Podcasts about before god

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get behind our through the Bible project. Read more here Project23. Our text today is Judges 6:25–32. That night the LORD said to him, “Take your father's bull, and the second bull seven years old, and pull down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the Asherah that is beside it and build an altar to the LORD your God on the top of the stronghold here, with stones laid in due order. Then take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering with the wood of the Asherah that you shall cut down.” So Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his family and the men of the town to do it by day, he did it by night. When the men of the town rose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was broken down, and the Asherah beside it was cut down, and the second bull was offered on the altar that had been built. And they said to one another, “Who has done this thing?” And after they had searched and inquired, they said, “Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.” Then the men of the town said to Joash, “Bring out your son, that he may die, for he has broken down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah beside it.” But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? Whoever contends for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because his altar has been broken down.” Therefore on that day Gideon was called Jerubbaal, that is to say, “Let Baal contend against him,” because he broke down his altar. — Judges 6:25-32 Fresh from building an altar to the LORD, Gideon's first assignment isn't charging Midian's army — it's tearing down his father's altar to Baal and cutting down the Asherah pole beside it. It's risky. This is personal. This is his family's idol and his community's false god. Gideon obeys — but he does it at night, still afraid of the backlash. By morning, the whole town knows. They demand his death, but Gideon's father unexpectedly defends him: “If Baal is a god, let him contend for himself.” That day, Gideon gets a new name: Jerubbaal — “Let Baal contend against him.” Before God sends you to confront the enemy “out there,” He will ask you to confront the compromise “in here.” For Gideon, the victory over Midian had to start with victory over idolatry in his own home. It's the same for us — the battles that matter most often begin in the places closest to us: The habits no one else sees. The values we've tolerated. The cultural idols we've quietly accepted. This is why worship must be followed by obedience. The altar of peace fuels the courage to pull down the altars that compete with God. And sometimes that means tough, awkward, costly steps before you ever face the “big” enemy. If you skip this step, you might fight in public while losing in private. But if you obey here, you'll be ready for whatever comes next. So what do you need to tear down today? Write it in your journal. Share it in the comments. And tear it down, regardless of what others say. ASK THIS: What “altars” — habits, compromises, or idols — has God been asking you to tear down? How has fear kept you from confronting them? Who in your life might be impacted if you took that stand? Are you willing to start your battle where God says, not where you'd prefer? DO THIS: Write down one personal or family “altar” that needs to go — a practice, influence, or mindset that pulls you away from God. Take one concrete step this week to remove it. PRAY THIS: Lord, give me the courage to start the fight where You tell me, even if it's close to home and costs me something. Let my obedience to You be the loudest message I send to the watching world. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Christ Be Magnified."

Before the rules, there was a relationship. Before God gave commands, He gave grace.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get behind our through the Bible project. Read more here Project23. Our text today is Judges 6:7–10. When the people of Israel cried out to the LORD on account of the Midianites, the LORD sent a prophet to the people of Israel. And he said to them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: I led you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of slavery. And I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out before you and gave you their land. And I said to you, ‘I am the LORD your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.' But you have not obeyed my voice.” — Judges 6:7-10 Israel is desperate. Seven years of Midian's oppression has broken them, and they cry out to God for help. But instead of sending an army or a leader, God sends a prophet with a hard word. Before God deals with the enemy outside, he exposes the enemy within. He reminds them of his past faithfulness and their present disobedience. The message is raw, but it's true: because Israel's bigger problem isn't Midian — it's their unfaithfulness. No follower likes this part — the confrontation of God about who we are. We'd rather God just fix the crisis, remove the stress, and make life comfortable again. But God loves us too much to patch up the problems. Like Israel, our circumstances are often symptoms of the problem, not the real problem. The deeper problem is the drift of our hearts — the quiet compromises, misplaced loyalties, and neglected obedience that weaken us from within. And God knows that if he delivers us without dealing with those things, we'll just end up back in the same problematic pit. This is why he sometimes sends a word before providing a way out. It feels like a delay, but it's actually mercy. His goal isn't temporary relief — it's lasting change. That means the painful work of letting him search, confront, and reshape us is not punishment. It's preparation. And if we skip that work, we risk skipping the real victory he wants to give. So ask yourself the hard question: “What in me needs to change before my situation changes?” ASK THIS: Have you been asking God to fix your situation without letting Him change your heart? What hard truth might God be speaking to you right now? How could this season be preparation, not just punishment? Are you willing to let God do the deeper work before He brings the outward relief? DO THIS: Ask God in prayer: “What in me needs to change before my situation changes?” Write down whatever He brings to mind, and commit to addressing it today. PRAY THIS: Lord, don't just change what's around me — change what's in me. Even if it's painful, do the deep work that will make the victory last. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Give Us Clean Hands."

Before God brings you into the spotlight, He takes you through the process of preparation. Visibility without preparation can lead to downfall, but when we allow God to shape our character, strengthen our faith, and refine our hearts in hidden seasons, we are equipped to handle influence with humility and grace.In this sermon, Our Asst. Pastor, Deacon Adesola uncovers:- Why preparation is essential before promotion- How God uses hidden seasons to build endurance- Biblical examples of preparation before visibility- Practical steps to remain faithful while waiting for your appointed time✨ Don't rush visibility—embrace preparation. Your private victories are the foundation for your public testimony.

This week on the Known Legacy Podcast, we sit down with Vernon Burger, founder of His Voice Global, a ministry dedicated to raising up leaders among the vulnerable and transforming lives through a sustainable, whole-person approach. Before God called him to lead this movement, Vernon's life had no direction, and he wasn't following Jesus. But everything changed when one man chose to invest in him—and now Vernon shares how the power of discipleship, honesty with God, and the truth of Emmanuel – God with us can radically transform lives. In this episode, you'll hear about: The journey from lost to leading with purpose Why vulnerability and honesty with God bring true freedom How His Voice Global is making an eternal impact in Africa The importance of raising leaders who carry the mission forward If you've ever wondered about your impact or what it means to live as a child of God, this conversation is for you. Learn more about His Voice Global: hisvoiceglobal.com Connect with us: bill@knownlegacy.org       Chapters (00:00:00) - Known Legacy Podcast(00:01:24) - Peer of Mine(00:06:13) - Who Influenced You in Your Life?(00:07:59) - Jeff Phillips(00:14:25) - Paul on The Persecuted Church(00:19:18) - His Voice Global: Walking Alongside the Vulnerable(00:27:39) - Reclaiming the Sound of Lament(00:31:07) - David Tennant on Lamentation(00:35:00) - Fast Five for Dad(00:36:17) - Favorite Book of All Time(00:37:42) - What is a goal you have for this year? Be present in

Before God does something amazing tomorrow, He calls you to prepare your heart today.

