Podcasts about as christ

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?” — Matthew 5:13 My wife is fond of salty snacks. Pretzels, popcorn, and potato chips are among her favorites. It's often appealing to add salt to snacks, vegetables, and other things we eat because it enhances the flavor. When Jesus used this metaphor, he was illustrating the believer's distinctive role in the world. He implied that we are to add a similarly positive influence on our surroundings, in a way like salt can. Think of how salt can melt snow and ice. As Christ-followers, we can help to thaw the cold indifference that this world often portrays. God's love, which fills us and overflows from us, has the power to soften hardened hearts, thaw frozen relationships, and dissolve disagreements. Think too of how salt enhances the flavor of foods, often making them more tasty and palatable. Christ's presence within us can similarly add taste to life. Our presence can inject joy and zest into our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. We can help make gatherings and settings more pleasant, positive, and welcoming. In addition, salt serves as a preservative. Before we had refrigeration, salt was the primary method of preserving perishable foods. Similarly, we can help to turn back the corrosive effects of sin in the world. As followers of Jesus, we can bring God's healing, regenerative power to bear on all kinds of situations. Lord Jesus, use us to bring helpful change in the lives of the people around us, for your glory and for the restoration of this world. Amen.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 1 Chron 25-27; 1 Thess 4 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, host Hunter invites us to journey through day 135 of our year-long Bible reading adventure. We'll be exploring 1 Chronicles chapters 25 to 27, discovering the organization of temple musicians, gatekeepers, and King David's army officers. Then, we'll dive into 1 Thessalonians chapter 4, where Paul encourages believers to live holy, loving, and hope-filled lives—all centered on the profound promise of resurrection and Christ's glorious return. Hunter reflects on the Greek word “apantēsis” used by Paul, painting a powerful picture of believers joyfully meeting Jesus, much like welcoming an honored guest into a celebration. Through prayer and thoughtful meditation, this episode is designed to inspire your heart, reassure your faith, and remind you that you are dearly loved. So grab your Bible, settle in, and let's spend some meaningful time together in God's Word. TODAY'S DEVOTION: A sure and solid hope. Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, wants to fill the believers with hope—a hope anchored in the resurrection of Jesus. The central message of today's passage isn't about predicting timelines or worrying about being left behind. Instead, it's about comfort, encouragement, and the surety of belonging with Christ, both now and forevermore. Paul uses the word “apantēsis”—a term that paints a picture richer than mere meeting. It's the image of a people who go out to greet someone they've been longing for, and then, together, process with him into his place of honor, into the celebration, into the heart of the community. This isn't about escape, but about joyful welcome. Just as villagers would run out to greet guests, as Hunter shares from his own experiences in India, so there will come a day when the faithful who have died and those still living will join together in greeting Christ. There is no reversal, no turning away, only forward movement—together, with our King. Paul's words pastorally reassure the anxious hearts of his day—and ours. Grief isn't the last word. Neither confusion nor uncertainty nor death itself can swallow up the hope Christ has given us. The resurrection is God's great declaration that there are no forgotten ones. No one is left behind in his kingdom plan. Those that have gone before, and we who remain, will all share in the joy of Christ's return and his reign—on earth as it is in heaven. This hope is sure and solid. As Christ was raised, so too are we raised to new life in him—not only in the age to come, but even now, as we walk as his people. We have a King who leads us home, a King who makes us his own, a King whose coming fills all our waiting with joy. So today, let's encourage one another with these words. Let's rest in this deep, resurrection hope. Let's live as people who know they belong to Christ—and will process into his presence with gladness when that day comes. That's a prayer I have for my soul, for my family, for the whole church, and for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

John 17 is Jesus' longest prayer in all the Gospels. Think of all the mornings and nights that Jesus spent praying to His Father. It is here, in John 17, that we get a glimpse into the content of those prayers. Jesus was the most selfless person to ever live. He spent His ministry pouring into and praying for others. Yet Jesus also prayed for Himself. John 17:1-5 provides a fascinating look into Jesus' own prayer requests for Himself and thus what mattered most to Him. As Christ followers, what matters most to Jesus should matter most to us.  Take-Home Message: The Lord's greatest prayer reveals His greatest priorities. Jesus' High Priestly PrayerJesus prays for Himself (17:1-5)Jesus prays for His Apostles (17:6-19) Jesus prays for all believers (17:20-26) Jesus prays for HimselfJesus prays for His glory (1) §  What does it mean to glorify Jesus? “Glorifying” means feeling and thinking and acting in ways that reflect Jesus Christ's greatness. Is it righteous for Jesus to pray for His own glory?Yes, because Jesus' glory reflects and magnifies His Father's glory. Jesus prays for His gift (2-3) Jesus prays for His work (4-5) Take-Home PrioritiesCome to ChristGlorify ChristParticipate with Christ Message: Jesus Prays for Himself Scripture: John 17:1-5

