Podcasts about believers

00:00 – Welcome: The Church as a "Meeting of Sinners" The speaker opens the second day of the 23rd-anniversary celebration by defining the church not as a place for the perfect, but as a gathering of people who recognize they are sinners in need of God's help. No one is greater than another; all are equal in their need for grace.• 04:15 – The Trap of "Business-Like" Faith A warning against treating your relationship with God as a transaction. The speaker critiques those who come to the "Beautiful Gate" of the temple merely seeking temporary relief or "small change" rather than a total life transformation.• 08:30 – Are You Insulting God? The Billionaire Analogy Using the example of the Samaritan woman and the billionaire analogy, the speaker explains that we often insult God by asking for "ten rupees" (minor fixes) when He is a "multi-millionaire" capable of doing immeasurably more than we can imagine.• 12:45 – Restoration Over Relief: Changing Your Habits While God changes our thoughts through His Word, we are responsible for changing our habits. The speaker challenges the congregation to stop asking for "painkillers" for their problems and instead ask God to change the lifestyles that cause the pain.• 17:10 – The Responsibility of the Church: Lessons from the 5,000 Drawing from the feeding of the 5,000, the speaker explains that God often gives us responsibilities to test our faith. We are called to bring what little we have—our "five loaves and two fish"—and watch Him multiply it.• 22:00 – It's Not Too Late: The Examples of Anna and Simeon A message of hope for those who feel their dreams have died. Using the biblical figures Anna and Simeon, the speaker illustrates that God has a specific plan for every stage of life, and your purpose is not over.• 26:30 – Step 1: SEE – Recognizing the Needs Around You The first part of the church's new mandate is to "stop and look". Believers are challenged to step out of their busy schedules to notice the suffering and needs of their neighbors and colleagues.• 31:15 – Finding True Rest: The "Bundle of Grass" Analogy The speaker shares a humorous story of a woman carrying a heavy load while sitting in a tractor. This serves as a metaphor for believers who attend church but refuse to let God carry their heavy burdens, choosing instead to "carry the bundle" on their own heads.• 36:40 – Step 2: SPEAK – The Authority of the Name of Jesus Believers are urged to move beyond vague, positive platitudes. Like Peter and John, we must boldly declare the Name of Jesus in our conversations, as His Name is the only one with the authority to heal and provide true hope.• 41:50 – Step 3: LIFT – Turning Faith into Tangible Action Faith requires action. Just as Peter reached out to lift the lame man, the church must tangibly support those in need. The speaker explains that when we take the first step to "lift" someone, God provides the "strength to the ankles" to complete the miracle.• 47:00 – Conclusion: Facing Giants in the Name of the Lord The message concludes with the story of David and Goliath. David's victory did not come from human weapons or armor, but from his confidence in the Name of the Lord of Hosts, a confidence every believer can have entering the new year.

The gospel of Matthew records that Jesus was moved with compassion for the multitudes because they were weary and scattered like sheep with no shepherd. Believers should be filled with joy when others come to Christ, but we must also be filled with compassion for those that do not know him. Do you try to lead unbelievers to Jesus, the Good Shepherd? Listen as Dr. Barnhouse teaches from Romans 10:16. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/791/29?v=20251111

Carl Joseph grew up in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, where an early exposure to religion left him searching for the tangible presence and power of God. In his mid-twenties, he relocated to the United States and built a successful 20-year career as a petroleum engineer. Carl devoted himself to ministry in 1999— serving in street outreach since 2003, prison ministry since 2009, and pastoring for five years in the Denver area. In 2016, Carl transitioned into full-time ministry. Today, he equips believers around the world to walk in the fullness of God’s promises and embrace their God-given potential. His ministry website has welcomed more than 750,000 visitors since its inception and his podcast, Lions Unchained has produced over 200 episodes, and he’s the author of “Lionheart: Unleash the Warrior Within.” Carl’s passion is to help Christians move from head knowledge to a lived experience of God’s presence and power in daily life. To learn more about Carl, go to carljosephministries.com or you can find a copy of his book, “Lionheart: Unleash the Warrior Within" here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Be sure to visit cultureproof.net Please consider supporting the Culture Proof Podcast. We aim to bring engaging content that will challenge and equip Christians to live according to the Straight Edge of Scripture. All gifts are tax deductible. Our Address is: S.E. Ministries PO Box 1269 Saltillo MS, 38866   Episode sponsors: BJUPress Homeschool We Heart Nutrition – Use the code CULTUREPROOF for 20% off Culture Proof Listeners  THANKS!   Culture Proof Podcast Theme song "Believers" courtesy of Path of Revelation  

