Podcasts about because christ

Paul closes 1 Corinthians with a powerful reminder that our Christian life begins, continues, and matures only by the grace of Jesus Christ. We are saved by grace, sustained by grace, and transformed by grace. His final prayer, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you,” points believers back to their continual need for Christ's grace every day. Paul also ends with, “My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” Though much of the letter contained correction and rebuke, it was ultimately written out of deep love for the church. His desire was not merely to correct behavior, but to help believers know the risen Christ and live lives that reflect His love. Because Christ is risen and will come again, the church is called to be a people of practical love, a love that gives generously, honors others selflessly, and stands firm in truth and faithfulness. Grace fuels this kind of love, and through it, God shapes His people into the likeness of Christ.

Guest speaker and MBC World Partner Eric Yee opens Matthew's Gospel by showing how the genealogy of Jesus is not a passage to skip, but a powerful “season one recap” of God's redemptive story. From Abraham to David, from exile to Christ, Matthew shows that God always keeps his word, sovereignly came through sinners for sinners, and began a new creation in Jesus. This message connects the family line of Christ to the mission of God among the nations, reminding us that Jesus is the long-awaited Son of Abraham, Son of David, and Savior of sinners from every tribe, tongue, and people. Because Christ has come, may we trust God's promises, rejoice in his mercy, and live as a new-creation people sent for the sake of the gospel.

This week, Pastor Chris continued in our Driven by Eternity series with a message from 1 Thessalonians 5. The apostle Paul calls believers to live prepared for the return of Christ, recognizing that the Day of the Lord will come suddenly, unexpectedly, and with unavoidable judgment. Rather than speculating about dates and times, Christians are to live with expectancy, walk as children of light, remain spiritually awake and sober, and stand firm in faith, love, and the hope of salvation. Because Christ has secured our salvation through His death and resurrection, we are also called to encourage and build one another up as we await His glorious return.

This sermon from Matthew 5:21–26 explores how Jesus transforms our understanding of anger, judgment, and righteousness in the Kingdom of God. Jesus moves beyond the external command “do not murder” and reveals that the heart behind our actions matters, exposing how anger, insults, and self-righteous judgment can separate us from others and from God. He calls His people not only to avoid harm but to pursue reconciliation, humility, and restored relationships before worship. Through the story of an RV and the weight of feeling betrayed, the sermon reveals how easily we hold others to debts they cannot repay while forgetting the greater truth that we ourselves have a debt of sin we could never repay. Yet the gospel declares that Jesus, the perfect Judge and Savior, paid our debt through His sacrifice, freeing us from both the burden of condemnation and the desire to condemn others. Because Christ has forgiven us, we are called to live as citizens of His Kingdom: reconciled, humble, forgiving, and trusting that our ultimate justice is found in Him.

The gospel is so glorious and precious that neutrality is never an option when it is under attack. In 1 Timothy 1:18–20, Paul charges Timothy to "wage the good warfare" by holding fast to faith and a good conscience while confronting false teaching and unrepentant sin. This responsibility does not belong to pastors alone; the whole church must stand with the gospel. Paul's example of Hymenaeus and Alexander shows that when professing believers abandon the gospel in belief or behavior, the church must practice discipline, not out of malice, but out of love and a desire for restoration. Because Christ shed His blood for His church, believers must remain loyal to the gospel, even when faithfulness is costly.

William Taylor - Death raises questions that every generation has faced: Is this really the end? What happens to those we love? In this passage, Paul points us to a hope that rests not on wishful thinking but on the risen Jesus. Because Christ died and rose again, those who belong to him have a future beyond the grave. Paul lifts our eyes to the day when Jesus will return, the dead will be raised, and God's people will be reunited with him forever. In a world marked by loss and uncertainty, these promises offer a deep and lasting hope that changes how we face both death and life today.

William Taylor - Death raises questions that every generation has faced: Is this really the end? What happens to those we love? In this passage, Paul points us to a hope that rests not on wishful thinking but on the risen Jesus. Because Christ died and rose again, those who belong to him have a future beyond the grave. Paul lifts our eyes to the day when Jesus will return, the dead will be raised, and God's people will be reunited with him forever. In a world marked by loss and uncertainty, these promises offer a deep and lasting hope that changes how we face both death and life today.

A gathered church becomes an outpost of heaven when it learns to see the world through God’s perspective rather than through fear, anxiety, and manipulation. Fear seeks to convince people that their future is doomed, but the gospel announces that Jesus Christ has conquered death and secured a greater future for those who belong to Him. Because Christ reigns, believers can live with confidence even when the world around them appears unstable. A gathered church lives under a different King and interprets the world through a different story. After Peter and John were threatened by the authorities, the believers responded by praying Scripture. They recognized that earthly rulers may appear powerful, but they remain subject to God’s purposes. As the church prayed Psalm 2, they saw that opposition against God’s people was not evidence that God had lost control. It was confirmation that God’s plan was continuing exactly as He had declared. A gathered church hosts a different presence than the world. When the believers prayed for boldness, God responded by shaking the place where they were assembled. The emphasis was not on a sacred building but on a gathered people among whom God’s presence was active. “This becomes the embassy of heaven.” In God’s presence, fear loses its grip, minds are renewed, and people begin to see reality through the lens of His kingdom. A gathered church receives fresh empowerment for mission. The believers who were already filled with the Holy Spirit were filled again and began speaking God’s Word with boldness. The Spirit’s power is not given merely for personal experiences but for serving others, proclaiming the gospel, and drawing people into the kingdom of God. The church becomes an outpost of heaven when ordinary believers carry God’s presence into the world and invite others to encounter the living Christ. The post An Outpost of Heaven appeared first on Revival Life Church Boca Raton, FL.

This week, Pastor Chris continued in our Driven by Eternity series with a message of hope. In a world marked by loss, uncertainty, and grief, believers are called to live with a confident expectation rooted in the promises of God. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, Paul reminds us that our hope is grounded in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, giving us assurance even in the face of death. Because Christ will return and gather His people to Himself forever, we can grieve with hope, stand firm in faith, and encourage one another with the certainty of His coming.

Because Christ is our greatest treasure, we can joyfully seek His glory above our own desires, whether by life or by death.

In Christ, the “excellent” woman of Proverbs 31 is not an impossible ideal. 1. Because Christ is our righteousness. 2. Because Christ is our sanctification.Time:MorningMinister:Rev. Caleb KosTexts:Proverbs 31:10–31

Send us Fan MailThe hardest seasons of life can make you wonder if God has gone quiet or if you did something wrong. We go straight at that fear by walking through the Book of Job and the idea of the refiner's fire: what if your suffering is not proof of abandonment, but a setting where God is shaping something holier in you? Job is called “perfect and upright,” yet he still loses nearly everything. That alone dismantles the myth that righteousness guarantees comfort, and it opens a better question: what kind of person can we become when life is stripped down to the bone?We talk about covenant faithfulness that is not transactional, the kind of trust that says, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” We explore why God often gives perspective instead of explanations, how discipleship can require trust before understanding, and how trials can remove pride, control, and self-sufficiency so dependence on Jesus Christ can finally take root. Along the way, we connect Job's journey to modern scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants and to Joseph Smith's experience in Liberty Jail, where suffering is met with eternal perspective rather than instant relief.We also look at why Job powerfully points to Jesus Christ: innocent suffering, rejection, grief, silence, and endurance. Because Christ descended below all things, He understands every form of pain and can sanctify what we cannot fix today. You'll leave with five concrete practices for enduring trials without becoming bitter, staying turned toward God, and anchoring your identity in Christ instead of circumstances. Subscribe for more, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with the lesson from Job you're trying to live right now.Support the showYou can reach me anytime at email: tandrewsen.monat@gmail.comInstagram @toddtalks_ig

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike looks at Galatians 2:17–21 and the incredible freedom believers have in Christ. Jesus not only paid the penalty for our sins through His death on the cross, but He also broke sin's power over our lives. Because Christ lives in us through His Spirit, we are now able to live for God in a way we never could before. The Christian life is not primarily about keeping rules; it is about living in a relationship with the risen Christ, who empowers us to walk in faith and obedience.

