Podcasts about apostle paul

If you’ve ever struggled to balance the demands of everyday life with an eternal perspective, this conversation is for you. If you’re a believer you know heaven is real. You probably even know you should thInk about living in light of eternal life. But how? If you’ve ever struggled to balance the demands of everyday life with an eternal perspective, this conversation is for you. In this episode, I sit down with storyteller and ministry founder Joe Mayers to talk about what it means to “think forever.” Joe shares how a devastating personal loss deepened his faith, strengthened his hope in heaven, and shaped the mission behind his ministry. We also talk about the judgment seat of Christ, why our daily choices matter more than we realize, and what Joe learned while creating his newest project about the Apostle Paul. This conversation will encourage you to live today with eternity in mind. And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:00:12 - Donna’s Summer Speaking Tour & Connection Invite 0:03:14 - Think Forever: Using Storytelling for Eternal Perspective 0:04:52 - How “The Bema” Reshapes Life in Light of Eternity 0:10:37 - Losing a Son, Grief, and Making Eternity Personal 0:17:19 - “Zeal”: Paul’s Life, Hidden Years, and Redeemed Passion What We Talk About The mission behind Think Forever The Bema Judgment Seat of Christ Why eternal perspective changes how we live today Joe's personal story of losing his infant son, Obi Finding hope in heaven after tragedy How God brings purpose out of pain Joe's new one-man show, Zeal Lessons from the life of the Apostle Paul The overlooked ten-year season of Paul's preparation How storytelling helps people engage with Scripture Think Forever: Living Today with Eternity in Mind Joe's ministry centers around one simple but powerful idea: Remember that you are an eternal being. Recognize that your daily choices matter forever. Focus on what has lasting value. Live faithfully in the responsibilities God has given you today. Keep your hope fixed on Christ and eternity. Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith. Connect with Joe: Think Forever: https://www.thinkforever.org/ Think Forever Podcast https://www.thinkforever.org/podcast Let’s Connect: Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 22-24, Romans 14 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! On this second day of June, join Hunter as we continue our journey through the Bible, focusing today on Proverbs 22-24 and Romans 14. Together, we explore timely wisdom from Proverbs and the Apostle Paul's call for a Christ-like attitude of love, unity, and harmony within the church. We'll reflect on how self-giving, forgiving, and co-suffering love can transform our lives and relationships. Along with thought-provoking readings, you'll be invited to join in prayer for our world, our families, and our own hearts as we seek to live out the peace and joy God offers. Whether you're a longtime listener or brand new, we're glad you're with us on this adventure of faith—reminding you each day that you are loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Attitude is everything if you want to be strengthened and built up. If you want to see that for God's people too, then attitude is really important. Paul says, if you serve Christ with this attitude you will please God and others will approve of you too. So then let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. What is this attitude? It's the attitude of Christ himself. Paul writes about this elsewhere in Philippians: don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too. You must have this same attitude that Christ TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

The letters of Apostle Paul are foundational within our walk with Messiah, however many of his letters introduced doctrinal concepts, such as predestination, that have left many believers perplexed. Join Rabbi today as he introduces the concept of predestination and how it was understood through the eyes of Paul. **** BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER - https://djj.show/YTAPartner  **** DONATE - https://djj.show/YTADonate  **** TEACHING NOTES - https://djj.show/e26 

Life brings us to our knees through unanswered prayers, unexpected loss, and prolonged difficulties. The Apostle Paul's experience with his thorn in the flesh teaches us that sometimes God says no to our requests, not because He doesn't love us, but because His grace is sufficient to carry us through. When God allows suffering to remain, He promises His supernatural carrying power to sustain us. True faith doesn't ignore difficult circumstances but looks at them honestly while trusting in God's goodness. The clearest evidence of a life committed to Jesus isn't escaping pain, but faithfully enduring it with His strength.Support the show

"For the same reason you alsobe glad and rejoice with me." The Apostle Paul is inviting thePhilippians to share in his joy. Nowthink about it. Paul is in prison, suffering and uncertain about the future.Yet he keeps speaking about joy. This teaches us something so important:Christian joy is not based on circumstances. It is based on Jesus Christ. Theworld's happiness rises and falls with comfort and success, but biblical joycan exist even in suffering. Paul and the Philippians were united in sacrifice,service, and joy. TrueChristian fellowship is much deeper than just a social connection. You may goto church, attend Sunday school, participate in church events, and spend timewith other believers. You may go golfing together, play tennis, or enjoy otheractivities together. Those things are wonderful. But true Christian fellowshipis deeper than simply enjoying social events together. True fellowship issharing together in the work of Jesus Christ. Thereis joy in serving with other believers. There is joy in praying together. Thereis joy in giving together. Yes, there is even joy in suffering together. Thereis joy in seeing lives changed through the work of God as we labor togetherwith fellow believers. Some of the deepest joy believers experience comesduring difficult seasons when they see God working in powerful ways. Acts 5tells us that after the apostles were beaten, they returned to the churchrejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ's name. James1 reminds us to count it all joy when we fall into various trials,tribulations, and troubles, knowing that the testing of our faith producespatience. Suffering produces Christian maturity in our lives. Joy grows when weserve God's purposes and trust God's purposes, even in suffering. Paul wantedthese believers not merely to survive hardship, but to rejoice in the middle ofit. That kind of joy becomes a testimony to the world. People expect us torejoice when things are going well. But when Christians rejoice in trials, theworld sees something supernatural, something different, and they want what wehave. Only Christ can produce that kind of joy in our lives. Maybetoday you're carrying burdens, disappointments, or heartaches. Remember this:your joy does not depend upon changing circumstances. It depends upon anunchanging Savior. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Heis still on the throne. God is still working. The gospel is still true. Heavenis still ahead. Because of that, we can rejoice. We'vebeen talking about the submissive mind here in Philippians 2. As Paul hasdescribed it, the submissive mind ultimately produces joy. The submissive mindis the same as a surrendered life. And a surrendered life produces joy inChrist. The Bible teaches us that Jesus humbled Himself. He obeyed the Father.He endured the cross. He now reigns in glory. Thatreminds me of Hebrews 12:1–3: "Therefore we also, since we aresurrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, andthe sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the racethat is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of ourfaith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising theshame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For considerHim who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you becomeweary and discouraged in your souls." My friend, when we follow thesame principle that Jesus practiced, we discover that surrender leads to joy. Let'spray together. Father, thank You for the joy that is found only in JesusChrist. Teach us to rejoice not only in blessings, but also in sacrifice andservice. Help us to trust You in every circumstance and reflect the joy ofChrist to the world around us. In Jesus' name, Amen. Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!

