Podcasts about before jesus

June 11, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 6:7-13Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 9:1-18; John 13:21-38“And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.” (Mark 6:7) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Disciples are followers of Jesus - literally. Before Jesus' ascension, the disciples went where He went. They did what He did. He taught, they listened. In this account in Mark, Jesus sends out the Twelve apostles. These men were disciples, but being an apostle meant that they were sent out to teach and to preach. They were given authority by Jesus and were given directions by Jesus. Today, we remember the Apostle Barnabas. This is the guy who ‘vouched' for Saul. In the early church, after Jesus ascended into heaven, there was a lot of persecution. You may remember that Saul was a high-ranking Jewish leader who had made it his mission to hunt disciples of Jesus and punish them, even to death. And yet, Jesus comes to Saul and confronts him about his sins. Jesus calls Saul to be one of His disciples—and even more—to be an apostle. Saul (later named Paul) was going to preach about Jesus; he was called out of darkness into God's light. We sinners tend to be skeptical; the disciples in the early church did too. Did Paul *really* meet Jesus? Was he *actually* a believer? The disciples in Jerusalem, at the time of Paul's conversion, were afraid. Paul wants to join these disciples, but they don't believe him. However, Barnabas is not going to stay silent. Barnabas greets Paul, brings him to the other disciples, and witnesses to what he knows happened. He teaches his fellow disciples (and apostles) the truth that Jesus does indeed change hearts and minds. He declares that Jesus did, in fact, call Paul to be an apostle. You probably aren't an apostle, but you are a disciple of Jesus. You get to continue learning from His Word, receiving His Gifts, and witnessing about what is true. In your Baptism, you are safely tucked into God's family, and nothing can take that away. From that place, then, you can be bold to speak about Jesus. You can declare that He does forgive sins, He does keep His promises, and He is the Savior of the world. You can be like Barnabas - speak of what is true and real. Point to Jesus' Death and Resurrection. Speak of yourself as a redeemed sinner. Speak to the neighbors you have been given - in your school, your home, your neighborhood, your community - and tell the Good News of Jesus for sinners. You get to be a disciple; you receive God's good Gifts, and you get to then share His love with all that you meet. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.How clear is our vocation, Lord, When once we heed your call: To live according to Your Word And daily learn, refreshed, restored, That You are Lord of all, And will not let us fall. (LSB 853:1) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

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

Mark begins the gospel with a wilderness voice calling people to prepare the way of the Lord. Before Jesus steps into public ministry, John the Baptist calls people to repentance, reminding us that the good news often begins with conviction before it brings comfort.Mark 1:1-3 ESV — “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”'”In this Cross Walk devotional, Pastor Jeremy reflects on how the Holy Spirit prepares our hearts for the presence of Jesus. Repentance is not condemnation; it is God's mercy inviting us to turn, surrender, and clear the road for the King.Today's encouragement is to let the Lord straighten what has become crooked, remove what has been hidden, and prepare our hearts for fresh obedience. When Jesus draws near, the best response is surrender.

In this powerful episode, Bishop Mark J. Brown explores the life and message of John the Baptist through Luke 3:4 and reveals why God's chosen voices rarely fit comfortably within the systems of their day. Before Jesus appeared publicly, God sent a voice. John the Baptist's lifestyle was a message before his words ever were. Clothed in camel's hair, wearing a leather girdle, sustained by locusts and wild honey, John embodied a prophetic identity that challenged culture, comfort, and religious tradition. This message examines how God often uses voices that look different, think differently, and operate outside established systems to prepare the way for His purposes. Just as Israel had to adapt when the manna ceased after crossing the Jordan, every move of God requires a willingness to embrace change and leave behind familiar patterns. Discover the spiritual significance of John's prophetic mantle, his discipline and readiness, his dependence upon God rather than institutions, and the revelation that sustained him in the wilderness. Learn why system change is often necessary before spiritual transformation can occur and why God frequently raises voices that do not fit the expectations of the culture around them. If you've ever felt misunderstood, out of place, or called to challenge the status quo, this episode will encourage you to embrace the unique assignment God has placed upon your life. You cannot prepare the way for what is holy while living like what is common. Before God sends a move, He sends a voice and that voice rarely fits the system it was sent to change.

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.

One of the greatest misconceptions in Christianity is the idea that Jesus came only looking for believers. While belief is essential and is the starting point of our faith journey, Jesus was looking for something deeper. He was looking for disciples.Throughout the Gospels, crowds constantly surrounded Jesus. People were drawn to His miracles, fascinated by His teaching, and amazed by the works He performed. Yet Jesus was never satisfied with crowds alone. He desired followers whose lives would be transformed through a close relationship with Him.The important question for every Christian is not simply, "Do I believe in Christ?" but rather, "Am I becoming a follower of Christ? Am I truly a disciple? Is His life shaping my life each day so that I become more like Him?"The word "disciple" first appears in Matthew 5:1-2:"When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them."The Greek word for disciple speaks of learning, growing in knowledge, and being trained through practice. A disciple is someone who is willing to learn and be formed.This passage reveals an important distinction between the crowd and the disciple. Many people admire Jesus, but not everyone follows Him closely enough to be transformed. The disciples moved toward Jesus, remained close to Him, and positioned themselves to receive His teaching. A true disciple remains teachable.This is why Jesus' final command to the Church was so significant:"Go and make disciples of all nations."Jesus did not say, "Go and gather crowds." He said, "Make disciples." The word make reminds us that discipleship is a process. No one is born a disciple; disciples are formed over time through intentional growth and transformation.1. A Teachable HeartThe first foundation of discipleship is having a teachable heart. When Jesus called His first disciples by the Sea of Galilee, He said: "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19)Before Jesus entrusted them with ministry, He first invited them into transformation. He was essentially saying, "I am going to make you into something different."A disciple must be willing to learn, willing to listen, and willing to change. If we are not open to transformation, we cannot grow into the people God has called us to be. The foundation of discipleship is not talent, charisma, gifting, or position. It is a willingness to be shaped by God.2. CovenantThe second foundation of discipleship is covenant. Throughout Scripture, God relates to His people through covenant. We see this with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and the nation of Israel. Covenant creates security, faithfulness, commitment, and trust. Discipleship is not built on convenience but on relationship.In covenant relationships, we walk together through every season of life. We celebrate victories together, carry burdens together, and help one another grow spiritually. We remain committed because Christ is at the centre of the relationship. True discipleship requires people who are willing to walk faithfully with one another through both good times and difficult seasons.3. CharacterCharacter is another essential foundation of discipleship.In Genesis 1:26, before God gave humanity dominion, He first gave them His image. Before leadership comes character.Letters and numbers are called "characters" because they remain consistent. The letter A is always A, and the number four is always four. They do not change depending on circumstances or environments.In the same way, godly character is about consistency. A disciple should be the same person at church, at home, at work, in public, and in private. Integrity means that what we say and what we do become one.Trust is built through character, and where trust exists, loyalty grows. Because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, He desires to form that same consistency within us.4. FruitfulnessThe fourth foundation of discipleship is fruitfulness. Jesus said in John 15:8: "This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples."Disciples are called to bear fruit. This includes the fruit of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness. It also includes helping others encounter Christ and grow spiritually.Healthy disciples reproduce. They do not simply grow for their own benefit but begin investing in the lives of others. As they mature, they help others become disciples as well. Fruitfulness is evidence of genuine discipleship and brings glory to God. The Process of DiscipleshipLeadership principle from John Maxwell that illustrates how discipleship develops and multiplies:I do it, and you watch.I do it, and you help.You do it, and I help.You do it, and I watch.You do it, and someone else watches.The final stage captures the heart of discipleship. True disciples make disciples. The process does not end with our own growth; it continues as we invest in others and help them follow Christ.Believing in Jesus is the beginning of the Christian life, but Jesus desires something deeper. He is looking for disciples—people willing to follow Him closely, learn from Him, be transformed by Him, and become more like Him.The Lord wants to shape us, use us, and multiply His Kingdom through our lives. As we cultivate teachable hearts, build covenant relationships, develop Christlike character, and bear lasting fruit, we become the kind of disciples Jesus called us to be.May we continue growing as disciples and helping others do the same, fulfilling Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations.

