Podcasts about baptist

Friends of the Rosary,Today, December 23rd, when the Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. John of Kanty (1390-1473), a priest distinguished for his piety and love of neighbor, we read in the Gospel about the birth of John the Baptist.The four evangelists tell the story of the Baptist, who, like Mary in the hymn of the Magnificat, proved that he not draw any attention to himself. Instead, he presented himself as a preparation, a forerunner, preparing the way of the Lord.He said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." Behold the one who has come to be sacrificed.And explained, “He must increase; I must decrease.”We are about to culminate the spiritual waiting of Advent, and the Messiah is about to manifest himself as Emmanuel, God with us.Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠December 23, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

The story of the wise men in Matthew 2 presents us with a crucial question: Who is truly ruling your life? These historical figures weren't Jewish, yet they traveled hundreds of miles following a star to find the newborn King. Their journey reveals that wise people are seekers who actively pursue God. When they found Jesus, they responded with worship and overwhelming joy, unlike King Herod who felt threatened by the true King. The wise men's encounter was transforming - they bowed in worship, received divine guidance, and went home by a different route. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh acknowledged Jesus as King, God, and crucified Savior, representing the complete picture of who Christ is.

In this Christmas-season episode of Words of Grace, we consider one of the earliest and most beautiful promises of Christ found in the Old Testament. From Jacob's prophetic words in Genesis 49, we're introduced to the mysterious name Shiloh—the One to whom the gathering of the people would be, long understood as a promise of … Continue reading "Who Exactly is Shiloh?"

 Isaiah 9:1-7Senior Pastor, Clint PressleySunday December 21, 2025

 Isaiah 9:1-7Harris Campus Worship Pastor, John StegemertenSunday December 21, 2025

Ben and Josh discuss the ways that we can see ourselves in God's story, and ways that we can minister to one another in the context of our congregation. The Words of Grace Podcast seeks to clarify, amplify, and apply the Sunday morning sermon at Grace Community Church. From time to time we will address other topics. We hope these podcasts help impress the Word of God into your everyday life. Episodes are hosted by Josh Hussung and Scott Patty.

Josh Hussung preaches on Luke 2:1-20. Grace Community Church exists to build spiritually healthy people for ministry in the world. One of the ways that we pursue this mission is by gathering each Sunday for corporate worship, prayer, and biblical teaching. The corporate nature of this gathering is both edifying to the believer and a witness of God's grace to the world. Sermon speaker is Scott Patty unless otherwise noted.

As we examine the story of Christ's birth in Luke 2, we find that the angels in heaven and the witnesses on earth are rejoicing and praising God because the promised Savior, Christ the Lord, has come into the world to rescue mankind from the wrath of God and grant forgiveness for our sins. Therefore, as people who have been redeemed from our past and forgiven for the sin that has separated us from God, we in turn must submit to Christ as King, proclaim him as our Savior, and worship him as Lord.

This week, Jeremy Daniel concluded our Christmas Grace series with a message from Matthew 1-2. In the incarnation, Christ stepped down to bring hope, push back darkness, and establish His eternal kingdom. Because of who Jesus is and what He has done, we are invited to enter in, stand firm, push back in faith, and bow down in worship before our incomparable King.

Ruth 4. From the "Advent: Book of Ruth" sermon series. Preached by Jody Killingsworth.

Pastor Mike Ray

Pastor Mike Ray

Prince of Peace | The Child is Born This week's sermon explores how peace isn't the absence of problems, but the presence of Jesus. Whether you're walking through hardship, uncertainty, or just need a reminder of where to turn, this message unpacks four ways Jesus brings real peace into our lives. Listen in and learn what it looks like to live with peace that lasts. Insights You Can Expect from This Sermon 1. Learn the difference between earthly peace and biblical peace—and why one will never be enough. 2. Discover how Jesus brings lasting peace even in seasons of grief, chaos, or uncertainty. 3. Understand what Isaiah meant by “Prince of Peace” and how that truth changes how we experience hardship. 4. See how peace with God is the starting point for peace within yourself and with others. 5. Get practical encouragement for finding rest in the middle of your reality—not waiting for it to get easier. Key Scripture: Isaiah 6 (https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.6.ESV) Speaker: Matt Petty Series: The Child is Born Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church (https://maps.app.goo.gl/hazkR3omjk9xvxZc7) Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube (https://youtu.be/8ghnj9-KuSE) ° Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/bhbchome) ° Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/burnthickorybaptist/) ° Visit our website (https://www.burnthickory.com/)

 Sermon Notes Date: 12/21/2025 Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor Series: Wisdom and Worship: Walking Through Psalms and Proverbs Key Text: Psalm 32 Description: Guilt weighs heavy… silence corrodes the soul… and hidden sin steals our joy. What happens when the heart comes clean before God? Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, in our Wisdom and Worship […]

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Ryan Adamsfalse

Series: Good News of Great JoyScripture: Luke 2:8-11December 21, 2025 - Worship Service

Pastor Cameron delivers today's message titled "Christian Families".Support the show

