Podcasts about apostle paul

Status, Power, Influence, Like Refuse Paul Threw It All Out MESSAGE SUMMARY: What are we truly aiming for in life? This powerful message challenges us to examine our ultimate goals and purpose. Drawing from Philippians 3:7-15, we're invited to reflect on the Apostle Paul's radical transformation - from chasing earthly accolades to pursuing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul's journey reminds us that success without Christ isn't true success at all. The message encourages us to shift our focus from temporary achievements to lasting transformation, emphasizing that our identity should be rooted in our relationship with Jesus, not in our accomplishments or status. As we contemplate our own lives, we're urged to consider: are we striving for Christ-centered righteousness or merely following religious rules? This introspection can lead us to a deeper, more purposeful faith journey.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Anger. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Forgiveness. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  Philippians 3:7-15 (main passage); Philippians 3:4-6; Acts 9 (Paul's conversion); Romans 3:20; Ephesians 2:8-9. 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

Detailed Sermon Summary:  "Legacy of Love: The Greatest Motivation" Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. The sermon “Legacy of Love” explores how the love of God not only saves believers but also transforms their motivations, directs their lives, and creates a spiritual legacy that can be placed within other people. The central text is 2 Corinthians 5:14–15: “For the love of Christ compels us…that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” The central message is that the God-kind of love is the greatest motivating power in a believer's life. Christ's love should control, compel, and redirect believers so that they no longer live primarily for themselves but for Jesus Christ and the purposes of God. The God-Kind of Love Because the word “love” is used in many different ways, the sermon begins by distinguishing biblical love from friendship, romantic affection, physical attraction, or human sentiment. The love being discussed is the God-kind of love. John 3:16 provides the clearest definition of this love: God loved the world so deeply that He gave His only begotten Son. God's love was demonstrated through sacrifice and action. However, the sacrifice involved more than the Father sending the Son. Jesus also had to willingly accept the assignment. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus struggled with the suffering He was about to face, yet He submitted Himself to the Father's will, saying, “Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours be done.” The God-kind of love, therefore, is a love that willingly sacrifices itself for others. It does for people what they cannot do for themselves. God sent Jesus, and Jesus willingly gave His life to redeem humanity. The Meaning of Legacy Legacy is defined as what a person leaves behind through character, influence, values, accomplishments, relationships, service, teaching, and personal example. Legacy is not limited to money, property, or material possessions. It includes the lasting impact of how a person lived, loved, served, taught, encouraged, and inspired others. An important distinction is made between inheritance and legacy: Inheritance is what we leave to people. Legacy is what we leave within people. Material possessions can be spent, lost, or consumed. However, what has been deposited within a person can continue shaping that person's life and can be passed on to future generations. God did not merely give believers something to possess. Through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, God placed His love within them. That love changes their character, thinking, priorities, and motivations. The Pattern of Spiritual Legacy The pattern of the legacy of love flows: From God the Father, to Jesus Christ, to believers, and then through believers to other people. God placed His love and purpose within Christ. Christ places that same love within believers. Believers are then responsible for placing truth, wisdom, faith, encouragement, and godly values within others. This is especially important for people who work with others, including pastors, teachers, counselors, parents, mentors, community leaders, and those who minister to young people. True influence is more than giving people material assistance. Giving food, resources, or practical help is important, but love also seeks to place something lasting within people. The goal is not only to put something into their hands but also to put truth, hope, wisdom, faith, discipline, and purpose into their hearts and minds. This is why education, counseling, mentoring, ministry, public policy, and advocacy are so important. Good policies and systems help create environments where people can receive what they need to grow and flourish. Love motivates believers not only to serve individuals but also to stand and fight for what is right. What Love Does The sermon describes several ways that love actively works: Love is leverage. It has the power to influence, lift, strengthen, and transform people. Love is light. It dispels darkness, exposes deception, and reveals truth. Love is life. It brings hope, renewal, restoration, and spiritual vitality. Love is liberty. It frees people from fear, guilt, sin, bondage, and oppressive motivations. Love is labor. True love works, serves, sacrifices, remains committed, and accepts responsibility. Love is lordship. It flows from allowing Jesus Christ to rule within the heart. All these qualities originate in the truth that God is love. God possesses many attributes, including power, holiness, majesty, wisdom, and glory, but His actions toward humanity flow from His loving nature. Love caused God to send Jesus. Love caused Jesus to accept the cross. Love causes believers to serve others even when circumstances suggest they have already done enough. Love as the Greatest Motivation The greatest motivation is not recognition, convenience, personal gain, emotional excitement, or public approval. The greatest motivation is the God-kind of love. Emotions and inspiration may rise and fall, but the love of God remains present within the believer. Human motivation cannot always be trusted because it is often influenced by selfishness, fear, pride, comfort, or circumstances. However, when the Spirit of Christ is working within believers, God's love can reorient their motivations. The love of Christ causes people to continue serving when service is difficult. It motivates them to remain faithful when their minds or circumstances suggest that they should withdraw, slow down, or give up. Paul's Labor to Form Christ in People Galatians 4:19 reveals the Apostle Paul's motivation: “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.” Paul used the language of childbirth and labor to describe his ministry. He did not simply enter a city, preach a sermon, and immediately leave. He often remained with people for extended periods because he wanted Christ to be formed within them. Formation takes time. Whether someone is cooking, painting, building, teaching, mentoring, or developing another person, meaningful results rarely happen instantly. Important things must be worked, shaped, nurtured, and developed. Modern society often demands immediate results, but spiritual formation does not work that way. The legacy of love requires patience, presence, commitment, and sustained labor. “If One Died for All, Then All Died” In 2 Corinthians 5:14, Paul writes: “If One died for all, then all died.” Jesus died on behalf of every person. His death provided the possibility of salvation and new life for everyone. This does not mean that everyone is automatically saved. It means that the provision for salvation has already been made and is available to all who believe. Salvation is therefore not far away. Romans 10:8–9 teaches that the word is near, in a person's mouth and heart. When a person confesses Jesus as Lord and believes that God raised Him from the dead, that person will be saved. People may think they are not ready to receive salvation, but Christ has already completed the necessary work. The provision is ready. The invitation is near. They must recognize their spiritual condition and receive what Christ has provided. Apart from Christ, people may be physically alive but spiritually dead. Christ's death and resurrection make genuine spiritual life possible. Living No Longer for Ourselves Second Corinthians 5:15 explains the proper response to Christ's sacrifice: “He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” Once people understand that Christ died to give them life, their motivations should change. They should no longer view life as something to be lived only for personal pleasure, comfort, advancement, or self-interest. Those who have experienced God's grace should ask: Why am I still alive? What has God preserved me to accomplish? How should I live in light of what Christ has done? What should motivate my decisions? Believers do not need to experience a near-death event before appreciating that life is a gift from God. Every day should be lived with gratitude and purpose. Because Christ gave His life for them, believers should willingly offer their lives to Him. They retain the power to make choices, but those choices should be made in light of God's mercy and Christ's sacrifice. The Love of Christ Compels Us The word “compels” communicates a powerful controlling and directing influence. Different Bible translations express this idea in several ways: The love of Christ “controls and compels us.” Believers are “ruled by the love of Christ.” Love is the “controlling force” in the believer's life. Christ's love takes hold of believers so completely that they can no longer continue living according to their former motivations. God's love is stronger and more dependable than temporary emotional excitement. Inspiration may come and go, but the love of God remains within believers as a sustaining and guiding force. God's Love as a Spiritual GPS The sermon uses GPS technology as an illustration of how the love of Christ directs believers. When someone enters a destination into a GPS, the system does more than show the person's current location. It continually provides direction. It tells the driver where to turn, warns when the driver has gone off course, and recalculates after a wrong turn. In the same way, the love of Christ becomes a controlling direction in the believer's life. God's love: Sets the destination. Influences decisions. Gives direction. Warns when a person is drifting. Redirects after mistakes. Brings the believer back on course. The love of God is like a spiritual GPS. It does not merely provide information; it provides direction and redirection. During a ministry trip through the northern deserts of Kenya, there was no cellular service, yet GPS continued to work because it communicated through satellites. That experience illustrates God's spiritual presence. Even when normal human connections, resources, or familiar supports are unavailable, God remains present and able to guide. Just as GPS has become a dependable tool for navigation, believers should learn to depend even more completely upon the love and presence of God. Replacing Lesser Motivations If believers possess the love of Christ, they should not continue depending upon older, inferior motivations. Some lesser motivations include: What I want. What benefits me. How other people see me. What makes me comfortable. How I can maintain control. Fear of criticism. Desire for approval. Self-preservation. Pride. Anger. Personal convenience. Concern about how others see us can be especially damaging because people often imagine what others think without having any evidence. Like the Israelites who assumed that the inhabitants of Canaan viewed them as grasshoppers, people sometimes allow imaginary judgments to keep them from entering God's promises. Believers must become dead to these lesser motivations and alive to the legacy of love. Settling the Matter in Our Minds Paul says, “We judge thus,” meaning that believers must reach a settled conclusion. There are certain truths about which believers should stop wavering. They must make firm decisions from which they will not retreat. This is not a time for spiritual indecision. In a rapidly changing and unstable world, believers cannot remain in a state of confusion or perpetual hesitation. They must settle certain matters in their hearts: Christ died for all. Christ died for me. My life belongs to God. I will no longer live only for myself. The love of Christ will motivate my decisions. I will follow God's direction. I will not return to lesser motivations. When the love of God is operating within a believer, decisions motivated by that love will lead in a righteous direction. Believers should question selfish thinking, but they should not continually question the genuine work God is doing within their hearts. Crucified With Christ Galatians 2:20 summarizes the entire message: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” The old, sinful, self-centered person has been crucified with Christ. The believer now lives a new life through faith in the Son of God. Paul does not merely speak of “my life.” He speaks of “the life which I now live.” This distinction is important because the Christian life is not simply an improved version of the old life. It is the life of Christ operating within the believer. A life controlled only by human ability is limited. A person relying entirely upon “my life,” “my wisdom,” and “my strength” must attempt to solve every problem and confront every spiritual battle alone. However, believers are not limited to themselves. Christ lives within them. They live by faith in the Son of God, who loved them and gave Himself for them. This is the legacy of love: Christ gave Himself so that His life, love, character, power, and motivation could be formed within His people. The Closing Confession of Faith The sermon concludes with a corporate confession affirming the following truths: Believers are living in the legacy of love provided by Almighty God and Jesus Christ. What they have received from God is not only with them but also within them. They are moving away from lesser motivations toward greater motivations. The greatest motivation is the God-kind of love. The love of Christ compels, controls, and motivates them. Because Jesus died and rose again, they no longer have to live for themselves. They can live for the One who died for them and gave them new life. God's legacy of love functions as their spiritual GPS. Their direction and redirection come from the Lord. God's love motivates them to live beyond: Personal desires. Self-interest. The opinions of others. Comfort. The desire to control everything. They have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer the old self that lives, but Christ lives within them. The life they now live is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved them and gave Himself for them. Central Message The central truth of “Legacy of Love” is that God's love is not merely something believers receive and enjoy. It is something God places within them to transform how they think, live, decide, serve, and influence others. The legacy of love begins with God, is revealed through Jesus Christ, is deposited within believers, and is passed from believers into the lives of others. Because Christ died and rose again, believers are called to abandon selfish and lesser motivations. They are to allow Christ's love to become the controlling, compelling, and directing force of their lives. A genuine legacy of love is created when believers not only give things to people but also place something lasting within them—faith, truth, hope, wisdom, character, courage, purpose, and the life of Christ.

