Podcasts about as christ

In this week's Discipleship message, we discover the defining mark of a true follower of Jesus: love. As Christ calls us to love others the way He has loved us—with grace, sacrifice, and compassion—we're reminded that our love is one of the clearest testimonies to the world that we belong to Him. Join us as we consider what it looks like to put that kind of love into action every day.

Emily Rose Massey explores biblical marriage, selflessness, forgiveness, and Christ-centered love, reminding us that marriage is one of the ways God shapes us to become more like Jesus. Through Philippians 2:3-5, we are encouraged to look beyond our own desires and consider the needs of others. Marriage reveals areas of selfishness while creating opportunities to practice humility, grace, and forgiveness. Rather than viewing marriage as a limitation, Scripture shows us that it is a gift God uses to transform our hearts and teach us how to love sacrificially. Highlights: Discover how marriage reflects Christ’s sacrificial love for the Church. Learn why humility and selflessness are essential for a healthy marriage. Understand how God uses marriage to reveal and transform selfishness in our hearts. Be encouraged to extend forgiveness and grace to your spouse. Explore how God’s grace empowers us to grow in Christlikeness. See marriage as an opportunity to reflect Jesus through love and sacrifice. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword 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: Finding the Sacrificial Beauty in Marriage By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5, ESV). Summertime in America is marked by so many celebrations and wonderful holidays: graduation parties, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, lots of pool days and BBQs with friends and family, and of course, weddings upon weddings! I’m sure you know at least one couple who is getting married this summer or who at least celebrate their anniversary in June, July, or August. It is truly a very popular time of year to get married– so much so that many people call it “wedding season.” I guess my husband and I wanted to go against the norm, as we so often do, and went to the opposite end of the calendar and got married in December. I truly look forward to celebrating with loved ones who “tie the knot” during this season. Almost 20 years later, I still get choked up witnessing someone else’s “big day.” Weddings are so lovely and fun, but they clearly represent something so much more important and beautiful that the Lord has providentially ordained that we should give our attention to outside of that one special day: marriage. The union of marriage is so important to God that His word equates it to the love that Christ has for the church, His Bride (Ephesians 5:22-33). Reflecting upon that kind of love that Christ has for His own, two words come to mind: humble and sacrificial. Christ modeled this kind of love and asks husbands and wives to walk in His footsteps. These verses in Philippians 2 capture this selflessness that we should long to foster in our homes and marriages: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: I have had two situations within the last handful of months where women who were much older than me (women I should be gleaning wisdom from) painted marriage in such a terrible light and boasted in their divorces and singleness. It truly made my heart heavy that because of their personal experiences, they could not see the beauty in marriage. When they should see it as a gift from God to sanctify us and make us less selfish and more others-focused, they saw it as bondage, keeping them from living their own life freely. As Christ followers, if we want a right view of marriage, we must look to the scriptures. We cannot rely on others’ experiences or even our own to determine what God says on a matter. The more we dive into His word, our naturally selfish minds are renewed to love sacrificially as He does, extending the same grace and mercy we have received from Him to others. The word transforms us from the inside out, all for the better, and we begin to see the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23) develop and mature in our lives, which we need to fully love others in humility and sacrifice, preferring them above ourselves. What happens when our spouse hurts us? Because we have been forgiven through the cross of Jesus Christ, we must forgive others. We have received such great mercy; therefore, we must extend that same mercy to our spouse, even if they have wronged us or offended us. When we are quick to apologize because of humility and choosing the other person over ourselves, our hearts are free of bitterness, pride, and selfishness. None of us are made of that; God gives us the grace to do that. Many people would define grace as “unmerited favor” to the undeserving, especially in terms of salvation, which is true, but it doesn’t stop there- it is God’s power to conform us into the image of Christ, and God uses marriage to make us humble and sacrificial. This grace that strengthens us and trains us is what we experience in the majority of our Christian walk: in faith and obedience, with each step, we grow in holiness and Christlikeness, day by day. Truthfully, marriage gives us countless opportunities to reflect Christ by laying down our lives for our spouse, in humility and sacrifice. Oh, how beautiful! Further Reading: Ephesians 5:22-33 John 13:34-35 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Why does God allow difficult seasons? When life feels uncertain, painful, or unfair, it can be easy to question God’s character and wonder if our struggles are a result of something we did wrong. But Scripture reveals a different truth: God’s heart toward us is rooted in love, grace, and mercy—not punishment or condemnation. Vivian Bricker explores how knowing who God is helps us navigate suffering, uncertainty, and the lies we often believe about God’s intentions. Through Scripture, we are reminded that God’s love does not change based on our circumstances, and that hardship is not proof of God’s rejection or displeasure. Highlights: Why the unknown can make us question God’s goodness and control Understanding the difference between biblical truth and the idea of karma Why suffering is not always a reflection of God’s punishment How the New Covenant through Jesus changes our understanding of blessings and curses The importance of knowing God’s character so we can recognize false beliefs How God’s love remains constant even during difficult seasons Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Join the conversation: How can a deeper understanding of God’s character change the way you view hardship? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ 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: Understanding God’s CharacterBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). In my opinion, the scariest thing in the world is the unknown. Whether that be an undiagnosed illness, starting over in a new city, or thinking about the future, the unknown can be terrifying. None of us can truly know what is ahead because we are not the ones in control. For some of us, there will be good times ahead and for others, there will be hard times. One cannot be dogmatic and say that those who have good times are in the will of God and those who are going through tough times are not. It is never within God’s will for us to be in pain, to be depressed, or to be sick. He never intended for us to go through any of these things, and it is not right for people to believe in the ideology that if you do good, good returns to you from God and if you do bad, bad returns to you from God. This is not biblical as this is actually a belief in karma. Karma is part of the religious beliefs contained within Hinduism and Buddhism. Although karma has become popularized within mainstream media, Christ followers do not need to endorse it. Karma is refuted in the Bible as Psalm 103:10-11 says, “he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” Therefore, we don’t need to say that God blesses certain people while cursing others. The aspects of blessings and curses based on your actions were true within the Mosaic Covenant, but it is not true for us today. We are under the New Covenant by the blood of Jesus (Luke 22:20). Within the Mosaic Covenant, Israel was petitioned to obey God, and blessings would come to them; however, if they did not obey God and did evil, curses would come into their midst. Since we are not under the Mosaic Covenant, we don’t need to hold ourselves or others to this type of thinking. If we are having dreadful things happening in our lives, they are not caused by God. And if we are having good things happening in our lives, we cannot always be dogmatic to say it is caused by God either. To say that “God has blessed me because I’m doing well, but He has cursed you because you are not doing well” is not rooted in biblical truth. This is why Christians need to be more aware and not to flaunt things they believe are blessings. This only gives the idea that if you are struggling, you have done something terrible in the eyes of God, and you must be cursed. As Christ followers, this type of thinking needs to end. We all have free will, and with it, we have chosen to do terrible things (Romans 3:23). Additionally, we live in a fallen world that is covered in sin. This is why we shouldn’t be quick to say, “It is God’s will for you to suffer from (fill in the blank).” God never intended for evil, sin, or death to be in the world. He wanted us to live in perfect harmony with Him in the Garden of Eden. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). God’s character is found in love. Since God is love, why do we believe the lie that He brings curses into our lives or into the lives of others? This goes against His very nature. God is love, and He is not going to bring harm into our lives. As Christ followers, we need to be aware of who God is and His characteristics, as this can help us weed out lies that pull us away from Him. Even well-meaning Christ followers can say unhelpful and unbiblical things, which is why we must be level-headed and fully understand the Bible ourselves. Regardless of what you are going through, remember the truth that God is love, and you are loved by Him, and neither of these things will ever change. Have you ever thought a terrible thing happening in your life was due to God punishing you? What made you think like this? How can having a proper view of God’s character help you understand Him better? Further Reading: Romans 5:8 1 John 3:1 1 John 4:19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Peter presents the Christian life as custom masonry. He paints a picture of believers as living stones -- shaped by pressure, fitted by grace, and assembled with purpose. Horizon's facility echoes this image; its fieldstone exterior emphasizes that suffering is not waste but craftsmanship. As Christ-followers, our faith is built on Christ the Cornerstone, who creates us as his “Bespoke Stonework.” Join Horizon at the Equipping Services for this verse-by-verse study of 1 Peter, as we understand ourselves to be God's intentional, hand-hewn formations.

