Podcasts about Barabbas

Send us a textCaleb opens the show with a monologue on the Barabbas generation. He checked out what Bill Maher had to say about America. Followed by a great take about the calling of Gen Z. Lastly, a rant from the chancellor himself! Check it out!Email Us: synergistmg@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealGist20 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realsynergist/Support the show

Doug and David on Veterans Day Replay yesterday. A lot in the news Where is my "Free Stuff"? Mark Stein article Declining birth rate Religious freedom Supreme Court cases Christmas music starts on SWAT Radio ------------------ Mark 15:6-21 (ESV) Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified 6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Jesus Is Mocked 16 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him. The Crucifixion 21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. __________________ 5 Core Values of SWAT 1. God's Word 2. Prayer 3. Evangelism 4. Discipleship 5. Community ------------------ https://swatradio.com/ SWAT - Spiritual Warriors Advancing Truth Call us Toll-Free at: +1-844-777-7928 Email Us a Question: ask@swatradio.com FIND A SWAT MEETING Brown Family YMCA 170 Landrum Lane Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Wed. 6:30-7:30 am IHOP 3250 Hodges Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32224 Wed. Night 7-8 pm Salem Centre 7235 Bonneval Rd Jacksonville, FL Wed. 12:00-1:00 pm Jumping Jax House of Food 10131 San Jose Blvd #12 Jacksonville, FL Thursday 6:30-7:30 am The Village Inn 900 Ponce De Leon Blvd St. Augustine, FL Friday 9:00-10:30 am Woodmen Valley Chapel - Woodmen Heights Campus 8292 Woodman Valley View Colorado Springs CO 80908 Thursdays 8-9:15 pm

In Mark 15, Jesus stands trial before Pilate, silently enduring false accusations and injustice as the true “King of the Jews.” While Pilate recognizes His innocence, he yields to the pressure of the crowd, releasing Barabbas, a guilty man, in place of the sinless Savior. Jesus is mocked, beaten, and crucified, fulfilling Psalm 22 with remarkable precision as He suffers rejection, scorn, and physical torment. His death is accompanied by divine signs, the tearing of the temple curtain and the confession of a Roman centurion who declares Jesus to be the Son of God. Amid widespread fear and betrayal, a few faithful followers, including Joseph of Arimathea and the women who had ministered to Jesus, demonstrate courage and devotion by caring for His body. This passage exposes the contrasting human responses to Jesus, fear, unbelief, and faith and invites reflection on how we respond to the crucified King.

Cooler temps have Jase missing Phil and imagining exactly what he'd be saying about all the missed weather reports. Jase points out how people have always craved the same three things—sex, money, and power. Al and Zach connect the dots from the ancient kings of Israel to the modern world's obsession with the same idols. The guys dive into how Jesus turned the entire system upside down, conquering not through wealth or force but through sacrifice, proving that real power comes from surrender, not control. In this episode: Deuteronomy 17, verses 6–7, 14–20; 1 Samuel 8, verses 1–22; 1 Samuel 16, verse 7; Daniel 2; Luke 17, verses 20–21; Luke 21, verses 5–6, 12, 20; Luke 22, verse 53; Luke 23, verses 1–25; John 18, verse 36; John 19, verse 8; Matthew 27, verse 24; Matthew 3, verse 10; Luke 24, verse 7; Mark 9, verse 1 “Unashamed” Episode 1203 is sponsored by: Stand firm for values that matter. Join the fight & give today at https://www.frc.org/unashamed https://andrewandtodd.com or call 888-888-1172 — These guys are the real deal. Get trusted mortgage guidance and expertise from someone who shares your values! https://meetfabric.com/unashamed — Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family. Get an extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first tank of gas when you download the FREE Upside App and use promo code UNASHAMED! https://www.puretalk.com/unashamed — Get PureTalk for just $25 a month. Make the switch today! http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Chapters: 00:00-05:50 Jase calls out the weatherman 05:51-16:34 God's criteria for Israel's king 16:35-23:24 Israel chooses evil kings over & over 23:25-27:32 Jesus & Barabbas have the same name 27:33-39:16 Evil creates strange bedfellows 39:17-45:48 Pilate's wife dreams of Jesus 45:49-56:49 Jesus leaves Pilate & Herod's households shaken Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Who's Your Daddy? Godcast, Frank and Christina Sasso dive deep into one of the most shocking moments in Scripture; when the crowd chose Barabbas over Jesus. From the Gospel accounts to modern parallels, they unpack how deception, pride, and spiritual blindness led people to free a murderer while condemning the Messiah.Frank and Christina draw bold connections between the crowd's choice then and the choices people make today revealing how the same spiritual forces of confusion and manipulation are still at work. But there's hope: just as Paul's eyes were opened on the road to Damascus, hearts and minds today can be set free through the truth of Jesus Christ.A passionate, unfiltered conversation about truth, discernment, and the urgent need to see clearly in a world clouded by lies.“Why did they choose Barabbas? Because people are deceived; but Jesus still came to die for them.”--#theychosebarabbas #newpodcity #newpodcitypodcastnetwork #franksasso #christinasasso #iamcharliekirk #whosyourdaddygodcast

Brad and Craig bring on a Wednesday Happy Birthday to Brad's father who turns 90 today. Election Day Yesterday. A sad day. Unpacking a statement read by Brad New York Mayor ------------------ Mark 15:6-21 (ESV) Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified 6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Jesus Is Mocked 16 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him. The Crucifixion 21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. __________________ 5 Core Values of SWAT 1. God's Word 2. Prayer 3. Evangelism 4. Discipleship 5. Community ------------------ https://swatradio.com/ SWAT - Spiritual Warriors Advancing Truth Call us Toll-Free at: +1-844-777-7928 Email Us a Question: ask@swatradio.com FIND A SWAT MEETING Brown Family YMCA 170 Landrum Lane Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Wed. 6:30-7:30 am IHOP 3250 Hodges Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32224 Wed. Night 7-8 pm Salem Centre 7235 Bonneval Rd Jacksonville, FL Wed. 12:00-1:00 pm Jumping Jax House of Food 10131 San Jose Blvd #12 Jacksonville, FL Thursday 6:30-7:30 am The Village Inn 900 Ponce De Leon Blvd St. Augustine, FL Friday 9:00-10:30 am Woodmen Valley Chapel - Woodmen Heights Campus 8292 Woodman Valley View Colorado Springs CO 80908 Thursdays 8-9:15 pm

When Jesus returns to Pilate, both rulers affirm His innocence, yet the crowd—stirred by corrupt leaders—demands Barabbas, the rebel, be freed instead. In choosing a violent insurrectionist over the Prince of Peace, the people reveal humanity's tragic preference for earthly power over spiritual deliverance.Key theme: Humanity exchanges the true Son of God for a counterfeit “son of the father” (Barabbas).