If you've heard this your whole life and you know it, then why aren't you doing it? Many believers know the words of Jesus: "You are the light of the world." We've heard the scripture, memorized the verses, and learned the lessons. Yet knowing the truth and living the truth are not the same thing. In this message, Justin Younger challenges us to move beyond familiarity and examine whether the light of Christ is truly shining through every area of our lives. Because Christ lives in us, we are called to be His light in a dark world. There is no mixture between light and darkness, and every believer has been called to be a witness, not just with words, but through the way we live. From our homes and families to our workplaces and daily relationships, our lives are constantly pointing people toward either the light of Christ or the darkness of this world. The answer to darkness is not complaining about it - it is allowing the light of Jesus to shine brighter through us. This message is a call to personal responsibility, spiritual examination, and renewed intimacy with Jesus. If you've heard these scriptures your whole life, the question remains: What are you doing with what you know? The Roads Church - https://theroads.church

John reminds us that God is love, and because He has loved us, we also ought to love one another. This is not a love based on feelings or emotions, but a self-sacrificing, servant-hearted love that we see most clearly in the person and work of Jesus. In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Jesus showed us what perfect love looks like. He loved people nobody expected Him to love, loved people up close and personal, loved people others had written off, loved people who thought they were too sinful to be loved, and loved people who failed Him. Perfect love moves toward people, makes contact, pursues restoration, and refuses to give up on those who need grace. Because Christ first loved us, we now have the opportunity to love others the same way. The way we love one another is the most honest picture of how we love God. Perfect love is not something we earn; it is something we receive from Jesus and then extend to others.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/puyC2NsIeqkSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_

Because Christ will restore creation and dwell with his people forever, we must anchor our hope in the future he promises. Revelation 21:1–22:21 (ESV): 21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” 9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— 13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. 17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel's measurement. 18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. 22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. 22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. 6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” 7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” 10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” 12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. 18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

Believers from every background have been brought from death to life through the grace of Jesus Christ and united as one family. Because Christ has broken down the barriers that once divided people, we are called to love one another with genuine devotion, accepting one another, bearing one another's burdens, and building one another up. We're not in a club, we're in a family. As members of God's family, we reflect the love and unity that Christ has shown to us.

Welcome to your daily devotion for June 6, 2026. Today, Pastor Balla shares "The Lord Gives the Word" from Psalm 68:11–14. In this powerful Christian devotional and Bible study, we celebrate that victory belongs to God alone. The Lord gives the Word, and the news spreads: enemies flee, and spoil is divided. This psalm points directly to the greatest victory in history—Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. On Easter morning, faithful women were the first to proclaim that Christ had risen, conquering sin, death, and the devil. The Church today continues announcing this good news to all nations. Because Christ wins the battle, His people receive the spoils: forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life. If you need hope in dark times, trust that the Lord has already spoken the decisive Word. Please like, share, and subscribe for more daily devotions. Support this ministry at https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph or visit https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph. Thank you for listening—God's Peace be with you.Hashtags:#Psalm68 #TheLordGivesTheWord #DailyDevotion #PastorBalla #VictoryInChrist

How to Have Hope When Death & Fear Feel Overwhelming 1 Corinthians 15:50–58 is the topic that will be discussed today on RIOT Podcast, a Christian Discipleship Podcast. When life feels uncertain, where can you find a hope that cannot be shaken? In this week’s episode of the Riot Podcast, we conclude our journey through one of the most powerful chapters in all of Scripture 1 Corinthians 15. In these final verses, Paul reveals a breathtaking truth that changes everything: because Jesus Christ rose from the dead, death does not have the final word. The world is filled with uncertainty, suffering, loss, sickness, and fear. Many people spend their lives trying to avoid thinking about death or searching for security in things that cannot last. But Paul points believers to a greater hope, one that is not rooted in circumstances, emotions, or wishful thinking, but in the victory of the resurrected Christ. In this episode, we explore: Why every believer must be transformed to inherit God’s eternal Kingdom The mystery Paul reveals about Christ’s return and the resurrection What it means to be changed “in the twinkling of an eye” Why immortality is central to Christian hope How Christianity offers transformation, not merely self-improvement Why Christians can face death differently than the world How Jesus removed the sting of death through His victory over sin The ultimate victory believers have through Christ Why resurrection hope produces steadfastness, courage, and purpose today How to remain faithful when fear, suffering, and uncertainty feel overwhelming Paul’s triumphant declaration still echoes through history: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” Because Jesus conquered the grave: Fear does not have to control you Death does not have to terrify you Suffering is not meaningless Your future is secure in Christ Your labor for the Lord is never in vain The resurrection is not merely a future promise, it is present hope. It changes how we face loss, hardship, uncertainty, and even death itself. If you’ve ever struggled with fear about the future, anxiety about death, or questions about eternity, this episode will encourage your heart and strengthen your faith. Because Christ is risen, hope is alive. Thanks for listening and don’t forget to: Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram Subscribe to our Youtube Channel Follow us on Rumble The RIOT PODCAST is a listener-supported podcast: Donate Now

This week, Pastor Z from our Fairview Heights campus reminded us that we were created for a purpose greater than ourselves: to bring God glory. Through personal stories, Scripture, and the Gospel, we were challenged to remember that God is sovereign, present, and actively at work in our lives. Because Christ came, died, and rose again to save us, we now have the responsibility and privilege of making the Gospel known to others. As Isaiah 43:7 reminds us, we were created for His glory, and our lives should point people back to Him. Join us in the LSM Building every Tuesday at 7 p.m., and follow us on Instagram @lyahampton for more updates.