Most people define freedom as the ability to do whatever they want. But what if our wants are part of the problem?The Apostle Paul says true freedom isn't found in following every impulse or desire that comes our way. Freedom is learning to want what Jesus wants. That's why Christianity is about so much more than behavior modification. Jesus didn't simply come to forgive our sins; He came to transform our hearts. He changes what we love, what we pursue, and ultimately what we desire.That's why following Jesus can sometimes feel like a battle. Part of us still wants the old way of life. Paul calls that "the flesh." But the Holy Spirit is at work within us, shaping us into people who increasingly love what is good, true, and life-giving. The goal of the Christian life isn't simply that we stop doing bad things. The goal is that our wants begin to change.This week, pay attention to what is leading you. Is it approval? Fear? Comfort? Appetite? Anger? Or is it the Holy Spirit? Each morning, begin your day with a simple prayer: "Jesus, help me want what You want today."Because of Jesus, you don't have to earn God's acceptance. You are already loved, already accepted, and already free. The Holy Spirit is now at work helping you become the person God has declared you to be.Praise God!

Fear is a normal part of life—but spiritual cowardice is something different. In this episode of Take Heart, Cory Wing explores what Scripture teaches about fear, courage, and faithful obedience. Looking at examples from the early church, the Apostle Paul, and ultimately Jesus Christ Himself, Cory explains why biblical courage is not the absence of fear but obedience in the midst of it.What does it mean to fear God rather than man?How do Christians stand firm when obedience is costly?And where does true courage come from?Join us as we examine how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live faithfully, speak boldly, and trust Christ regardless of the consequences.

What if the worst thing that ever happened to you was actually God's pathway to something greater? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo and Paul Cunningham wrap up their 46-week journey through the Book of Acts by unpacking the powerful conclusion of the Apostle Paul's life. From shipwrecks and snake bites to imprisonment and eventual martyrdom, Paul's story reveals a truth every Christian needs to hear: God can turn a crash into a calling. The conversation then shifts to one of the most controversial topics facing Christians today: voting. How should believers think about character, policy, political engagement, and cultural responsibility? Is voting an endorsement of a person or a stewardship of influence? The team walks through practical biblical principles for navigating elections, culture, and civic responsibility without losing sight of God's Kingdom. Whether you're wrestling with disappointment, trying to understand your role in today's culture, or looking for encouragement to finish your race faithfully, this episode offers biblical clarity, courage, and hope. In This Episode: Why Acts 28 is the fulfillment of Acts 1:8 The incredible story of Paul's final years and martyrdom How God turns setbacks into Kingdom opportunities What it means to "finish the race" God has given you Why the Gospel advanced even when Paul was imprisoned Biblical principles for Christian voting The difference between evaluating personality and evaluating policy How believers can engage culture without making politics their identity Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

How did the Apostle Paul go from being an enemy of Christians to defender of the faith? There would be no benefit for an enemy of the church to lie about his conversion to the faith, to preach openly and establish churches or to give them correction.  After the Resurrection Jesus appeared to Paul and chose him to herald the gospel. Paul's deep knowledge of the word lays out the basis for our hope in the Resurrection, the promise of eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15  VF-2182 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2026 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved

Fear is a normal part of life—but spiritual cowardice is something different. In this episode of Take Heart, Cory Wing explores what Scripture teaches about fear, courage, and faithful obedience. Looking at examples from the early church, the Apostle Paul, and ultimately Jesus Christ Himself, Cory explains why biblical courage is not the absence of fear but obedience in the midst of it.What does it mean to fear God rather than man?How do Christians stand firm when obedience is costly?And where does true courage come from?Join us as we examine how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live faithfully, speak boldly, and trust Christ regardless of the consequences.Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere

Hey Gracegang!! Today our episode is coming from the book The making of a leader, recognizing the lessons and stages of leadership development from chapter 5 Titled: ministry maturing process part 2. We are going to touch on a story of Apostle Paul, Barnabas ,and Mark please tune in and share with a friend. Love you.

What is the purpose of speaking in tongues? Why did the Apostle Paul place such importance on praying in the Spirit? In this message, we explore the biblical purpose of tongues, the power of Pentecost, and how praying in the Spirit builds us up, reveals God's mysteries, and helps us walk in His divine purpose. The disciples were transformed after Pentecost. Peter went from denying Jesus to boldly preaching the gospel with power. The same Holy Spirit that empowered the early church is available to believers today. God desires for us to move beyond lukewarm Christianity and into a deeper relationship with Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. Discover how praying in tongues strengthens your spirit, aligns you with God's will, reveals spiritual mysteries, and prepares you for the destiny God has ordained for your life. Scriptures Referenced: • Mark 16:7 • Acts 2:1-4 • 1 Corinthians 2:1-14 • 1 Corinthians 14:2 • 1 Corinthians 14:4 • 1 Corinthians 14:14 • 1 Corinthians 14:18-21 • Romans 8:26 • Isaiah 28:11-12

2026 - May 31“The Essentials” is a journey through the book of Romans, where the Apostle Paul lays out the core truths of the Christian faith. In this letter, we discover who God is, what He has done through Jesus Christ, and what that means for us. Romans shows us the reality of our sin, the depth of God's grace, and the life-changing truth that salvation is not earned but received; a free gift through faith. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, making a way for both broken people and searching hearts to be made right with God. This series will walk through the essentials of the gospel and what it means to truly live in light of it. Please take a moment to rate this podcast and if you would like to leave a comment regarding this message, please email kpsermons@gmail.com

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.