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Job 26-27; Mark 15-16 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 this episode for November 4th, 2025, Hunter guides us through a heartfelt journey in the scriptures, exploring Job chapters 26 and 27, and Mark chapters 15 and 16. Together, we reflect on Job's final speeches about integrity and innocence, and then witness the powerful and transformative story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Hunter delves into the meaning of the prisoner exchange between Barabbas and Jesus, drawing parallels to our own lives and the freedom Christ offers to all who have rebelled. The episode wraps up with uplifting prayers and encouragement to receive each day as a gift—reminding us of God's love and the restoration found in Christ. So grab your Bible, settle in, and share in this time of spiritual nourishment and reflection. TODAY'S DEVOTION: It was a prisoner exchange. Pilate agreed to release Barabbas in exchange for the King of the Jews. This is what the crowd wanted. This is the deal that was struck. A revolutionary for a king. Barabbas wasn't the first revolutionary to rise up in revolt. There was an earlier revolutionary that rose up against God and his kingdom—Adam. Adam was deceived, and he rose up in revolt. And when he did that, death and murder entered the world. Since the first uprising, uprisings, murder, death, suffering, pain, have never stopped. But Mark gives us an answer to the uprising, to the revolt. And the answer is someone far greater. Mark gives us one last glimpse of the son of God, the King of the Jews. Jesus came, and he offers himself as a substitute for Barabbas and Adam and you and me—all of us who have rebelled against God and his kingdom. This King made a way for all rebels to be free, just like Barabbas. He made the way for all of us to live a life free from the power of sin and the grave. It's a prisoner exchange. Barabbas, the son of Adam, is going to be free. And in his place will be the one who they call the King of the Jews. Mark wants you to see him as the substitute, the one given in exchange for rebels. He is the one who sets us free and puts an end to the rebellion, leading us to life beyond the grave, leading to the renewal of all things. Live in the freedom that he gives you with gratitude. And live in the strength of the One who truly is the Son of God. That's a prayer that I have for my own soul. That's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, my son. And that's the prayer that I have 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. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Brad and Craig are in for Doug Reformation Day last Friday Christmas music didn't make it this week. Replays on Tuesday and Thursday ------------------ Mark 15:6-21 (ESV) Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified 6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Jesus Is Mocked 16 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him. The Crucifixion 21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. __________________ 5 Core Values of SWAT 1. God's Word 2. Prayer 3. Evangelism 4. Discipleship 5. Community ------------------ https://swatradio.com/ SWAT - Spiritual Warriors Advancing Truth Call us Toll-Free at: +1-844-777-7928 Email Us a Question: ask@swatradio.com FIND A SWAT MEETING Brown Family YMCA 170 Landrum Lane Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Wed. 6:30-7:30 am IHOP 3250 Hodges Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32224 Wed. Night 7-8 pm Salem Centre 7235 Bonneval Rd Jacksonville, FL Wed. 12:00-1:00 pm Jumping Jax House of Food 10131 San Jose Blvd #12 Jacksonville, FL Thursday 6:30-7:30 am The Village Inn 900 Ponce De Leon Blvd St. Augustine, FL Friday 9:00-10:30 am Woodmen Valley Chapel - Woodmen Heights Campus 8292 Woodman Valley View Colorado Springs CO 80908 Thursdays 8-9:15 pm

Send us a textHere we see how the Romans would pacify the Jews by releasing someone convicted of crimes to them on the Passover.  Pilate hopes he can finally get Jesus set free and His blood off his hands.  But the Jews have outmaneuvered Pilate again and they have told the crowd to ask for Barabbas the robber.  Pilate scourges Jesus, mocks Him, puts a crown of thorns on His head, and a Kingly purple robe on Him and yet the crowd still will not feel sorry for Jesus, they want him killed.  He finally tells them to behold the Man, in other words look at this pitiful fellow, don't you want Him to be released and they cry out Crucify Him, Crucify Him.  Then for the second time Pilate tells them I find no fault in Him.  Jesus has done nothing wrong for Him to be convicted of and especially crucified, so Pilate says if you want Him crucified, you do it. Mark 8:36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?             John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today.               “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  -John 8:32           Our mission is to spread the gospel and to go to the least of these with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ; We reach out to those the World has forgotten.              hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.nethttps://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en His Love Ministries on Itunes Don't go for all the gusto you can get, go for all the God (Jesus Christ) you can get. The gusto will get you, Jesus can save you. https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F            The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly solutions

In this compelling message titled “Which Jesus,” Pastor Larry Smith takes us to Matthew 27, where the crowd must choose between Jesus Barabbas — a man of power, force, and control — and Jesus Christ, the humble Savior who conquers through love and surrender. That same choice confronts us today: will we follow the Jesus who fits our desires for dominance and comfort, or the true Christ who calls us to die to self and live in His Kingdom way? This message challenges us to center our lives on the real Jesus — the One who redeems, restores, and reigns. Scripture: Matthew 27:15–26Pastor Larry Smith challenges us to choose the true Jesus — not the Barabbas of power and control, but the Christ who saves through love and surrender.We'd love to connect with you https://newlifephilly.churchcenter.com/people/forms/224507 Would you like Prayer today? https://newlifephilly.churchcenter.com/people/forms/382423We pray the New Life Philly Podcast encourages you today! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube at NewLifePhilly.

Ben and Mitch wrap up the Gospel of Mark with conversation about Pilate, Barabbas, and what it means to be witnesses of the Gospel. Let's dive in! RESOURCES + ⁠Practicing the Way + Mark 15 – The Crucifixion of Jesus, Enduring Word Bible Commentary  + Alexamenos Graffito, The University of Chicago + “Crucifixion (Part 1),” The Rest is History Podcast + “Jesus Christ: The History (Part 2),” The Rest is History Podcast GO DEEPER IN MARK+ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark⁠⁠⁠⁠+ ⁠⁠⁠⁠A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional⁠⁠⁠⁠+ ⁠⁠⁠⁠A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠+ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Video Teachings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CONNECT+ Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠+ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch⁠⁠⁠⁠ our services online every Sunday at 9 AM+ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠

In this teaching on John 19, Zechariah Borders and Calvary Chapel Trussville find ourselves standing at the foot of the cross, witnessing the most pivotal moment in human history through the eyes of the beloved disciple. This passage forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: the very people who had been waiting for their Messiah, studying the prophecies, and longing for deliverance, became the ones crying out for His crucifixion. The imagery is brutal and intentional—a crown of thorns, a purple robe, blood and mockery—all designed to show us that the devil thought he was winning. Yet in every detail, from the unbroken bones to the pierced side, we see prophecy fulfilled with stunning precision. What strikes deepest is how Pilate's fear led him to compromise, giving an inch that became a mile, washing his hands while blood stained his conscience forever. We're challenged to examine our own lives: where are we giving sin just an inch? Where are we like the Jews, so blinded by our own expectations and legalism that we miss Jesus right in front of us? The cross reminds us that we are all Barabbas—guilty criminals who deserved that punishment—yet Jesus took our place. His final words, 'It is finished,' echo through eternity as the declaration that our debt is paid, not by our works or our law-keeping, but by His perfect sacrifice. This passage isn't just history; it's our story of redemption written in blood and fulfilled in love.