“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12 NLT) The first four commandments have to do with our relationship with God. The final six deal with our relationships with people. In the commandments that follow this one, we find “You must not murder.” “You must not commit adultery.” “You must not steal.” “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.” “You must not covet.” Before God deals with other human relationships, however, He begins with the family. “Honor your father and your mother.” The family is very important to God. Few things can bring us as much pleasure in life as our families. And few things can bring us as much pain in life as our families. Kids have problems with parents. Parents have problems with kids. Kids have problems with one another. Parents have problems with one another. Often at the same time. But we must never lose sight of the family’s importance. God created the family dynamic. Our very existence as a society is contingent on the success of the family. As I’ve said before, a family can survive without the nation, but a nation cannot survive without the family. Maybe that’s why Satan hates it so much and does everything he can to undermine it. Tragically, in today’s twisted times, mothers and fathers often are not even around to honor. Especially fathers. A man and a woman faithfully raising their children together is becoming less and less the norm. I remember that I moved around a lot when I was a kid. I came from a divorced home, and it caused a little bit of scandal each time we relocated. “He’s from a broken home,” people would whisper. It was a bit of a rarity in those days. Today, coming from a stable home is almost as rare. “What? Your mom and dad are still together? What’s with that?” We tamper with God’s order at our own peril. The fifth commandment isn’t simply a reminder to kids; it’s a call to action for all God’s people to prioritize the cornerstone institution He created. You don’t need to see the latest statistics and studies to tell you the impact of broken homes and dishonored families. You can see it in your neighborhood. You can see it in your church. You can see it in your local schools. Maybe you can see it in your own family, extended or nuclear. The fifth commandment is a reminder to put the best interests of our spouse, our kids, and our parents ahead of our own desires and wants. It’s a reminder to honor our commitments to the people closest to us, especially when things get rocky. It’s a reminder to embrace the responsibilities of parenthood. It’s a reminder to forgive the people whose closeness to us makes it easier for them to hurt us. It’s a reminder to swallow our pride and take the necessary steps of reconciliation. When we honor our father and mother, we honor the family. And when we honor the family, we honor God. Reflection question: How can you honor your father and mother? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Pastor Robert Baltodano and Pastor Tim Hamilton Question Timestamps: George, NJ (2:49) - What is the "fire" that John the Baptist says Jesus will baptize with? Allan, email (5:38) - Is Gehinnom taught by Christians? John, NJ (6:49) - Does Matthew 10:22-23 relate to the Tribulation? Joseph, NY (12:19) - What is the difference between Christianity and Catholicism? Stacy, GA (19:56) - Why did Jesus have to be baptized, since he had no sin? Chris, email (21:45) - Before God chose Abraham, how was anyone saved? Hugo, NJ (24:20) - What do you think about infant baptism? Should baptism be by choice? Email (27:01) - Why was creation done in six days if "a day is like a thousand years" to God? Rebecca, TN (34:38) - What are your thoughts on having a loved one's ashes in jewelry to feel closer to them? Jack, NJ (37:53) - How old is the Earth according to the Bible? Carlo, NJ (41:53) - Where does the United States fit into Biblical prophecy? Ally, NY (46:28) - Does mental illness mean that someone has been possessed by a demon? Frank, NJ (50:50) - Is there a Messianic aspect to the baptism of Jesus? Email (53:50) - Did Adam and Eve only sin the one time? Were they perfect after the fall? Did Adam blaming Eve count as a sin? Ask Your Question: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org

On this episode of Rightly Dividing, we begin our look at the epistle of the apostle Paul to the Romans, and settle in to learn some hardcore, strong meat Bible doctrine. A study in Romans will show us the New Testament doctrines of salvation, redemption, sanctification, justification, predestination, adoption, regeneration, and glorification. Remember the Ethiopian eunuch from our study in the Book of Acts? He got saved with salvation by grace through faith by reading in the book of Isaiah. Another salient point to keep in mind that Paul is the apostle to the Romans, and not Peter as the Roman Catholic church falsely claims he is. There is no biblical record that Peter was ever in Rome.TONIGHT'S STUDY: Romans 8 is a treasure trove of scripture for topics like our victory in Jesus Christ, deliverance from the bondage of sin and regret, and the biblical doctrines of predestination and eternal security. Before God set the wheels in motion, He firmly set up exactly what anyone who got into His only begotten Son could expect to receive, He predestinated the plan of salvation, it's application and ultimate outcome. The only thing that remained to be decided was who would be the ones to receive it.

I Kings 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”Before God can do something big THROUGH YOU, he often times needs to work ON YOU.God will often humble you PRIVATELY before using you PUBLICLY.Usually this happens during a painful season of WAITING.I Kings 17:2-3 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan.”KERITH: Hebrew—“Cut off” or “Cut down”“It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply.”—A.W. TozerDuring your WAITING, God wants to develop your DEPENDENCE on Him.I Kings 17:4-6 “You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.If DEPENDENCE is the goal, WEAKNESS is an advantage. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Each time he (GOD) said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Finally, God will call you to radical OBEDIENCE.I Kings 17:7-9 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”I Kings 17:9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”I Kings 17:10 So he went to Zarephath.What has God been preparing you for that you need to STAND UP, MOVE and be RADICALLY OBEDIENT to?Successful people do CONSISTENTLY what average people do OCCASIONALLY. 

(This podcast was previously recorded and published on June 6, 2020)    Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...    Iniquity is abounding today.  That is a main sign of the coming of Jesus and the coming of the wrath of God.  And because of the abounding iniquity, the love of many will wax cold.  He that endures will be saved.  Mt. 24:12-13   What are you doing to endure? ***** Matthew 24  Jesus says:   12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.   13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.   21  For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.   22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.    ***   Do you recognize the iniquity that is in our churches today and in the world?   Or are you just trying to see good in everyone?  If that is the case you will destroy yourself.  So you must awaken and "fight" to hold on as the evil around us increases.   *** The tribulation that is coming is even worse than that flood that destroyed this world in the days of Noah.   Genesis 6   5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.    6 And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart.   7 And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth;   Why is the coming tribulation sent by God even worse than the flood that destroyed the people in the days of Noah?  Read Revelation 8-16 to see the woes and plagues that God is sending before God destroys this present heaven and earth.   *** The coming "great tribulation".   I Thessalonians 5   1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.   2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.   3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.   (In many parts of the world homosexuals live in a type of peace and safety never before seen and the various countries forbid the speaking against them through what Bible says in Romans 1:26-27, and they even marry one another in ceremonies as do men and women.)   Romans 1:26-27   26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:   27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.   Before God destroyed Sodom, homosexuals were in every part of the city of Sodom and they gathered to have sex with the angels who came to destroy Sodom.  (Genesis 19)   *** I Thessalonians 5   4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.   5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.   6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.   7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.   8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.   9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,   Jesus Christ, the Word, saves us from that wrath of God that is coming upon this earth, if we live in the Word and hold onto the Word; otherwise we will go down also with this world.   ***   But the sins shown in the New Testament Bible are rarely mentioned in the churches today.   When was the last time you heard your preacher speak against specific sins?   Yet Paul said:   I Corinthians 6   9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate (homosexuals), nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.   Revelation 22   14 Blessed are they that do HIS commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.    15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.   *** Jesus says:   Luke 21   33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but MY words shall not pass away.   34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.   35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.   36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.   *** So how are we to escape that which is clearly upon this world and the worldly church groups?   "Watch and pray" ...   Allow yourselves to awaken to that which is going on today.  Pray, asking God what you should do to escape that iniquity when you see that iniquity.     No one knows the exact time of the end but we do know how we must be living at the time it starts to come:  Peter tells us.   II Peter 3   10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.   11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,   12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?   13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.   14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of HIM in peace, without spot, and blameless.  ***    I John 2:18    Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.   ***    Genesis 19:4-5  But before they (the angels sent by God to bring Lot out of Sodom and to destroy Sodom) lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:   5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them (have sex with them).  ***   2 Thessalonians 2:3   Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (of the Lord) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, (churches falling away from scripture) and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition (antichrist);  

Before God can put more on us and in us, He needs to test us, to make sure we have an integrity of heart. In this power-packed message, Ps. Colin teaches us to be unshakeable.