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.

Why does God feel painfully late on the prayer you have been praying for years? The one for the marriage, the child, the healing, the door that still has not opened. If you have ever wondered whether God is even listening, this sermon was made for you.In this message, Pastor Josiah walks through John 11, the story of Lazarus, and asks a question almost no one wants to admit they are sitting in. How do we trust Jesus when his timing breaks our expectations? Most of us have a version of that question quietly running in the background of our lives. We have prayed. We have trusted. We have stayed faithful. And yet the relationship is still in pieces. The diagnosis still came back the way we feared. The child still has not come home. The anxiety is still here.Pastor Josiah pulls three honest, freeing truths out of this chapter. First, delay is not denial. Verse 6 says Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, so he stayed. Not so he rushed. So he stayed. That single word reframes everything. The love of God is not always measured by the speed of his response. Sometimes it is measured by what he is producing in the silence.Second, do not forget who he is. When Martha runs to Jesus, disappointed and grieving, he does not give her a five step plan. He gives her himself. I am the resurrection and the life. Faith is not built on outcomes. Faith is built on a Person. Some of us have become so consumed with what God has not done that we have forgotten who he still is.Third, gratitude comes before the movement. Before Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb, he stops and thanks his Father. The stone is still in place. The body is still inside. And Jesus is already worshiping. Pastor Josiah points out that anyone can worship after the resurrection. Mature faith worships while the grave is still in front of you.The sermon lands somewhere most preaching does not dare go. Jesus, knowing exactly what he was about to do, still wept at the tomb. He is not emotionally disconnected from your pain. He is fully God and fully human, and he enters in. Faith is not pretending you are okay. Faith is bringing your real pain to a real Savior who already knows the end of the story.And the end of this story is the gospel itself. Lazarus, whose name actually means God is my helper, was dead, wrapped, sealed in a tomb, with every reason gone. And Jesus stood at the entrance and called him out. That is what Pastor Josiah reminds us he still does today. To every person sitting in their sin, their past, their addiction, their shame, Jesus is on the other side of the wall calling, come out. The barrier is already gone.

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.

For two chapters, Matthew has been building his case that Jesus is the Messiah. He has shown us the genealogy, the fulfillment of prophecy, the story of Joseph's obedience, the virgin birth, Bethlehem, Egypt, and God's protection through incredibly complicated circumstances. Today, everything changes. Almost thirty years have passed since that last scene. Jesus grew up in Nazareth. He learned a trade, lived under authority, and did what His Father asked in the hidden, ordinary, unrecorded years of His life. But now, the silence breaks. Before Jesus steps into public ministry, God sends someone ahead of Him. A voice in the wilderness. A voice with one clear message: The King is coming. Ready or not.

Watch the Devotion Based on John 14:15-21  You Need Help Deployments come, schedules shift constantly, uncertainty hangs in the air—who holds things together? Who carries the weight at home? Who steadies the children, manages the household, bears the worry? Military spouses do.  You live a life of quiet sacrifice. Of constant adjustment. Of strength that often goes unseen. You step in again and again to help your family endure and thrive under pressure. And that matters. It reflects something deeper. Because every act of patient love, every moment of selfless service, every quiet sacrifice—points to the greater help we all need. Even the strongest mother cannot carry everything. Even the most faithful spouse needs support. Because no matter how capable, how resilient, how determined—we all come back to the same truth: You and I, we need help.    And that's where Jesus' promise meets us all— single or married, mothers, fathers, children, war fighters, civilians. He promises help.   Before Jesus goes to the cross and rises from the dead and the ascends into heaven, he reminds his disciples, and us, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth . . . I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:16-17a, 18). Jesus gives the Holy Spirit to all of us, to you. To remind you that your strength isn't what saves you. Christ is. To remind you that all of the guilt you carry for not doing enough, it isn't enough to save you, but Christ is. To remind you that peace isn't found when the bills are paid on time, the kids are well behaved, the yard is mowed and you found quiet time for yourself with a glass of wine and Netflix – peace is found in Christ, his forgiveness for you, his life for you, his resurrection for you. Peace is found in the truth that your eternal home is secure, no matter what a hot mess your house looks like today.  You – you and I – we need help, and Jesus gives it, by sending his Holy Spirit to you.   Prayer: Heavenly Father, in his incarnation your Son took on our human flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary. He submitted to his mother, honoring and obeying her, so fulfilling the commandment where we have not. On this Mother's Day, graciously accept our thanksgiving for our mothers, whom you have given to us. Teach us to honor them aright — loving, obeying and giving thanks for them. Strengthen all women with child and give them safe delivery. Comfort all women who long to have children but cannot, that they may find their consolation in you and your unfailing love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.     Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Before Jesus leaves, he promises an "advocate." But what is an advocate? How would Jesus' disciples have heard this term? What does it look like to try to block out what we know about the Holy Spirit, or think we know, and hear about this advocate anew? Jonathan and Seth try to do just that. They ask what the role of the Advocate is and what might be the role of people who advocate for others today. We're glad you're with us. Do you have a distinct memory of someone being an advocate for you? We'd love to hear about it. While we didn't plan it this way, this episode naturally leads into next week's episode about solidarity. So, be sure to tune in then, too.

Today's Promise: John 7:39 Before Jesus returned to the Father, He made a powerful promise that still transforms lives today. In this episode, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit given to every believer. Discover what it truly means to have God's Spirit living within you and actively working through your life.   You will explore seven key ways the Holy Spirit moves in you, from making you God's temple to empowering you to share your faith with boldness. Learn how He gently convicts, restores, and produces spiritual fruit that reflects Christ. Be reminded that you are a child of God, led and guided by His Spirit every day.   Many overlook or misunderstand the Holy Spirit, but He is not to be feared. He is God's presence in you. This episode will encourage you to embrace Him fully, walk in His power, and celebrate the life-changing promise Jesus made.