Lying. Losing your temper. Taking things that aren't yours. Talking trash. Holding a grudge. None of these would make your "top 10 worst sins" list — so why does the Apostle Paul stop to call them out? Pastor Michael unpacks the three hidden wounds that even "small," everyday sins cause — and the three cures God has already provided in Christ. This isn't a guilt trip. It's a look at why sin is heavier than we think, and why grace is bigger than we imagined.

In this message, Pastor Caleb discusses the people who are enemies of the cross of Christ who pervert the Gospel of Jesus.  The Apostle Paul describes these individuals as dogs.  May Christians know how to handle these types of people in their lives and remain stronger believers in God.  Send us Fan MailSupport the showFor more information for our church visit AGCSparta.org.  

In today's sermon, Burning Daylight, Pastor Mark takes us to Romans 13:11–14, where the Apostle Paul reminds believers that the time is short and the call to live for Christ is urgent. As followers of Jesus, we cannot afford to drift through life spiritually asleep.Pastor Mark challenges us with three simple but powerful commands:Wake up – Recognize the urgency of the times and our need to live with spiritual awareness.Get dressed – Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and live in a way that reflects His holiness and righteousness.Be ready – Live each day prepared to fulfill the mission Christ has given His Church.This message reminds us that our ultimate purpose is found in The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). Every believer has been called to make disciples, and every church has been commissioned to take the gospel to the world.Pastor Mark also gives a timely reminder that the enemy often distracts the church with internal disagreements. Instead of allowing conflict and personal preferences to divide us, we are called to pursue unity, love one another, and stay focused on the mission Jesus has entrusted to us.

In this message, Pastor Caleb discusses the people who are enemies of the cross of Christ who pervert the Gospel of Jesus.  The Apostle Paul describes these individuals as dogs.  May Christians know how to handle these types of people in their lives and remain stronger believers in God.  Send us Fan MailSupport the showFor more information for our church visit AGCSparta.org.  

"Paraphrase Upon the Epistle of Paul to the Galatians" by Thomas Boston is a reflective work crafted during his early ministry, originally intended for personal growth rather than publication. This thoughtful paraphrase offers insights into the Apostle Paul's message to the Galatians, emphasizing themes of faith and the transformative power of grace. The text serves as a valuable resource for contemporary listeners seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian doctrine and its implications for personal and communal life. Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to inspire spiritual edification and encourage the faithful in their walk with Christ, making it a meaningful addition to discussions on faith today.

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 "The Ways of A Faithful Guardian of Spiritual Treasure Part 1", discover the secret to finding spiritual strength in Christ. When tasked with guarding the gospel, believers quickly realize their own inadequacy for the mission. The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy, urging him to rely entirely on the grace that is found only in Jesus. This expository sermon on 2 Timothy 2 explores how true spiritual power is never generated by human effort but is a divine gift. Pastor Richard Caldwell explains that pastoral ministry and everyday Christian living require the exact same dependence on the Lord. God often uses our profound weakness to display His perfect power, so we must abandon self-reliance and draw upon the all-sufficient resources given to us through salvation. By examining texts like 2 Corinthians 12, we see that difficult circumstances are ordained by God for our spiritual good. Walking by faith means embracing our limitations so that the power of Christ may dwell in us. Key Biblical Takeaways: - Strength for the Christian life is an active reception of grace, requiring us to humbly yield to God rather than relying on natural ability. - God frequently ordains difficult trials to drive believers to their knees, proving that His grace is entirely sufficient for every affliction. - Authentic spiritual power is magnified in our weakness, ensuring that all glory for the preservation of truth belongs to Christ alone. - Guarding sound doctrine is not an elite calling reserved for pastors, but a daily duty sustained by the devotion of every believer.

Have you ever received an email promising you a million dollars, or watched a home makeover show where a contractor offers a completely free renovation? Our first instinct is always the same: It's too good to be true.In this powerful message, we dive into the end of Romans chapter 8 to look at one of the most famous—and hardest to believe—verses in the entire Bible: Romans 8:28. The Apostle Paul makes a bold declaration: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."Can God really take the best and worst moments of our lives and weave them together for something good? Whether you are celebrating an answered prayer or walking through a season of painful uncertainty, this message will shift your perspective on God's sovereignty, His timing, and His unshakeable love for you. this message encouraged you, please Like, Subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it today!

As believers, one of the most precious gifts that we will receive is freedom—true freedom that's found only in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 5 that Christ has set us free from the bondage of the law and sin. This freedom isn't just an intellectual concept, but it's a daily reality… The post Freedom in Christ appeared first on Calvary Chapel At The Cross.

In "The Ways of A Faithful Guardian of Spiritual Treasure Part 1", discover the secret to finding spiritual strength in Christ. When tasked with guarding the gospel, believers quickly realize their own inadequacy for the mission. The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy, urging him to rely entirely on the grace that is found only in Jesus. This expository sermon on 2 Timothy 2 explores how true spiritual power is never generated by human effort but is a divine gift. Pastor Richard Caldwell explains that pastoral ministry and everyday Christian living require the exact same dependence on the Lord. God often uses our profound weakness to display His perfect power, so we must abandon self-reliance and draw upon the all-sufficient resources given to us through salvation. By examining texts like 2 Corinthians 12, we see that difficult circumstances are ordained by God for our spiritual good. Walking by faith means embracing our limitations so that the power of Christ may dwell in us. Key Biblical Takeaways: - Strength for the Christian life is an active reception of grace, requiring us to humbly yield to God rather than relying on natural ability. - God frequently ordains difficult trials to drive believers to their knees, proving that His grace is entirely sufficient for every affliction. - Authentic spiritual power is magnified in our weakness, ensuring that all glory for the preservation of truth belongs to Christ alone. - Guarding sound doctrine is not an elite calling reserved for pastors, but a daily duty sustained by the devotion of every believer.

In this passage from Philippians 4:4–9, we learn that God's answer to anxiety is not merely to “try harder” but to trust more deeply.From a Roman prison, the Apostle Paul shows that joy is not determined by circumstances but by our relationship with Jesus Christ. He invites us to replace worry with prayer, cultivate gratitude even before answers arrive, and fill our minds with what is true, honorable, and worthy of praise. God's promise is not a life without storms but His supernatural peace in the midst of them.Pastor Lonnie's practical, hope-filled message reminds us that peace grows through daily spiritual practices of prayer, Scripture, gratitude, worship, and trusting God with what we cannot control. Whether you have walked with Christ for decades or are searching for peace in an anxious world, this sermon offers timeless encouragement: The Lord is near, and because He is near, we can face tomorrow with confidence rather than fear.

Pastor Glenn Lawson preaches on how the Apostle Paul learned to be content even while imprisoned. Paul's secret: learning how to be content in Christ.