Focus: The cross not only reconciles us to God; it changes the way we see every person around us. As Christ's ambassadors, we carry His forgiveness, hope, and peace into a divided world. Wherever followers of Jesus go, reconciliation should have a chance to begin. 2 Corinthians 5

As Christ followers, we believe the Bible is God's infallible and eternal Word. Pastor Jack Graham challenges us today to be systematic and faithful in the reading, studying, hearing, applying and sharing of God's Word. In knowing God's Word, he says, we know the God of the Word. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29?v=20251111

In his sermon, “The Language of a Dependent Church” centered on Colossians 4:2-6, Pastor Josiah shared how a healthy church does not only pray whenever there is a crisis, rather a healthy church continues steadfastly in prayer because she knows that her faithfulness, and her perseverance depends on God. As Christ's church, we must be devoted to prayer, spiritually alert, and thankful for all that God has done. A church that is truly dependent on God, is a church that is fully committed to prayer!

The Heart of Living Hope Invites | Luke 14:16-23 | Week 1God invites us all to the great feast of the Kingdom of God. We've all agreed to come and said we want to come, but like the guests, many make excuses. As Christ's followers, we are called to gather and invite others to come and experience the joy of His Kingdom before it is too late.

Peter presents the Christian life as custom masonry. He paints a picture of believers as living stones -- shaped by pressure, fitted by grace, and assembled with purpose. Horizon's facility echoes this image; its fieldstone exterior emphasizes that suffering is not waste but craftsmanship. As Christ-followers, our faith is built on Christ the Cornerstone, who creates us as his “Bespoke Stonework.” Join Horizon at the Equipping Services for this verse-by-verse study of 1 Peter, as we understand ourselves to be God's intentional, hand-hewn formations.

As Christ's Bride, we are one flesh with him and on that basis share all that is his. 

Rev. Obeng teaches that spiritual maturity requires translating biblical doctrine into daily practice. As Christ's ambassadors, we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit's restraint and crucify our defensive nature. Let your speech be gracious and seasoned with salt, building others up rather than tearing them down.

Peter presents the Christian life as custom masonry. He paints a picture of believers as living stones -- shaped by pressure, fitted by grace, and assembled with purpose. Horizon's facility echoes this image; its fieldstone exterior emphasizes that suffering is not waste but craftsmanship. As Christ-followers, our faith is built on Christ the Cornerstone, who creates us as his “Bespoke Stonework.” Join Horizon at the Equipping Services for this verse-by-verse study of 1 Peter, as we understand ourselves to be God's intentional, hand-hewn formations.