Send us a textPower can know the truth and still pass the buck. We follow the path from Pilate's political sidestep to Herod's hunger for spectacle and watch how Jesus meets curiosity and malice with a charged, unsettling silence. Along the way, religious leaders amplify accusations, a crowd gathers momentum, and two rivals become friends over a shared mockery of the innocent.We dig into why Herod wanted a sign and why so many of us still chase wonders as if the gospel needed fireworks to be trusted. Drawing on the New Testament's witness, we unpack how signs validated messengers but were never meant to replace repentance or produce faith on demand. The resurrection already stands as the defining sign; making miracles the main event only hollows our devotion and turns Christ into an entertainer. That contrast comes into full view when the crowd chooses Barabbas—an insurrectionist and murderer—over the one both Pilate and Herod declare faultless.From there, we bring it home. What does it mean to stop seeking signs and become one? We talk about the ordinary miracles of transformed character, quiet obedience, and disciplined love: serving the poor, visiting the sick and imprisoned, sharing the gospel with clarity, honoring gathered worship. In a culture that may harden toward Scripture and label biblical conviction as hate, embodied holiness becomes a living testimony no algorithm can suppress. If you've ever felt tugged toward spiritual spectacle, this conversation invites you back to the steady fire of faithfulness—less sizzle, more weight.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who's wrestling with doubt or distraction, and leave a review to help others find the conversation.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Send us a textA murderer walks free while the innocent King is nailed to a cross. That jarring contrast between Barabbas and Jesus is more than a moment in history—it's a lens on how power, religion, and politics still trade truth for convenience. We follow the pressure campaign that wore down Pilate, the uneasy alliance with Herod, and the chilling chorus that shouted for crucifixion, then ask what it means to “prevail” with God rather than with empire.We unpack the scapegoat motif, the legal theater that declared Jesus blameless yet condemned him anyway, and the deeper reason Calvary stands apart. The brutality of crucifixion was common; the worth of the One crucified was not. Only the sinless Son of God could bear the weight of our guilt. That's why the cross reveals the darkest verdict on human pride and the brightest proof of divine love. From there we turn to today, where pulpits and podiums increasingly share a stage, and where believers face a subtle test: will we let partisan zeal outrank kingdom allegiance, or will we render to God what is God's and let the gospel lead our public witness?Along the way, we name the tensions many feel during election seasons, call out the temptation to outsource conscience to worldly power, and offer a path forward rooted in prayer, humility, and fruit that lasts. The scars of Christ will mark eternity, not to shame us, but to steady our gratitude and courage. If you've felt squeezed between cultural noise and spiritual conviction, this conversation invites you to recover a clearer center: Christ first, always.If this resonated, share it with a friend, subscribe for more thoughtful, scripture-rich episodes, and leave a review to help others find the show. What part challenged you most today?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Singer-songwriter Josiah Queen joins Levi and Jennie for a warm, joy-filled conversation about his faith, marriage, and music. From writing “I Am Barabbas” to exploring national parks with his wife, Trinity, Josiah opens up about how worship, creativity, and everyday life all weave together into his walk with God. They swap stories about summer tours, cold plunges, and close encounters with buffalo in Yellowstone — plus why Josiah believes his best songs come straight from scripture stored in his heart. It's an inspiring, down-to-earth episode that celebrates calling, consistency, and God's surprising sense of humor. Connect with us on social! Josiah: @josiahqueenmusic Levi: @levilusko Jennie: @jennielusko Fresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links] Listen to MT ZION: https://bit.ly/4mWlb3y Sign up for Movement Conference 2026: MVMNT26.com Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Timestamps 6:03 – Summer Worship Nights with Brandon & Phil 08:14 – Cruise chaos & a sketchy flight 11:02 – National parks bucket list + Glacier invite 16:51 – Buffalo standoff in Yellowstone 19:21 – Supervolcano talk: wonder without panic 33:01 – Cold plunges: Levi's case for the cold

Jesus died…and came back from the grave. The post Barabbas appeared first on Key Life.

Singer-songwriter Josiah Queen joins Levi and Jennie for a warm, joy-filled conversation about his faith, marriage, and music. From writing “I Am Barabbas” to exploring national parks with his wife, Trinity, Josiah opens up about how worship, creativity, and everyday life all weave together into his walk with God. They swap stories about summer tours, cold plunges, and close encounters with buffalo in Yellowstone — plus why Josiah believes his best songs come straight from scripture stored in his heart. It's an inspiring, down-to-earth episode that celebrates calling, consistency, and God's surprising sense of humor. Connect with us on social! Josiah: @josiahqueenmusic Levi: @levilusko Jennie: @jennielusko Fresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links] Listen to MT ZION: https://bit.ly/4mWlb3y Sign up for Movement Conference 2026: MVMNT26.com Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Timestamps 6:03 – Summer Worship Nights with Brandon & Phil 08:14 – Cruise chaos & a sketchy flight 11:02 – National parks bucket list + Glacier invite 16:51 – Buffalo standoff in Yellowstone 19:21 – Supervolcano talk: wonder without panic 33:01 – Cold plunges: Levi's case for the cold

John 19 tells of Jesus' crucifixion. The crucifixion followed the Lord's brutal treatment at the hands of Pilate's soldiers including the thrusting of a crown of thorns upon his head and the putting of a purple robe on him to mock our Master. How apt is it that in his dying he would remove the curse brought by Adam upon the earth; and his crucifying would be like the ram caught by his horns in Genesis 22. When Pilate hears the Jewish leaders' claim that Jesus is the Son of God Pilate's fear intensifies and he seeks for Jesus' release. Jesus makes it crystal clear to Pilate that Pilate is without power against Jesus and the greater sin lay with the Jewish rulers. These envious men clamour even more that Pilate must cooperate with their designs. If not Caesar would hear of it. Pilate caves in under pressure and allows Jesus to be led away for crucifixion. "We have no king but Caesar", they cry and forty years later their 'king' - Caesar - came and destroyed Jerusalem because of their blood guiltiness. The crucifixion occurs in the place of the skull - Golgotha (the location where David buried Goliath's skull, as we are told in 1 Samuel 17). Our Lord is crucified between two thieves - most likely these were Barabbas' men. In the three languages operating in Judea at the time - Aramaic, Greek and Latin - is inscribed over his cross i.e. stake "Jesus ofNazareth, king of the Jews". The Jews protest Pilate's writing: but Pilate, no doubt, glories in this small victory over the Jews and his inscription remains. The soldiers divide his clothes between them and they cast lots for his vesture in fulfilment of Psalm 22:18. The beloved women in his life eventually come near to the stake to see his death. And at this time Jesus commits his mother into the care of his beloved Apostle, John. Our Master dies with his final words being a citation from Psalm 31:5 - the quotation possibly being completed when Jesus emerges from his tomb three days later. Jesus' side is pierced by a Roman spear and out comes blood and water indicating that he has died from a broken heart. Unlike the thieves crucified with Christ not a bone of him is broken - he is the Passover Lamb of Exodus 12 and the subject of the prophecy in Psalm 34:20-22. And the Scripture in Revelation 1:7 will seem to be true when Jesus comes into his kingdom. Jesus' body is secured from Pilate by Joseph of Arimathea. Our Lord's body is placed by Joseph and Nicodemus in a new and unused garden tomb owned by the rich man, Joseph in fulfilment of Isiah 53:9.