In this lesson, Pastor Dale discusses the importance of being sure our ways of doing and thinking about things align with the ways of God. When we fail to know, regard, or acknowledge God's ways we severely hinder - if not completely forfeit - our ability to walk in His blessing. Believers must continually be on guard against deception, especially in the last days. Just because a way SEEMS right does not mean it IS right, even if the majority calls it so. When we choose to stay grounded in the Word and rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance, we will be able to know and discern the ways of God. And HIS ways are ALWAYS right.

From the 2026 EFCA Theology Conference Breakouts, Dr. Geoff Chang—professor of historical theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary—leads a session on "Judgment and Rewards for Believers, Judgment and Degrees of Punishment for Unbelievers."

The Poem of the Man God is a retelling of the Gospel story of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the private revelations of Maria Valtorta. In this episode, we see Jesus' farewell to Bethzur. (As Jesus anticipates His own death, He takes leave of the places He'd visited, knowing that the people in that region will never see Him again on the earth. Each town receives a special exhortation from Him.)Original music by Angela Marie (Mohammed). Messiah. Savior. Passion of Christ. Religion. Wisdom. Miracles. Catholic Christian Theology. Apostles. Disciples. Believers. Followers. Early Church. Communion. Healing. Suffering Sacrifice. New Testament. Healing.,

If you're an early-stage CPG founder struggling to raise money, it's probably not your product—it's your pitch list. In this episode we're talking about Why Your First Investor is Also Your Customer. We break down why the right investors are often already fans of your brand and your product, and how to identify those early believers. Make this mindset shift now and stop wasting time in the wrong rooms. Click below and start targeting smarter. Topics Covered; Your first investors are likely to be your customers. Many founders pitch to the wrong people, like VCs. Angel investors are often passionate about the problem you're solving. Lead with pain points, not product features. Finding believers in your product is crucial for early funding. Networking is key; start with personal connections. Ask your network for introductions to potential investors. The investor community is more cautious in uncertain times. Building momentum requires talking to many people. Shift your mindset from seeking investors to finding believers.   About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast, where she's on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/    Subscribe, Rate, & Review Please rate, follow, and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show!   Disclaimer The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.

Susan Barry is the founder of Hive Marketing and the host of Top Floor, bringing hotel sales, marketing, and ownership-side perspectives to the mic. In this solo episode, she reintroduces herself to new listeners from Hotel Online and HFTP and zooms out on a timely industry controversy to ask a much bigger question about power, history, and responsibility in hospitality. This episode is short and sweet, much like Susan. How Susan went from English major to hotel exec to founder and podcaster Why "hotels should stay out of politics" is a myth How hotels shape tax, labor, and zoning policy Why hotels are natural hubs for political activity How history proves hotels become power centers in crises How hotels can be tools of refuge or control What the Minnesota ICE controversy really exposes How brand power works in an asset-light hotel model *** Our Top Three Takeaways 1. Hotels are never "apolitical," even when they claim to be. The episode argues that hotels are inherently political because they operate at the intersection of real estate, labor, capital, and public visibility. From lobbying on taxes and visas to hosting political events and managing labor relations, hotels participate in politics constantly—whether or not they acknowledge it. 2. History shows hotels repeatedly become power centers during moments of crisis. Across wars, genocides, and social movements, hotels have functioned as command centers, sanctuaries, negotiation hubs, and tools of control. Examples from World War II, the Rwandan genocide, and the U.S. Civil Rights Movement illustrate how hotel spaces and staff actions can enable resistance, protection, or oppression depending on who holds power. 3. Modern brand–owner dynamics turn "neutral" decisions into political acts. In today's asset-light model, brands wield enormous influence through flags, loyalty systems, and distribution, while owners carry the financial risk. When a brand intervenes or withdraws, it is making an economic and political judgment that can instantly reshape a property, raising hard questions about authority, accountability, and local decision-making. Susan Barry on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/susandbarry/ Hive Marketing https://www.hive-marketing.com/ Cayuga Hospitality Consultants https://cayugahospitality.com/ Female Founders in Hospitality https://femalefoundersinhospitality.com/ Other Episodes You May Like:  99: Believers to Church https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/episode/99 91: Pool Heat Miser https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/episode/91 71: Public Restroom Couple https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/episode/71 64: Roman Bird Murmuration https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/episode/64 59: Cat Hair Pants https://www.topfloorpodcast.com/episode/59