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 | Bret Capranica A life of faith in Christ is not devoid of emotion. Rather, it should be filled with affection for one another that affirms the truths of the gospel. It is demonstrated by true love for our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ, with an eye both to our current fellowship and to our presentation as blameless before the judgment seat of Christ. As Christ unites believers in the mission of the church, let us join with care and love that befits our calling.

Through 1 Corinthians 10, we discover that following Jesus is about more than religious moments. As Christ transforms our hearts, we are called to live every part of our lives for His glory and for the good of others.

What would happen if Jesus Christ stood at the front door of our church? Would we gladly welcome Him, or keep Him at a distance? In Colossians 3:15–17, Paul calls the church to throw open the doors and let Christ take His rightful place at the center of our life together. As Christ rules among us, His peace governs our relationships, His Word fills our conversations and worship, His authority shapes everything we say and do, and thankfulness overflows from our hearts. This message challenges us to examine whether Christ truly occupies the most prominent place in our church and reminds us that the happiest, healthiest church is the one where Christ is welcomed to rule and reign.

What would happen if Jesus Christ stood at the front door of our church? Would we gladly welcome Him, or keep Him at a distance? In Colossians 3:15–17, Paul calls the church to throw open the doors and let Christ take His rightful place at the center of our life together. As Christ rules among us, His peace governs our relationships, His Word fills our conversations and worship, His authority shapes everything we say and do, and thankfulness overflows from our hearts. This message challenges us to examine whether Christ truly occupies the most prominent place in our church and reminds us that the happiest, healthiest church is the one where Christ is welcomed to rule and reign.

As Christ's hands and feet, we often feel inadequate, but we are not alone. Jesus Himself sent out His seventy disciples two-by-two. In this message, Pastor Lutzer reveals how God equips us with His commission, protection, instruction, and power. God has given us the power to do His will—even when it seems impossible.  To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29?v=20251111

As Christ's hands and feet, we often feel inadequate, but we are not alone. Jesus Himself sent out His seventy disciples two-by-two. In this message, Pastor Lutzer reveals how God equips us with His commission, protection, instruction, and power. God has given us the power to do His will—even when it seems impossible. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

Peter presents the Christian life as custom masonry. He paints a picture of believers as living stones -- shaped by pressure, fitted by grace, and assembled with purpose. Horizon's facility echoes this image; its fieldstone exterior emphasizes that suffering is not waste but craftsmanship. As Christ-followers, our faith is built on Christ the Cornerstone, who creates us as his “Bespoke Stonework.” Join Horizon at the Equipping Services for this verse-by-verse study of 1 Peter, as we understand ourselves to be God's intentional, hand-hewn formations.

The Christian life can seem difficult at first, but Christ does more than command holiness—He heals the heart. Reflecting on St. John Chrysostom's homily on Matthew 5, this sermon shows how the Holy Spirit gradually reshapes our desires so that virtue becomes joyful and love becomes natural. Christ fulfills the Law not only in Himself but also, by His grace, in us.  Enjoy the show! --- The Sunday of the Fourth Ecumenical Council Matthew 5:14-19; Titus 3:8-15 In today's Gospel, our Lord says something that must have surprised His listeners. "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them." Now, at first glance, that almost seems unnecessary. Nobody listening to the Beatitudes would naturally conclude that Jesus was attacking Moses. After all, He had been teaching humility, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and love. Nothing about that sounds like rebellion against God's Law. So why does He stop to say this? Saint John Chrysostom says it is because Jesus knows what He is about to do. He's about to say things that sound startling. "You have heard it said, 'Do not murder.' But I say to you, do not even harbor hatred." "You have heard it said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I say to you, do not even cultivate lust." He isn't lowering the standard. He's raising it. The people might naturally think, "Wait a minute. Is He replacing Moses? Is He setting aside everything God gave us?" So before He says another word, He reassures them. "I have not come to abolish. I have come to fulfill." That word fulfill is important. Christ doesn't erase the Law. He reveals and connects us with what it was always pointing toward. The commandment against murder was never just about keeping blood off your hands. It was always meant to teach us to love our neighbor. Christ simply carries it all the way into the heart. The commandment against adultery was never merely about outward behavior. It was always about purity of heart and faithfulness. Christ carries it into our thoughts, our desires, our imagination. Every commandment moves in the same direction—from external obedience toward inward transformation. That's what fulfillment means. Saint John Chrysostom points out something else that is beautiful. Christ fulfills the Law in three ways. First, He fulfills it Himself. He alone keeps it perfectly. He can honestly ask, "Which one of you convicts Me of sin?" Every commandment finds its perfect expression in Him. Second, He fulfills the prophecies. Everything the prophets had spoken—His birth, His ministry, His suffering, His kingdom—comes true in Him. But then Chrysostom gives a third fulfillment, and I think this is the one we often forget. Christ fulfills the Law in us. And that was necessary, because the Law could teach righteousness, but it could not communicate the life by which righteousness is fulfilled. The Law could show us the good. It could expose our failures. But it could not heal the heart. Christ does what the Law by itself could never do. Through His death, resurrection, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, He actually begins making us into the kind of people the Law always envisioned.   Not merely people who avoid murder... but people who love. Not merely people who avoid adultery... but people who become pure. Not merely people who tell the truth... but people whose whole lives become truthful. That's why Christianity isn't about lowering expectations. Neither is it about adding more rules. It's about becoming a new creation. This is why Orthodoxy speaks so much about theosis. God's purpose is not simply to forgive sinners, but to make them partakers of the divine life.God is not merely interested in better behavior. He is forming saints. The commandments are not arbitrary rules meant to restrict life. They are a portrait of fully human life—life as it looks when it is filled with the life of God. So when Christ says, "You have heard... but I say to you..." He is not correcting Moses. He is revealing the deepest meaning Moses had been pointing toward all along. And there is one more thing that Saint John Chrysostom says that I find deeply encouraging. He reminds us that at first the Christian life can seem difficult. Forgiveness feels hard. Patience feels unnatural. Humility feels costly. We imagine that holiness means spending our whole lives forcing ourselves to do things we don't really want to do. But that's only true at the beginning. As Christ heals the heart, He also heals our desires. The things that once seemed impossible slowly become natural. The sins that once looked attractive begin to lose their appeal. The virtues that once felt burdensome become a source of joy. That is what spiritual formation is. God is not simply teaching us to behave differently. He is teaching us to love differently. That is why we return to the Church week after week. Why we pray the same prayers. Why we fast. Why we confess. Why we receive the Holy Mysteries. These are not religious chores. They are the ordinary means by which the Holy Spirit reshapes the heart. Little by little, almost without noticing it, Christ is teaching us to desire what He desires and to love what He loves.  The [lost] likeness is gradually restored. But that encouragement also comes with a warning: It's possible to keep the rules while missing their purpose. The Pharisees became experts at outward observance while neglecting mercy, humility, forgiveness, and love. That temptation hasn't disappeared.   It's possible to be outwardly Orthodox—to fast, attend services, know the prayers, defend the faith—and still carry resentment, pride, envy, or contempt in the heart. Christ loves us too much to let us settle for appearances. He always leads us deeper. From actions... to desires. From behavior... to character. From keeping commandments... to becoming people who naturally love what is good. So let us not become discouraged if the road sometimes seems steep. Let us simply keep taking the next faithful step. As Saint Paul says, "Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, let us press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." That is the Christian life—not perfection overnight, but faithful formation day after day, until the commandments are no longer something imposed upon us from the outside, but fulfilled within us by Christ Himself. That is what He came to do—not to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it, in Himself, and by His grace, in us. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. — 2 Corinthians 2:15 People who have studied bee communication have observed a complex system in which bees use pheromones (scents). These “chemical messengers” that bees produce and receive are needed for a hive to thrive. For example, scents are central to the mating process. And if the hive is threatened, worker bees give off an alarm scent that rallies other bees to go out and sting potential intruders. Also, each hive is marked with its own queen's scent so that the gatherer bees from that hive will find their way safely back to it.In communication among living things, so much is shared in subtle ways. For instance, we can communicate nonverbally through gestures, looks, posture, tone of voice, and so on. People who have studied human interactions assert that 80-90 percent of our communication is nonverbal, and this can either support or contrast with our words.As Christ-followers, we are encouraged to infuse our communication with the “pleasing aroma of Christ.” There is no way to fake this scent. It can come only through our union with Christ. Ephesians 5:2 recommends, for example, that we “walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Doing that, we can spread the pleasing scent of Christ to the people around us. Lord Jesus, may our actions and words be infused with your scent so that others may sense your presence in us and be drawn to you. Amen.