It may come as a surprise, but in this world of stress and anxiety God doesn't want us to be afraid. But how is that supposed to work?   Do Not Worry About Anything Well, here we are – this is the last message in a series of four programmes that I have called "Do Not Be Afraid." So many people spend so much time being afraid in their lives. Either it's a crisis or just an ongoing nagging, ongoing sense that something bad is going to happen – a negativity; a pessimism, always thinking the worst. Always imaging the worst outcome – always expecting the worst. So often through the Bible, God says to His people "Do not be afraid." He doesn't want us living in fear; He doesn't want us worrying, and so many of us do. Okay, we might have a brave face; we might have a cool, calm exterior but inside, a lot of people are torn apart; shaken to the core by fear and worry. Well, today we are going to finish up this series by looking at three very practical things that we can do to overcome that. I'm talking about living a life that, by and large, is free from fear and worry. Scary things will still come along at us in life – it's about living through those things with a calm delight and a resolve, with a deep knowledge that God is in this place with us. The first thing I want to share with you is this: our mind matters! What we do with our thoughts really matters. Back in 1953 a man by the name of Norman Vincent Peale wrote a classic book – it's called "The Power of Positive Thinking" and for a long time I pooh-hooed that idea. "It's not about 'positive thinking'"; I said to myself, "it's about trusting in God." And even when I started reading his book fairly recently, I was sceptical but what he expounds in that book is exactly what God talks about in the Bible. Basically what he says is that: our mind matters. Let me take you to a passage that I often go to myself – it's written by the Apostle Paul in prison, on death row in a Roman prison, writing to his friends, the Philippians. Listen to what this man Paul writes from his dank prison cell. If you have a Bible, grab it – we are going to Philippians chapter 4 today – beginning at verse 6: Do not worry about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me and the God of peace will be with you. I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed you were concerned for me but had no opportunity to show it. Not that I'm referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need for I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Let me start with just the first couple of verses – let's look at them again. Do not worry about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. How do we not worry? You see, in my experience, worry is just something that happens. I have wanted to turn the worry tap off many a time but this stream of worrying thoughts keeps flooding into my mind. Now, I am as strong willed and disciplined a person as you'll find anywhere. When I set my mind to achieving something, I invariably do – I have all my life. But you know something? What I have discovered is that I am powerless to turn off the worry tap. It's horrifying because when you worry it grips your whole life – you're waking and you're sleeping. Have you ever noticed that – you toss and turn at night and you can't sleep? It is believing in these two verses that have enabled me to end the worry in my life! Can I say that again? It is believing in these two verses in the Bible that has enabled me to end the worry in my life. And you know something? When you stop worrying, you have peace! That's exactly what Paul tells us; that's exactly what God wants to tell you and me today: Do not worry about anything but in everything …  How do I stop worrying – not by turning the tap off by myself but by replacing it with something else – with the "but in everything … " "Do not worry about anything but in everything … " So what's the "but"; what's the thing that we should replace the worrying with? All that time and energy we spend worrying, what do I do with it? I transfer it to something else – to what else? "Do not worry about anything but in everything ..." - that means "everything" – "in everything" that is causing me to worry, "by prayer and supplication" – what does that mean? Praying and entreating God – asking Him, seeking Him – so instead of wasting all that time and energy on worrying, spend it on praying and asking God. Imagine how different life would be if every time a worrying thought came to haunt the deepest recesses of our mind, we said "Hang on a minute – stop. I am not going to think on that. I am not going to dwell and brood and worry, but instead, in everything I am going to pray." How….how do we pray? – with thanksgiving – "God I thank You that I am in this place. I thank You that I have the opportunity to trust in You. I thank You that unless You show up, I'm in trouble. Now Lord, here's my problem, will You help me? Thank You!" If every time we go to worry we did that, here's what the Bible promises us – now listen to it very carefully – to this promise … a promise that is going to change your life: "Do not worry about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your request be known to God" – here comes the promise, "and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your minds in Christ Jesus." There it is! And you know something? That is exactly what happens! Try it, just for a few days, every time you start to worry about something, go to God, do the 'but' thing and here's what happens – He turns the worry tap off. No amount of strength or resolve or anything else is going to turn that worrying tap off, only God and it's an amazing peace; it's an incredible peace. The storm can still be raging, in fact, circumstances can be getting worse, but you have been praying and entreating and thanking God instead of worrying. And you think to yourself, "I can't explain this but I have a peace – how, why, how can this be?" That's why Paul calls it "a peace that surpasses all understanding" – God turned the worry tap off. He did what you and I can't do: and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  The worry can't get in – there is where the rubber hits the road.   My Mind Matters Okay, let's look at another practical thing that we can do to eradicate that fear and worry from our lives. See, it's more than just having faith – I mean faith is great but there are some practical things that we need to do to participate in God's plan for us not to worry and not to be afraid. Back with the Apostle Paul, in that dungeon again, on death row – if anyone had a reason it was the old Paul. We are going to have a look at what he wrote to his friends in Philippi about this whole subject of not being afraid. Pick it up in Philippians chapter 4, beginning at verse 8. He said: Finally beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Now I want to start with the second bit of this first. And here is the reason for that: because what Paul is telling us is that he has discovered how to have God's peace; how not to be afraid; how not to spend worrying. See, this is not some theory lesson. This is a guy on death row explaining how to have peace. "Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me and the God of peace will be with you." So Paul is saying, "You know my life; you know how often it's been threatened; you know how often people have rioted when I got up to speak and they wanted to harm me and kill me. You know that, you have seen me in action and you have seen how I have coped with the pressures and the threats. You want to have peace? You want to live a life free from fear and worry? Then do the things that you have seen in me and the things that I am telling you now and you will have peace too - God's peace." I think that is fantastic because what we are about to have a look at is a proven thing – it works in the direst of circumstances. Doesn't that excite you? You know, there is not one of us who doesn't have some reason to worry – not one of us, who isn't going through some storm right now. And just in case there is the odd person who isn't, just recognise that it is because you are between storms – the last one has blown out and the next one hasn't swept in yet. So what is the practical guidance that Paul gives us in this passage about how to dispense with fear and worry? Let's take a look: Philippians chapter 4, verse 8: Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure and pleasing and commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. You know what he is saying here? What we do with our mind matters! That's what Norman Vincent Peale wrote in his book in 1953, "The Power of Positive Thinking". And as I have said before, I used to be very sceptical about this – faith isn't just positive thinking … positive thinking has a self-help connotation to me – like I can think my way out of problems without God. All I have to do is think positive but that's not what he meant and that's not what Paul means here. Paul is setting out a simple truth – we only have so much brain-band with each day; so much time that we can spend thinking; so many hours to think. Some of our time we spend sleeping, some we spend doing things that require our complete attention so we don't have time to think about anything else. We spend time "veged" out in front of the TV I guess, not really thinking about much at all. And then there is the rest of the time when we have time to think and we can think good thoughts or bad thoughts, encouraging thoughts or discouraging thoughts. We can think thoughts that look at our situation, which may be difficult; which may be scary; which may be whatever and what we 'think' is going to influence how we see things and how we "feel" them. The human brain – get this – has about seventy thousand thoughts a day! Busy little thing, isn't it? And what Paul is say here is: "Look, spend your brain time; your think time, thinking good thoughts – true, honourable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent; things worthy of praise – think about these things." You know something? That makes a lot of sense to me and it's something we have to teach ourselves. Here's how it works for me: a negative thought comes into my mind "You know, that guy just doesn't get it. He's never going to get it. He just drives me nuts." Maybe he doesn't get it; maybe he has some issues, but I have decided something – if I think that way it's going to influence how I treat the guy. So when one of those thought comes floating in, I boot it out! It's not some unrealistic thing where I sweep things under the carpet, but I replace the bad thought with a good one. "How can I care for him today? How can I support him today? God you love him just as much as You love me, show me Father how I can build him up; how I can develop him; how I can grow him?" That makes sense and it's a discipline and the more we do it; the more we get into the habit of recognising a bad thought when it comes in and booting it out and replacing it with a good thought – God thoughts – here is what happens: our whole outlook starts to change. God honours that and where things were once a threat, He gives us the solution. Where things once scared us, He gives us faith and peace and all of a sudden we find ourselves in a habit of resting our minds in good things and all good things come from God and more good things come from that – peace is one of them; joy is another. Whatever is true, honourable, pure, just, pleasing, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise, think about those things!   A Word in Time As we come to the end of our series, "Do Not Be Afraid," I want to share with you the most important thing that I know about banishing fear and worry from our lives. It is the most important thing; the most effective thing and it comes from the last part of this passage in Philippians chapter 4 that we have been looking at today on the programme. The Apostle Paul is on death row; he is teaching us how to banish fear from our lives, from the most dire circumstances you and I could ever imagine and here's what he says – beginning at Philippians 4, verse 10: I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me. Indeed you were concerned for me but had no opportunity to show it." Remember, he is writing to his friends at Philippi, he is in his dungeon and he says: "Not that I referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little; I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry; of having plenty and of being in need, for I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Paul was an itinerant minister who travelled across most of the known world. A good part of his time he spent in jail and he is writing to his friends here about his physical needs. Obviously they provided for him and sent him money and resources when he has been in need and he is saying, "Thank you" – that's a good thing. I love how much of God's Word is about real, practical things in people's lives but he takes even this opportunity from his dungeon to teach them something. And I believe that God is taking the opportunity to teach us something. Here it is: For I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have a little; I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry; of having plenty and of being in need for I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Paul is saying, "You know something, it doesn't matter what circumstances I am facing – good or bad, plenty or little, full or hungry – I have learned … learned in practice; in my experience, I have learned the secret ... the secret of getting through any and all circumstances and that secret is this ..." Philippians chapter 4, verse 13, that: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. It doesn't matter what the world throws at me because God is the one who strengthens me. And when I am hanging close with Him; when I am relying on Him, He comes through – He does the things that I can't do – He saves me, He encourages me. "And I have been through this so many times", says Paul, "riots, so many times people have tried to hurt me; so many times people have criticised me, misunderstood me and rejected me because I was telling them about Jesus over and over and over and over and over again." Paul has learned this truth: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. And you know why this is so important? Because whenever I feel a sense of despair, I come back to this one Scripture. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or hurt or rejected or alone or distressed or afraid, I stop; I clear my mind and I say this Scripture verse: Philippians chapter 4, verse 13: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. This is the Word of God! And so I have a number of Scriptures, some that I have memorised, some I have got on my mobile phone. Another one of them is Mark chapter 11, verses 22 to 24: Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, "Be taken up and be thrown into the sea," and if you do not doubt in your heart but believe that what you have said will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours. I have memorised that Scripture passage, can I tell you? I don't find it easy to memorise Scripture passages – that one and a few others I have memorised and I go to them again and again and again and again. Those I can't remember, I look at them on my mobile phone. You may not have a mobile phone – write them down on little cards, stick them in your pocket. God's Word changes our hearts and when we are struggling; when we are going through the hard stuff, we need access to God's Word. This is absolutely the most important thing that I know about living a life that's free from fear and worry. The more I do that, the more I find myself able to do all things that God calls me to do, through Him who strengthens me. I want to challenge you today. God's Word is not something to be trifled with. God's Word is not something we leave in a cupboard or on our shelves and then we wonder why our lives are full of fear and anxiety and stress. God's Word brings peace. God's Word convinces us of the truth of what God is saying: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. You can do all things through Him who strengthens you – through plenty or through little, through hunger or through fullness. The most important thing that I know about dealing with fear is to fill your heart and your mind with the Word of God because it has healing power. It will build your faith; it changes your outlook; it is the stuff of healing and transformation. God and grab some Scripture verses that really speak powerfully to you – put them on some cards or in your mobile phone or memorise them and go to them again and again and again – every day. When you get up in the morning; when you have a break during the day to get away from the madness, just to pause; when you go to bed at night. I tell you something, you will learn what Paul learned through the school of hard knocks that you can do all things through Him who strengthens you. You know, I challenge you today. You do this for just a couple of weeks; two or three weeks, and fear will be banished from your life because your perspective changes; you start to see things through God's Word and all of a sudden you start to live it by faith and your faith grows. It's not rocket science – this is so practical, anyone can do this. You can do all things through Him who strengthens you