After Judas leaves, and the devil is out of the room, Jesus teaches the believers about the greater promises.  He covers everything from mansions to greater works to manifestations and the spirit of truth. In this episode, we discuss my second favorite chapter in the whole Bible, John 14 and the promises to the believer.   John 14Matt 7:13John 8:31John 10:10John 1:41 Corinthians 2:8www.messagetokings.com

Ephesians 1:7-8 - Redemption Through Christ's BloodThis passage from Ephesians focuses on redemption through Jesus's blood and the forgiveness of sins, highlighting God's abundant grace. Paul emphasizes that believers are chosen, redeemed, and adopted as sons through Jesus. Redemption, a present possession secured by God, is a gift made possible by Jesus's sacrifice, echoing the Old Testament Passover. Unlike being "bought and paid for" by worldly interests, Christians are purchased by God for good, leading to allegiance to Jesus. This redemption brings forgiveness, removing sin as far as the east is from the west. God's grace, undeserved and limitless, is lavished upon believers, offering wisdom, prudence, and understanding through Christ. True faith motivates love for God and neighbor, demonstrated through actions. Believers are called to live lives of service, rooted in God's Word, building their lives on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ.#ephesians #redemption #forgiveness #grace #jesus #theology #biblestudy #christianity #faith #salvation www.ReformedRookie.comPodcast: https://anchor.fm/reformedrookieFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReformedRookie Twitter: https://twitter.com/NYapologistSemper Reformanda!

