Podcasts about apostle paul

This week's Office Hours focused on balancing faith, calling, and entrepreneurship. One participant sought guidance about managing an existing tutoring business while considering a new food-related venture. The advice emphasized discerning whether new opportunities align with God's timing and calling, noting that sources of provision should support rather than distract from one's primary purpose, similar to how Apostle Paul's tent-making ministry supported his apostolic work. Suggestions included testing the new business concept through blogging or community-building before making a larger commitment.  Another participant offered a business connection in the childcare industry, while the conversation broadened into the challenges of balancing multiple ventures. Participants discussed the importance of maintaining focus and, when pursuing several projects, shifting from doing all the work personally to leading, managing, and delegating effectively.  A caregiver entrepreneur shared plans to expand services through a nonprofit foundation, receiving encouragement to focus directly on the larger vision rather than investing significant time in smaller preliminary projects. The group also explored the relationship between faith and business success, discussing the differences between worldly systems and kingdom principles, the value of small businesses, and the importance of thinking boldly about God-given visions and opportunities.  The meeting concluded with encouragement to pursue one's calling without limiting ambitions, announcements regarding upcoming ministry activities and Bible study opportunities, and discussion of an upcoming mission trip to South Africa focused on youth evangelism. __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com __________    

It often seems like the Ten Commandments are about outward behavior: Don't steal. Don't lie. Don't cheat. Don't kill. But “You shall not covet” reaches into the hidden places of the heart where comparison and dissatisfaction grow. Even when our lives look fine on the outside, our hearts can still be restless, angry, and convinced that everyone else has been given something better. In this introspective last episode of our 10 Keys to the Universe series, John Tinnin, MFT, and Shay Roush, M.Div., explore why coveting is more than simply wanting nice things. Envy has the power to shape our entire lives, turning good desires into controlling desires. Coveting affects the way we see our homes, relationships, success, possessions, and our sense of worth. Along the way, they look at why this commandment leaves even the Apostle Paul feeling exposed, and why comparison never actually satisfies. They also talk about the difference between healthy desire and destructive craving, and why contentment must be learned over time. Coveting is actually connected to the first commandment about idolatry: whatever we believe will finally make us happy can slowly take God's place in our hearts. But the good news of the gospel is that Jesus meets the ache underneath all our desires. If you've ever struggled with comparison, disappointment, envy, or the feeling that everyone else's life is better than yours, this conversation is for you. Listen to the full episode as we wrap up our series on the Ten Commandments and discover how true contentment is found not in getting everything we want, but in belonging to the God who already loves us completely. Connect with us:  Instagram: @withyouintheweeds Facebook: @withyouintheweeds            X: withyou_weeds Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Website: withyouintheweeds.com

Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. That was an exhortation from the Apostle Paul in First Corinthians. We DO the work of the Lord, and we’re to BE steadfast and immovable. When the winds of change blow through our culture, we’re to be solid as a rock. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how to do that as we consider a man who showed us how NOT to do that. We’re considering an epic failure in the Old Testament. The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy isn’t a feeling that falls on you … it’s a decision you have to make. Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe begins a practical series in Philippians and gives us a masterclass from the Apostle Paul … a man who wrote about joy from a prison cell. If your circumstances are setting your attitude, this message is for you ... listen to Bold Steps with Mark Jobe. Bold Steps Gift: Tenacious: Living a Faith That Outlives YouBecome a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldstepsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@gmal.com Garth Heckman So what am I talking about today?  But we get our gifting, our passions our talents and our purpose all confused. What is what? Gifting is a natural ability. Athletics, singing, math, Art Passion is something we love doing. Performing, creating, teaching, playing Talents are typically something we have practiced to achieve.  And sometimes these all weave together for the perfect storm.    But none are the sum total of our purpose!    The Bible doesn't give just one single sentence for a person's purpose;  it unfolds it like a grand narrative with a few core pillars.    OT and NT a person's ultimate purpose is generally broken down into three main relationships:    -  your relationship with God,    -  your relationship with others,    -  and your relationship with the world around you.   1. To Know God and Bring Him Glory MGLG At the very foundation, the Bible states that humans were created by God and for God. Your primary purpose is to be in a relationship with Him and to reflect His character to the world.   Reflecting His Image: In Genesis 1:27, it says humans are made in the "image of God." Think of this like a mirror—our job is to reflect His love, justice, kindness, and creativity into the world. Bringing Him Glory: MGLG -The prophet Isaiah quotes God as saying, "Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made" (Isaiah 43:7). BOTTOM LINE: LOOK LIKE GOD AND MAKE HIM LOOK GOOD       2. The Twin Pillars: Love God, Love People When Jesus was asked what the most important commandment in the entire scripture was, He simplified the entire Old Testament law into two direct actions. This is often looked at as the "Ultimate Summary" of human purpose.   MATTHEW 22:37 The first commandment Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and spirit. Second greatest is to lover your neighbor as yourself.        3. Cultivate the World (The Cultural Mandate) Purpose in the Bible isn't just spiritual; it's also practical and action-oriented. Right at the beginning of the human story, God gave mankind a specific job description regarding the earth itself. In Genesis 1:28, humans are told to "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it." This is often called the Cultural Mandate. It means humans are designed to be stewards—caretakers of creation. Your purpose includes taking raw potential (whether that's land, a business, a family, or a talent) and cultivating or literally squeezing everything out of it to help life thrive. 4. Walking in Unique, Prepared Good Works   the Apostle Paul writes about how Gods purpose intertwines with our purpose which is good works.  We are uniquely crafted for specific contributions to this world.   "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." — Ephesians 2:10   The word used for "handiwork" or "workmanship" in the original Greek text is poiema (where we get our word poem). The Bible views your life as a unique masterpiece designed to carry out specific good deeds that match your exact strengths, personality, and experiences. Does "Handiwork" Tie into "Good Works"? Thematically yes, strongly: The verse's logic flows from identity (we are God's crafted masterpiece) to purpose (created for good works God pre-planned). Being God's poiema equips and orients us toward the erga agatha. Good works are the outworking and goal of His creative work in us—not the cause of salvation, but its fruit (tying back to vv. 8–9).   Picture this: His work in us, created us for his works through us to fulfill his purpose.      Handiwork vs. Good works in Eph. 2:8,9 Two different words. Gods work is a masterpiece Our work is a labor. ONE IS OUR IDENTITY THE OTHER IS OUR ACTIVITY     Life experiences we see in scripture and the real world.  Their life experiences were not random or wasted but formed the precise preparation, character development, skills, relationships, and credibility God used for their callings.** The Bible shows a consistent pattern: God shapes people through seasons of obscurity, suffering, failure, cultural exposure, and incremental faithfulness long before the "big moment." These experiences built humility, dependence on God, specific competencies, empathy, and strategic positioning.     David (1 Samuel 16 – 2 Samuel) **Key experiences**: Rejected by His father born illegitimate, Shepherd boy overlooked by family, given menial jobs, trials by lion/bear protecting sheep, anointed privately as future king, served Saul as musician/warrior, faced Goliath with past faithfulness as proof, 13 plus years as fugitive hiding in caves from Saul, attracted misfits and losers, forced to work with the Philistines his enemies.    - **How it prepared him**: Learned how to deal with rejection and turn to God. Shepherding taught leadership, courage, and reliance on God (Psalms reflect this). Defeating Goliath came from tested faith in small battles. Wilderness years forged trust in God's timing (refusing to kill Saul), developed military strategy, and created a loyal following. These equipped him to unite Israel, establish the kingdom, write worship that endures, and prepare the way for the temple/Solomon. His "rejection" years were kingship training.