2 Timothy 4:8 'Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.' The sermon centres on the Apostle Paul's anticipation of his imminent death and his eternal reward, as described in 2 Timothy 4:8. It emphasises that believers should not only wait for Christ's return but actively love His appearing, prioritising a personal relationship with Him over mere excitement about prophetic events. The preacher challenges the audience to examine their spiritual health by asking if they truly love Jesus for who He is, rather than just for the blessings associated with His coming. Using Paul's humility and Moses' choice of suffering as examples, the text illustrates that rewards are gifts of grace for unprofitable servants, not earned merits. Ultimately, the message serves as both an encouragement to the faithful and a urgent call to salvation for those who remain unsaved before the day of wrath arrives.

In 1 Tim 6:3-10, the Apostle Paul warns Timothy against false teachers who exploit religion for financial gain. He also teaches that “godliness with contentment is great gain,” reminding Timothy that we brought nothing into this world and can take nothing out. And he explicitly warns that the desire to be rich creates a destructive trap. Then we get to verse 10, the verse in question today. Why do so many people misquote it? Is money really the root of all evil or is it something else? Let's find out! Thanks for listening. God bless you! To find out more about our church please go to www.whccnb.org.

Written by the Apostle Paul from a prison cell, Philippians is one of the most joy-filled, hope-packed letters in the entire Bible — proof that our circumstances don't have to determine our faith. This series takes us on a walk through this remarkable book, exploring what it truly means to live for Christ, know Jesus above everything else, and hold onto lasting joy no matter what life throws our way. To continue the series Lee Brown shared a great message titled 'Living My Best Life' — catch up here.

Have you ever looked into someone's eyes and noticed... The sparkle was gone? ✨ Maybe it was your child. Maybe it was your spouse. Maybe... it was you. Life has a way of wearing us down. The weight of hard seasons, unanswered prayers, and overwhelming circumstances can leave us feeling exhausted and alone. If you've ever wondered whether hope can return, this episode is for you. ❤️ Hi Neighbor, In today's episode, we're exploring a powerful question: How does God restore the sparkle in our eyes? ✨ We'll begin in Psalm 13, where David cries out from a place of deep anguish, convinced God has forgotten him. But by the end of the psalm, everything changes. What happened? Then we'll turn to 2 Corinthians 1, where the Apostle Paul reveals one of God's most powerful ways of bringing comfort to hurting people. What is that? I'll also share a conversation from our family camp that reminded me how our adoption stories—both the victories and the struggles—can become a source of hope for other adoptive parents.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Hebrews to remember those suffering persecution as though suffering with them.  Judd Saul, award‑winning documentary filmmaker and founder, Equipping the Persecuted and TruthNigeria.com shares how you can tangibly support your Nigerian brothers and sisters today! 

Sermon Title: The Faith of the Fathers Core Theme: Understanding, valuing, and walking in the biblical technology of faith by following the examples, characteristics, and unwavering faith of the patriarchs of old. Part I: Foundations of Faith & The Apostolic Gathering 1. Introduction & The Apostolic Context The Nature of an Apostolic Gathering: In an apostolic gathering, God delivers assigned or sent messages designed to bring transformation, position the church for an unusual manifestation of power, heal sicknesses, and deliver people from oppressions. The Danger of Distraction: Many believers miss out on their breakthroughs because of distractions (e.g., admiring outfits, side conversations, checking phones). Just as God put Adam into a deep sleep to form Eve without distraction, God requires deep attentiveness so believers do not miss the specific, life-altering words designed for them. Biblical Example: In Acts 3, Peter and John told the lame man, "Look on us." Attention is required to receive a miracle; distraction robs people of their blessings. 2. The Supremacy and Vital Importance of Faith Foundation of Christianity: There is no Christianity without faith. Salvation, experiences of God, pleasing God, and receiving inheritance are all accessed through faith. Guarding Against End-Time Obsolete Elements: Loss of Genuine Love for God: Revelation 2:4-5 warns against leaving one's first love. Matthew 24:12 notes that in the end times, iniquity will abound and the love of many will wax cold, causing people to love pleasure more than God. Loss of Faith: Luke 18:8 asks, "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Hebrews 10:23 commands believers to hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering and to assemble together to safeguard it. Contending for the Faith: Jude 1:3 urges believers to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Faith is a fight; believers must learn how to fight to maintain it (Hebrews 6:12). 3. The Faith of the Fathers (The Patriarchs) Definition of the Fathers: This refers to the biblical characters, apostles, and prophets from the Old and New Testaments (e.g., Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Elijah, Elisha, Apostle Paul, Jesus) who walked with God by faith. Hebrews 11 Overview (The Hall of Faith): Hebrews 11:1: Faith is "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:2: "For by it the elders obtained a good report." The patriarchs obtained divine testimonies and good report cards of life through faith, not human effort. Why We Must Follow Their Faith: It is the established pattern and lifestyle of the Kingdom (Habakkuk 2:4: "The just shall live by his faith"). It is a guarantee of receiving the promises (Hebrews 6:12). It protects believers from self-glorification and self-dependence. 4. Faith vs. Works & Self-Glory The Error of Self-Justification: Romans 4:2-4 explains that if Abraham was justified by works, he would have something to boast about, but not before God. Human effort, self-confidence, and fleshly works always fail before God. When people rely on their own wealth, degrees, or abilities, it leads to pride and abomination before God (e.g., the rich fool in Luke 12, King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel). The DNA of Faith: Faith completely negates self-glory. True faith is anchored entirely on the goodness and grace of God, meaning God gets all the glory when breakthroughs happen. The Inclusion of the Uncircumcised: Romans 4:9-12 clarifies that Abraham's righteousness was accounted to him while he was uncircumcised. Circumcision was merely a sign/seal. This proves that both Jews and Gentiles can access this justification and inherit the promises simply by believing, regardless of background. Part II: Characteristics and Evidence of the Faith of the Fathers 1. Key Characteristics of the Faith of the Fathers To walk effectively in this dimension, believers must emulate the core characteristics displayed by the patriarchs: (1) Born Out of Intimacy: Real faith is birthed out of personal encounters and deep fellowship with God, not just copied principles (Romans 10:17: "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God"). Biblical Examples: Moses spoke with God face-to-face, "as a man speaks to his friend" (Exodus 33:11). Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all had life-altering personal encounters with God. Without intimacy, faith becomes weak. (2) Unwaving Trust in God's Abilities and Promises: The faith of the fathers maintains absolute confidence in God that does not shake under pressure or opposing circumstances (Romans 4:18-21 regarding Abraham; Hebrews 11:32-34). (3) Uncontested Obedience Despite the Cost: True faith obeys God completely, regardless of human logic or personal sacrifice. Biblical Example: Abraham demonstrated uncontested obedience when asked to offer Isaac (Genesis 22), calling his act of surrender "worship" (Genesis 22:5). (4) Persistence and Perseverance through Trials: James 1:2-4 encourages believers to count it all joy when facing trials because testing produces endurance. Biblical Example: David remained steadfast when facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17), viewing trials as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Job maintained his trust through extreme suffering (Job 2:10, 42:10). (5) Willingness to Act Out Their Faith (Violent/Audacious Faith): Faith requires action and boldness. The fathers acted out their convictions with holy audacity—whether it was shutting mouths of lions, quenching fires, or stepping into impossible waters (Hebrews 11:33-34). 2. The Ultimate Benefits of Following Their Faith Nothing Shall Be Impossible: When operating in this realm of faith, impossibilities are eradicated (Mark 9:23). Pleasing God: Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Divine Positioning & Generational Legacy: Faith transfers blessings, changes family lineages (shifting families from poverty to abundance, or from obscurity to leadership like Joseph and David), and leaves a permanent mark of victory across generations. 3. Conclusion & Call to Action Stand Your Ground: Refuse to be moved by negative circumstances, family history, economic hardships, or medical reports. Make the Decision: Shift your focus from self-dependence and social media distractions to deep spiritual intimacy with God. The Final Declaration: As the year progresses toward its close, anchor your life on unwavering, unshakeable faith, and step boldly into the supernatural manifestations prepared for you in Christ.

