Podcasts about before jesus

Our text today is 1 Peter 5:8-9: Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. — 1 Peter 5:8-9 Peter places two realities side by side. God cares for you. The devil wants to devour you. Yesterday, Peter invited us to cast every anxiety on God because He cares for us. Today, he warns us not to confuse God's care with a life free from spiritual resistance: "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Peter neither ignores the devil nor becomes obsessed with him. He simply tells us the truth: we have a real spiritual enemy, so we need to remain awake. To be sober-minded means thinking clearly. Not allowing fear, distraction, or temptation to cloud our judgment. To be watchful means recognizing that temptation rarely announces itself. The enemy often works through lies we begin to believe, accusations we repeatedly rehearse, desires we excuse, and isolation we accept. Note that Peter calls the devil our adversary. He opposes God and seeks to destroy what God is doing in us. Like a roaring lion, he uses intimidation to pressure us to run. Peter knew what that pressure felt like. Before Jesus was arrested, He warned him: "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." —Luke 22:31-32 Peter was sifted too. Fear exposed him, and he denied Jesus three times. Self-confidence was not enough. Therefore, his instruction is what he lacked. "Resist him, firm in your faith." To resist means to stand against or withstand. We resist the enemy by holding firmly to what God has said. When the adversary whispers that God has abandoned you, remember that the Father cares for you. When the adversary accuses you of forgiven sin, remember the finished work of Christ. When the adversary tempts you with promises of life apart from obedience, remember where those desires lead. Spiritual resistance is not spiritual bravado. It is stubborn allegiance to God. Yesterday, Peter told us to open our hands and release our anxiety. Today, he tells us to plant our feet and resist the enemy. So what's your battle with the adversary today? DO THIS: Identify one lie, temptation, accusation, or pattern of isolation the enemy has been using against you. Write down one biblical truth that directly confronts it, then share the struggle with one trustworthy believer who will pray with you. ASK THIS: Where have I become spiritually careless or distracted? What lie or accusation am I tempted to believe right now? Who is helping me remain firm in the faith rather than fight alone? PRAY THIS: Father, keep me sober-minded and spiritually awake. Help me recognize the enemy's lies without becoming fearful or preoccupied with him. Strengthen me to resist temptation, stand firmly in the truth of the gospel, and remain connected to Your people. Thank You that Jesus intercedes for me and will not let me go. Amen. PLAY THIS: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Every human heart carries two questions: Am I fully known—and am I still loved? The enemy takes our deepest wounds and uses them to whisper false names over us: rejected, unwanted, unworthy. But at Jesus' baptism, we hear a different voice. Before Jesus performs a miracle, preaches a sermon, or proves anything, the Father calls him beloved. And through Jesus, that love is opened to us. We don't achieve our belovedness; we receive it. Following Jesus is not pretending the other voices disappear. It is learning—slowly, prayerfully, again and again—to recognize the one voice that has the right to name us. And that voice calls us beloved.

Herod was in a palace. John was in a prison.So which one was winning?In Luke 7:24–28, Jesus asks the crowd, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see?” And then He gives us a radically different picture of what greatness looks like.John didn't get the palace. He didn't get comfort, freedom, wealth, or even the long life he might have expected. But Jesus didn't look at John's life and call it wasted. He called it great.Because Jesus was using a different scoreboard.This message asks a deeper question:What makes a life great?Is it comfort?Success?Freedom?Wealth?Getting everything we want?Or is greatness measured by what—and Who—we give our lives to?We're all spending our lives. We don't get to keep them. We only get to decide what we're going to spend them on.And Christianity doesn't begin with what we give Jesus. It begins with what Jesus has already given us.Before Jesus ever asks you to lay something down, He laid down His life for you.Grace comes first. Surrender is our response.So what does that look like?Sometimes it looks less dramatic than John's life:putting your phone down and getting on the floor with your kids, fighting for a healthy marriage, serving when nobody notices, living generously, forgiving someone who doesn't deserve it, or obeying Jesus when it costs you something.Because this is what The King's People do.We give our lives to what our King says matters.And if your life doesn't look the way you thought it would, don't confuse the circumstances of your life with Jesus' verdict over your life.John's cell wasn't Jesus' verdict on John.The palace shows us the kind of greatness we're tempted to chase.The prison shows us the kind of greatness we might completely miss.But the cross shows us the One who is actually worthy of our lives.We're all spending our lives. The question is what we're spending them on.A great life isn't measured by what you get from it.It's measured by what you give it to.And in Jesus, we've found Someone worthy of it.

At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers).  Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Is What You “SAY” About Your Priorities In Alignment with What You “DO”?”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

What do you do when you've prayed, waited, believed… and God still hasn't answered?Maybe you're wondering why God feels silent. Maybe you're carrying pain you thought would be gone by now. Maybe you've started questioning whether God sees you—or whether He cares at all.In John 11, Mary and Martha send word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus is sick. Jesus loves them. He knows what they're going through.And then… He waits.That's the tension many of us know too well.But God's delay is not proof of God's absence.In this message, we look at one of the most powerful stories in the Bible and discover what Jesus does when we are hurting, grieving, waiting, and wondering why God hasn't shown up the way we expected.Jesus doesn't ask us to pretend we're okay.Faith isn't pretending you don't hurt. Faith is bringing your hurt to Jesus.Before Jesus did something about their pain, He stepped into their pain.And sometimes, while we're asking God to move, He's asking us to move something too.We ask God to heal what our habits keep hurting.We ask God to change our lives while ignoring the small decisions He's already placed in our hands.God provides the power—but He often requires our participation.If you're dealing with anxiety, grief, emotional pain, unanswered prayers, spiritual frustration, or a season where God feels distant, this message is for you.Your pain may explain part of your story, but it doesn't have to become the title of your story.Your wound doesn't have to become your identity. In the hands of Jesus, it can become your testimony.

The disciples watched Jesus pray. The New Testament records him praying thirty-four times, and they were often in the room for it. Prayer is still the one subject in the Gospels where they came to him and asked directly to be taught: "Lord, teach us to pray." In week four of the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Julie Hamilton opens Matthew 6:5-13 and starts with a quilt. It was made for her as a child, it is worn and frayed now and lives in a closet, and it has part of a prayer stitched onto it that she recited every night while climbing underneath. "Before I even knew my soul and body could be parted, my mouth prayed words with eternal implication." Before Jesus hands over the model, he clears two things out of the way. There is prayer as performance - the street-corner prayers timed and positioned for maximum visibility, which Jesus says have already been paid in full by the applause they were aimed at. And there is prayer as magic formula - heaping up words as though God has to be worn down or brought up to speed. Then comes the hinge of the passage: "Your Father knows what you need before you ask him." If God already knows, the reason to pray has to be something other than getting him the information. Relationship. Trust. Alignment. In Methodist language, prevenient grace - God already at work ahead of us, before we know to ask. What Jesus gives next is a pattern for a heart pointed the right way, which is a very different thing from a formula to recite. It moves through four movements: the address, the priorities, the provision, and the praise. Four words of it - "Our Father in heaven" - carry intimacy, community and transcendence at the same time. And the prayer closes where it opened, pointing back at God. Series: Learning from Jesus: The Sermon on the Mount Speaker: Pastor Julie Hamilton Scripture: Matthew 6:5-13 Recorded: September 6, 2026 New Hope Church | Brandon, Florida - findnewhope.com Watch and listen to past messages: findnewhope.com/message-archive

What kind of people does Jesus welcome?In Part 1 of our new series, Falling, Pastor Thomas-Steele sets the stage for one of Jesus' most famous stories—the parable of the prodigal son. Before Jesus ever tells the story, Luke tells us that sinners and tax collectors were drawing near to Him while the Pharisees stood back and grumbled.In “Wide Receiver,” we discover the heart of Jesus toward people who are far from God: Jesus gives access to the outcast, receives sinners in order to restore sinners, and calls His followers to celebrate whenever grace brings someone home.This message challenges both the rebellious and the religious to examine how we respond to the grace of God—and reminds us that Jesus gladly welcomes anyone who comes to Him in repentance.The sinners drew near.The Pharisees stood back.And Jesus was ready to receive them all.Join us as we begin Falling and prepare to see the story of the prodigal son in a whole new way.