Today Allie discusses the theological debate on whether the Jews killed Jesus, emphasizing the importance of understanding biblical context. She highlights the role of the Pharisees and Jewish leaders in Jesus's crucifixion, citing passages from the Old and New Testaments. Allie clarifies that while the Romans played a role, the Jewish people were also culpable. She addresses accusations of spreading anti-Semitic propaganda and blood libel, stressing the need for accurate biblical interpretation. Additionally, Allie also answers other questions from her audience, such as the role of women in church and the book of Enoch, along with several other queries. Share the Arrows 2026 is on October 10 in Dallas, Texas! Tickets go on sale February 11 at: ⁠⁠⁠https://sharethearrows.com⁠⁠⁠ Buy Allie's book "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion": ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.toxicempathy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Timecodes: (00:00) Intro (04:50) Did the Jews Kill Jesus? (09:30) Blood Libel (12:10) Evidence in Scripture (22:30) The Gospel Is for Everyone (29:45) Can Women Be Pastors? (34:15) What Is the Book of Enoch? (39:10) How to Deal with Unanswered Prayers (45:00) Are Our Spirits Gendered? (48:05) What Is Exegesis? --- Today's Sponsors: Patriot Mobile | Go to ⁠PatriotMobile.com/ALLIE⁠ or call 972-PATRIOT and use promo code ALLIE for a free month of service! Good Ranchers | Go to ⁠GoodRanchers.com⁠ and subscribe to any box of 100% American meat, and you'll save up to $500 a year! Plus, if you use code ALLIE, you'll get an additional $25 off your first order. EveryLife | Visit ⁠EveryLife.com⁠ and use promo code ALLIE10 to get 10% off your first order today! Alliance Defending Freedom | Visit ⁠JoinADF.com/Allie⁠ or text ALLIE to 83848 to sign the statement of support for Moody Bible Institute.  Olive App | Download Olive now and instantly see what's hiding in your groceries! Voice of the Martyrs | Visit ⁠VOM.org/Allie⁠  to get your free copy of "Hearts of Fire 2" today! --- Episodes you might like:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ep 1291 | Warning to Churches: Here's What's Coming Your Way ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000746104225⁠ Ep 1271 | A Catholic & Protestant on the Death Penalty, Immigration & Women's Roles | Trent Horn ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000738174696 Ep 1254 | Jubilee Reaction: How to Debate 20 Liberal Christians ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000732041086⁠ Ep 1213 | Infant Baptism vs. Believers' Baptism: What's Biblical? ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1213-infant-baptism-vs-believers-baptism-whats-biblical/id1359249098?i=1000715472766⁠ --- Buy Allie's book "You're Not Enough (and That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love": ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.alliebethstuckey.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Relatable merchandise: Use promo code ALLIE10 for a discount: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.blazemedia.com/collections/allie-stuckey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From ghostly grandpas revealing hidden treasure to shadow figures stalking children's bedrooms, these true accounts reveal the chilling moments that turned skeptics into believers. | #WDRadio FEBRUARY 08, 2026PLEASE SHARE THIS EPISODE in your social media so others who love strange and macabre stories can listen too! https://weirddarkness.com/listenHOUR ONE: It could be everyone's ultimate fear. Not death… but being buried before death. Buried alive. It's not just a trope of horror cinema and novels, it has truly happened on a few occasions – and we'll hear stories from a few people who were buried alive, but survived to tell the tale. (I Was Buried Alive) *** But first… Reddit users share their own personal tales of how they became believers in ghosts and the paranormal. We'll begin with those stories. (How I Came To Believe) ==========HOUR TWO: A Weirdo family member relays a terrifying story of what is described as “El Nahual” in Mexico – a shapeshifter, that her dad barely escaped from! (El Nahual In The Avocado Grove) *** John George Haigh took the plunge into murder when he knocked out his old boss and dumped the body into acid – then set out to kill again. (Acid Bath Murderer) *** Only two percent of the population can hear it. A persistent, maddening sound that science has no explanation for, and the hearers have dubbed it, “The Hum”. (The Hum) *** The Tromp family fled their farm in 2016. There is still no explanation as to why, and one police officer calls it “the most bizarre case” he has ever seen. (The Tromp Family Fleeing) *** In Chatham County, North Carolina there is a 40-foot wide circle in the wilderness where absolutely nothing grows. Not only can scientists not explain it, but some believe Satan himself is responsible. (The Devil's Tramping Ground)==========SUDDEN DEATH OVERTIME: The circumstances of wrestling coach John du Pont's bizarre crimes were portrayed in the critically acclaimed true crime drama film, Foxcatcher. Steve Carell was lauded for his performances as John du Pont, and the film was nominated for five Academy Awards. But how true is the film compared to the actual events? (The Real Story Behind The Movie Foxcatcher)==========SOURCES AND REFERENCES FROM TONIGHT'S SHOW:“How I Came To Believe” by Mick Jacobs: http://bit.ly/2KXUZH9“I Was Buried Alive” by Lisa Waugh: http://bit.ly/2Zf2PEWThe Real Story Behind The Movie Foxcatcher” by MacKenzie Stuart: http://bit.ly/31rvNhv“El Nahual In The Avocado Grove” submitted anonymously to https://WeirdDarkness.com/submit“Acid Bath Murderer” by Steven Casale: http://bit.ly/2ZjRJxx“The Hum” by Garret Harkawik: http://bit.ly/2HiiVCP“The Devil's Tramping Ground” by Zach Seemayer: http://bit.ly/2L0KbGP“The Fleeing of the Tromp Family” by Jacob Shelton: http://bit.ly/30kzFRc==========(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for material I use whenever possible. If I have overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it immediately. Some links may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)=========="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46==========WeirdDarkness®, WeirdDarkness© 2026==========To become a Weird Darkness Radio Show affiliate, contact Radio America at affiliates@radioamerica.com, or call 800-807-4703 (press 2 or dial ext 250).