How Christians Fight Anxiety with the Promises of God Show: Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins Episode: How Christians Fight Anxiety with the Promises of God Date: June 4, 2026 Show Summary Anxiety is one of the most common struggles believers face today, yet Scripture teaches that believers overcome anxious thoughts by trusting the Lord, resting in His promises, and depending on Him in prayer. In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins explains how Philippians 4:6–7 calls believers to bring their fears, worries, and concerns before the Lord and trust His sovereign care. This episode explores how biblical peace flows from trusting the character of God, how Christians should respond to fear, and why the gospel anchors believers in seasons of uncertainty. Audio Player Video Player Why Christians Need God's Promises in Times of Anxiety Anxiety affects people of every age and stage of life. Concerns about health, finances, relationships, work, family, and the future can quickly consume our thoughts and rob us of peace. While the world often encourages self-reliance or positive thinking as solutions, Scripture directs believers to look beyond themselves and trust in the Lord. The Bible teaches that peace is not found in controlling circumstances but in knowing and trusting the God who rules over all things. Through prayer, believers bring their fears before the Lord and remember His faithfulness, wisdom, and care. God's promises provide stability when life feels uncertain and remind Christians that they are never outside of His sovereign hand. In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains how believers can fight anxiety with the promises of God by bringing their concerns to the Lord in prayer, resting in His character, and remembering the hope found in Christ. Rather than being controlled by fear, Christians are called to trust the God who is wise, faithful, and good. The peace God provides is rooted not in changing circumstances but in His unchanging nature. How This Episode Helps Believers This episode is designed to help Christians think biblically about anxiety and respond to it in a God-honoring way. Rather than turning first to worldly wisdom or self-reliance, believers are encouraged to look to the Lord and His Word for lasting hope and peace. Scripture teaches that God is not distant from His people. He knows their fears, understands their struggles, and invites them to cast their cares upon Him. As believers meditate on God's promises and bring their concerns before Him in prayer, they learn to trust His sovereign purposes even when circumstances remain difficult. The truths discussed in this episode provide practical encouragement for daily life and remind Christians that their confidence rests not in themselves but in the faithfulness of God. Because Christ has secured our salvation through His life, death, and resurrection, believers can face uncertainty with confidence and hope. Biblical Hope for Anxious Hearts One of the greatest comforts for believers is knowing that God has not left His people without help in their struggles. Throughout Scripture, the Lord repeatedly calls His people to trust Him, remember His faithfulness, and rest in His promises. Anxiety often causes people to focus on what might happen tomorrow, but the Word of God continually directs believers back to the character of God and His care for His children. Jesus addressed this issue directly in Matthew 6 when He taught His disciples not to be anxious about their lives. He pointed them to the Father's provision for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field as evidence of God's loving care. If God faithfully provides for His creation, believers can trust that He knows their needs and will sustain them according to His perfect wisdom. For Christians, hope is not found in the absence of difficulty but in the presence of God. The Lord remains faithful in every circumstance, and His promises never fail. Even when fears persist and circumstances remain uncertain, believers can find confidence in the God who is sovereign, good, and worthy of trust. This confidence does not eliminate every struggle, but it anchors the heart in the truth of God's Word and the finished work of Christ. Key Scriptures Philippians 4:6–7 1 Peter 5:7 Matthew 6:25–34 Fight Anxiety with the Promises of God Why anxious thoughts should be redirected through prayer How Scripture steadies fearful hearts The difference between worldly peace and biblical peace Why Christians can trust God's sovereign character How the gospel gives lasting hope in fearful seasons Reflection Question Where are you tempted to trust your fears more than God's promises? Call to Action For more biblical teaching and encouragement, visit Anchored in the Word. Subscribe to the Servants of Grace YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/servantsofgrace

In Romans 13:8-14, Paul reminds believers that we belong to Jesus and therefore belong to a different Day. Because Christ has come, is reigning, and is coming again, our lives should increasingly reflect the realities of His coming Kingdom. This message explores how Christians are called to love, wake up, and walk as people of the Day rather than people of the night.5 Things You'll Learn:Why love is the one debt Christians never fully repay.How loving our neighbor fulfills God's law.What Paul means when he says, “Salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”How spiritual distraction can cause us to sleepwalk through the Christian life.What it practically means to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and live as people of the coming Day.Support our mission and learn more atwww.alloflife.churchGive to the work of the gospel herewww.alloflife.churchcenter.com/giving

Because Christ is ultimate, singleness is not a problem to fix, a season to waste, or a sign that someone is incomplete. Whether singleness lasts a season or a lifetime, our identity, fulfillment, intimacy, purpose, and hope are ultimately found in Jesus, not in a relationship status.

What does it truly mean to be the church? This powerful exploration of Ephesians 4 reveals that we are not mere spectators in a Sunday gathering, but vital members of a living body with Christ as our head. The passage challenges us to move beyond consumer Christianity toward genuine contribution and commitment. We discover that the church's anatomy is intentional: Christ directs us as the head, while apostles, prophets, evangelists, and shepherd-teachers equip us—the saints—for ministry. The goal is not building bigger programs or meeting preferences, but growing into the fullness of Christ's maturity. This happens through speaking truth in love, staying anchored in sound doctrine, and each part working properly. In our age of information overload and constant winds of cunning doctrine, we need more Bible, not less. We need deeper roots, not shallow connections. The call is clear: stop drifting, stop consuming, and start contributing your unique gifts—your time, talent, and treasure—to build up the body in love. Because Christ's body was broken for us, we too are called to pour ourselves out for one another.