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In 2 Chronicles 18 we have one of the great mistakes Jehoshaphat made in joining Ahab, king of Israel, in battle at Ramoth-Gilead - against the Syrians. Jehoshaphat's son Ahaziah was married to Athaliah the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Both Jehoshaphat and Ahab sit in the gate of Samaria listening to Jezebel's Baal worshipping prophets promise victory against the Syrians. Jehoshaphat asks for a prophet of Yahweh to be heard. The prophet Michaiah sarcastically tells Ahab to go to war and prosper. The story is curious as it reveals how Ahab would be enticed to die. Ahab commands the arrest of Micaiah and orders he be fed bread and water until Ahab returns in peace. Micaiah says if that happens I am not Yahweh's prophet. Ahab disguises himself in battle so that the Syrians pursue Jehoshaphat instead. But there was no escape for the evil and doomed Ahab. A chance arrow strikes the king of Israel in the joint between his breastplate and fatally wounds him. Ahab props himself up in his chariot until the evening when he dies. Ahab's chariot is washed in the place where Jezebel had slain Naboth. Just as Elijah had prophesied the dogs there licked up Ahab's blood. In chapter 19 Jehoshaphat is chastised by the prophet Jehu, son of Hanani, for associating with the ungodly. Jehoshaphat set his heart to seek God and establishes judges and officers to rule in the land of Judah for God. Jehoshaphat greatly loved his God but unfortunately he was not always wise in following faithful counsel. Jehoshaphat showed a weakness for forming friendships that were detrimental to his relationship with Yahweh his God. Daniel was one of the first wave of captives taken from Jerusalem to Babylon in 607 BC (the fourth and final wave being in BC 587). This young prince is perhaps about 17 years old. The cream of Judah's aristocracy is taken to Shinar - the land of the enemy's tooth - to be educated in all the wisdom of the Chaldeans. Nebuchadnezzar's god was Nabu the god of wisdom. Daniel's prophecy speaks of the struggle between the world's wisdom and that of the Almighty. The book pits the Kingdom of Men against the Kingdom of God. Daniel and three fellow princes have their names, food and clothing all changed to become integrated into the Chaldean ways. These young princes are earmarked for high distinction, but they meekly resist the indoctrinating process and are blessed and supported by their Sovereign. Daniel continues to prosper from this time until the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persians in BC 537 and beyond. John 19 tells of Jesus' crucifixion. The crucifixion followed the Lord's brutal treatment at the hands of Pilate's soldiers including the thrusting of a crown of thorns upon his head and the putting of a purple robe on him to mock our Master. How apt is it that in his dying he would remove the curse brought by Adam upon the earth; and his crucifying would be like the ram caught by his horns in Genesis 22. When Pilate hears the Jewish leaders' claim that Jesus is the Son of God Pilate's fear intensifies and he seeks for Jesus' release. Jesus makes it crystal clear to Pilate that Pilate is without power against Jesus and the greater sin lay with the Jewish rulers. These envious men clamour even more that Pilate must cooperate with their designs. If not Caesar would hear of it. Pilate caves in under pressure and allows Jesus to be led away for crucifixion. "We have no king but Caesar", they cry and forty years later their 'king' - Caesar - came and destroyed Jerusalem because of their blood guiltiness. The crucifixion occurs in the place of the skull - Golgotha (the location where David buried Goliath's skull, as we are told in 1 Samuel 17). Our Lord is crucified between two thieves - most likely these were Barabbas' men. In the three languages operating in Judea at the time - Aramaic, Greek and Latin - is inscribed over his cross i.e. stake "Jesus of Nazareth, king of the Jews". The Jews protest Pilate's writing: but Pilate, no doubt, glories in this small victory over the Jews and his inscription remains. The soldiers divide his clothes between them and they cast lots for his vesture in fulfilment of Psalm 22:18. The beloved women in his life eventually come near to the stake to see his death. And at this time Jesus commits his mother into the care of his beloved Apostle, John. Our Master dies with his final words being a citation from Psalm 31:5 - the quotation possibly being completed when Jesus emerges from his tomb three days later. Jesus' side is pierced by a Roman spear and out comes blood and water indicating that he has died from a broken heart. Unlike the thieves crucified with Christ not a bone of him is broken - he is the Passover Lamb of Exodus 12 and the subject of the prophecy in Psalm 34:20-22. And the Scripture in Revelation 1:7 will seem to be true when Jesus comes into his kingdom. Jesus' body is secured from Pilate by Joseph of Arimathea. Our Lord's body is placed by Joseph and Nicodemus in a new and unused garden tomb owned by the rich man, Joseph in fulfilment of Isiah 53:9. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

In this Bible Story, Jesus is taken before Pilate and brutally beaten. The crowd demands Jesus be crucified. Pilate, who knew Jesus was innocent, washes his hands clean and releases Jesus to be crucified. This story is inspired by Matthew 27:12-26; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:2-25 & John 18:28-32; 19:12-15. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Luke 23:23 from the King James Version.Episode 211: The crowds drag Jesus to Pilate demanding his approval of the death sentence. Pilate, however, takes Jesus aside to learn more about who He is. After taking Him aside, Pilate brought Jesus back out to the crowd to dismiss Him since he had found no wrong in Him. But the crowd would not have it! So Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, but neither did he find Jesus doing anything worthy of death. Finally, Pilate gave the crowd a choice, set Jesus free or set Barabbas - a murderer and insurrectionist - free. But the hate was too strong in the hearts of the crowd and they pushed for Jesus to be crucified.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the beginning of the week, the crowd was chanting Jesus' name.. They were singing 'Hosanna' as he entered Jerusalem triumphantly. But now, at the end of the week, they are chanting the name of Barabbas. He is the one they want, and they demand that Jesus be crucified. What happened in one week? How in the world do you go from chanting 'Jesus' to chanting 'Barabbas' in just a few days?

f Asa's final years, which are characterised by some serious failures to rely on Yahweh. Firstly, when Baasha king of Israel began acting aggressively to Judah, he hired the Syrians to attack the northern kingdom. He had failed to heed that the LORD had granted victory against the Ethiopian horde. The great lesson that Hanani the seer told Asa was, "The eyes of Yahweh run to and fro throughput the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him" (verse 9 ESV). From now on he would have wars. He became enraged with the prophet and placed him in stocks in prison. His anger was also vented against others of God's people. The irony of Asa, whose name means 'physician', is that when he became diseased in his feet, Asa did not seek healing from the great Physician, but died in suffering. Nonetheless, Judah were saddened by the death of the great reformer. Chapter 17 says Judah were blessed when Asa's son, Jehoshaphat, ascended the throne and he, too, walked "in the early ways of David his father". The kingdom was established by Jehoshaphat and the surrounding lands made no war against him, but paid him tribute. Ezekiel 48 dealt with the allotments to the tribes both north and south of the temple precinct and the allocation of its territory. Note that the northern border of the territory of the kingdom of God under the reconstituted and restored Israel is the Euphrates river; the southern border is the Nile; the western border is the Mediterranean Sea; and the eastern border the Gulf of Arabia - the entire land through which Abraham walked upon and was promised (see also Psalm 72). The city that will be constructed to service the House of Prayer for all nations will be of a square construction and have a perimeter of about 64.5 kilometres and will be called Yahweh Shammah - or Yahweh is there. John 17 outlines Jesus' wonderful prayer for unity with himself and his Father. Having struggled to subject his will to the Father in Gethsemane and being strengthened by an angel to do that, the victory had been won, and all that remained were the trials, scourging and crucifixion which our Master would endure. So, the prayer began with an acknowledgment of the coming glory - verse 4 the glory that the Father had planned for the Son before creation. Then followed a plea for men to know the Father and the servant Son sent into the world to reveal the Father's character; and in that "knowing" would come life eternal. The prayer was to preserve the believers in that truth and so save them. None would be lost save Judas, the 'son of destruction'. Eventually everyone sanctified by the truth would be united with the Father in the same way His Son was. John chapter 18 records the betrayal and arrest of the Lord in the garden ofGethsemane. Judas arrived with a heavily armed contingent of temple thugs, who when they asked the Lord, who they sought, they fell to the ground illustrating that where he was they could not come (John 7:36). He gave himself voluntarily into their hands after miraculously restoring the severed ear of Malchus- the high priest's servant and rebuking Peter who had mistakenly tried to protect his Lord. Jesus faced Annas and Caiaphas in trial. Peter's first denial followed. Then Jesus is placed under oath by the high priest, who contrary to the law commanded our Master to be struck and was rightly rebuked by Jesus. Peter's second denial followed. The rulers attempted to force from Pilate, the Roman Governor, during the night, the death sentence - another illegality - on the unproven charge of treason. Pilate questioned Jesus and it was clear that our Lord had total mastery of the situation and it was Pontius Pilate who quailed in the presence of the Son of God. Jesus bore witness to the Truth that he came into the world to be "King of the Jews" (see 1 Timothy 6 verses 12-16). Pilate declared him to be innocent of the charge; but the rulers clamoured for his death and the acquittal of Barabbas.