You yourselves are God's temple and . . . God's Spirit dwells in your midst. . . . — 1 Corinthians 3:16 A few years ago, a strong wind toppled one of the beehives behind our barn. The hive had been thriving, and it was five boxes tall. The hive had stuck together well. Amazingly, it didn't break open till it hit the ground. “Bee glue”—propolis— gets the credit for that. But, sadly, the hive was destroyed, and its bees quickly scattered.In his letters to the Christ-followers in Corinth, Paul gets personal and pours out his heart to these new believers. They were going through some stormy and threatening times together, and that was surely predictable. Starting off as a new community in Christ can be hard, and as their pastor and mentor, Paul did all that he could to hold this body of Christ together. They especially needed to be reminded of their identity together— whose they were and who held them together.Propolis is an amazing glue produced by worker bees. This sticky glue is used to fill small gaps to seal and protect the hive from bacteria and viruses. As propolis ages, it strengthens and holds the hive structure together.As Christ-followers, our “glue” is the Holy Spirit, who “dwells in [our] midst,” and together we are God's temple!In what ways are you standing tall together in the Spirit with other Christ-followers in your community as you worship God and serve him? Thank you, God, for your grace that enriches the followers of Jesus in every way. Hold us together by your Spirit as a unified temple in service to you, to each other, and to everyone around us. Amen.

