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5.7b). Anointed for burial He will bring us to new life in His resurrection!The Apostle Matthew would remember this night, recalling how Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her” (Matthew 26.13). Mary's love for Jesus is vibrantly evident. Jesus is the One who made room for her among His disciples (Luke 10.38-42). Jesus is the One who wept with her in her deepest grief (John 11.32-35). He is the One who raised her brother Lazarus back from the dead (John 11.38-44). Who else was more deserving of her absolute devotion, but Jesus Christ?!Friends, it's right we call Jesus our Christ and Messiah. Both words, in Greek and Hebrew, carry the meaning of being anointed. When He began His ministry, Jesus was anointed by the Father with the Holy Spirit and power (Acts 10.38). Divinely anointed at the beginning, it's fitting then we would anoint Him on his way to the cross. We, the humanity made in His image. We, who are made whole in His sacrifice, would devote our most priceless gifts for His worship. This Holy Week may the Lord, our anointed Messiah, fill our senses with the fullness of His glory.

There is power in asking. Think about it in the business world. Selling is asking, isn't it? I remember when training for sales with IBM I was taught to ask for the order and not to be shy about it. To ask again and again. And I was carefully taught how to ask. So, there's no doubt that there is power in asking. So, why are we often shy and reticent to ask for something? Well, for one reason, asking for something is humbling, isn't it? It's admitting a need and acknowledging that you don't have total control in some area. You need something that you don't have and you have to admit it. Also, asking sets you up for rejection. The answer could be “No.” Recently I was in a position of asking for something really significant; it wasn't for myself but for an important project at my church. I knew who to ask, but for weeks I procrastinated about asking because I didn't want to get a negative response. When finally I asked, the reception I received was far more favorable and pleasant than I had imagined. But regardless of the response to my request, as long as I didn't ask there was no way I was going to get it! There was a lot of pride in my attitude toward asking. If the answer was no, I would have to tell everyone involved and I might look foolish. Or I might lose their confidence in me. So, instead of asking, I wasted time worrying about how I would look to others if the answer was no. Not only foolish of me, but prideful as well. In the book of James we read, “You do not have because you do not ask God” (James 4:2b). I wonder how many blessings we've missed for ourselves and others because we simply have not asked God. Please understand, I'm not talking about asking for frivolous things or for selfish reasons. But as Christ-followers we have a Heavenly Father who invites us to ask him for what we truly need, for blessings for ourselves and others. He expects us, as his children, to ask him for help, and yet how often we do not have what he would give us because we do not ask. A few years ago, I was stuck in an airport for two days because of weather-related cancellations, trying to get home, trying to locate my luggage, standing in long lines and hoping to get on a flight soon. As I was standing in one long line with probably fifty other people, a woman who looked like she had some authority walked by, and I just nicely stopped her and asked her a question. She said, “Come to my office,” so I followed her and for about an hour she made phone calls and arrangements, and I walked out of there with a free hotel for the night and a seat on a flight the next day. I asked and got special treatment, not because I deserved it any more than the others in that line, but because I asked. As I said earlier, studies show that women are far more reluctant to ask things for themselves than men are. For example, men are more likely to ask for a raise than women are, and when they do ask, women ask for much less than men do. Women will freely ask for the benefit of others but are reluctant to ask something for themselves. Notice how freely children ask for things. They don't hesitate to ask Mom or Dad for whatever it is they want at the moment. And they keep asking until often we parents give in just because they keep asking. Jesus told a parable about a widow who kept asking an uncaring and unkind judge for justice against her adversary. Finally the judge decides to grant her request, not because he wanted to do the right thing, but because she kept bothering him. Jesus said, “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly” (Luke 18:7-8a). In other words, we have a kind and loving God to ask, not a wicked judge, and yet often we give up asking him to meet our needs. Jesus taught us to keep on asking; don't quit. What have you given up on asking for? Jesus taught us to be persistent in asking. In all areas of our lives we have to ask for things if we're ever going to get what we need, succeed at our jobs, complete our tasks. . . whatever! But of course we don't always get what we ask for, do we? What are some of the reasons that we don't get what we ask for? In James 4 we are told: When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures (James 4:3). Motives—what are our motives for