On today's episode, Pastor Cameron looks at the Apostle Paul's willingness to pay for Onesimus' debt. This is a picture of the Gospel - Jesus paid the debt we could not pay in order to ransom us from our sins! 

It often feels like whenever the Holy Spirit is mentioned, it comes with a mix of controversy and even fear. Our minds can quickly jump to extremes—faith healers, snake handlers, or unfamiliar languages we don't understand. But the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, and both Jesus and the Apostle Paul speak extensively about His work and ministry.This Sunday, we're beginning a brand-new three-week series on the Holy Spirit. Over the next three weeks, we'll explore:Who the Holy Spirit isHow we are led by the Holy SpiritThe power of the Holy SpiritThis week, we'll start by introducing the Holy Spirit—who He is and what He does. We'll look at His role within the Trinity, when and how believers receive the Spirit, and why Jesus said His departure and the Spirit's coming are actually for our good.--WebsiteFacebookInstagramSunday SetlistSunnybrook App (ios)Sunnybrook App (Google)Connect with us!How can we pray for you? Let us know.Giving

If you're someone who watches or reads the news, then you know that there are a lot of bad things going on in the world today. From pandemics and civil wars to inflation and genocides, there is no shortage of darkness in the twenty-first century. How does all this sorrow and hardship affect your life? How about your work? Do you take it with you to the office? Do you chat with your co-workers about it? Do you live in fear or frustration? Bad news was going on during Jesus's day as well, but the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:8, "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Today, I invite you to fix your mind on what is GOOD and then speak about it to your co-workers, who desperately need the hope of Christ. 

Join Pastor Cameron as we continue our look at "The Prisoner, the Fugitive, and the Nice Guy." The Apostle Paul and Onesimus demonstrate that true repentance always comes with a willingness to pay the consequences for what we have done wrong.  

This week, our student ministry leader teaches about the instructions the Apostle Paul gave on how to live out the Doctrines of Grace in the book of Romans. Join us this Sunday as we recognize our high school senior graduates and learn about the call placed on all Christians!Got a question about this teaching or a teaching from this series? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit it here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About Music Track: Track: Inspirational Flight Artist: AShamaluev

How good is good enough to go to Heaven when you die?   ---    The Apostle Paul longed to get to Rome. He knew that if the gospel were well-established in Rome, it would reach the ends of the known world. Before he ever got there, Paul wrote one of the greatest works on the Christian faith ever written - his letter now entitled “Romans.” Join us as we explore highlights from this incredible letter and see why, for Paul, there was no place like Rome.    Sermon Notes: http://bible.com/events/49621105 Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

Some of the greatest writings in history were written from prison—like Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail, John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, and Nelson Mandela's Autobiography. The Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians is no different, but most people have never heard of it. Written from a Roman prison to a church he started in Philippi, Philippians is a short letter full of brilliant theology, no-nonsense wisdom, and tattoo-worthy one-liners that has sparked joy, resilience, humility, and more in the church ever since.

2026 - June 14“The Essentials” is a journey through the book of Romans, where the Apostle Paul lays out the core truths of the Christian faith. In this letter, we discover who God is, what He has done through Jesus Christ, and what that means for us. Romans shows us the reality of our sin, the depth of God's grace, and the life-changing truth that salvation is not earned but received; a free gift through faith. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, making a way for both broken people and searching hearts to be made right with God. This series will walk through the essentials of the gospel and what it means to truly live in light of it. Please take a moment to rate this podcast and if you would like to leave a comment regarding this message, please email kpsermons@gmail.com

Acts 9:15–16 (ESV) - “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.'” In this episode of Daily Devotions, Pastor David Sumrall reflects on the call of God through the life of the Apostle Paul. Unlike a job offer filled with promises of comfort and benefits, God's call is a summons to serve Christ faithfully, whatever the cost. From the very beginning, Paul was made aware that following God's purpose for his life would involve sacrifice, hardship, and perseverance. Pastor Sumrall explains that true ministry is not about status, popularity, or a glamorous lifestyle. The call of God is about reaching people with the gospel and being willing to pay the price required to fulfill that assignment. God does not hide the challenges of ministry; He calls men and women who are committed to Christ above personal comfort. This Daily Devotion reminds us that every genuine calling comes with responsibility, sacrifice, and dedication. ---- Don't forget to like, subscribe to Cathedral of Praise TV https://www.youtube.com/c/cathedralofpraiseTV/?sub_confirmation=1,and hit the bell icon

The Apostle Paul's charge to “work out your own salvation” can, at first glance, seem contradictory to the idea that our salvation is something that can't be earned. But when we read the rest of the sentence, we see that what Paul is talking about is the process of sanctification, where God continues to work in us throughout our entire lives. In this week's message from Philippians 2, Pastor Curtis helps us unpack the practical implications of this rich theological truth. Yes, salvation is a gift we receive—but it's also a life we live.

Guest Speaker Tom Albinson joins Awaken to discuss Acts 18:1-3, when the Apostle Paul visits one of the Jewish people that were forced to leave Rome. Tom shares stories from his work assisting refugees and invites us to consider how the greatest commandment can help us stay rooted in the work of seeing those displaced persons around us and abroad as our beloved neighbors.

In this passionate sermon titled 'Shipwrecked and Shaken, but I Still Built a Fire,' the speaker draws inspiration from the Apostle Paul's journey through storms and shipwrecks, urging listeners to persevere through life's trials. With fervent encouragement, the sermon emphasizes the power of faith in adversity, encouraging believers to 'build a fire' of worship and resilience even when faced with challenges like betrayal, brokenness, and the 'snakes' that emerge during times of spiritual revival. The message encourages the congregation to shake off negativity, embrace their anointing, and trust in God's unwavering purpose for their lives, reminding them that their journey, despite being fraught with difficulties, leads to divine victory and purpose.

What do you do when your life feels like a house of cards ready to collapse? Sitting in a dark Roman dungeon, facing execution, the Apostle Paul reveals the path to finding unstoppable strength when life hits hard, and your faith is shaken. Each week, we share engaging, expository messages and verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Lead Pastor David Sorn and other trusted guest speakers. These messages are rooted in Scripture and designed to help you understand God's Word in context and live it out with clarity and purpose. Whether you're exploring faith or growing in it, we pray they inspire and equip you to follow Jesus.