Our identity is not determined by people, circumstances, achievements, failures, or the opinions of others. Our identity is established by the Word and voice of God. At the baptism and transfiguration of Jesus, the Father declared: “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Before Jesus performed the works of His ministry, the Father established His identity. In this powerful message, we explore what it means to live from sonship rather than orphanhood: 1. Identity before activity — Why the Father establishes identity before assignment. 2. The imagery we use to see ourselves — How the wrong image of ourselves can prevent us from accessing what God has already established. 3. The cloud and God's leading — Understanding how God's presence sets the pace for His people. 4. Moses, Joseph and David — How God can give authority over the very places, situations and weights we have been brought through. 5. The weight that creates capacity — Sometimes you carry things nobody sees because God is developing the capacity required for what nobody else is willing to face. 6. The finished work of the Cross — Jesus has already defeated the powers of darkness. What happens when we stop living as though we still need to earn what Christ has already accomplished? 7. From law to sonship — When our focus shifts from what God has done to what we must constantly do, we can become captive again to performance. 8. The seven places of the Cross — His head, back, side, hands and feet, and what they reveal about the finished work of Christ. 9. The Rock and sonship — Exploring the revelation of Christ, the foundation of the Church, and what happens when we understand ourselves as sons and daughters. 10. The prodigal son — The deeper problem was not simply that the son left home; he misunderstood both who he was and who his Father was. The goal is not merely to receive what God has promised, but to become people who can carry, steward and unlock what He has entrusted to us. There are things you will carry that nobody sees in order to confront giants nobody wants to face. There are places you have been brought out of that God may give you authority over. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 #achievements #sonship #love #promises #covenant #bloodline #setfree #voiceofgod #capacity #foudation #accomplishment #revelation #identity #understanding

Before Jesus ascends, he leaves his disciples with one command and one promise: stay and wait for power. In this message based on Acts 1: 1-8. I will share a few reflections on how we can become the kind of people through whom the world can witness the love of Jesus. 1. Dying to your 'self' 2. Obedient to the word of God 3. Acknowledge the power of the Holy Spirit.

Before Jesus ascends, he leaves his disciples with one command and one promise: stay and wait for power. In this message based on Acts 1: 1-8. I will share a few reflections on how we can become the kind of people through whom the world can witness the love of Jesus. 1. Dying to your 'self' 2. Obedient to the word of God 3. Acknowledge the power of the Holy Spirit.

Before Jesus ascends, he leaves his disciples with one command and one promise: stay and wait for power. In this message based on Acts 1: 1-8, a few reflections will be shared on how we can become the kind of people through whom the world can witness the love of Jesus.

Before Jesus ascends, he leaves his disciples with one command and one promise: stay and wait for power. In this message based on Acts 1: 1-8, a few reflections will be shared on how we can become the kind of people through whom the world can witness the love of Jesus.

08-23-2026 Seeing Visions & Dreaming Dreams | Week 1 The Deepest Longing of Our Hearts - Pastor Dave Brown In the opening message of the Seeing Visions & Dreaming Dreams series, Pastor Dave Brown shares the vision God has placed on his heart for Redeemer Church during this new season of leadership and ministry. Drawing from Matthew 6 and Jesus' teaching on the Lord's Prayer, Pastor Dave challenges a common understanding of the gospel that focuses primarily on heaven after death. Instead, he highlights Jesus' central message throughout the Gospels: the Kingdom of God is breaking into the world right now. When Jesus called His first disciples to follow Him, He wasn't simply inviting them to believe certain truths. He was inviting them into a way of life, partnering with Him to bring God's healing, peace, justice, and restoration "on earth as it is in heaven." At the heart of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches His followers to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Pastor Dave suggests that these words reveal the deepest longing God desires for His people: not merely a future hope, but an active participation in God's Kingdom today. The message also emphasizes a foundational truth of our identity. Before Jesus teaches us to ask for anything, He teaches us to pray, "Our Father." We begin as beloved children who already belong to God. We do not earn His love, strive for our worth, or carry the burden of being our own savior. We live from the security of being known and loved by our Heavenly Father. From that identity flows our mission. Following Jesus means more than believing the right things about Him. It means being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and learning to do what Jesus did. It means pursuing His priorities together through prayer, worship, community, forgiveness, generosity, service, and loving the people God has placed in our lives. As Redeemer Church looks toward the future, Pastor Dave casts a vision for a church that actively seeks God's Kingdom in everyday life, a people transformed by Jesus and sent into their homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, and community as ambassadors of His presence. Will we make the Kingdom of God our deepest longing? Key Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13 Main Theme: Following Jesus means partnering with Him to see God's Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Takeaway: Pursue Jesus and His priorities together, so that little by little, God's healing, peace, presence, and restoration become visible in our lives, our church, and our world. #RedeemerChurch #SeeingVisionsAndDreamingDreams #PastorDaveBrown #KingdomOfGod #Discipleship #Matthew6 #LordsPrayer #FollowJesus #ChristianPodcast #SermonSeries  

Have you ever packed up your life and run away from the very place that was supposed to be a sanctuary? Across North America, tens of millions of souls have walked out of church doors with blood dripping from unseen wounds, crushed by spiritual manipulation, silent abandonment in crisis, or the hypocritical cruelty of people who claimed to speak for God. When religious institutions trade the quiet, patient work of grace for corporate branding and quick power, human beings get treated like disposable tools. In Genesis 16, an abused Egyptian slave named Hagar collapses into the scorching dust of the Sinai wilderness, fleeing the household of God's chosen family. She knows what she is running from, but she has no idea where she is going. On a bleak Monday morning when you feel invisible, burned, or cast aside by religious culture, this ancient story cuts through the haze with a shocking truth: God pursues the runaway. He does not defend human hypocrisy or turn a cold shoulder to your tears. Before Jesus ever took on human flesh, He walked into Hagar's desert, called her by name, and revealed Himself as El-Roi, the God who sees. Christ came into our wilderness, bore the shame of an outcast, and hung naked outside the city gates so that every discarded soul could find a safe refuge in His bleeding side.

Send us your feedback — we're listeningMatthew 14:27 (NIV) — Take Courage! It Is I. Don't Be Afraid. Live from London, England — where faith meets the world in daily prayer and global hope. Today's Nations: Australia • Canada • Brazil • Romania • France • Hungary Theme: Courage • Presence • Peace The middle of the day can sometimes feel heavier than the beginning. The excitement of the morning may have given way to difficult conversations, unexpected changes or quiet moments of uncertainty. If your heart feels unsettled today, pause for a moment. Before Jesus asked His disciples to do anything, He first gave them something to hold on to—His presence. Across the water, in the middle of their fear, came His reassuring voice: “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.” Those words still bring hope to every anxious heart today. Scripture (NIV) “But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.'” — Matthew 14:27 Heavenly Father, thank You that through Jesus Christ You come near to us in every season of life. When fear begins to whisper, help us to hear the gentle voice of Jesus above every anxious thought. Give us courage when the path ahead seems uncertain and peace when our hearts begin to race. Remind us that Your presence is greater than our fears and Your promises are stronger than our doubts. May the Holy Spirit steady our hearts, strengthen our faith and help us walk through this afternoon with quiet confidence, knowing that Christ is with us wherever this day may lead. Thank You that we never face life's storms alone because our Saviour faithfully walks beside us. Fear will not win, because Jesus is with us, His presence brings courage and His perfect love drives out fear. May the Lord Jesus fill your heart with courage today, quiet every anxious thought and remind you that His faithful presence will never leave your side. Que el Señor Jesús llene hoy tu corazón de valentía, calme todo pensamiento inquieto y te recuerde que Su fiel presencia nunca se apartará de tu lado. Que o Senhor Jesus encha hoje o seu coração de coragem, acalme todo pensamento ansioso e lembre você de que a Sua presença fiel jamais deixará o seu lado. Nawa'y punuin ng Panginoong Jesus ang iyong puso ng tapang ngayon, patahimikin ang bawat nababahalang isip at ipaalala sa iyo na ang Kanyang tapat na presensya ay hindi kailanman lalayo sa iyong tabi. Daily Prayer, Matthew 14, Take Courage, Midday Prayer, Christian Podcast, DailyPrayer.uk Matthew 14:27 prayer, take courage it is I, Jesus says don't be afraid, Christian midday prayer, DailyPrayer.uk Hidden Treasures: Discover more Bible-centred prayers in the Hidden Treasures library, inspired by Isaiah 45:3 (NIV).Support the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers).  Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Stop Making Excuses for Not Following Jesus and Follow Him Without Reservations” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Before Jesus carried the cross, He fought the battle in the garden. In Gethsemane, we discover that victory is often won in prayer before it is lived in public. As followers of Christ, we are called to trust the Father's will even when obedience is costly.

You've Been Written Into the Will Galatians 4:3-7 “Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” — Galatians 4:7 There is something powerful about hearing the words, “You've been named in the will.” It means someone intentionally chose to include you. It means you belong. It means there is an inheritance waiting that has already been set aside for you. Paul reminds us that this is exactly what God has done for those who are in Christ. Before Jesus came, we were bound by sin and separated from God. But when the appointed time had come, God sent His Son to redeem us—not merely to rescue us, but to adopt us into His family. We are no longer servants standing outside the door hoping to be accepted. We have been brought inside as sons and daughters. We have been written into the Will of God.