Today we're continuing in Philippians 2, looking at verse 17,where the Apostle Paul says: "Yes, and if I am being poured out as adrink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad andrejoice with you all." Paul is using an Old Testament picture ofsacrifice. In those days, wine would often be poured out upon a sacrifice as anoffering to God. Paul says that his own life is being poured out like thatdrink offering. What a picture of surrender! Paulwas in prison as he wrote these words. He faced uncertainty, suffering, andpossible execution. Yet he did not speak with bitterness. He spoke with joy. Whywas that? Because he had totally and absolutely surrendered his life to JesusChrist. He saw his suffering as an act of worship. Romans 12:1 tells us that weare to “present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable untoGod, which is only our reasonable service” after all that God has done forus. Christianity is not merely believing certain truths. It is the offering ofourselves fully to God. Paul'sjoy did not depend upon comfortable circumstances. His joy came from knowingthat his life was being used for the glory of God. Oh, my friend, what adifference it makes when we begin to understand that! This is the secret oflasting joy. The world says today that joy or happiness comes from getting. Butthe Bible, and Jesus Himself, teach us that joy and true blessedness come fromgiving. In Acts 20:35, we read these words that Jesus said: "It is moreblessed to give than to receive." Somany of us today struggle with joy because we are focused mainly onourselves—what we want, what we feel, and what we are going through—instead offocusing on God and His glory. Joy grows when we pour out our lives in servingChrist and others. Have you ever poured out your life? The Scriptures tell usthat Jesus Christ poured out His blood on the cross, and He became brokenbread. That is what the Lord's Supper is about: broken bread and poured-outwine. Today that is what we can become in the hands of our Lord Jesus Christ bythe grace of God. Aswe do, we begin to nourish others until they can learn to nourish themselves. Wemight even become a doormat. Yes, people may wipe their feet on us. Yet werejoice when that happens, just as Paul did in prison. What joy we have insidebecause we know that the feet of those who wipe their feet on us are cleanernow. Perhaps, as a result of our response rather than our reaction, they toowill glorify Christ and come to know Him. Paulrejoiced even while suffering because sacrifice for Christ is never wasted. Missionariesunderstand this great truth. Faithful pastors understand this truth. Godlyparents understand this truth. Godly Christians—believers who give their livesin service through the ministry of their local church—understand this truth. Sometimesserving Christ is costly. It may cost comfort, convenience, popularity, andeven relationships. But nothing given to Christ is ever lost. Jim Elliot, thegreat missionary martyr, once said: "He is no fool who gives what hecannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Noless than six times, Jesus said in the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, andJohn—that when you try to save your life, you will lose it. But if you loseyour life for His sake and the gospel's, you will find it. So today, askyourself: Am I living sacrificially for Christ? Am I holding back areas of mylife from God? Am I willing to be poured out for His glory? The greatest lifeis not the comfortable life. It is the surrendered life. I pray that this isyour heart today. Let'spray together. Father, thank You for the example of Paul, and above all, theexample of Jesus Christ. Teach us to live sacrificially and joyfully for Yourglory. Help us to absolutely surrender all of our lives completely into Yourhands. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!

Pastor Mike Stevens concludes our series on The Full Armor of God by focusing on Paul's powerful request in Ephesians 6:18-20: "Pray also for me." This message reminds us that pastors, leaders, and every believer need prayer for wisdom, courage, and strength to share the Gospel faithfully. Even the Apostle Paul understood the importance of having others stand with him in prayer.As we finish this series, Pastor Mike challenges us to support our spiritual leaders by thriving in our own walk with Christ, working together as the body of believers, and standing firm in faith. When we wear the full armor of God and encourage one another, we are better equipped to fight the good fight, remain faithful to Jesus, and advance God's Kingdom together.#GoodHopeChurch #FullArmorOfGod #PastorMikeStevens #Prayer #Ephesians6 #StandFirm #Faith #ChristianLiving #ChurchFamily #FightTheGoodFightSermon Notes: https://link.goodhope.ag/armor-7Giving Information: https://goodhope.ag/givingSTAY CONNECTEDYoutube: https://youtube.com/GoodHopeChurchInstagram: http://instagram.com/goodhopemnFacebook: http://fb.com/goodhopemn

How do we respond when its seems like everything we try to do, or feel like God is leading us to do, meets a brick wall? In our message today we will examine how the Apostle Paul dealt with Satan when he blocked him from gong back to visit the young believers at Thessalonika. Too many times we simply give up when the obstacles we face might be there to help us develop and grow in our faith and relationship with God. We examine why God would allow Satan to tempt, block, discourage and distract us from trying to be obedient to God's word and will for our life. We also look at how Paul used what the world meant for evil and turned it around into something that brings God glory and extends his Kingdom. From 1st Thessalonians 2:17-3:5The 9th Message from our Study of the letters to the ThessaloniansThank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715

(5) James Tabor describes Mount Zion in Jerusalem as the world headquarters of the early movement. Archaeological evidence suggests the "Upper Room" sits atop a first-century foundation of a house-synagogue. In this space, Maryserved as a matriarch and hostess, greeting early pilgrims and figures like the Apostle Paul. This segment portrays a vibrant Jerusalem-based community where the "genius" of the early church thrived. Tabor envisions the household dynamics on Mount Zion, where Mary remained a central figure of authority, hospitality, and memory following the death of her son.1787 Death of Socraates

The Apostle Paul called himself “the servant of Christ”, but in his day there really were no servants, only slaves. The Greek word Paul used is better translated “under rower”, the slave who occupied the lowest position in the galley of a ship powered by the sweat of men. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he reflects on Paul's self-evaluation as a minister of Christ. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