Ministry is harder than it looks. Marriages fall apart. Leaders walk away. Good people quit. So how do you make it to the end?In this message from 1 Timothy 4, Pastor Jim walks through five things the Apostle Paul gives to a young pastor named Timothy to help him finish well — and they apply to every Christian, not just pastors.The big idea: train hard for godliness. Not to earn God's love. From it.In this message: • Why godliness requires intentional training (not just good intentions) • How to live intergenerationally and why it matters • What it means to immerse yourself in Scripture for the long game • How to discover and operate in your spiritual gifts • Why your perseverance isn't just about youIf you've ever felt like quitting — your faith, your marriage, your ministry — this one's for you.

Welcome to the Podcast of Southwest Bible Fellowship in Tempe, Arizona. WHO ARE WE? • We are a group of people who are committed to living the grace life as set forth by the apostle of the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul. • We come together to study our Bibles, and yes, we believe we have God's perfect Word in the King James Bible. It and it alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice! • We do not come together and study our Bibles for the intent of being smarter than others. We understand that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is purely vain and serves no Godly purpose. • We do come together and study our Bibles for the intent of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. (Philippians 3:10) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that we have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless we live; yet not us, but Christ liveth in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. (Galatians 2:20) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that because Jesus Christ shed His blood for us and we should not live for ourselves but for Him, who died for us and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15) • We do not claim to have attained to these lofty goals, but we press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) You can donate to this ministry through www.butnow.org and the PayPal button on the homepage.

Welcome to the Podcast of Southwest Bible Fellowship in Tempe, Arizona. WHO ARE WE? • We are a group of people who are committed to living the grace life as set forth by the apostle of the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul. • We come together to study our Bibles, and yes, we believe we have God's perfect Word in the King James Bible. It and it alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice! • We do not come together and study our Bibles for the intent of being smarter than others. We understand that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is purely vain and serves no Godly purpose. • We do come together and study our Bibles for the intent of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. (Philippians 3:10) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that we have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless we live; yet not us, but Christ liveth in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. (Galatians 2:20) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that because Jesus Christ shed His blood for us and we should not live for ourselves but for Him, who died for us and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15) • We do not claim to have attained to these lofty goals, but we press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) You can donate to this ministry through www.butnow.org and the PayPal button on the homepage.

In "Where Spirituality & Love Meet Life", Pastor Richard Caldwell explains the biblical process of restoring a fallen brother in Christ. Walking in step with the Holy Spirit is tested by how we live toward people in the real world. We can sing about the love of Christ, but our daily lives reveal the true source of our behavior. True spirituality is not found in emotional highs but in yielding to the Spirit during concrete situations. The Apostle Paul addresses the specific challenge of dealing with sin within the church. Legalism breeds pride and burdens others, but the law of Christ operates through humble love. A spiritual believer does not ignore sin or abandon people in their daily struggles. Instead, the goal of Christian fellowship is always biblical restoration. Addressing sin requires deep prayerfulness, carefulness, and absolute truthfulness. We must approach those overtaken by sin with gentleness, keeping a watchful eye on our own proneness to temptation. Key Biblical Takeaways: - True spiritual maturity is proven not by theological knowledge alone, but by how we practically interact with fellow believers who stumble. - Believers must actively care enough about their brethren to gently restore them to a place of biblical obedience. - Legalism approaches sin with pride and condemnation, while the Spirit of God produces humble restoration and genuine healing. - Confronting sin requires a gentle spirit born out of a profound awareness of our own weakness and susceptibility to temptation.

Marriage and divorce are some of the most personal and painful topics many people face. But beneath the discussion of marriage lies a bigger question: Who gets to define our relationships—culture or Christ?In this episode, we walk through 1 Corinthians 7 and examine how the Apostle Paul reshaped a culture's understanding of marriage by pointing people back to Jesus. Along the way, we'll discover why reconciliation, holiness, and peace are at the heart of God's design and why the wisdom that defines our relationships ultimately builds them.Whether you're married, single, divorced, dating, or simply seeking wisdom for your relationships, this conversation offers practical insight and gospel-centered hope.

Life is undeniably hard, and the world offers us countless reasons to become cynical or discouraged. Yet what if there was a way to find genuine joy even in the midst of our deepest struggles? This message from Philippians chapter 1 invites us into a radical perspective shift that the Apostle Paul modeled while imprisoned in Rome, awaiting trial before the brutal Caesar Nero. Rather than dwelling on his chains, discomfort, and uncertain future, Paul chose to focus on something far greater: God's advancing work through his circumstances. We discover a powerful thesis that can transform how we face our own hardships: Through difficulty, God is advancing His good work in the gospel, in us personally, and in our community together. Paul's chains became a platform for sharing Christ with the elite Praetorian guards, his suffering emboldened other believers to speak more boldly, and his circumstances deepened his own sanctification. This isn't about denying our pain or pretending everything is fine. It's about exercising the fundamental freedom we all possess: choosing what we allow our minds to dwell upon. When we can genuinely say with Paul, 'For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,' we've discovered the one thing worth both living and dying for. The question we must honestly answer is: What fills in our blank when we say, 'For me to live is...'? Only when Christ completes that sentence does death become gain rather than loss.

This Sunday, Guest Speaker Lee Coate encouraged our church with one of Apostle Paul's prayers from Colossians 1:9-12.We are so glad you've joined New North Church for service today! If this is your first time with us, we are honored to have you and we want to get to know you more personally - please, fill out our digital connection card. http://bit.ly/nncconnectDo you have questions about life or need prayer? We would love to hear from you. Submit a request here: http://bit.ly/nncprayerNew North is financially sustained through your partnership. Thank you for your generosity as you consider giving online. http://bit.ly/nncgiveJoin us in person on Sundays at 8:30am, 10am and 12pm in San Francisco! Plan your visit: https://www.newnorth.church/plan-your...STAY CONNECTED:Website: https://www.newnorth.churchInstagram: http://bit.ly/nncinstagramFacebook: http://bit.ly/nncfacebookSpotify: http://bit.ly/nncpodcast

Practical Answers to Real Problems.” In this eighteenth study of the series, “The Most Excellent Way,” we study in 1st Corinthians 13:1-13 as the Apostle Paul gets to the heart of his discipling message with the Corinthians: the way of love modeled to us by Jesus. Here, we ruminate on love's true nature and the fullness love brings to us, both now and in the coming new world.

Have you ever felt the sting of imposter syndrome? It is that nagging feeling that you do not really belong, that you are not qualified enough, or that you are just one mistake away from being exposed as a fraud. It is a self-imposed limit, a ceiling we place on our own potential based on fear and doubt. We see it in the workplace, in our relationships, and even in our spiritual lives. We hesitate to step up, speak out, or pursue the dreams God has placed in our hearts because we have convinced ourselves that we are not enough.This internal narrative is one of the most powerful forces holding us back. But the good news is that God's vision for our lives is not restricted by our insecurities. The Kingdom of God operates on a different economy of power, one that does not depend on our own strength or resume. The Apostle Paul understood this truth deeply. From a prison cell, facing uncertainty and hardship, he penned one of the most powerful declarations of faith, a statement that shatters our self-imposed limitations and points us to the true source of our strength.