Do you wish you were spiritually stronger? Or that you had more courage to talk about God? In this program, Chip addresses these deep-seated insecurities. Learn how the Apostle Paul's final words on Earth can give us the hope and direction we need.ResourcesMessage NotesSpecial OffersConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookYouTubePartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Is there evidence that a number of Christian political candidates (Republican mostly) and a number of the Christians who support them have, in Abraham Kuyper's words, "lost touch with Christ"? Would the Apostle Paul say to them, "Oh foolish Christians, who has bewitched you?" Today David looks at how our view of justification and sanctification affects our view of politics and what we think it can accomplish.

It's Friday, July 31st, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Syrians in America have to leave the country The expiration of Temporary Protected Status for Syrians in America this week has renewed attention on the fragile security environment facing civilians in Syria, particularly Christians who remain vulnerable 18 months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's dictatorship in this 87% Muslim country, reports International Christian Concern. Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian immigration designation that allows nationals of countries experiencing armed conflict to remain and work legally in the United States for a limited period. The designation does not provide a pathway to permanent residency but shields recipients from deportation while conditions in their home country are deemed unsafe for return. In December 2024, rebel forces, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, forced al-Assad from power.  Al-Sharaa's group had previously been associated with Muslim jihadist movements, including al-Qaeda. Before the Syrian civil war, Christians represented a significant minority of Syria's population concentrated in Damascus — where the Apostle Paul was converted on the street. While Christians have not experienced the same level of targeted mass violence as other groups, there has been harassment and attacks on Christian communities. President Trump floats temporarily pulling Blache nomination to be AG President Donald Trump said on July 30 that he was willing to temporarily withdraw his nomination of Todd Blanche to be Attorney General until next year, if two Republican senators continued to withhold their support, reports The Epoch Times. Blanche's nomination has been held up in the Senate Judiciary Committee after Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina said they would not back bringing it to the floor for a full vote. Those two votes are necessary for the nomination to advance. Earlier this year, both Cornyn and Tillis lost their bid for re-election after President Trump endorsed their opponents during the primaries. The president now intends to wait them out. In the meantime, Blanche will remain the acting head of the Department of Justice. You can express your objection to the senators for dragging their feet by calling Senator John Cornyn at 202-224-2934 and Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina at 202-224-6342. You can call 24 hours a day/7 days a week and leave a voicemail. Dr. Fauci invoked Fifth Amendment 90 times in GOP-led committee In a hearing of the Senate's Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on July 29th, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, announced in his opening statement that he would invoke the Fifth Amendment and not answer any questions about his culpability in a cover-up about the source of the COVID-19 virus or what happened subsequently. Listen. FAUCI: “Members of the committee, I served at the NIH for over 54 years, 38 of those as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Over that period, I proved that I believe in and respect the value of legitimate congressional oversight. In fact, I testified before and/or briefed Senate and House committees well over 200 times over those 38 years. During and after the COVID pandemic, I have appeared multiple times for hearings in the Senate and the House, usually under oath, and sat for several days-long, transcribed, sworn interviews answering questions about the very issues that are now the subject of this hearing. “However, given Senator [Rand] Paul's obvious obsession with calling for my prosecution, his repeated slanderous comments about me, and recently his publicly releasing my unredacted personal diary aimed at embarrassing and intimidating me, the only conclusion I can reach is that the sole reason he is calling me before this committee is to get me to say something, anything, that could vindicate his repeated public pledges that I end up, in his words, ‘behind bars'. “Any reasonable person who has followed his unhinged obsession with me would readily come to the same conclusion. Therefore, although it pains me to do so because of the respect I have for the legislative branch of government and my decades-long record of cooperating with Congress, under the advice of my attorneys, I will invoke my right, under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution, to refrain from answering your questions.” Over the course of his time in front of the Senate Committee, Dr. Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment a whopping 111 times, reports Fox News. Dr. Fauci stonewalled Senator Rand Paul numerous times Dr. Anthony Fauci repeatedly stonewalled Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, the Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The senator started with asking about former President Joe Biden's bizarre “full and unconditional” pardon of Dr. Fauci. PAUL:  “As a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, or the White House COVID-19 Response Team, or as Chief Medical Advisor to the President, have you refused this pardon? Or do you have any reason to believe this full and unconditional pardon, this grant of immunity, would somehow require you to plead the Fifth Amendment?” FAUCI: “On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer, based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution.” PAUL: “Based on the facts presented, I'm going to direct you to answer the questions. The committee has issued a valid subpoena. They have requested your presence here. The questions are very pertinent to your decision making as head of [the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases], as well as a chief advisor to the president, do you still refuse to answer the questions?” FAUCI: “On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer, based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution.” PAUL:  “Were you ever made aware of gain-of-function research on monkeypox being conducted at the National Bio Defense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, and back at Fort Detrick, [the center of the U.S. biological weapons program from 1943 to 1969]?” FAUCI: “On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer, based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution.” PAUL:  “Dr. Fauci, did the CIA ever transfer funds to [the National Institutes of Health] under interagency agreement?” FAUCI: “On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer, based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution.” And Senator Rand Paul took this parting shot. PAUL: “The chairman has denied your assertion of privilege and directed you to answer, but you nonetheless refuse and stand on privilege despite the existence of the pardon. The committee will have to consider after this hearing what appropriate action should be taken against you for the failure to testify after being directed to do so. “It's against the law to obstruct an investigation of Congress. There will be repercussions to your refusal to testify today.” Watchdog group: Medical groups should condemn transgender surgeries on minors The medical watchdog group, Do No Harm, is calling on 10 major medical associations to explicitly condemn transgender genital surgeries on minors, reports The Daily Signal. On July 29th, Do No Harm sent open letters to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Medical Association among others. In the letter, the group wrote, “Do No Harm, and its 54,000 members, are calling on your society to publicly reject genital surgery on minors for the purpose of producing [so-called] ‘gender transitions.' While this process is uncommon, we believe that it should never occur.” In Matthew 19:4, Jesus asked, “Have you not read that [God], who created them from the beginning, made them male and female?” Marijuana should not be reclassified as a less dangerous drug Marijuana could be reclassified as a less dangerous substance under federal law. Kevin Sabet, CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana and the former drug policy advisor for the Clinton, George W. Bush and Obama presidential administrations as well as President Trump's former U.S. Attorney General William Barr, thinks that would be a terrible idea. He said that reclassifying marijuana as a drug with accepted medical use and a lower risk of abuse than drugs subject to greater controls would be reckless. Sabet added, “The evidence presented at the hearing confirmed what decades of data have shown: Raw marijuana has no scientifically established medical value and carries a high risk of abuse. Today's marijuana is more dangerous than ever before. [Reclassifying] marijuana would create the false impression that it is safe, would reduce penalties for peddling the drug illegally and would give those who purvey it legally a huge tax windfall. That would be a disaster.”  The Department of Justice held a hearing last month to consider it at President Donald Trump's request. Despite the fact that President Trump is a teetotaler who eschews alcohol and drugs, he told his administration last December to push forward on easing marijuana restrictions, after an aggressive lobbying push by advocates including a cannabis CEO, a Florida sheriff, and a Mar-a-Lago member, the Wall Street Journal previously reported. Jim Daly, President of Focus on the Family, previously wrote, “Use of cannabis increases a person's chance of developing a bipolar disorder or schizophrenia by an average of 47%. It's also shown to significantly increase hallucinations and paranoia. “In fact, it's been determined that regular use of medical marijuana leads to a higher chance of heart attack, stroke and coronary artery disease. … If the established goal is to make America healthy and great again, this objective will not be reached by increasing access to poisonous pot.” In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, the Apostle Paul asked, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” Montana listeners like our brevity and updates on the persecuted Here at The Worldview in 5 Minutes, Winston and Heather Royal in Helena, Montana, wrote, “Adam, we appreciate the newscast because it's short, to the point, and from a Christian perspective. We appreciate hearing about our Christian brothers and sisters around the world. And we often listen to it at breakfast time. Thank you for your work!” Texas listener values boldness and truthfulness of The Worldview And Byron Barlowe in Plano, Texas wrote, “Adam, your newscast is something I've evangelized about for four reasons. I find the integration of a Biblical worldview into reporting the news to be effective and refreshing. Brevity matters more than ever. I also relate to the brevity of your newscast since Probe Ministries, a group I write for, produces a 3-minute daily feature. The candor among you and the two other writers of The Worldview is bold, truthful, and necessary. For example, I appreciate your reference to homosexual faux marriage instead of so-called ‘gay marriage.' Spade-calling is truth-telling and, when done in a gracious spirit led by the Spirit of God, can have good effect. You have a golden radio voice that emanates masculinity without undue forcefulness. Both women and men need that in the era of so-called ‘toxic masculinity' and the feminized Church which follows a confused culture. I just like it, too.” Byron, thanks for your encouragement as we use the instruments of our laptops and voice to communicate. 23 Worldview listeners gave $13,150.04 And finally, by Thursday night at 9:00pm Central, 23 Worldview listeners stepped up to the plate and invested their treasure to fund the 6-member team behind The Worldview for another year. Our thanks to Jerry in Angie, Louisiana and Thomas in Spartanburg, South Carolina – both of whom gave $25 as well as David in Wilmington, Ohio and Lori in Rockford, Illinois – both of whom gave $50. We appreciate Tony and Jennie in Palmdale, California who gave $80.04, Samuel in Greensboro, North Carolina who gave $90, and Jeanne in Thomasville, North Carolina and Ron in Orange Park, Florida – both of whom gave $100. We're grateful to God for Jody in Westerlo, New York and Kevin and Shelly in Columbus, Nebraska – both of whom gave $200, Glenn and Linda in Palmdale, California who gave $240, Marlowe in Freetown, Prince Edward Isalnd, Canada who gave $250, Kelly in Rio Rancho, New Mexico who pledged $25/month for 12 months for a gift of $300, and Vanessa in Templeton, California and Nicki in Carthage, Missouri – both of whom pledged $35/month for 12 months for a gift of $420. We were touched by the generosity of Serge in Simpsonville, South Carolina who gave $500, Charles and Pamela in Sierra Madre, California  who gave $500, Sean in Burlington, Wisconsin who gave $500, and Francesca in Rockaway Township, New Jersey who also gave $500. All four of them were matched by our friend in Naples, Florida who gave another $2,000. And we were blown away by Frederick in Gainesville, Florida who pledged $50/month for 12 months for a gift of $600, Jeff in Sevierville, Tennessee who gave $1,000, and Steve and Carla in Katy, Texas who gave $5,000. Wow! Those 23 gifts add up to $13,150.04. That's the largest total amount in a single day throughout this July 2026 fundraiser. Ready for our new grand total? Drum roll please. (drum roll sound effect) $94,270 (sound effect of people cheering) We need to raise $29,230 by midnight tonight, July 31st! That means in order to hit our final goal of $123,500 by midnight tonight, Friday, July 31st, God needs to prompt folks to give an astounding $29,230 in order for the 6-member Worldview newscast team to be fully funded for another year. So, as I've said over the last several days, if you have been waiting until the last minute, this … is … it!  We could really use your help.  The finish line is upon us. Perhaps in our national audience, there are three others, just like Steve and Carla in Katy, Texas, who feel led by God to give a one-time gift of $5,000. If that $15,000 comes in, we would need just 15 people to either give a one-time gift of $1,000 or make a monthly pledge of $83.33 for 12 months which adds up to $1,000. If all of that is way out of your budget, just give what you can. $10. $20. $30. Every dollar gets us closer. Now, if you can't give a dime, then pray. Pray that God would stir the hearts of those who can give! Just go to TheWorldview.com, click on Give, select the dollar amount, and make sure to click on the “recurring” button if that's your wish.  And remember this, if you want to continue your monthly pledge to The Worldview that you started prior to July 1, 2026, please let me know so we can count your generous ongoing gift toward our total. This newscast team champions the truth and uses the Bible as our plumbline.  We actually cite relevant Bible verses that really come alive as we look at the news of the day.  Plus, we report, and we're unique in this, on the persecuted church, the battles for life and a godly perspective on sexuality, often including action steps on how you can make a difference as a believer. Don't forget: The Worldview in 5 Minutes is also commercial free. We have no sponsors. Nor do we have a pay wall.  Anyone who wants to access this newscast can get it for free. So, all we have is you! What is God prompting you to do right now? Go to TheWorldview.com and click on Give. Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, July 31st, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Paul Davis of Real Good News is on a quest to help christians question their faith and find the truth, no matter the cost of comfort. Are we really that sure that Paul was a good guy? Or was he the Satan that Jesus warned about? Stay Weird!To Check Out Paul--- Linktr.ee/realgoodnewsRealGoodNews.orgFor Everything Meta--- onlymystics.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/meta-mystics--5795466/support.You Don't Know What You Don't Know!