What happens when your deepest shame becomes your greatest sermon? Pastor Jeff reveals the transformative power of testimony through the Apostle Paul's dramatic conversion story—showing us that every believer has an identical narrative of redemption. Paul wasn't just a "bad guy"—he was a violent terrorist against Christians, breathing murderous threats and giving approval to their deaths. Yet when Christ intercepted him on the Damascus road, everything changed. Pastor Jeff emphasizes that authentic Christianity isn't behavioral modification to appease an angry God, but total life transformation from the inside out. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Jesus consistently modeled dependence on the Father through prayer, obedience, and service. He came not to be served, but to serve others, ultimately giving His life for humanity. In the same way, believers are called to deny themselves daily, not through their own strength, but through the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. Through trials, hardships, and acts of service, God uses surrender to refine faith and produce spiritual maturity. This devotional reminds readers that sanctification is a lifelong process. Though dying to self is difficult, it leads to deeper fellowship with Christ, greater spiritual growth, and the abundant life Jesus promises to those who follow Him faithfully. Highlights Philippians 3:10 reveals Paul’s desire to become more like Christ through surrender. Following Jesus requires daily humility, sacrifice, and obedience. Selflessness in everyday life reflects Christ’s servant-hearted example. Jesus modeled dependence on the Father through prayer and submission. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to deny the flesh and choose God’s way. Trials and hardships can become opportunities for spiritual growth and sanctification. True life is found when believers surrender their lives fully to Christ. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: We Must Die Daily By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10, ESV). As a mom and wife, I am given countless opportunities to set aside my own wants and to sacrifice my love, time, and attention to my husband and children's needs. Pouring yourself out like that on a daily basis can sometimes be physically exhausting; I find myself praying for supernatural strength often! Yet, at the end of the day, even though I am tempted to wonder where my “me time” is, my heart is always full. This is when I begin to see more clearly what the Apostle Paul meant when he said: “I die daily.” The Biblical principle of dying to yourself has always been true, but I didn’t always live it or even understand it. Becoming a stay-at-home mom has challenged me in more ways than I can count in the area of putting others before myself, and I am always learning and finding that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive. As Jesus’ disciples, we are called to follow Him. That was Paul’s mission in life – to imitate Christ. And it is what he and the rest of the apostles literally gave their lives to preach to the world through their words and actions. We may not ever get the honor to literally die for Jesus Christ because of our faith in Him, but by God’s grace, we can imitate His selflessness every day. The apostle Paul emphasizes his great desire to join Christ in His suffering and become like Christ in his daily dying of self: “…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10, ESV). Intersecting Faith and Life: To be able to imitate Christ and enjoy this kind of fellowship with Him, we must look to Jesus as our example. Even though Jesus was God in the flesh, He still leaned upon God the Father for everything He said and did while He walked this earth. Jesus would rise early to pray and seek God for His will for the day. In addition to seeking God in prayer, Jesus obediently submitted Himself to the will of the Father, even unto death. Each day, we are faced with the temptation to satisfy our flesh and go outside the boundaries of God’s perfect will. We discover what that will is when we read the Bible and study it for ourselves to learn God’s ways. We are not perfect, but thankfully, Jesus was, and because of His sacrifice on the cross, we have been given the precious gift of the Holy Spirit as born-again believers. The characteristics of Jesus’ death should be the characteristics of our lives: humility, sacrifice, and glory to God through disciple-making. Ultimately, Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve others (Mark 10:45). Jesus ministered to thousands upon thousands of people during His time here on earth. John 22 tells us that if all the things Jesus did were written down, the entire world could not contain the books that would be written! Dying daily definitely isn’t easy, but it is worth it because Jesus promises us that whoever loses his life will find it and find it abundantly (Matthew 10:39, John 10:10)! But remember, we cannot die daily in our own strength, friends. The Holy Spirit is who empowers us to choose God’s way through the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). With each passing day, by God’s grace, we mature and cultivate a life worth dying for, a life found in Christ alone! Living like Christ’s dying is a continual process of humility and sacrifice. May God empower us to die daily and choose others above ourselves. Our flesh wants nothing to do with denying it of anything. We don’t want to experience suffering. But it is in those moments of dying to self that you become more like Christ. What are the difficulties and trials you are currently facing? Ask the Lord to help you embrace those trials and sufferings so that you may grow closer to Him. Let us seek to look like Christ’s dying by learning how to be humble and sacrificial. Instead of resisting those difficult times, ask the Lord to help you to find great opportunities for sanctification to be conformed to the image of Christ Jesus and lean into His grace through the trial. Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 Luke 9:23-27 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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.

Each year, generation after generation of God's people would celebrate the Passover, remembering what God had done in freeing his people from Egypt. On the night before his death, Jesus and his disciples gathered and celebrated the Passover meal, but this time the focus would shift from the death of the Lamb to the death of Jesus. In fact, the Apostle Paul would later write, "Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”This Sunday, we'll see that: at the table, we remember Christ's sacrifice

On Trinity Sunday, we celebrate the mystery and beauty of God revealed in relationship - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - distinct yet one, bound together in perfect love. In 1 Corinthians 12:4–12, the Apostle Paul reminds us that the church, too, is made up of many gifts, many callings, and many people, all joined together as one body in Christ. As we ordain and install new elders and deacons, we will reflect on the truth that faithful leadership is never solitary, but deeply relational, formed through our connection to God and to one another. We will learn again that the work of ministry is shared work, strengthened by different gifts offered in common purpose. Sermon on 1 Corinthians 12:4-12, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on May 31st, 2026.

Our sermon series through the book of Colossians continues with the Apostle Paul praying for the church. His hope is for them to bear fruit in every good work, increase in the knowledge of God, and to give thanks to the Father. We hope this sermon blesses you in the Lord. Originally May 31st, 2026. Jared Dearing. Covenant Church. Tuscaloosa, AL.