At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers).  Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Christians in the Church Must Become Christians in the Marketplace of Unbelievers” , at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

For the past several months we've walked through the rise and fall of Israel's kings. We've seen Saul's failure, David's triumphs and sins, Solomon's wisdom and downfall, a divided kingdom, and the nation's continual longing for a faithful King.To conclude this series, we'll leave the Old Testament and turn to Luke 1:30–33. Before Jesus ever preached a sermon or performed a miracle, an angel showed up with a promise. Gabriel told a young girl named Mary that her son would be great — called the Son of the Most High, given the throne of his father David, reigning over Jacob's house forever. No pressure, right?That's not just an announcement about a baby. It's an announcement about a King — a different kind than anyone expected, born in a manger instead of a palace, but promised an eternal throne all the same.This week we asked a simple question: if Jesus really is the King Gabriel described, what does that mean for how we live under his rule right now?

What are the words your children hear from you the most? Correction? Instruction? Or affirmation? Before Jesus performed a single miracle or preached a single sermon, God the Father publicly declared, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17) Those words affirmed Jesus' identity before His ministry ever began. What if our children regularly heard those same kinds of life-giving words from us? In Episode 304 of The Family Meeting Podcast, we discuss the incredible power of parental affirmation and why every child needs to hear, "Well done. I'm pleased with you." In this episode, we cover: Why affirmation is essential for a child's emotional and spiritual development. What we can learn from God's words to Jesus at His baptism. The difference between affirming your child's identity and praising their performance. How your words shape your child's confidence and self-worth. Practical ways to intentionally encourage your children every day. Biblical principles for speaking life into your family. Your children will hear many voices telling them who they are. Make sure the loudest and most consistent voice is yours. Your words have the power to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and point your children toward the unconditional love of their Heavenly Father. Bonus Resource: Send an email to info@familymeeting.org for our Speaking Life: 30 Words Every Child Needs to Hear Guide. For more information: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

Summer on the Mount — Week 3: Deeper Than Rule-Keeping | Matthew 5:17–20 Texts: Matthew 5:17–20What does Jesus mean when He says He came not to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it?In Week 3 of Summer on the Mount: A Better Way to Be Human, Pastor Kevin teaches from Matthew 5:17–20, one of the hinge passages in the Sermon on the Mount. Before Jesus talks about anger, lust, truth-telling, retaliation, and enemy love, He shows us how to understand His relationship to the Law and the Prophets.This message helps us avoid two opposite mistakes: lawlessness and legalism. Jesus does not lower the standard and make obedience optional, but He also does not hand us a new system of religious performance. Instead, Jesus fulfills the story, honors the Word, and forms in His people a righteousness that goes deeper than outward rule-keeping.If you have ever imagined God measuring your life with a spiritual scoreboard, this message points to better news: Jesus fulfilled what we could not fulfill, forgives what we could not fix, and gives us His Spirit to form in us the life we could never produce on our own. Broad River Church | Norwalk, CT Join us Sundays: 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM (English) | 1:00 PM (Español) Learn more or take your next step: https://broadriver.church/nextstepsFollow us on Instagram: @iambroadriverchurch

Before Jesus comes back, there will be two kinds of people on this earth: those who live life for themselves and those who live life for God.   Today, we will talk about the days of Noah and Lot and what separated them from everyone else.  We will also talk about the importance of persistent prayer in a society where we want everything right now!!

Before Jesus comes back, there will be two kinds of people on this earth: those who live life for themselves and those who live life for God.   Today, we will talk about the days of Noah and Lot and what separated them from everyone else.  We will also talk about the importance of persistent prayer in a society where we want everything right now!!