asking? Receiving what we ask for depends largely on why we are asking for it. So, we have to examine our motives. Asking God—or anyone else, for that matter—for frivolous things, unnecessary things that are simply for our own selfish desires, just doesn't motivate God or people to want to grant our requests. I remember a woman asking me to pray that God would send her a husband. Well, in itself that's not a bad request, but her whole motivation was selfish: I want a husband to take care of me. I don't like being single. God owes me a husband. That was her attitude, and it wouldn't impress God or anyone else, I don't think. Secondly, we sometimes don't get what we ask for because we don't know how to ask. For example, be specific in what you ask for. If you need some money for a very good reason, not because you've been a poor steward of your money, you should be clear about why you need the money, how it will be used, and how much you really need. If you're asking someone to donate money to a good cause, be prepared to give a good explanation of how the money will be used and the good it will do. When you're asking for a change in circumstances, like a better work environment, instead of asking that the boss make the situation better for you, ask for the change because it will benefit the company or organization. Put yourself in the other person's shoes and ask yourself what would motivate that person to want to grant your request. Maybe you're job hunting right now, or looking for a raise or a promotion. If so, you really need to know how to ask, because the way you ask will in large part determine your success. And the way you ask will be controlled by the questions you ask yourself. For example, do you ask yourself, “What's wrong with me? Why am I not able to find a job?” Those kind of questions will simply discourage you. You're telling yourself negatives that affect the way you behave. Are you thinking: I'm too old, or I'm overqualified, or I'm just not aggressive enough? That kind of thinking just provides you with an excuse for why you're not getting the answers you want. Instead, ask What can I do to make a better impression on an interview? Or, How can I show that my age is an asset and not a liability? Now you're asking yourself questions that can lead to positive results. These are constructive questions, not destructive ones. If you want to ask better questions, begin by examining the questions you are asking yourself. And be ready to change the way you've been thinking. Once again I'm reminded that everything begins in our thought lives. If you think wrong, you ask wrong. If you think according to Philippians 4:8—thoughts that are true, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy—that kind of thinking will lead you to positive, constructive questions. And that certainly includes the questions you ask yourself! I find that I must be intentional about choosing good questions to ask myself—questions that will help me rather than discourage me. I have to bring those questions—those thoughts—into captivity and make them obedient to Christ, as we read in 2 Corinthians 10:5. So, today think about the questions you ask yourself. Are they constructive or destructive? Asking right questions begins with right thinking. Ask and keep on asking. That is a principle that we see in scripture. We are to be askers—and persistent askers, at that. Have you learned the power of asking? We have to ask with right motives, we have to be specific when we ask, and we can't give up easily. That is true if we're asking something from God or from our boss—or anyone else for that matter. There's an important biblical teaching when it comes to asking God for something. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him (1 John 5:14-15). The Apostle John gives us a really startling principle—one that almost seems too good to be true. Whatever we ask, we have! Is that what he said? Yes, that's what he said, but there's a qualifier—if we ask according to his will. So, that means our motive has to be for the glory of God, not just for our pleasure. And it also means that we need to know what God's will is so that we can ask in accordance with it. You can't short-change God's Word in your life, because knowing God's will in any particular situation is a function of knowing the Word better and better. God reveals his will through his Word and through his Spirit, who usually reveals his will to us through the Word of God. So, how much time do you spend in God's Word? Romans 12:1 and 2 says that we can know what God's good, pleasing and perfect will is by offering ourselves as living sacrifices and being transformed by the renewing of our minds. That transformation happens more and more as we immerse our life in the truth of God's Word. Do you see the progression here? We need to know God's will in order to ask appropriately and therefore get what we ask for. In order to know God's will, we must know God's Word and be sensitive to the Spirit of God who resides within us, as Christ-followers. Then, as we are more and more confident of what God's will is, the requests we make to God are more and more in line with his will and he will hear and answer. I want to learn the power of asking God for great things that bring him glory and see the great and mighty things he wants to do. Will you join with me in asking God to teach us the power of asking?