Introduction: I Want to Belong to Jesus… (John 1:4–13) Because He gives me an UNBEATABLE HOPE. (John 1:4–5) Because He gives me a MEANINGFUL MISSION. (John 1:6–8) Isaiah 40:3 – A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” John 3:30 – He must increase, but I must decrease. Because He gives me a SPOT IN HIS FAMILY THAT I CANNOT EARN. (John 1:9–13) John 3:19–20 – And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead John 1:4-13What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Who or what do you often set your hopes on? Why can't these people and things satisfy you as Jesus can?What excuses are holding you back from bearing witness to the light? How will you bear witness to the light this week and next?How does Jesus give us the right to become children of God? Why can't this right be deserved or earned?BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Well, as you turn to John chapter one, I want to ask you the same exact question that youjust heard in the video.I want to ask you a question that Pastor Jeff brought to your attention last week in hismessage.It's probably a question that you're tired of hearing and asking this holiday season.What do you want for Christmas?With Christmas being so close, you have asked and heard the answer to that question manytimes over the past several weeks.The questions you've, the answers you've heard and the answers you've given include an O'Wallahwater bottle.Isn't that popular?That's still popular.I don't really know.A red light therapy mask.Anybody want that?That's popular on Instagram, isn't it?A massive Lego set, a Nintendo switch to new AirPods, a smart ring, which I guess is kindof like an Apple Watch, but a ring on your finger.I don't really know.Or fancy golf clubs.But there are many things that you want for Christmas that you cannot write down on a wishlist.There are many things you want for Christmas that cannot be bought or wrapped.Maybe you want that big promotion.Maybe you want that bonus this year that you aren't sure is coming.Maybe you want healing in your own body or in the body of a loved one.Or here's a big one.Maybe you want to feel like you belong.You want to not be rejected.That is a desire that every single person in this room shares.It's a desire that starts when you're young and it continues on for the rest of your life.As a kid and then a teenager, every single one of us was desperate to fit in and havea group of friends to belong to.Rejection is painful.It leaves lasting memories, especially when you're a kid.You know, growing up, my friends and I used to have a sleepover almost every single Fridaynight.And during 11th grade, there was a month-long stretch where there was no sleepovers.And I was really confused.I didn't know why this routine had been broken.So one day at the lunch table, I said to my friends, "Hey, guys, we haven't had a sleepoverin a while.Do you guys want to come to my house this Sunday?"And whenever I said that, everyone at the table erupted in uncontrollable laughter.And I was, again, just very, very confused.After they were all done and calmed down, I said, "What's so funny?"They then proceeded to tell me that they thought it would be hilarious to not invite me tosleepovers for a while to see how long it would take me to notice and say something.I missed a whole month of sleepovers with my friends.And to be honest, in that moment, externally, I tried to laugh it off.I tried to act like it wasn't a big deal.But internally, I felt rejected.I felt like I didn't belong.You ever felt that way before?A friend stopped talking to you.A family member cut off communication for seemingly no reason.A boyfriend or girlfriend ended the relationship without warning.Your spouse chose to give up on the marriage and leave.You have felt rejected before.You have felt like you don't belong.You feel that way right now?Maybe you couldn't care less about what gifts you're going to get under the Christmas treethis year.Maybe you don't want anything from Amazon or the mall.More than anything this year, you just want to experience that sense of belonging.You want to know that there are people who love you, who care about you, and will neverlet go of you no matter what you do.I can't guarantee you that sense of belonging with your family and with your friends thisChristmas.I wish I could, but I can't.But I can guarantee there is someone infinitely greater who will give you that sense of belonging.I can guarantee there is someone who will not reject you, who will not turn away fromyou if you truly turn to him.That person is Jesus Christ.There is no one better to belong to.There is no one better to be loved by.There is no one with a tighter grip in all of existence than him.I want you to walk out of this service this morning if you're a believer with a greatersense of confidence that you were loved by Jesus Christ.That you are safe and secure in his steady hands.There is no better gift than that.And if you're not a Christian this morning, I want you to know that the invitation hasbeen extended to belong to Christ.He commands you to follow him.He invites you to enjoy his acceptance and not fear others' rejection.More than anything, I want all of you in this room to want to belong to Jesus this Christmas.So before we continue any further, let's go to the Lord and ask for His help.Please pray for me that I will faithfully represent God's Word and I will pray for youthat you will faithfully receive it.Father, we come to you and we bring all of our pain to you.All of our fears are all of our deepest, darkest worries that we're afraid to admit to otherpeople.Lord in this room, I'm sure there's many, many stories of rejection.Many, many stories of feeling like we don't belong and I'm sure if we brought everybodyup on stage to share how they feel that there wouldn't be a dry eye in the house today.Lord, we ask that you bring the comfort that only you can.That you would challenge us, you would tear us down so that you can build us back up again.Lord, I do ask for myself, Lord, your Word is perfect, but I am not.I do not feel up to the task of proclaiming such a glorious passage, but Lord, give meyour strength, give me your wisdom.I pray for everyone in this room that you would give them the faith to receive your Wordtoday.I pray that you would seek and save the lost.Thanks for the rest of us, Lord.We would walk out of this room with a greater sense of confidence in who we belong to.We ask all this in Jesus' mighty name.Amen.Was a quick refresher.Let's reread the verses that Pastor Jeff covered last week.This will set the table and help us to understand the context of our passage this morning.So John chapter one, verses one through three.In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.He was in the beginning with God.All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.These verses are all about who Jesus is.He is the Word of God who created all things.Without Jesus, this universe would not exist.This world would not exist.You would not exist.Jesus is the source and sustainer of everything that you can see and everything that you cannotsee.Jesus isn't just the Word of God.John says that He is God Himself.Verses one through three focus on who Jesus is, while verses four through thirteen focuson what Jesus gives.If you properly understand who Jesus is and what Jesus gives, you will want to belongto Him.You will want to belong to Him because no one can compare to who Jesus is, and nothingcan compare to what Jesus gives.So outline for this morning, I want to belong to Jesus.I want to belong to Jesus, first reason, because He gives me an unbeatable hope.Because He gives me an unbeatable hope.Let's read chapter one, verse four.In Him, in