What if your greatest spiritual growth isn't found on the mountaintops, but in the valleys? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we explore Matthew 5:3 and discover why Jesus calls the poor in spirit blessed. Seasons of loss, uncertainty, and weakness often create the very space where God's presence, grace, and strength become most real. While it's natural to long for life's mountaintop moments, our deepest dependence on God is often formed during difficult seasons. When our hearts are emptied of self-reliance and worldly security, they become open to being filled with Christ. The valleys may not be easy, but they often become the places where our faith grows stronger and our relationship with Jesus grows deeper. Highlights: Discover why Jesus calls the poor in spirit blessed in Matthew 5:3. Learn how seasons of difficulty can deepen your faith more than seasons of comfort. See how Peter's failures revealed his need for God's grace rather than his own strength. Understand why childlike dependence on Christ is central to the Christian life. Be encouraged that God often uses life's valleys to draw us closer to Him. Find hope knowing that when we feel empty, God is ready to fill us with His presence and strength. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a season where God met you most powerfully in the middle of hardship? How has a difficult valley strengthened your faith and dependence on Him? We'd love to hear your story in the comments. Join the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Blessing of Being Empty By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3 ESV). Have you ever considered that perhaps the blessing isn’t in the mountaintops but found in the valley? So many of us live our lives longing for the proverbial “mountaintops,” for the moments when everything is perfect. Or, at least, seems to be. It’s not wrong to pray and hope for good things. For good jobs, loving families, great friends. Besides, we know God loves to give good gifts to His children. But what if instead of living our lives longing for the mountaintops and enduring the valleys because we think we have to, what if we saw the valleys as a gift? Now, don’t get me wrong. The valley isn’t a gift because it feels good. If anything, it probably doesn’t feel very good at all. Instead, it’s a gift because the hard times are usually when we grow in our faith the most. Think about it. The disciples walked with Jesus for 3 years. Surely, their time walking physically with Jesus was the “mountaintops” of their faith. Everything was going swimmingly. They saw miracles, witnessed healings, and watched Jesus raise people from the dead. In their minds, Jesus had no doubt come to conquer the Roman Empire (Acts 1:6). But then Jesus died. Those 3 days before He rose again were the darkest days in history, and no doubt, the hardest times in the lives of His disciples at that point (Luke 23:44-45, John 20:19, Mark 16:10). But you know what? They grew more during those 3 days than they had in 3 years. Peter is just one example of this. Before Jesus’s crucifixion, he wrestled with pride and reliance upon his own strength, telling Jesus that “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away” (Matthew 26:33 ESV). But in fear, he denied Jesus 3 times (Matthew 26:75). We’ve all made promises on the mountaintops that we realize in the valleys we aren’t strong enough on our own to keep. Peter’s story is a reminder to us that our faith is sustained by God’s strength and grace alone, not anything we could do on our own. For the 3 years of Jesus’s ministry, they walked by sight. They had Jesus physically with them. But after His crucifixion in those 3 days where they didn’t understand what was happening and then later when He ascended to heaven, they had to believe what they couldn’t see. Consider this. When we’re walking with the Lord, and everything seems to be going great, perhaps we landed our dream job, or we were given a relationship that we’ve been praying for, in those moments, we are on the “mountaintops.” While I’m grateful for the “mountaintops” in life, I’ve realized that it’s in the “valleys” where I truly grow. Often on the mountaintops, we find ourselves filled with good things that we struggle to find room in our hearts for God. But in the valleys, when everything might be taken away from us, or we’re struggling, and our hearts are being emptied of the things of the world, that’s when our hearts may be more receptive to the Lord’s presence filling the empty spaces in our lives. It’s like the rich man and the poor man. In Luke 18, a rich man comes to Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life (v. 18). When Jesus tells him to keep His commandments, the rich man responds that “all these I have kept from my youth” (v. 21 ESV). Jesus then tells him that there is one thing he lacks: “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Luke 18:22). The Bible tells us that when the rich man heard this, he became sad because he was extremely wealthy. On the outside, he appeared to have everything he could ever want. He was “full.” Full of worldly possessions, perhaps power, of following his own path. Luke 18:24-25 continues: “Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, ‘How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.’” What is Jesus saying here? That if you happen to be wealthy, you won’t go to heaven? No, of course not. When we’re standing on the mountaintops and our lives are filled with such good things, sometimes, we may find it difficult to open our hearts to Jesus when our hearts are filled with things of the world. Earlier in Luke 18:16, 17, it says: “But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’” Jesus commends childlike faith. In most cases, children are simple, carefree, and completely dependent on their parents to provide and care for them. When we have faith like a child, we recognize the true essence of our faith, which is full dependence on Jesus to accomplish what we cannot. Sometimes, we have an innate tendency to feel independent and empowered, but that way of thinking can be false when it leads us to place an emphasis on our strength above Jesus in us. Yes, God loves to give us good things. To bless us with moments on the mountaintops. But I’ve found that the greatest blessing is found in the valleys, when we realize God’s grace is the only thing sustaining us and we find ourselves empty enough to be filled by Him. If you are in the valley today, instead of viewing it as something you must endure, why not view it as a blessing? Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying the tragedy we may be walking through may be easy or a gift in and of itself, but the result (which can often be a deeper closeness with God) is the true gift. Why not view our empty places as a gift and an opportunity to be filled with the presence of God? Pray with me: Father, thank You for the valleys that make me like a child again. Thank You for the seasons that strip away my false independence and remind me that I am sustained by Your grace alone. Help me to stop longing for the next mountain and instead look for Your presence right here, even in the empty spaces. Fill me with Yourself today. In Jesus’s Name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In Scripture, there is great significance behind a name. A name was much more than a label or a way to identify someone. Today, names often carry little significance beyond what sounded good to our parents at the time. We choose names from baby books, family traditions, or popularity lists. Most people never stop to ask what their name means. It’s simply what people call us. Take me, for example. I’m Pamela. You’ve known me as Pamela for years. You’re probably not sitting there wondering about the deeper meaning of my name. Honestly, I’ve carried this name for over fifty years and had to look it up myself. It means “all sweetness.” I’ll let my family decide whether that’s accurate! But the names in our Bible are of great meaning. Mother’s didn’t pick names based on an internet list of popularity. Names were given to reveal a person’s identity, character, reputation, purpose, and sometimes even their destiny. Names carried meaning, and they often told a story. If you were given a bad name from birth with a bad meaning. Poor kid. Imagine being given a name that meant “sorrow,” “fool,” or “no mercy.” Every introduction would become a reminder of a negative identity. In biblical times, names carried such weight that a person could spend a lifetime either living into that identity or fighting to overcome it. We also see throughout Scripture that when God gave someone a new calling, He would sometimes give them a new name to reflect their transformed identity. Their new names signified that God was doing something new in their lives and inviting them into His greater purpose. That name carried a calling and an identity. Here on this podcast, we spent a few weeks studying the names of God found in our Bible. Through those names, we gained a deeper understanding of His character, authority, power, and love. We encountered Him as: YHWH, the self-existent and covenant-keeping God Adonai, our Lord and Master Elohim, the Creator El Shaddai, God Almighty Yahweh Rapha, the Lord who heals El Roi, the God who sees Abba, our loving Father Jehovah Jireh, our Provider Yahweh Shalom, our Peace The Good Shepherd who faithfully guides and cares for His people What became clear through that study is that God’s names reveal who He is. They unveil His nature, His attributes, and His relationship to His people. Every name teaches us something about His character and His work. So if names matter this much throughout Scripture, and if God’s own names reveal His character, then we should expect the name of Jesus to be overflowing with meaning. Yet many of us hear “Lord Jesus Christ” so often that we stop hearing it altogether. It becomes a familiar phrase. But to the first-century believer, every word in that name carried enormous significance. “Lord Jesus Christ” is not merely a title. It is a declaration. It announces His authority, His mission, and His identity. A few months ago in Venice, Italy, my friend and I knelt beside a woman who spent her days lying face down on the streets begging. I’ll never forget the moment she looked up at me and said in her language, “Jesus Cristo?” Immediately, there was recognition. Immediately, there was connection. Immediately, there was hope. We didn’t share the same language. We didn’t share the same culture. But we shared one name. The name above every name. The Lord Jesus Christ. What is this name … The Lord Jesus Christ? 1. LORD: This word Lord was originally spoken in Greek as Kyrios. Kyrios means master, owner, one who has authority. When Jesus said in Matthew 28:13, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth”, he’s showing that he is the Lord. He has all authority – not some authority, not a little authority. ALL authority. And where is this authority? In both heaven and on earth. He’s in charge of everything. All things everywhere in heaven and on earth are under his divine authority. We call Him Lord because there is nothing above Him, nothing outside His authority, and nothing beyond His rule. So, when you pray to make Jesus the Lord of your life, that’s what you are affirming – Jesus is over everything in your life. He has ALL authority and you bow down to him. Quite honestly, at 15 years old when I prayed and asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life, I had no idea what that actually meant. Now I know. And so do you – He is Lord, he is master, he is above all with ALL authority. Do you believe that? Is Jesus your Lord? 2. JESUS: What a holy and sacred name chosen by God and delivered through an angel. In Matthew 1: 20-21, an angel came to Joseph and told him that his fiance Mary had conceived a child through the Holy Spirit. The angel said, “She will have a son, and you are the name him JESUS, for he will save his people from their sins.” That’s the very meaning of the name Jesus – Yahweh saves. The name announces his life mission – To save sinners, to reconcile humanity to God, to defeat death, to bring God’s kingdom. In this time, everyone knew the meaning of the name Jesus. It was pronounced Yeshua in Hebrew, Yahweh saves. Who is Yahweh? He’s the God who always has been, and the one who made a covenant with his people to save them. Jesus is the fulfillment of that covenant. Jesus SAVES US! Before Jesus ever preached a sermon, performed a miracle, or went to the cross, His mission had already been announced through His name. Do you call on the name of Jesus knowing he is the son of God sent to save you? Do you know him as your absolute only answer, only way and only source? 3. CHRIST: In Greek, it is spoken Christos and means “Anointed One.” The anointing of oil signified God’s appointment of a specific person. When someone was called to a high position of power such as a priest or King, they were anointed. So, to call Jesus CHRIST, Christos, it says this is God’s anointed one. God’s chosen one. The one God has called to a high position of power. In Hebrew, this word was Messiah. For centuries, Israel waited. Generation after generation looked for the promised Messiah. Prophets spoke of Him. Kings anticipated Him. The faithful longed for Him. Then Paul declares with one word: Christ. The waiting is over. The Messiah has come. He is the promised one. He holds the power of God and is on an appointment. Jesus is the King who’s rule will never end. He holds the eternal kingdom. That’s who our Christ is. So now, when we put all these names together as 1 Corinthians 1:3 does, “Call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” we see the full picture of our Jesus. The order is important. First, he is Lord – the exalted sovereign ruler. Then he is Jesus – the man sent to save. And finally he is Christ – the appointed and promised Messiah King. Together, the Lord Jesus Christ proclaims fully who he is. He is God. He is man. He is savior. And, he is ours!!!!!!!!!! Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