Before Jesus can use you, He has to disrupt you — and that's actually good news. We all love the version of Jesus who comforts us, encourages us, and comes alongside us. But what do we do with the Jesus who confronts us? Because that's exactly who we meet in Mark chapter 11. This story is situated in Holy Week, and as Jesus enters Jerusalem for the last time, everything is about to shift. The crowds are cheering, palm branches are flying, and people are crying out Hosanna — God, save us! It's a high moment. And then Jesus walks into the temple... and turns it upside down. Here's what I want you to see today, because this is the passage that gets misused more than almost any other: you are not Jesus in this story. You are the temple. Before Jesus can use any of us for anything, He has to come in and disrupt the systems inside of us that keep us from real worship — the appearances, the transactions, the religion-without-transformation that can look perfectly healthy on the outside while bearing zero fruit. We also dig into the curious moment when Jesus curses a fig tree — and why that's not about Jesus needing breakfast. It's a prophetic symbol, pointing to the same problem in the temple: the appearance of life without the substance of it. Looking good on the outside, but not actually connected to God at all. And we sit with something I find both hard and beautiful: as the story enters Passion Week, Jesus doesn't just overturn tables — He goes on to suffer. He allows things to happen to Him because He knows what it's accomplishing. And because He went ahead of us in that suffering, we are never alone in ours. We can't have a life that's Jesus plus anything. It's Jesus plus nothing — and that actually ends up being everything. Want More?

Before Jesus' departure into heaven he gives his disciples a new command: to love another as he loved them. Loving others is not new, but loving "as Jesus loved them" raises the standard of love. And this love will be the ultimate testimony to the world that we are genuine disciples of Christ.

Do you ever feel like your life isn't really making a difference?In this message from the Kingdom People series, we explore Jesus' powerful words in Matthew 5:13–16 where He calls ordinary people the salt of the earth and the light of the world.Before Jesus tells us what to do, He tells us who we are.Your life carries more influence than you realize.Discover how Jesus invites us to bring flavor to a fading world, reflect His light in the darkness, and live from the identity He has already given us.✨ You are salt. You are light. The question is—will you let it shine?

Before Jesus left his followers and ascended back to heaven, he gave them a promise — that they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. What did this mean? In this sermon, we look at why the Holy Spirit such an important part of our relationship with God, and how we can depend on him as we live. Key Verses: Acts 1:1-5

Before Jesus sends the apostles to the world or gives them work to do, he gives them an experience of Himself. Because before anything changes out there, something has to change in me. God renews the world, beginning in the hearts of people. Peter describes it in 1 Peter—a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is not a metaphor for self-improvement. It is a way of saying that the very life of God has been breathed into us.

Then [Jesus] said to [Peter], “Follow me!” — John 21:19 Peter had made some hurtful mistakes. And our text for today shows how Jesus gently addressed them.Before Jesus was arrested and crucified, Peter had promised never to disown or abandon Jesus. He had even said, “I will lay down my life for you” (John 13:37; see Mark 14:31). But then, soon after Jesus was arrested, Peter denied three times that he even knew Jesus (Mark 14:66-72; John 18:15- 27). He was afraid to be connected with Jesus.After his death and resurrection, Jesus met with his disciples, including Peter, several times—and in our text for today he is with the disciples at the Sea of Galilee. Three times Jesus approaches Peter, the three-time denier, with this question: “Do you love me?” And each time Peter says yes. Then Jesus tells him, each time, to care for his sheep.Just like that, Peter's denials are graciously forgiven, and Peter is powerfully recommissioned. Jesus even repeats to Peter what he had said to his disciples when he had first called them three years earlier: “Follow me!” (see Mark 1:17). It's as if Peter's denials had never happened.Peter's restoration shows us that if anyone is in Christ, there is not only a new creation but also a new commission: to follow Jesus into whatever work he calls us to in our context, in our lives.The old has gone. The new has come! Lord Jesus, give us eyes to see what you are calling us into today, and guide us to obey. In your name, and in the hope of the new creation, Amen.

The tomb is empty...and that changes everything. This Easter Sunday we explore what comes after the resurrection. Before Jesus ascended, He walked into a locked room where frightened disciples were hiding and offered them something unexpected: peace. Not a debrief. Not a theological lecture. Just grace. And then, almost immediately, a commission, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." This is the pattern. Lent formed us. The cross revealed love. The resurrection sends us. We are not simply people who believe something remarkable happened. We are people being formed, and sent, to carry resurrection life into the world.