As Christ-followers, we answer to a higher law. But American biblical higher ed institutions must comply with federal guidelines. Our guest, Andrew Smith, Attorney and Title IX Coordinator at Moody Bible Institute, urges campuses to work more closely with their legal team and to train their employees in basic legal understanding. Andrew also has advice on how schools can receive exemptions from Title IX and opinions on how Title IX aligns with God's law.Join us as we discuss: [6:27] Aligning God's word with the law and over-and-underutilizing legal resources[17:21] The benefits of fundamental legal training for school employees[22:06] The theological discussion around Title IX and how it might impact your missionCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Andrew.Smith@moody.eduTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

by Elder Chris McCool, pastor (preached on March 16, 2025) As Christ looked across the crowd that had gathered before Him, He was moved with compassion and exclaimed, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.”...

As Christ's resurrection is based on solid eyewitness accounts; and the changed lives of Paul and the disciples; so God's people in this age can trust in the resurrection of the dead, and life everlasting.

Does it ever seem to you like there’s a disconnect between American Jews and Israeli Jews? As Christ-followers, we care deeply about what happens over in Israel. But… do you wonder why some American Jews seem to have little interest in what's going on in the nation of Israel? What do we not understand? This week on The Land and the Book, we’ll take our best shot at “Understanding the Complex Relationship Between American Jews and Israel.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/landandthebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leslie continues the He Is series by unpacking Jesus as our strength. We often limit what God can do through our lives because we focus on our inability instead of His ability. We are quick to forget that what God calls us to, He equips us for. And yet, He is ready and waiting to provide us with supernatural power to tackle the impossible tasks He calls us to, if only we will allow Him to. As Christ's Body, we are meant to be carriers of His hope, light, and truth to a desperately needy world. But just like the disciples when faced with the task of feeding a hungry crowd with just a few fish and loaves, we must look to Him to supply what we need in order to fulfill this call.For more resources from Leslie, visit https://setapart.org/. To learn more about our 2025 Set Apart Conference, visit https://setapart.org/2025-set-apart-conference/. To learn about our Ellerslie Discipleship Programs, visit https://ellerslie.com/. To support Set Apart Ministries, visit https://setapart.org/support/.

Acts 20:17-24 | Character, Content, Cost - What does ministry success look like? Paul shows us that as followers of Jesus we are all called to ministry, and urged to live out that calling in response to His mercy to us.Message by Scott Buchanan, Missionary, SMBC GraduateScott Buchanan, his wife Ruth, and their children, Isabelle, Isaiah and Eila serve in the Philippines. As Christ's ambassadors they seek to continue His ministry of reconciliation, through obedience to the Great Commission, amongst the poor, marginalised and unreached people groups on the island of Mindoro. The Buchanan's calling is to serve these peoples though the growth and revitalisation of existing indigenous churches – by way of evangelism, relational discipleship and theological equipping. They then seek to indirectly assist in the missional multiplication of these churches through the planting of new Gospel-centred churches amongst other poor, marginalised and unreached peoples.To partner with The Buchanans through Financial support: https://pioneers.org.au/give/donate/Stay updated by joining their ‘Partnering with the Buchanans' FB page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/198706853903873/ Anthony Webb, Pastor, Ariah Park Baptist Church

This Easter Sunday, co-lead pastor Ricky Kennedy reminded us just how powerful the resurrection is for our lives today.Walking through the first part of Romans 6, we were reminded that through Jesus' death and burial, our sin has been forgiven. As Christ was buried, so was our old self—and through His resurrection, we've been raised to new life in Him. Because His righteousness is gifted to us through salvation, we are no longer slaves to sin or fear of death.Christ has the victory—and through His gift, so do we!

Throughout the early chapters of Mark, Jesus' emphasis on the kingdom and His authority has been central. The kingdom of God is His rule and reign, which is a present reality and a future fulfillment. As Christ came preaching and working miracles, we saw the fullness of God's kingdom breaking into the present reality of this fallen creation. Jesus demonstrated His authority to bring God's kingdom and called people to enter through repentance and faith (Mark 1:14-15). Yet, we have seen wildly different responses to Jesus in Mark's presentation. It does not look like Jesus' message and the kingdom of God is gaining traction among the people. Last week in Mark 4:1-20, Jesus explained these responses with the parable of the soils. He presented three soils that bore no fruit and one that bore fruit abundantly. After explaining its meaning, Jesus calls His disciples to "pay attention to what you hear," giving several reasons why this is so important. We must give heed to the word because everything hidden will come to light (v. 21-22), and the way one responds to the word (seed) will shape one's future (v. 23-25). Those who have will be given more, and those who do not will lose what they have. Jesus clarifies that the word (seed) brings someone into the kingdom and grows the kingdom as the seed is spread. Then, adding to this picture, Jesus gives two more parables involving seed growth. In the first, He shows us that the seed of God's kingdom grows through God's power and word. In this parable, the farmer sows the seed and waits in faith for the harvest. The third parable illustrates that the kingdom of God grows from the seemingly smallest of seeds. Though its beginning and spread may seem insignificant in our sight, God's work in the mundane and insignificant moments grows His kingdom for His glory. God's kingdom and purpose are unstoppable in our hearts and His creation. Sunday, we will examine how the smallest of seeds can change everything. I. The Kingdom Is Given Through Word: Heed What You Hear (v. 21-25) II. The Kingdom Grows By God's Word & Power (v. 26-29) III. The Kingdom Grows From The Smallest Seed (v. 30-34)