Here it is—today we study the final fruit of the Spirit. And isn’t it just like God to save a grand lesson for last? The one fruit every one of us knows we desperately need: Self-control. In mentoring women to pursue their God-given goals and live the life they were created for, I hear this all the time: “Pamela, I just don’t have any willpower. I have no self-control.” Have you ever said that about yourself? But let’s stop and ask a deeper question. Is that really true? Can someone who has been filled with the Holy Spirit truly say they have no self-control? I believe that’s one of the enemy’s favorite lies. It’s a limiting belief designed to keep us striving in our own strength instead of living from the power already at work within us. It’s a lie that makes us buy our own excuses and settle for a little life, all while we were created for a BIG Life. The very presence of God living within you PRODUCES self-control. Let me show you how I know. Most of us refer to Galatians 5:22-23 as the “fruits” of the Spirit—as though Paul is giving us a basket filled with different kinds of fruit. Maybe you’re naturally patient but struggle with kindness. Maybe you have joy but not peace. Maybe you have love but not self-control. It’s like saying, “the basket I was given has grapes, but no strawberries. I just have to struggle through this life with never getting strawberries because I wasn’t given any.” But that’s not what Paul wrote. Look closely. He doesn’t say, “The Holy Spirit produces these fruits.” He says, “The fruit of the Spirit is…” Let’s read it for ourselves, Galatians 5: 22-23, “But the Holy Spirit produces THIS KIND OF FRUIT in our lives: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Fruit is singular. Paul isn’t describing 9 separate fruits we can pick and choose from. He is describing one Spirit-produced life that reveals itself in 9 beautiful expressions: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Think of it like sunlight passing through a prism. It’s one light, yet it displays many colors. If a prism has sunlight, then it has all the colors. There’s not one defective prism just lacking pink. There’s not another just lacking yellow. They’re all there if the prism has sunlight, just turn it to see. The fruit of the Spirit works much the same way. It is one supernatural life produced by the Holy Spirit, expressed in multiple ways. That changes everything. Self-control isn’t an isolated virtue reserved for naturally disciplined people. It isn’t a personality trait. It isn’t something God gives to a select few while withholding it from everyone else. Yet somehow we believe only the super fit get self-control. Only the ones losing weight, or saving money, or with a clean house have self-control. Only those who consistently meet their goals have self-control. Isn’t that what you’ve believed? And haven’t you dismissed yourself at some point because you just don’t have the same self-control they do? Girl, don’t let the enemy twist this. Don’t let him convince you that you’re lacking the fruit. Are you a believer and follower of Jesus? Have you placed your faith in him and surrendered your life to him? Yes? Then you have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. God’s presence dwells within you. And just like when sunlight hits the prism, all the lights are present when you turn it – all 9 expressions of the Spirit are growing in you! You’re not missing one. You weren’t just left out. Self-control is part of the very character the Holy Spirit is growing in EVERY believer – and that means YOU. Self-control is growing in you right along side love and joy, and peace and patience, kindness, goodness and gentleness. Now, does that mean every Christian demonstrates perfect self-control? Of course not. Fruit grows. No one plants an apple tree on Monday and expects a harvest by Friday. Growth is gradual. It is cultivated. It is nourished. It matures over time. The question isn’t, “Do I already have perfect self-control?” The better question is, “Am I yielding to the Spirit who is producing it in me?” That’s an entirely different conversation. You may feel like someone who lacks self-control because you’ve looked at your failures more than God’s promises. But your failures don’t define what the Holy Spirit is capable of producing. If you belong to Christ, the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. That means the seed of self-control has already been planted. The issue isn’t whether God has given it. The issue is whether we’re allowing Him to cultivate it. This life isn’t about gritting our teeth and trying harder. It has always been about surrendering more deeply. Now, let’s study self-control and see what it really means. The Greek word translated as ‘self-control’ means power and strength within. What this means is the Holy Spirits gives every believer an internal ruler stronger than external temptation. No matter what temptation you’re facing, there’s an internal ruler stronger! There’s a power within you that can turn away, resist, and overcome. Y’all this past weekend I was at my Mama’s house and she made her award winning, best thing you’ve ever eaten in your whole life, blackberry cobbler. She had gone out and picked the fresh blackberries herself. She had made her secret pie crust that’s thick and perfectly flaky and buttery. Then, she made homemade icrecream to go with it. BUT I am committed with a healthy meal plan right now that does not include cobbler or ice cream, dad-gum-it! So, how do you think I did? Do you think I was able to withstand the temptation of this culinary perfection? You bet your butt I did, and here’s how – I HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN ME and I KNOW THERE’S AN INTERNAL RULER STRONGER THAN THAT TEMPTATION. (I just have to listen to the right voice.) Does God really care if I eat mama’s blackberry cobbler and homemade icecream? Nahhh, I don’t think so. But I do believe God cares about my health because this body is a vessel for his Holy Spirit. And I do believe he cares about the commitments I make and my willingness to tap into the power he has given me to follow through with those commitments. What the Holy Spirit is growing within us isn’t the absence of desire. (I still really wanted a very large bowl of that greatness.) What the Holy Spirit is growing within us is proper rule OVER DESIRE. It’s the internal governor that says, “You don’t have to do every little thing you feel like doing. You don’t have to get everything you think you want. You don’t have to have immediate gratification. You’re not a victim to your every desire. Yield to God’s power within you.” 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” That’s what God has given you. Now it’s up to you to abide in him and surrender to the power he has put within you! Before Jesus saved us, our flesh ruled. We set on our throne, our desires issued commands and our minds justified them. Our bodies obeyed. But with Jesus we have the Holy Spirit, now we’re under a different command. There’s a different ruler on the throne. Jesus sits in authority. The Spirit empowers new desires. And yes, our flesh still speaks, but it is not longer the king. Self-control is evidence there’s a new king governing our heart and life. We become a new person with the fruit of the Holy Spirit growing in us! Now, understand this, the Holy Spirit does not merely hand us extra strength. He reshapes our loves. God’s commands come with God’s enabling grace. The Spirit writes God’s law on our hearts, creating new desires that increasingly align with His will. As we grow in Christ, we don’t just have stronger disciple, we actually grow to WANT WHAT GOD WANTS. The deepest direction of our heart is changing!!!!!! You can’t will yourself into that change – that’s a direct result of the Holy Spirit working within you. Now here’s what I hope you’ll never forget – Self-control is not about becoming a stronger version of you. It’s about becoming a more surrendered version of you. The world says, “Try harder.” Jesus says, “Abide in Me.” The world says, “Get more disciplined.” The Holy Spirit says, “Walk with Me.” Maybe you’ve spent years telling yourself, “I just don’t have any self-control.” Maybe you’ve believed that’s just the way you are. Maybe you’ve looked at other women and thought, “They’re disciplined. They’re organized. They’re healthy. They’re financially wise. They have self-control…I just don’t.” Sweet friend, that’s not your identity. If you belong to Christ, the Holy Spirit lives within you. And if the Holy Spirit lives within you, then He is producing His fruit within you—including self-control. The question isn’t whether God has given it. The question is whether you’ll believe it’s there…and begin partnering with Him instead of arguing with Him. Every time you’re tempted to quit… Every time you want to say something you’ll regret… Every time you want to give in to fear… Every time you want immediate gratification instead of God’s best… Pause. Remember who’s on the throne. Remember there is an internal Ruler who is stronger than every external temptation. Then choose to listen to His voice instead of the voice of your flesh. Will you still have moments where you fail? Absolutely. But failure is no longer your identity. It’s simply another opportunity to turn back to the One who is faithfully growing His fruit in you. Fruit doesn’t grow because we strain harder. Fruit grows because it stays connected to the vine. Jesus said in John 15, “Abide in Me.” He didn’t say, “Impress Me.” He didn’t say, “Perform for Me.” He said, “Remain in Me.” That’s the secret. As you remain with Him, the Holy Spirit keeps doing what only He can do. He changes your desires. He renews your mind. He strengthens your resolve. He reminds you of truth in the moment you need it. He gives you power to say “no” to what steals life so you can say “yes” to what leads to life. And one day you’ll look back and realize something remarkable. The things that once mastered you… don’t anymore. Not because you finally found enough willpower. But because the Spirit of God has been faithfully transforming you from the inside out. That’s the fruit of self-control. Not a life of white-knuckled striving. A life that is increasingly ruled by Jesus. And isn’t that what we’ve been studying all along? Self-control is simply Jesus ruling where our flesh used to. That’s the fruit the Holy Spirit is growing in you. So don’t leave here saying, “I need more willpower.” Leave here saying, “Holy Spirit, have more of me.” Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

God's Eternal Judgment starts after death and it's vital we are ready for it. He will judge us all individually & seal our eternal destiny, based on our response to Him in this life. We go through 3 Phases of Existence. *(1) THIS LIFE, where our inner man lives in a mortal body - a temporary state, for when we die our spirit leaves our body. *(2) The INTERMEDIATE STATE, when we continue to exist as a disembodied spirit. This is also temporary, ending with our resurrection. *(3) The ETERNAL STATE starts at our resurrection, when our spirit puts on an immortal body. All men are ultimately divided into 2 groups, with 2 opposite eternal destinies, either everlasting glory in God's Presence, or everlasting separation from God in Hell. This is decided at death, when a permanent separation between the saved & unsaved takes place –Stage 1 of man's Eternal Judgment. The condition of each soul at death determines its destiny for eternity (Ecc 11:3). Only in this life do you have the chance to get right with God. After you die, your eternity is fixed forever (Rev 22:11). A man either dies under condemnation or in grace. Man is born in a state of sin & guilt before God (John 3:17-18, Eph 2:1-3). Jesus is our only hope of salvation (Acts 4:12). We have a choice to accept or reject Christ & His salvation. Those in Christ will be with Him forever in Heaven. But those who reject Him will die in their sins & be lost forever in Hell (John 8:24). So, Stage 1 of man's Eternal Judgment happens right after death (Heb 9:27). When his spirit leaves his body, he faces a private judicial sentencing from God. If he dies in his sins, (1) he is found guilty and sent to a place of punishment in Hades. Then later, at his resurrection, (2) he'll stand before God a 2nd time for final sentencing at the Great White Throne & dismissal into the Lake of Fire, the degree of his punishment determined by the degree of his rebellion (Rev 20:11-15). But, Christ made another eternal destiny possible. Those who trust in Him don't face damnation when they die, for Jesus took it for us. They'll be found to be righteous in Him & go to Heaven. So, at death, God sends a man to one of 2 locations - a place of punishment or a place of blessing (Paradise). At this point his eternal destiny is fixed. When God reunites man's spirit with his body in the resurrection, we'll stand before God for the 2nd & final stage of Eternal Judgment, when we'll be released into our final Eternal State, either in glory or in the Lake of Fire. He who dies in his sins will be sent to a place of initial punishment in Hades, to await his resurrection to his final Eternal Judgment. But he who dies in the Lord has passed from death to life (John 5:24-25, Rom 8:1). So, when we die, we'll be released to go to Paradise to await our resurrection, when we'll stand before Christ's Judgment Seat, to receive our eternal rewards and be released into our eternal state, with a corresponding measure of glory. God's Eternal Judgment operates like our court-system: in 2 Stages. Stage 1 at death determines guilt or innocence. At death, God separates mankind into 2 groups. Saved spirits go to Paradise, but the wicked go down to a place of punishment in Hades, a holding cell, where they're kept until their final judgment. Then Stage 2 after his resurrection, decides his sentencing (degree of punishment or reward), based on his works. (1) The righteous will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ to be judged to determine the degree of their eternal rewards of glory, according to their works, and then be released into their eternal state of glory. (2) When the unsaved are resurrected at the end of time, they'll stand before the Great White Throne for final sentencing & dismissal into their eternal state & place of punishment, the Lake of Fire (Rev 20). They'll be judged according to their works, to determine the degree of their everlasting punishment. We have 2 appointments with God we can't miss, which determine our eternal future. (1) After our death, to determine if we go up to Heaven or down to Hades. (2) After our resurrection, to determine the degree of our eternal reward or punishment. Before Jesus' resurrection, the departed spirits of all men went down to an invisible realm under the earth (SHEOL or HADES), a holding cell, where all men awaited their final judgment. The true story of the rich man& Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) describes life after death in Hades, for the saved & lost, before Christ's resurrection. It proves men's souls are conscious after death. All went down to HADES, but to different compartments. The saved went to PARADISE (Luke 23;43) or ABRAHAM'S BOSOM, but the wicked to TORMENTS, a place of punishment. By His resurrection Jesus overcame the power of Hades for His Church (Matt 16:18), and when we trust in Him our spirits are born again & made perfect by our union with the resurrected Christ (1Pet 1:3), so at death our spirits no longer go down to Hades, but up to Heaven.