Before God can put more on us and in us, He needs to test us, to make sure we have an integrity of heart. In this power-packed message, Ps. Colin teaches us to be unshakeable.

Forgive From the Heart - Matthew 18:21-35When the child of God Looks into the word of GodAnd sees the Son of God,They are transformed by the Spirit of GodInto the image of God For the glory of God!-Warren WiersbeReceiving and giving forgiveness does for Christians what oil does for a car, it lubricates our relationships, reduces friction, prevents overheating by cooling us off, prevents harmful deposits from building up in us.Matthew 18:21-35Forgiveness goes beyond relational ‘score keeping' - V. 21-22Peter had already learned that Rabbi Jesus was more loving than other rabbis. Peter probably thought he was being generous by suggesting the new number of 7 times!In saying forgive seventy-seven times, Jesus wants His followers to go beyond keeping track of offenses to cultivating a spirit of forgiveness based on the forgiveness they have received from God.Believers have been forgiven an incalculable sin debt - V. 23-27“On the Day I settle accounts, I will hold them accountable for their sin.” - Exodus 32:34Just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. - Hebrew 9:27A denarius (v. 28) was a coin worth a day's pay; 100 denarii would be worth about 3 months pay; A talent was a huge sum of money, worth about 6,000 denarii; 10,000 talents would be worth about 60,000,000 denarii.“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” - Tim KellerThose who have been forgiven so much go on to forgive others - V. 28-35Jesus' point is crystal clear: He expects those who have become Christians by receiving His forgiveness to forgive others from their heart.Practical Pastoral advice to those struggling to forgive others:Remember that there are two realms of forgiveness, the vertical (before God), and the Horizontal (before men). Before God forgiveness must always happen, readying us to act before men when asked (Luke 17:3-4).Forgiveness doesn't mean you condone what they did.Forgiveness doesn't mean there are no consequences for their actions.Forgiveness doesn't always mean you will have ongoing relationship.Motivations for the Christian to forgive:Christians extend forgiveness because of how much God has forgiven us.Christians forgive as an act of obedience for the glory of God.Christians forgive to keep themselves from the effects of unforgiveness.

Before God works through you, He first wants to work in you. Your dreams are seeds, but the condition of your heart is the soil. Are you distracted? Discouraged? Or are you teachable to grow? We'll talk about what it means to clear out the weeds, deepen your roots, and let God prepare you for the harvest He's already planned. If you've ever wondered why your calling feels delayed or your dreams feel distant, this conversation will remind you that the work He's doing in you now is the very thing that will make what's coming possible.Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/hopemoquin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsoredBook a call - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/hopemoquin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/hopemoquin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIKTOK - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@hopemoquin

August 10, 2025  Before God made everything, was he lonely? Absolutely not! That's the mind-bending truth of the Trinity! And God made us for community, with him and one another. Listen in as Pastor Jared Johnson encourages us to discover the power of belonging together! In this message you will be challenged and encouraged to: 1. Come out of hiding and embrace the power that comes from being known in authentic community. 2. Seek out others who need community. About this Sermon Series: Being part of a family gives you a sense of belonging. And getting to know a family shows you their unique ways of doing things. Being part of God's family is similar. There are rhythms of how we move through our week and lives. Join us in this series as we give you a three-part strategy of how to get the most out of being part of God's family!

“Can these dry bones live?” Before God revives a church, a city, or a nation, He starts with one soul ready to burn. This isn't just a sermon; it's a spark. Pastor Eric shares a powerful message about revival and what it takes to see it in your life.Scriptures referenced in this message:· Ezekiel 37:1-10· Psalm 85:6· Psalm 42:1 · Matthew 5:6· Acts 3:19 · 2 Chronicles 7:14,15· 1 Thessalonians 5:19· Acts 4:13 · Acts 16:19· Matthew 8:34· Jeremiah 33:3Learn more about salvation, info about Destiny Church, or how to give by visiting our website.Real | Relevant | Relationship

In the kickoff message of our new series Soil of the Supernatural, we dig into what it means to prepare our hearts for a life marked by the power and presence of God. Rooted in Galatians 2:20, this message challenges us to surrender our old ways of living so that Christ can fully live through us.Just like a farmer must till the soil before a harvest, God invites us to break up the hard places in our hearts, remove what hinders growth, and create space for His Spirit to move. Preparing the Ground is about dying to self so we can fully come alive in Him.

Before God will send the water of baptism, atonement must be made for sin...

We're launching a brand new sermon series called Revival Ready! In this opening message, Pastor Chris unpacks what it truly means to prepare for a move of God. Revival starts with a posture of humility, repentance, and surrender. Before God brings renewal, He calls us to return to Him.

Before God was involved, a whale was a scary sea creature, after God, it became Jonah's submarine, Before God was involved a lion was a scary animal, after God got involved, the lion was Daniel's roommate! Listen as Pastor Andrew reminds us that God always changes our perspective! Psalm 25:4-5 4 Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. 5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.

Before God can build something through you, He must do something in you. In this convicting message, Pastor Corey Erman teaches from Haggai 1 on the call to Consider Your Ways a challenge to align your priorities, put God first, and make room for His glory in every area of your life.To support this ministry and help us reach the nations with revival visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RiverWPB.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or text GIVE and any amount to (855) 968-3708.