2 Chronicles 16 told of Asa's final years, which are characterised by some serious failures to rely on Yahweh. Firstly, when Baasha king of Israel began acting aggressively to Judah, he hired the Syrians to attack the northern kingdom. He had failed to heed that the LORD had granted victory against the Ethiopian horde. The great lesson that Hanani the seer told Asa was, "The eyes of Yahweh run to and fro throughput the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him" (verse 9 ESV). From now on he would have wars. He became enraged with the prophet and placed him in stocks in prison. His anger was also vented against others of God's people. The irony of Asa, whose name means 'physician', is that when he became diseased in his feet, Asa did not seek healing from the great Physician, but died in suffering. Nonetheless, Judah were saddened by the death of the great reformer. Chapter 17 says Judah were blessed when Asa's son, Jehoshaphat, ascended the throne and he, too, walked "in the early ways of David his father". The kingdom was established by Jehoshaphat and the surrounding lands made no war against him, but paid him tribute. Ezekiel 48 dealt with the allotments to the tribes both north and south of the temple precinct and the allocation of its territory. Note that the northern border of the territory of the kingdom of God under the reconstituted and restored Israel is the Euphrates river; the southern border is the Nile; the western border is the Mediterranean Sea; and the eastern border the Gulf of Arabia - the entire land through which Abraham walked upon and was promised (see also Psalm 72). The city that will be constructed to service the House of Prayer for all nations will be of a square construction and have a perimeter of about 64.5 kilometres and will be called Yahweh Shammah - or Yahweh is there. John 17 outlines Jesus' wonderful prayer for unity with himself and his Father. Having struggled to subject his will to the Father in Gethsemane and being strengthened by an angel to do that, the victory had been won, and all that remained were the trials, scourging and crucifixion which our Master would endure. So, the prayer began with an acknowledgment of the coming glory - verse 4 the glory that the Father had planned for the Son before creation. Then followed a plea for men to know the Father and the servant Son sent into the world to reveal the Father's character; and in that "knowing" would come life eternal. The prayer was to preserve the believers in that truth and so save them. None would be lost save Judas, the 'son of destruction'. Eventually everyone sanctified by the truth would be united with the Father in the same way His Son was. John chapter 18 records the betrayal and arrest of the Lord in the garden of Gethsemane. Judas arrived with a heavily armed contingent of temple thugs, who when they asked the Lord, who they sought, they fell to the ground illustrating that where he was they could not come (John 7:36). He gave himself voluntarily into their hands after miraculously restoring the severed ear of Malchus- the high priest's servant and rebuking Peter who had mistakenly tried to protect his Lord. Jesus faced Annas and Caiaphas in trial. Peter's first denial followed. Then Jesus is placed under oath by the high priest, who contrary to the law commanded our Master to be struck and was rightly rebuked by Jesus. Peter's second denial followed. The rulers attempted to force from Pilate, the Roman Governor, during the night, the death sentence - another illegality - on the unproven charge of treason. Pilate questioned Jesus and it was clear that our Lord had total mastery of the situation and it was Pontius Pilate who quailed in the presence of the Son of God. Jesus bore witness to the Truth that he came into the world to be "King of the Jews" (see 1 Timothy 6 verses 12-16). Pilate declared him to be innocent of the charge; but the rulers clamoured for his death and the acquittal of Barabbas. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

Jase explains why Tom Petty's “I Won't Back Down” is his new walk-up song, and Zach pitches a wives-included “Unashamed Live” tour. Jase proves that Unashamed Nation is the best group of fans out there, and he reins in his rabbit holes long enough for the guys to finally dive into John 18's illegal proceedings against Jesus, contrasting earthly power with sacrificial victory. They connect Pilate's mockery of Jesus and the Barabbas exchange to the mission that carries the Word of God to the ends of the earth. In this episode: John 18; Matthew 26; Daniel 7; Daniel 2; Acts 1, verse 8; Acts 8; Acts 9; Isaiah 49, verse 6; Isaiah 52–53; Psalm 110; Ephesians 1; Romans 8; Romans 1, verse 16; Matthew 16; Ephesians 6 “Unashamed” Episode 1190 is sponsored by: ONE NIGHT ONLY! “Off School Property" hits theaters October 23. Get tickets and watch an exclusive sneak peek: https://lifewise.org/unashamed Stand firm for values that matter. Join the fight & give today at https://www.frc.org/unashamed https://ruffgreens.com — Get a FREE Jumpstart Trial Bag for your dog today when you use promo code Unashamed! https://www.puretalk.com/unashamed — Get PureTalk for just $25 a month. Make the switch today! https://helixsleep.com/unashamed — Get 20% Off Sitewide! https://andrewandtodd.com or call 888-888-1172 — These guys are the real deal. Get trusted mortgage guidance and expertise from someone who shares your values! http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00-05:04 Jase pulls a pro fishing move 05:05-9:00 Proving Unashamed listeners are the best 9:01-19:11 A brief history of Tom Petty19:12-25:28 Floating an Unashamed Conference idea 25:29-29:31 Finally getting to John 18 29:32-38:40 Pontius Pilate fulfills messianic prophecy38:41-47:13 Using violence to change truth 47:14-56:03 Jesus destroys the walls between us — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The sermon centers on Mark 15:6–15, portraying the crowd's decision to crucify Jesus not as a mere historical event, but as a profound theological paradigm of human guilt and divine sovereignty. Through the 'Markan sandwich' structure, the preacher highlights how the religious crowd, despite possessing the Scriptures and witnessing Jesus' miracles, chose Barabbas—the 'son of the father'—over Jesus, the true Son of God, thereby condemning themselves. The sermon underscores that this moment reveals the tragic irony of human rebellion: the crowd believed they held judgment, but in reality, Jesus stood in judgment over them. It warns against the peril of mob mentality, showing how wicked leaders manipulate religious crowds through fear, nationalism, and greed, yet emphasizes that personal responsibility remains absolute—passive complicity, silence, or apathy carries equal guilt before a holy God. Ultimately, the sermon pivots to grace, affirming that even the most guilty—those who shouted 'Crucify him'—can be forgiven through repentance and faith, as demonstrated by Peter's Pentecost sermon, which calls all to turn from sin and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Send us a textBONUS EPISODE WITH OUR BROTHERS FROM THE VERTICAL PODCAST. The room already felt different—like a youth weekend that refuses to end when the lights go down. We invited Michael Simmons and Rich Randall into a raw, wide-ranging conversation about what it means to be “trapped in sin,” and why lasting change starts when love—not guilt—pulls you toward God. From David and Samson to Judas and Barabbas, we explore how scripture opens up when you stop assuming you're always the hero. Maybe you're Delilah under pressure, or Uriah blindsided by someone else's choices. That shift isn't just interesting—it's freeing.We also wrestle with the practical stuff no one wants to talk about: how to balance clock-time and compassion, why discernment matters more than rigid schedules, and how a “late start” became the timely welcome a hesitant visitor needed. Along the way, we get honest about anger, lust, anxiety, and the difference between pulling weeds and treating the soil. Surface fixes don't last. Root work does. That means naming the real issue, setting guardrails, and choosing the right people to walk with you. It's not spectacle; it's discipleship.Leadership isn't spared. Pedestals are lonely and dangerous, and polished distance invites collapse. We press into transparency, accountability, and the relief that comes when a church expects humanity from its leaders while aiming for holiness together. And we light a path forward for students who refuse to let graduation end their growth—building a young adult bridge, creating mission opportunities, and protecting the spark that started this weekend. If you're hungry for faith that goes beyond altars and into everyday choices, this conversation will meet you where you are and point you where you're going.If this resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for more conversations like this, and leave a review to help others find the show. What root are you ready to pull next? Support the showPlease share and SUBSCRIBE!!!If you are able ... would you help us in becoming a subscriber and helping us get the word out. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1133780/supportThinking about starting a podcast. Check out our affiliate link here.Listen on apple hereFacebook Listen on Spotify here

Series: N/AService: Radio Program / PodcastType: Radio Program / PodcastSpeaker: E.R. Hall, Jr.