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

What does it really mean to be in Christ?In this powerful teaching series from Central City Assembly, Pastor Kai walks verse-by-verse through the book of Ephesians to help believers understand their true identity in Jesus, the transforming power of the gospel, and how to live with purpose every day.The phrase “in Christ” changes everything. It speaks to who we are, what we've been given, and how we're called to live. In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reveals the spiritual blessings we have in Christ, the grace that saves us, the unity of the Church, and the practical call to walk in holiness, love, and spiritual strength.Whether you're new to faith, exploring Christianity, or a long-time believer wanting deeper spiritual growth, In Christ will anchor your heart in the gospel and equip you to walk confidently in who Jesus says you are.Reflection Questions:Where in your life are you still thinking of yourself as someone merely near the light instead of someone who has been made light in the Lord?What fruit is your life producing right now, and does it reflect what Paul calls good, right, and true?Where do you need to stop asking, “What can I get away with?” and start asking, “Lord, does this please you?”What hidden place in your life needs to be brought into the light so Christ can expose it, heal it, transform it, and use your life as an invitation to others?

Your anointing will always take you further than your talent — and this episode reveals exactly why. Lance Wallnau breaks down the biblical concept of the "excellent spirit" (yatir), the mountain that juts higher than all others, and why God consistently chooses the underdog over the obvious candidate to display His glory. Using Daniel in Babylon, Joseph in Egypt, Esther in Persia, and even a modern-day billionaire who heard the audible voice of God on a single investment — Lance unpacks what separates believers who break through from those who plateau. The secret isn't your gifting. It's the anointing of God flowing through your gifting that creates what the Apostle Paul called "huper bole" — the shot put that lands yards beyond every other thrower. Lance also shares a raw, behind-the-scenes story from Jerusalem during the 2016 election — what happened when his prophetic word about Trump collided with the Access Hollywood scandal, and how a desperate prayer in a hotel room became a video seen by millions. This is what walking by the Spirit actually looks like: uncertain, risky, and undeniably God.  SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss what's happening next Podcast Episode 2135: Your Anointing Will Take You Further Than Talent | don't miss this! Listen to more episodes of the Lance Wallnau Show at lancewallnau.com/podcast ────────────────────────────────────────  Follow Lance Wallnau: Website: lancewallnau.com Facebook: Lance Wallnau Instagram: instagram.com/lancewallnau X (Twitter): twitter.com/LanceWallnau ──────────────────────────────────────── #LanceWallnau #Anointing #FaithAndBusiness

"Thatyou may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in themidst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights inthe world."  Whata description of the world in which we live today—a crooked and perversegeneration. The word crooked means twisted or bent away from God's standard.The word perverse means distorted or corrupted. Does that not describe ourworld today? Truth is being redefined. Morality is being distorted. Darkness iscelebrated while righteousness is mocked. We see it on every hand, all aroundus, throughout our world, and especially in our country, the USA. Yet God hascalled us not to hide from the world. He has called us to shine in it. Rememberin Matthew 5:14, Jesus said, "You are the light of the world."In verse 16, He said, "Let your light so shine before men, that theymay see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Light doesnot complain about the darkness. It does not fight with the darkness. Myfriend, all it has to do is shine, and the darkness flees. Iam convinced with all my heart that if Christians truly let the light of JesusChrist shine—remember, He said, "I am the light of the world." NowHe lives in us. His light shines through us. It is not our light; it is Hislight, and it shines through us. If we would only let it shine, the darknesswould be pushed back. It would flee. You do not go into a room and curse thedarkness when it is dark. No, you simply turn on the light switch. As soon asthe light comes on, everything becomes plain and clear, and you can see acrossthe room. That is what we do as believers. Our light shines. Paulsays believers are to be blameless and harmless. This does not mean sinlessperfection, but lives marked by integrity and purity. The world should not seehypocrisy in our lives. Our lives should support the message that we preach. Oneof the greatest tragedies is when Christians damage their testimony throughbitterness, compromise, anger, or constant negativity. We just talked aboutthat in verse 14. Yousee, the darker the world becomes, the brighter faithful believers will shine. Thinkabout Daniel in Babylon, along with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Thinkabout Joseph in Egypt and the difference he made. Or even Noah before theflood. They lived in corrupt cultures, yet their lives stood out. The ApostlePaul and the early believers lived in a Roman culture that was dark, corrupt,and cruel. But, my friend, the light was shining. As it shone through theirlives, wonderful things took place that turned the world upside down. Yousee, God never intended for His people to blend into the darkness. Yet thatseems to be what so many churches and believers are trying to do today. Youcannot tell the difference between a believer and the world around them. NoticePaul says we shine in the midst of a crooked generation. We are in the world,but we are not of the world. That is why Jesus prayed in John 17 that theFather would not take believers out of the world, but that He would keep themfrom the evil one. Sohow do we shine in a practical way? We shine through holy living. We shinethrough kindness. We shine through truth. We shine through love. We shinethrough joy in suffering. We shine through forgiveness. We shine throughfaithfulness. A Christian filled with the HolySpirit of God becomes a lighthouse in a dark culture. Peoplearound us desperately need hope. They are confused, fearful, and empty. Manyhave never seen genuine Christianity lived out consistently.  Itrust God will use you and me to make a difference in the world in which welive, because someone is watching how we handle stress, disappointment,conflict, and suffering. Are you shining clearly today? Or are you blendinginto the darkness? Ask God to make your light shine as a bright testimony forJesus Christ. Remember this: the darker the night, the more visible the light. 

You can never underestimate the creative grace of God. The creative grace of God uses all things in our lives, good and bad, for His purposes. The Apostle Paul's story, told in the book of Galatians, is a great example. When we yield to God, submit to Him as our Creator and ask Him to work His creative grace in our lives, He gives us a new life and path that can change the world.