Journey from the foot of Mt. Sinai to the mysteries of Revelation in this eye-opening teaching with Michael Rood. At the Exodus, the Almighty offered an eternal covenant to make His people priests and kings forever — but that covenant was broken almost immediately. Now travel thousands of years beyond that pivotal moment as the Apostle John is shown a future neither Moses nor even we have fully seen: the unveiling of the One worthy to break the seven seals and reveal the destiny of the Kingdom! Join this channel to get access to perks: / @aroodawakening Watch more on the Michael Rood TV App! https://bit.ly/2X9oN9h Join us on ANY social media platform! https://aroodawakening.tv/community/s... Your Donation keeps these videos going! Thank you! https://aroodawakening.tv/donate/ Support us by visiting our store! https://roodstore.com/ Support us with purchases on Amazon!* https://amzn.to/3pJu9cC Have Questions? Ask us Here! https://aroodawakening.tv/support/con... "PLEASE NOTE: This is an affiliate link. This means that, at zero cost to you, A Rood Awakening! International will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrate true freedom this week as we dive into a powerful, line-by-line study of 1 John Chapter 1. It is easy to feel close to God on Sunday morning, but what happens when Monday rolls around and the daily pressures of life take over? In this message, Pastor Jared breaks down a vital spiritual habit and principle that allows us to move past Sunday-only faith and live in daily, experiential freedom. By exploring the deep connection the Apostle John had with Jesus, we discover that Jesus is a real person who actively invites every single one of us into Koinonia—a deep, 24/7 shared partnership and fellowship. But walking in this light requires radical honesty. God does not demand our perfection; He requires our honesty. Learn what it truly means to step out of the darkness of hiding, how to rightly confess your struggles before God and trusted people, and how to receive the ultimate healing care of the Great Physician. If this message impacts your heart, let us know in the comments below!

When you think about what you believe as a Christian… where did those beliefs come from?For many, the trail leads back to the apostles, the earliest followers of Jesus, and church leaders like Papias of Hierapolis.Papias was connected to the Apostle John, knew Polycarp, and helped preserve early Christian teaching during the generation after the apostles. Though most of his writings have been lost, what remains gives us valuable insight into the origins of the Gospels, the importance of eyewitness testimony, and the early church's commitment to passing down the truth about Jesus.This episode explores Papias' life, writings, and lasting influence on Christian theology.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Papias of HierapolisPapias of Hierapolis was one of the earliest church fathers in the Patristic Period and a significant link between the Apostolic Era and the generation that followed.02:00 Papias and His Connection to the Apostle JohnIrenaeus described Papias as a hearer of the Apostle John, and Papias was also known as a companion of Polycarp.03:15 Why Papias MattersPapias was deeply concerned with preserving what the apostles actually taught about Jesus and passing that truth along faithfully.04:30 The Lost Writings of PapiasPapias wrote a five-volume work called The Exposition of the Sayings of the Lord, but only fragments remain through later writers like Eusebius and Irenaeus.05:30 Papias and the Origins of the GospelsThe surviving fragments of Papias give early insight into the origins of the Gospels, including Mark's connection to Peter's teaching and Matthew's original composition.08:10 Apostolic Tradition and Eyewitness TestimonyPapias placed strong value on the oral testimony of those who knew the apostles, emphasizing the reliability of eyewitnesses in preserving the truth about Jesus.11:40 Papias' Focus on Jesus' TeachingsPapias sought to compile and interpret the sayings of Jesus while relying on apostolic sources, helping later Christians understand the early transmission of Christ's teaching.13:00 Papias' Theology and Lasting InfluencePapias taught a premillennial view of Christ's return and preserved early Christian traditions that continue to shape how believers understand the apostles, the Gospels, and early church theology.“Papias gives us a solid historical testimony for the formation of our Christian theology. His story reminds us that the early church wasn't built on rumors or legends that developed some centuries after Jesus ascended into heaven.”  – Pastor Jeff CranstonSources: Background on Papias of Hierapoli:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papias_of_Hierapolis