In Galatians 2, the Apostle Paul brings Titus, a faithful Greek believer, to Jerusalem as living evidence of the transforming power of the Gospel of Grace. Titus was a Gentile believer and didn't have to be circumcised in order to receive eternal salvation. Titus was proof that God can save Gentiles, without being circumcised. He… The post Seeing the Fruit appeared first on Calvary Chapel At The Cross.

What does it really mean to be in Christ?In this powerful teaching series from Central City Assembly, Pastor Kai walks verse-by-verse through the book of Ephesians to help believers understand their true identity in Jesus, the transforming power of the gospel, and how to live with purpose every day.The phrase “in Christ” changes everything. It speaks to who we are, what we've been given, and how we're called to live. In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reveals the spiritual blessings we have in Christ, the grace that saves us, the unity of the Church, and the practical call to walk in holiness, love, and spiritual strength.Whether you're new to faith, exploring Christianity, or a long-time believer wanting deeper spiritual growth, In Christ will anchor your heart in the gospel and equip you to walk confidently in who Jesus says you are.Reflection Questions:What is one area where God's instruction has felt like "because I said so," and how might I re-approach it as loving, life-giving wisdom?Where in my life am I living reactively (like a fool) rather than intentionally and thoughtfully (as one who is wise)?What temporary escapes do I tend to run to when life feels overwhelming? How might the Holy Spirit be inviting me to seek true peace instead? What opportunities has God placed in my path recently that I have not been "making the most of"?

The Apostle Paul wrote 1st Thessalonians to help the 1st century church keep their faith in Jesus, hold on to their hope for the future, and live in light of God's love in the present, even as they faced factors fiercely opposed to them doing so. Join us at Faith Covenant Church as we discover how what Paul wrote to the church then, is just as relevant and helpful to us as the church now.

Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share, Publicly, Your Relationship with Jesus? MESSAGE SUMMARY: Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share Publicly Your Relationship with Jesus? (Resurrection Anglican Church; Woodstock, GA) To what extent are you willing to share with others your relationship with Jesus? What price are you willing to pay, personally, so that others may know the good news of Jesus – the Gospel? What are you willing to go through to advance the Kingdom of God? In Ephesians 3:1-2, the Apostle Paul summarizes the price that he joyfully accepts to carry the news of the Gospel to the Nations: “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentile -- assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you.". In Acts 26:19, Paul gives his public testimony, in his hearing before King Agrippa; and told the King and everyone in attendance that he, Paul, felt privileged to testify, to the Nations, about his conversion and his relationship with Jesus: “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.". Paul was in prison facing a trial by the despotic Emperor of Rome, Nero. However, you may never have to go to prison or face death to communicate the Gospel; but you will face both physical and emotional discomfort as you become a visible follower of Jesus. While articulating the Gospel to others is important, the most effective way to communicate the Gospel is not by what you say but how you live – walk the talk and let others see Jesus in you. The world, the country, your friends, and your family have so many issues and hurts for which Jesus and His Gospel are the answer; but we keep this good news a secret by our unwillingness to live a visible life walking the talk of the Gospel and sharing the Gospel. Do you have the faith and courage and are you willing to share the Gospel? If you do, then pray for God's guidance to you for His will and role for you.     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 FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ephesians 3:1-21; Acts 9:15; Acts 26:12-23; Psalms 124:1-8. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “God Sees Jesus Followers as “In Christ”: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

In "Where Spirituality & Love Meet Life", Pastor Richard Caldwell explains the biblical process of restoring a fallen brother in Christ. Walking in step with the Holy Spirit is tested by how we live toward people in the real world. We can sing about the love of Christ, but our daily lives reveal the true source of our behavior. True spirituality is not found in emotional highs but in yielding to the Spirit during concrete situations. The Apostle Paul addresses the specific challenge of dealing with sin within the church. Legalism breeds pride and burdens others, but the law of Christ operates through humble love. A spiritual believer does not ignore sin or abandon people in their daily struggles. Instead, the goal of Christian fellowship is always biblical restoration. Addressing sin requires deep prayerfulness, carefulness, and absolute truthfulness. We must approach those overtaken by sin with gentleness, keeping a watchful eye on our own proneness to temptation. Key Biblical Takeaways: - True spiritual maturity is proven not by theological knowledge alone, but by how we practically interact with fellow believers who stumble. - Believers must actively care enough about their brethren to gently restore them to a place of biblical obedience. - Legalism approaches sin with pride and condemnation, while the Spirit of God produces humble restoration and genuine healing. - Confronting sin requires a gentle spirit born out of a profound awareness of our own weakness and susceptibility to temptation.

In Romans 15:30-33, we encounter a powerful appeal that challenges our understanding of prayer and vulnerability within the body of Christ. The Greek word 'parakaleo' - meaning to urge, appeal, or earnestly request - frames this passage with urgency and importance. What's striking is that the Apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament and planted churches throughout the known world, doesn't end this section with requests for money, recognition, or applause. Instead, he asks for something far more valuable: prayer. This reveals a profound truth about spiritual leadership and community - even the most mature believers need the prayer support of others. Paul's request isn't self-centered but gospel-centered; he asks for protection as he returns to Jerusalem (ironically, to the very place where he once persecuted Christians) so he can continue his ministry. This passage invites us to examine our own approach to prayer and community. Are we willing to be vulnerable enough to ask others to pray for us? Do we follow through when someone shares their burdens with us, or do we offer empty promises of 'I'll pray for you' without actually doing it? The call here is to become a people who genuinely bear one another's burdens, who stir up one another to love and good works, and who don't neglect meeting together for mutual encouragement. Prayer isn't meant to be a hyper-spiritual, eloquent performance - it's simply conversation with our Father, who wants to hear from us about everything, including the needs of those around us.**Sermon Notes – Romans 15:30–33 – “An Appeal to Pray”****Text:** Romans 15:30–33  > “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf…”---### 1. The Weight of “I Appeal to You” (Parakaleō)  - Paul isn't making a casual suggestion; he's urgently calling for attention and response.  - *Parakaleō* = to urge, exhort, strongly request, comfort, encourage.  - Other places Paul “appeals”:   - Romans 12:1–2 – present your bodies as living sacrifices.   - Romans 16:17 – watch out for those who cause divisions.   - 1 Cor 4:16; 16:15; Eph 4:1; 1 Thess 4:1 – walk worthy, imitate Christ, submit to godly leaders.  - Idea: “Look at me. Listen. This really matters.”---### 2. The Specific Appeal: Pray With Me (v. 30–31)  - “Strive together with me in your prayers” – prayer is hard work, shared labor.  - Paul, the great apostle, openly asks for help. No spiritual lone rangers.  - His requests:   - Protection from unbelievers in Judea.   - That his service to Jerusalem would be acceptable.   - That he might come to Rome with joy and be refreshed.  - His prayer is gospel-centered, not comfort-centered: protection **for mission**, not just ease.---### 3. Why This Matters for the Church  **a. Appeal for Prayer**  - Normal Christian life: asking for prayer, not pretending “I'm fine.”  - Requires humility, vulnerability, transparency.**b. Encourage Those Who Ask**  - Don't just say, “I'll pray for you” and walk away.  - Listen, ask wise questions (as appropriate), pray *on the spot* when possible.  - Keep checking in: bear one another's burdens (Gal 6:2).**c. Follow Through in Prayer**  - Prayer is simple conversation with the Father, not performance.  - Use reminders, texts, calls; let people know you're praying (Phil 1:3–5).  **d. Pray for Leaders**  - Spiritual leaders (pastors, elders, parents, civil leaders) carry heavy responsibility.  - Like Paul, they need protection, wisdom, clarity, and perseverance.---## Practical Applications1. **Ask for Prayer This Week**    - Tell at least one trusted believer one real struggle and ask them to pray specifically.2. **Pray Immediately**    - When someone shares a need, stop and pray with them right then if at all possible.3. **Create a Prayer List**    - Include: family, church leaders, one hurting friend, one non-Christian, one global need.4. **Gospel-Shape Your Prayers**    - Add: “How does the gospel advance in this situation?” and pray toward that.5. **Commit to Pray for Leaders**    - Choose one leader (church, home, or civic) and pray for them daily for the next week.---## Discussion Questions1. What does Paul's repeated “I appeal to you” reveal about how seriously he takes prayer?  2. Why is it hard for you personally to admit “I'm not okay” and ask for prayer?  3. When have you actually felt “striving together” with someone in prayer? What was that like?  4. How can we as a group move beyond “I'll pray for you” to real follow-through?  5. In what ways are your prayers currently more self-centered than gospel-centered?  6. What specific things should we be praying for our church's leaders right now?