Have you been hurt by Church? Me too. Is it a reason to pull away from God? It could be, but it shouldn't be. You know what Church is? Church is a gathering of totally imperfect people who claim to know they need Jesus. They're not always going to get it right. They're not always going to teach it right. And maybe they didn't treat you right. I grew up not knowing Jesus because as a little girl, the country church where my family went didn't quite do things right. My parents were hurt, so they stopped going. When they stopped going, my access to the Bible was cut off. From the time I was 5 to the time I was 15, I heard nothing of God. Church isn't always going to be right. One denomination says it has to be this way, while another denomination says it has to be their way. We create division and differences and make our own rules on the path to Jesus. People are hurt in the process. Families walk away. Little girls grow up not knowing about God. So, what if instead of getting our doctrine from a gathering of imperfect people who need Jesus, or a person who has been hurt by people who need Jesus, or the Google or ChatGPT, or any other source of any kind … what if instead we look directly at God's word for truth today. What does it take to be saved? What is required to gain salvation? What can we do to gain access to eternity in Heaven with God? What are the steps? What is the right way? How can we be sure? And have you screwed up so much for so long, you're now out? We find our answer at the cross. Yes, the cross we just remembered on Easter. And it's so simple, so pure, so powerful. For some reason, we've spent lifetimes twisting and contorting simple truths into rituals, rules and guidelines which Jesus came to fulfill and lift from us. Before Jesus, the way to God was complicated. There were rituals. There were rules. There were people who could talk to God and people who could not. There were certain clothes that had to be worn, sacrifices that had to be made, words that had to be spoken. A temple was built to house the Spirit of God. Within the temple, there was thick curtain that kept ordinary people out of the holy space where God's Spirit dwelt. Only the high priest could access this space of God's spirit, and only once per year. A blood sacrifice was required for that yearly entry. So many ceremonial rules and regulations. Back then, following God was scary. If you did it wrong, you would be struck dead. So of course we're confused on how we could ever be made worthy of access to God. Of course we're uncertain of our right to approach God with our brokenness. Of course we question if we could ever be good enough to be guaranteed God's spirit to guide us and God's forgiveness to cover us for eternity. But Jesus made everything so simple. We don't have to complicate this. When Jesus was hanging on the cross, in his final breath, something happened. We often read the story and miss the life altering change that happened in that moment. But today, we're not going to miss it. We're going to see it. We're going to understand it. And we're going to receive it. Luke 23, Jesus is hanging on the cross between two criminals. Verses 44-46, “By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.” Tucked in between the miracle of the sky going completely dark from noon to 3, and Jesus breathing his last breath, is the sentence that changes everything. “Suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle.” This was the curtain that separated us from God. The curtain that only the high priest was allowed to go behind once a year to gain access to God. This curtain is what kept us out. The curtain was laws, rules and rituals. The curtain was separation and division. And that curtain was torn right down the middle while Jesus was giving his life on the cross. The fact that this curtain was torn was a miracle in itself. Scripture is very specific that this was a massive curtain that could not be torn. It was 60 feet long, 30 feet wide and it was the thickness of the palm of a hand. The palm of a hand is about 4 inches. Have you ever seen a curtain 4 inches thick? This curtain was so heavy, it took 300 priests to move it. And miraculously, when the sky went dark and Jesus breathed his final breath, that curtain was torn right down the middle! The curtain in the temple. The curtain that separated us from God. What happened? ACCESS WAS GRANTED. Access for you and I. Laws were fulfilled. Rituals and rules were torn down and the way was made for you and I, as messed up and unholy as we are, to approach God. Everything changed when the curtain was torn. Once Jesus fulfilled all the laws, then everything else could be lifted. The rituals were gone. The separation removed. Jesus changed it all. On the other side of the cross where we are now, what do you have to do to receive God's forgiveness and salvation and be guaranteed an eternity in Heaven with him? Jesus showed us on that cross. He showed us while he hung there suffering and had a conversation with the two criminals who were being crucified with him. Luke 23: 39-43, “One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you're at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” This criminal hadn't gone to any classes. He hadn't joined a church. He hadn't gone back and corrected any of his wrongs. He hadn't cleaned himself up and fixed his life. He hadn't memorized any scriptures. He hadn't prayed on his knees for 30 consecutive days. He hadn't stopped drinking or cussing. It doesn't say he was sorry for the crimes that had brought him to his death. He had done absolutely nothing, other than BELIEVE IN JESUS. It was his belief, and his belief alone, that qualified him to be in paradise with Jesus that very day after he died. The enemy wants to confuse us and divide us. He wants to keep us feeling like what we can do will never be good enough to qualify us for forgiveness and salvation. And he's right … nothing we could ever do would be good enough, outside of our faith. What the enemy of your soul doesn't want you to know is the curtain has been torn. You are not separated from God by any rule or ritual. You have full access because of Jesus. And just like the criminal who had a lifetime of wrongdoing was guaranteed eternity in paradise with Jesus because of his faith, so are you and I. That's it, Sis. Your faith. Not your perfect faith. Not your complete understanding. Not the scriptures you can quote or the rules you follow. It's simply believing in Jesus. After that, well, Jesus has a way of working in our lives to change how we think and how we live. That happens naturally as a result of God's spirit dwelling within us through that split curtain. But that's not the most important thing. Your track record as a Christian isn't anything God is counting on. He's not counting up your failures and ready to cancel your admission to paradise. Your faith in Jesus covers you completely. Being covered changes you. But that's just icing on the cake, baby! That's gravy. What matters most is the fact that, just like the criminal hanging on the cross, all we need is to believe in Jesus. Do you believe? Have you told him you believe in him? You have full access and he accepts you exactly as you are! 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

The message to all of you listening is one of comfort – especially for those who have lost loved ones: a mother, a father, even a child. Before Jesus died, He promised that after three days, He would rise again. And on the third day, He came out of the grave – He is alive. This is the assurance that there is life after death for all who believe in Him.

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 RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 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: “He Is Risen: From Good Friday To Easter” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Before Jesus gave His life for us, He walked among us.In this 13-week journey through the Gospels, we'll see the heart of the Savior on display in real moments with real people—teaching, healing, confronting, praying and loving. Each week helps us rediscover not just what Jesus did, but who He is—and what that means for us today.As we walk with Him toward the cross and empty tomb, we'll find fresh reasons to love, trust and worship the One who came to save.This final Easter Sunday message, HE WALKED AMONG US, HE ROSE FOR US, comes out of Matthew 28:1-10.Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.rittmangrace.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rittman Grace Brethren Church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rittmangrace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RittmanGrace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXPiaa4z3iZMA4DkCihtHg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rittmangbc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Before Jesus gave His life for the world, He gave His body and blood to His friends. In the Upper Room, He kneels. He washes. He serves. And He truly gives Himself—His body, His blood. He knows Judas will betray Him. Peter will deny Him. The rest will run. Still, He sets the table. Still, He calls them "friends." This isn't a meal for the worthy—it's for the weary. Jesus unplugs the myth that you have to clean yourself up before coming to Him. Come as you are. The table is set.Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna

He Is Series Immanuel (God with us) — When You Feel Far from God but He Never Left Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.” Every time I think about this, I am still amazed. I still can't believe God loves us so much that He sent his only Son to die on a cross for us. What makes it even more remarkable is that when God created us, He knew this was going to have to happen, and He created us anyway! Doesn't that feel crazy to you? I can definitely understand a parent doing something extreme to get their child out of a difficult situation. We have all heard the stories of the incredible things parents have done to save their children. However, they didn't know they would have to do it in advance. God did. God knew exactly what was going to happen in the garden. He knew the betrayal before it even happened. Yet, He created us anyway! I love to think about Adam and Eve and how they got to walk in the garden with God. I can't even really picture it, as I don't know what God looks like or how that worked. However, it is a great thing to sit and meditate on. Was God just a voice in the wind? Did he have a body when He visited them in the garden? What was that like? No one knows, but we can sit with the Lord and ask Him to help us visualize it. I feel as though that would be a calm and peaceful exercise in feeling the Lord around us. I can think of so many ways that God is with us. He is with us in church in so many ways. His Word is proclaimed during Mass. His body and blood are contained in the Eucharist. He is consumed by each person who approaches communion. God also sent the Holy Spirit to be within us all the time. It was really important for God to be with us. So important, He sent Jesus. After Adam and Eve betrayed Him, He separated Himself from them and from His people. Yet, he still looked after them and protected them. He was still their God, but it was more from a distance. They could no longer see Him as they did in the garden. Before Jesus came, God stayed separate from his people. When they built the temple, they built a special place called the “holy of holies,” where God's presence could dwell in a special way. However, only one person could enter this area, only once a year on the day of atonement, and it was only to make a sacrifice. God would talk to his people through a prophet. Everyone couldn't hear God's voice; only a select few whom God trusted passed along his messages or performed his signs of wonder. No one was allowed to see His face. All that changed when Jesus arrived on the scene. Another amazing thing is that God revealed his plan to his people over 700 years before Jesus was born. In Isaiah 7:14, it says, “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” This is such a good example of God knowing when the right time is. He mentioned Jesus coming a long time before He came. However, He did promise to come. He did promise that He would walk among them again. I think the 700 years are important for us because they show that God has a plan for everything. God wasn't just waiting in heaven for a random day and time to bring Jesus to earth. He was in all the details. He was arranging everything perfectly. He picked Mary out specifically. He ordained her for this task, and she said yes! His timing was and is perfect. We don't know why God picked the time and place that He did for Jesus to come into the world. We don't know why he picked Mary or Joseph. We do know that Mary and Joseph were the perfect parents for Jesus. We know God's plan worked, and we are not reunited with Him. Do you remember when I told you about the special room in the temple where the presence of God was kept? It was called the Holy of Holies and was separated from the rest of the temple by a curtain. Did you know that the curtain was torn in two when Jesus died? In Matthew 27:50-52, it says, “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.  And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.” God wanted us all to know that there was nothing in between us anymore. He is no longer separated from us! I think most of us know this on some level, and yet I am not sure we are internalizing what that really means for us. I think most of us know that we can talk to God anytime we like. I think this has always been the case. However, did you know that you can hear the voice of God as well? God is talking to each one of us, and if we sit and listen, we will hear Him talking to us. This is very different than the people in the Old Testament. Before Jesus came, direct communication with God was pretty limited to the Priests, Prophets, and Kings. The Priests mediated between God and the people through sacrifice and the law. The Prophets, men like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Elijah, received direct divine revelation from the Lord. The Kings, like David, were anointed and guided by the Spirit of God. The ordinary people, like you and me, could encounter the Lord through the Torah and sacred Scripture, the liturgy of the Temple, and the prophet's public proclamations. But direct, personal, intimate access to God was not the common experience. The Holy Spirit would come upon people for a specific purpose, then would withdraw. Aren't you so excited that you came into the world after Jesus did? After Jesus died on the cross for us, everything changed! God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within each baptised person. Not just for a purpose, or a season, but ALWAYS. We now also have direct access to the Father through Christ. (Hebrews 4:16). Prayer is no longer just a petition from a distance. According to the CCC#2564, prayer is a living relationship- a covenant relationship between God and man in Christ. It is life, not merely words. Here is an analogy to help you see the difference. Before Christ, it was like writing a letter to someone across the ocean, hoping they would read it. After Christ is like having a conversation with someone sitting right next to you. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to have such a close relationship. My prayer for each one of you is that if you didn't know this was possible, you do now. I hope if this information is new to you, you are so excited to see what is possible for your relationship with God. Did you know you can sit down and have a conversation with Him, and He will talk back with you? He also talks to us through Scripture, other people, songs, visions, and so many ways. God is with you. He is right there next to you. He is in every situation you are in. He is rooting for you. He is protecting you. He is guiding you. He loves you. He is with you in the good times and in the bad times. I know sometimes we feel alone. We all do. The truth is that we are never alone. God is always with us. If we can't feel his presence, it is not because he is hiding from us. Many things can get in the way of feeling God's presence. They are things we put there, though, not Him. Here are some of them. Unconfessed sin busyness and distraction, a false sense of self-sufficiency, treating prayer as a technique instead of the gift that it is Physical and emotional exhaustion Spiritual dryness (this is not always caused by us; this could be God's invitation to love Him for who He is, not merely for the consolations He gives. Interior Distractions Anger or Bitterness towards the Lord Not taking Spiritual experiences seriously Unforgiveness I am not going to go into detail about each of those. I just wanted to show you that if you are not feeling God's presence, you are not alone, and also, it is not because God is not there. Also, if you want to feel God's presence more, you can do the opposite of those things. For instance, if you have unconfessed sin, you can confess it and remove that barrier. If you have unforgiveness, you can learn to forgive and remove that barrier, too. The CCC#45 says, “We are created to live in communion with God, in whom we find our happiness.” Dear Immanuel, I ask you to bless everyone listening to this episode today. Jesus, we are so grateful you are with us. We are grateful that you walk with us through all the fires of our lives. We are grateful you are there to celebrate the good times. Lord, we ask you to help us to feel you more in our lives. Help us notice you more in our lives. We want more of you and less of us, Lord!! We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen! Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. If you are enjoying this podcast, please share it with a friend. Also, if you could help me out and leave a review that would be great. I look forward to seeing you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day! Today's Word from the Lord was received in October 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “My children, let your hearts know that I am with you until the end of time. Let my words resonate through every trial. Let my presence soothe you. Let my presence go beyond any circumstance.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

In this message, guest speaker Dustin Woodward walks through the baptism of Jesus and what it reveals about how we're meant to live. Before Jesus ever performed a miracle or began His ministry, God spoke over Him, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” His identity and approval were already established. So often, we live trying to earn God's approval through what we do. But this message reminds us that we don't work for God's approval, we live from it. Because of Jesus, we are already loved, already chosen, and already accepted. When we truly understand that, it changes everything about how we live, lead, and follow Him.