For Jesus Followers, Jesus Presence Provides Confidence and Light in Times Which Could Bring Fear and Uncertainty into Your Life MESSAGE SUMMARY:  If You are a Jesus Follower, you can live in the presence of Jesus for your life. Living in the presence of Jesus means that you live in personal holiness; therefore, you are living in the light of Jesus. Many times, you are so tempted to walk in the darkness of doom and gloom; and when you go through something difficult in your life, you walk in darkness without the presence of Jesus and His light for your life. The Apostle John, in 1 John 1:5-7, so clearly presents what it means to “walk in the presence and light of Jesus” for those times that bring fear and uncertainty into your life: “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.". One day, the Lord will come in judgment; but for now, you can walk in the light and presence of Jesus through your prayerful personal relationship with Him.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I have spent much of my life running from pain and loss, medicating my pain, and quickly moving on to the next project — the new urgent demand. I ask for the grace to embrace all of life — the joys and the sorrows, the deaths, and the births, the old and the new. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 110). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because I am in Jesus Christ, I will trust in the Lord with all my heart. I will trust in the Lord with all of my heart and lean not on my own understanding.  In all my ways I will seek to know Him, and He will make my pathways straight.   From Proverbs 3:5f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 7:12-16; 1 John 1:5-10; 2 Corinthians 3:12-18; Psalms 38b:12-22. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “You Are Personally Responsible and Accountable, to God, for All He Entrusts to You” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Love is one of the greatest marks of a true follower of Jesus Christ. In this episode of Brothers Just Searching, we continue our verse-by-verse study through 1 John 3:11-15, where the Apostle John reminds believers that we are called to love one another—not live in hatred like Cain.We discuss:What it truly means to love your brothers and sisters in Christ.The story of Cain and Abel and how jealousy, pride, and hatred lead to destruction.Why church division and unresolved conflict damage our witness to the world.How Christians should handle disagreements according to Scripture.Why the world hates those who faithfully follow Jesus.The difference between salvation by faith in Christ and trusting in our own works.Our prayer is that this conversation encourages you to pursue unity, forgiveness, and genuine biblical love while keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ.Scripture: 1 John 3:11-15If this episode encourages you, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share so more people can hear the truth of God's Word.If You Like To donate to this podcast you can through cashapp or email us at brothersjustsearchingpodcast@gmail.com for more infoAnything is appreciated Cashapp infoBJSmediaThis podcast is brought to you by BJS MEDIA. A christian media production from the swamps of Louisiana. Teaching THE WORD OF GOD (The Bible) and discussing religion, cults, and other world events. "The New Kingdom" Book By Anthony HayesAmazonhttps://a.co/d/bGeKR6WYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@anthonyhayes4492Brothers Just Searching Links Check out our website https://brothersjustsearching.wordpress.com/Check out Our Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/bjspodcastCheck out our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/channel/UCSKi3Aywyd1PQWQ5K1rrIUAhttps://campsite.to/bjsmediaThis is where you can listen to our podcast “Brothers Just Searching”. Below me :). Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brothers-just-searching/id1490823255?uo=4Google Podcast https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDk2MjdhMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0xxj0itGZrlN6EvUpHnel1Breakerhttps://www.breaker.audio/brothers-just-searchingOvercasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1490823255/brothers-just-searchingPocket Casts https://pca.st/7uduo3tzCoteau Holmes Fellowship Church https://www.facebook.com/coteauholmesfellowship/Upper Room Fellowship Church1910 S College Rd, Lafayette, LAhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583220302823Music Provided ByUltima Thule by a href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/51198"Blue Dot Sessions/a- [ ]#bible #biblestudy #faith #jesus #god