God's Eternal Judgment starts after death and it's vital we are ready for it. He will judge us all individually & seal our eternal destiny, based on our response to Him in this life. We go through 3 Phases of Existence. *(1) THIS LIFE, where our inner man lives in a mortal body - a temporary state, for when we die our spirit leaves our body. *(2) The INTERMEDIATE STATE, when we continue to exist as a disembodied spirit. This is also temporary, ending with our resurrection. *(3) The ETERNAL STATE starts at our resurrection, when our spirit puts on an immortal body. All men are ultimately divided into 2 groups, with 2 opposite eternal destinies, either everlasting glory in God's Presence, or everlasting separation from God in Hell. This is decided at death, when a permanent separation between the saved & unsaved takes place –Stage 1 of man's Eternal Judgment. The condition of each soul at death determines its destiny for eternity (Ecc 11:3). Only in this life do you have the chance to get right with God. After you die, your eternity is fixed forever (Rev 22:11). A man either dies under condemnation or in grace. Man is born in a state of sin & guilt before God (John 3:17-18, Eph 2:1-3). Jesus is our only hope of salvation (Acts 4:12). We have a choice to accept or reject Christ & His salvation. Those in Christ will be with Him forever in Heaven. But those who reject Him will die in their sins & be lost forever in Hell (John 8:24). So, Stage 1 of man's Eternal Judgment happens right after death (Heb 9:27). When his spirit leaves his body, he faces a private judicial sentencing from God. If he dies in his sins, (1) he is found guilty and sent to a place of punishment in Hades. Then later, at his resurrection, (2) he'll stand before God a 2nd time for final sentencing at the Great White Throne & dismissal into the Lake of Fire, the degree of his punishment determined by the degree of his rebellion (Rev 20:11-15). But, Christ made another eternal destiny possible. Those who trust in Him don't face damnation when they die, for Jesus took it for us. They'll be found to be righteous in Him & go to Heaven. So, at death, God sends a man to one of 2 locations - a place of punishment or a place of blessing (Paradise). At this point his eternal destiny is fixed. When God reunites man's spirit with his body in the resurrection, we'll stand before God for the 2nd & final stage of Eternal Judgment, when we'll be released into our final Eternal State, either in glory or in the Lake of Fire. He who dies in his sins will be sent to a place of initial punishment in Hades, to await his resurrection to his final Eternal Judgment. But he who dies in the Lord has passed from death to life (John 5:24-25, Rom 8:1). So, when we die, we'll be released to go to Paradise to await our resurrection, when we'll stand before Christ's Judgment Seat, to receive our eternal rewards and be released into our eternal state, with a corresponding measure of glory. God's Eternal Judgment operates like our court-system: in 2 Stages. Stage 1 at death determines guilt or innocence. At death, God separates mankind into 2 groups. Saved spirits go to Paradise, but the wicked go down to a place of punishment in Hades, a holding cell, where they're kept until their final judgment. Then Stage 2 after his resurrection, decides his sentencing (degree of punishment or reward), based on his works. (1) The righteous will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ to be judged to determine the degree of their eternal rewards of glory, according to their works, and then be released into their eternal state of glory. (2) When the unsaved are resurrected at the end of time, they'll stand before the Great White Throne for final sentencing & dismissal into their eternal state & place of punishment, the Lake of Fire (Rev 20). They'll be judged according to their works, to determine the degree of their everlasting punishment. We have 2 appointments with God we can't miss, which determine our eternal future. (1) After our death, to determine if we go up to Heaven or down to Hades. (2) After our resurrection, to determine the degree of our eternal reward or punishment. Before Jesus' resurrection, the departed spirits of all men went down to an invisible realm under the earth (SHEOL or HADES), a holding cell, where all men awaited their final judgment. The true story of the rich man& Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) describes life after death in Hades, for the saved & lost, before Christ's resurrection. It proves men's souls are conscious after death. All went down to HADES, but to different compartments. The saved went to PARADISE (Luke 23;43) or ABRAHAM'S BOSOM, but the wicked to TORMENTS, a place of punishment. By His resurrection Jesus overcame the power of Hades for His Church (Matt 16:18), and when we trust in Him our spirits are born again & made perfect by our union with the resurrected Christ (1Pet 1:3), so at death our spirits no longer go down to Hades, but up to Heaven.

Before Jesus was born, how were people saved? Did Abraham, Moses, David, and the other faithful men and women of the Old Testament go to heaven another way? In this episode, we explore one of the Bible's most important questions and discover that God has always had one plan of salvation. From Abraham's faith to the sacrificial system, every page of the Old Testament points to Jesus Christ. Learn why the cross didn't just save those who came after Christ—it also secured the salvation of those who trusted God's promises before He came.

Pack your bags and join us for Summer Road Trip, a journey through the life and teachings of Jesus. Each week, we'll explore key moments from His ministry— from the preparation to the arrival in Jerusalem. Along the way, we'll discover practical lessons for navigating faith, relationships, purpose, and everyday challenges. Whether you're new to following Jesus or have been walking with Him for years, this series will help you on your journey though life and challenge you to travel closer to Him. Before Jesus began His public ministry, He spent forty days in the wilderness, preparing for what was to come. Jesus sets the example and teaches us to rely on scripture, depend on God's provision, and remain faithful even when the path is difficult. Our journey starts with the preparation.

Summer on the Mount — Week 1: The Upside-Down Good Life | Matthew 5:1–12 Texts: Matthew 5:1–12What if the life the world calls blessed is not actually the good life?In Week 1 of Summer on the Mount: A Better Way to Be Human, Pastor Kevin begins walking through the Sermon on the Mount by looking at the Beatitudes. Before Jesus teaches about anger, desire, prayer, money, anxiety, or obedience, He begins with blessing. He answers the question everybody is asking in some form: Who is really living the good life?This message shows that the Beatitudes are not a ladder to climb so we can earn God's favor. They are an announcement that the Kingdom has come near. Jesus blesses people the world does not know what to do with: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the hungry, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted.If you have been chasing a version of blessing built on success, control, comfort, image, or comparison, this message is an invitation to let Jesus redefine the good life—and to come to Him honestly, poor in spirit, hungry for righteousness, and ready to receive.Broad River Church | Norwalk, CT Join us Sundays: 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM (English) | 1:00 PM (Español) Learn more or take your next step: https://broadriver.church/nextstepsFollow us on Instagram: @iambroadriverchurch

Before Jesus told His disciples to go into the harvest, He first taught them how to see.In Matthew 9, Jesus looked at the crowds with compassion because they were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Rather than viewing people as interruptions or labels, He saw individuals who desperately needed hope, healing, and a Savior.In this second message of The Invitation series, John Gunter challenges believers to slow down, notice the people God has already placed around them, and begin praying for opportunities to simply invite others to encounter Christ.Sharing our faith doesn't begin with having all the answers. It begins with having the eyes of Jesus.Key Themes: Seeing people through the eyes of Christ  Compassion before invitation  The harvest is people, not projects  Prayer prepares our hearts to reach others  God provides the growth while we faithfully invite Key Scriptures: Matthew 9:35-38  1 Samuel 16:7  Romans 15:7  1 Corinthians 3:6-7 Eagle Community Church of Christ Mont Belvieu, TexasLoving God. Loving People. Following Jesus.