Before Jesus gave His life for us, He walked among us.In this 13-week journey through the Gospels, we'll see the heart of the Savior on display in real moments with real people—teaching, healing, confronting, praying and loving. Each week helps us rediscover not just what Jesus did, but who He is—and what that means for us today. As we walk with Him toward the cross and empty tomb, we'll find fresh reasons to love, trust and worship the One who came to save. This message, HE WALKED AMONG US, HE DIED FOR US, comes out of Luke 23:26-49. Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.rittmangrace.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rittman Grace Brethren Church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rittmangrace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RittmanGrace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXPiaa4z3iZMA4DkCihtHg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rittmangbc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode Summary Brian Miller reflects on a growing ache he feels in both the church and the wider culture: we do not seem to know who to trust anymore. Trust in politicians, pastors, institutions, even the police has eroded. In that setting, Brian turns to Jesus — not as an abstract doctrine, but as a real person whose life reveals why he can be trusted. Drawing especially from Matthew 4, Brian frames Jesus' temptations in the wilderness as a test of trustworthiness. Jesus is tempted through need, fear, and power — the very pressures that often cause leaders and ordinary people alike to betray their mission, their values, or the people who depend on them. But Jesus does not yield. He refuses to put his hunger above his calling, his fear above his trust in God, or his desire for kingship above the path of the cross. Brian connects this directly to coaching. Trust is the real currency of coaching relationships. Clients do not open up unless they believe they are safe. And coaches cannot become trustworthy people unless they themselves are grounded in something secure. Brian's central claim is simple but weighty: because Jesus can be trusted, my life is secure — and only then can I become someone who is trusted. Big Ideas & Takeaways 1) Brian wants to talk more directly about Jesus Brian opens with a personal longing: he hears people talk about God, the Bible, and Paul, but not enough about Jesus himself. He compares it to his wife's grandmother after her husband Hugh died — people avoided mentioning Hugh because it made her cry, but Brian sensed that what she really wanted was for someone to remember him. His point: there is something powerful about speaking of Jesus as if he is real, present, and worth remembering. 2) We are living through a crisis of trust Brian names trust as one of the defining problems of the present moment. In his view, trust in public life is at a lifetime low: people do not trust politicians people do not trust churches or pastors people do not know whether to trust the justice system even formerly stable sources of authority now feel suspect This loss of trust is not just political or institutional. It is personal and spiritual. People feel alone, uncertain, and abandoned. 3) Matthew wants us to know early: Jesus can be trusted Brian argues that Matthew's Gospel is intentionally anchored in trust. Before Jesus begins his public ministry in full, Matthew shows us who Jesus is and whether he can be trusted with our lives, our hearts, and our eternity. The wilderness temptation is not random. It is a revelation of Jesus' character. 4) Jesus was tempted by need — and did not abandon his mission The first temptation is hunger. After forty days of fasting, Jesus is in real physical vulnerability. Brian emphasizes that this is not symbolic discomfort; Jesus is nearing the limit of human survival. The temptation: meet your own need first. But Jesus refuses to place his hunger above his calling. Brian connects this to conflict and relationships: many people make decisions based on unmet needs, short-term relief, or self-protection. Jesus does not. He can be trusted because he will not put his need above his mission to reconcile people to God and to one another. 5) Jesus was tempted by fear — and did not let fear direct him The second temptation places Jesus in a position of danger. Brian imagines Jesus' human nervous system reacting like any other person's would: fear, survival instinct, the urge to escape. This matters because if Jesus did not really feel fear, the temptation loses its force. Brian's insight here is especially strong: Jesus can be trusted not because he never faced fear, but because fear did not move him away from his mission. He did not test God, take the shortcut to safety, or let panic govern his choices. 6) Jesus was tempted by power — and refused the shortcut Brian calls the final temptation "the one that ends all men." The devil offers Jesus power over the world, but without the cross. That is the real temptation: the crown without the cost. Brian suggests that many religious traditions major on fleshly temptations while underestimating the temptation of power. But power is the deeper danger. It is what undoes leaders, distorts motives, and creates illusions of security and control. Jesus refuses it. He will not grasp power in a way that violates God's will. That refusal reveals a kind of trustworthiness no human leader fully possesses. 7) Trust is the real currency — especially in coaching Brian brings the reflection back to coaching. No meaningful coaching happens without trust. Clients must believe: they are safe they will not be judged they will not be exposed the coach will not use their vulnerability against them And for the coach, trustworthiness begins with security. Brian's line here is central: I have to have trust in order to offer trust. Because Jesus can be trusted, Brian says, his life can become secure enough that he does not need to manipulate, protect, or elevate himself in the coaching relationship. 8) Because Jesus can be trusted, I can become someone who is trusted This is where the whole episode lands. Brian is not saying coaches become perfect or immune to temptation. He says the opposite: he knows he will often succumb to need, fear, and power. But Jesus does not. So the coach, leader, or Christian can rely on Jesus: to meet needs to steady fear to expose the illusion of power And only from that secure place can trustworthiness begin to grow. The Three Temptations Brian Names 1. Need Will Jesus put his own hunger above his mission? 2. Fear Will Jesus abandon trust when safety is threatened? 3. Power Will Jesus take the kingdom without the cross? Brian's answer to all three: No — and that is why Jesus can be trusted. Memorable Lines / Ideas "I just want to hear stories about Jesus." "Trust is at a lifetime low for me." "Jesus can be trusted not to put his needs above his mission." "Fear was not going to move his trust away from his mission." "The temptation was to rule without the cross, to take the crown without the cost." "Trust is the only real currency." "Because Jesus can be trusted, my life is secure." "I have to have trust in order to offer trust." Timestamped Highlights (based on your transcript) 0:00–1:18 Intro + Brian's desire to talk more directly about Jesus 1:18–4:56 Story of Imogene and Hugh → why remembering and naming someone matters 4:56–6:36 Trust as the core issue in coaching and counseling 6:36–9:39 Brian names the broader crisis of trust in politics, church, and public life 9:39–12:20 Matthew's Gospel and why the wilderness story matters for trust 12:20–16:24 Temptation 1: need / hunger / mission 16:24–20:58 Temptation 2: fear / danger / survival instinct 20:58–24:44 Temptation 3: power / shortcut / crown without the cross 24:44–27:18 Why trust is the real currency in faith and coaching 27:18–end Wrap-up + Brian's hope to keep telling stories about Jesus Core Theme Jesus can be trusted in the places where every other leader eventually fails: need, fear, and power. And that matters not only for faith, but for coaching, leadership, and becoming the kind of person others can trust. Links Mentioned Coach Approach Ministries: coachapproachministries.org

Simon Says: Be Bold In this eleventh week of the "Simon Says" series, we delve into the transformation of Simon Peter, focusing on his journey from fear to boldness through the power of the Holy Spirit. This transformation is beautifully illustrated in Acts 4 where Peter, once a man who denied Jesus, stands courageously before the religious leaders who had condemned Jesus. Transformation Through Redemption The journey of Simon Peter is a testament to the redemptive power of Jesus. Initially, Simon was a disciple who often stumbled in his faith. However, through Jesus' acts of redemption, such as reversing Simon's denials with affirmations of love, Simon was transformed into Peter, the rock upon which the church was built. This transformation highlights the theme that redemption is not about earning forgiveness but about releasing the burden of past failures to live joyfully in forgiveness. Boldness Through the Holy Spirit The crux of Peter's transformation is the empowerment by the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He promised the disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8). This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost, providing Peter with the boldness and the words he needed to stand firm in his faith. Acts 4:1-22 In Acts 4, Peter and John are arrested for preaching about Jesus and healing a man born paralyzed. This act of healing, performed in Jesus' name, stirred the authorities, leading to Peter and John being brought before the same council that condemned Jesus. Despite the threat of punishment, Peter boldly declares that it is by the name of Jesus Christ that the man was healed, emphasizing that salvation is found in no one else (Acts 4:12). Lessons in Boldness Peter's boldness in the courtroom contrasts sharply with his earlier cowardice in the courtyard, showcasing a significant shift due to the Holy Spirit's presence. This story teaches us several lessons about boldness: Fear of God Over Fear of Man: Boldness stems from a fear of God rather than a fear of man. Peter's courage in the courtroom was due to his reverence for God, allowing him to speak truth to power. Personal Transformation Stories: The undeniable change in the healed man's life served as a powerful testament to God's power. Similarly, our personal stories of transformation through Christ can embolden us to share our faith. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit grants believers the boldness needed to testify about Jesus. As Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7, the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. Call to Action Believers are encouraged to reflect on their own boldness in faith. Are we living in the courtyard, denying Christ out of fear, or in the courtroom, boldly proclaiming His truth? The sermon calls on us to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, sharing our stories and inviting others to experience the transformative power of Jesus. As Easter approaches, consider inviting someone to church to hear the good news of Jesus. Let's exercise the boldness God has placed in our hearts through the Holy Spirit and trust Him to do the rest.