Friends of the Rosary,Holy Saturday (from Sabbatum Sanctum, its official liturgical name) is the day of the Lord's rest; it has been called the “Second Sabbath” since the creation of the world.It's a day of great silence on earth, instituted to enter reflectively into the divine rest.After the great battle against sin and death, Christ Jesus is resting in peace. Upon Him we see the scars of intense suffering, with mortal wounds on His Body that remain visible.Jesus' enemies are still furious, attempting to obliterate the memory of the Lord by lies and slander.In the silence of the day, Christ Jesus didn't choose divine vengeance but the ultimate demonstration of divine love.On Holy Saturday, while we meditate on the Passion and crucifixion of Christ, we wait with Our Lady of Sorrows — the Church is represented in Mary — at the Lord's Christ tomb on His descent into the land of the dead.As the Catechism of the Catholic Church makes clear, “he descended there as Savior, proclaiming the good news to the spirits imprisoned there.”In the evening, as the sun sets, the Church gathers for Easter Vigil. The Church awaits the return in glory in its full splendor of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.After the readings of the crucial moments in creation and salvation history, the Church anticipates the proclamation of the Lord's Resurrection by singing the Gloria, bells are rung, and the church is fully illuminated, anticipating Easter celebration.Dying with Christ is no recapitulation. As Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life, as St. Paul wrote.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, 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 | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• April 19, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

The death of our Lord Jesus Christ preceded His Resurrection. As Christ our God said in the Gospels, "Only when a grain of wheat falls in the ground and dies does it produce many seeds." Our fallenness must die with Christ and by His grace upon the Cross we have been commanded to take up as we live a life to follow Jesus. Only through that life of blessed repentance do we experience the wonder of the healing power of Christ that comes through the Cross granting us the experience of the Resurrection.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (04/18/25), 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 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 the 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.

Growing In God Podcast Web Description: The Lord begged the church in Laodicea to open the door to Him, so He could dine with them. This need to dine with God does not make sense to our Christian thinking. But it makes total sense in the Hebraic context of making a covenant over a meal. God is knocking on the door of the Church in this day. And regardless of how far removed we are from Him, if we open the door, He will make a covenant with us to bring us into everything He has promised.   Show Notes: The Laodicean church was a lost church, having fallen away from God. Yet Laodicea received one of the greatest opportunities offered to any church mentioned in Revelation. No matter what their violations were or how far they had fallen, Christ was knocking at their door asking to come in. Like Laodicea our nation has moved far away from God. But the opportunity remains the same. Christ is standing at the door knocking because He wants to be let back into our lives and our society. No matter how great the violations have been, He wants to meet with us again.   He wants us to come in and dine with Him. This is what happens when we open the door to the Lord. He sits down with us, and we have a meal together. Why is that important? It was during meals that covenants and agreements were made. For the covenant at Sinai, God instructed Moses to bring the elders of Israel up the mountain where they had a meal together with the Lord. Christ declared a new covenant in His blood at a Passover meal with His disciples.   Along with God coming back into our lives, He wants to make a new agreement, in other words, a new covenant with us. Even though we have strayed far away from Him like the church in Laodicea, God wants to make a new agreement with us to walk with Him. As Christians we have failed God just as Israel failed Him at Sinai. But God already knows we are going to fail. The point is that He is always there knocking on the door of our hearts, and we can let Him in. We can let Him make a new covenant with each of us to write His Word on our hearts and lead us into a greater oneness with Him.   Key Verses:   •       Revelation 3:20. “If anyone … opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him.” •       1 Corinthians 11:23–26. “He took the cup also after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood.'” •       Exodus 24:3–11. “They saw God, and they ate and drank.” •       Jeremiah 31:31–34. “I will make a new covenant.” •       Romans 8:3. “What the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did.”   Quotes:   •       “When Christ is standing at the door knocking, He's not just planning to come in to us and abide with us. He's saying, ‘I'm going to dine with you.' And I believe He's pointing to the fact that there will be a new covenant that will be made.” •       “Christ is saying, ‘Look, I'm standing at the door and knocking.' He is not talking to Israel here. In the book of Revelation, in chapter 3, He's talking to a church. He's talking to the Christians saying, ‘You guys have really failed Me in this. But I'm not rejecting you, just as I'm not rejecting Israel.'” •       “As Christ knew the Father when He was here, I believe there is more for us. And I believe that there is a meal that's waiting—a time of dining with Christ where He will bring an impartation to us that will be a new knowledge, a new understanding of Him, and a new way of walking with Him and the Father.”   Takeaways:   1.    In Revelation 3, we read Christ saying to Laodicea, “I stand at the door and knock; if anyone … opens the door, I will … dine with him.” Why would the Lord want to dine with us? We can understand that when we understand that covenants were made during a meal. God wants to make a covenant with us. 2.    Christians have used the new covenant as a means of anti-Semitism, claiming that God rejected Israel because they failed the covenant at Sinai. But in the new covenant promised to Judah and Israel, God promises to accept them in spite of their failure. Laodicea represents the failure of Christians, but Christ also wanted to make a new covenant with them. 3.    The promise of the new covenant is that we will all know Him, from the least to the greatest. But we are still being taught about God by someone else or by the history of religion or doctrine. We need to open the door to Him and receive from Him a new impartation of knowing the Father.  