What should we do with our anxiety from our cares of life? Can we pray for anything and everything? And does God always give us what we ask for? Pastor Luck Yong learns from Apostle Paul who teaches us how to pray from this classic passage on prayer, as well as learning from Paul's life and prayers. Come join Pastor Luck You and learn together as he shares from Philippians 4:4-9.

In the Apostle Paul's writings, the concept of sonship refers to the spiritual adoption of believers into God's family as His children through faith in Jesus Christ. This adoption transforms a person's status from being enslaved to sin, fear, or religious legalism into one of freedom, intimacy, and inheritance as a beloved heir of God. It's not about striving, working, or earning a good standing with God. It is all about but a divine act of grace, where the Holy Spirit is given to believers as a seal and witness of this new relationship, enabling them to approach God as "Father" with confidence and cry out to Him in a personal, relational way. Knowing this is a powerful key to transforming our understanding of the Christian experience.

Ministry is harder than it looks. Marriages fall apart. Leaders walk away. Good people quit. So how do you make it to the end?In this message from 1 Timothy 4, Pastor Jim walks through five things the Apostle Paul gives to a young pastor named Timothy to help him finish well — and they apply to every Christian, not just pastors.The big idea: train hard for godliness. Not to earn God's love. From it.In this message: • Why godliness requires intentional training (not just good intentions) • How to live intergenerationally and why it matters • What it means to immerse yourself in Scripture for the long game • How to discover and operate in your spiritual gifts • Why your perseverance isn't just about youIf you've ever felt like quitting — your faith, your marriage, your ministry — this one's for you.