The Prosperous SpiritTeaching & Prayer with Overseer Azizah MorrisonLaunching the July series, Even As Your Soul Prospers: Understanding, Accessing, Activating, and Living a Prosperous Life, this teaching explores the biblical foundation of prosperity from a perspective that goes far beyond money.Drawing from 3 John 2, Joshua 1:8, and Proverbs 23:7, Overseer Azizah Morrison examines why the Apostle John prayed that Gaius would prosper "even as thy soul prospereth" and reveals that prosperity begins within before it is ever manifested without.This lesson challenges common misconceptions about prosperity by teaching that biblical prosperity is not merely financial increase, but the flourishing of a life under the influence of God's wisdom, truth, and purpose. Listeners are encouraged to examine the governing influences of their thoughts, beliefs, expectations, and perspectives, recognizing that many external limitations are rooted in internal conditions of the soul.Through practical and spiritual insight, this teaching explores the difference between living under a spirit of fear, lack, and limitation versus cultivating a prosperous spirit shaped by faith, truth, vision, and Kingdom thinking.The accompanying prayer focuses on the renewal of the mind, freedom from limiting beliefs, deliverance from scarcity thinking, and the development of a soul that is capable of sustaining the increase, opportunities, and assignments God desires to entrust to His people.This is the beginning of a deeper conversation about prosperity—not merely as something we possess, but as something that first transforms us from within.

We are living in strange, exciting times before the second coming of Christ. In recent years, the UFO/alien phenomena have been on news headlines everywhere like never before and disclosure is happening. The Apostle Paul mentions in 2 Thessalonians 2 that lawlessness is already at work secretly behind the scenes. The Apostle John tells us in 1 John 4 that we as believers are to test spirits to see if they are of God or not. Could all this be connected as we get closer to the return of Jesus Christ? The believer needs to be equipped with God's Word and seek discernment from Him to know what is the spirit of truth verses the spirit of deception.

Why is the Apostle John famously known as "The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved?" How does an ordinary fisherman with a short fuse turn into the author of some of the most important books of the Bible? As we follow his journey through key moments in the Gospels and beyond, we discover how Jesus calls imperfect people and patiently shapes them into witnesses of His grace. John's life becomes a mirror that helps us see how Jesus can meet us where we are, change who we are becoming, and send us out with a new purpose shaped by the love of God.

Polycarp lived at a time when the early church was facing pressure from Rome, false teaching from within, and the growing challenge of preserving the message handed down by the apostles. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany look at the life of Polycarp of Smyrna, one of the Apostolic Fathers and a direct link to the Apostle John. They discuss his role as bishop of Smyrna, his influence on Irenaeus, his defense of apostolic truth, and his faithful witness even unto death. Chapters:01:00 Who Was Polycarp of Smyrna?Polycarp was one of the Apostolic Fathers, a bishop in Smyrna, and a direct link between the apostles and the next generation of Christian leaders.03:00 Polycarp's Connection to the ApostlesPolycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John and was known by Irenaeus as someone instructed by the apostles and connected to those who had seen Christ.05:00 The Apostolic FathersThe Apostolic Fathers were early Christian leaders who lived just after the apostles and helped guide the church through its first generations.08:30 False Teaching in the Early ChurchThe early church faced pressure from Rome on the outside and false teaching from within, including movements like Gnosticism and Marcionism.10:00 What Was Marcionism?Marcion rejected parts of Scripture and taught a divided view of God, claiming the Old Testament God and the God revealed by Jesus were different.15:00 Polycarp and IrenaeusPolycarp mentored Irenaeus and modeled how to stand firmly for truth while showing grace in secondary disagreements.17:30 Polycarp's ArrestRoman authorities arrested Polycarp when he was 86 years old and pressured him to deny Christ by offering incense to Caesar.20:00 The Martyrdom of PolycarpPolycarp refused to deny Jesus, declaring that Christ had never done him wrong and that he “Nearly 2,000 years later, we sit here and we still remember Polycarp, not because he was powerful or wealthy or famous. We remember him because he was faithful.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

The final chapters of the book of Revelation present the end of the world as we know it—but there’s also a glorious beginning. In this message from Revelation 21–22, Pastor J.D. walks us through the vision of a new heaven and a new earth described by the Apostle John. The fact that God will once again dwell with his people should cause all of us to rejoice. But the fact that those who reject God will not experience this reunion with him should motivate us to share the gospel with urgency, inviting people to put their faith in the God who delights in making all things new.