Is there evidence that a number of Christian political candidates (Republican mostly) and a number of the Christians who support them have, in Abraham Kuyper's words, "lost touch with Christ"? Would the Apostle Paul say to them, "Oh foolish Christians, who has bewitched you?" Today David looks at how our view of justification and sanctification affects our view of politics and what it can accomplish.Support the show: https://www.factennessee.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the single priority driving your decisions, your energy, and your daily life? In this episode of SWAT Radio, hosts Doug McCary, David Gray, and Craig Henderson unpack Philippians 3:1–14. The Apostle Paul had everything our culture values—status, credentials, education, and influence—yet when confronted with Christ, he realized none of it compared to knowing Jesus. Together, the team discusses what it looks like to let go of religious performance, evaluate our true priorities, and align our lives around the "one thing" that actually lasts. Key Topics in This Episode: The Trap of "Jesus + Performance": Why adding good works to the Gospel undermines true grace. Paul's Spiritual Resume: Understanding why Paul called his greatest earthly achievements rubbish compared to Christ. Knowing About God vs. Knowing Him: Moving beyond head knowledge into an active, abiding relationship with Jesus. Forgetting What Lies Behind: How to stop living in past failures, past victories, or lingering regrets. Leaving It All on the Field: What it means for Christian men to finish well and press on toward the upward call of God. Key Scripture: "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 3:13–14 (ESV) Connect with SWAT Radio: Website: https://www.swatradio.com Join a Group: Want to connect with a local SWAT Bible study or find a band of brothers in your area? Visit our website to get plugged in. Support & Listen: If this episode encouraged you, please leave a rating, write a review, and share it with a friend!

Watch the Devotion Based on Ephesians 1:4-6 You Are Chosen  At the time of this recording, I first learned the names of the four US Soldiers who gave their lives in service to our country: Sgt. Michael Swinton, Sgt. Angel Rampersad, 1st Lt. Tyler Feehan, Pfc. Isabella Gonzales.   Combat, war, death, physical wounds, the unseen wounds of trauma and moral injury—these are all evidence of the presence of the devil at work in our world, and the influence of sin on the hearts of sinful people who want to kill and destroy.   During times like this, you wonder, and you ask God questions, “How am I to trust you when there is no guarantee that I will make it home from deployment in one piece or alive at all? How am I to trust you when I have prayed to come home, and we continue to be extended indefinitely? How am I to trust you when my loved one or friend is downrange and life is falling apart around me?”      When you wonder if God cares for you, when you question his love for you, when you believe Satan's lie that God is not capable to provide or protect you. . .then ask, “What does God say in times like this?”   Listen to these truths from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves” (Ephesians 1:4-6).     Before God created the world, he decided in his heart that he would choose you to be saved. In time he made that election and calling certain at your baptism. Baptized in water and the Word, he adopted you into his family. You are his son or daughter, for now and for eternity. He did all of this in Christ, that is, because of what Jesus Christ has done for you. He was blameless and holy for you. He shed his blood for you. He loved you. And so, God chose you in Christ.  War and combat, injury of mind and soul, grief and sorrow, not even death can change this truth: You are chosen in Christ. Therefore, you are his son. You are his daughter. You are the object of his love, in life and in death.     Prayer: Father, your thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are your ways our ways. In your wisdom you have allowed the terrors of war to strike the families of these four Soldiers who died in service to our country. Do not let their sacrifice be in vain. Comfort those who grieve with the sure promise of the resurrection from the dead. Send your holy angels to protect our war fighters while they are training and actively engaged in combat. Bring peace to this region of the world so that we may live in peace. Amen.  Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Is there evidence that a number of Christian political candidates (Republican mostly) and a number of the Christians who support them have, in Abraham Kuyper's words, "lost touch with Christ"? Would the Apostle Paul say to them, "Oh foolish Christians, who has bewitched you?" Today David looks at how our view of justification and sanctification affects our view of politics and what we think it can accomplish.

The sermon explores how the Apostle Paul used prayer to address the spiritual needs of the Philippian church, emphasizing that love must abound in knowledge and discernment. It highlights the necessity of abiding in Christ through a steady diet of Scripture to cultivate right affection and action. The preacher urges believers to test all things against God's Word to approve what is excellent and live with integrity. Practical application involves praying for one another and fostering intergenerational fellowship within the body of Christ. Ultimately, this growth in love and righteousness aims to bring glory and praise to God.

What does Jesus mean when He speaks of the foolish man who built his house upon the sand?Episode #218 of the Way of the Bible podcast continues our study of Matthew 7:24–27 by examining one of the most sobering descriptions found anywhere in Scripture. While the previous episode explored the source of true wisdom, this message focuses on the opposite question: What makes a person spiritually foolish? Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount by presenting two builders. Both hear His words, both build houses, and both experience the same storm. The critical difference is not what they heard but what they did with what they heard. The wise man built upon the Rock by responding in obedient faith, while the foolish man rejected God's foundation and built upon sand. To understand this contrast, the episode traces a consistent theme throughout the Bible. Moses warned Israel against abandoning "the Rock" who had redeemed them. Joshua reminded the nation that God's promises are certain and that rejecting His covenant carries consequences. David declared, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God,'" revealing that foolishness begins not with ignorance but with a heart that refuses God's authority. The discussion then turns to Romans 1, where the Apostle Paul describes humanity's progression away from God. Although God's eternal power and divine nature are evident through creation, people exchange the truth for lies, worship created things rather than the Creator, and persist in rebellion. These choices illustrate the pattern of the foolish builder—a life established on self rather than on God. Yet this episode is not merely a warning. It is also a message of hope.Paul reminds believers that every Christian was once spiritually foolish. Through the mercy of God revealed in Jesus Christ, sinners are rescued from darkness, justified by grace, and renewed by the Holy Spirit. Becoming wise for salvation happens the moment a person trusts Christ, while growing in wisdom continues throughout a lifetime of discipleship and sanctification. The episode also emphasizes that Christians should remember their own past when interacting with those who remain spiritually blind. Rather than responding with pride or condemnation, believers are called to share the gospel with gentleness, respect, and compassion, always prepared to explain the hope found in Christ.Ultimately, Jesus' illustration is about far more than two houses. It is about two eternal destinies. Every person is building upon some foundation. The question each of us must answer is simple yet profound:Are we building our lives upon the Rock who is Jesus Christ, or upon the shifting sands of human wisdom and self-reliance?Episode #218 invites listeners to examine that foundation carefully and to discover the lasting security found only in Christ.