*Listen to the Show notes and podcast transcript with this multi-language player. Summary This podcast explores the flow of the Word and the anointing that comes when the Body of Christ listens to the Lord and moves together in submission. The Family shares how the Holy Spirit brings the Word to life, creating a flow that is beyond human thought and rooted in Christ being revealed within us. As each member waits, listens, prepares, and submits to what the Lord is speaking, the anointing builds and the Word ministers to the whole Body. The conversation also emphasizes maturity: learning when to speak, when to wait, and how to recognize the keynote of what God is saying. Through preparation before the Father, the prayer of listening, and the recognition that we are sons of God seated with Christ, the Family points to a deeper reality of oneness with Christ, the Father, and one another. Show Notes This episode centers on the spiritual flow that comes when the Word is spoken by the Holy Spirit through a submitted Body.The Family discusses the importance of finding the “keynote” of what God is speaking and not deviating from it. The anointing is found in that flow, and staying in it requires listening, maturity, and submission to one another.A strong emphasis is placed on preparation before the Lord. Waiting on the Lord, learning the prayer of listening, and allowing the spirit to be trained are presented as important foundations for flowing in what God is speaking.The conversation also highlights that Christ is being revealed within His people. As Christ the Word comes forth, the Body recognizes His voice and flows together in the anointing.The episode concludes with the reality that believers are in Christ, seated with Him in heavenly places, and brought into the presence and anointing of the Father. Key Quotes “The flow of the word. It's really a mystical thing in so many ways, but once you're in it, there's such a level of anointing in it that it carries the word into a different realm of oneness.”“It's taking a stance as a son and declaring the things that, that God wants to declare, frame, or create today.”“It's finding the keynote and staying in the keynote.”“Christ is, he's being revealed in us. Once the revelation of Christ the Word begins to speak in us, everything flows out of that.”“The greatest level of this flow will be in our submission to one another in the Lord.”“That's how we create the flow is through preparation.”“It's not difficult. Just listen And your spirit will tune right into the Christ that's flowing.”“He is in us, speaking the word that goes throughout the family and builds up the body of Christ.”“We're one with Christ and the Father, and one another.”“We're more prepared than we realize. We're sons of God.” Scriptural References Christ the Word Revealed Within Us These scriptures support the theme of Christ being revealed within His people and speaking His Word through them. John 1 (1–14) Colossians 1 (26–27) Galatians 2 (20) John 14 (20) Flowing in the Holy Spirit These references connect with the discussion of the Holy Spirit bringing the Word to remembrance and leading the flow. John 14 (26) John 16 (13) Romans 8 (14) 1 Corinthians 2 (10–13) Submission and the Many-Membered Body These scriptures support the idea of the Lord speaking through a many-membered Body, with each member submitting to the flow of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12 (12–27) Ephesians 4 (15–16) Romans 12 (4–8) Ephesians 5 (21) Waiting on the Lord and Preparation These references reflect the need to wait on the Lord, listen, and be prepared in spirit. Isaiah 40 (31) Psalm 27 (14) Habakkuk 2 (1) Mark 1 (35) Sons of God in Christ These scriptures connect with the closing emphasis on being sons of God, seated with Christ, and brought into the Father's presence. Ephesians 1 (3–6) Ephesians 2 (4–6) Romans 8 (14–17) Galatians 4 (4–7) Takeaway The flow of the Spirit is not produced by human effort; it comes as Christ is revealed within His people. As the Body listens, prepares, submits to one another, and stays with what the Lord is speaking, the anointing of the Word builds up the Family and brings them into a deeper expression of oneness with Christ, the Father, and one another.

Understanding the "fear of the Lord" begins with recognizing God's character. Proverbs 8:13 reminds us that reverence for God is not about living in constant terror but about honoring Him so deeply that we reject what He calls evil. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, obedience becomes less about fear of punishment and more about love, trust, and respect for the One who is perfectly holy and perfectly good. This devotion encourages believers to move beyond a distorted view of God as someone waiting for them to fail. Instead, Scripture reveals a Father who calls His children to walk in wisdom, love, and holiness. Genuine reverence for God transforms our hearts, shaping the way we speak, make decisions, and respond to temptation because we desire to reflect His character. Highlights: Reverence for God grows out of knowing His holy and loving character Respecting the Lord leads us to reject pride, evil, and sinful behavior Obedience is rooted in love for Christ, not merely fear of consequences God's desire is to draw His people closer, not push them away through intimidation A healthy view of God inspires joyful faithfulness and spiritual growth Join the Conversation When you hear the phrase "fear the Lord," what comes to mind? How has your understanding of God's character shaped the way you approach Him in worship, obedience, and everyday life? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ 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: What it Means to Respect the LordBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech” (Proverbs 8:13). Many of us grew up hearing about the fear of the Lord. As someone who did not grow up in the church, I didn't hear about this until much later. However, I can imagine the anxiety it raised in the hearts of children. The idea of fearing the Lord suggests that we are supposed to be afraid of Him. When we look at the Bible, we don't see Jesus as a scary, fear-mongering God. Instead, we see Him being born into the world as an innocent baby on one silent night (Luke 2:11). Fearing the Lord has bred many problems within preaching as well as theology in general. This is because far too many people take fear to literally mean being afraid—and this is a completely reasonable conclusion to draw. Some translations include footnotes to guide the reader; however, for most of us who are reading the New International Version or the King James Version, the word remains “fear.” When I was in Bible college, a professor went over this exact issue. Anytime the Bible uses the phrase “the fear of the Lord,” it refers to respecting the Lord. My professor said a more accurate understanding of these passages would be “the respect of the Lord.” To respect Him is to love Him. While many people will continue to preach the message of fear, we must remember that fear doesn't last… love does. If someone places faith in Jesus and follows Him out of fear, their faith will not stand. They will only be obeying Him because they fear Him. With time, their obedience will waver because they won't be afraid of Him anymore. However, if a person loves God and respects Him out of this love, their conversion will be true. Their obedience to Him will also show up in their daily life because they are walking in true love and respect for the Lord. They won't fear the Lord because they know Jesus is not “out to get them” or waiting for them to fall. Far too many believers think this is how God works, but it is not true. God is not a mean God who tries to get you to mess up. The person who does this is the devil. God is the one who is standing by your side, supporting you, encouraging you, and lifting you up (Romans 8:31). Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible says, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech” (Proverbs 8:13). Once again, rather than understanding this passage as “To fear the Lord,” we are to know it means “To respect the Lord.” Therefore, to respect the Lord is to hate evil. The Lord hates evil, pride, arrogance, and perverse speech. Those who adhere to these practices will be brought to judgment. Those who continue down this wicked road, ignore God's wisdom, and fail to seek it will pay the due penalties. Folly and wickedness will lead to falling, separation from God, and an eternity of pain. As Christ followers, we should have the highest respect for God. Respecting Him means we don't take part in evil or wicked schemes. Instead, we will obey Him. Jesus tells us, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). The Lord’s teachings are nourishment to our bones and will fill our hearts with extraordinary joy. If the fear of the Lord has brought you away from God, allow this new understanding to give you renewed hope. God doesn't want you to fear Him. Rather, He wants you to love Him and to respect Him. By doing this, you will follow Him all your days, continue to grow in Him, and help others to know about Him. Did you hear about the fear of the Lord growing up? Did it affect you negatively? How might you start learning what it means to respect the Lord rather than to fear Him? Further Reading: Psalm 145:8 Proverbs 6:16-19 Ecclesiastes 12:13 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this sermon from Mark 8:27–38, we continue our evangelism series by looking at the deeper reason we often hesitate to share the gospel. Our greatest barrier is not merely fear or lack of knowledge—it is a love problem. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him because He alone is worthy of our deepest love and allegiance.We are invited to see Jesus clearly: who He is, why He came, and how we must respond. As Christ becomes central in our hearts, we are freed to love our neighbors well through prayer, listening, hospitality, service, and sharing our story with Jesus as the hero.We invite you to listen and be encouraged to follow Jesus across the pain line for His glory and the good of others.