Throughout the early chapters of Mark, Jesus' emphasis on the kingdom and His authority has been central. The kingdom of God is His rule and reign, which is a present reality and a future fulfillment. As Christ came preaching and working miracles, we saw the fullness of God's kingdom breaking into the present reality of this fallen creation. Jesus demonstrated His authority to bring God's kingdom and called people to enter through repentance and faith (Mark 1:14-15). Yet, we have seen wildly different responses to Jesus in Mark's presentation. It does not look like Jesus' message and the kingdom of God is gaining traction among the people. Last week in Mark 4:1-20, Jesus explained these responses with the parable of the soils. He presented three soils that bore no fruit and one that bore fruit abundantly. After explaining its meaning, Jesus calls His disciples to "pay attention to what you hear," giving several reasons why this is so important. We must give heed to the word because everything hidden will come to light (v. 21-22), and the way one responds to the word (seed) will shape one's future (v. 23-25). Those who have will be given more, and those who do not will lose what they have. Jesus clarifies that the word (seed) brings someone into the kingdom and grows the kingdom as the seed is spread. Then, adding to this picture, Jesus gives two more parables involving seed growth. In the first, He shows us that the seed of God's kingdom grows through God's power and word. In this parable, the farmer sows the seed and waits in faith for the harvest. The third parable illustrates that the kingdom of God grows from the seemingly smallest of seeds. Though its beginning and spread may seem insignificant in our sight, God's work in the mundane and insignificant moments grows His kingdom for His glory. God's kingdom and purpose are unstoppable in our hearts and His creation. Sunday, we will examine how the smallest of seeds can change everything. I. The Kingdom Is Given Through Word: Heed What You Hear (v. 21-25) II. The Kingdom Grows By God's Word & Power (v. 26-29) III. The Kingdom Grows From The Smallest Seed (v. 30-34)

As Christ followers Christians are called to follow the example of Jesus. One of the most challenging and rewarding things we should to is to serve others.

Before GPS, did you ever come to a fork in the road and think, “Which way should I go?”Each of us eventually comes to a fork in the road – literally and figuratively – where we will have to decide which way to go.As Christ-followers, we have the perfect navigator in our lives. God knows what's down each road we travel; nothing surprises him. If we are unsure which way to go, we can look to him, and he will guide us. He will provide for all our needs throughout life's journeys.Let's trust the Lord and thank him for the confidence he gives us to travel life's roads, whether smooth or bumpy.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Saint Isaac the Syrian begins his teaching with a gentle reminder that liberation from material things, that is, our attachment to the things of this world and placing them above God, is a slow process that involves great toil. Yet, this is the common order of things. In our journey, we often have to break loose of the mooring of those things that prevent us from loving. And so Isaac teaches us that righteous activity involves comprehending what God has revealed to us and then embodying it through action - praxis. Even as we make gains our memory of past sins and failures often brings grief to the soul. We shouldn't be discouraged by this, St. Isaac tells us, but we must simply allow these recollections to lead us to greater repentance and gratitude for God‘s mercy. Yet all of this is but a prelude to Isaac asking us an important question: Do you desire to commune with God by perceiving the love and the mercy that He reveals not just with the mind or the senses but through faith and experience?  Do you desire God? Do you desire Love? If our answer to this question is “yes” then Isaac tells us we must pursue mercy: “For when something that is like unto God is found in you, then that holy beauty is depicted by Him.“ We begin to see and comprehend the mercy and love of God by loving as he loves; by going beyond the limitations and the confines of our own understanding.  Such spiritual unity once unsealed incessantly blazes in the heart with ardent longing. The soul‘s divine vision, Isaac tells us, unites one to God and the heart becomes awestruck; filled with wonder at what no eye has seen or mind could imagine outside of the grace of God. The path to divine love first begins by showing compassion in some proportion to the Father's perfection. As Christ tells us, “Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect, be merciful as your Heavenly Father is merciful“ The dignity and destiny that is ours, the life and love into which God draws us should be what we pursue the most in life. To desire God, to give free reign to an urgent longing for Him brings about our transformation. Desire is our path to the Kingdom within. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:15:08 Callie Eisenbrandt: I'll take your books Father!!