The End of the World Jonathan Parnell Download Psalm 97,The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;let the many coastlands be glad!2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.3 Fire goes before himand burns up his adversaries all around.4 His lightnings light up the world;the earth sees and trembles.5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,before the Lord of all the earth.6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,and all the peoples see his glory.7 All worshipers of images are put to shame,who make their boast in worthless idols;worship him, all you gods!8 Zion hears and is glad,and the daughters of Judah rejoice,because of your judgments, O Lord.9 For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;you are exalted far above all gods.10 O you who love the Lord, hate evil!He preserves the lives of his saints;he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.11 Light is sown for the righteous,and joy for the upright in heart.12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!This morning I want to talk to you about the end of the world. For as long as there has been a world, humanity has been fascinated with this topic. This has been true of cultures all over the world all throughout history — from Ancient Mesopotamia to Chinese dynasties, from Norse Vikings to sub-Saharan Africa, from medieval Europeans to modern Americans — it's a human thing to wonder about the world's end.And in the Bible itself, the end of the world was on the table right away!In the Book of Genesis, just five chapters in, the Flood could have been the final judgment to end the world — and it would have been if not for the mercy of God!But because of God's mercy, and because of his patience (the apostle Peter tells us), the final end of the world has been delayed. Still.But the end is coming, and that's what I want to talk about this morning. And the real reason I wanna talk about the end of the world is because it's the topic of Psalm 97.There are three parts to the psalm, and I'm gonna title each part with what its mainly about:Part 1, verses 1–6 is Christ will come again.Part 2, verses 7–9 is Every human will respond. Part 3, verses 10–12 is How God's people live in the meantime.We're gonna spend most of our time on Part 3, but first Part 1.1. Christ will come again (vv. 1–6)Psalm 97, verse 1 just picks up where Psalm 96 left off. Psalm 96 envisions all of creation rejoicing, and the last verse of Psalm 96 explains why. This rejoicing is, verse 13,“…before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.”97:1, then, says: Yes, that's right, the Lord reigns and all the earth rejoices, even the coastlands. That's the deepest corners of the earth. The parts way out there.Then verses 2–5 describe the coming of God with this intense imagery. Listen to this: clouds and thick darkness. A throne of righteousness and justice. Fire going before him, consuming his adversaries. Lightning flashes. The earth itself trembles. Mountains melt like wax.To a casual reader, this sounds like a really bad thunderstorm. But when we have the whole Bible in mind, we can pick up the allusion to Mount Sinai. Mount Sinai was when God came down on the mountain to give the law: Exodus 19:18,“Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly.”Deuteronomy 4:11,“the mountain burned with fire to the heart of heaven, wrapped in darkness, cloud, and gloom.”The Final TheophanyThis was an amazing moment in history. The word for it is a ‘theophany' — which means a God-appearing. That's what Sinai was.And now Psalm 97 is describing another theophany — it's a future, final God-appearing, that's envisioned to be like Sinai!That's because the Original Law-Giver and the Final Judge are the same. That's why the imagery is the same, except in this future, final appearing, God comes in the person of Jesus Christ. We know this from the New Testament: John 5:11,“The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son.”Matthew 24:30,“Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”2 Thessalonians 1:7,“the Lord Jesus [will be] revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire…”The end of the world is now what we call the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The God who once descended on Sinai in clouds and fire will appear again finally in the person of Christ, and “every eye will see him” — Revelation 1:7. Everybody will see him, and everybody will respond, one way or another. That's Part 2.2. Every human will respond (vv. 7–9) Humanity is divided into two categories that will be clearest on the final day of judgment.Jesus has called these categories the wheat and the tares. The Psalms use the language of the righteous and the wicked. The New Testament draws the line as between believers and unbelievers — those who are in Christ and those who are not. And when Jesus comes back every eye will see him — those who have been united to him by faith and those who have rejected him. They all will see him, but they're gonna respond differently. Shame for IdolatersVerse 7 tells us the unbelievers (those who reject Christ) will be put to shame — but here they're described as the “worshipers of images” … as those who “boast in worthless idols.” Which is a good reminder! I want you to get this: there is really no such thing as an unbeliever. Everybody believes in something. The question is never if you believe, but who you believe in. So, unbelievers are always more accurately called “idolaters.” They've chosen to reject the one true God, and instead, they've replaced him with some other ‘little-g god' — and for the last hundred years in our society, the ‘little-g god' of choice is the Modern Self. That's the point of theologian Carl Trueman's book, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self (it's a helpful book written a few years ago).In one sense, modern idolatry is as old as it comes — our society has “exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen” — that's Romans 1:25.But what makes us different today is that, with our technologies, we have said, “I will make myself like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:14) …So we want to create human life … We want to determine our own sexuality …We want to invent our own morality … We want to become super human in our daily lives and live longer than ever … We even want to have the final say on when and how we die … The whole thing is about putting Self in the place of God.That's what transhumanism is — it starts with the myth of exclusive humanism (that's the idea that there is no God, but only us). That paves the way for the idolatry of the Self — the idea that “We are all God.” And right now, it's just so clear that's what's going on. If you look around in our culture, the idolatry of Self is having its moment. But on the day Jesus returns, at the end of the world, every unbeliever/every idolater/everyone who rejects Jesus will be put to shame. That means eternal regret. They will hate the choices they have made. The lies they have embraced will be exposed. And the demonic forces behind the idolatry will also bow the knee in submission to Jesus! (That's the end of verse 7.) The Day is coming. Joy for BelieversBut now in verse 8 notice the contrast to believers, to those who trust in Christ — that's who Zion and Judah represent. It's the people of God. Zion is glad! The daughters of Judah rejoice! And the mention of “daughters” in verse 8 is an idiom for villages or small towns. (This is an insight from Christopher Ash.) He says the idea here is that it's not just the capital city, Zion, that rejoices, but it's all believers everywhere! Even what might seem like the smallest outpost of kingdom of Christ, even the parts way out there, like in the middle of North America — on that day we're all rejoicing together … believers from “every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” … We will all say, “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory!” (Revelation 7:9; 19:7). On that day, verse 9 will be the clearest reality of all:“For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;you are exalted far above all gods.”In other words, Jesus has ultimate supremacy … “every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11).This is what Psalm 97 is getting at. In summary, Psalm 97:1–9 is the Christian hope in a nutshell: One day Jesus is coming back in judgment and salvation — judgment for those who reject him and salvation for those who trust him. And by his grace, church, we trust him. We will rejoice on that day. We will love his future, final appearing! Amen.The big question now is: How do we live in the meantime?3. How do God's people live in the meantime?Now this is the church's question. We ask it together, and the New Testament is all about it. But verses 10–12 in Psalm 97 give us a pretty good answer, and that's what I wanna show you. But I want to help you bring it down more personally. This is a topic that can be so out there and theoretical, but don't let it be. I want you to think, right now: Jesus is coming back one day. Now ask yourself this question: What does God want me to do in this life? How should I live in the meantime?According to verses 10, 11, 12, we see at least three answers. First is this:1. Lead a moral life.This is verse 10, and it's one you need to see. So everybody help me out. Find Psalm 97, verse 10:“O you who love the Lord, hate evil!”“Hate evil” — this is a command, and it's one that we are not set up well to understand. That's because “hate” is a biblically strong word that we use too commonly. And “evil” is a biblically common word that we use too strongly. That make sense? We've weakened the word hate and narrowed the word evil. So we have to slow down and think about this.To hate something is to have an intense hostility against it. It's not a mood, it's a conviction. We shouldn't casually throw the word around about food or weather or sports teams. And evil is anything that defies the moral will of God — anything that is a deprivation or distortion of God's goodness. It's not just the worst, most horrible things nobody likes to talk about. But truly, sin, of every kind, is evil. See, we often define evil horizontally: we think it has to do with how much hurt it causes other people. But the Bible, first, defines evil vertically: the issue is what it says about God.Evil is evil because it defies him, it rejects him, it dishonors him. This is why we must have a God-centered morality.Right and wrong, good and evil, is not whatever you want it to be in the moment. But good and evil — the moral framework of reality — is an objective standard determined by the righteousness of God, and he has revealed this to us as his moral will in Scripture. What a gift!God guides us how to live in harmony with his holiness. He shows us how to lead a moral life, which means we hate evil. I think this is one of the greatest needs in our day for the church's witness. We need moral clarity — the ability to recognize evil, the courage to call evil evil, and the God-centered conviction to hate evil.And that means the evil out there, but it starts first with the evil within our own hearts. It's been said that many Christians today are soft on evil. And wherever that's true, my theory is that we're soft on evil culturally because we're soft on evil personally, and we're soft on evil personally because our vision of God is small … Wherever our understanding of God's glory is frail, and our commitment to his word is weak, we will get this wrong.And if we're ever gonna experience true revival, in our church, in this country, it will include a recovery here. Spurgeon put it plainly. He said, “We cannot love God without hating what he hates.”Until Jesus returns, in the meantime, we're called … you're called … to lead a moral life.Second thing to do in the meantime …2. Lead a hopeful life. This is verse 11:“Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.”A few years back, the Holy Spirit made this verse pop off the page to me. I wrote it out on a notecard and put it on my desk. I think it's a glorious sentence. Notice first that it's an agricultural metaphor, which we see a lot of in Scripture. Light and joy are sown. The focus is on planting, on sowing, but the words “light” and “joy” sound more like a harvest. How do you sow light? How do you plant joy? You don't. You sow something else that, in the moment of sowing, looks different from what you hope it will become.I just re-seeded my front yard. Tall fescue grass: Thick, forest-green blades, cool to the touch on the hottest summer day, firm but humble, durable but inviting, elegant but approachable — oh it will be wonderful! But what I held in my hand, before I dropped it in the ground, looked nothing like that — it looked nothing like what it will become. It was just a seed.That's so much of life, isn't it? Life in this meantime is sowing. It's planting. And a lot of times, we want to judge the future harvest by how the seed looks now. It's such an easy mistake to make. How do we not do that?How can we call it light now in the sowing? How can we call it joy now? The answer is hope. Our hope is in the harvest, and it's so sure — God's promise is so certain — we can say the light is in the ground. The joy is coming, and it's already here. That's what it means to lead a hopeful life.Third thing to do in the meantime …3. Lead a thankful life.This is verse 12:“Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!”Rejoicing and thanksgiving — it's the same idea. We rejoice in God and we give him thanks in response to who he is and what he's done. Now, I'm just going to use the word thankful because it's the last word in verse 12 and it encapsulates joy. Thankfulness includes joy. And this is such a fitting way to conclude Psalm 97, and really, to conclude everything. For everyone who trusts in Christ, thankfulness will be the posture of our hearts at the end of the world. We begin doing now what we will do forever. We're called to lead a thankful life today: Colossians 3:15,“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… And be thankful.”1 Thessalonians 5:18,“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”Now, how do we do that? What does it look like to lead a thankful life?I think it comes down to the discipline of daily thankfulness.Very practically, just imagine how you start and end your days. You wake up every morning. We all start there. Now what if, first thing in the morning, when you're awake for your brain to work, you thanked God? Thank him for something specific — a provision, a gift, an experience. Start by thanking him. And then that night, with your head on your pillow, when God has brought you through another day, you end your day by thanking him for it. Even when things are tough, when things go sideways, in the full assessment of everything, there's a reason to be thankful. Give God thanks as you fall asleep, give God thanks when you wake up — and if you do that everyday that becomes a thankful life. It will be a life that honors God until that final day when we step into the eternal morning. This is how we live as we wait for the end of the world, because, as Psalm 97 shows us: Because Christ will come again. And every human will respond to his final appearing, either in shame or joy. And until that day, in the meantime, lead a moral life, lead a hopeful life, lead a thankful life.Father in heaven, the life to which you have called us is a life that you create. Thank you for the Holy Spirit! Thank you for his presence and power day by day, moment by moment. We need him. Thank you that your Spirit brought us from death to life through the gospel. Thank you that he opened our eyes to see Jesus and to know your great love for us.Thank you for the hope that your Spirit guarantees in our hearts — the hope that Jesus will return and make all things new. We long for that day. And we pray, with the apostle John, Come, Lord Jesus!In his name, amen.

Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11; St. John 7:37-52; 8:12 Pentecost reveals the God who never ceases to act for our salvation, giving His people exactly what they need—from the Law at Sinai, to the Incarnation, Cross, and Resurrection, and finally the gift of the Holy Spirit. The kneeling prayers for the departed flow naturally from Christ's descent into Hades, for if Christ sought those held by death, His Incarnate Body, the Church, continues to seek them through prayer and love. We pray for the departed not because we possess a detailed map of the afterlife, but because Christians imitate Christ, whose love always seeks healing, relief, and salvation for all.  Enjoy the show! --- Today we celebrate Holy Pentecost. And when we celebrate Pentecost, we are celebrating much more than a single event in Jerusalem nearly two thousand years ago. We are celebrating the God who never ceases to act for our salvation. When Moses encountered God in the burning bush and asked His name, God answered: "I AM WHO I AM." This is not merely a statement about existence. It is a revelation of who God is. He is not distant. He is not passive. He is not absent. He is the living God who is always present and always acting. Throughout the history of salvation, whenever humanity has been in need, God has provided exactly what was needed for our healing and salvation. When the children of Israel were enslaved, He delivered them. When they wandered in the wilderness, He fed them. When they thirsted, He gave them water. When they were attacked, He defended them. When they were lost, He guided them. And when they needed protection from the worst effects of sin and chaos, He gave them the Law. The first Pentecost was the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. And we should remember who it was who appeared there. It was God who spoke to Moses, who appeared in fire and cloud, who gave the Law to Israel, was the pre-incarnate Word of God—the same Christ whom we know from the Gospel. St. Paul tells us that the Law was a guardian and tutor. It restrained evil. It taught obedience. It preserved Israel until the fullness of time should come. The Law was not the final gift. It was the gift God's people needed at that moment. But humanity's deepest problem could not be solved by commandments alone. We needed more than instruction. We needed healing. We needed forgiveness. We needed life. So the same Christ who gave the Law came among us in the flesh. He taught. He healed. He cast out demons. He suffered. He died. He descended into Hades. He rose again. At every stage He was giving humanity what humanity needed. And then, after His Resurrection, He ascended into heaven. At first glance, that seems strange. Would it not have been better if Christ had simply remained visibly among us? Yet He Himself tells the disciples: "It is to your advantage that I go away." Why? Because humanity now needed another gift. The Law had been given. The Incarnation had taken place. The Cross had been accomplished. Death had been trampled down. Now Christ would send the Holy Spirit. At Sinai, the Law was written on tablets of stone. At Pentecost, the Spirit is written upon human hearts. At Sinai, God formed a people. At Pentecost, He fills that people with His own life. At Sinai, God instructed His people from without. At Pentecost, He begins transforming them from within. The Holy Spirit is not an optional addition to the Christian life. He is the very life of the Church. He is the One who unites us to Christ, who makes us temples of God, who heals what is broken, who perfects what is lacking, and who leads us into all truth. Christ ascended so that He might send us exactly what we needed. As St. Nikolai Velimirović loved to remind us, there is no corner of creation into which Christ has not carried His saving love—not Sinai, not Bethlehem, not Golgotha, not the Upper Room, not even Hades itself. And today we celebrate yet another gift that flows from all of this. This afternoon we will kneel for the first time since Pascha. And in the kneeling prayers we pray not only for ourselves. We pray for the departed. To some Christians this seems strange. Why pray for the dead? What can our prayers accomplish? But the answer begins with Christ Himself. Because Christ did not merely die. He descended into Hades. He entered the realm of death itself. As we sing at Pascha: "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life." The Harrowing of Hades was not a symbolic gesture. It was an act of divine love. The Lord entered the place of darkness to bring light. He entered the place of bondage to bring freedom. He entered the place of death to bring life. As St. John Chrysostom proclaims in his Paschal Homily: "Hell was embittered when it encountered Thee below." Death thought it had gained a victim. Instead, it encountered Life Himself. Hades thought it had secured its prisoners. Instead, it found its gates shattered and its captives being led forth into freedom. If Christ Himself went to those held by death, why would we not pray for them? If Christ sought those in Hades, why would His Incarnate Body—the Church—cease to seek them? The prayers for the departed are not an embarrassment or an afterthought. They are one of the most natural consequences of Pascha. They are a continuation of Christ's own work. The Scriptures show us that death does not sever the bonds of love within the Body of Christ. Our God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And those who belong to Him remain alive in Him. We do not claim to know every detail of how God's mercy operates beyond the grave. The Orthodox Church has never attempted to construct a detailed system like the doctrine of Purgatory. We know less than some would like. But we know enough. We know that Christ conquered death. We know that He descended into Hades. We know that love never fails. We know that the Church has always prayed for the departed. We know that the Church's liturgical life—from the ancient Liturgies to the kneeling prayers of Pentecost—bears witness to that practice. And we know that Christians are called to imitate Christ. Ultimately, that is the deepest reason we pray for the dead. Not because we possess a detailed map of the intermediate state. Not because we can explain every mechanism. But because this is what love does. Love intercedes. Love seeks healing. Love seeks relief. Love seeks salvation. Love refuses to abandon those who suffer. This is what Christ does. And therefore it is what Christians do. The same Lord who gave the Law at Sinai, who became incarnate, who died and rose again, who descended into Hades, and who poured out the Holy Spirit upon the Church, continues even now to seek the salvation of all. And He calls us to join Him in that work: to pray, to love, to intercede, to hope, and to trust that the God who has always given His people exactly what they needed continues to pour out His mercy upon the living and the departed alike.