Pastor Kevin unpacks Elijah's story to show how faith overcomes fear. Discover why God's past moves build today's courage and how listening to His voice can shift your focus from fear to faith. It's time to step out of the cave and into God's purpose.Scriptures Referenced1 Kings 18:39-45, 19:3-18; Psalm 46:1-7; 2 Timothy 1:7; Galatians 5:1; James 2:26; Revelation 12:11Key InsightsSometimes God will move immediately; other times, there is a waiting period.The move of God yesterday lays the foundation for faith-action today.The most powerful part of your testimony isn't about you.Fear doesn't need a lot of evidence. It just needs a small voice with the right lie.Before God speaks to your fear, He will minister to your need.God wants us to respond to His voice, not the chaos all around us.Prayer TargetsPlease join us in prayer for:A hunger for the Word.Tears for the lost.Testimonies to share.Get sermons delivered automatically: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | YouTube | Your Favorite Podcast AppWe would love it if you would consider joining us in person for one of our Sunday gatherings.Gathering TimesSundays, 9:00 AMSundays, 11:00 AMThursdays, 6:00 PMContact InfoSpringhouse Church14119 Old Nashville HighwaySmyrna TN 37167615-459-3421 Additional ResourcesConnect online: Download our appVisit our website at SpringhouseSmryna.com.Subscribe on YouTubeGiving: Online tithes and offeringsJoin us online: LivestreamLearn what we believe.Find out what ministries we support.Discover Springhouse Theatre CompanyCCLI License 2070006

Third Sunday after Pentecost June 29, 2025 Faith, Okemos I Kings 19:15-16, 19-21. Psalm 16, Galatians 5:1, 13-25[26], Luke 9:52-62   The apostle Paul wrote, I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.  And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  Galatians 2:20   …it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me…   [And these words from Paul's letter to the church in Rome: Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  Therefore, we have been buried with him by baptism into death. So that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life…So you must also consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.  Romans 6:3-4, 11]     As I was preparing this week for a small group study of the life and writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I thought a lot about his vocation as a pastor in Germany in the 1930's and 40's, about his participation in the escalating resistance to Hitler's Nazi regime.  Dietrich came to believe that Christ truly lived in him and that Christ Jesus living in him did battle with the forces of darkness within his own soul and within the soul of the nation he deeply loved.   My brothers and sisters, I believe that Jesus living in Dietrich also lives in now each of us.  Know that in our restlessness and fear in this troubling time, Jesus is doing battle in and with us against our leanings toward despair and  anxiety and cynicism, against our leanings toward disgust and hatred of other sisters and brothers perhaps in all three branches of our government with whom we may have come to increasingly distrust and despise.    I think of the huge budget reconciliation bill now before Congress, a bill affecting countless of the poorest, the most vulnerable among us, a bill negatively affecting our efforts to conserve and preserve the Earth.  Members of Congress and we whom they represent could easily give way to what St. Paul includes in what he calls “the works of the flesh”:  heightened strife, anger, quarrels, dissensions, and factions.   But if it is really true that “it is no longer [we] who live, but rather Christ Jesus who lives in [us]”, then our hearts, our words, and our behaviors radically change.  Then these beautiful words increasingly become who we are:  people of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.       But let us make no mistake: as long as we live in a fallen world, we remain vulnerable to speaking and acting badly, even in a congregation so full of love as this one we so cherish.  In uncertain, stressful times we could can be nasty or at least indifferent to each other.  We could hurt one another even if unintentionally, whether we are young or old, whether new or long-time members.    That was certainly true in the little church in Galatia.  Harsh, ill-considered, judgmental words and behaviors toward one another threatened to irreparably break the bonds of love and kindness that held them together, wounds that effectively muted their witness to God's mercy and grace.    The little church in Galatia and our congregation in Okemos, Michigan did have this in common:  the same crucified and risen and healing Jesus Christ who lived in the Galatian congregation 2000 years later also lives in us.  They were then and we are now the very presence of Christ!  Individually and collectively, we are called to be the very presence of Jesus in this time and in this community whenever our love for one another and for our neighbors especially in Meridian Township is clearly expressed.   But when these Galatian sisters and brothers sinned against each other, and if and when we sin against one another, this same indwelling God who spoke plainly and firmly in their hearts through this little letter to them from Paul, now speaks words of judgment plainly and firmly in our hearts.  Christ Jesus dwelling in their hearts, this Jesus, through the Holy Spirit who convicted them of their sins, now truly dwelling in our hearts, will convict us of our sins against each other.  But Jesus, the Son of God, gave them, and now will give us both the courage and the humility to repent, to put to death our pride and stubbornness, and to ask for forgiveness from those we have hurt.   It has been and it will be a wonderful thing to be part of a congregation where members can courageously acknowledge to one another their lack of kindness or patience or gentleness or self-control.  It has been and it will be a wonderful thing when we can say to one another, “Please forgive me” and to hear back, “I forgive you.” It is a wonderful thing when we regularly practice confession and forgiveness with one another!  This practice may be the most primary, most powerful, deepest witness we can give to our own families, to our neighbors, to a country, to a world so divided, so full of hate.      Confession and forgiveness “levels the playing field.”  In it no one of us is either higher or lower than any of our siblings.  Before God we are all sinners.  And in Christ Jesus, we are all saints, truly cleansed and forgiven through Jesus' death on the cross for us.  Until we reach our heavenly home heaven, we will always be both sinners who need to repent and saints who have been forgiven.   There is great freedom is this dual reality.  We are set free from having to prove how good we are, how much better or better behaved we are than others, how surely “we are right” and “they are wrong.”   At the same time, we no longer need to wallow in guilt or remorse for how awful we are, for how badly and stubbornly wrong-headedly we've lived.  Christ in our hearts continually sets us free!  Jesus through the Holy Spirit struggles in us and with us and for us to name and dethrone the false gods that deceitfully promise a better, happier, safer life if we only we isolate ourselves, cut ourselves off from people with whom we disagree or whom we regard as beneath us.    I want to witness to our life in following Jesus, who is our Life, who day after day resides in our hearts, a life that keeps getting richer and richer.  I want to share a little of what that was like in my own life this past week.  Just days ago Janet Boyer was on my mind.  I called her and rejoiced with her in her gratitude to God for still having her voice after major thyroid surgery performed dangerously close to her vocal cords.  Then I think the same day, I was asked to see Jane and her daughter and some close friends. Jane, a member of Immanuel, Grand Ledge, was in hospice care, just hours away from her death.  Together we prayed and hugged and commended Jane into God's eternal embrace.  Then I privileged to be with a developmentally disabled young man in jail who as I was leaving promised to pray for me as I for him.  Then on Thursday evening Phylis and I were with a very crowded church in Grand Rapids, blessed by the presence of Nadia Bolz-Weber, a very down-to-earth, unpretentious ELCA pastor, who testified of the unending grace of God even in and from her mother's womb, the grace of God through years of drug addiction, and to this day sharing the beautiful fruits of the Holy Spirit with countless people who were lost… Nadia sensing even in her darkest hours that Jesus was not far from her.  She could echo the words of St. Paul: “It is no longer I who live but it is Christ who lives in me.”  With her we sang many songs that evening, songs including these two verses of Amazing Grace…   I believe that experiences like those given to in these last few days…expressions of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, given and received, are meant to be experienced by all of us, all of us in whom Jesus dwells, all of us whom Jesus calls to courageously follow him for the rest of our lives.     Please sing with me “Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song” [ELW 808]   Amen.                                                                                          JDS  

Before God ever gave the world a prophet, a king, or a pastor—He gave the world a father. Before there were positions, platforms, or pulpits —there was a garden…and in that garden, God planted a man. Not as a ruler to dominate, but as a reflection of Himself— A cultivator, a protector, a name-giver…Fatherhood is sacred. Not just functional. Not just biological. Not optional. It's part of the Very Good design of God.