As Christ carried the burden of our sins, we now carry the burden of simply trusting in Him.

As Christ-followers, we should live intentionally with eternity in mind—prioritizing faithfulness to God over earthly popularity. We should live our daily lives being intentional about how we treat people, spend money, watch media, and serve others because Heaven remembers every unseen sacrifice and rewards faithfulness.Follow along with our notes on the YouVersion Bible App: https://bible.com/events/49625760CONNECT▪️Web: https://faithfamilyoh.com▪️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithfamilyoh/▪️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithfamilyoh/▪️Support: https://faithfamilyoh.com/give

In this week's message from our Still They Speak series, we listened to the witness of two fathers: one from the Old Testament and one from our own day. Through the life of Elkanah, the father of Samuel, we saw the example of a man who remained faithful to God in a spiritually corrupt generation. His life reminds us not to let the faithlessness of others determine our own faithfulness to the Lord and that our families will likely follow what we consistently prioritize. We also heard from Jamie, a current father whose faith has been refined through deep suffering. After losing his first wife, the birth mother of his two daughters, to cancer, Jamie came face-to-face with the reality that he could not father his girls in his own strength. Through that loss, he learned to depend completely upon his Heavenly Father for wisdom, strength, and guidance as he raised his daughters. His testimony was a powerful reminder that God's grace is sufficient even in our greatest trials and that we may not be perfect earthly fathers, but by God's Spirit we can be good fathers who lead our families to Christ.Both witnesses ultimately point us to Jesus, the truer and better Elkanah, who remained perfectly faithful to His Father and made God's will His highest priority in every area of life. As Christ's followers, we are called to shine faithfully in a faithless world, lead our families toward God, and rely daily on our Heavenly Father's strength rather than our own. 

Scripture Reading: Revelation 22:6-21 The epilogue of the book of Revelation highlights two final themes ... the authenticity of the book and the approaching wonder of the return of Christ. As Christ is called "faithful and true" in Revelation 3:14 and 19;11, so His words are "faithful and true" in Revelation 21:5 and 22:6. There is a marked emphasis in Revelation on what John has written (Rev 1:3,11,19; 14:13; 19:9).  Now, there is a stern warning to anyone who might deliberately change what is written, distorting what God has revealed (Rev 22:18,19). What a grace from God that He has given us His revealed truth in a book.  Let us take His book to heart, with all our might. The Bible ends with a repeated reference to the return of Christ.  There is a three-fold declaration of Jesus here ... "Behold, I am coming quickly" (Rev 22:7,12,20).  And there is a three-fold response ... "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.'  And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' . . . Come, Lord Jesus" (Rev 22:17,20). The heartfelt longing of God's people is to 'groan' (Rom 8:23), eagerly awaiting His return, so that the consummation of all things might be brought to the appointed end.  Such longing shapes our thinking and steels our hearts with strength.  

In The Dangerous Beauty of Mature Sons 3.0, Nancy takes the conversation even deeper, revealing why mature sons become increasingly dangerous to darkness and unusable to religious systems. She explores the formation of sons who have gone beyond inspiration into crucifixion, beyond self-reliance into complete dependence upon the Father. Drawing from the life of Jesus, Nancy shows how true sonship is forged through costly obedience, exclusive allegiance, and unwavering trust in the Father's character. As Christ is formed within, mature sons become impossible to manipulate through fear, shame, flattery, ambition, or the approval of others. This episode is a call to deeper identification with Christ, greater freedom from self, and a life fully devoted to the pleasure of the Father. Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Episode-1079-The-Dangerous-Beauty-of-Mature-Sons-3.0.pdf LINKS The Mind Of Christ Online Intensive: https://theproducersway.com/mind-of-christ-intensive/get-tickets The Devotional Podcast with Nancy McCready https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hHjwQ_3Qrp1rhbR9nu68wnBtQY0IHzc The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/

This week, we'll be studying 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 under the theme “A Thorn in the Flesh.” In a church captivated by impressive spiritual leaders and visible strength, Paul points not to his visions or credentials, but to the weakness he once begged God to remove. As Christ strips away false strength, he teaches his people to rest not in themselves, but in the sufficient grace that meets them in weakness.Add St. Marcus as your church on the Church Center App!Fill out our online connection cardHow can we pray for you? If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.