Series: N/AService: Radio Program / PodcastType: Radio Program / PodcastSpeaker: E.R. Hall, Jr.

Series: N/AService: Radio Program / PodcastType: Radio Program / PodcastSpeaker: E.R. Hall, Jr.

What does it mean to be a house for people in today's world? In this powerful and heartfelt message, Pastor Suzie Genin continues the Dwelling House Church series exploring the prophetic identity of the church as a house of prayer, a house of His presence, and a house for His people. Drawing from Luke 23, Pastor Suzie examines the story of Jesus, Barabbas, and the crowd to reveal how easily the Church can be swayed by public opinion rather than led by truth. She reminds us that being a house for people doesn't mean bowing to culture's noise or seeking popularity—it means standing firm in humility, truth, and love, leading people back to Jesus in every season. Through the example of Christ's compassion—even on the cross—this message calls believers to live as ministers of reconciliation, forgiving others, bearing with one another, and creating a community where people encounter the love and presence of God. If you're looking for a Spirit-filled church in Madison, WI, that values truth, prayer, and the presence of God, we invite you to join Dwelling House Church. This sermon answers: 1. What does it mean to be “a house for people” without compromising biblical truth? 2. How can we follow Jesus' example of humility, forgiveness, and compassion even in hardship? 3. Why must the Church resist cultural pressure and remain faithful to God's Word above all else?

Luke chapter 23 commences with Jesus before the Roman Governor Pilate, who wants nothing to do with the trumped-up charges that had been levelled against our Lord. Pilate pronounces Jesus innocent and on hearing that he was from Galilee felt he could evade any responsibility by sending Jesus to Herod. Herod had been curious about Jesus for some time. Herod questions Jesus and receives no answers. Herod reverts to mocking and handing our Lord over to be brutalised at the hands of his soldiers. Then having found no fault in our Lord, Herod returns him to Pilate - a partial reconciliation occurs between Herod and Pilate - the Governor. Pilate once again declares Jesus innocent, but causes him to be brutally scourged (this was sometimes called the intermediate death - and many a man died under the barbaric scourge). This barbaric act fails to evoke any pity from our Master's foes. For the third time Jesus is pronounced innocent. But the chief priests stir up the crowd to bay for Jesus' blood. Pilate is forced into making a decision he did not want to make. Our Lord is delivered to be crucified, and Barabbas is released. Jesus was so weak that the Romans pressed Simon of Cyrene to carry his crucifixion post. This man and his two sons in future years became disciples. The women wept to behold our Lord, but he tells them not to weep for him, but for the miseries that would fall on them. Jesus is crucified between two thieves, quite possibly Barabbas' followers. The place of his crucifixion was that of a skull; again, in all probability that of Goliath's skull. The soldiers gamble for his clothes, as had been prophesied in Psalm 22. Jesus, himself implores his Father to forgive them as they knew not what they were doing. One of the two thieves rails upon the Lord. The other turns in repentance to Jesus and asks Jesus to remember him when Jesus comes into his kingdom. Very likely the second thief understood the Gospel of the Kingdom. This thief is given the assurance of a place in Christ's Kingdom. Jesus' words were that the thief would be with the Lord in that day. Neither were in paradise that day for Jesus spent three days in the tomb. Our Lord suffered the taunting of sinners, by masterfully controlling himself and being the Victor verses Colossians 2 verses 11-15. About 3pm Jesus dies calmly causing a hardened centurion to exclaim that surely this man was the Son of God. For three hours the Almighty had veiled the scene in darkness, as a sign of His indignation at the wicked doings of those who crucified the Lord of glory. On his death there was a great earthquake, and the veil of the temple was torn by God from top to bottom. The law was now finished, and Christ has accomplished the opening of a new and living way. The Lord Jesus' remarkable control of himself under extreme provocation provides a wonderful example to us as Peter comments in 1 Peter 2 verses 20-25. A rich counsellor of the Sanhedrin begged Pilate for Jesus' body. Pilate enquires if our Lord has died and then hands our Lord's body to Joseph and Nicodemus who take it to Joseph's new and unused garden tomb. The women follow to see where Jesus was laid and to where they would come with the spices, they would purchase to embalm the Lord's body. The women then rest on the Sabbath day. This Sabbath day was a high Sabbath.

As we finish the Gospel of Matthew, Fr. Mike takes us through Christ's passion, explaining the meaning of "Barabbas", the importance of saints, and temptation towards false truth. He also explains the context of the gospels, and how we fit into them in the new and eternal covenant. Today's readings are Matthew 27-28 and Proverbs 19:25-29. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Service from Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park, Illinois.Pastor: Steve Hall

In this message, Pastor Les teaches on the sixth commandment, Do not murder. It's more than the unlawful taking of life, it's about the condition of our hearts and how we value the image of God in others. From Luke 23, we see the crowd choose Barabbas, a murderer, over Jesus, the innocent Son of God. This reveals both the corruption of man's justice and the beauty of God's redemptive plan: the innocent became guilty so the guilty could be made righteous. Murder isn't just an act, it begins in the heart with hate, offense, unforgiveness, and bitterness. Jesus equated hate with murder, warning us that “you can't radically love God or people with murder in your heart.” Whether through anger, slander, racism, or even abortion, the spirit of murder attacks God's creation. But Jesus died for murderers, for the hateful, and for all of us, so we could be set free and filled with radical love. The vision of Mercy Culture is to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. At Mercy Culture, one of our unique characteristics is that we are a presence driven church. We are not built around any person or ministry. We are built around the presence of God. Each week, you will hear a teaching from our Lead Pastors, Les and Nikki Cody or another leader in our community. To learn more about Mercy Culture, visit https://mercyculturewaco.com   