// Jonah 1:4-17 // As Jonah was running from God, he found himself on a boat in the middle of a huge storm that God had sent his way. Jonah was face-to-face with his sin, and he needed to own it. As Christ followers, we also have sin in our lives that we need to own. We can't hide our sin, run from it, numb it, or ignore it - we need to face it head-on. We also can be encouraged by the reminder that God will make all things good, even in the midst of our battle with sin. (Note: Week 1 unavailable due to recording issues)

As Christ concludes His teaching on how we are to speak to the Father in prayer, we find a wonderful summary of the mindset of every believer. It is not my life, my power and glory, but The Lord's kingdom, power and glory we seek and desire when we pray and in our lives.

If everyday you were given a set number of bricks, over the course of a lifetime what would you build? We have been instructed by God to steward his resources and wait for the day the value of our work is tested by fire. You don't want to miss our final installment of “As Christ loved the Church."

As Christ followers, Yahweh commands us to humbly embrace self-sacrifice, not self-preservation.

As Christ followers, we are filled with His Spirit and we are meant to live free from bondage and strongholds. You don't have to live bound in the chains of your sin. The price has been paid so that you can live free.

Why is it important to have a biblical or godly perspective?  Our perspective should be the same as the God we serve. We want to see and interpret things the way God does. This will only happen as we make the Bible the lens through which we see the world. You'll never see things the way God does until you see things through the lens of scripture.Main Points:1. It's common to hear people, in a moment of disagreement say, “I don't see it that way.” As Christ-followers, we need to ask the question, “How does God see it?” We then reframe our perspective to match how God sees things.2. Our perspective matters because it influences our beliefs, values, our lifestyle, our mindset, and our attitude.3. Determine that the Bible will be the lens through which you see and interpret the World. As you do, you'll begin to see things the way God does.Today's Scripture Verses:2 Corinthians 4:7-9 - “ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”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

In this sermon from Colossians 3, we uncover the unsettling, glorious truth about forgiveness: that it is not optional for the follower of Christ. The apostle Paul doesn't call us to forgiveness as a therapeutic exercise or a moral nicety. He commands it as those chosen, holy, and dearly loved. Why? Because the gospel itself demands it. As Christ forgave you—so you also must forgive.We explore the radical call to forgive those who have wounded us deeply, not because they deserve it, but because we have been forgiven more. This is not cheap grace. It's cruciform grace—grace that bleeds, absorbs, and restores. Forgiveness is costly, but it is the currency of the kingdom.Join us as we walk through the theological weight, emotional challenge, and spiritual necessity of forgiveness. Discover how your unwillingness to forgive may be choking your spiritual vitality—and how embracing forgiveness may be the door to your own freedom.

Priorities. .... Have you ever thought about if you're REALLY living your priorities?  .... When's the last time you stopped and did an inventory of WHERE you're spending your time? .... Where we spend our time is the surest barometer of where our heart and priorities lie. Webster's defines priorities as something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives.  As Christ followers, we're given our priorities by our Lord, not the world. .... Andy Stanley says it this way: “We don't drift in good directions. We discipline and prioritize ourselves there.”    Are YOU disciplining and prioritizing yourself in God's direction today? ....

Incivility leads to many harmful effects on employees and organizations. Coworker incivility has been linked to higher levels of employee burnout and lots of strain and stress. For the organization or the company, incivility has been related to decreased satisfaction and eventually decreased performance. And here's the thing about incivility: it is contagious! An employee who is subjected to lack of civility, lack of good manners, lack of anyone seeming to care about them, often retaliates with uncivil acts of their own. It can spiral out of control within an organization rather quickly. But the good news is courtesy and good manners can be contagious, too. Remember Jesus has called us as his followers to be lights in a dark world. This means we not only are not caught up in workplace incivility, but we also actively and intentionally try to change the culture. But how? As I've often said, everything starts at the top, so if you are in a management job or in a place of influence, you should model what civil and courteous behavior looks like. Your level of courtesy and consideration toward others will trickle down to those who work for you and with you. As a manager, you are always “on,” which means you don't have the luxury of letting down your guard, because your behavior has more impact than others. By setting the tone for the organization, managers and those in places of influence can help create a culture of simple courtesy, good manners, and caring about others. As Christ followers, here is our standard: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others (Philippians 2:3-4). That is very civil behavior, and with the power of God's Spirit, you can be a person who values others above yourself.