Jesus was life, and the life was the light of men.Life was and is found in Jesus and Him alone.As we already discussed, Jesus made all things.He is the source of all life on earth.He is the cause of everything.But He's not just the cause of physical life.He is the only supplier of eternal life as well.There is no other viable option to turn to or to search for besides Jesus.But that doesn't stop us from trying, does it?Millions have tried, and billions have failed in trying to find true life apart from Jesus.And you and I have tried our hand at this pointless search as well.Trying to find life in our jobs, in our finances, in our status, our stuff, and even our families.Life cannot be found in your job.You realize that one day you will have to retire.You may let go from that job.One day that job will belong to someone else.Your life is not found in how much money you have.Let me ask you a question.How much of the money in your various accounts will you be able to take with you when youdie?Do we not know the answer?Not a single dime.Life is not found in your status and popularity.There will always be someone bigger and better than you.In 150 or 200 years, how many people on this planet will be thinking about you?The most likely answer is not a single soul.Life is not even found in your family.As great as your spouse, your kids, your relatives might be, they cannot meet the deepest needsof your soul.Can your spouse forgive you of your sins?Can your kids give you that unbeatable hope that you're looking for?No.Can your family guarantee your eternity?No.All of those needs can only be met by Jesus Christ, who is the only source of life.And John goes on to say that this life was the light of men.That sounds pretty cool, right?But what does that actually mean?The life was the light of men.I'm no scientist, but let me give you a quick pop quiz in astronomy.What do all the plants in this solar system orbit around?You're all really tired this morning.What is it again?All right, very, very good.Could we survive without the sun?What does the sun do for us?Is the major source of life because it is the major source of light and heat on thisplanet without the sun shining as it does, we would all freeze to death without the sunshining as it does.We would not be able to see anything.We would be lost in the darkness without the light of Christ shining as it does.We would not be able to see and understand the truth without the light of Christ shiningas it does.We would not know how to be saved.We would not know how to have a relationship, a friendship with God without the light ofChrist shining as it does.We would be hopeless and lost in the darkness of our sin without the light of Christ shiningas it does.None of us would have any spiritual life.Who is the light of the sun offered to?The 8.3 billion people on this planet.Who is the light of the sun of God offered to?Same exact answer, the 8.3 billion people on this planet.As we'll see in a few minutes, many choose to hide from this light and by doing so, theymiss out on the life that he offers.But that does not stop Jesus from shining his light, which we see in verse 5.Read that with me."The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it."The word "overcome" in this verse can also be translated as "comprehended" or "understood."And many scholars believe that John picked this word for a very specific reason.He chose this word because it has a double meaning.Each of these words makes sense in context or flip sides of one another.Let's cover one side of the coin first.Let's cover the light, shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.I walk my dog Murdoch almost every single night at 10 p.m. after the family is asleep.And my wife hates this plan because she thinks I'm going to get pan-kicked by a car.It hasn't happened yet, so please just pray for me that this trend continues and I'm ableto be safe.But there is this one house in my neighborhood that fascinates me.This house has a lamppost in the front yard that shines brightly for about 10 to 20 seconds,then it just shuts off.And it comes back on a few seconds later and it happens every single night for the pastyear.And this may sound strange to you, but I think about that lamppost almost every single day.Every single time I exit the house to go take Murdoch on this walk, I wonder, is tonightgoing to be the night when that light is extinguished?Is tonight the night when darkness will overcome that person's yard?Because there's something wrong with that lamppost.There's something wrong with the bulb.There's something wrong with the wiring.It's just a matter of time.I don't have much faith in that lamppost.I don't think you would have much faith in that lamppost if you took a field trip tomy neighborhood and drove past it.But do you know who you should have total and complete faith in?Do you know whose light you should never wonder or worry about being extinguished?Jesus Christ.The light of His glory never flickers.The light of His gracious love never turns off.He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.No matter how dark this world gets, no matter how bleak your life looks, Jesus Christ isshining just as brightly as He always has.Sin, injustice, and evil cannot lower the intensity of who He is and what He has done.Nothing and no one can turn the dimmer switch down on the light of the world.Let's flip over to the other side of the coin.The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not understood it.You know, Satan and his demons are crafty.I'll give them that.They are intelligent.But at the same time, these evil forces are complete morons in comparison to the all-knowingall-wise God of the universe.The devil and his demons are fighting a losing battle because they cannot figure out a wayto extinguish the light of Christ.They're like a bunch of roided-up bodybuilders trying to push over a mountain with theirbare hands.It's just not going to happen.Their attempts to snuff out the light only fan it into flame even more.The harder they try, the harder they fail.No matter what they do, Jesus keeps forgiving more and more people.No matter what they try, the church keeps getting built up.No matter what scheme they hatch, the kingdom of God keeps advancing.Satan and his workers have already been defeated by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.They know that eternal judgment awaits them.Are they going to go quietly without a fight until Jesus returns?No, they are kicking and screaming like bratty children.And I know that they're kicking and screaming causes a lot of pain and hardship to everysingle person in this room.But they cannot change the ending that God has already written.The light will win because the darkness cannot overcome it or understand it.That is certain.That is a fact.Maybe you've been a believer for months, for years, and maybe even for decades.And you know the truths of verses four and five intellectually.You have a very hard time believing these truths emotionally and experientially.You're in a tough season right now and you feel like the darkness is winning.You feel like the light is losing.You feel like the darkness understands how to overcome the light just fine.You feel like you cannot have victory over that sin pattern in your life.You feel like there is more sin in you than there is mercy in Christ.You feel helpless.You feel hopeless.If that's how you feel right now, my heart goes out to you because I've been there before.And I'm sure I'll be there again.If that's how you feel, I want to challenge you to stop looking at you.Stop looking at your circumstances.Fix your eyes on Jesus.Focus your attention on what He has given to you.Root your confidence in the