Why is it hard for us to say “no”? In her booklet on saying no without guilt, Alice Fryling points out “We get instant affirmation from saying yes. We get personal stimulation from the idea of meeting a challenge, using our gifts or tapping into our creativity, and we avoid the unpleasantness of having to say no.” This hits the nail on the head for me. I learned some years ago one reason I was trying to do so much was to hear the accolades and affirmation I received from others. Those comments feIt good; I liked them and I wanted more. I wanted the affirmation of people; it fed my ego and made me feel good about myself. But for years I was deceived and didn't realize what was behind much of my activity—good activity, ministry activity. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians, am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10). You must decide who you are trying to please. If pleasing people is your goal, if you need the affirmation of others to feel good about yourself, you will always be in bondage to those people, whoever they are, and you will never fully succeed. It's impossible to please people all the time, no matter how hard you try. But the good news is, it is possible to please God. And I've discovered that when my priority is to please God, I typically please more people that way than when I try to please people! Search your heart today if you are plagued by this difficulty of saying “no,” and ask God to reveal to you why it is so hard for you to say “no.” You may discover some unlovely motivations there, but in so doing, you will uncover truth that can set you free!

Life often brings unexpected storms that can leave us feeling shipwrecked and broken. The Apostle Paul experienced this when his ship was destroyed during a violent storm while he was following God's will. Sometimes we face difficulties because of our own poor choices, sometimes because of others' actions, and sometimes because God allows storms for His greater purposes. When everything falls apart, we must grab hold of something that will sustain us - Jesus Christ and His Word. Even in our darkest moments, God provides help through unexpected sources and uses our storms to position us for ministry to others who are struggling.Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

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 Apostle Paul thanked God for Philemon, and prayed for him regularly. Pastor Cameron encourages each of us to pray for the people in our lives as well. 

There will always be people around us seeking to pervert, to divert, to pollute, to poison the authentic gospel of Jesus Christ. When this happened in the early churches in the Galatian region, the Apostle Paul penned an explosive letter warning them to be discern between true gospel and false teaching. One of the most important things we can do to defend ourself is to be aware and then know how to spot a different gospel.

This episode explores the significance of the Passover event in the Bible, from its origins in ancient Israel to its culmination in the life and death of Jesus Christ. We delve into how Jesus, identified as the "Lamb of God" by John the Baptist, is seen as the ultimate sacrificial lamb whose death takes away the sin of the world. The episode also highlights the Last Supper, a Passover meal, where Jesus gives it a new meaning, announcing His impending sacrifice. The Apostle Paul's recognition of Jesus as the "Passover lamb" is also discussed, emphasizing the universality of Jesus' sacrifice. Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

The Apostle Paul writes that the goal of every follower of Christ should be to grow in our faith, and become spiritually mature. But what does it take to achieve this growth? And how can we tell if we're growing? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro looks at key attributes of spiritual maturity as we continue our study in Colossians.

On today's podcast, Pastor Cameron looks at the common greeting of the Apostle Paul - grace and peace. This simple greeting carries Kingdom power that is an encouragement for every believer. 

Criticism is inevitable if you are doing... anything! We would all do well to know, from a biblical standpoint, how to deal with it. The Apostle Paul, who was often the target of various slings and arrows, offers an excellent example in 1 Thessalonians 2. Join us as we workshop a passage from this chapter.

Almost 2,000 years after the Apostle Paul planted a church in the large, thriving city of Corinth, we are still reading about it. The two preserved letters (1 and 2 Corinthians) give us so much insight and understanding about this incredible church and are well-worth our time and study.Resource Highlight- New Testament SnapshotsDavid and Annie are serving the Lord in the US, South America, Africa, India, and Nepal. Would you consider joining their team? Just click here to get involved. Thanks so much!Show credits:Opening music- Beach Bum Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Closing music- Slow Burn Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Today’s Bible Verse – "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ." - Philippians 1:12-13 Ever wondered if your struggles have purpose? In Philippians 1:12–13, the Apostle Paul encourages believers by revealing how his imprisonment—what looked like a setback—was actually part of God’s plan to advance the gospel. This verse reminds us that even in pain or limitation, God is working through us for His glory. Want an ad-free Bible study experience?Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member: Subscribe here Meet Today’s Host: Chaka Heinze Listen to more episodes with Chaka at Your Daily Bible Verse on LifeAudio Chaka Heinze is a Christian writer, speaker, and passionate Bible teacher. She serves on the Prayer and Healing Ministry at her local church and mentors young women in their walk with Christ. After the heartbreaking loss of her 11-year-old son, Landen, Chaka encountered the life-changing depth of God’s love and compassion—a message she now shares with others navigating grief, healing, and spiritual growth. She and her husband of 26 years are raising five children, from college-age to preschoolers. A trained attorney, Chaka also specializes in the fine art of peacekeeping (especially between siblings).

Paul began his letter to Philemon by calling himself "a prisoner of Christ." Join Pastor Cameron as we look at the victorious attitude that the Apostle Paul maintained through all his trials! 