Send us Fan MailCan emotional wounds keep us from experiencing the fullness of healing and freedom that Jesus purchased for us?In this conversation, Karl Gessler sits down with Dave Hayes (The Praying Medic) to discuss what he calls "3 Easy Steps to Emotional Healing." Dave shares how he first began seeing miracles and healings, why emotional and inner healing are so important, and a simple process believers can use to partner with Jesus in bringing healing to the soul.We also explore the connection between emotional wounds and physical health, and Dave shares remarkable testimonies of people who experienced physical healing as Jesus healed the deeper issues of the heart.As the Apostle John wrote:"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." (3 John 1:2)Whether you're carrying past hurts, struggling with recurring emotional pain, or simply want to learn how to help others find freedom in Christ, this conversation offers practical insight and encouraging testimonies of God's healing power.In This Episode: What is emotional healing?  What is inner healing?  How Dave Hayes began operating in healing and miracles  The 3-step emotional healing process  The connection between soul health and physical health  Testimonies of emotional and physical healing  How Jesus heals the brokenhearted today Connect with Dave Hayes (The Praying Medic):https://prayingmedic.com/healing-prayer/Connect with The Faith of the Fathers:https://www.karlgessler.com/#EmotionalHealing #InnerHealing #PrayingMedic #DaveHayes #HealingTestimony #Deliverance #ChristianPodcast #FaithHealing #HolySpirit #JesusHeals #TheFaithOfTheFathersSupport the show❤️ SHOW YOUR SUPPORT - LINKS BELOW...➡️ Email me: https://www.karlgessler.com/deliverance➡️ DONATE ➡️  Join our team!https://www.givesendgo.com/karlgessle...  / karlgessler  ...

Alan's Soap https://AlansSoaps.com/ToddHonor John's memory and the legacy he created for Ian and Alan with Alan's Artisan Soaps “John's Favorites” bundle.  Get one bar of each of his favorites for only $28.99. Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comBe confident in your portfolio with Bulwark! Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review. Go to KnowYourRiskPodcast.com today. Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/ToddGet the new limited release, The Sisterhood, created to honor the extraordinary women behind the heroes. Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE at:The Todd Herman Show - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Todd Herman Show | Podcast on SpotifyWATCH and SUBSCRIBE at: Todd Herman - The Todd Herman Show - YouTubeSpencer Pratt's Race Is The Great Cultural Explainer of Our Time. Great political ad here from @spencerpratt - the reality TV star turned wannabe mayor of LA who had his house burned down in the Palisades fires Delves into shy voters who are afraid to say who they want to win. - “You Are Not Alone. Vote Spencer Pratt.” Raman: Pratt using AI videos is “deeply insulting” to entertainment industry workers in LA. Michaelson: He would say he's just sharing other people's AI videos, that's not what he puts out. Raman: Well, you know, sure, but...*changes subject* Talking point nuked. Hysterical. Portland Business Owner: “I have to be honest, I have never felt so unsafe in this city” “I betta not catch you over here with those devil blue eyes!” - L.A. (May 22) — CA Democrat governor candidate @TomSteyer was surrounded by militant blacks in the Leimert Park neighborhood. They demanded reparations, shouted racial slurs and threatened him. Los Angeles resident says she is very inspired by hearing Spencer Pratt speak about becoming Mayor. She says she drove to LAX airport, on the way home she saw 3 different homeless people drop their pants and poop right on the street, right out in the openAn Australian “Doctor” Wants To Make Sure Men Don't Get Fired for Getting Pregnant.  A scene from Monty Python's the Life of Brian. My word. This is incredible. A real-life version of that scene from The Life of Brian: "Stan, you haven't got a womb! Where's the foetus going to gestate?! You going to keep it in a box?!" The Dangerous Lie Casual Christians Believe About JesusIn 5 words, Jesus explained exactly who He is. "Before Abraham was, I AM." (From John 8:58). Not “I WAS”, I am. Or, if you look at the raw Greek manuscript that the Apostle John penned, it is the two-word phrase: Ἐγώ εἰμι“Ego Eimi”.Jesus claimed self-existence—an uncreated, eternal nature that has no beginning, no end, and relies on absolutely nothing else to exist.The Pharasees knew exactly who Jesus said He was and IS. “I AM THAT I AM... Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14 Jesus was appropriating the unutterable Name of Yahweh for Himself. "So they picked up stones to throw at Him." Under Levitical law, claiming to be the self-existent God was punishable by immediate stoning for blasphemy.'The "I AM" Statements (Gospel of John)“I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35): Describing himself as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment that satisfies the soul.“I am the Light of the World”  (John 8:12): Describing himself as the guide who removes spiritual darkness and brings truth.“I am the Gate for the Sheep” (John 10:7): Describing himself as the only way to enter into a relationship with God and find safety.“I am the Good Shephder” (John 10:11): Describing his sacrificial love, protection, and willingness to lay down his life for his followers.I am the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25): Describing his power over death and his ability to give eternal life to those who believe in him.“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6): Describing himself as the exclusive path to God, absolute truth, and the source of eternal existence.“I am the Vine.” (John 15:1): Describing himself as the source of spiritual vitality; believers are the branches that must stay connected to him to bear fruit.

There are seasons when the voices around us — and sometimes within us — speak so loudly that we begin to forget who we truly are. Guilt whispers that we have strayed too far from grace. The words of others write a story over us that feels more real than what God says. Failure leaves us feeling untethered, and we begin to walk not as beloved children of God, but as people weighed down by an imposed identity of unworthiness and shame. In those moments, we desperately need someone to speak our name and remind us of what is true. 1 John 3:1 does exactly that. The Apostle John does not say we will one day be called children of God, or that we might be if we try hard enough. He says we are — right now, in this moment, with all our imperfections and all our doubts. And as if anticipating our disbelief, he adds a quiet but stunning clarification: and so we are. This is not a self-proclaimed identity we talk ourselves into on good days. It is a reality declared by the Father Himself, rooted not in anything we have earned but in the great love that compelled Him to bring us near, adopt us, and call us His own. When other aspects of life — our failures, our relationships, our sins — try to define us, we can return to this truth again and again. He knows our name. He has declared who we are. And He will keep calling us by that name until we finally believe it. Today's Bible Verse "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." — 1 John 3:1, ESV Ponder Today Our identity as children of God is not self-proclaimed or conditional — it was declared by the Father Himself, rooted entirely in His love and not in anything we have earned or deserved. Guilt, shame, and the words of others will always try to write a false narrative over our lives — but the Sovereign of all has already spoken the definitive word about who we are. John's quiet addition — "and so we are" — is one of the most grounding statements in all of Scripture, a simple but stunning confirmation that our identity in Christ is a present reality, not a future hope. We are not distant individuals straining to reach God — we have been brought near, adopted, and welcomed into the family of God through the love that sent Jesus to lay down His life for us. Even when we forget or struggle to believe who we are, God does not — He knows our name, He calls us His own, and He will keep speaking that truth over us until it takes root in our hearts. Today's Prayer Great God, You are the One who names the stars and spoke the world into being — and You are the One who has already declared who I am. Yet I so easily forget when warring narratives come my way or failure leaves me feeling untethered. Remind me again, gracious Father, that I am Your child — beloved not because I am perfect or have earned Your favor, but simply because of Your love. It was love that sent Your Son, love that led Him to lay down His life, and love that sustains and keeps me today. Help me walk in that love as Your child, living from the truth of who You say I am rather than the lies that try to define me. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.