new and everlasting life that has been given to you.Ask the Holy Spirit to re-energize you with the light you see when you open up the pagesof this book during your daily quiet time.You understand your hope is not found in you.You understand that your hope is not even found in your circumstances changing.Your hope is found in belonging to Christ.When you belong to Christ, you are given an unbeatable hope from an unbeatable Savior.I want to belong to Jesus because He gives me an unbeatable hope.I want to belong to Jesus because He gives me a meaningful mission.That's the second reason on your outline, because He gives me a meaningful mission.In verses 4 through 5, John talks about the message of the light.In verses 6 through 8, John talks about the messenger of the light.Let's read these verses together.There is a man sent from God whose name was John.He came as a witness to bear witness about the light that all might believe through Him.He was not the light that came to bear witness about the light.To be clear, John is referencing a totally different John here.It's kind of confusing.What John is he talking about?John the Baptist.Why couldn't they have had a different name?Why couldn't it have been like Bill the Baptist or Baron the Baptist or whatever?Why did it have to be John?Well, don't worry.We'll make it work.We'll deal with it.John the Baptist was sent by God as a messenger to prepare the way for the promised Messiahand Savior who was prophesied about all throughout the Old Testament.John was prophesied of in the Old Testament as well.Isaiah 40 verse 3, "A voice cries in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the Lord,make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'Malachi 3, 1, 'Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.'"John the Baptist came to roll out the red carpet for the coming king.He didn't come so that others would believe in him and believe in his greatness.He came so that others might believe in Christ through him.John the Baptist's followers once came to him to give him the news that a lot of peoplewere following Jesus.He was getting more popular and his disciples were even baptizing people, which is kindof like John's main thing.It's his name, right?John the Baptist.Like, John, don't you realize that all this is happening?Jesus is getting more popular than you.Is this frustrate John?Was he jealous?Not at all.He was actually really, really excited because he was successfully carrying out the meaningfulmission that God had entrusted to him.Here's the response he gives his disciples.He says, "He, Jesus, must increase, but I must decrease."That was the slogan of John's life in ministry.That should be the slogan of your life in ministry as well.He must increase, but I must decrease.You realize you're not the point of anything.Jesus is.John the Baptist wasn't the point of anything either.Jesus was.His mission was to point everyone to Christ, to bear witness to his light.I know what some of you serious students of the Bible may be thinking right now.You're internally objecting a bit.Hold on a minute, Pastor Taylor.You're saying that Jesus is the light and John the Baptist wasn't.But later on in this gospel, didn't Jesus say that John was like a lamp that was shining?And doesn't Jesus tell us that all Christians are the light of the world?How does this all make sense?Yeah, Jesus does say that in Matthew 5, 14, and then John 5, 35.To help answer those great questions, let me slip on my lab coat again and give you anotherpop quiz in astronomy.When you look up in the night sky and you see the moon shining bright.Does that moon actually have any light of its own?Where does its light come from?The sun, the light of the moon is shared and reflected.It's the same for John and it's the same for you and me.We have a shared and reflected light that is given to us by Jesus Christ.All throughout John chapter one, verses four through 13, the Greek word "phos" is usedin reference to Christ and "phos" is the essence of light.In John 5, 35, the Greek word "looknos" is used to describe John.A looknos is a portable lamp.Jesus is the light while John is the lamp that displays the light.A candle cannot shine on its own.It needs to be given the light of a flame.A lamp in your house cannot shine on its own.It needs to be given the light of a bulb.Jesus Christ is the sun and you are the moon.Jesus Christ is the flame, you are the candle.Jesus Christ is the bulb and you are the lamp.You are here on this earth to display His light to everyone, to shine His light in thedarkness, to bear witness about His light because you have none of your own.And I know what some of you were thinking at this point.Okay, Taylor, I know I need to buckle down and share the gospel.I need to make disciples.I need to shine His light everywhere.I'll do that as soon as the holidays are over.Whatever Christmas is in the rear view mirror, I'll get right on that.No, you won't.And you're thinking, where is your Christmas cheer, Pastor Taylor?What do you mean, no, I won't.I mean, you won't.If you will not bear witness the light of Christ today, what makes you think you'lldo it tomorrow?If you were unwilling to bear witness the light of Christ at the end of 2025, what makesyou think you'll be willing to do it at the start of 2026?Do you understand that Christmas is the perfect time to bear witness to the light of Christ?This is the time when you're around people, you're not usually around.This time of season is all about joy, but most people are miserable.Most people are looking for something that they cannot find because they're looking inthe wrong place.Right now is the perfect time to bear witness to the light.Grab a bunch of the Christmas Eve invite cards at the back table and hand them out as ifyou were given $100 for each one you handed out.I'm not going to give you $100, but the rewards you get in heaven for that will be infinitelygreater.Grab one of those invites, put it in an envelope, put money in that envelope, put a personalnote in that envelope and give it to your mailman tomorrow.Take it upon yourself to read scripture, your family get together this week and talk aboutwhy you're even celebrating Christmas, why Jesus came in the first place.Stop putting off that gospel conversation with that unsafe family member at Christmas.Finally do it.Invite that unbeliever who has no family in the area to your Christmas dinner.Buy them a Bible.Write a note in that Bible and give it to them.I keep going and going and going.There are so many ways to bear witness to the light of Christ this week.Don't make excuses for why you can't.Don't point to your calendar and say you're too busy.This is the reason why you're here, isn't it?To bear witness to the light.If anything, there's other things getting the way of the most important thing on your calendar.Don't justify your fear and laziness by saying you don't want to stir the pot this Christmas.You just want to have a calm Christmas.Shouldn't you care more about sharing the peace of Christ with your family and friends?When you belong to Christ, you recognize that you've been given a meaningful mission.When you belong to Christ, you value your calling way more than your comfort.When you belong to Christ, you make disciples, you don't make excuses.When you belong to Christ, you bear witness to his light because the darkness is everywherethat you go.I want to belong to Jesus because he gives me an unbeatable hope.I want to belong to Jesus because he gives me a meaningful mission.I want to belong to Jesus, final reason, because he gives me a spot in his family that I cannotearn.Because he gives me a spot in his family that I cannot earn.We talked about the message of the light