How's your attitude at work? Attitudes are contagious. But the question is: Would anyone want to catch yours? I believe this is one of the areas we can have a strong witness on our jobs, if we can keep our attitudes where they should be. I'm thinking one of the toughest situations to deal with—one that can really affect your attitude—is when you work with someone who gripes and complains all the time. I mean, how do you keep from developing a bad attitude when that's what you hear all day long? It's the person who loves disasters and crises! They can turn a good day into a bad one in a minute. I’ve run into this kind of person on a job or two of mine. They gripe about everything and everybody and seem to really enjoy spreading any bad news they can dig up. Even when there’s something good happening, they’ll find something wrong and do their best to spoil it for everyone else. That person can get on your nerves after a while! Have you noticed when you see this person coming, you tend to get real busy or walk in the other direction? A complaining person is not someone you love to be with. We Christians can complain and gripe as good as the next person. I know how easily I can fall into that negative complaining mode. There’s a verse in the Bible that addresses this issue: Do everything without complaining or arguing (Philippians 2:14). Everything leaves no wiggle room, because it includes your unfair wages, the difficult boss, the annoying coworker, the way the company treats you, and even the weather! Complaining is such a waste of energy, and it’s stressful on you as well as everyone around you! What can a Christ-follower do if he or she works with an eternal complainer? You need to monitor yourself and not complain! If you're able to walk away or stay away from the complaining conversation that would help. Or maybe you are able to steer the conversation and brainstorm a solution, but sometimes that's not possible. Sometimes you need to set up some boundaries—especially if you've tried other tactics. A person who does her job without complaining is one of the strongest testimonies we can have for Jesus Christ. It says something about your integrity. I think complaining can easily slide into gossip, and you really don't want to go there. Studies show almost half of the people in the workplace report they really don’t like their jobs. I can just visualize those thousands and thousands of people headed out to their jobs each day dreading it. If you start your day with discouraging thoughts—telling yourself how much you don't like your job—the people you work with can see your bad attitude in your face and hear in your voice. Because you don't like your job so much, and maybe there's some good reasons for that, you probably won't do your job as well as you should and your performance will suffer. When you regularly don't do your job as well as you could, that is not only dishonest, but it's also a bad testimony. You really can't cover up a bad attitude. It keeps coming through even when you don't realize it. If someone is stuck in a job they really don't like, they probably have told themselves they have abundant reasons for not liking their job. Could be the work itself—maybe they find it boring and dull? Or could it be the environment or the people they work with? It could be there are some unhelpful or a difficult boss. We can think of lots of reasons, or excuses, that make us feel like we have a right to complain about our job! It's amazing how we can deceive ourselves—tell ourselves things that make us feel less guilty when we know we're not representing Jesus well. As our culture is prone to say, we have a right to our bad attitude. But whatever the reason, as Christians, we don’t have such a right. We are obligated by our commitment to the principles of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to work with all our might at whatever we’re doing, because ultimately, we’re working for the Lord, not for people. What would you say to the person who has been hating her job lately? First, remember God can help you with an attitude adjustment. You may not be able to change the things you don’t like about your job, but you can, by God’s grace, change your attitude. Your attitude is your choice. There's another thing I've noticed in myself and others, and that is how upset we get over the uncontrollable things that happen in our days! It’s one of our major energy leaks, and it can really ruin your attitude. I once read if you will control the controllable, you can cope with the uncontrollable. But how often do we get upset or irritated over things which are totally out of our control? Take note the next time you're irritated by someone or something. Are you losing it over an uncontrollable thing or person? I think you may be surprised to discover how often it happens. It's a total waste of time and energy. Trying to control the uncontrollable is a futile effort and all it does is put you in a bad mood. Then, while we’re fretting over things which you cannot control, you are losing control of the things you can control. For example, we can control our words and avoid saying things that upset or discourage others. But when we’re trying to control the uncontrollable, we often lose control of the words we say and end up saying things that are hurtful or discouraging. We can control how we think and bring every thought into captivity, but when we’re trying to control the uncontrollable, we lose control of our thoughts and start thinking of all kinds of negative, unkind, and untrue things. We must remember this: if we will control the controllable, we can cope with the uncontrollable. Focus on staying in control of the things that are your responsibility; when you do, you’ll have the strength to cope with those uncontrollable events in your day. How do you do that? The Apostle Paul gave us some very good advice: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). If we really practice this principle on our jobs, we’ll have very good work attitudes, and in the process, we’ll reduce our stress, improve our productivity, and enhance our witness for the Lord. God’s Word is relevant to the uncontrollable things that will happen to you today; don’t forget it. The thing I've heard most heard from people is the problems they have with people. It reminds me of Charlie Brown's famous quote: “I love mankind. It's people I can't stand!” It just amazes me how many people don’t think like I think, don’t see things the way I see them, don’t hold the same obviously correct opinion that I hold! Scroll through social media long enough, and it's easy to think: “Why doesn't everyone see the world the way I do?” Often these conflicts can ruin our attitudes and drag us down rather quickly. We need some biblical responses to help us keep our attitudes where they should be—positive and full of grace. One thing I have learned to do when some person is bringing me down is to put them in another frame. To see them differently. This is a wonderful way to keep your attitude in good shape, and it’s right out of God’s Word: If you believe in goodness and if you value the approval of God, fix your minds on whatever is true and honorable and just and pure and lovely and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8, J. B. Phillips). Often when we must deal with unpleasant people, we focus so much on their negative qualities that we totally lose sight of their good ones. Another Bible translation says to think about the good reports. I love that phrase, because so often, I’m prone to think about the bad reports. The person who is causing you trouble right now—there is some good report about him or her if you’ll just look for it. Make yourself think about the good report, the new frame you’ve put them in. You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to get along with them. Once you get used to this practice of re-framing people who are difficult, you’ll discover the great side benefits: Reduced stress, less anxiety, better sleep, happier days. You will benefit more than anyone else when you learn to re-frame and think about the good reports, not just the bad ones. Another thing I've noticed is the lack of gratitude—being thankful for your job, for all the good things God has given us. We can get so focused on the negative things about our jobs or other people, that we forget the good things. Gratitude is so important and will go a long way in keeping our attitudes in good shape. Lately I've become even more conscious of how important it is to simply be thankful. To thank God for all his goodness; and to thank others who contribute good to our lives. The Apostle Paul wrote: Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything… (Ephesians 5:19-20). Give thanks for everything. That's clear. Aren't you glad Paul didn’t say we are to feel thankful, because often those feelings just aren’t there? But we can still choose to be thankful by reciting words of thanks and refusing to allow our attitudes to get into the griping pits. It's good to remind ourselves we have a choice each day as to what our attitude will be for that day. It's so much more pleasant and peaceful and stress-free to keep our attitudes in good shape. Our attitudes are our choice, and we should make it a matter of daily prayer.

Did the Apostle Paul invent Christianity? Did his teachings contradict the message of Jesus? These claims have become increasingly common in popular books, documentaries, podcasts, and online discussions. The Fellows refute this idea and present compelling reasons to see and believe that the New Testament speaks with one voice. More from 1517: Give to the June 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser! Learn more about the 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education   New Books from 1517 Publishing: By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation   More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman   Follow 1517:  Instagram X/Twitter Facebook

Recent episodes have put an emphasis on growing in our knowledge of Christ in relation to how Christians should think about certain abortion legislation being proposed nationally. But shouldn't that apply to the way Christians legislators think and talk about law and public policy advocacy generally, or even a Christian with a neighbor? What might that look like? Two passages of Scripture and a comment by John Owen provide an answer, and David offer two challenging applications of it.Support the show: https://www.factennessee.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello, I'm Jeff Shepard. Welcome back. We have reached part 9 of 10 in this series. Over the past several episodes, we have traced one single lie from the Garden of Eden through every layer of deception that has entered the church. You will be like God. We saw how Helena Blavatsky and Alice Bailey laid the occult foundation. We examined Azusa Street and the Ladder Rain movement, where signs and wonders were mixed with chaos, extra-biblical revelations, and the elevation of man. Then we heard modern teachers openly declare that we are little gods, that Jesus was not fully God until his baptism or resurrection, and that we can ascend to the same level. Today, we pull it all together and look at the modern expression, the Seven Mountain Mandate and the not-so-secret New World Order Church. The Seven Mountain Mandate teaches that the church must take dominion over seven spheres, or mountains, of society, the government, media, education, business, family, religion, and arts and entertainment, and build the kingdom of God on earth before Jesus can return. Lance Wallnau, one of the leading voices of this teaching, explains it this way. There are seven molders of culture. He who could take those kingdoms could take the harvest of nations. These seven fields of influence can literally shape the agenda that forms nations. Johnny Enloe, in his book The Seven Mountain Prophecy, takes it even further. The father says to the son, once you have purchased redemption, you will remain up there as the head and your body on earth will crush your enemies. Your body, in fact, will not be a beautiful bride until she has accomplished this by crushing Satan. This is dominionism and Kingdom Now theology in action. The church is called to conquer and rule the nation so Jesus can finally return. It sounds spiritual, it sounds victorious, but it directly contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture. Jesus himself said in Matthew 24, 4-5, See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in my name saying, I am the Christ, and they will mislead many. The Apostle Paul warned in 1 Timothy 4-1, but the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. And in 2 Timothy 4, 3-4, For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. Revelation makes it plain, Jesus brings his kingdom when he returns. We are not called to build it for him. We are called to be faithful witnesses, to make disciples of individuals, and to live as salt and light in a fallen world until he comes. Even in the middle of all this mixture, God is still there for anyone who is genuinely seeking the real Jesus, the eternal Son of God who became flesh, died for our sins, rose again, and is coming back as King. He meets sincere seekers wherever they are. But we are commanded to test everything. We cannot accept teachers who deny the deity of Christ, who call us little gods, or who say we must conquer the nations before Jesus returns. The focus must remain on the unchanging word of God. Be a Berean. Search the scriptures daily. Do not let anyone, no matter how famous or how many miracles they claim to pull you away from the truth that Jesus is Lord, fully God, and fully man, and that salvation is found in Him alone. I'm Jeff Shepard. This series has been about exposing the subtle shift so you will not be deceived. Next episode, we conclude with Part 10. I ask that you share this series with other believers, church leaders, and loved ones. Also, make sure to like each episode and subscribe. In the meantime, remember to love the one true God with all your heart, love your family, love your neighbor as yourself, and make a difference in your community. Thank you for Listening!. Prayerfully consider investing support to continue spreading the word. Please like, subscribe and share. Click Here for all links, Right on Community ROC, Podcast web links, Freebies, Products (healing mushrooms, EMP Protection) Social media, courses and more...https://linktr.ee/RightonRadio Live Right in the Real World! We talk God and Politics, Faith Based Broadcast News, views, Opinions and Attitudes Keep the Faith

Pastor Cameron looks at an amazing request by the Apostle Paul on today's episode - Paul asked Philemon to treat Onesimus the same way he would treat Paul! This reminds us that we are to treat all of our brothers and sisters in the Lord, regardless of their past, with the greatest kindness and hospitality. 