This Episode is a recording of a message delivered at First Baptist Church of Massillon on Sunday, May 4th, 2025. Notes No guest today. In addition to my work at WeddingChaplain.com, I am also a local church pastor. In May 2025, our church went through a series called "No Ordinary Family." For the first part of the series, I discussed my passion for wedding ministry and my book, Before God and These Witnesses: How to Start a Marriage Ministry to Save Your Church, Reach Your Community, and Change the Culture While You're at It. I share some of my favorite stories from my wedding ministry over the past twenty-five years: the good, the bad, and the crazy. I also call for our church and others to re-engage the wedding world. Churches should be the central place couples turn to when they get engaged. The church should own the wedding industry, not watch from the sidelines.  The link on Amazon to purchase a copy of the book is here:  https://www.amazon.com/Before-God-These-Witnesses-Community/dp/1662876270 To visit the First Baptist Church of Massillon Website: FBCMassillon.org For more on David Anderson or WeddingChaplain.com David Anderson's Linktree Profile The Wedding Chaplain Website Find the Wedding Chaplain on social media: On Facebook On Instagram Twitter: @weddingchaplain On LinkedIn On Pinterest Sponsor: EWed Insurance

In this message, Pastor Marco explores the story of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. Before God would use Abraham to father many nations, He first tested what was in Abraham's heart. God was more concerned with who Abraham was becoming than with what he was called to do. Like Abraham, we shouldn't just ask God, “What should I do?”—but instead, “Who am I becoming?”

Generation Tux Show Notes Today's guest is Jessica Garrabrant.  She is a Showroom Manager for Generation Tux in Columbus, Ohio.  Generation Tux is the leading online rental company for Tuxedos and Suits. Jessica will discuss her role in the company and how the tuxedo rental process has evolved over the years. She will share how Generation Tux strives to make the process easy. We will discuss renting versus buying, suits versus tuxedos, styles, and the best choices for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. And as a bonus, Jessica will tell us about their new Dog Tuxedo line in partnership with the ASPCA. Generation Tux website: https://www.generationtux.com For Generation Tux social media accounts, please find them all linked below: ·        Instagram  ·        Facebook ·        Pinterest ·        Twitter ·        TikTok ·        Youtube To visit Jessica's store in Columbus, Ohio, click here: https://generationtux.com/showrooms/columbus Generation Tux is offering listeners of the Wedding Chaplain Podcast a special 20% discount. Email David at david@weddingchaplain.com to get the promo code. For more on David Anderson or WeddingChaplain.com David Anderson's Linktree Profile The Wedding Chaplain Website Pick up a copy of David's Book, Before God and These Witnesses, today: https://www.amazon.com/Before-God-These-Witnesses-Community/dp/1662876270. Find the Wedding Chaplain on social media: On Facebook On Instagram Twitter: @weddingchaplain On LinkedIn On Pinterest Sponsor: EWed Insurance

“I know the plans I have for you…to give you a future with hope.” That's a popular Bible passage, giving hope to people who are in a hard times, but it's only half of the story. Before God gives this promise, God says to settle down and make homes and families there – in this case, in a foreign country as refugees. Our faithful actions now – even if they seem small and insignificant – are part of ushering in God's promise of a future with hope. This message is presented by Pastor Sarah.The Scripture lesson comes from Jeremiah Chapter 29, and our Gospel is from John, Chapter 21.  

Before God's Gone May 11, 2025 Psalm 61 Exodus 13:21-22 Exodus 33:7-11 Numbers 9:15-23 1 Kings 6:1, 11-13 1 Kings 8:10-11 Mark 15:37-38 John 1:14 Acts 1:2-8 Key PointsFrom the very beginning, [...]

Before God does something through you, often times he will do something in you. Before Peter and John saw the lame man healed in Acts 3, Acts 2 happened. They sought the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room, and the Spirit showed up, filled them up and sent them out. Listen as Pastor Joel walks through the story in Acts 3 to unpack 6 challenges in following a Holy Spirit prompt.

Today's guest is Kayla Satava.  Kayla is a dance instructor at the family-owned Prestige Ballroom Dancing Studio in Northeast Ohio. While she teaches all kinds of dance classes and programs, today we are talking about engaged couples getting ready for their first dance. When the DJ announces at your wedding, "The bride and groom will begin their lives together with their first dance," what will you do? Kayla does not want you to leave one of the most important parts of your special day to chance. This will be the first time all of your loved ones see you together on the dance floor as husband and wife. Kayla talks about practicing and preparing for this big moment. Kayla and her dad also teach a Marriage Enrichment Dance Program. A healthy and happy marriage requires trust, patience, and great communication skills, which are also needed to be a good social dancer. Many couples use dance lessons to reconnect with each other, and these classes are set up to do just that.   Prestige Ballroom Dancing Website: https://www.prestigeballroom.com/ Facebook (Hudson Studio): https://www.facebook.com/PrestigeBallroomHudson/ Facebook (North Canton Studio): https://www.facebook.com/NorthCantonBallroom For more on David Anderson or WeddingChaplain.com David Anderson's Linktree Profile The Wedding Chaplain Website Pick up a copy of David's Book, Before God and These Witnesses, today: https://www.amazon.com/Before-God-These-Witnesses-Community/dp/1662876270. Find the Wedding Chaplain on social media: On Facebook On Instagram Twitter: @weddingchaplain On LinkedIn On Pinterest Sponsor: EWed Insurance

Teacher: Adam Barnett Responsibility – the state or fact of having a duty (an obligation requiring loyalty and faithfulness). We carry the responsibility of sharing God's love and truth with others (through word and deed). We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. - 2 Corinthians 5:20a An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomatic officer, designated by a government as its resident representative in a foreign land. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 1) Promise: you will receive power. 2) Person: the Holy Spirit. Before God sent the Church into the world, He sent his Spirit into the Church. "Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But with the Holy Spirit, the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you."  - Corrie ten Boom “Without the power of the Holy Spirit, our work will be drudgery. With it, it becomes a joyful task, a refreshing service.” - D.L. Moody 3) Purpose: to be a witness. “The church is closed today due to lack of power.” 4) Place: intentional and spontaneous. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. - 1 Peter 3:15 5) Prayer: trust God with the outcome. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. - 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

Before God made you, he imagined all you could become. He had a clear imagine of you at your fullest potential, then he went about forming you individually, equipping you with every strength, gift, talent, attribute, trait, and passion to one day become all he imagined. Genesis 1:27 “So God created human beings in his […]

Before God used Gideon to defeat Israel's enemies, He told him to tear down the idols in his own home. This message is a challenge to every believer: are we standing against the culture—or quietly blending in? We talk real about sin, courage, spiritual warfare, and what it means to follow Jesus when it costs something. If you've ever felt the tension of truth versus acceptance, this one's for you.

Before God used Gideon to defeat Israel's enemies, He told him to tear down the idols in his own home. This message is a challenge to every believer: are we standing against the culture—or quietly blending in? We talk real about sin, courage, spiritual warfare, and what it means to follow Jesus when it costs something. If you've ever felt the tension of truth versus acceptance, this one's for you.