and the messenger of the light.Now we're going to wrap up by talking about the two responses to the message of the light.The first response is in verses 9 through 11.The true light which gives light to everyone was coming into the world.He was in the world and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.He came to his own and his own people did not receive him.As I said earlier, the light of the Son of God is offered to everyone.Anyone is welcome to step into the light.Anyone is welcome to receive the life of Christ and be forever changed.But most choose to step out of the light rather than do it.Most choose to reject the life of Christ that is offered.And this is proven by verse 11.He came to his own people and his own people did not receive him.And this verse has two different focuses.When you zoom out, John is talking about mankind.Statistically and biblically, there are way more non-Christians than Christians.There are way more people who reject Christ than receive him.We all agree on that basic fact of life.But if you zoom in, John is talking about Israel.Many of Jesus' fellow Jews rejected him, hated him, called for his crucifixion.Many of the Jews rejected the message of Christ when it was shared by the apostles.Even to this day, many Jewish people refuse to accept that Jesus is the light.That's not always going to be the case.All does say in Romans that one day all Israel will be saved.Do you have time to talk about that right now?As Pastor Jeff often says, "Buy me some Pantera bread or Chick-fil-A."We'll talk about it across the street sometime.Here's an important question.Why do most people reject Jesus?Why do most people not receive the light of Christ?John gives us a very simple yet sad answer.Later on in this Gospel in chapter 3 verses 19 through 20, he writes, "And this is thejudgment.The light is coming to the world, and people love the darkness rather than the light, becausetheir works were evil.For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light,lest his works should be exposed."Have you ever been sleeping or laying in a dark room and suddenly someone turns thelights on?Are you overjoyed by this?Are you really excited by this?What's your natural human response?What do you do?You close your eyes, you cover your face with your hands and your blanket, you yell, "Turnthat light out!"That is the natural human response, physically and spiritually.It is far more comfortable to lay in the darkness than be in the light.It's simpler to be oblivious and not see yourself for who you really are.It's effortless to do nothing about your greatest problem, which is your sinful nature.It's easy to lash out at those who try to pull you into the light.That is why most people do not receive Jesus.They'd rather lay in the darkness.They love their sin more than Him.That's the first response to the message of the light.John says there's only one other response, and that's in verses 12 to 13, the best partof this entire passage.But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become childrenof God, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will ofman, but of God.The first and wrong way to respond to Jesus is rejection.The second and right way to respond to Jesus is receiving and believing.You reach out to receive the gift of eternal life by believing in the name of Jesus Christ.We say that all the time, but what does it mean to believe in the name of Jesus?Well a name represents all of who a person is and all that a person does.When you believe in the name of Jesus Christ, you are believing that He is who the Biblesays that He is.That He has done all the Bible says He has done.You wholeheartedly believe that He is the Word of God who created all things.You have faith that He is the light of the world.He is your only source of hope.You trust that He is the Savior who died on the cross for your sins, who took the punishmentthat you deserve.You submit to the reality that He is the Lord of your life, who has the divine right totell you what to think, say, and do.When you receive Jesus and believe in His name, John says that you are given the rightto become a child of God.There are only two children in this entire world who have the right to claim that theyare my kids.I love all the kids in this church, but I love two of those kids the most.Only two of those kids have a legal right to say that I am their father.Only Samuel and Emmy Brown have that legal right.What's the evidence of this?Well, Kate and I have their birth certificates at home as proof that those kids belong tous.When you belong to Christ, your spiritual birth certificate is signed and sealed by His ownblood.You are given the right to claim God as your father and Jesus as your big brother.You have given the right to declare that you belong to the greatest family imaginable.Can you earn this right?Can you work your way into the family of God?Not according to John at the end of verse 13, he says, "Who were born not of blood northe will of flesh, nor the will of man, but of God."You are not given the right to become a child of God because you're a good person who doesnice things for other people.You are not given the right to become a child of God because your parents are great Christiansand raised you in the church.You are not given the right to become a child of God because you come to church every oncein a while.You pray regularly and do community service projects.You are not given the right to become a child of God because of your track record and yourgood works.You are given the right to become a child of God because of the gracious work of God inChrist.That's it.That's the only source.How do you respond to Jesus?Do you reject Him or do you receive Him?Do you believe in His name, His work, and His reputation, or do you believe in your name,your works, and your reputation?One response leads to eternal destruction while the other leads to eternal life.One response leads to everything being taken away from you and the other leads to everythingbeing given to you.Please don't leave this room without considering who Jesus is and what He is offering you.Everything hinges on your response to Him.What do you want for Christmas?Do you want to belong to the world or do you want to belong to Jesus?Do you want to settle for the flickering hopes of this sinful culture or do you want theunbeatable hope of an unbeatable Savior?Do you want to lead a meaningless existence or do you want to carry out the meaningfulmission of pointing others to the point of life?Do you want to be a child of the devil who absolutely hates you or do you want to bea child of God who unconditionally loves you?If you have not yet believed and received Jesus, now is your chance.Now is your opportunity.You don't know if you're getting another opportunity past this one, so don't waste it.The life of Christ is being offered to you right now.Don't slap the gift away.The light of Christ is shining in this moment.Do not step back into the darkness once again.Now is your time.Now is your chance.You're alive right now.You're not guaranteed tomorrow.Life is hard.Discouragements and disappointments are all around us.It's so easy to lose track of what's important in the darkness.And we need the light of biblical reminders to let us know what is true, what is real,and what is right.This ring I wear on my left hand is a symbol that I belong to my wife.I'm taken.I'm out looking for anybody else to give me that feeling right to belong to.The Lord's Supper is a powerful symbol that you belong to Christ and no one else.You're spoken for by the Son of God and you're not looking for anyone else to give your life meaning.You're not looking to anything else to give your life meaning.