Pastor Davis' sermon on David and Goliath challenges us to recognize that David was not the hero, the Lord was. The central message was that “the battle belongs to the LORD; we simply follow.” Rather than focusing on overcoming the “giants” in our lives through our own strength, the passage calls us to trust God's purposes and faithfulness. While Israel was paralyzed by fear, David stepped forward because he knew God's covenant promises, remembered God's past faithfulness, and trusted that the battle ultimately belonged to the Lord. Today's message also points us to Jesus as the true and better David. Just as David fought on behalf of God's people, Jesus was sent by the Father to win the decisive battle against sin and death for us. Because Christ has already secured the victory, believers can face fearful situations with confidence, remembering God's promises, resting in the gospel, and following Him in obedient faith wherever He leads.

Today, as we come to Philippians 2:12-13, we move from theexample of Christ to the everyday experience of the Christian life. Paul hasjust shown us the humility and obedience of Jesus Christ. Now he tells us howthat same mind of Christ is to be lived out in us. Listen to these powerfulwords in verses 12 and 13: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have alwaysobeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work outyour own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you bothto will and to do for His good pleasure.” Theword “therefore” connects this passage to everything Paul has just saidabout Jesus Christ. Because Christ humbled Himself, obeyed the Father, and gaveHimself for us, we are now to live differently. Paul begins by calling thePhilippians “my beloved.” Oh, what tenderness and affection are found in thesewords from Paul. He loved these believers. Even from prison, his heart was withthem. Thenhe says, “As you have always obeyed.” Obedience is one of the clearestevidences of genuine salvation. Remember, Jesus said in John 14:15, “If youlove Me, keep My commandments.” My friend, true faith always bringsobedience into our lives. As you continue through this verse, Paul wanted theirobedience to continue whether he was present or absent. They were to live forthe approval of God, not for the approval of men. They were to live for thepleasure of God. That is a challenge for all of us today. Sometimes we do rightonly when others are watching. But mature Christianity is doing right when noone is watching because we know God is watching. ThenPaul gives this command: “Work out your own salvation with fear andtrembling.” Now this verse has often been misunderstood. Paul is not sayingthat we work for our salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith. Ephesians2:8-9 says, “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not ofyourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Paulis writing to believers who are already saved. The phrase “work out” meansto bring to completion, to carry something to its intended result. It was usedof working a field or mining out valuable ore. The idea is this: God has placedHis life within you, and now He wants that life expressed through you. Howimportant is this? Salvation is not merely something we possess; it issomething that transforms us daily. The Christian life is not about tryingharder in our own strength. It is about cooperating with what God has alreadyworked within us. Then Paul says we are to do this “with fear andtrembling.” That is not fear of losing our salvation. It is reverence, awe,and seriousness before a holy God. It is recognizing the incredible privilegeand responsibility of belonging to Jesus Christ.  Sowhy should we take the Christian life seriously? Verse 13 gives the answer: “Forit is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Nowthis is an amazing truth. The Christian life is not merely imitation; it isincarnation. Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit. God works in us beforeHe works through us. The word “works” here is related to the word fromwhich we get our English word “energy.” God energizes the believer fromwithin. He gives us the desire to obey Him and the power to obey Him.  Aswe look at this passage of Scripture, Philippians 2:13 reminds us that we arenever alone in the Christian life. God is actively at work within us. Maybetoday you feel weak, discouraged, or spiritually dry. Remember this: if youbelong to Jesus Christ, God has not abandoned you. He is still working in you.Sometimes His work is slow and hidden, but He never stops shaping His children.Like a sculptor chiseling stone, God patiently removes what does not belong inus, and He forms Christ within us. Remember Romans 8:29 says that we arepredestined “to be conformed to the image of His Son.” God's goal for our livesis to make us like Jesus Christ. 

Summary In this sobering message from Psalm 74, Dr. Michael Easley walks through one of the darkest laments in the Psalms—a prayer written from the ruins of devastation, loss, and apparent silence from God. Using the imagery of 9/11, Easley connects the grief of national tragedy with the personal ruins many believers experience through broken relationships, unanswered prayers, suffering, and disappointment. Psalm 74 captures Israel standing amid the destruction of God's sanctuary, asking the painful question: “How long?” The psalmist does not deny God's discipline, but struggles with the feeling that God has forgotten His people forever. Yet in the middle of despair comes a turning point: God is still the eternal King who works deeds of deliverance. Easley highlights the repeated reminders in the psalm—“remember” and “you”—showing how the psalmist clings to God's past faithfulness while pleading for present mercy. Ultimately, the sermon points beyond the ruined temple to Jesus Christ Himself. Just as the sanctuary was destroyed, Christ's body was broken so true worship and eternal life could be restored. This message reminds believers that evil only destroys, but God alone creates, resurrects, redeems, and saves.  Takeaways Psalm 74 gives believers language to pray honestly when God feels distant and suffering feels endless. The psalmist's deepest struggle was not God's discipline, but the fear that God had forgotten His people forever. Repetition in the psalm—especially the words “remember” and “you”—anchors the believer in God's faithfulness during despair. Evil only desecrates and destroys, but God alone creates, restores, and brings life out of death. The destruction of Israel's sanctuary ultimately points forward to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the true worship center of God's people. Because Christ conquered death through resurrection, believers can trust God even when life feels like ruins. To read the Psalms, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Grief is universal. But not all grief is the same.In this message from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14, guest speaker Cornel Rasor opens with a pastoral truth that Paul made plain to the Thessalonians: Christians do not grieve as those who have no hope. The distinction isn't about grieving less—it's about grieving differently. The sorrow is real. The tears are real. But the hopelessness isn't.Rasor walks through what the Thessalonians were actually worried about: would their believing loved ones who had already died miss the glory of Christ's return? Paul's answer, grounded in the resurrection of Jesus, is a resounding no. Because Christ died and rose again, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. The dead in Christ are not behind—they will be coming with Him.Drawing on ancient pagan epitaphs, Ecclesiastes, commentary from Leon Morris, and John 14, Rasor paints a vivid contrast between the despair of a world without resurrection hope and the settled confidence of those who know where their beloved ones are right now—and where they are going.This episode also addresses the harder question: what about loved ones whose salvation is uncertain? Rasor speaks to that grief with care and points believers back to the sovereignty, mercy, and goodness of God.For anyone carrying the weight of loss, this is a message built to hold that weight. ★ Support this podcast ★

Grief is universal. But not all grief is the same.In this message from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14, guest speaker Cornel Rasor opens with a pastoral truth that Paul made plain to the Thessalonians: Christians do not grieve as those who have no hope. The distinction isn't about grieving less—it's about grieving differently. The sorrow is real. The tears are real. But the hopelessness isn't.Rasor walks through what the Thessalonians were actually worried about: would their believing loved ones who had already died miss the glory of Christ's return? Paul's answer, grounded in the resurrection of Jesus, is a resounding no. Because Christ died and rose again, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. The dead in Christ are not behind—they will be coming with Him.Drawing on ancient pagan epitaphs, Ecclesiastes, commentary from Leon Morris, and John 14, Rasor paints a vivid contrast between the despair of a world without resurrection hope and the settled confidence of those who know where their beloved ones are right now—and where they are going.This episode also addresses the harder question: what about loved ones whose salvation is uncertain? Rasor speaks to that grief with care and points believers back to the sovereignty, mercy, and goodness of God.For anyone carrying the weight of loss, this is a message built to hold that weight. ★ Support this podcast ★

What if the wisdom you have been searching for is already living inside you? In this profound Bible study, Prophet Robin-Huws Barnes continues the series on "Christ In Me" by exploring a profound truth: Christ in the believer is access to divine wisdom. Through Scripture, we discover that Jesus Christ is not merely a teacher of wisdom—He is the very Wisdom of God. Because Christ dwells in every believer through the Holy Spirit, we have continuous access to God's wisdom, knowledge, counsel, and guidance for every area of life. Whether you're seeking direction for your career, business, relationships, ministry, family, or personal growth, this teaching will encourage you to engage the wisdom already available within you through Christ.