Today's guest is Ken Blackman.  Ken is a relationship coach, speaker, educator, and author of the upcoming book Powerful Woman, Confident Man: The New Art of Loving Passionately and Building a Resilient, Fulfilling Relationship. Ken's calling is to guide couples through intimate human connection. Using truth, transparency, and compassion, He shows committed couples how to co-create a relationship that uniquely serves them. Ken and I discuss what engaged couples can do now to avoid problems years from now. We also discuss warning signs in engaged couples that will not disappear after marriage. I ask Ken to unpack his central theme, empowered Intimate Coupledom.   Ken's Website: https://kenblackman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenblackmancoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KenBlackmanPersonal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/KenBlackman For more on David Anderson or WeddingChaplain.com David Anderson's Linktree Profile The Wedding Chaplain Website Pick up a copy of David's Book, Before God and These Witnesses today: https://www.amazon.com/Before-God-These-Witnesses-Community/dp/1662876270. Find the Wedding Chaplain on social media: On Facebook On Instagram Twitter: @weddingchaplain On LinkedIn On Pinterest Sponsor: EWed Insurance

The abundant life isn't found in our work for God. It's found through God's work in us. Before God can work through us, He must work in us. The abundant life is a life of eternal value with supernatural power, freedom, victory, and liberty. In John 10, Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd. He guides us in how to live an abundant life, fully surrendered to Him. When Jesus talked about an abundant life, He was not talking about material prosperity or promising an easy life. Following Jesus can be very costly, but He is the only place where we find true freedom and satisfaction. The abundant life is the resurrected life! The power of resurrection only comes by way of a crucifixion. The abundant life is not found through commitment but through consecration. Consecration is more than commitment; it's about a crucifixion. You are consecrated to whatever you're willing to die for. Are you consecrated to the Good Shepherd? The abundant life is the obedient life. Following Jesus means trusting the Good Shepherd enough to do whatever He says to do. Through Jesus, you can have more than an average life. You can have an abundant life! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Learn more about the A-Life Discipleship Journey: https://alife.livingproof.co/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Jesus #John1010 #GoodShepherd

To see the POWER of God 1.    Recall the PROMISES from God2.    Recognize the PREPARATION to GodBefore God accomplishes his purposes through his people, he always prepares the hearts in his people.3.    Respond and be PROACTIVE for God With God the smallest step of faith can activate the mightiest of miracles.4.    Remember the PRESENCE with God5.    Realize the PEACE of God--------DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOOREGet Ron's Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit biblechapel.org/devo.CAREGIVINGDo you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at caregiving@biblechapel.org.GROWTH TRACKWe all have a next step - what's yours? To learn more about our Growth Track and to take your next step, biblechapel.org/connect.

Before God moves He instructs His prophets to give instructions to His people at various locations throughout biblical history. Old Testament 1.Mount Ararat – Noah was instructed to build the ark (Genesis 6:13-22). 2.Haran – God instructed Abram to leave his country (Genesis 12:1-4). 3.Mount Moriah – Abraham was told to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-14). 4.Egypt – Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and gave instructions to store grain (Genesis 41:25-36). 5.Mount Sinai (Horeb) – Moses received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-21). 6.Wilderness of Paran – The 12 spies were sent to explore Canaan (Numbers 13:1-3). 7.Plains of Moab – Moses gave final instructions before Israel entered the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 31:1-8). 8.Jericho – Joshua was instructed on how to conquer the city (Joshua 6:2-5). 9.Bethel – Samuel warned Israel against choosing a king (1 Samuel 8:10-18). 10.Zarephath – Elijah instructed the widow to make bread during famine (1 Kings 17:8-16). 11.Mount Carmel – Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal and gave instructions for sacrifice (1 Kings 18:30-40). 12.Nineveh – Jonah instructed the people to repent (Jonah 3:1-10). 13.Jerusalem – Jeremiah warned about Babylon's invasion (Jeremiah 25:1-11). 14.Babylon – Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dreams and gave divine guidance (Daniel 2:24-49). 15.Exile in Persia – Ezra and Nehemiah instructed Israel on rebuilding the Temple and the city walls (Nehemiah 2:17-20). New Testament 16.Bethlehem – An angel instructed Joseph to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus (Matthew 2:13-15). 17.Jordan River – John the Baptist instructed people to repent and be baptized (Matthew 3:1-12). 18.Galilee – Jesus instructed the disciples on the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). 19.Road to Damascus – Jesus instructed Saul (Paul) to go into the city (Acts 9:3-6). 20.Antioch – The Holy Spirit instructed the church to set apart Paul and Barnabas for mission (Acts 13:2-4). 21.Philippi – Paul instructed the jailer to believe in Christ for salvation (Acts 16:30-34). 22.Corinth – Paul was instructed in a vision to keep preaching despite opposition (Acts 18:9-11). 23.Patmos – John received instructions for the seven churches in Revelation (Revelation 1:10-20).Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

In Part 3 of our Community series, we explore the power of unity and how it sets the stage for God's anointing, breakthrough, and presence in our lives. Looking at 2 Samuel 5, we see how Israel's unity at Hebron led to fresh anointing, new territory, victory over the enemy, and the return of the Ark of the Covenant. Unity isn't just about getting along—it's about making space for God to move.   When the church is unified, we're positioned for greater impact. Before God expands a church, He unifies it. Before God moves in our lives, He calls us to unity. What could God do in your life if you truly pursued unity in your heart, home, and relationships?   Join us as we unpack how unity fuels the miraculous and why division is one of the enemy's greatest weapons against the church. Don't miss this powerful message!   From Sunday 02.23.25

Before God even created the world, He already had a perfect plan: He would send His only Son to die for us because He loves us more than we could ever imagine. When we choose to accept His gift of salvation, He writes each of our names in the Book of Life. He's calling us to Himself so that we can be saved from the destruction of this world's end, and spend eternity with Him.

Before God even created the world, He had a perfect plan already in place that the blood of Jesus would wash away our sin because He loves us more than we could ever imagine. His plan included each of us, His followers, by name in the Book of Life, and He is calling us to Himself so that we may be saved from the destruction of this world's end and spend eternity with Him. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/640/29

Jezebel is always in close proximity to God's chosen ones. He or she has come to manipulate, control, distract, and destroy. This person is no stranger, but a character in your close network... friend, family, and even spouse/companion. Before God elevates you, you must be able to assess who your Jezebel is and manage them accordingly. You and I can only serve one God, therefore it's essential we remove them from any positions of influence or dominance. Be discerning, be disciplined, be blessed- not stressed.