This week at our Jackson Campus, Campus Pastor Mitch Johnson concludes our series, Christ-Centered Relationships.In this series, we'll explore how following Jesus transforms every area of our relationships—from marriage and family to friendship, singleness, and beyond. As Christ changes us, He reshapes how we live, love, and relate to others in every sphere of life.We pray this message is a blessing to you.Learn more about The Point Church at www.tothepoint.church.Takeaway: Christians Are Called To Be Faithful Citizens On Earth

This week at our Perdido Key Campus, Associate Pastor Nick Shadday concludes our series, Christ-Centered Relationships.In this series, we'll explore how following Jesus transforms every area of our relationships—from marriage and family to friendship, singleness, and beyond. As Christ changes us, He reshapes how we live, love, and relate to others in every sphere of life.We pray this message is a blessing to you.Learn more about The Point Church at www.tothepoint.church.

In this sermon from John 4:16–19, we see Jesus as the searching Savior who is “full of grace and truth.” As Christ lovingly exposes the Samaritan woman's deepest sins, we are reminded that Jesus does not ignore sin, nor does He crush sinners with shame. Instead, He shines the light of truth into the darkest places of our hearts in order to lead us to repentance, forgiveness, and transformation. This message explores how Christ confronts our “keystone sins” with truth while drawing sinners to Himself with remarkable grace and compassion. OutlineJesus Is Full of TruthJesus Is Full of GraceGrace and Truth at the CrossQuestions for ReflectionWhat areas of your heart would Christ's searching light expose?Are you tempted to think of Jesus as all grace without truth—or all truth without grace?How does the cross display both God's holiness and His mercy?In what ways can Christians show both grace and truth to others?

Nike's ad campaign featuring LeBron James first aired almost 2 decades ago.  In the original commercial, there was a montage of LeBron James highlights mixed with fans stating they were “witnesses” of LeBron James, alluding to his greatness on the court.  Regardless of whether you agree that James is the greatest basketball player of all time (he's not…), his greatness pales in comparison to the majesty of our GOD.  As Christ followers, we are all called to be witnesses for Jesus, testifying to what we have seen, heard, and experienced GOD do in our own lives and the lives of those around us.  Nike did get one thing right: we ARE all witnesses, just called to a much higher calling in Christ Jesus our Savior.    This message dives deep into what it means to be a witness for Jesus to the outside world, and explores how we can share our testimonies to win others to Christ. 

In this sermon from John 17, we are invited into the true Lord's Prayer — not the prayer given to the disciples, but the prayer Jesus Himself prayed on behalf of His people. As Christ lifts His disciples before the Father, we are given a glimpse into the heart of our Savior and the ongoing work He is accomplishing for those who belong to Him.Jesus prays for the preservation of His people, their joy in the midst of a hostile world, their protection from the evil one, their growth in holiness through the truth of God's Word, and their witness to a world that desperately needs the Gospel. This passage reminds us that believers are not abandoned, aimless, or forgotten — they are loved by the Father, secured by the Son, empowered by the Spirit, and sent with a mission.Key Points:1. For Your Preservation 2. For Your Joy 3. For Your Protection 4. For Your Holiness 5. For Your Witness

This week at our Perdido Key Campus, Executive Pastor Joe McClellan continues our series, Christ-Centered Relationships.In this series, we'll explore how following Jesus transforms every area of our relationships—from marriage and family to friendship, singleness, and beyond. As Christ changes us, He reshapes how we live, love, and relate to others in every sphere of life.We pray this message is a blessing to you.Learn more about The Point Church at www.tothepoint.church.Takeaways: Choose friends wisely.Become the friend you want to have.Invest intentionally in biblical community.Build your closest friendship with Jesus.

This week at our Jackson Campus, Campus Pastor Mitch Johnson continues our series, Christ-Centered Relationships.In this series, we'll explore how following Jesus transforms every area of our relationships—from marriage and family to friendship, singleness, and beyond. As Christ changes us, He reshapes how we live, love, and relate to others in every sphere of life.We pray this message is a blessing to you.Learn more about The Point Church at www.tothepoint.church.Takeaway: Be The Friend You Are Looking For

In this episode, we explore Ephesians 3:1–6 and the powerful example of Paul, who, even as a prisoner, continued to faithfully proclaim the gospel to the very people he was once trained to despise. Rather than allowing suffering or difficult circumstances to silence his purpose, Paul remained committed to revealing the mystery of the gospel—that through Christ, Gentiles are fellow heirs and fully included in the promises of God. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts and consider where we may be tempted to gatekeep the grace of God, forgetting that the gospel was always meant for all people. As Christ tears down every dividing wall, we are invited to become vessels through which the beauty, unity, and hope of the gospel flow into the lives of others.EPISODE LINKSShea Women's Tanzania Bible Study Team - Sep 2026Awake O Sleeper WorkbookAwake O Sleeper Video TeachingEp. 26 | Intro to PaulEp. 27 | Intro to EphesiansWHAT IS NEUE THING?Neue Thing is a non-profit ministry, founded by Cherie Wagner, that exists to equip women with the Word of God. Cherie's life-long passion is two-fold: knowing Jesus Christ and making Him known. Author of Found On My Knees, Awake O Sleeper, Rest, Hope, Psalms for Life, and Knowing Your Name, Cherie writes Bible studies for women that will encourage them to know and believe God's Word, equip them to live it, and empower them to take it and transform this generation for Jesus Christ.CONNECT Website: https://neuething.org/Email Subscription link:https://neuething.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuethinginc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neuethingGive to Neue Thing: https://neuething.org/give/RESOURCESProverbs: The Wise, The Fool, The WickedKnowing Your NameFound On My Knees: The Journey from Brokenness to BlessingA

In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that we must always watch out that our hearts are not hardened in unbelief. As Christ's church, we must daily encourage one another to continue believing God's gospel and also to warn one another against the very real danger of falling away from him.

This Mother's Day at our Jackson Campus, Campus Pastor Mitch Johnson continues our series, Christ-Centered Relationships.In this series, we'll explore how following Jesus transforms every area of our relationships—from marriage and family to friendship, singleness, and beyond. As Christ changes us, He reshapes how we live, love, and relate to others in every sphere of life.We pray this message is a blessing to you.Learn more about The Point Church at www.tothepoint.church.Takeaway: All Parents are Forming Hearts in the Home

This Mother's Day at our Perdido Key Campus, Senior Pastor Kyle Valaer continues our series, Christ-Centered Relationships.In this series, we'll explore how following Jesus transforms every area of our relationships—from marriage and family to friendship, singleness, and beyond. As Christ changes us, He reshapes how we live, love, and relate to others in every sphere of life.We pray this message is a blessing to you.Learn more about The Point Church at www.tothepoint.church.

Pastor Leonard continues our series The Return with a powerful message exploring Jesus' vision for His church. In Christ's Vision for His Church, we're reminded that the church is not built around our preferences or comfort, but around the revelation that Jesus is the Christ—the One who tears down walls, makes strangers into family, and forms a people where His presence dwells. As Christ becomes our peace, we are invited to become the kind of people Jesus can build His beautiful, flourishing church with.   Be sure to reference the Sermon Reflection Guide linked below to go deeper and continue the conversation throughout the week. The Return week 2: Christ's Vision For His Church sermon reflection guide

As Christ followers, we believe the Bible is God's infallible and eternal Word. Pastor Jack Graham challenges us today to be systematic and faithful in the reading, studying, hearing, applying and sharing of God's Word. In knowing God's Word, he says, we know the God of the Word. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29?v=20251111

This week at our Perdido Key Campus, Jackson Campus Pastor Mitch Johnson continues our series, Christ-Centered Relationships.In this series, we'll explore how following Jesus transforms every area of our relationships—from marriage and family to friendship, singleness, and beyond. As Christ changes us, He reshapes how we live, love, and relate to others in every sphere of life.We pray this message is a blessing to you.Learn more about The Point Church at www.tothepoint.church.Takeaway: Jesus is the True Fulfillment

This week at our Jackson Campus, Senior Pastor Kyle Valaer continues our series, Christ-Centered Relationships.In this series, we'll explore how following Jesus transforms every area of our relationships—from marriage and family to friendship, singleness, and beyond. As Christ changes us, He reshapes how we live, love, and relate to others in every sphere of life.We pray this message is a blessing to you.Learn more about The Point Church at www.tothepoint.church.

In a recent meeting, our church staff discussed our value of integrity. Here's how we state it: We require integrity to the Scripture, our families, our team members, and ourselves. What is integrity? The dictionary defines it as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It is moral uprightness. Perhaps you have heard this definition. Integrity is who you are when no one else is looking.Main Points:1. There is a popular phrase in our society that says, “What I do in my private life is my business, and it has no effect on my public life.”  I think we all know this is not true.2. Integrity gives us credibility with others. As Christ-followers, we want to share an honest testimony with our words, but also with the life we live.3. We guard our integrity by protecting our hearts, by being faithful to our families, and by keeping our promises.Today's Scripture Verses:Proverbs 10:9 - “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”1 Chronicles 29:17 - “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.”Proverbs 11:3 - “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (04/10/26), Hank picks up his overview of the days of Holy Week, arriving at Holy Friday, the day a united Church is brought face-to-face with the fatal torment of Jesus Christ. A torment that began in the garden of Gethsemane following the emotional Last Supper of Holy Thursday. That night, Jesus was betrayed by Judas, disowned by Peter, and arrested by the temple guard. Before Caiaphas the high priest, he was mocked, beaten, and spat upon. The next morning, Jesus—battered, bruised, and bleeding—was stripped and subjected to the brutality of Roman flogging, reducing his body to quivering ribbons of bleeding flesh. As Christ slumped into the pool of his own blood, soldiers threw a scarlet robe across his shoulders, thrust a scepter into his hands, and pressed sharp thorns into his scalp. After they mocked him, they took the scepter and repeatedly struck him on the head. A heavy wooden beam was thrust upon his bleeding body, and he was led away to a place called Golgotha. There, the Lord of Glory experienced ultimate physical torture in the form of the cross.Today, as we remember the passion of Christ upon the cross, as we recall his dying words, “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit,” we are reminded that we, too, will breathe our last. Whether we are old or young, rich or poor, male or female, we light the sky for the briefest of moments. And then eternity. In the meantime, what we do today will have direct consequences for all eternity. Thus, while the culture seeks to focus your gaze on greatness, Christ rightly focuses your gaze on grace and godliness.

Do we really matter to God? As Christ's sheep, we are immovably secure in the hands of both the Son and the Father. In this message, Pastor Lutzer explains the salvation and security found in the profound imagery of being kept by our Good Shepherd. Listen to discover why we are kept and each of our names are personally known. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29?v=20251111

Do we really matter to God? As Christ's sheep, we are immovably secure in the hands of both the Son and the Father. In this message, Pastor Lutzer explains the salvation and security found in the profound imagery of being kept by our Good Shepherd. Listen to discover why we are kept and each of our names are personally known. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.  Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives.  Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.    SUPPORT:  Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/  Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/    SUBSCRIBE:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia  Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/