Send us Fan Mail✍️SHOW NOTES✍️In the bustling heart of the Roman Empire, where cultures, philosophies, and religions intertwined, a letter arrived that would forever shape the course of Christian thought. Written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57, the Book of Romans stands as one of the most profound theological works in history—a message of faith, grace, and transformation addressed to believers living in the capital of the ancient world.SMASH that LIKE button.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 reminds believers that true fulfillment is not found in possessions, status, or comparison, but in godliness with contentment. In this devotional, Emily Rose Massey explores how social media comparison can quietly stir envy, dissatisfaction, and restlessness in the heart. Constant exposure to curated lifestyles and picture-perfect moments can tempt Christians to believe they are lacking something God has withheld from them. This devotional encourages believers to guard their hearts against comparison and refocus their attention on Christ rather than worldly standards. Scripture reminds Christians that God faithfully provides what they truly need, and lasting peace comes from trusting His provision and sovereignty. Through gratitude, repentance, and renewing the mind with God’s Word, believers can experience the joy and freedom of godly contentment instead of chasing temporary fulfillment through comparison and materialism. Highlights Godliness with contentment brings lasting spiritual gain. Social media comparison can fuel envy, jealousy, and dissatisfaction. Comparison often reveals deeper struggles with trust and gratitude. True fulfillment is found in Christ, not worldly success or appearances. God faithfully provides what His children truly need. Renewing the mind with Scripture helps guard the heart from discontentment. Gratitude and faith lead to greater peace, joy, and contentment. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Great Gain of Godly Contentment By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8, ESV). Has interaction on social media ever created a heaviness in your heart, perhaps leading you to compare yourself to others? In my life, I seem to get this cloud that forms over me when I scroll certain social media influencers' profiles. You know, the ones from somewhere in the Midwest with a thriving business, beautiful children, Magnolia-inspired farmhouse decor covering the pristine photos of their adorable home...and the lighting! Perfect lighting in these pictures… every single one of them! Absolutely stunning natural light in these posts! And I want to imitate it, but not because I am inspired, but because, quite frankly, I am jealous of these strangers on the internet! The cloud that looms over my head is this heaviness that I need to make my life look like this. I start to think I need what they have, and a feeling of "not enough" starts to creep up in my heart. Recently, the Lord has been showing me through this restlessness how discontented I have become through social media, and that is something I am working through with the Holy Spirit on how I can guard my heart from these types of entanglements that bring distraction and discontentment. My eyes have drifted upon lesser things, and it has affected my heart in a great way. Comparison that leads to envy and jealousy has been a trap of the enemy since creation. The motive behind Adam and Eve’s disobedience was comparison, which led to covetousness, which led to pride, which led to selfishness, which led to ungratefulness for what God had already provided (all rooted in fear). Are you in fear? Then you are not in faith, believing God at His Word and fully trusting Him that He has given you exactly what you need. Anything that is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). When we compare ourselves with another, we are saying we would do a better job planning out our lives than our Creator, the sovereign Most High, acting like Satan who fell and caused Adam and Eve to fall. Whoa, that is a dangerous place to be! When we are wrestling with these heart issues and sin, we often need a perspective shift, and this won’t come from social media, but the Word of God is what will bring clarity when our minds and hearts become clouded with worldliness that causes us to become jealous of others. The Apostle Paul reminds his spiritual son Timothy in his first letter to him to keep his mind on eternal and spiritual matters: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Our Heavenly Father ensures that birds are fed, surely, He will take care of us! If we have food and clothing, we truly don’t need anything else; All else is comfort and gifts from our Father. Any material blessing beyond food and clothing that the Lord graces us with should cause us to worship and rejoice in thankfulness for His rich mercy and love towards us as His children. We are all guilty of comparing our lives to someone else’s at some point and allowing it to spark jealousy. Where have your eyes wandered that may be creating jealousy? The only way out is to repent and renew your mind with the Word of God. Instead of fixating on others’ lives, we must keep our eyes on Jesus and His Word. If you cling to Him and abide in Him, you will remain full of His love, joy, and peace- the only things that will bring true fulfillment and contentment. You won’t want anything other than what He has given you; His perfect, eternal promises and tender, Fatherly care for you will be more than enough. Let’s lift our gaze and thank Him for what He has already so richly provided for us in Christ Jesus. Further Reading: Philippians 4:11-13 Matthew 6:25-34 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

I invited Dr. Patrick Mason on to discuss reframing faith in the complex history of religion. He iis a historian and theologian at Utah State University, and discusses the evolution of his career from academic research to pastoral writing aimed at those navigating faith crises. He reflects on the limitations of a transactional approach to religion, suggesting instead that individuals must take personal accountability for their spiritual lives while remaining part of a community. Mason addresses difficult historical and moral issues, such as slavery and the priesthood ban, by arguing that past leaders were fallible and that modern believers should engage with the moral complexity of their heritage. He also shares his profound emotional experience studying the Rwandan genocide, using it as a lens to explore the problem of evil and the role of God in a suffering world. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for honest questioning and wrestling with doubt. Ultimately, Mason advocates for a broad and inclusive religious tent where the focus remains on a faithful God rather than the perfection of human messengers. He is the author of Planted and Restoration.   https://youtu.be/c_7JWglAeRY Don’t miss our previous conversation with Patrick: https://gospeltangents.com/people/patrick-mason/ Reframing Faith: Navigating the Moral Complexity of History and Belief We explored the difficult terrain of faith crises, historical trauma, and the transition from a transactional to an authentic spiritual life. Mason, known for his pastoral works like Planted and Restoration, argues that we must move beyond a “vending machine” approach to God to find a more durable and honest faith. The Trap of the Transactional God Many believers grow up with an “illusion of contract,” believing that specific acts of obedience—like paying tithing or accepting every calling—guarantee divine protection from calamity. Mason points out that when life fails to follow this script, individuals often fall into a “bottomless pit” of self-blame, thinking they simply weren’t “perfect enough.” Drawing on the teachings of the Apostle Paul, Mason emphasizes that we cannot reach God purely through the law; instead, we must take individual authority over our spiritual lives while remaining anchored in a community that “decenters the ego.” Confronting the “Moral Complexity” of History One of the most challenging aspects of a faith journey involves reconciling modern morality with the actions of past leaders, particularly regarding issues like slavery and the priesthood ban. Mason addresses the “trap of presentism”—the idea that we shouldn’t judge the past by modern standards—by noting that even in the 19th century, there were voices like Orson Pratt who critiqued slavery as an offense to our theology using the scriptures available at the time. Furthermore, Rick challenges the historical justification that the priesthood ban was necessary for the Church’s survival, noting that other restoration branches never implemented such bans. Patrick invites us to imagine a history where Brigham Young chose “radical racial inclusion” based on the Book of Mormon’s teaching that “all are alike unto God,” suggesting the Church might have been generations ahead in its global mission. Facing Evil and Prophetic Fallibility Mason's reflections on the 1994 Rwanda genocide serve as a sobering lens for the “problem of evil.” After visiting massacre sites in Rwandan churches, he described the experience as a confrontation with “satanic” evil that defies easy theological answers and forces us to ask, “Where was God?” This recognition of human darkness extends to his view of prophetic fallibility. Mason asserts that while prophets are “reliable guides,” they are not infallible and do not claim to be. He believes it is a mistake to treat the scriptures or prophetic statements as inerrant, noting that salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone, not through the perfection of his messengers. Creating Spaces to Wrestle with Faith To help others navigate these complexities, Mason and his wife hosted a student group in their home for years, providing a space for open gospel conversations without “guard rails.” He found that when people are given the space to wrestle with difficult questions—ranging from LGBTQ+ issues to church history—they often discover their own spiritual authority and wisdom. Ultimately, Mason suggests that the most foundational Christian covenant is not a litmus test of witnessing, but the commitment to “mourn with those that mourn” and “bear one another's burdens.” By creating spaces where people feel heard and validated, the community can move toward a more authentic and loving practice of the gospel. Chapters 0:00 Meet Patrick Mason 7:42 Reframing Faith: Moving from Transaction Belief to Mature Faith 16:59 Presentism & Slavery 30:50 Problem of Evil/Rwandan Genocide 38:31 Prophetic Infallibility 52:07 Rwandan Genocide Books 52:56 Safe Spaces for Wrestling with Faith 1:00:43 Is Polygamy for eternal marriage or dynastic sealings? 1:04:26 Thankful for LDS Faith Journey Communities 1:07:02 Role of Sunday Meetings How do you handle these complex theological problems over slavery, the priesthood ban, polygamy, or other controversial practices?