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 Biblical Teacher: Why the Church Desperately Needs Sound Doctrine – Foundational Issues Part 7 | KIB 541 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Description Welcome to Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Episode 541 with Dr. Michael Lake and Mary Lou Lake. What does Scripture teach about the biblical office of the teacher? Why is sound doctrine so critical in an age of deception, AI, and increasing spiritual confusion? In this episode, Dr. Michael Lake continues the Fivefold Ministry series by examining the biblical calling, character, and responsibilities of God's teachers. Drawing from the ministries of Jesus, Ezra, Apollos, Timothy, and the Apostle Paul, this teaching reveals that biblical teachers are called to do far more than transfer information—they are commissioned to bring believers into spiritual maturity through faithful exposition of God's Word. Mary Lou opens the program with a timely discussion on overcoming spiritual strongholds, breaking ungodly influences, and remaining firmly established in Christ rather than the counterfeit systems of the world. Together they examine the importance of discernment, the dangers of occult influence, the proper use of technology, and why believers must continually renew their minds with Scripture. If you desire to grow deeper in God's Word and develop biblical discernment for the days ahead, this teaching will provide a strong scriptural foundation. In this episode, you'll discover: ·       The biblical office of the teacher ·       Why Jesus was called "Teacher" more than any other title ·       The responsibilities of a biblical teacher ·       The difference between information and transformation ·       Why sound doctrine protects the Church ·       The importance of study, obedience, and faithful teaching ·       How false teaching spreads in the last days ·       Biblical principles for evaluating AI and modern technology ·       Why discernment is essential for every believer ·       How teachers help equip the Body of Christ for spiritual maturity

What if the struggles that feel like they are crushing us are actually the very things designed to draw us closer to God? This message takes on one of the most widely repeated phrases in Christian culture; the idea that God will never give us more than we can handle and holds it up to the light of Scripture. What we find is both surprising and deeply freeing. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, openly admits that he and his companions were so overwhelmed by their circumstances that they despaired of life itself, feeling as though they had received a sentence of death. Far from being a failure of faith, Paul reveals that this crushing weight served a profound purpose: to drive them away from self-reliance and into complete dependence on God. The central lesson is not that God calibrates our burdens to match our strength, but rather that He intentionally allows burdens beyond our strength so that His power can be made perfect in our weakness. This reframes how we understand suffering, waiting, and surrender, not as signs that God has abandoned us, but as invitations to experience a level of His strength we could never access on our own.

In this message from 1 Corinthians, Pastor J.D. takes a look at the topic of spiritual gifts. According to the Apostle Paul, God didn't establish his church as a collection of individuals, but as an interconnected body. I need you; you need me. Where do we see that interconnectedness most? In our spiritual gifts. None of us—and none of our brothers or sisters—can truly flourish until we know and exercise our gifts. In God's community, everybody has a special role to play. Every. Body. Including you.

Reading Acts 13:26-43 where the Apostle Paul and Barnabas preach in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, and from Paul's first recorded sermon, he preaches justification by faith. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to preach the gospel to others, yet forget to preach it to yourself?Many believers know the gospel is the power of God for salvation, but often live the Christian life as though it depends on their own performance. When we fail, we feel condemned. When we succeed, we become prideful. In both cases, we've drifted from the finished work of Christ.In this episode, Brian opens Galatians 2:20 and discovers why the Apostle Paul rooted his entire life in the gospel. Together we'll explore what it means to be crucified with Christ, to live by faith in the Son of God, and to rest daily in the love of the Savior who "loved me and gave Himself for me."Drawing from Scripture and the timeless truths found in Milton Vincent's A Gospel Primer, this episode will encourage you to stop trusting your performance and start resting in Christ's perfect work. The gospel isn't just the message that brought you to faith. It is the message that strengthens, humbles, comforts, and transforms believers every single day.In this episode, we'll discuss:Why Christians need to preach the gospel to themselves daily.What Galatians 2:20 teaches about our identity in Christ.How union with Christ changes the way we fight sin and pursue holiness.Why the Christian life is lived by faith from beginning to end.Practical ways to remind your heart of the gospel every day.Whether you're battling guilt, pride, discouragement, fear, or simply feeling spiritually dry, this episode will point you back to the only place lasting hope is found: the finished work of Jesus Christ."The same gospel that saved you is the gospel that will sustain you. Don't just preach it to the lost. Preach it to your own heart every day." - Galatians 2:20

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.

Why do some believers grow deep roots while others fade out fast? Jesus answered that question 2,000 years ago in the Parable of the Sower. Turns out, spiritual growth isn’t one big decision—it’s thousands of small, daily choices. Bible or phone? Church or no church? Those choices add up, and they shape who you become. Pastor Greg Laurie walks us through the four kinds of hearts Jesus describes: Hardened, shallow, crowded, and fruitful. And he shares the real “golden key” to lasting spiritual growth. Notes: Luke 8 The Christian life is more than praying a prayer and getting “fire insurance.” It's following Jesus as your Savior and as your Lord. Life is one long string of choices. By not choosing spiritual growth, we choose spiritual decline. Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV)"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life.” If you want to go forward as a Christian, you will. God has given us everything we need for spiritual growth and progress.2 Peter 1:3 Read Luke 8:11–15 (NLT) Which of these four soils represents you best?Only one out of four makes it. The job of the Sower is to throw the seed out far and wide. This type of sowing seed was known as “broadcasting.” Our job is to sow the seed of the word of God. God does the work of conversion. The Apostle Paul shows us how we each have a role to play.1 Corinthians 3:6–7 The only way to tell if someone is really a Christian is through the test of time. 1 John 2:19 (NLT)These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us. Prodigals come to faith, fall away, and return later. Some people have a weak beginning but a strong finish.That is better than a strong beginning and no finish. The Hardened HeartLuke 8:12 Mark 4:15 (NLT)“Only to have Satan come at once and take it away.” Whenever you share the gospel with people, expect satanic opposition. Every time you hear the gospel, your heart can get softer or harder. Shallow HeartsLuke 8:13 These are the hearers who seem to be converted but never get grounded in the faith. They are living on an emotional high and a state of spiritual euphoria. Perhaps they have experienced a supernatural touch from God. Faith that cannot be tested is faith that cannot be trusted. Christianity is Christ! “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.”—G.K. Chesterton Some people are simply impulsive by nature.Some people fall away because they have built their faith on the wrong foundation. Some people fall away because of persecution. Mark 4:17 (NLT)But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word. 2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV)Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Some people fall away because unbelief set in, causing them to doubt God at the first emotional low. Infested HeartsLuke 8:14 Second best is often the worst enemy of the best. Excessive worry can crowd out spiritual growth.Mark 4:19 We live in a time when people are obsessed with extending their lives. God determines the length of our lives.Job 14:5 Fruitful HearersLuke 8:15 The golden key to spiritual growth is how you hear and respond to God’s word. Mark 4:20 (NLT)“Those who hear and accept God's word.” The difference isn’t exposure to the word.It’s what the heart does once it lands. The Bible is everywhere, but it’s not in our hearts. The issue is not access. It’s appetite. Luke 12:48 (NIV)From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. The hardest thing about studying the Bible is sitting down and opening it. Standing the test of time, finishing the spiritual life well, is not a mystery.It is maintaining a close and vibrant relationship with Christ. Read the Bible daily.Pray about things.Go to church regularly.Share your faith. — 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.

Pastor Gabriel Hughes preaches on Romans 12:3-5 where the Apostle Paul uses the illustration of a body to describe Christ's church and how we're one body but many members. Visit providencecasagrande.com for more info about our church!

Why do some believers grow deep roots while others fade out fast? Jesus answered that question 2,000 years ago in the Parable of the Sower. Turns out, spiritual growth isn’t one big decision—it’s thousands of small, daily choices. Bible or phone? Church or no church? Those choices add up, and they shape who you become. Pastor Greg Laurie walks us through the four kinds of hearts Jesus describes: Hardened, shallow, crowded, and fruitful. And he shares the real “golden key” to lasting spiritual growth. Notes: Luke 8 The Christian life is more than praying a prayer and getting “fire insurance.” It's following Jesus as your Savior and as your Lord. Life is one long string of choices. By not choosing spiritual growth, we choose spiritual decline. Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV)"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life.” If you want to go forward as a Christian, you will. God has given us everything we need for spiritual growth and progress.2 Peter 1:3 Read Luke 8:11–15 (NLT) Which of these four soils represents you best?Only one out of four makes it. The job of the Sower is to throw the seed out far and wide. This type of sowing seed was known as “broadcasting.” Our job is to sow the seed of the word of God. God does the work of conversion. The Apostle Paul shows us how we each have a role to play.1 Corinthians 3:6–7 The only way to tell if someone is really a Christian is through the test of time. 1 John 2:19 (NLT)These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us. Prodigals come to faith, fall away, and return later. Some people have a weak beginning but a strong finish.That is better than a strong beginning and no finish. The Hardened HeartLuke 8:12 Mark 4:15 (NLT)“Only to have Satan come at once and take it away.” Whenever you share the gospel with people, expect satanic opposition. Every time you hear the gospel, your heart can get softer or harder. Shallow HeartsLuke 8:13 These are the hearers who seem to be converted but never get grounded in the faith. They are living on an emotional high and a state of spiritual euphoria. Perhaps they have experienced a supernatural touch from God. Faith that cannot be tested is faith that cannot be trusted. Christianity is Christ! “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.”—G.K. Chesterton Some people are simply impulsive by nature.Some people fall away because they have built their faith on the wrong foundation. Some people fall away because of persecution. Mark 4:17 (NLT)But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word. 2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV)Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Some people fall away because unbelief set in, causing them to doubt God at the first emotional low. Infested HeartsLuke 8:14 Second best is often the worst enemy of the best. Excessive worry can crowd out spiritual growth.Mark 4:19 We live in a time when people are obsessed with extending their lives. God determines the length of our lives.Job 14:5 Fruitful HearersLuke 8:15 The golden key to spiritual growth is how you hear and respond to God’s word. Mark 4:20 (NLT)“Those who hear and accept God's word.” The difference isn’t exposure to the word.It’s what the heart does once it lands. The Bible is everywhere, but it’s not in our hearts. The issue is not access. It’s appetite. Luke 12:48 (NIV)From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. The hardest thing about studying the Bible is sitting down and opening it. Standing the test of time, finishing the spiritual life well, is not a mystery.It is maintaining a close and vibrant relationship with Christ. Read the Bible daily.Pray about things.Go to church regularly.Share your faith. — 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.