Send us Fan MailThis Podcast is part of a 10-year project to complete an in-depth, daily study of the entire Bible, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. Episode Notes: Avoiding Discouragement When Times Are Tough. (Ephesians 3: 1-13)Today we come to a passage that speaks right into the heart of something every believer faces sooner or later: Discouragement. And what makes this passage so powerful is that Paul writes it from prison.He is cut off from the churches he longs to visit, living through circumstances he did not choose and cannot change, and yet he is not discouraged. In fact, he writes to the Ephesians so that they won't be discouraged on his behalf.I don't pretend to have all the answers. But today I can tell you how the Apostle Paul handled discouragement, because he faced it, he lived through it, and he wrote about it with remarkable clarity.  And to see how Paul dealt with discouragement, we only need to look at what he says here in Ephesians 3….Support the showThis podcast is not associated with the Bible Project YouTube channel or any other associated podcasts that use the name 'Bible Project'. It is entirely the work of Jeremy R McCandless...Follow and support me on Patreon.Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | PatreonTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | SubstackCheck out my other Podcasts.My History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comThe L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.comThe Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891The Classic Literature Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle, and now also on Audible, Visit:Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest...

Saint Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles, a Galilean; the Gospel accounts say little more about him. It is said that, after receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, he traveled in the service of the Gospel to Arabia and Persia, and brought to India a translation of the Gospel according to Matthew. Eusebius writes that one hundred years later Pantaenus, an illustrious Alexandrian scholar, found this gospel when he traveled in India. By most accounts Bartholomew ended his life in Armenia, where he met his martyrdom by crucifixion. According to many, he and Nathaniel are the same person: the Gospel accounts that speak of Bartholomew do not mention Nathaniel; and St John's Gospel,which mentions Nathanael as one of the Twelve, does not mention Bartholomew. But according to the Greek Synaxarion, Bartholomew and Simon the Zealot are one and the same.   Saint Barnabas was one of the Seventy, from Cyprus, a Levite and at one time a fellow-student with St Paul under Gamaliel. After Christ's Ascension, he led the Seventy until the Apostle Paul's conversion. He is mentioned often in the Acts of the Apostles, which describes some of his travels as a companion of St Paul. By all accounts, he was the first to preach the Gospel of Christ in Rome and in Milan. His wonder-working relics were discovered on the island of Cyprus in the time of the Emperor Zeno; on this basis the Church of Cyprus was established as an independent Church, since it had an apostolic foundation.

Welcome to the Podcast of Southwest Bible Fellowship in Tempe, Arizona. WHO ARE WE? • We are a group of people who are committed to living the grace life as set forth by the apostle of the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul. • We come together to study our Bibles, and yes, we believe we have God's perfect Word in the King James Bible. It and it alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice! • We do not come together and study our Bibles for the intent of being smarter than others. We understand that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is purely vain and serves no Godly purpose. • We do come together and study our Bibles for the intent of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. (Philippians 3:10) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that we have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless we live; yet not us, but Christ liveth in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. (Galatians 2:20) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that because Jesus Christ shed His blood for us and we should not live for ourselves but for Him, who died for us and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15) • We do not claim to have attained to these lofty goals, but we press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) You can donate to this ministry through www.butnow.org and the PayPal button on the homepage.

The Living Connection Between Word and Spirit In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk—Jewish believers dedicated to seeing Jew and Gentile become one in faith—explore the deep, structural connection between the written Word of God and the active presence of the Holy Spirit. Key Takeaways The Anchor Verse (John 6:63): The episode centers on Jesus' declaration: "It is the Spirit who gives life... the words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life." The hosts emphasize that without the Holy Spirit, scripture remains a dead letter; with the Spirit, it becomes an active, life-giving force. The Spirit as God’s Heart-Revealer: Reading from 1 Corinthians 2, June points out that just as no one knows a person's inner motives except their own spirit, no one can truly know the thoughts and heart of God except the Spirit of God. She notes that born-again believers have this "Spirit of truth" living within them to guide daily life and bring personal transformation. Demonstration of Power (1 Corinthians 2:1–5): Shelley highlights the Apostle Paul’s approach to preaching, noting that Paul didn't rely on superior human intellect or persuasive words of wisdom. Instead, his message was a direct demonstration of the Spirit and power, ensuring that listeners' faith rested on God rather than human philosophy. A Multi-Generational Promise: Turning to the Old Testament covenant in Isaiah 59:21, the hosts discuss God's promise that His Spirit and Words will not depart from His people or their descendants. June shares a personal family testimony, tracing how this promise came alive in their own lives—from their radical conversion in 1976 to seeing their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren actively living out the faith. The Spirit Precedes the Word: Shelley looks back at Genesis 1 to show a divine pattern: the Spirit of God moved over the face of the waters before God spoke light into existence. He connects this to the New Testament (Acts 4 and Acts 13), where believers were first filled with the Holy Spirit before they could speak the Word of God with boldness. Shelly has served the body of Christ as a Pastor for over 35 years. He is a bible teacher and conference speaker on the subjects of The Kingdom of God, The Mystery of Israel & The Church and for God’s people to be prepared in their hearts for the end of this age. https://shellyandjunevolk.com/Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Church discipline. In many churches it has fallen out of favor and practice as we conform more and more to the world's standards. The Apostle Paul, however, faced the problem head on and left us timeless advice for this necessary practice. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he explores Paul's commands for dealing with sin in the church. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/581/29?v=20251111