I've given two specific things you can do if you are intentional about bringing back simple common courtesy and civil behavior where you work. First, use the words please and thank you all day every day—as often as it is appropriate. You can't overdo it! Second, ask at least one person a day how they are and then sincerely listen to their answer and respond appropriately. That just means caring about others. As Christ-followers, courtesy and caring should be the norm for us. The third suggestion is: Watch out for sarcasm because it can become a weapon that hurts others, whether intentionally or not. At my church, one of the pastors said he realized he was too sarcastic, just too often responding with sarcasm. It wasn't intended to harm anyone—indeed it was done as a joke or a clever retort. But he felt it had become a bit much among the staff. So, he put a jar out and suggested that every time someone used sarcasm, they put a dollar in the jar, and then they would give that money to our fellowship fund, for people facing financial hardship. I don't know how much he raised for the fellowship fund, but I know it caused everyone to be aware that sometimes those clever sarcastic words can be hurtful and sound anything but civil and polite. I'm not saying that you must walk on eggshells for fear of saying the wrong thing. But I have noticed my own tendency to let go of a quick response, intended as a joke, and I need to be careful it doesn't come across as ridicule and hurtful. For those of us who are prone to use sarcasm, we should keep in mind what we may have meant as a clever response was instead hurtful to someone else. As Christians, we can do much to change a culture of incivility to one of caring and good manners. If there's too much sarcasm in your world it just might contribute to this problem of incivility. Be on guard for this.

This episode is a recent sermon by Dr. Ben Lovvorn on Romans 12:1–2, preached at First Baptist Dallas on the first Sunday of 2025. God desires for you to experience a profound new beginning—one that so transforms your very nature that it becomes evident to everyone around you. Dr. Lovvorn challenges the church to reflect on what it means to make pleasing Jesus Christ our one desire. As Christ's disciples, we must all answer this simple question as we begin the year: What's your next step?   Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as the Senior Executive Pastor at First Baptist Dallas.    If you need some help taking your next step, we want to help you! Go here for resources and to complete our online form: firstdallas.org/nextstep  For an incredible library of biblical resources from our Senior Pastor, Dr. Robert Jeffress, visit Pathway to Victory: ptv.org    To financially support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, you can give online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive

All teenagers face great temptation. All teenagers make sinful choices that are at times devastating to themselves and to others. It's who we are as broken human beings. But here's some great advice for parents: The most important factor in determining whether that bad choice turns into a situation that gets better or worse is parental response. What would happen if your goal would be to redeem these situations by turning a mistake into an opportunity for your teenager to become a more Christ-like person? I am constantly reminded of my responsibility to treat my sinful children the way my heavenly Father treats me when I'm the offending party – because there isn't a day that goes by when I'm not. I learned a great lesson from Dr. John White when he was asked how he'd learned to relate to his own son's rebellious and sinful choices. Dr. White said he's learned to live his life according to this simple and profound principle: “As Christ is to me, so must I be to my children.”

It's always important to keep an “eternal perspective” in life. As Christ-followers, we must remember that this life is only temporary. We are only passing through. Our ultimate reward is heaven, where we will trade our earthly bodies for glorified ones, our present sufferings for future glory, and our earthly dwellings for a heavenly home! In today's study, Pastor Gary takes us through these topics that Paul writes about in 2 Corinthians 4–5.

Are You Working Out What God's Working In You? Ever feel like life's a relentless rollercoaster of ups, downs, and loop-de-loops? What if you could approach each twist with a radically fresh mindset? Philippians 2 doesn't just paint God as a distant helper it reveals Him as your very life source. In Him, you're not just surviving you're thriving from a place of unshakable union. Imagine God at work within you, shaping your desires and actions to align with His purpose. As Christ's mindset pulses through you, confidence in His provision and a genuine concern for others start to flow effortlessly not as obligations, but as natural expressions of who you already are. Curious about transforming your trials into undeniable triumphs? Click to watch and explore how living from your union with Christ fuels everything you do, lighting up the world with His love through you! Discussion Questions for Philippians 2: 1. Read verse 3. How does genuine humility happen? How does humility reflect the heart of the Gospel? 2. Read verses 4-5. How does looking out for the interests of others start to happen in our lives? How can we have this mindset? 3. Read verses 6-8. What does it mean that Christ emptied Himself? What do you think God is trying to tell us through this? 4. Read verses 9-11. Why is the exaltation of Christ significant to our understanding of His nature and place in our lives? What does it mean that Jesus is Lord? 5. Read verse 12 and react to this statement: Work out what God has worked in! 6. Read verse 13 and react to this statement: God doesn't just cause us to do but also to will (or want) what He wants. 7. Read verses 14-16. From a grace perspective, how do we shine as lights in the world? And what does it mean to hold fast to the word of life? 8. Read verses 17-18. What does poured out as a drink offering mean? How can we share in joy as we encourage and build one another up? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1258/29

As Christ-followers, our witness can become compromised when we act or speak out of a place of anger and frustration that leads us to wrongfully blame, shame, or hurt someone else. Romans 12:2 says, “Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you THINK. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” But how do we change the way we think when we are cut off in traffic, passed over for a promotion, or hurt by someone's words? Ford Taylor from Transformational Leadership suggests this practice: when you're angry, pause and write down your thoughts. Then, write next to them what kind of thoughts God wants you to have for the situation or person. This puts GOD back in control rather than your circumstances or the people around you. 

Lesson 3 - When Fear Overwhelms and Depression Sets In1 Kings 18:40-19:18.As Christ followers, we know that the extremes of life teach us to trust Him, they draw us closer to Him, and conform us to His likeness. Elijah shows us what to do when those dark moments happen in our lives. God is never going to forget us! In fact, the Lord often uses those valleys to take us on to higher places, if only we will put our trust in Him and obey His Word.

As Christ followers we are called to live on mission and in a way that represents Jesus. This week, we look at Ephesians 4 to give us some clarity on what makes up a strong foundation for Christians. thebridgebluffton.com

As Christ followers we are to be marked by our love. In this message, 1Life Student Pastor, Ethan Young challenges us to return to our first love. It's in the first love that we find a renewed love for God and a renewed love for others.

Have you ever worked for a company or organization with a toxic workplace culture – the kind that not only made it unpleasant for the employees but also for customers and clients?  On the flipside, have you ever worked for a place where the culture was so positive that employees stayed for years and customers and clients became friends and partners? Dee Ann Turner, an expert on stewarding talent, says that “culture is the soul of the organization.” And incredible culture is built through core values that are demonstrated – not just stated. Like the old adage says: actions speak louder than words. As Christ-followers we already have a given set of core values! BUT are you demonstrating those core values at work? Remember, the WAY that you work is equally as influential to your testimony as what you say you believe! 

Have you ever worked for a company or organization with a toxic workplace culture – the kind that not only made it unpleasant for the employees but also for customers and clients?  On the flipside, have you ever worked for a place where the culture was so positive that employees stayed for years and customers and clients became friends and partners? Dee Ann Turner, an expert on stewarding talent, says that “culture is the soul of the organization.” And incredible culture is fostered by a sense of purpose. In other words, a healthy workplace culture requires a “why.” Why do we go to work? Why do we do what we do? And what value is it to the people we are doing it for? As Christ-followers we already have a purpose, no matter what job or position we hold! Our purpose is to share Jesus with the world – including the people we work with! 

We keep in step with the Spirit by a continual surrendering of our lives to the will of God. His will is revealed to us in His Word. As we follow and obey the Word of God, we are walking by the Spirit. As we abide with Jesus through prayer and worship, our hearts stay in tune with the Holy Spirit.Main Points:1. In the New Testament book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul instructs us to keep up with the Holy Spirit. God is leading our lives. We have put Him in the driver's seat. We have yielded the control of our lives to Him. We have made Him the Lord of our lives. Our job is to follow. We don't know where we are to go or how we are to live, so we must follow. 2. As Christ's followers we have given up being the master of our own lives because we have discovered a better master. We've discovered that following Jesus is worth it and there is no better life to live.3. As you draw near to God, listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit as He guides you to walk in step with Him. Today's Scripture Verses:Galatians 5:25 - “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.Galatians 5:16 - “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”Galatians 5:24 - “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”Quick Links:Subscribe to The 5 Minute Discipleship NewsletterDonate 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

Today, on Karl and Crew, we discussed having Holy expectations this Christmas season. As Christ believers, we celebrate two Advents. The first rejoices in the Savior’s birth. The second remembers that Jesus is coming again! Our special guests included Dr. John Koessler and Susie Larson. Dr. Koessler is a retired Moody Professor, author, and contributing editor for the free daily devotional, "Today in the Word." His special study for December will help you look forward not only to Christmas but to the hope we have in Christ's return. Susie Larson is a national speaker, best-selling author, and radio host. She shared her heart on really leaning into the advent of the Christmas season: Christ is our greatest gift today and to come! Hear the highlights of today's program on the showcast. Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Christ's followers, we must also be FOR those who are in need, not content to live comfortably and blind to the spiritual war going on around us. - Amanda Idleman SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: The Crosswalk Devotional: https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-devotionalYour Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

By Greg Thomas - As we reflect on the Thanksgiving holiday we just observed, let's continue to rejoice and give thanks. As Christ set as an example - though we may be a victim at times - let's ensure we don't have a victim mindset in life as this is incompatible with being joyful and thankful.

The stress of the holidays become amplified when we know we'll spend time among dysfunctional people. As Christ-followers, this can elicit questions and confusion. How can we share the light of Christ in a way that feels emotionally safe? Is there a way to reduce the chaos? Carol's guest Pam Farrel believes, often, there is. In this episodes, she shares some strategies she's developed in dealing with an alcoholic father and a mother-in-law with significant mental illness. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Related episode: Dealing with Toxic People with Gary Thomas Find Pam Farrel at:  On her website (Love-Wise) On Facebook On Amazon Find Carol McCracken: On her website  On Facebook On Instagram Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discussion/Reflective Questions: What most resonated with you in this episode? What are some ways you can plan ahead to reduce chaos and stress this holiday season? What might an escape plan look like in your circumstances and what scenarios might move you to enact follow that plan? What emotions might you need to work through in order to move from bitterness and healing? Throughout her discussion, Pam shared how God guided her through her holidays. What is God telling you in regard to how He wants you to engage (or not engage) with certain dysfunctional people this season? Sometimes God calls us to love up close, and sometimes He encourages us to love people from a distance. Which most applies to your circumstances, and what might this look like? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

He's changing me--my heart,my vision,my desires.You've changed SO much.You've shown so much courage. You've been so patient. But now that you've recognized Who you're waiting with,you're no longer waiting.You no longer need to be patient.You are Full in Him---"We Awaken in Christ's Body.As Christ awakens our bodies, And my poor hand is Christ, He enters My foot, and is infinitely me.I move my hand, and wonderfully my hand becomes Christ, becomes all of Him (for God is indivisiblyWhole, seamless in His Godhood). I move my foot, and at once He appears like a flash of lightning.Do my words seem blasphemous? Then open your heart to Him And let yourself receive the one Who is opening to you so deeply.For if we genuinely love Him, We wake up inside Christ's body Where all our body, all over, every most hidden part of it, is realized in joy as Him, and He makes us, utterly, real, and everything that is hurt, everything that seemed to us dark, harsh, shameful, maimed, ugly, irreparably damaged, is in Him transformed and recognized as whole, as lovely, and radiant in His light he awakens as the Beloved in every last part of our body."- Symeon the New TheologianI Love you,nik_______________My new book, 'Wake Up to Love' is a lifetime in the making (and now a Top New Release, thanks to you!).Divinely inspired.Love led.And WILL bring forth the ‘more' in you. ❤️‍

There is no other god like our God. He is Wise. He is Wonderful. He is Worthy. Today, we'll take a closer look at these names, along with what Scripture says about them. As Christ-followers, we are to be wise as He is wise. How do our lives model that? How do our lives declare God is worthy? Like a heavenly soundtrack, we will forever proclaim God is worthy!EPISODE LINKSEpisode 61 with Karla CarvajalWorthy of it All worship songWHAT 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 WITH NEUE THINGWebsite: 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 BlessingAwake O Sleeper: EphesiansRest: 30 Days of Exploring God's Invitation to RestHope: Tethered to an Unwavering GodPsalms for Life

Tonight we read the final sections on the fathers' reflection on the practice of fasting. Once again the focus is on decorum; how does one eat in the presence of others while not giving himself over to pride. It is ever so easy to think oneself the great ascetic and hold oneself above others within the community. Ego can even distort well-practiced discipline into something that sets oneself apart from others rather than leads one to show greater desire for God, virtue and mercy towards others.  All of our practices, the fathers teach us, must be guided by spirit of gratitude. We give thanks for the food that we receive and that nourishes us and we avoid criticizing others for how much they eat. Self discipline is not a weapon to be wielded by the ego for its own pleasure. Our tendency is to devour our brothers' flesh by our criticism, and as the psalmist tells us to “eat up God's people as if eating our bread.” A humble attitude must be fostered, and we must not be ill-mannered. For example, a senior monk within a monastery must not demand honor or reverence or put on airs before his juniors. He must not draw attention to Himself in any way that would diminish charity among the brothers. What is the value of toiling all day only to undermine oneself to satisfy petty pride? Again, the fathers want us to understand that fasting and all of our disciplines are about love. We must not diminish the practice by becoming legalistic or moralistic in our view. Therefore, we are taught not to takes oaths about avoiding certain foods. In doing so we set aside the freedom that is ours. No food is reprehensible. We are merely to eat with restraint and gratitude. But if we take an oath and then break it by eating the particular food we fall into perjury. As Christ tells us, no food is unclean; rather it is what comes out of the heart that makes a person unclean or sinful. A rather lengthy discussion ensued in regards to avoiding a kind of ghetto mentality in our Christian practice; setting ourselves apart from others rather than serving them in the love of Christ. It is a narrow line that we walk and demands that we understand that all is grace. Christ has taken on our poverty and emptied himself in order that we might know the fullness of life and love. Our exercise of the faith, that is, our asceticism, must be relational; it must be directed toward Christ and enable us to love as He loves. Asceticism is not an end in itself, nor do we live out our Christianity in isolation. We turn to Christ, we die to sin and self, in order to be raised to life in him. To avoid the kind of isolationism that we would see in the scribes and Pharisees, we must become Christ. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:09:37 Cindy Moran: The joys of home ownership

The whole of Jesus' life was lived under the shadow of the cross. As Christ faithfully served His Father each day, the agony of Calvary loomed ever nearer. Today, Sinclair Ferguson begins to reflect on the life of our Lord. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/living-under-the-shadow-of-the-cross/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

As Christ's ambassadors in a hurting world, we should represent by the way we live and interact with others.