Before Jesus gave His life for us, He walked among us.In this 13-week journey through the Gospels, we'll see the heart of the Savior on display in real moments with real people—teaching, healing, confronting, praying and loving. Each week helps us rediscover not just what Jesus did, but who He is—and what that means for us today.As we walk with Him toward the cross and empty tomb, we'll find fresh reasons to love, trust and worship the One who came to save.This message, HE WALKED AMONG US, HE LOVED US, comes out of John 13:1-17.Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.rittmangrace.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rittman Grace Brethren Church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rittmangrace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RittmanGrace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXPiaa4z3iZMA4DkCihtHg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rittmangbc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Catch the message "Pray The Jesus Way: Before You Ask" by Pastor Scott Jones.Before Jesus teaches us what to ask for, he teaches us who prayer is for. Prayer begins with relationship (Our Father), reverence (hallowed be Your name), and surrender (Your kingdom… Your will). This message reframes prayer as alignment and surrender, where God's will and purposes take precedence over our own.

“Eyewitness” is our series at Fusion Christian Church about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the people who saw it happen. These were real people, in real moments, who had real encounters with Jesus. In Part 2, Pastor Zac teaches about Judas, who saw Jesus and still betrayed him. Judas chose Greed over God, how do we make a different choice?Choose worship over wealth.Before Jesus was crucified, Mary chose to wash his feet as an act of worship to our Lord. Judas, seeing her devotion, sneered and thought only about the "waste" of money. He suggested the perfume used could have been sold and the money given to the poor. In truth, Judas was greedy, wanting to skim from that money for himself. For someone greedy, it is unfathomable that others might choose to sacrifice in order to worship. Judas couldn't get his mind around someone spending money to worship God.Surrender to Jesus as Lord.The reason it was unthinkable for Judas to put money toward worship is that money was his god. At the last supper, when all the other disciples acknowledge Jesus as Lord, Judas only called him Rabbi. To Judas, Jesus was a nice guy who taught good things, but he wasn't his Lord. If you want to put your greediness to bed, you need to submit to Jesus as Lord. To become godly, it is not enough to recognize Jesus as a good moral teacher. You must recognize him as Lord of all and make him Lord of your life.Guard your heart from small compromises.Disastrous moral failings do not spring out of nowhere. They happen when someone makes little compromises along the way. When we begin to think "It's not that big of a deal if I..." then we are on a road to trouble. Chipping away at the rock of our moral integrity will always leave loose gravel at our feet. Once we are standing on gravel instead of stone, one slip can send us rolling down the slope we have created. Choose not to compromise in the little things, and you will set yourself up not to fall in the greater things.

Before Jesus gave His life for us, He walked among us.In this 13-week journey through the Gospels, we'll see the heart of the Savior on display in real moments with real people—teaching, healing, confronting, praying and loving. Each week helps us rediscover not just what Jesus did, but who He is—and what that means for us today.As we walk with Him toward the cross and empty tomb, we'll find fresh reasons to love, trust and worship the One who came to save.This message, HE WALKED AMONG US, HE WEPT FOR US, comes out of John 11:1-44.Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.rittmangrace.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rittman Grace Brethren Church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rittmangrace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RittmanGrace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXPiaa4z3iZMA4DkCihtHg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rittmangbc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Commissioned • Pastor Todd at Aloha Church Kauai To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Website: www.PastorTodd.org When a ship is commissioned in the U.S. military, it officially becomes an active warship of the United States and is placed under the command of a commissioned officer. From that moment forward, the vessel carries the prefix “USS” (United States Ship) in its name. Before commissioning, it may be referred to simply by its hull number or as a “PCU” (Pre-Commissioning Unit). “Man our ship and bring her to life!” At that moment, sailors run aboard the vessel, line the rails, and the ship is officially considered alive and ready for duty. It represents the moment the ship transitions from just a vessel to a commissioned instrument of national service. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He didn't leave His followers with confusion. He left them with a commission. Christianity was never meant to be a spectator faith. We were not saved to sit, observe, and wait for heaven. We were saved, filled, and sent. Jesus didn't say “admire the mission.” He said go. The first mission of every believer is to carry the message of Jesus Christ to a lost world. Mark 16:15 (NKJV) “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” The Gospel is not bad news. It's not religion. It is power. Romans 1:16 says the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. When you preach the Gospel, heaven backs it. Lives change. Chains break. People who were on their way to destruction get turned around by the power of Jesus Christ. God didn't commission angels to preach it. He commissioned us.      

In this message from our series “The Temptations of Christ,” we examine the second temptation Jesus faced in the wilderness (Luke 4:5–8). Before Jesus began His public ministry, the devil tried to derail God's plan by offering Him authority over all the kingdoms of the world—if He would simply worship him.But Jesus recognized the deception. The enemy was offering a shortcut to something God had already promised Him, trying to bypass the cross and the process.This message reminds us that the same temptations still confront us today. The enemy often tries to convince us to pursue shortcuts, chase acceptance, or seek peace in the wrong places. Yet true peace, identity, and purpose come from God alone.We also explore an important question: Who or what has your devotion? Because every person is devoted to something. The challenge is making sure our devotion belongs to God and not to temporary things like money, status, relationships, or success.God's love for us is not conditional. We don't have to perform for His love—He already offers it freely. But we must choose daily to follow Him and trust His process rather than taking the shortcuts the enemy offers.Today is the day to decide: “I have decided to follow Jesus—no turning back.”

In this message from our series “The Temptations of Christ,” we examine the second temptation Jesus faced in the wilderness (Luke 4:5–8). Before Jesus began His public ministry, the devil tried to derail God's plan by offering Him authority over all the kingdoms of the world—if He would simply worship him.But Jesus recognized the deception. The enemy was offering a shortcut to something God had already promised Him, trying to bypass the cross and the process.This message reminds us that the same temptations still confront us today. The enemy often tries to convince us to pursue shortcuts, chase acceptance, or seek peace in the wrong places. Yet true peace, identity, and purpose come from God alone.We also explore an important question: Who or what has your devotion? Because every person is devoted to something. The challenge is making sure our devotion belongs to God and not to temporary things like money, status, relationships, or success.God's love for us is not conditional. We don't have to perform for His love—He already offers it freely. But we must choose daily to follow Him and trust His process rather than taking the shortcuts the enemy offers.Today is the day to decide: “I have decided to follow Jesus—no turning back.”

Before Jesus fed the five thousand with bread, He gave them something even more necessary — the Word of God. Mark 6:34 records that when Jesus came out of the boat and saw the crowd, He was "moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd." And before the miracle, before the loaves were broken, He began to teach them many things. The greatest hunger in humanity isn't physical. It's spiritual. And the further we drift from God's truth, no amount of comfort or convenience can fill that void. In this message from Mark 6:34 and Hebrews 5:11–14, Pastor Paul Chapman brings a challenge that isn't just for pastors, missionaries, or Sunday school teachers — it's for every believer. God has called all of us to pass on His truth. Not from pulpits, necessarily. But from our lives, our conversations, our homes, our workplaces. Drawing from Hebrews 5, Pastor Paul highlights the "holy frustration" of the Apostle Paul, who rebuked the Hebrew Christians not simply for failing to learn, but for failing to teach what they'd already been given. Because when you don't pass on what you know, you lose it. The truth fades when it isn't shared. Whether you teach a Sunday school class, lead family devotions, share your faith at work, or simply want to be someone who passes on what God has given you, this message gives you a practical, encouraging, and biblical framework to do it.