Today's Promise: John 16:7 Before Jesus returned to the Father, He made a promise that must have seemed impossible for the disciples to understand. He told them it was actually better for Him to go away because He would send the Holy Spirit. How could anything be better than walking beside Jesus Himself?   In this episode, we'll discover why Jesus called this promise "to your advantage" and what it means for your life today. The same Holy Spirit who transformed a fearful group of followers into bold witnesses now lives in every believer, comforting, teaching, guiding, and empowering us each day.   If you've ever longed to experience God's presence more deeply or wondered how to live the Christian life with confidence, this promise is for you. Join me as we explore the incredible gift Jesus has given us and celebrate the truth that, through the Holy Spirit, Christ is with you every moment, every day.

The Good Shepherd: Called by Name | Rev. Dr. Brett Pardue | North Raleigh UMCWhat does it really mean when Jesus says, "I am the Good Shepherd"?In this thoughtful message from John 9-10, Rev. Dr. Brett Pardue explores one of Jesus' most beloved "I Am" statements through the story of the man born blind. Before Jesus speaks about the Good Shepherd, He seeks out someone who has been questioned, judged, and cast aside by religious leaders. Through this powerful connection, we discover that the Good Shepherd is not simply a comforting image. It is a declaration of God's relentless grace, mercy, and commitment to seek those whom others overlook.Drawing on the rich themes of John's Gospel, Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, and United Methodist theology, Brett reflects on God's prevenient grace, belonging before believing, the church's calling to embody Christ's compassion, and the hope found in being known and called by name. Rather than offering easy answers, this sermon invites us to consider how Jesus continues to pursue people with mercy, healing, and love.Whether you've experienced rejection, are searching for a deeper understanding of God's grace, or want to explore Wesleyan theology through Scripture, this message offers encouragement and a fresh perspective on the Good Shepherd who never loses track of His sheep.Scripture: John 10:11-30 (with John 9), Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34North Raleigh United Methodist Church (NRUMC) is a welcoming United Methodist congregation in Raleigh, North Carolina, committed to helping people encounter Jesus Christ, grow in faith, build authentic community, and serve the world.Topics: Good Shepherd, John 10, John 9, Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, United Methodist Church, Wesleyan theology, prevenient grace, grace, belonging, discipleship, inclusion, mercy, compassion, healing, identity, faith, Christian living, sermon, Bible study, Raleigh NC, North Raleigh UMC.

What will it look like when Jesus actually returns? Most of us picture a Rambo-style hero charging in with a sword, but the Bible paints a very different picture, and it changes everything about how we live right now.This week at 2|42 Community Church, we walk through Revelation 19 and the moment the hero finally steps into the story. Jesus returns on a white horse, eyes like fire, wearing a robe dipped in blood but here's the thing most people miss: it's His own blood. Before there was a white horse, there was a cross. Before a crown, there were thorns. Before Jesus was the conquering King, He was the sacrificial Lamb. And He's not riding back alone,  there's an army behind Him, dressed in white, following Him into final victory. The question this passage leaves us with isn't "is Jesus coming back?" It's "when He does, where will you be?"Support the show

Before Jesus went to the cross, He promised His disciples they would not be left alone. The Holy Spirit would come to dwell with them and in them. Our hope for change is not found in trying harder, pretending better, or becoming more disciplined by sheer willpower. Join Matt Ritchey in discovering the hope that lives with us and in us!

This week we’ve studied what our lives looks like without the Holy Spirit. Without God’s influence, without God’s direction over our life, we naturally drift toward dysfunction, selfishness, broken relationships, and sin. Left to ourselves, our sinful nature becomes the driving force behind our decisions, our attitudes, and our actions. That’s exactly what Paul describes in Galatians 5. He paints an honest picture of what life looks like when the flesh is in control. It’s not a list meant to shame us – it’s a mirror showing us what every one of us is capable of apart from God. But thank God, we’re not left there. The good news is that God didn’t simply save us from our sin; He gave us His very presence. When we place our faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. We are no longer left to navigate this life in our own strength. We have a Helper, a Guide, a Teacher, and the very power of God at work in us. So before we can understand the fruit of the Spirit, we have to understand the Spirit Himself. Who is the Holy Spirit? Why did God give Him to us? What is His purpose in our lives? And what does it actually look like to live under His influence every day? The fruit of the Spirit isn’t about trying harder to become a better person. It’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. I spent many years not understanding who the Holy Spirit is and what it mean to have this influence in my life. Maybe you’re in that place. This doesn’t quite make sense to you. It can be a little confusing, so lets slow down to understand. Quite simply, the Holy Spirit is God HIMSELF. God reveals himself to us in 3 ways which we call the trinity. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – all God. Think of it this way, the Father loved us, the Son saved us, the Spirit changes us. The Holy Spirit is God’s very own presence dwelling within us. Before Jesus returned to Heaven after his crucifixion, he made an incredible promise. In John 14: 16-17, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. You will know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” In verse 23, Jesus says, “We will come and make our home in each one who loves me.” Jesus had been walking with his disciples. He had been living with them, teaching them, guiding them. In flesh, he was there with them. Now, before he returns to Heaven, he is promising for everyone who loves him, they will be given ANOTHER who will actually live in you and never leave you. The Greek, word translated “another” means another of the same kind. So we have been given someone exactly like Jesus in nature and purpose to live inside of us. That’s the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit makes God’s presence permanent in everyone who believes in him. As real as Jesus walked this earth as God in human form, God now lives within us in Spirit form. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live like Jesus. So this isn’t about trying harder and harder, this is about allowing God to live through us. In the Old Testament, God’s Spirit dwelt in the tabernacle and later in the temple. Occasionally his Spirit would come upon specific people for specific purposes. Through the cleansing power of Jesus to make us holy and righteous, God Spirit is now available to each of us and we become his temple. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19, “Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God.” For real, God now lives within us! My mind can’t comprehend that, but by faith I choose to believe it. Do you? Let’s look at 3 things the Holy Spirit does: He teaches us, empowers us and transforms us. The Holy Spirit teaches us. When you read the Bible and actually understand it, that’s the work of the Holy Spirit. When you listen to this podcast or a sermon and it hits just right, that’s the work of the Holy Spirit. When you’re living your regular life and you remember what God said about it, that’s the work of the Holy Spirit. What a lot of people describe as a “gut feeling” is actually the prompting of the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit empowers us. Acts 1:8, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” Have you ever been stronger than you ever thought you could be? Girl, that was the Holy Spirit. Have you ever had the power to do things you never thought you could do? That’s the power from the Holy Spirit. We’re so quick to think we’re weak and incapable, but as a believer, remember who is living within you. God himself is inside of you! His power is in you! So yes, you do have the strength for this through the Holy Spirit. Yes, you are good enough. Yes, you are capable. Remember what’s in you! And ultimately what the Holy Spirit does within us is he transforms us. That’s where the Fruit of the Spirit comes in in Galatians 5. WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, we are changed naturally. This change isn’t something we have to force and will, it’s a change that grows in us and makes us more like Jesus. That’s the goal of the Holy Spirit, to make us more and more like Jesus. As we move to the right side of our list and begin to see what it looks like to live under the influence of the Holy Spirit, rather than without him, think of it like this: If you are under the influence of alcohol, you think different, you talk different, you walk different, you have different emotions, and you make different decisions. Why? Because you’re under the influence of that alcohol so you operate different. Now, think of the influence of the Holy Spirit in your life. It changes everything. You think different under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The way you see things changes. The way you see people changes. Your thought process is changed. You talk different under the influence of the Holy Spirit. You don’t even want to be in the conversations you were once in. You walk different with different emotions, making different decisions. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, your desires are literally changed. Your heart begins to align with God’s heart and you begin to pursue the things he created you for. And what happens when there’s a different life within us – FRUIT! Fruit is evidence of life. An apple tree doesn’t struggle to tape apples to its branches to look more like an apple tree. An apple tree just naturally produces apples. When the Holy Spirit lives within us, we don’t have to struggle and strive, we just surrender and then we naturally produce the Fruit of the Spirit. This is what makes us more and more like Jesus. Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

No one can share God's glory, right? Actually, the exact opposite is true. God's people are even named “partakers of the glory” and “the house of His glory”! Before Jesus went to the cross, He prayed, “Father, the glory you gave Me, I have given them.” So, this has already been established by a divine decree! This revelation is glorious!Ministry website: www.shreveministries.orgComparative religion website: www.thetruelight.netThe “Catholic Project” website: www.toCatholicswithlove.orgVideo channel: www.YouTube.com/mikeshreveministriesAll audio-podcasts are shared in a video format on our YouTube channel.Get Mike Shreve's book revealing the spiritual identity of the sons and daughters of God:WHO AM I? Dynamic Declarations of Who You Are in ChristMike Shreve's other podcastRevealing the True Light—a study on comparative religion subjects, as well as mysterious or controversial biblical subjects: https://www.charismapodcastnetwork.com/show/revealingthetruelight