BIG IDEA “Grace plus anything is no longer grace.” FALLEN CONDITION We are restless self-saviors. Even when we believe in Jesus, we keep trying to add our performance, politics, or tribe to His finished work — and in doing so we defect from the very grace that set us free. SOLUTION IN CHRIST On the cross Jesus cried tetelestai — “It is finished.” He paid the debt in full, bore the judgment we owed, and rose to deliver us from this present evil age. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Nothing left to earn; only Someone to trust and worship. VISION FOR THE GROVE The Grove is a community where weary people lay down their self-salvation projects and find rest in the finished work of Jesus. We refuse to bend the gospel toward performance, partisanship, or tribe. Because Christ alone is our righteousness, we are free — free to obey out of joy, free to love across every line, and free to live as a worshiping people whose first instinct is, “To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Links: Website: https://thegrovechurch.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/thegrovechurchofficial Facebook: https://facebook.com/thegrovechurchofficial Sermon Audio: https://soundcloud.com/thegrovechurchofficial Podcast: https://tr.ee/c0BcdkUV3C Support Our Ministry: https://grovechurch.churchcenter.com/giving If this video was helpful to you, please like, comment, and subscribe — and share it with someone who needs hope today.

Being intentional seems to be a consistent hallmark of followers of Christ. Because Christ is our best example of intentionality. Intentionality is defined as being deliberate or purposeful. How about you? How are you working with intentionality today? In the office, with your co-workers, intentionally representing Christ and showing His love and patience to everyone you come in contact with? Most days we may just be unconsciously going through our work day. We invite you to begin today by going before the father and asking Him: "Here's all I have, what do YOU want me to do with it today? What is YOUR priority today, Lord?" And then living that out as we step into our work, and every other place our feet may wander. 

Because Christ fulfills the law's demands for us, believers can celebrate the present joy of everlasting life even while we struggle with sin and grow in repentance from it.

In Colossians 3:1–4, Paul shows us that the Christian life is lived from our union with the risen, reigning, and returning Christ. Before he tells believers what to put to death, he reminds them who they are in Christ: raised with Him, hidden with Him, and destined to appear with Him in glory.This sermon explores what it means to seek the things above, set our minds where Christ reigns, and stop treating earthly things as ultimate things. Work, family, comfort, control, and approval may all be good gifts, but none of them can bear the weight of our souls. Only Christ can.Because Christ is your life, Christ must govern your life.In this sermon, we consider:What it means to be raised with ChristWhy does Paul call believers to seek and set their minds on things aboveHow our life is hidden with Christ in GodWhy future glory gives strength for present faithfulnessHow Christ frees us from moralism, passivity, and misplaced identityIf you feel worn down by performance, anxious about the future, stuck in sin, discouraged by weakness, or tempted to build your identity on something that cannot last, Colossians 3:1–4 gives deep gospel comfort and a clear call to look again to Christ.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:1 Chronicles 25–27, 1 Thessalonians 4 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! On this 15th day of May, join Hunter as we journey through day 135 of our Bible reading plan. Today's episode features passages from 1 Chronicles 25–27, highlighting the roles of musicians, gatekeepers, and leaders in David's kingdom, as well as the appointed responsibilities within Israel's tribes. We'll also reflect on Paul's words from 1 Thessalonians 4 about living lives that please God and the hope of resurrection. Stay tuned as Hunter offers encouraging insights into the meaning of being "caught up" with Christ, and leads us in prayer as we start this new day with faith, hope, and love. TODAY'S DEVOTION: There is a word tucked into today's reading from Thessalonians, a word that pulses with hope for all who are longing for God's return — apantēsis. Paul uses it to describe that moment when those who remain will be "caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air." It's a word that paints a picture richer than a mere meeting; it's the eager procession we see in Scripture and in life — going out to welcome one we have been waiting for, to accompany them in to celebration, to a place of honor. Paul longs to comfort a grieving church, unsure about their beloved who have died. He tells them resurrection is at the center of our hope. Those who have passed on aren't left behind — they join together with those still living in the great procession, the apantēsis, as Christ takes his place as king not just in heaven, but on earth too. This hope is not just for the Thessalonians but for us as well. Because Christ was raised, so too are we raised — to fullness of life, to the joy of his return. I remember a time in India when this word came to life for me — people streamed out to meet us, singing, dancing, showering our necks with flowers as they accompanied us into their home. It was breathtaking, and it's only a shadow of the joy awaiting us all. When Christ returns, there will be no reversal, no anticlimax. He will be processed in, and we will join him, caught up together, not in fear or confusion, but in celebration and belonging. Resurrection means we never grieve without hope. The King is coming, and he's bringing all his own with him, drawing us into his joy. Let these words root deep in your soul today: you are destined for resurrection. Your future is hope — not as wishful thinking, but as sure as Christ's own victory over death. Encourage each other with this. Live every day in the joy and assurance that you will be with the Lord forever. That's my prayer for myself, for my family, for all of us today — may we rejoice in the hope of resurrection, and go forward in the strength of knowing that the best is still to come. 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  

Because Christ is making all things new, every sorrow in this world is temporary.► Gather with us live online and in person every Sunday at 9:30a and 11:00a: https://live.fbcw.org/► Watch/listen to our services: https://fbcw.org/worship-with-us/► Give to help our mission: https://fbcw.org/give/

Terrence continued in A Series on the Body with a powerful message on Resurrection Hope from 1 Corinthians 15. In this message, he reminded us that the resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian faith and the foundation of our hope. Because Christ rose from the grave, believers can live with confidence that death is not the end and that God's promises for the future are secure. The gospel speaks not only to our souls, but also to our bodies. Through Christ, believers are promised resurrection and transformation–bodies made new, free from pain, corruption, and death. Scripture gives us the assurance that one day we will be fully restored and forever in the presence of God. Will you let resurrection hope shape the way you live today? Our future is secure in Christ, and we can remain faithful through suffering, hardship, and loss, knowing that every painful thing is temporary. The message closed with a powerful reminder: because of Jesus, the worst thing is never the last thing.

Because Christ is risen, our faith is not futile, our sins are forgiven, and our hope is alive, both now and for eternity.Subscribe to daily devotions e-mails: https://wcmin.us/ddsub

This Sunday, we providentially come to Mark 16:1-8 on Mother's Day. This passage highlights the women devoted to Jesus who witnessed His death and burial and now discover the empty tomb—the greatest event in human history. After watching their Lord crucified and buried, these devoted women go to the tomb, undoubtedly in grief and hopelessness. Yet, their love for Jesus spurs them to honor Him in His burial. Their purpose is to anoint His body, so we know they did not expect a resurrection. The women even find themselves unable to do this smallest of acts. They have no one to move the stone and let them in the tomb. When they arrive at the tomb, however, they receive the good news that Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, has risen. Then the young man (who Matthew says is an angel) tells the women to declare this news to the “disciples and Peter.” Peter is singled out because the last time we saw him, he was weeping and broken, having denied Jesus three times. Now, it is clear that Jesus has not written Peter off despite his betrayal. This Mother's Day, Mark 16:1-8 shows us how the resurrection speaks directly into our lives, especially when hope feels lost, fear overwhelms, or failure looms large. Because Christ is risen, we can go to Jesus, trust His word fully, and follow Him even in our weakness and failure. I. When all hope is lost—go to Jesus anyway (v. 1-3). II. When the gospel is proclaimed—trust Jesus' word (v. 4-6). III. When fear and failure overwhelm—follow Jesus anyway (v. 7-8).