Paul repeats the word beware three times here. It is as thoughhe is sounding a spiritual alarm. He is saying, “Watch out! Be careful! Payattention!” He uses such strong language because false teaching isdangerous.  Paulis warning the Philippians about a group of false teachers known as theJudaizers. These men seemed to follow the Apostle Paul everywhere he went,spreading their false doctrine. They said, “Jesus is good, but you must alsokeep the Law of Moses. You must be circumcised. You must become Jewish beforeyou can really be saved.” In other words, they were teaching Jesus plussomething. But the true gospel is never Jesus plus anything. The true gospel isJesus alone. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Thechurch council at Jerusalem in Acts 15 settled that question for the earlychurch. But some people refused to listen and continued teaching these things.So Paul describes them with three vivid pictures. First, he calls them “dogs”.When you hear that word, you might think of your beloved family pet. But thatis not the picture here. In Bible times, dogs were wild scavengers that roamedthe streets. They fed on garbage, carried disease, and could be dangerous. Theyoften traveled in packs. Ironically,the Jews often called the Gentiles dogs. But Paul turns that insult around andsays that these false teachers are the real dogs. They kept snapping at theheels of the Apostle Paul as he went about sharing the good news that Christalone saves. They followed him from city to city, barking their false doctrinesand causing confusion among new believers. My friend, false teaching isdangerous because it often sounds very close to the truth. A counterfeit maylook real, but it is still counterfeit. A glass of water may appear pure, butone ounce of poison destroys the whole thing. That is why we must know God'sWord. Second,Paul calls these false teachers “evil workers”. These men appeared to bevery religious. They were busy, sincere, and devoted. But Paul says their workswere actually evil. They were evil workers because they were trusting in humaneffort rather than God's grace alone. They were teaching people to depend onwhat they could do instead of what Christ had already done for them. Titus 3:5says, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to Hismercy He saves us.” Good works do not produce salvation; good works are theresult of salvation. There is a big difference. The only thing that can save usis the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Third,Paul calls these Judaizers “the mutilation.” This is actually a play onwords. The Judaizers insisted that circumcision was necessary for salvation.Paul is saying that when a God-given symbol is turned into a requirement forsalvation, it loses its spiritual meaning and becomes nothing more than aphysical act. The true circumcision is not outward; it is inward. Romans2:28-29 tells us that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, performed bythe Spirit of God. God has always been interested in the heart. Religionfocuses on outward appearance; God focuses on inward reality.Today,we need discernment. The only way we can have that discernment is by being inGod's Word and filling our hearts and minds with His truth. When we handle thetruth regularly, we immediately recognize false teaching when it appears. Let me encourage you to test everything by Scripture. Know your Bible.Stay close to Jesus. Guard your heart. Never allow anything to take the placeof the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Let'spray. Father, thank You for the simple and glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.Give us discernment in these days when so many voices compete for ourattention. Help us recognize false teaching and stand firmly on the truth ofYour Word. May our confidence rest in Jesusalone. We pray this in His precious name. Amen.

In Episode #213 of the Way of the Bible podcast, Dr. Philip Zimmerman continues the mini-series Response to the Sermon on the Mount by examining Jesus' teaching about the wise man who built his house upon the rock. The focus of this episode is what believers are called to do when the storms of life arrive: stand and stand firm. The discussion begins with Peter's famous encounter with Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee. After seeing Jesus on the water, Peter boldly asks to join Him. At Jesus' command, Peter steps out of the boat and walks across the waves. Yet after successfully reaching Jesus, Peter notices the wind, becomes afraid, and begins to sink.This moment serves as a powerful picture of the Christian life. Many believers begin their journey with enthusiasm and faith. They experience God's power and guidance. Yet when challenges, opposition, doubts, or distractions arise, their focus shifts from Christ to circumstances.The episode emphasizes that Peter's problem was not the wind or the waves. The issue was doubt. His attention moved from Jesus to the storm.Drawing from numerous passages throughout Scripture, the episode demonstrates that God consistently calls His people to stand firm. Moses instructed Israel to stand firm before the Red Sea. King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were told to stand firm and watch God fight on their behalf. The Apostle Paul repeatedly urged believers to stand firm in faith, freedom, grace, and truth.A major theme of the episode is spiritual warfare. Jesus prepared His disciples not merely for ministry success but for opposition. As believers mature in Christ and become more effective witnesses, they often encounter resistance from spiritual forces seeking to distract, discourage, and derail them.The solution is not retreat. It is steadfastness.The episode highlights Ephesians 6 and the armor of God, reminding listeners that they are engaged in a spiritual battle. Believers are called to put on truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God so they can withstand attacks and remain standing.The message concludes by challenging listeners to consider where Jesus may be calling them to step out of the boat. Faith is not simply believing Jesus can do the impossible. Faith is continuing to trust Him after the first step has been taken.The call of Christ is clear: hear His words, obey them, keep your eyes fixed on Him, and stand firm regardless of the storms that arise.For those who build their lives upon the Rock, the rain may fall, the streams may rise, and the winds may beat against the house—but it will not fall, because it has been founded upon Jesus Christ. 

I was a Flash Gordon freak when I was a kid. Now, you probably have led a deprived life and you may be saying, “Flash who?” Let me bring you up-to-date. Flash Gordon was an inter-galactic hero that was made famous in a serialized movie that I think might have been filmed way back in the 1930s. No, I did not see it when it first came out! But it kept going on and on and on forever. I think you might still be able to find it sometimes on late night TV. Every episode ended with Flash Gordon in a jam, and he was always ready to be destroyed by some space monster or death ray. And you were sure there was no way Flash was going to get out of this one. There always was. He always did, and there is always a way out for you and me, too, if you're working for the right director. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “Rescued Again and Again.” Now, you probably have a life full of close calls, just like old Flash Gordon. Except his were on movies and yours and mine are for real. There's a man who had a life full of close calls in the Bible – the Apostle Paul. He talks about them in our word for today from the Word of God, 2 Timothy 3:11 he says, “You know the persecutions and sufferings and what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured.” But listen to this, “Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” Now, I have kind of a convoluted mind (you know that already), because as soon as I read that verse, I think of Flash Gordon. No, he's not in the Bible, and I know I've got a mental problem. I can't help that, but I remember that he was always rescued out of every close call. That's the bottom line for every child of God. He will sometimes let you go to the edge. It may look like there's no way out, but He will never let you go over the edge. “But the Lord rescued me out of them all.” You can say that, and so can I. It's not that it hasn't been close sometimes, but just look at the exciting episodes from your past; the time that the money ran out, or your friends ran out, or your family ran out, or your strength ran out. Maybe you've been so lonely at times in the past you couldn't stand it, or frustrated because every door seemed to slam shut in your face. There were these people that you had depended on, and they were suddenly gone. Or maybe you're hopelessly buried in work and responsibility and stress. And you say, “I'll never get out of this mess!” You've been to the edge of desperation, but remember the Lord rescued you out of them all. Maybe you're in a perilous or a painful place again. This time it looks like there is no way out of this, but then it's looked like that before at the end of other episodes and you're still here. Get some perspective. Stand back. Remember a lifetime of the Lord rescuing you. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out..." He will let you have heavy loads, but never more than you can handle. Jesus is, after all, your Savior. He can save you from this comparatively small crisis. He'll change the situation or He'll enlarge you to deal with the situation. But one way or the other, your Savior will rescue you. Look, He always has. Now, Flash Gordon, my old hero, got in big trouble – some big jams, a lot of close calls – so will you. But Flash Gordon always got rescued, and so will you. The God of the universe is writing your script and the God of the universe is producing your future.