When we consider some of the great missionaries of the past, whether the Apostle Paul himself or people like Adoniram Judson and William Carey, we often wonder how they endured under such difficult circumstances. Not only that, but how could they possibly be joyful in the midst of these trials? In this week's message from Philippians 1, Pastor Bryan shows us that what these heroes of the faith had in common was a radical perspective: Everything in life is an opportunity to advance the gospel. Whether in the marketplace or overseas, we all have a call to live on mission for God.

The Apostle Paul said that the Kingdom is not of talk but of POWER. In this message, Ps Mike explores the earliest days of the church and the miracles that were common place.

Romans 7:18-19 highlights the inner struggle every believer faces between sinful desires and the desire to honor God. In this devotional, Aaron D’Anthony Brown challenges Christians to honestly evaluate whether they may be sabotaging their own spiritual growth, relationships, or progress in life. Rather than always blaming circumstances or other people, believers are encouraged to practice self-awareness, humility, and accountability as they confront patterns of unhealthy thinking and behavior. This devotional reminds readers that spiritual maturity begins with honest reflection and repentance. The Apostle Paul openly acknowledged his battle with sin, showing believers the importance of recognizing personal weaknesses instead of excusing them. Through humility, accountability, and dependence on God, Christians can stop getting in their own way and begin pursuing the righteous life God calls them to live. Highlights Romans 7 reveals the ongoing battle between flesh and spirit. Self-awareness is the first step toward personal and spiritual growth. Pride can prevent believers from recognizing harmful behaviors. Accountability helps sharpen and strengthen Christian character. Excusing sinful habits leads to self-sabotage and spiritual stagnation. Humility allows believers to receive correction and grow in wisdom. God calls Christians to actively confront and reject sinful patterns. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Are You Getting in Your Own Way? By Aaron D’Anthony BrownBible Reading:“For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it. For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do.” (Romans 7:18-19, CSB) There’s a certain question we should ask ourselves every now and again: Am I getting in my own way? When we don’t get the outcomes we want in life, blaming our circumstances and other people comes naturally enough. What doesn’t happen as frequently as it should is looking at the man in the mirror. Recently, I remember talking to a fellow young man about our desire for marriage. Well, we went out to lunch with women from our church. Something we both wanted. For one reason or another, this getting-to-know-you experience led him to talk about an extremely embarrassing incident. Now, who in their right mind would share that on a first date? Or take, for instance, a buddy of mine who is encountering deep financial strain. The more anyone tries to encourage him, the more he pushes back with a 'woe-is-me' attitude. He seems to want more negativity to fuel what he already exhibits. These guys are not alone. I’ve battled with my own negative thinking and dwelling. Perhaps you, too, are sabotaging your own success. So, ask yourself, “Am I getting in my own way?” Intersecting Faith & Life: After you ask yourself this important question, the answer should be yes. If not, the following steps are especially for you. Build self-awareness. The reason Paul was able to write those particular verses in Romans is that he developed some measure of self-awareness. He may not have completely understood why he behaved the way he did, aside from citing his sinful nature, but he understood something was wrong and wrote about it. He acknowledged the problem, and acknowledgment is the first step to finding a solution. If you want to build self-awareness in your own life, spend some time pausing and reflecting. Yes, this does mean sitting with your thoughts and not your phone. Question yourself about why you do certain things and not others. The better you know yourself, the more you’ll be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Develop humility. Humility is underrated and uncommon. So many of us think we have it, yet fail to recognize just how prideful we are. A good way to measure this virtue is to observe how you handle people who disagree with you. Not just the non-believers, but those people you perceive as less (or more) Christian than you. Have they ever proven you wrong about something? When did that last happen? Is it good that you haven’t been wrong since? Have people around you to call you out. Having agreement is nice, but if iron is to sharpen iron, then disagreement is essential. Encouraging one another is nice, but we can do so at the expense of others. Instead of seeking to appease those around us, let’s hold each other accountable and do our best to help others reflect Christ. If you know you’re a sinner, act like it. Some of us will openly call ourselves sinners in the abstract on any given Sunday, but on other days of the week, we justify our sinful behavior. People know that they practice poor communication, but don’t change it. Overeat but don’t change it. Say that they’re lazy, but don’t change it. Does God take sin seriously? If you say yes, don’t say, "He made you that way." Recognize that He hates sin, and try your best to hate it as well. Hate the self-sabotage and do something righteous instead. Further Reading (and Listening): “Wanna Be Happy?” by Kirk Franklin Galatians 5:17 James 1:14-15 Matthew 26:41 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.