Today we will finish our study in Luke 10. From thiswonderful chapter we have learned from the sending of the seventy (vv. 1-16),that we are to be ambassadors for Christ. We are His representatives,“standingin His stead, beseeching people to be reconciled to God through the blood ofHis cross”(2 Corinthians 5:18-21). From the story of “Good Samaritan” (vv.25-37), we are taught that as Christ followers, we should be “good neighbors”. Weshould be willing to take the time from our busy life to stop and help theperson closest to us that has a need of any kind. Now in these last verses of Luke 10, we are reminded not toforget that the most important thing that we are to be is worshippers (vv.38-42). Before God calls us to go as ambassadors, or serve in the house(church), He calls us to worship Him. We were created for the purpose ofworship! Jesus told the woman at the well in John 4:23-24,“But the hour iscoming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spiritand truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, andthose who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." You can't help but notice, especially when you study theBook of Revelation, that all of heaven and eternity is about worship. In theopening scene of heaven in Revelation 4:8-11, we find the “four livingcreatures” never resting day or night, as they give glory and honor and thanksto Him who sits on the throne saying,"Holy, holy, holy, Lord GodAlmighty, Who was and is and is to come!"Then the twenty-four eldersfall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives foreverand ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:"You areworthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created allthings, And by Your will they exist and were created." And Revelation 5:13-14 ends with another worship scene! Yes, we are created to worship. And for sure we willworship God, or we will worship someone or something else. If we are notworshipping God, we are worshipping ourselves, money, sports, cars, houses,work, or anything that consumes our attention, time, and pocketbook. The devil,just like he did with Jesus in Luke 4:1-12, will do everything he can to distractus from worshipping our Father in heaven, and many times it is with very goodand legitimate things. Martha got distracted with her service to Jesus! She was doingsomething that was very good and commendable. But Jesus pointed out that shewas “worried and troubled about many things(v. 41). Mary received Jesusinto her home and then neglected Him as she prepared an elaborate meal that Hedid not need! Certainly a meal was in order, but what we do with Christ is farmore important than what we do for Christ. Remember, it is not an either/orsituation; it is a matter of balance. Mary had done her share of the work inthe kitchen and then had gone to "feed" on the Lord's teachings.Martha felt neglected after Mary left the kitchen, and she began to complain andto suggest that neither the Lord nor Mary really cared! Few things are as damaging to the Christian life as tryingto work for Christ without taking time to commune with Christ."Forwithout Me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). Mary chose the better, thegood part, the part that could not be taken from her. She knew that she couldnot live "by bread alone" (Matt. 4:4). Whenever we criticize others and pity ourselves because wefeel overworked, we had better take time to examine our lives. Perhaps in allof our busyness, we have been ignoring the Lord. Martha's problem was not thatshe had too much work to do, but that she allowed her work to distract her andpull her apart. She was trying to serve with the wrong spirit! If servingChrist makes us difficult to live with, then something is terribly wrong withour service! Today, are you taking time to“sit at the feet of Jesus”? God bless!

     In the Christian life, faith can be seen in two ways. First, there is the single act of faith in Jesus that results in our salvation (John 3:16; 6:40; 20:31; Acts 4:12; 16:31; Eph 2:8-9). This refers to our justification before God and is a one-time event that is never repeated. Justification is declared because God has imputed His righteousness to us at the moment we trusted in Jesus as our Savior (Rom 5:17; 2 Cor 5:21; Phil 3:9). This results in our eternal salvation and is conditioned only on faith in Jesus (Rom 3:28; Gal 2:16), for “there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Act 4:12). Second, after being born again, God calls us to a walk of faith where we continually trust Him at His Word and obey His directives (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38; 11:6). The walk of faith focuses largely on what we think (Rom 12:1-2), say (Eph 4:15; Col 4:6), and do (Jam 1:22). God's Word sanctifies us as we walk by faith in Him (John 17:17), and this glorifies Him and advances us to spiritual maturity. Justification sets the ground for sanctification, but does not guarantee it, as the Christian must possess positive volition and make ongoing good choices that are rooted in divine viewpoint. Some believers, like the prodigal son, may turn to a sinful lifestyle. Faith that Justifies us Before God      Our righteous standing before God starts the moment we believe in Jesus as our Savior. This is the Jesus of Scripture and history, and not a fake Jesus like those taught by Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, or one we create in our imagination. Jesus is the second Person of the Trinity; He is God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14; 20:28; Col 2:9). Prior to His incarnation, God the Son was involved in planning our salvation with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. God the Father sent God the Son into the world to fulfill a divine mission. God's Word tells us, “The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14; cf., John 4:34; 7:29; 8:29; 20:21). The Father's great mission was to make salvation available to everyone. This act of God was done in love, as it is written, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16), and “He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10; cf., Rom 5:8). The Son agreed with the Father, saying, “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38), and “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). When God the Son came into the world and took upon Himself humanity, He executed His mission flawlessly.      The divine mission began in time and space nearly two thousand years ago when God the Son took upon Himself humanity. The writer to the Hebrews cites the words of God the Son as He was about to enter the world, saying, “Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says [to God the Father], ‘Sacrifice and offering You have not desired, but a body You have prepared for Me'” (Heb 10:5). The third Person of the Trinity, God the Holy Spirit, facilitated the mission by bringing about the hypostatic union within the womb of the virgin Mary (Isa 7:14; Luke 1:30-35; Gal 4:4). The angel Gabriel told Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). At the moment of conception in the womb of the virgin Mary, undiminished deity was combined forever with perfect humanity. Eventually, Jesus was born, and God “became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The apostle Paul tells us, “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (Col 2:9).      God's Word also informs us that Jesus was a Jew, born a son of Abraham, in the line of David (Matt 1:1), the promised Messiah (Matt 1:1, 16-17; John 1:41). Jesus grew in human wisdom (Luke 2:40, 52) and lived a perfectly righteous life before God and man. The record of Scripture is that Jesus “knew no sin” (2 Cor 5:21), was “without sin” (Heb 4:15), “committed no sin” (1 Pet 2:22), and “in Him there is no sin” (1 John 3:5). In His humanity, Jesus walked in perfect conformity to God the Father's holy character and divine revelation. This is important, for Jesus' sinless life qualified Him to go to the cross and pay the ransom price for our sins. Jesus said, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).      When the divinely appointed time came for Jesus to go to the cross (John 12:23; 13:1), He went willingly (Isa 53:10; John 10:18). Just hours before the crucifixion, Jesus said to His Father, “I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). Then He went to the cross and “offered Himself without blemish to God” (Heb 9:14), and “gave Himself for our sins” (Gal 1:4). Jesus paid our sin debt by means of His “precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (1 Pet 1:19). While on the cross, “Christ died for our sins” (1 Cor 15:3), and He died in our place, “the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet 3:18).      Jesus' death on the cross was a one-time event, as He “offered one sacrifice for sins for all time” (Heb 10:12). After Jesus paid for all our sins, “He said, ‘It is finished!' And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit” (John 19:30). Jesus' death on the cross satisfied every righteous demand of God the Father concerning the payment for our sins (Rom 3:25), for “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). Jesus paid the price for all our sins. There's nothing more to pay. After Jesus died, He was placed in a grave and was resurrected to life on the third day (Acts 2:23-24; 4:10; 10:40; 1 Cor 15:3-4), never to die again (Rom 6:9). Because Christ died for everyone (John 3:16; Heb 2:9; 1 John 2:2), everyone is savable. The Bible tells us that God has brought “salvation to all men” (Tit 2:11), that He “desires all men to be saved” (1 Tim 2:4), and is “not wishing for any to perish” (2 Pet 3:9).      Once we understand who Christ is, as God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14), and what He has accomplished for us on the cross—having died for our sins, was buried, and raised again on the third day (1 Cor 15:3-4)—we can then exercise our faith by trusting in Him as our Savior. To receive salvation, the unbeliever is told to “believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31a). Jesus is the object of our faith. To believe in Christ as our Savior means we trust Him to accomplish for us what we cannot accomplish ourselves: eternal salvation from the lake of fire.      Faith in Christ is the only condition for salvation. Faith does not save; Christ saves. Faith is merely the instrument by which we receive the free gift of God, which is eternal life. Though the gift was very expensive for the Lord, it is offered totally free to us, for “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23). And it is “by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9). Only the empty hand of faith accepts the gift. It offers nothing but is open to receive that which is offered by another. God's gift is available to everyone, for “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16), and “he who believes has eternal life” (John 6:47). No payment is required from us to receive it. It's a free gift.      The only sin that keeps a person out of heaven is the sin of unbelief, the individual choice NOT to trust in Jesus as one's Savior. The one who rejects Jesus as Savior is judged by God on the sole ground that “he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18). These are the ones who “are always resisting the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51; cf. John 16:8), who “do not believe” in Jesus as their Savior (John 16:9), and “are unwilling to come” to Him so that they “may have life” (John 5:40). Those who willingly reject Christ as Savior will, after death, experience eternal separation and punishment away from God for all eternity, for “if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Rev 20:15). This need not happen. Hell is avoidable for the one who trusts in Christ as Savior, for “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16), and “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not believe in the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36). Salvation is a free gift from God (Rom 3:24; 6:23), offered by grace alone (Eph 2:8-9), through faith alone (Gal 2:16; 3:26; 2 Tim 3:15), in Christ alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), totally apart from human works (Rom 4:4-5; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5). For lost sinners, the matter is simple: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).      Once we have trusted in Christ for salvation, God then bestows on us forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43; Eph 1:7), the gift of righteousness (Rom 5:17; Phil 3:9), eternal life (John 10:28), and many other blessings (Eph 1:3). And having entered into a relationship with God through Christ (John 1:12; Gal 3:26), we are then called to a life of holiness and righteousness (1 Pet 1:15-16), as we learn His Word (2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-17; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18), walk by faith (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38), and advance to spiritual maturity (Heb 6:1). This new walk with God will honor Him and edify others (Eph 4:1-2; 5:1-2). Dr. Steven R. Cook