Week 5: Invading Enemy Territory Text: Mark 5:1–20 Jesus tells His disciples, “Let's go to the other side.” That detail matters. The “other side” of the Sea of Galilee was the region of the Gerasenes, part of the Decapolis—Gentile, Roman-occupied territory. No self-respecting Jew, especially not a rabbi, would willingly go there. Yet Jesus goes intentionally. He steps into a graveyard. He meets an unclean man. He stands among unclean animals. This is not accidental. It is invasion. Before Jesus ever walked out of His own tomb in Jerusalem, He walked into a graveyard to confront what death had claimed. The man living among the tombs is a picture of what darkness does to humanity. He is isolated, tormented, cutting himself, stripped of dignity, cut off from community. Scripture shows us that death is not merely biological—it is relational, spiritual, psychological, and communal. This man is alive physically but living among the dead. And Jesus advances. When confronted by “Legion,” the demons do not negotiate—they beg. The authority of Jesus is undeniable. In Mark 4, the wind and waves obey Him. In Mark 5, demons obey Him. His authority expands from nature to the spiritual realm. Where death claims territory, Jesus invades and restores. The town had learned to manage the chaos. They chained the man. They isolated him. They adapted to dysfunction. But Jesus does not manage graveyards—He empties them. When the people return, they see the man sitting, clothed, and in his right mind. That language is deliberate. This is restoration. Chaos gives way to order. Shame gives way to dignity. Isolation gives way to reintegration. Resurrection power is on display before Resurrection Sunday ever arrives. Not every struggle is demonic. Some graves are biological. Some psychological. Some spiritual. Some are lifelong thorns that drive us toward grace. But the point of the text is not diagnosing the grave—it is declaring that Jesus has authority over it. Whatever the source, His authority is greater. Yet the town responds with fear. Their economy is disrupted. Their comfort is shaken. Instead of celebrating freedom, they beg Jesus to leave. They prefer managed chaos over surrendered transformation. But the delivered man begs for something different—he wants to go with Jesus. Instead, Jesus sends him back home: “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” His pain becomes purpose. His mess becomes his message. He stays in the Decapolis and tells his story. Later, when Jesus returns (Luke 8:40), the region welcomes Him. The territory shifts. What changed? One transformed life faithfully proclaiming mercy. The grave does not get the final word. And neither does your past. Sometimes Jesus pulls you out of the place of pain. Sometimes He leaves you there because the place that once defined your torment is about to become the platform for your purpose. That's how the kingdom moves forward—not just through crowds, but through one life radically changed and courageously sent.

Before Jesus walked the earth, before time began, the Word—fully God and fully with God—already existed.

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 RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 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: “Essentials Part 6– A Peculiar People” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Why do powerful revivals begin with fire but fade within weeks?In this episode, Pastor Steve Gray reveals the real reason spiritual movements burn out. It is not emotion, worship style, or intensity. It is preparation.Drawing from decades of leading historic outpourings that lasted for years, Pastor Steve explains the forgotten principle behind lasting revival. Before Jesus began His ministry, John the Baptist prepared the way. The same pattern still applies today.If you want more than a temporary spark and desire a sustained move of God in your church, home, or personal life, this episode will show you where revival truly begins.Key Takeaways:Revival requires intentional preparation, similar to the preparatory role played by John the Baptist before Jesus' ministry.Sustainable revival demands a reordering of personal and communal priorities to focus on kingdom principles, leaving behind distractions.A lack of preparation is the main reason why many spiritual movements fizzle out after the initial excitement.Pastor Steve Gray's transformational experiences highlight the possibility of long-lasting revival through comprehensive prayer and readiness.Altering one's lifestyle is essential for embracing and maintaining a profound spiritual awakening.

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: “Essentials Part 5 – The Holy Spirit” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Faith isn't a feeling—it's movement. Before Jesus turned water into wine, servants hauled 150 gallons, one tedious trip at a time. Pastor Jeff Schreve unpacks how small, steady steps of obedience position you for God's transforming work when you feel empty.

Welcome to our new sermon series, Jesus is King. In today's message, Pastor Dustin takes us to Matthew 3 and the baptism of Jesus, where we see the foundation of Christ's identity and mission. Before Jesus ever performed a miracle, preached a sermon, or began His public ministry, the Father declared over Him: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Jesus was affirmed before He ever achieved. This passage reminds us that approval comes before performance. We don't strive to earn God's love; we live from it. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we receive God's approval freely, not because we are perfect, but because Christ paid the price to set us free. Pastor Dustin also highlights the humility of Jesus. Though John questioned why Jesus would step into baptism, Jesus chose humility over status. He didn't save us from a distance. He entered fully into our world, stepping into the waters for us. Finally, we see that Jesus expressed His identity through visible obedience. What is settled privately must be lived publicly. The gospel transforms obedience from something we do to be loved into something we do because we are loved. Religion says: Obey and be loved. The gospel says: Be loved and obey. Scripture References: Matthew 3:14–17 Romans 3:22–24

In this preview for our upcoming Lent class, Jesus in Galilee, John Dominic Crossan dives into what he calls "A Tale of Two Gods"—Caesar and Christ. He takes on C.S. Lewis's famous trilemma (Lord, Lunatic, or Liar) and asks the question Lewis never considered: what if there were two contemporary claimants to divinity? Because there were. Before Jesus ever showed up, Caesar Augustus was already being called Son of God, Savior of the World, and Lord. Dom walks us through the Battle of Actium and how Octavian's victory became the foundation for a theology of peace through violent victory—and then sets that against the Jesus movement's counter-claim: peace through distributive justice. It's not just ancient history either; as our live audience pointed out, we're watching the "normalcy of civilization" play out in real time right now. The big question Dom leaves us with is whether our species is sustainable if we keep betting on escalatory violence. Heavy stuff, but exactly the kind of thing we'll be unpacking together throughout Lent. Hope you'll join us at CrossanClass.com—lectures drop soon, and we'll have live Q&As throughout Lent. You can WATCH the lecture and see all the slides on YouTube. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join us at Theology Beer Camp, October 8-10, in Kansas City!⁠ ⁠UPCOMING ONLINE LENT CLASS: Jesus in Galilee w/ John Dominic Crossan⁠⁠⁠ What can we actually know about Jesus of Nazareth? And, what difference does it make? ⁠⁠⁠This Lenten class ⁠⁠⁠begins where all of Dr. John Dominic Crossan's has work begins: with history. What was actually happening in Galilee in the 20s CE? What did Herod Antipas' transformation of the "Sea of Galilee" into the commercial "Sea of Tiberias" mean for peasant fishing communities? Why did Jesus emerge from John's baptism movement proclaiming God's Rule through parables—and what made that medium so perfectly suited to that message? Only by understanding what Jesus' parables meant then can we wrestle with what they might demand of us now. ⁠⁠⁠The class is donation-based, including 0, so join, get info, and join up here.⁠⁠ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 75,000 other people by joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 50 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices