The primary disciples of Jesus
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Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away!
The Poem of the Man God is a retelling of the Gospel story of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the private revelations of Maria Valtorta. In this episode, we see Jesus and the Apostles on the Sabbath of the Unleavened Bread.Original music by Angela Marie (Mohammed). Messiah. Savior. Passion of Christ. Religion. Wisdom. Miracles. Catholic Christian Theology. Apostles. Disciples. Believers. Followers. Early Church. Communion. Healing. Suffering Sacrifice. New Testament
Thank you for your incredible generosity! If you would still like to make a gift, you may do so by clicking here.Become a Spiritual Mentor!Today's transcript. We depend on donations from exceptional listeners like you. To donate, click here.The Daily Rosary Meditations is now an app! Click here for more info.To find out more about The Movement and enroll: https://www.schooloffaith.com/membershipPrayer requests | Subscribe by email | Download our app | Donate
Morning Prayer for Saturday, December 27, 2025 (John, Apostle and Evangelist; The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 139Revelation 19John 21:9-25Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Evening Prayer for Saturday, December 27, 2025 (John, Apostle and Evangelist; The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day; Eve of the First Sunday of Christmas).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalms 141-142Song of Songs 4Luke 22:54-71Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Feast of St. John by Dr. Scott Hahn. John, Apostle, Evangelist Feast First Reading: First John 1: 1-4 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 97: 1-2, 5-6, 11-12 Gospel: John 20: 1a and 2-8 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you've been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma's weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships
St. John's witness of the Gospel invites us to consider how we proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in the context of our daily lives. (Lectionary #697) December 27, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
A kinsman of the Apostle Paul, the Holy Stephen was one of the seven deacons (with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas) first appointed by the Church to minister to the people; and it pleased God to receive him as the Church's first Martyr for Christ. Read the long, beautiful and edifying account of his witness in the Acts of the Apostles, chapters 6-8. When Stephen, "full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people," (Acts 6:8), some members of a synagogue in Jerusalem came to dispute with him and, enraged by his proclamation of Christ, stoned him to death. In his death St Stephen revealed Christ's erasure of the boundary between heaven and earth, and the new communion between man and God: his face shone with the light of the Transfiguration, and he was granted a vision of Christ enthroned at the Father's right hand. His dying words were "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" (Acts 7:60). According to holy tradition, the martyrdom of St Stephen occurred exactly a year after the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. His body was taken and secretly buried by Gamaliel, a member of the Sanhendrin and secretly a Christian. Saint Stephen's relics were discovered by the priest Lucian in 415 following a vision. They were translated to the church built for them in Jerusalem by the Empress Eudocia, and later taken to Constantinople. The Saint's missionary speech before his death (like that of the deacon St Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch) reminds us that those appointed to serve the Church materially are not barred, or even excused, from proclaiming the glorious Gospel of Christ.
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Gospel John 20:1a and 2-8 On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him." So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. Reflection Yesterday, the scriptures reminded us of the cost of discipleship, and what we need to understand is when we go through pain and suffering, it is a transformation, not something to be frightened of. We need transition. We need evolution of consciousness. We need to grow. So the church focuses on this day on how it went with Jesus. The ultimate thing that he did was stand close to his father, revealing nothing but love and truth and he was rejected, he was murdered and he rose. It's a mystery of transformation. What seems like death, what seems like loss is just the opposite. It is new life. Closing Prayer Father, as we journey with you, as we invite you to live within us and resonate through us, give us the courage to know whatever setback that we encounter is not something negative, but something that draws us closer into who you are, and who we are, and how we are to work together. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
St. John, Apostle, Evangelist (Feast)
Ella and Sam take one last journey with the scroll, meeting John the Apostle and hearing his vision of Jesus' return. They learn about the promise of eternal hope and the mission to share the Gospel with the world. This episode inspires families to live with the joy and confidence that Jesus' story is still unfolding. Perfect for all ages, this finale leaves a lasting message of faith and purpose. Don't forget to explore crafts and discussion questions at mcgregorpodcast.com.
Friends of the Rosary,Yesterday, we honored St. Stephen, who by his words and by laying down his life for his faith, bore witness to Christ. Today, December 27, we receive the testimony of John, Apostle and Evangelist (d. 101).The Church celebrates the Feast of this Galilean fisherman born in Bethsaida, son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother to St. James the Greater, who became the beloved disciple of Jesus.John and James were called by Jesus to be disciples as they were mending their nets by the Sea of Galilee.The pure and spiritual life of John kept him very close to Jesus and Mary, resting on the Master's breast at the Last Supper and being filled with divine wisdom.He wrote the fourth Gospel (about sixty-three years after the Ascension of Christ), three Epistles, and an excellent and mysterious Book of the Apocalypse or Revelation.John is the evangelist of the divinity and fraternal love of Christ. With James, his brother, and Simon Peter, he was one of the witnesses of the Transfiguration.He was permitted to witness His agony in the Garden. At the foot of the cross, Jesus entrusted His Mother to his care as He hung dying on the Cross.St. John was the only one of the Apostles who did not forsake the Savior in the hour of His Passion and Death.He was brought to Rome and, according to tradition, cast into a caldron of boiling oil by Emperor Domitian's order, but he was miraculously preserved unhurt. He was later exiled to the Island of Patmos, where he wrote the Apocalypse.In his extreme old age, he continued to visit the churches of Asia. Every time he preached, he said: "My dear children, love one another."St. John died in peace at about ninety-four years old at Ephesus in the hundredth year of the Christian era, or the sixty-sixth from the crucifixion of Christ.Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkNew Upgrade! Enhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• December 27, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
The Liturgical Year is a multi-volume work written between 1841 and 1875, by Dom Prosper Gueranger, abbot of the French Benedictine abbey of Solesmes. It is a rich theological reflection on the various feasts and seasons of the Church's liturgical cycle. Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family
1 John 1: 1-4; John 20: 1-8; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family
Sirach 15: 1-6; John 21: 19-24; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family
December 27th, 2025: Humble Yourself Before God; Be Not Overcome by Evil, but Overcome Evil with Good; John the Apostle - Virginal Protector of Our Lady of Sorrows
Two of the Apostles are named James but one of the other Apostles is my favorite. Who is this and why do I like him best? I will give you a hint: he drew near to Jesus during the Last Supper. Listen to the answer on today's reflection.
The Order for Morning Prayer according to the usage of the Book of Common Prayer, 1928, for the Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist.
The Order for Evening Prayer according to the usage of the Book of Common Prayer, 1928, for the Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist.
Before you lean in and read, take a moment to settle into your body. Take a few slow, deep breaths, extending your exhale a few extra seconds. Let your shoulders drop. Give yourself a moment to arrive in your space. ✨ Ponder…… “What am I ready to release and anoint as this year comes to a close?”The idea of being “hand-picked” or “destined for greatness” has a certain allure. We want to believe our purpose will be revealed to us, that we'll be graced with a special calling. However, this passive mindset can keep us stuck, forever hoping to be discovered.Authentic anointing, on the other hand, demands that we step forward and declare our own worth. It's about taking responsibility for our gifts, claiming our unique voice, and consecrating ourselves to our highest vision. No one can do this work for us - we must anoint ourselves.This may feel daunting, even arrogant. But it's the only way to catalyze the transformation we seek. When we courageously choose ourselves, we unlock an inner authority that transcends external validation. We become the vessels of our own sacred purpose.Being Anointed Isn't Passive – You Choose YourselfThe World of Scent: Holy Lessons from NatureAnimals live in a world defined by scent. Their survival depends on their ability to pick up the aroma of life, danger, food, and other creatures. This innate ability guides them through the world.Humans, on the other hand, often rely on sight, sound, and belief—tools that are powerful, but limited compared to the sensory richness of scent.The Spiritual Scent: The Fragrance of DominionAnointing is more than a symbolic act; it represents a “fragrance of dominion”—a spiritual frequency that all creation recognizes. Where animals sense the world through scent, the spiritually anointed carry an invisible signature: a powerful presence, a vibration of authority, life, and divine energy.This “spiritual scent” opens doors, commands respect, and grants protection in ways that words and appearances can't.But emotions like fear can mask this fragrance, distorting your spiritual signal and pulling you out of alignment with creation. That's why the process of anointing is also about recalibrating your internal state, aligning your frequency with the divine, and carrying that vibration into the world.Anointing: Ritual and Meaning through the AgesHistorically, anointing has meant the application of oil—signifying consecration or elevation into a new role or status. Spiritually, it's about being covered with the “oil of the Divine”—a frequency that conveys dominion and a status equal to the gods.This anointing shifts you at a cellular level, acting as a kind of spiritual “hazmat suit” that allows you to interact safely with higher realms and energies, protecting you from spiritual harm.This tradition has deep roots in Ancient Egyptian (Kemetic) spirituality. The ankh is the symbol for “life” or “breath of life.”The ancient had spiritual gatekeepers, ushering initiates through a process of purification called the Baptism of Fire. This baptism isn't about punishment—it's a refiner's crucible, burning away the ego and anything that keeps you from growth.Growth: The Balance of Challenge and NurtureTo grow, you need both challenge and rest. Opposition strengthens you; safety gives you space to heal. Walking the path of the anointed means balancing these two forces—embracing spiritual awareness (what the tradition calls “Heru's Sunship”) while remaining engaged in the world.Prophecy in a Modern AgeIn today's world, especially on platforms like YouTube, prophecy can sometimes lose its depth and integrity. The true intention of prophetic work is deep intimacy with the Divine, and its purpose is alignment, not entertainment.Authentic prophecy isn't about showing off or reinforcing personal agendas. It's about humbly sharing the heart and mind of God, and creating realignment—not manipulation. When prophecy is rooted in ego rather than Spirit, it loses authenticity and becomes a form of control.Discernment is vital.True prophetic leadership creates a mirror of the heavenly government structure on earth—what Christ called the “Eklesia,” and what we call positions like Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Pastor, or Evangelist. These are functions for the purpose of collective guidance, not religious rank.A Time for Self-InquiryAsk yourself:What distracts me?What am I trying to prove?What am I afraid to lose or let go?What stands in the way of my spiritual vision?Bring these questions to the Divine and listen for the answers.If nothing comes through at first, that's okay. These questions work on you over time.In Closing Anointing, Dominion, and Living as an ImmortalAnointing isn't just a ritual; it's the receipt of a divine frequency—a kind of “OIL of Dominion” that aligns you with the divine. The anointed state is a state of spiritual immortality, carrying a fragrance that commands respect from creation itself.Ancient Kemetic symbols remind us that with Life (the ankh) and Dominion (the was scepter), the anointed one finds the power to break limits. Growth comes by balancing the opposing forces of challenge and nurture. This is the path to stewardship in the Golden Era: spiritual awareness united with effective, purposeful action in the world.All my love, Kassandra This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thelightbetween.substack.com/subscribe
Lutheran Preaching and Teaching from St. John Random Lake, Wisconsin
December 27, 2025
A conversation on Acts 20:17-24. Learn why "all pastors are interim" and how Paul passed the torch to Ephesian elders for healthy church leadershipFor the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
December 27, 2025Today's Reading: John 21:20-25Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 51:17-52:12; Matthew 2:1-12“If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:22)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It's easy to make comparisons to others. The flesh wants to be on top, number one, the best at everything. You see it in children who cry and throw tantrums when they lose at something or feel slighted by another child. Adults are no different, only they throw tantrums in different ways.The disciples were not immune to the Old Adam, and the Gospels record their quest for greatness and penchant for comparisons amongst themselves. In Matthew (20:20-28) and Mark (10:35-45) we hear the story of James and John seeking a place by Jesus. Of course, the other ten disciples are “indignant at the two brothers.” Also, in Matthew (18:1-6) and Mark (9:33-36) are the accounts of the disciples debating the question, “who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” It's not just in sports, then, the question “Who is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)?” It happens in the Church, even amongst Jesus' very own disciples.Despite Jesus' teaching, old habits die hard, and the Old Adam never ceases to rear his ugly head. Even in the last section of John's gospel, Peter is worrying about others, not himself. He's interested in John's future: “Lord, what about this man?” But it's none of Peter's business. John's outcome will reside in the hidden will of God, as does the fate of everyone. For Peter, the instructions are clear: “follow me” says the Lord.We're no different from the disciples in that we make comparisons that can easily give rise to wretched jealousy and anger over the neighbor. But in God's Church, this has no place. Such sins require that daily repentance before Christ seeking forgiveness for all those times we exalted ourselves and forgot about our sin. All those times we compared ourselves with others in the Church, thought we were better, or despised those we judged to be ahead in pious works and the eyes of others—we're called to repentance of such sins and to faith in God. We're given a baptized life where those good works flow from faith excluding hubris and comparisons, jealousy and discontentment with ourselves before God.Our eyes need to be on Jesus, and we need to listen to His voice, “follow Me.” The neighbor is in God's hands, whose days are numbered like ours. The measure of days God knows and thus we're content knowing our lives are in the hands of a loving Creator Who has redeemed us by the blood of His Son calling us to bear our crosses and follow Him.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, forgive us of our pride and by Thy Word bring us daily to repentance and faith trusting in You to bring us through the vale of tears into that life everlasting You have prepared for us by Your cross and blood. Amen. Author: Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.
The Poem of the Man God is a retelling of the Gospel story of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the private revelations of Maria Valtorta. In this episode, we see Jesus and the Apostles on Preparation Day:the Evening Original music by Angela Marie (Mohammed). Messiah. Savior. Passion of Christ. Religion. Wisdom. Miracles. Catholic Christian Theology. Apostles. Disciples. Believers. Followers. Early Church. Communion. Healing. Suffering Sacrifice. New Testament
+ Holy Gospel according to Saint John 20: 1a, 2 – 8On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him."So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.The Gospel of the Lord
Evening Prayer for Friday, December 26, 2025 (Stephen, Deacon and Martyr; The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day; Eve of John, Apostle and Evangelist).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalms 137-138Song of Songs 3Luke 22:39-53Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Read OnlineSo Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. John 20:3–8The “other disciple,” the one who “saw and believed,” was John the Apostle whom we honor today. In his Gospel, John often refers to himself as “the one whom Jesus loved.” This title indicates not that Jesus loved John more than the others but that John's heart was perhaps the most open and receptive to Jesus' love, allowing our Lord's charity to fill him more completely.Celebrating the Feast of Saint John within the octave of Jesus' birth invites us to reflect not only on John but also on the deep and intimate love that he and Jesus shared—a love that serves as an icon of the love Jesus desires to bestow on each of us.Today's Gospel beautifully highlights three of John's virtues. First, his all-consuming love for Jesus is evident in his immediate response to Mary Magdalene's news of the empty tomb. John's love compelled him to run to the tomb with Peter, showing how deeply he cherished his relationship with the Lord.Second, John's respectful nature is revealed when he arrives at the tomb first but waits for Peter, the elder and leader among the Apostles, to enter before him. This act of deference speaks volumes about John's humility and respect for authority.Finally, after entering the tomb, John “saw and believed.” This moment reflects the depth of his faith, a faith that did not require physical proof but was grounded in a profound trust in Jesus. John's belief was a response to the infused gift of faith, a virtue that allowed him to recognize the truth of the Resurrection even before seeing the risen Lord.John's example challenges us to examine our own spiritual lives. Is our love for the Lord so strong that it draws us toward Him with the same urgency that led John to run to the tomb? Does our love for God translate into a genuine respect for others? Is our faith so deep that we trust in God's promises without needing visible proof?As we honor Saint John, reflect today on his identity as “the one whom Jesus loved.” His receptivity to Jesus' love made him stand out as a model disciple. Seek to imitate John by expanding the capacity of your heart to receive more of God's love, so that His presence within you becomes evident to others. My loving Lord, Your Sacred Heart overflowed with love for all people. Saint John was especially receptive to that love, enabling him to love You all the more. Please give me a heart like Saint John's so that I, too, may become Your beloved disciple. Saint John, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: St John at the Last Supper by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Chapters six and seven in the Acts of the Apostles focus largely on Stephen, the first martyr whose witness reminds us of the true cost of discipleship...demanding even our lives out of love for Jesus Christ. (Lectionary #696) December 26, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Friends of the Rosary,Today, December 26th, one day after the joyful celebration of the nativity of Jesus, is the feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr and deacon. Above all things, even life itself, we love Christ the Lord, as St. Stephen showed us.As we read in the Acts of the Apostles today (6:8-10; 7:54-59), when he, thrown out of the city, was about to be stoned, Stephen, "filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God."St. Stephen showed perfect conformity to Christ. He said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit; do not hold this sin against them."Merry Christmas!(Until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Sunday, January 11, 2026, marking the conclusion of the Christmas season and the beginning of Jesus' public ministry).Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• December 26, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
This week's portion is called VaYigash (He drew nearTORAH PORTION: Genesis 47:11–27HAFTARAH: Ezekiel 37:15–28APOSTLES: Acts 3:13–26How does the Haftarah connect to this week's Torah Portion?How do the Apostles connect to this week's Torah Portion?Daily Bread for Kids is a daily Bible reading podcast where we read through the Torah and the Gospels in one year! Helping young Bible-readers to study God's Word, while also discovering its Jewish context!THE KIDS' JOURNAL is available from https://arielmedia.shopBUSY MOMS who want to follow the Daily Bread readings on podcast for adults, can go to https://dailybreadmoms.comThe Bible translation we are reading from is the Tree of Life Version (TLV) available from the Tree of Life Bible Society.INSTAGRAM: @dailybreadkids @arielmediabooks @dailybreadmomsTags: #DailyBreadMoms #DailyBreadJournal #BibleJournaling #Messianic #BiblePodcast #BiblicalFeasts #Journal #biblereadingplan #Messiah #JewishRoots #Yeshua #GodIsInControl #OneYearBible #MomLife #MotherCulture #FaithFilledMama #BiblicalWomanhood #Proverbs31woman
Yesterday we celebrated with great joy the birth of Jesus Christ. Today we honor St. Stephen who according to the Acts of the Apostles was stoned to death. Did you know that these two feasts go together? Today's reflection tells how.
Good Morning & Happy First Fruit Friday! We Have Experienced The Goodness of God On So Many Levels. We Must Offer Up A Sacrifice Of Thanksgiving! God Bless!
Read the scriptures for the Feast of St. John the Apostle & Evangelist at this link.
How to Active Spiritual AuthorityScripture: Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”And let me tell you, the enemy's greatest fear is not your talent…* not your knowledge…* not your emotions…* not your title… It's your authority.Accept Jesus Today: https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!"****Congratulations! You are now a child of the most high. John 1:12 says, But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.” I would love to connect with you and chat with you about all the amazing things God is doing in your life.Click here for FREE eBook Download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love, support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cashapp: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles: https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/BooksofMalachiJoin Our Support Club: https://tinyurl.com/Support-ClubInvesting Opportunity: https://coinholders.hnocoin.com/signup/?refer=Malachi2uFREE Ways to Support Me:
Today, Pastor Al Dagel brings part one of a three-part look at the "High-priestly prayer" of Jesus. Part two will be presented tomorrow, and part three will be shared on Sunday.
The National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony throughout history, and Peter Mead on the apostles' view of the Incarnation, and the Thursday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Missions Upside Down - a FREE, award-winning video series about Christian missions in the past, present, and into the future. You can find this free resource on RightNowMedia or at missionsupsidedown.comAnd from Commuter Bible, the audio Bible podcast series to match the work week. Available via podcast apps and commuterbible.org
Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.” Matthew 10:17–18These words capture the essence of the martyrdom of Saint Stephen, the Church's first martyr, whom we honor today. The day after celebrating the birth of Christ, the Church, in her wisdom, reflects on the reality of persecution as a consequence of worshiping the newborn King.The Jewish community in Jerusalem was diverse, with traditional Hebraic Jews and Hellenistic Jews who were influenced by the Greco-Roman culture. As Jews began to convert to Christianity, a new unified community of believers emerged. Despite this unity, tensions arose, particularly when Hellenistic widows were neglected in the daily distribution of bread. To address this, the Apostles appointed seven deacons, with Stephen being the first, likely a Hellenist himself.Stephen, described as “a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,” performed great wonders among the people. When confronted by Hellenistic Jews, he defended the faith with wisdom and courage, leading to his being dragged before the Sanhedrin. His eloquent defense angered his opponents, resulting in his stoning. In his final moments, Stephen commended his spirit to Jesus and prayed for his persecutors.At first, his martyrdom seemed a tragic loss that sparked a wave of persecution and scattered the Christian community throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. This dispersion, however, spread the Gospel beyond Jerusalem, leading to many new converts. What appeared to be a tragedy became a catalyst for the growth of the early Church.As we honor Saint Stephen, reflect on the truth that God permits evil only to draw greater good from it. If you face suffering or persecution, let today's feast inspire hope. Trust in God's plan, reject fear, and embrace His will, knowing that He can use every cross for His glory. Saint Stephen, you were a man filled with grace and power, deeply committed to Jesus and the proclamation of the Gospel. Please pray for me, that I will have your courage and faith so that God can use me to further His Kingdom by drawing many souls to Him. Saint Stephen, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Giovanni Andrea de Ferrari, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
It's Christmas, Thursday, December 25th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes written by Jonathan Clark and heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. Filling in for Adam McManus I'm Ean Leppin (contact@eanvoiceit.com) Millions of Christians Persecuted at Christmas Time Millions of Christians around the world must celebrate the birth of Christ in secret or face persecution this year. For example, China bans children from Christmas church celebrations. In Iran, Muslim converts to Christianity who attend unregistered house churches face arrest at this time of year. Christmas worship and displays are banned in North Korea. And Somalia completely bans Christmas observances. International Christian Concern noted, “For those of us blessed with the freedom to celebrate Christmas publicly, let us also remember and lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ who cling to him, regardless of the cost.” 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 says, “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” U.S. to Support Faith-Based Health Care Providers in Nigeria The United States agreed to support faith-based health care providers in Nigeria on Saturday. The U.S. committed over two billion dollars to the five-year bilateral health agreement. Two hundred million dollars of the funding will go to 900 Christian health care facilities. Christian clinics represent about 10% of providers in Nigeria, but they serve nearly a third of the country. Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians with tens of thousands of believers being killed there in the last decade. LA Governor to Lead Envoy to Greenland President Donald Trump named Louisiana Republican Governor Jeff Landry as the United States Special Envoy to Greenland on Sunday. The president expressed interest in buying the territory from Denmark during his first term. Listen to his recent comments. TRUMP: “We need Greenland for national security. And if you take a look at Greenland, you look up and down the coast, you have Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need it for national security. We have to have it. And he wanted to lead the charge, so we're making him [inaudible] a special envoy to Greenland. Greenland's a big deal.” The leaders of Greenland and Denmark continue to reject efforts to make the territory part of the U.S. Rand Paul Releases Report on Government Waste Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky released his annual “Festivus Report” on government waste. The report shows $1.6 trillion in waste up from one trillion dollars last year. Dr. Paul identified most of the waste with the $1.2 trillion spent on interest payments for the U.S. debt. Highlights from the remaining $400 billion in waste included funneling money to social media influencers, drug experiments, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Abortion Mills Decline for 4th Year in a Row Operation Rescue reports the number of abortion mills declined for the fourth year in a row. There were 657 abortion mills in operation this year, down from 718 in 2021. Meanwhile, the number pro-life pregnancy centers is growing. Heartbeat International is the largest network of pregnancy help organizations. The network reached 4,000 locations globally last month. Gallup Releases New Survey on How Americans Celebrate Christmas Gallup released a new survey on how Americans celebrate Christmas. Most U.S. adults still celebrate the day, but fewer do so religiously. The majority of people who celebrate Christmas participate in activities like exchanging gifts, gathering with family and friends, and decorating their homes. However, only half of Americans display religious decorations or attend religious services for Christmas. That's down from two thirds of the population in 2010. Anniversary of Baptism of 1000s of Brits And finally, today is the anniversary of when thousands of people in Britain received baptism. Augustine of Canterbury was a Christian monk who arrived in Britain in the year 597 A.D. He is known as the “Apostle to the English.” Augustine preached to the local ruler, King Æthelberht who led the Kingdom of Kent. The king converted to Christianity from Anglo-Saxon paganism. He allowed Augustine and his missionaries to evangelize the people. On Christmas Day in 597, Augustine reportedly baptized thousands of people who turned from paganism to Christ. John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Christmas, Thursday, December 25th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or 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. Filling in for Adam McManus I'm Ean Leppin (contact@eanvoiceit.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
It was the eternity before Christmas.... That baby in the manger - you know the one - what was His name? Careful: Luke tells us He was officially named at 8 days old, at His circumcision. So what was He called that first week of His human life? Could we use John's name for Him before the world began: "The Word?" The Apostle takes us back to the beginning, and then back a little further. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS12252025_0.mp3Scripture References: John 1
Pillars Of Destiny | Apostle Moses Mukisa
FROM TODAY'S RECAP: - Video: 2 Timothy Overview - Trailer: Paul, Apostle of Christ - Movie: Paul, Apostle of Christ* *Rent online or buy DVD - Video: 2 Peter Overview - Video: Jude Overview - TBR Bookshelf Graphics - Finishers Page - Prep for Next Year: 2026 Episode Note: We provide links to specific resources; this is not an endorsement of the entire website, author, organization, etc. Their views may not represent our own. SHOW NOTES: - Follow The Bible Recap: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube - Follow Tara-Leigh Cobble: Instagram - Read/listen on the Bible App or Dwell App - Learn more at our Start Page - Become a RECAPtain - Shop the TBR Store - Credits PARTNER MINISTRIES: D-Group International Israelux The God Shot TLC Writing & Speaking DISCLAIMER: The Bible Recap, Tara-Leigh Cobble, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.
It's Christmas Eve. A holiday celebrated by 2.4 billion people around the world, which centers on a 2,000-year-old story about a Jewish man born in Bethlehem who became a rabbi, who the Romans would later execute in Jerusalem. But what most people don't know is that the first people who believed in Jesus did not think they were starting a new religion. They were a small group of Jews who thought of themselves as history's last generation, with Jesus as their Messiah. Of course, as we all know now, they were not history's last generation. Instead, they became history's first Christians. How did that happen? When did Christ's followers begin to see themselves as distinct and separate from Judaism? Why did some Jews refuse to accept Christ as the Messiah? And how was that refusal, and the anti-Judaism of the early Christians, directly connected to the antisemitism burning across the globe today? These first few centuries are essential for understanding not just Christianity and Judaism, but the way ideas spread, and why many of the ideas of this period—good ones, and also some very bad ones—still persist in our world today. My guest today, Paula Fredriksen, has spent her career studying this period of history. She is one of the world's leading scholars of early Christianity and the author of many books including: When Christians Were Jews: The First Generation, Paul: The Pagans' Apostle, and Ancient Christianities: The First Five Hundred Years. Paula was born in Rhode Island and now lives in Jerusalem, just 20 minutes from Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified. This conversation is a Christmas special you won't want to miss. The Free Press earns a commission from any purchases made through all book links in this article. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trending with Timmerie - Catholic Principals applied to today's experiences.
Have you memorized all of the 12 Days of Christmas song? Did you know that these themes in the song had a deeper Catholic meaning? Prepare to get the song stuck in your head as you dive deep into some catechetical truths! Timmerie unveils the song's potential role as a secret catechism tool during times of Catholic persecution in England (1558-1829). This joyous melody might have served as a covert means for Catholic children to learn and remember their faith. Here's a breakdown of the hidden Catholic meanings in each verse: Partridge in a Pear Tree: Jesus Christ, the self-sacrificing savior. Two Turtle Doves: The Old and New Testaments, symbolizing the continuity and revelation of God’s word. Three French Hens: The theological virtues - Faith, Hope, and Charity. Four Calling Birds: The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Five Golden Rings: The Torah (first five books of the Bible.) Six Geese A-Laying: The six days of creation. Seven Swans A-Swimming: The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Eight Maids A-Milking: The Beatitudes Nine Ladies Dancing: The fruits of the Holy Spirit, condensed for memorability. Ten Lords A-Leaping: The Ten Commandments Eleven Pipers Piping: The eleven faithful Apostles (excluding Judas who betrayed the Lord. Twelve Drummers Drumming: The twelve articles of faith in the Apostles' Creed. Timmerie challenges you to not just enjoy the melody, but to delve into the rich tapestry of faith these verses represent. Try to work on memorizing all of these important aspects of our faith! It's an invitation to rediscover the depth and joy of the Catholic Church, especially in times of trial.
Mark 16:1-8 (ESV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin take comfort that the angel has the women tell Peter specifically that he is to go meet Jesus in Galilee.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here. Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org. Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here. Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=23868The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano's Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
Merry Christmas! As you celebrate today (and throughout the Christmas octave), Bishop Caggiano's suggestion is to take some time in front of the image of the nativity... ponder that image in silence and realize the enormity of God's love for you. To help, he offers his reflections on the mystery of God's incarnation. And... why does Christmas feel different? In the second segment, Bishop Frank looks at the saints' feast days in the Christmas octave. Stephen, John the Apostle, the Holy Innocents, Thomas Becket, and Pope Sylvester. Why are they each celebrated during Christmas? Pax Christi, Steve Lee The other guy on Let Me Be Frank NOTES