Exultation of the Cross Behold the Man: The Cross and Our Shared Criminality Homily on the Passion and the Cross I Corinthians 1:18-24; St. John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30-35 Christ was crucified among criminals, a mirror of our own sinfulness and complicity in His Passion.  Yet like the repentant theif, we are invited to turn to Him in humility, behold His mercy, and enter the Kingdom with the New Adam who reveals true humanity.  Enjoy the show! ++++++ Our Lord Jesus Christ, the God-man, was condemned and put on a cross to die in the midst of criminals.  Not just the obvious criminals, such as the thieves on his right and his left, but he was surrounded by them.  For the entire world had been given over to sin.  The religious authorities, the ones who knew the law and the prophets, and should have been the first to support him, were certainly criminal.  They “assembled together… unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety and kill him.” (Matthew 26:3-4).  They were jealous of Jesus, seeing how “the world is gone after him.” (John 12:9).  They did not want a trial; they wanted his death.  Remember that when the good and law-abiding man, Nicodemus, called them on this and suggested to them that Jesus be brought before the court for a hearing, saying, “Does our law judge any man, before it hears him, and know what he does?”  They mocked Nicodemus, saying, “Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.”  They were not interested in the Law or the Truth or even the facts; they were preserving their own comfort and power, and were willing to break the law and commit murder (deicide!) to protect it.  They were criminals. Nor were they the only criminals.  Think also of Judas, who participated in their perfidy by betraying his alleged friend and teacher for thirty pieces of silver.  And then there was the entire crowd who came out, and in their own criminality, chose the convicted criminal Barabbas over Christ.  As St. Nikolai Velimirovic puts it; “God or a criminal?  And the criminals choose the criminal.” Yes, Christ was surrounded by criminals.  But before we condemn them, let's remember one of the first rules of biblical interpretation; when the scriptures speak of bad men, be they the scribes and pharisees, Judas, the Jewish people, or even common criminals, we are to think not just of them, but how it is that we are like them.  In our fallenness, it is easy to see the criminality of others, especially those with whom we disagree or are from other Babelic tribes than our own.  But so often their crimes are not obvious because they are so heinous, but because they have been magnified by the problems with our vision – we can only see darkness when our eyes are full of darkness and it is hard to see anything objectively when we have giant honking logs sticking out of our eye-sockets.  When tempted by such judgment, let us remember Christ, draw in the sand and say, “Let he who is without sin, throw the first stone.” Yes, we are all criminals of the sort that participated in the passion of our God; petty, jealous, riotous, scheming – it's all there in our hearts and on our lives for everyone to see.  We are the criminals of this story.  All of us have sinned against God and against His Way. But there was one criminal who stepped out of his sin and the propaganda of the devil, and repented.  He accepted that he had earned his suffering.  Again, paraphrasing St. Nikolai; blessed is the criminal who, in the midst of his very real agony, does not lash out in condemnation of the other criminals but rather recognizes that he has earned his cross because of his sins.  The resulting clarity then allows him to see the God-man in his midst, repent, beg for God's mercy, and then find himself in Paradise with his saviour.  We quote this saint every time we take communion: “Remember me, O Lord, when Thou comest into Thy kingdom”.  We imitate his words, but do we imitate the deep transformation that allowed him, while feeling such pain, to say them? And now that we have looked at the crowds of the scene described in today's Gospel, let us look to Christ.  Right before today's reading, Pilate had brought our Lord out before the people after he had been beaten and scourged and had a crown of thorns put on his head and had said, “Behold the man!”. Yes, let us behold the man.  For Jesus was both fully God and fully man.  And His humanity had brought Him immense agony.  Earlier, we saw Him as a man when He was an infant in a cave, and when He and his family fled to Egypt, and when He was hungry and thirsty and had no place to lay his head.  Of course we also saw Him as God, walking on water, quelling storms, healing the sick, and multiplying loaves.  But at no time was his humanity more on display than from the Garden of Gethsemane to the Cross.  First, sweat poured from his head like blood because of anguish, and then that blood was joined by more from the lashes and the crown and the nails.  Jesus in the Garden was tormented; as man he knew pain and was expecting more – and as God He had ordained this as the path to the salvation of the world.  St. Nikolai writes; “these two were in conflict and had to be brought into accord.”  And so the man-mind and will went from the tortured; “if Thou be willing remove this up from Me” to the submissive “nevertheless, not My will, but Thine, be done.”  And when He did this, He acquired a peace that could not be broken by unjust accusations, or blasphemies, or physical pain. Yes, “Behold the Man”!  Behold the sort of man that God had in mind when he first formed Adam.  A man obedient to God and willing to do everything so that some might be saved.  Think of His dignity as He went to His death.  Not only did He avoid grumbling and condemnations, “He worked for the good of all to His dying breath.” (SNV, 201)  He desired good even in the midst of the pain of crucifixion, even in the midst of the most supreme injustice, and even in the midst of those who reviled Him.  As St. Luke records, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  Do we see the charity?  Do we see the love?  Are we not drawn to imitate Him in His magnanimity?  Rather than throwing their sins against their teeth and shouting it out to God for vengeance, He was merciful toward them.  For even if the criminals who assaulted Him used words to justify their blasphemy, they “knew not what they did.” “Behold the Man.” Are we men?  Are we willing to imitate the Ur-Man, the New Adam; the very definition of what it means to be a man?  Can we be charitable in our pain?  Can we look to the salvation or others from the depths of our despair? And if this is, at least for now, beyond our reach, let us then imitate the one at his side, and focus not on the sins of others, but on our own, and turn to God in repentance, crying; “Remember me, Lord, in Thy Kingdom.”

Pastors Nick and Michael wrestle with the shocking comparison between us and a murderer like Barabbas—and unpack a fascinating archaeological discovery that confirms the identity of Pontius Pilate.

Today's Scripture passages are Isaiah 14 | Micah 2 - 3 | Matthew 27:15-26 | Mark 15:6-15.(Please note: Isaiah 14:21 should read "They must not rise up and take possession of the earth...")Read by Christina Edmondson.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Dive deep into the Bible's most profound question: Why did Jesus have to die? In this eye-opening episode of Biblically Literate, hosted by Jon Rhoades, Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana, we unpack God's word in its original context from Genesis to the Gospels. Explore the foundational story in Genesis 1-3: God's good creation, the Garden of Eden, the tree of life, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam's formation from dust (adamah), the serpent's deception, sin's entry, exile by cherubim and flaming sword, and the wages of sin as death (Romans 6:23). Discover how death means separation from God, the source of life, and God's severe mercy in preventing eternal corruption.Journey through the Old Testament: the tabernacle as Eden on earth with garden imagery, pomegranates, trees, cherubim curtains; animal sacrifices in Leviticus 17:11 for atonement (kipper - to cover or ransom); the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16 with two goats - one sacrificed for purification, the scapegoat bearing iniquities into the wilderness (Isaiah 53:6 fulfilled); temple in Jerusalem with veil and altar like flaming sword.See how it all points to Jesus: the Word tabernacled among us (John 1:14), sinless yet made sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21); His crucifixion in Luke 23 - innocent affirmed by Pilate and Herod, swapped for guilty Barabbas, forgiving persecutors, promising Paradise to the criminal, temple curtain torn, darkness over the land (Amos 8:9). Fulfilling prophecies like Zechariah 9:9 (triumphal entry), Jeremiah 7:11 (temple cleansing as den of robbers), Passover new covenant with body and blood; quoting Psalm 31:5; absorbing sin's wage as the ultimate scapegoat (1 Peter 2:24); superior high priest in heavenly tabernacle (Hebrews 9:11-14, Hebrews 2:9).Understand redemption: all have sinned (Romans 3:23-25), justified by grace through propitiation by His blood; redemption through His blood (Ephesians 1:7); Christ died for our sins according to Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4); God's love while we were sinners (Romans 5:8). His resurrection overcomes death, opening Eden's gate.Whether you're studying God's loving nature, justice, mercy, or how He interacts with us, this episode connects the dots on sin, death, sacrifice, atonement, and eternal life in Christ. Perfect for families exploring the Bible together!Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Biblically Literate episodes! Leave comments below - would you like a deeper dive on free will and the tree? Email Jon or rate us 5 stars on your podcast app. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get podcasts. Posted September 9, 2025. #WhyDidJesusDie #BiblicalTruth #GenesisToGospels #Atonement #JesusSacrifice #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #YouTubeBible #SinAndSalvation #EdenExile #Scapegoat #Crucifixion #Resurrection #Romans623 #Leviticus1711 #Isaiah536 #Hebrews91114

In Matthew 27:11-26 we see that because Jesus, the innocent one, was condemned, the guilty can be set free and made new from the inside out.