Malachi Tresler. 2 Corinthians 11:1-15. "Because Christ loves his bride, he exposes every beautiful lie that would steal her."

In a world marked by constant change, distraction, and drift, Hebrews 2 calls us to pay careful attention to the great salvation we have received in Jesus Christ. In this message, Rev. Nicole Unice invites us to rediscover Jesus as the unchanging anchor for our souls—the One who entered fully into our humanity, suffered in love, and now holds us steady amid uncertainty. Drawing on the imagery of drifting boats and the lived realities of doubt, suffering, and loss, this sermon explores how Jesus' suffering is not a weakness but the surprising strength of God's redemptive plan. Because Christ has gone before us as the pioneer of our salvation, we are not left to manage our identity, pain, or faith on our own. Instead, we are invited to fix our attention on Him, finding both comfort and courage in His finished work. This message calls us away from self‑reliance and toward a Christ‑centered identity rooted in grace, reminding us that the strength of our hope lies not in our grip on God, but in God's secure hold on us—an anchor that will not fail.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. We are about to begin our next study, and we are moving to the Old Testament. We will begin with the book of Hosea. Hosea exposes spiritual adultery in ways most churches avoid. This means it is time to get your next Scripture Journal from our website for this study. If you are a Project23 partner giving $35/month or more, we have already sent this to you in the mail. Our shout-out today goes to Jeremy Moritz from Trempealeau, WI. Thanks for your partnership in Project23. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. — 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 If the resurrection didn't happen, what exactly are you believing in? Paul, in this text, turns logical. Some in Corinth were saying there is no resurrection of the dead. So Paul follows the thread. If there is no resurrection, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, preaching is empty. Faith is empty. The apostles are liars. And here is the punch: you are still in your sins. Those who have died in Christ are lost. And Christians are to be pitied more than anyone. This is not a theological subtlety. Paul is not defending a side doctrine. He is protecting the structure of the faith. Remove bodily resurrection, and the cross loses its power. Sin remains. Death wins. Hope evaporates. The resurrection is not inspirational optimism. It's more than just a nice idea the church believes in on a Sunday, once a year. It is a hard reality. It is the verdict of God that sin was paid for, and death was defeated. If Christ is not raised, you have no Savior. But if he is raised? Then everything changes, including you. And your very life, the redeeming of your mind, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the change in your life are evidence of his resurrection. And you should live like it was a real historical event and others should see the visible evidence of this in your life. DO THIS: Finish this sentence in writing: If Christ is not raised, then ________. Then rewrite it: Because Christ is raised, therefore ________. ASK THIS: Do I see how central resurrection is to forgiveness? Would my faith survive if the resurrection were removed? Am I building my life on historical fact—or religious feeling? PRAY THIS: Lord, deepen my understanding of the resurrection. Guard me from treating it as secondary. Anchor my confidence in the risen Christ who defeated sin and death. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Living Hope"

This Easter at Creekside, we looked at the first gospel message ever preached in Acts 2—where Peter boldly proclaimed the risen Jesus and thousands responded.Because Christ is alive, forgiveness is available, new life is offered, and the Spirit is given to all who believe. This message reminds us that Easter isn't just something we celebrate — it's a truth that transforms us.He is risen. And because of that, everything changes.Subscribe to stay up to date with what God is doing at Creekside Church!Website: https://creekside.churchInstagram: @creeksidechurchnp

Because Christ has already defeated Satan, we must faithfully bear witness to him in the midst of the conflict. Revelation 12:1–17 (ESV): 12 And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 2 She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. 3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. 4 His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. 5 She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, 6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days. 7 Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8 but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. 12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” 13 And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14 But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. 15 The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood. 16 But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth. 17 Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.

Christ Is Risen... There is Hope for Us All!1 Corinthians 15:1-7, 12-26, 32, 54-58 | Easter Sunday | King's Chapel Live StreamThe resurrection of Jesus is not just a moment in history. It changes everything.In 1 Corinthians 15, we are reminded that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is empty and our hope is lost. But Christ has been raised. And because He lives, hope is not just possible. It is certain.This Easter message looks at what the resurrection means for every part of life.Because Christ is risen, there is hope for our salvation. Our sin has been paid for, death has been defeated, and our future is secure. What once separated us from God has been overcome through the victory of Jesus.Because Christ is risen, there is hope for history. This world is not random or without direction. History has a King, a purpose, and a destination. God is at work, bringing everything together under the rule and reign of Christ.Because Christ is risen, there is hope for creation. Even though the world still feels broken, the story is not finished. The curse will not last forever. God has promised a new creation where all things are made right.The resurrection means that hope is not wishful thinking. It is anchored in a living Savior.If you are searching for hope, meaning, or something that lasts, this message points to the empty tomb and the risen Christ who makes all things new.Connect with King's Chapel in Longwood, FL - ▶️ www.kingschapelfl.com▶️ https://www.facebook.com/KingsChapelfl▶️ https://www.instagram.com/kingschapelfl/For the GLORY of our Great GodFor the GOOD of our NeighborEaster sermon, 1 Corinthians 15 resurrection, Christ is risen message, hope in Jesus sermon, King's Chapel Longwood FL, resurrection of Jesus explained, Easter Bible teaching, victory over death sermon, new creation hope

This episode features a main stage message from the Disability & the Church Conference 2025, where Stephanie Hubach walks through the difference between human hope and Christian hope. Human hope is real and often motivating, but it's uncertain and tied to circumstances that may or may not change. In disability ministry and everyday life, that kind of hope can quickly hit limits—systems fail, expectations fall short, and desired outcomes don't always come. But Christian hope is different. It's not wishful thinking; it's a confident, future-oriented expectation grounded in God's promises. At the center of that hope is the truth from Colossians: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”She explains that our hope isn't rooted in a plan or outcome, but in a person—Jesus Christ. Through union with Him, believers receive His benefits, are connected to His body (the Church), and experience His constant presence. This means we don't have to strive to prove ourselves, we already belong, and we are never alone in our suffering. Because Christ is our hope, the future is secure—sin and its effects will one day be gone, and we will be fully renewed. Until then, we live with a sure and steady hope, knowing that what we've begun to experience now will one day be fully realized in glory.Go to Disabilityandthechurch.com to register today!

Peace Be With YouApril 5, 2026 • RD McClenagan • John 20:19–23This Easter, RD McClenagan teaches from John 20:19–23, centering on Jesus' resurrection as the source of true peace and reminding us that, despite the burdens and anxieties we carry, Christ meets us in our darkness and speaks, “Peace be with you.” Through the story of Mary Magdalene and the disciples, he shows how Jesus brings light, calls us by name, and offers restoration even when we are fearful, broken, or hiding. This peace is not merely the absence of trouble but the presence of wholeness, secured through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Because Christ bore sin and rose again, believers can experience lasting peace, trust that “it is all going to be okay,” and go into the world to share the hope and new life found in Him.WEBSITE: https://fellowshipknox.org/INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/fellowshipknox/

Because Christ rose from the grave, God's children are forgiven. No one can successfully bring a charge against those who are in Christ.