Before God can use us to impact others, we first need to go to Him for wisdom in using what He's given us. Part of being a follower of Christ is allowing Him to call the shots in every area of our lives -- including our money. When we seek His will first in our finances, He not only blesses us, but He blesses others through us.

Pastor Matt Surber, of Mission City Church in San Antonio, TX, continues in our Christmas series.Waiting is one of life's hardest challenges, especially when it feels like God is silent. Whether you're praying for healing, financial relief, or a breakthrough, it's easy to wonder if God cares or if He's even there. But God's silence doesn't mean His absence. His delays aren't His denials, and while you're waiting, He's working—often in ways you can't see. Before God works for you, He's working in you, building trust, patience, and a deeper reliance on Him.At just the right time, God sent Jesus to save the world, reminding us that His timing is always perfect. If you're struggling in a season of waiting, take heart: God hasn't forgotten you. He loves you, and He's working all things together for your good. What if the God you're waiting for is waiting for you?Missioncity.church_______________________________Sermon Notes are available at missioncity.church/watch/

Are you bogged down by the dos and don'ts of the Christian life? Have you ever thought, is there an easier way to follow Jesus? In this program, we will wrap up our series, The B.I.O Lifestyle, by learning – that burdened feeling is not what Jesus desires for us. Don't miss Chip and our Executive Vice President, Andrew Accardy, discussing what it means to be ‘on mission' for Jesus. Learn how that biblical perspective can lead you on a supernatural, life-giving adventure with Jesus.Main PointsBIO Operating System: Think of it like this: Before God, In Community, On Mission. It's about connecting with God, being part of a community, and living a purposeful life.Being on Mission: Being on a mission isn't just about going on trips or doing church stuff. It's about having a mindset of helping others every day, like Jesus did.Discovering Your Mission: Each person has a unique role in God's plan. It's like finding your special purpose and using your talents to make a difference.Restoring Christian Reputation: Sometime the Church is known more for what it's against than what it's for. Chip acknowledge the need to restore the reputation of Christians by living out their faith authentically, with love and compassion. Sharing Your Faith: It can be scary, but sharing your faith is important. Start by looking for opportunities, building friendships, and sharing your own story of faith.Practical Steps for Sharing: Keep it simple. Look for needs, make friends, share meals, and tell your story. It's about being real and letting God work through you.Living the BIO Lifestyle: Every day, check in with yourself. Are you spending time with God, connecting with others, and making a positive difference? That's what it's all about.Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3 About Chip IngramChip Ingram’s passion is helping Christians really live like Christians. As a pastor, author, and teacher for more than three decades, Chip has helped believers around the world move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God’s truth in their lives and relationships in transformational ways.About Living on the EdgeLiving on the Edge exists to help Christians live like Christians. Established in 1995 as the radio ministry of pastor and author Chip Ingram, God has since grown it into a global discipleship ministry. Living on the Edge provides Biblical teaching and discipleship resources that challenge and equip spiritually hungry Christians all over the world to become mature disciples of Jesus.Connect 888-333-6003 Website Chip Ingram App Instagram Facebook TwitterPartner With Us Donate Online 888-333-6003

Are you spiritually stuck right now? You are desperate to be more connected to God but unsure how to get started. In this program, we begin our series, The B.I.O Lifestyle: 3 Essential Practices to Becoming a Romans 12 Disciple. Join Chip and our Executive Vice President Andrew Accardy, as they walk through a simple acronym modeled for us by Jesus, that leads to a deeper relationship with God and more authentic relationships with others.Main PointsPurpose: Andrew and Chip talk about how to grow spiritually.Listener Types: They identify three types of listeners: crisis, stuck, and growing.BIO: It's a simple way to grow spiritually: B: Spend time with God daily. I: Be part of a supportive community. O: Live to serve others all the time.Practical Tips: Set aside regular time for God. Read the Bible regularly. Be honest and listen to God. Worship God through singing.Overcoming Struggles: Chip shares his own journey. Encourages discipline and habit. Recommends resources for guidance.Signs of Progress: Desire for closeness with God. Seeking God's guidance. Enjoyment in spending time with God.Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3 About Chip IngramChip Ingram’s passion is helping Christians really live like Christians. As a pastor, author, and teacher for more than three decades, Chip has helped believers around the world move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God’s truth in their lives and relationships in transformational ways.About Living on the EdgeLiving on the Edge exists to help Christians live like Christians. Established in 1995 as the radio ministry of pastor and author Chip Ingram, God has since grown it into a global discipleship ministry. Living on the Edge provides Biblical teaching and discipleship resources that challenge and equip spiritually hungry Christians all over the world to become mature disciples of Jesus.Connect 888-333-6003 Website Chip Ingram App Instagram Facebook Twitter Partner With Us Donate Online 888-333-6003