For this Father's day and our 60th anniversary, we at Cross Points Church have Pastor Don Lewis preaching today. He led our church from 2000-2012, and we are so grateful to have him preach this Sunday.Pastor Don Lewis reminds us of the life-changing words the Father spoke over Jesus at His baptism: “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” Before Jesus performed a miracle, preached a sermon, or began His public ministry, the Father marked Him with identity, love, and affirmation. Pastor Don teaches how every person needs to know they are marked by the Father, not by shame, failure, rejection, or the labels of the past, but by the love of God.To learn more about Cross Points, check out our website:http://crosspointschurch.comTo stay up to date, check out our social media:Instagram: @crosspointskcFacebook: Cross Points ChurchYoutube: CrossPointsKC

In John 11, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead and reveals one of the most powerful “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John: “I am the resurrection and the life.” This message from The Source series looks at the seventh public sign in John's Gospel and shows how the resurrection of Lazarus points to the authority of Jesus over death, the hope of eternal life, and the freedom He brings to those who believe.Before Jesus raises Lazarus, He delays, He weeps, and He enters the grief of Mary and Martha. This passage reminds us that Jesus is not distant from our pain, but He is also not defeated by it. He is the Source of life, and when He calls our name, dead things come alive.In this sermon, Pastor Josh Brown teaches through John 11 and explores what it means to live the resurrected life. The resurrected life is not only about a future resurrection; it is about hope, freedom, and new life in Christ right now. Jesus does not simply promise resurrection someday. He is resurrection and life today.If you are walking through grief, delay, disappointment, fear, or spiritual bondage, this message will encourage you to believe again. Lazarus walked out of the tomb still wrapped in grave clothes, and Jesus told the people around him, “Unbind him, and let him go.” In Christ, we are raised to life and called into freedom.Join us as we continue The Source series through the Gospel of John and discover how Jesus is the living water, the bread of life, the light of the world, the good shepherd, and the resurrection and the life.Scripture: John 11:1–46Series: The SourceSpeaker: Pastor Josh BrownChurch: Overflow ChurchTopics: John 11, Lazarus, Jesus raises Lazarus, I am the resurrection and the life, resurrection power, living hope, freedom in Christ, Gospel of John, the seventh sign in John, Jesus has authority over death, The Source series, Overflow Church, Pastor Josh BrownSupport the show

Before Jesus does a single miracle or wins a single debate, His Father declares, “This is my beloved Son.” The Breastplate of Righteousness if first received, not achieved. Jesus lives from His identity and not for it. In a culture obsessed with proving ourselves, righteousness becomes either self-righteousness or despair but in Jesus it becomes protection. When we armor up like Jesus, we stop performing for approval and begin living from the truth that we are approved. The battle is not to impress God, but to rest in the righteousness He gives and then live through that righteousness leading to a life of character and integrity.  

Before Jesus does a single miracle or wins a single debate, His Father declares, “This is my beloved Son.” The Breastplate of Righteousness if first received, not achieved. Jesus lives from His identity and not for it. In a culture obsessed with proving ourselves, righteousness becomes either self-righteousness or despair but in Jesus it becomes protection. When we armor up like Jesus, we stop performing for approval and begin living from the truth that we are approved. The battle is not to impress God, but to rest in the righteousness He gives and then live through that righteousness leading to a life of character and integrity.  

The Holy Spirit is one of the most talked about (and least understood) persons in the Church.Some see Him as a force.Others see Him as an experience.Jesus revealed Him as a Person.In this message, we unpack the Promise of the Father and discover who the Holy Spirit is, what He does, and how He transforms everyday life.Using passages from John 16, Acts 1, Acts 2, Romans 8, and Galatians 5, we explore:• Why the Holy Spirit is a Person, not a power• How He convicts, comforts, and guides believers• What it means to be filled with the Spirit• The difference between spiritual gifts and spiritual fruit• How the Spirit empowers us to live holy and bold lives• Why revival has always been connected to the Holy Spirit• Practical ways to cultivate a daily relationship with HimThis message isn't just about learning about the Holy Spirit.It's about knowing Him.Before Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world, He told them to wait for one thing: the Promise of the Father.“Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you...” John 16:7

Before Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, there was a path that led to it.In this episode, we examine Matthew chapters 3 and 4—the preparation, testing, and early ministry of Jesus that set the stage for one of the most important sermons ever preached. From the ministry of John the Baptist, to the baptism of Jesus, to His temptation in the wilderness and the calling of His first disciples, every event points to the authority and mission of Christ.The Sermon on the Mount did not appear in a vacuum. Understanding what happened before Jesus opened His mouth to teach helps us better understand the message He delivered.Join me as we begin a verse-by-verse journey through the Sermon on the Mount by first exploring the foundation upon which it was built.The Rocky Brown Podcast—Biblical teaching for everyday life.Send us Fan Mail Support the show

Your net can only hold what it's been prepared to carry.Before Jesus called fishermen to catch people, He found them washing their nets after a disappointing night. Yet what felt like failure was actually preparation for one of the greatest invitations ever given: "From now on, you will fish for people."Before God changes your assignment, He often repairs your net.

God doesn't bless disorder—He blesses order. Before Jesus fed the 5,000, He told them to sit down. Miracles follow structure. Watch Pastor James explain why order in your life, your home, and your heart is the key to experiencing God's blessing.ABOUT THIS SERMONIn this eye-opening message, Pastor James teaches that God always establishes order before releasing blessing. Using the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, he illustrates that even miracles require structure. God does not bless chaos—He blesses order that begins with personal discipline and extends to families, communities, and society.This sermon addresses how the breakdown of honor and respect in the home has led to wider dysfunction in culture. Pastor James challenges us to restore order by living with intention, teaching honor, and understanding that true success is measured by what we leave behind.If you're praying for breakthrough, it might start with bringing order to your life. Watch now.KEY VERSES Luke 9:14 1 Corinthians 14:40 2 Kings 20:1 Romans 13:1-2 ABOUT WORD OF GOD MINISTRIESIt is the vision of WOGM to preach Jesus as the manifested Word of God! Our passion is to share the love of God to all people, to spread the hope of the gospel, and the power of faith to more people, in more places, in more ways than ever before. We are dedicated to winning the lost to Jesus and making disciples of the saved (John 8:30-32). Through the anointing of wisdom, knowledge and understanding, Pastor James seeks to expound on the Word of God, bringing clarity, and making it applicable to the hearer.

Today's Promise: Colossians 1:13 What if you realized you are no longer living under the power of darkness? In this powerful episode, we explore the life-changing promise of what it truly means to be transferred into the Kingdom of Christ.   Before Jesus, we were trapped in sin, separated from God, and living under the influence of a broken world. But through faith in Christ, everything changed. God rescued you, set you free, and gave you a brand new identity as a citizen of His kingdom. Join us as we talk about spiritual freedom, victory over sin, and the incredible truth that Satan no longer has authority over your life. You are no longer a slave to darkness. You belong to the King of kings.   If you have ever struggled with your past, your identity, or spiritual battles, this episode will encourage your heart and remind you that you now live under the love, protection, and authority of Jesus Christ.

God doesn't bless disorder—He blesses order. Before Jesus fed the 5,000, He told them to sit down. Miracles follow structure. Watch Pastor James explain why order in your life, your home, and your heart is the key to experiencing God's blessing.ABOUT THIS SERMONIn this eye-opening message, Pastor James teaches that God always establishes order before releasing blessings. Using the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, he illustrates that even miracles require structure. God does not bless chaos—He blesses order that begins with personal discipline and extends to families, communities, and society.This sermon addresses how the breakdown of honor and respect in the home has led to wider dysfunction in culture. Pastor James challenges us to restore order by living with intention, teaching honor, and understanding that true success is measured by what we leave behind.If you're praying for breakthrough, it might start with bringing order to your life. Watch now.KEY VERSES Luke 9:14 1 Corinthians 14:40 2 Kings 20:1 Romans 13:1-2 ABOUT WORD OF GOD MINISTRIESIt is the vision of WOGM to preach Jesus as the manifested Word of God! Our passion is to share the love of God to all people, to spread the hope of the gospel, and the power of faith to more people, in more places, in more ways than ever before. We are dedicated to winning the lost to Jesus and making disciples of the saved (John 8:30-32). Through the anointing of wisdom, knowledge and understanding, Pastor James seeks to expound on the Word of God, bringing clarity, and making it applicable to the hearer.