Can you really trust that God is working all things together for your good? Romans 8:28 is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible, but it's also one of the most misunderstood. In Romans 8:26-30, the Apostle Paul reminds us that God's promise isn't that everything that happens to us is good. It's that God is actively working through every joy, every disappointment, every unanswered prayer, and every season of suffering to accomplish our ultimate good: making us more like Christ. Even when you don't know what to pray, the Holy Spirit is praying for you. Even when you can't see what God is doing, he is still at work. And even when life doesn't make sense, you can trust that he will finish what he started. In this message, you'll discover: - What Romans 8:28 actually means in its full context - How the Holy Spirit helps you when you don't know what to pray - What "all things work together for good" really means - Why God can use both suffering and success to accomplish his purposes - How to trust God's heart when you can't see his hand Whether you're walking through suffering, wrestling with unanswered prayers, or wondering if God is really at work, Romans 8 reminds us that nothing in the life of a believer is wasted. God is faithfully working every part of your story toward your ultimate good and his glory.

To God, the greatest tragedy isn't giving your life for others; it's a life lived only for yourself. In this episode, Pastor Phil Hopper unpacks Galatians 6:10-18 and what it means to follow Jesus and bear His marks in a world that avoids suffering. You'll learn why the Apostle Paul pointed to his scars from persecution as evidence of authentic faith, and why we're consecrated to whatever we're willing to die for; until we're willing to die for Christ, we'll never fully live for Him. Discover the four marks of a crucified, consecrated life: Dangerous Faith, Suffering Faith, Sacrificing Faith, and Holy Faith, and why the crucified life, not a comfortable one, is the only way to experience the abundant life. Scripture: Galatians 6:10-18 -- Connect with us on Social Media ⤵    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abundantlifels/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantlifels     Connect with Pastor Phil ⤵  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilHopperKC  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philhopper_kc  Books & Resources: https://abundant-life.com/resources/books/     Listen to The Well Podcast ⤵ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wadnywAMEK7c0E1qatMoY?si=SjH6Ko7VR3OoHrRy1yYLlQ&nd=1&dlsi=395ae55d95ac4b11 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-well/id1233267223 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR50sV854C2hogfBmv7YogvCjiNYLz9a2   Find Your Next Step: https://alife.livingproof.co/ Watch More Sermons: https://abundant-life.com/sermons/   Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://abundant-life.com/ Listen to The Well Podcast ⤵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wadnywAMEK7c0E1qatMoY?si=SjH6Ko7VR3OoHrRy1yYLlQ&nd=1&dlsi=395ae55d95ac4b11Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-well/id1233267223YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR50sV854C2hogfBmv7YogvCjiNYLz9a2Find Your Next Step: http://alife.livingproof.co/ Watch more sermons: https://abundant-life.com/sermons/Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://abundant-life.com/ Connect with us on Social Media ↴Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abundantlifels/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantlifels Connect with Pastor Phil ↴Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilHopperKCInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/philhopper_kc/Web: https://abundant-life.com/resources/books/Learn more about the A-Life Discipleship Journey: https://alife.livingproof.co/ More information on our sermons: https://abundant-life.com/sermons/Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://abundant-life.com/

It's a rare one-off weekend for me, not tied into a specific series that we're walking through as a church. So, I took some time to think about what I would preach if I only had one sermon left. In some ways, that's how I hope to preach every week, but I'm glad for the chance to search Scripture and my own heart to discern what God has for us as we open his Word together this Sunday. On Sunday, we turn to Romans 8:1-4 together. Back in 2020 I preached through the book of Romans, mostly to an empty sanctuary while we were stuck doing what we could online. I took 8 weeks in Romans 8. That is how important and jam-packed this single chapter of Scripture is. The core of the good news of the gospel is on beautiful display, applied to our hearts and lives. Romans 7 sets the stage as the Apostle Paul opened his heart about the everyday struggle with sin, guilt, and condemnation. Romans 8 then bursts in as a beam of light piercing the darkness. ------------------------------------------- Connect with us on Social Media⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Vimeo⁠⁠------------------------------------------- Download our App⁠⁠Apple App Store⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Google Play Store⁠⁠

In this message from 2 Thessalonians 2, we explore the Apostle Paul's warning to a young church shaken by end-times predictions. Paul urges believers to avoid fear, deception, and distraction regarding the "man of lawlessness." Instead of obsessing over the identity of the Antichrist, true peace comes from fixing our eyes on Jesus Christ and loving the truth.How do we stay grounded in a world full of spiritual confusion and sensational predictions? Watch this video to discover practical wisdom on how to protect your heart from delusion and live with confident hope today.Connect with Crossroads Community Church:Website: https://lifeatcrossroads.orgInstagram:   / crossroadscommunitychurch  Facebook:   / lifeatcrossroads  Give Online:https://lifeatcrossroads.org/giveonlineLicensing Information:CCLI License #2915685CCS WORSHIPcast License #9466Crossroads Community Church holds a CCS WORSHIPcast License, which grants permission to publicly play, perform, and stream musical compositions controlled by ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in accordance with CCS License Terms and Conditions.

In this excerpt from Office Hours, Pastor Amos explains that believers should use both natural planning and spiritual guidance, citing the Apostle Paul as a model for making plans while leaving room for the Holy Spirit to make adjustments. __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com __________    

Michelle Obama says she has never met a white man who has felt imposter syndrome — that only black people seem to carry that weight. Jason Whitlock says she is describing something real but diagnosing it all wrong. Imposter syndrome isn't a white problem or a black problem. It's a spiritual one. It's a fear carried by men and women wearing a résumé — the ache of anyone whose identity is built on human approval instead of a relationship with Christ. From Moses at the burning bush to the apostle Paul, Whitlock unpacks why DEI, affirmation, and "more representation" can't cure it — and why only knowing whose you are ever will. ➢ Show Outline 00:00 Moses and Imposter Syndrome 00:59 Michelle Obama's Take on Imposter Syndrome 02:24 Imposter Syndrome: A God Problem 03:44 Why Imposters Have Imposter Syndrome 05:28 Identity Built on a Resume vs. God 06:24 God's Answer to Moses 07:17 The Cure for Imposter Syndrome 08:22 Slave Mentality vs. Son Mentality 09:16 The Fear of Man vs. the Fear of God 10:11 Apostle Paul's Imposter Syndrome 12:02 The Takeaway: Whose Am I? 13:45 Disconnected from God ➢ Follow Our GUESTS https://www.youtube.com/@TheShemekaMichelle  https://x.com/VirgilWalker https://x.com/TJMoe28  ➢ Subscribe to Jason's other channel https://www.youtube.com/JasonWhitlock?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.youtube.com/@JasonWhitlockHarmony?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.youtube.com/@JasonWhitlockBYOG?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.youtube.com/@JasonWhitlockClips?sub_confirmation=1 ➢ Connect with Jason on Social Media:  https://x.com/JasonWhitlock  https://www.instagram.com/realjasonwhitlock/ https://www.facebook.com/jasonwhitlock ➢ Send Jason an Email FearlessBlazeShow@gmail.com ➢ Support The Blaze Visit https://TheBlaze.com. Explore the all-new ad-free experience and see for yourself how we're standing up against suppression and prioritizing independent journalism. Support Conservative Voices! Subscribe to BlazeTV at https://www.fearlessmission.com and get $20 off your yearly subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heal your timeline, and you heal your today. Lance Wallnau breaks down why your past isn't over. It's still shaping the decisions you make right now, and the future you're walking toward. What if the reason you keep getting the same results is buried in a moment you haven't reprocessed yet? In this episode, Lance shares a real story about a man he financially supports who felt snubbed by him at a public event, and the reframe God gave him in response: people rarely do things to you, they do things for themselves. From there, Lance unpacks Maslow's theory of self-actualization, the difference between a victim mentality and a victorious mindset, and how the Apostle Paul reinterpreted his own scars as marks of purpose instead of trauma. You'll see the "life map" of high points and low points that shaped your self-concept, and how Romans 12 gives a blueprint for renewing your mind fast, so your past stops writing your future. Podcast Episode 2188: Heal Your Timeline - How To Fix Your Past, Present and Future! | don't miss this! Listen to more episodes of the Lance Wallnau Show at lancewallnau.com/podcast