Series: Hear the Good News — Preacher: Colby Garman

Pastor Jonah Sage preached from Isaiah 9:6-7. He said the Name of the Lord is Everlasting Father.Lector: Carrie Quillo

Here's a Christmas challenge: Let's pause the chaos, confront the lies we believe, and rediscover the wonder of a God who wants not just to forgive us—but to walk with us and change us.

Chris Athavle – What is your only comfort in life and death? – Isaiah 40:1-18   40 Comfort, comfort my people,     says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,     and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed,     that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord's hand     double for all her sins. 3 A voice […]

Join us for a talk about the people in the Bible whose broken lives were used to tell the greatest story ever told, and how God still uses our messes to become His message to others. Plus, on the Front Porch we share a few tales of things our families do on holidays, and on Inny or Outty at the end, watch as we try and figure out if "manager" or "lumina" are words in the Bible! It's Episode 112 of the most laid back Christian podcast anywhere!" Let us know what you think about this episode or any other. Email us at mailto:comments@mikethebaptist.comListen to the audio podcast on any of your favorite podcast apps. We are worldwide!Tees, hoodies and new COFFEE MUGS available here http://www.mikethebaptist.com/merchan...Catch up on all previous episodes on your favorite podcast video and audio apps. Visit http://www.mikethebaptist.com for all the links.Peace and good cheer everybody!Mike the Baptist

Vă invităm să ascultați podcastul bisericii noastre, Biserica Betel Română Baptistă.„Sufletul meu mărește pe Domnul – Cântarea Mariei”Podcast BRBC | 19.12.2025Un timp de ascultare și reflecție, pentru a ne pregăti inimile pentru sărbătoarea Nașterii Domnului.

At a recent conference, someone asked me: "Why the name 'Sandy Creek Stirrings'?"In this episode, I answer that question. To begin, we travel back to 1755 and meet a largely forgotten Baptist preacher whose obedience shook an entire continent. From a quiet conversion under George Whitefield to a blazing church-planting movement that spread from a tiny North Carolina settlement across the American South, you'll hear how God used Shubal Stearns and a band of ordinary men to turn spiritual wilderness into harvest fields. Along the way we'll walk through revival, persecution, imprisonment, and the birth of churches that still influences Baptist life today. Then we bring the story home—why a podcast in 2025 carries the name Sandy Creek Stirrings, and what that has to do with your life, your calling, and your fire for God. This isn't just Baptist history; it's a call for God to do again in our day what He did at Sandy Creek.At the end of the episode, we play a song for you from the CD “A Christ Centered Christmas” by Dr. Scott Caudill with permission from Dr. Caudill. You can purchase your own copy at the following link:⁠https://www.drscottcaudill.com/online-store/

Our relationship with Christ is our soul's anchor in the storms of evil. The founders prohibited a state church and provided for freedom of religion under God. Lies enslave millions in Islamism, Romanism, Hinduism and more. The Voice in the Wilderness does not endorse any link or other material found at buzzsprout.More at https://www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org/

Pastor Cameron delivers today's message titled "Christ and His Church".Support the show

Senses given by the Creator are given to judge, discern protect and enjoy God's Creation. Can you distinguish good and evil? What does science really know? Lucy and Linus logic. The Voice in the Wilderness does not endorse any link or other material found at buzzsprout.More at https://www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org/

As the Advent season begins, believers around the world turn their attention to the extraordinary reality at the heart of the Christian faith—God the Son took on flesh, entered the world in humility, fulfilled ancient promises, and will one day return in power and glory. In this episode of G220 Radio, we explore the meaning and purpose of Advent from a Reformed, 1689 Baptist perspective. Join us as we unpack what Advent is, why Christians throughout history have observed it, and how this season helps anchor our hearts in both the first coming and the second coming of Christ. We'll walk through key Scriptures from the prophets, the Gospels, and the New Testament epistles that point us to the incarnation, the finished work of Jesus, and the hope of His glorious return. Whether you have celebrated Advent for years or are new to the concept, this episode will encourage you to fix your eyes on Christ—our promised Redeemer, our risen Lord, and our soon-coming King. Tune in as we remember His birth, rejoice in His salvation, and renew our hope as we long for His return.

Vă invităm să ascultați podcastul bisericii noastre, Biserica Betel Română Baptistă, în această perioadă în care Crăciunul se apropie.„Două Dinastii: Împărăția Întunericului și Împărăția Slavei”Predică: Valentin PopoviciUn timp de ascultare și reflecție, pentru a ne pregăti inimile pentru sărbătoarea Nașterii Domnului.Betel Chapel - A Romanian Baptist Church located just outside of Chicago, IL. Located at 330 W Touhy, Park Ridge. The Church's Mission is: Missions - To Love God, Love People, Share Jesus, and Make Disciples. Sunday Worship 10:00 AM 5:00PM & Wednesday Worship 7:00 PM | | Listen to our Bi-Weekly Services 25/47

This powerful exploration of 1 Samuel 15 confronts us with one of Scripture's most sobering warnings: the danger of spiritual drift. Through the tragic story of King Saul, we witness how even those who start their faith journey with humility and the Spirit's anointing can gradually turn away from God's path. Saul began as a humble leader, small in his own eyes, empowered by God's Spirit. Yet by the end of his reign, he had erected monuments to himself and substituted his own plans for God's commands. The concept of 'mission drift' applies not just to institutions like Harvard and Yale, which abandoned their Christian foundations, but to our individual lives. We learn that spiritual decline rarely happens overnight; it's a slow, imperceptible process where we convince ourselves nothing has changed even as the Spirit's presence fades. Three culprits emerge: success that makes us feel special and entitled to God's favor, self-sufficiency that replaces dependence on God with confidence in our own abilities, and staleness that reduces our relationship with God to empty religious routines. The most chilling lesson is that we can be miles away from God while still speaking spiritual language and going through the motions. This message challenges us to examine whether we're truly following God's way or simply baptizing our own plans with spiritual language, reminding us that partial obedience is complete disobedience in God's eyes.

The guys introduce a new feature for the podcast today -- FTC Film Club! In each installment, Jared and Ronni will discuss a movie with significant spiritual themes and artistic quality. In this first entry in the Film Club conversation, they talk about Terrence Malick's A Hidden Life.

Pastor Mike Ray

The Blood of the Baptist Michigan-based indie creator Brian Lau joins the Nerdatorium to talk about his work in the Comic Book and Graphic Novel world. His works include the popular "Staunch Ambition" and "Inferno City" comics, and he shares the origins of those books and what those stories mean to him. But we also discuss his latest work, The Blood of the Baptist. It's a graphic novel based on the life of the biblical character John the Baptist. Brian explains why he chose this storyline, why this comic is still of interest to people who aren't religious, and why you don't have to be Christian to enjoy the story. For more on Brian Lau, please visit the following - Website - https://www.brianearts.com Instagram - ⁨@brianearts⁩ and @bloodofthebaptist Theme song "Racing in Darkness" by Nautilus '54 - https://nautilus54.bandcamp.com/album/the-fell-star-2 For more on our show partners -Level Up Sabers https://bit.ly/FSFLevelUpSabers Win free loot - sign up here - www.fsfpopcast.com/contact For more on our Show - Join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/fsfpopcast Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/cpry4fCDTq Visit our website: https://www.fsfpopcast.com FSF PopCast on BlueSky, Instagram, and Threads - @fsfpopcast This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

The Blood of the Baptist Michigan-based indie creator Brian Lau joins the Nerdatorium to talk about his work in the Comic Book and Graphic Novel world. His works include the popular "Staunch Ambition" and "Inferno City" comics, and he shares the origins of those books and what those stories mean to him. But we also discuss his latest work, The Blood of the Baptist. It's a graphic novel based on the life of the biblical character John the Baptist. Brian explains why he chose this storyline, why this comic is still of interest to people who aren't religious, and why you don't have to be Christian to enjoy the story. For more on Brian Lau, please visit the following - Website - https://www.brianearts.com Instagram - ⁨@brianearts⁩ and @bloodofthebaptist Theme song "Racing in Darkness" by Nautilus '54 - https://nautilus54.bandcamp.com/album/the-fell-star-2 For more on our show partners -Level Up Sabers https://bit.ly/FSFLevelUpSabers Win free loot - sign up here - www.fsfpopcast.com/contact For more on our Show - Join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/fsfpopcast Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/cpry4fCDTq Visit our website: https://www.fsfpopcast.com FSF PopCast on BlueSky, Instagram, and Threads - @fsfpopcast This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In November 1896, Reverend Schemerhorn arrived in Wahpeton, leaving his pastorate in New Jersey. After correspondence with eastern contacts who praised his work, local leaders secured his services. He came highly recommended by well-known Baptists and was offered the pastorate of the local Baptist church. The congregation was pleased with him.

Msgr. Roger J. Landry Chapel of The Pontifical Mission Societies USA, St. Petersburg, Florida Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent December 16, 2025 Zeph 3:1-2.9-13, Ps 34, Mt 21:28-32   To listen to an audio recording of today's homily, please click below:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/12.16.25_Homily_1.mp3   The following points were attempted in the homily:  The essential […] The post Heeding the Baptist’s Call to Do The Father’s Will This Advent, Third Tuesday of Advent, December 16, 2025 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.

The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 reveals God's incredible plan to use imperfect people for His perfect purposes. Five women are mentioned in Christ's lineage, each with a shocking story: Tamar the deceiver, Rahab the prostitute, Ruth the foreigner, Bathsheba the victim, and Mary the humble servant. Their inclusion demonstrates that God justifies sinners, welcomes outsiders, and redeems broken stories. Jesus came from a dysfunctional family tree filled with prostitutes, murderers, and victims of abuse, yet His legacy changed the world. Your family background doesn't define your future—God can use your story for His glory.

Is Advent a Catholic tradition, or just a really old Christian rhythm we forgot existed?In this Advent themed episode, we answer two real pastor questions:“Is Advent a Catholic tradition? Will this cause issues in a Baptist church?”  “Do you sing Christmas carols during Advent, or wait until Christmas Eve?” (Also, why is this guy getting ambushed in elder meetings?)We talk history, Baptist baggage, and the practical “how do I introduce this without detonating my church” stuff. Plus, we settle the great candle debate: real or electric, and how new the carpet is definitely matters.  00:00 Cold open 00:49 Question 1: “Is Advent a Catholic tradition?”  03:12 How to introduce Advent without chaos (and why you should not just drop it in)  10:59 “Isn't Advent a Catholic thing?” A simple intro that works  13:23 Why Advent helps your sermon calendar (and saves your brain)  14:57 Practically Pastoring Conference   16:47 Sponsor: Church Merch (stop wearing the 2004 VBS shirt)  17:55 Question 2: Christmas carols during Advent, yes or no?21:30 “This is bigger than song choice” the pastoral issue underneathJoin the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/practicallypastoringRegister for the Practically Pastoring Conference (Feb 9–11, 2026, Tarpon Springs, FL). Tampa Bay pastors, DM us for a special code: https://www.practicallypastoring.com/conferenceLinks from the show:

For part 6 of 12 on “What is the Nicene Creed?” we unpack these lines:by the power of the Holy Spirit        he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,        and was made manThe Virgin Mary is a powerful force in Christian imagination – meaning, whether you venerate her or are suspicious of folks “praying to” her, whether you grew up celebrating the many apparitions of Mary or vaguely only heard her referred to around Christmas, her role in Jesus' life and our lives communicates what we believe about motherhood, virginity, women, and Jesus' incarnation. So why is she included in the Creed? What about her presence, consent to bear the Christ child, and reproductive status made her significant enough to be the only human being referenced besides Pontius Pilate? Join Mary devotee (Rev. Lizzie), Mary skeptic (Rev. Laura), and our guest, Mariology expert (Rev. Dr. Amey Victoria Adkins-Jones) as we unpack these questions and more. More about our guest: Amey Victoria Adkins-Jones is Assistant Professor of Theology and Africana studies at the Candler School of Theology of Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia. Adkins-Jones came to Candler from Boston College, where she served as Assistant Professor of Theology and African and African Diaspora Studies. A theologian and scholar of Black religion, she specializes in Mariology, Black feminist and womanist thought, and theological anthropology. A graduate of the University of Virginia and Duke Divinity School, she received her Ph.D. in Religion from Duke University in 2016 with a Certificate in Feminist Theory. She was the first Black woman to graduate from the doctoral program in Christian theology and ethics.Her first monograph, Immaculate Misconceptions: A Black Mariology (Oxford University Press, June 2025), argues that "Mary is Black," and is a Black feminist theological account of the icon of the Black Madonna and the rise of the global sex trade. She is at work on a second book project, See No Evil, which explores how visual technologies and artificial intelligence impact public perception of violence and Black death, developing a theological framework for Black protest.. Outside of academia, Rev. Dr. Adkins-Jones is an ordained Baptist minister who frequently preaches and teaches around the country, and brings pastoral sensibility to her work centering social justice. She is a practicing birth worker (doula), a trained iconographer, and has a career background in UX Copywriting and Design. She joyfully shares life and builds community with her beloved spouse and four children in Atlanta, Georgia.Instagram: @tomuchavail, @blackfuturesarchiveWeb: adkinsjones.com+++Like what you hear? We are an entirely crowd-sourced, you-funded project. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/AndAlsoWithYouPodcastThere's all kinds of perks including un-aired live episodes, Zoom retreats, and mailbag episodes for our Patreons!+++Our Website: https://andalsowithyoupod.comOur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andalsowithyoupodcast/++++MERCH: https://www.bonfire.com/store/and-also-with-you-the-podcast/++++More about Father Lizzie:BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762683/god-didnt-make-us-to-hate-us-by-rev-lizzie-mcmanus-dail/RevLizzie.comhttps://www.instagram.com/rev.lizzie/https://www.tiktok.com/@rev.lizzieJubilee Episcopal Church in Austin, TX - JubileeATX.org ++++More about Mother Laura:https://www.instagram.com/laura.peaches/https://www.tiktok.com/@mother_peachesSt. Paul's Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, PA++++Theme music:"On Our Own Again" by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue).New episodes drop Mondays at 7am EST/6am CST! 

In this episode of Words of Grace, Pastor Benjamin Winslett takes us to Genesis 1–3 to consider the earliest proclamation of the gospel and God's promise of redemption. From the goodness of creation, to the fall of our first parents, Scripture reveals Christ as the Seed of the Woman who would crush the serpent's head. … Continue reading "Crushing the Head of the Serpent"

“Is there such a thing as a just war?” This question opens a discussion on the moral implications of warfare, including whether actions taken during war can be justified. Other topics addressed include the interpretation of Genesis 49:10 prophecy and the validity of baptism for those from different Christian backgrounds. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:30 – Is there such a thing as a just war? If there is, does that mean once you're in a war you can do whatever? Why do popes no longer tell us when wars are just? 17:43 – How do we interpret Gen 49:10 prophecy? 24:43 – I come from a Baptist background. Why is my baptism valid? 35:41 – Since the Roman Empire didn’t have a king when they gave Herod the title of King of the Jews did, they allow him to rule as absolute monarch? 45:30 – Why do some bible translations leave the word fasting out of Mt. 17:21? 50:14 – Is there a second soul in a person who has the chimera genetic disorder?