The next four Fridays I'm getting the opportunity to go a little broader than the topic of marriage and interview some incredible men who are authors, leaders, and strong men of faith. To kick it off, we are interviewing Mr. Joshua Ryan Butler to discuss his new book. God is on Your Side: How Jesus is for You When Everything Seems Against You.  In this episode, we explore what it really means to receive from Jesus instead of striving on our own. From the healing at the pool in John 5 to the picture of Barabbas' pardon, we talk about how the gospel frees us from self-sufficiency, restores us in our failures, and feeds us when we feel empty. Together we wrestle with why we resist His help, how to cultivate spiritual hunger in a distracted world, and what it looks like to let Jesus shepherd us through shame, wounds, and wilderness seasons. It's my prayer that this episode encourages you to believe God is on your side.   Episode Highlights: The Lord's love is a freely given love. Earthly relationships may feel transactional, but God offers freedom from the burden of that. Our God is accessible and He wants to redeem the broken parts of our lives.    Quotes from Today's Episode: "God is on your side, particularly when it most feels like life is against you." - Josh Ryan Butler "Before I called you to use you, I called you to love you." - Josh Ryan Butler "In the darkest moments, I found God ministering to me through His word and Spirit." - Josh Ryan Butler "Jesus calls himself the bread of life, and the only requirement to come is that you're hungry and thirsty." - Josh Ryan Butler "Our deepest hunger is meant to drive us towards God first and foremost." - Josh Ryan Butler "God's no to our sin is embedded within His bigger yes to who we are created to be." - Josh Ryan Butler We live in a culture where everybody is rewarded for what they do, and it's hard to believe that God just loves us." - Dr. Kim "It's almost like it's too good to be true, but it is true." - Dr. Kim Go Deeper: Are there parts of your life or your heart you feel like you need to keep hidden from the Lord? When's the last time you felt lonely or alone? Are there places in your life you're denying restoration because you're stuck in the cycle of shame?   Mentioned in this Episode: Find Joshua Ryan Butler on Instagram. Buy his book: God is on Your Side: How Jesus is for You When Everything Seems Against You Dr. Kim is on Substack. Dr. Kim goes broader than just marriage. You can get wisdom, personal stories, and godly encouragement from him weekly. Sign up today!

Zach Rippey explores the wild spiritual truths surrounding the biblical figure Barabbas and his connection to Jesus. Why did MAN choose the wrong Jesus? Or was this an even deeper representation of the Father's love for us? The conversation also highlights Josiah Queen's song 'I Am Barabbas' and its powerful message of redemption, as well as reflections on the film 'The Passion of the Christ' and its impact on understanding the sacrifice of Jesus. We will unpack the Actor who played Barabbas, a goosebump-level faith conversion that sparked from a LOOK from Jesus!*Apologize about the video and audio being a tad out of synch, still trying to figure out my home studio setup and new software being used. Full video by Judah Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E4Pdik0wuY#Christian #Jesus #biblestudy Support the Show:

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ⇒ Get a copy of the MM Companion Journal: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/journal ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Mark 15:6–15 - Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. [7] And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. [8] And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. [9] And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” [10] For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. [11] But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. [12] And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” [13] And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” [14] And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” [15] So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ⇒ Join the MMM Prayer Team: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/PrayerTeam ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Mark 15:6–15 - Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. [7] And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. [8] And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. [9] And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” [10] For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. [11] But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. [12] And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” [13] And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” [14] And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” [15] So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 14; Jeremiah 22; Pssalm 112; John 18 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, where we journey through the Scriptures together, one day at a time. In today's episode, host Hunter guides us through the reading for August 16th, beginning with the turbulent days of Judah's exile in 2 Kings 24, followed by Jeremiah's passionate call for justice and covenant faithfulness in chapter 22. We find encouragement and wisdom in Psalm 112, celebrating the blessings of those who walk in God's ways. Our journey culminates in John 18, as we witness the dramatic arrest and trial of Jesus, and are confronted with the powerful choice between two very different Jesuses—Barabbas, the insurrectionist, or Jesus, the Messiah who offers a radically different, self-giving way. Hunter invites us to reflect on which “Jesus” we choose to follow—not just in theory, but in the real, daily choices of our lives. The episode closes with time for silent reflection, heartfelt prayers for peace and unity, and a reminder that we are all held in the steadfast love of God. So settle in as we read, meditate, and pray together—seeking to know, trust, and embody the way of Jesus, the One who is love. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Two Jesuses stand before the crowd. Pilate offers a choice: Jesus the Messiah, or Jesus Barabbas—the insurrectionist. One, an agent of violence and revolt, seeking to overthrow enemies by force. The other, the true King—one who tells his followers to put away their swords, who chooses the path of suffering love, who proclaims a kingdom not of this world. This is the radical contrast at the heart of today's reading. Jesus does not call us to rise up in violence, to grasp at power, or to secure our futures by worldly means. He calls us instead to the self-giving, radically forgiving, co-suffering way of the cross. His is a kingdom that is wholly “other”—marked not by domination or fear, but by resurrection life born out of sacrifice and love. The crowd was tempted—and we are too—to choose the easier way, the seemingly practical way. We hear the voices: “The Jesus way isn't realistic. That's not how the world works.” Even Scripture can be twisted to justify choosing a Barabbas instead of the true King. It's telling: the Bible people of Jesus' day stirred up the crowd for the wrong messiah. But Jesus stands before us today, as he did before Pilate, offering us another kind of kingdom. He invites us to a life not marked by winning at any cost, but by loving self-sacrificially. He invites us out of the cycles of the world's kingdoms—out of violence, revenge, and self-interest—into his new and living way. This is the only way out; it's the only way forward. And it is a daily choice. Will we embrace the self-giving, radically forgiving way of Jesus, or find reasons to excuse ourselves from it? Will we choose the suffering, self-emptying King, or just another Barabbas? Today, I choose what the crowd did not. I choose Jesus. I choose the path he has shown—the way of surrender, trust, and love. I choose his truth. I choose his life. I choose the God who is love. That's the prayer I have for my soul. And that's my prayer for my family—my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that's the prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord of heaven and earth, you have awakened us in your mercy once more. Still our anxious minds, quiet our striving hearts and help us to rest in the knowledge that we are held by you. May we walk in step with your spirit today. Not ahead, not behind, but beside you in trust and love through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God of all peoples, you formed every soul in your image and breathed life into every heart. Open the eyes of the nations, soften hearts grown cold and teach us to live as neighbors and friends. Let your spirit move in power. Renew the face of the earth and usher in your reign of peace. Amen. And now, Lord, let me be a bearer of your peace. Where voices divide, let me speak grace where fear takes root, Let me plant trust where the world rushes on, let me walk with you. May I seek not to climb, but to kneel. Not to win, but to love. Not to grasp, but to give. For it is in emptying that we are filled in surrender, that we are strengthened and in union with you. That we find our truest joy. 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. 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  

FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Christians and the political world will always intersect. Christians need to understand politics better. Plus instant sermon questions like: What does it mean that God chose a people, and why does it matter? How do we choose a church? Is jealousy a sin? Can we fear and love God at the same time? Finally, Pilate gave Barabbas the gift of life. Jesus offers you eternal life. Receive His gift!