Believers in Jesus who by faith live a victorious Christian life will receive amazing rewards at the judgment Seat of Christ .In this episode of Wisdom from Above, we will investigate the last two rewards that will be given to overcomers: being a pillar in the temple and being seated with Christ.

Got a question? Let us know!Made for Mondays | STEPSStep Five: The Confession: Into The LightThis week on Made for Mondays, Jamey is joined by Tyler, RaChelle, and Doug for a conversation that leans into one of the most uncomfortable—and most life-giving—steps in the STEPS journey: Step 5, The Confession.After some easy weekend chitchat (Olympics, Lunch with Jamey, Super Bowl energy, and all the usual real-life moments), the group shifts toward what God has been stirring through the Bible Reading Challenge, setting the stage for a deeper conversation.Then they dig into Sunday's message.Confession often carries a lot of baggage. For many of us, it sounds intense, dramatic, or reserved for people with really messy lives. But what we heard on Sunday—and what this episode keeps circling back to—is a simpler, more disruptive truth: healing happens in the light.Rather than re-preaching the message, this episode slows things down. The group sits with Step 5, turns it over, and asks what it actually looks like to practice confession in everyday life, especially as part of what we're calling The Year of Practice.Here's where the conversation goes:• Confession as a rhythm, not a moment The group reflects on the idea that confession isn't a one-time spiritual event, but an ongoing rhythm in following Jesus. That shift surfaces both curiosity and resistance—especially for those who grew up seeing confession as something reserved for emergencies or major failures.• Information vs. being known They explore why it's often easier to share facts about our lives than the true condition of our hearts. Confession, they note, isn't about dumping information—it's about allowing ourselves to be fully known.• The real risk of being seen Confession feels risky not because we don't love Jesus, but because we can hide from people. The group names common fears: judgment, misunderstanding, and the possibility that a relationship might change once the truth is out in the open—and reflects on where those fears come from.• “In solitude, we can convince ourselves of anything” Tyler revisits a powerful line shared in a conversation at Believers, and the group unpacks how isolation makes it easier to minimize, rationalize, or delay change. Community, they reflect, interrupts those inner narratives and brings clarity where self-talk distorts reality.• Who confession is for James' instruction—“confess your sins to each other”—opens a thoughtful discussion about discernment. Not everyone. Not no one. Each other. The group talks about what makes someone a safe and faithful witness, and why wisdom matters when choosing where confession lives.• Confession as a spiritual discipline Instead of asking why confession matters, the conversation turns practical: What would it look like to practice confession as a regular discipline rather than an emergency response? They explore how increased honesty, intentional relationships, and preventative rhythms could reshape spiritual growth.• Accountability without shame Accountability is reframed not as control, but as protection for the healing confession begins. The group reflects on how accountability hasStay Connected Website: https://believerschurch.org/ Bible Reading Plan: https://believerschurch.org/bible-reading-plan/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/ Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/ Subscribe to The Outlet: https://believerschurch.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f00f86238de86688d2480e6&id=729c3f381f

Pastor Scott calls the church to embrace a year‑long vision of “one more,” mirroring the shepherd in Luke 15 who leaves ninety‑nine sheep to pursue and joyfully recover the one that is lost. Believers are urged to share God's burden for lost people and to passionately rejoice along with heaven when even one person repents and comes to Christ.

Believers joyously confess that Jesus is Lord and we are His servants. Preached on February 08, 2026

"Sincerely held religious belief" is now a common phrase in discussions of American religious freedom, from opinions handed down by the US Supreme Court to local controversies. The "sincerity test" of religious belief has become a cornerstone of US jurisprudence, framing what counts as legitimate grounds for First Amendment claims in the eyes of the law. In Sincerely Held: American Secularism and Its Believers (U Chicago Press, 2022), Charles McCrary provides an original account of how sincerely held religious belief became the primary standard for determining what legally counts as authentic religion. McCrary skillfully traces the interlocking histories of American sincerity, religion, and secularism starting in the mid-nineteenth century. He analyzes a diverse archive, including Herman Melville's novel The Confidence-Man, vice-suppressing police, Spiritualist women accused of being fortune-tellers, eclectic conscientious objectors, secularization theorists, Black revolutionaries, and anti-LGBTQ litigants. Across this history, McCrary reveals how sincerity and sincerely held religious belief developed as technologies of secular governance, determining what does and doesn't entitle a person to receive protections from the state. This fresh analysis of secularism in the United States invites further reflection on the role of sincerity in public life and religious studies scholarship, asking why sincerity has come to matter so much in a supposedly "post-truth" era. Dr. Charles McCrary is a scholar of American religion, focusing on secularism, religious freedom, race, and science. His work has been published in academic journals including the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Religion & American Culture, and Religion. He also has written for popular outlets such as Religion & Politics, The Revealer, and The New Republic, many of which are linked in the show notes of this episode. Before coming to ASU, he was a postdoctoral research associate at the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis. Read more by Charles McCrary: "The Supreme Court and the Strange Politics of the 'Sincere Believer,'" Religion & Politics, Apr. 2022 "The Antisocial Strain of Sincere Religious Beliefs Is on the Rise," The New Republic, Apr. 2022 "The Baffling Legal Standard Fueling Religious Objections to Vaccine Mandates," The New Republic, Sept. 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

"Sincerely held religious belief" is now a common phrase in discussions of American religious freedom, from opinions handed down by the US Supreme Court to local controversies. The "sincerity test" of religious belief has become a cornerstone of US jurisprudence, framing what counts as legitimate grounds for First Amendment claims in the eyes of the law. In Sincerely Held: American Secularism and Its Believers (U Chicago Press, 2022), Charles McCrary provides an original account of how sincerely held religious belief became the primary standard for determining what legally counts as authentic religion. McCrary skillfully traces the interlocking histories of American sincerity, religion, and secularism starting in the mid-nineteenth century. He analyzes a diverse archive, including Herman Melville's novel The Confidence-Man, vice-suppressing police, Spiritualist women accused of being fortune-tellers, eclectic conscientious objectors, secularization theorists, Black revolutionaries, and anti-LGBTQ litigants. Across this history, McCrary reveals how sincerity and sincerely held religious belief developed as technologies of secular governance, determining what does and doesn't entitle a person to receive protections from the state. This fresh analysis of secularism in the United States invites further reflection on the role of sincerity in public life and religious studies scholarship, asking why sincerity has come to matter so much in a supposedly "post-truth" era. Dr. Charles McCrary is a scholar of American religion, focusing on secularism, religious freedom, race, and science. His work has been published in academic journals including the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Religion & American Culture, and Religion. He also has written for popular outlets such as Religion & Politics, The Revealer, and The New Republic, many of which are linked in the show notes of this episode. Before coming to ASU, he was a postdoctoral research associate at the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis. Read more by Charles McCrary: "The Supreme Court and the Strange Politics of the 'Sincere Believer,'" Religion & Politics, Apr. 2022 "The Antisocial Strain of Sincere Religious Beliefs Is on the Rise," The New Republic, Apr. 2022 "The Baffling Legal Standard Fueling Religious Objections to Vaccine Mandates," The New Republic, Sept. 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

"Sincerely held religious belief" is now a common phrase in discussions of American religious freedom, from opinions handed down by the US Supreme Court to local controversies. The "sincerity test" of religious belief has become a cornerstone of US jurisprudence, framing what counts as legitimate grounds for First Amendment claims in the eyes of the law. In Sincerely Held: American Secularism and Its Believers (U Chicago Press, 2022), Charles McCrary provides an original account of how sincerely held religious belief became the primary standard for determining what legally counts as authentic religion. McCrary skillfully traces the interlocking histories of American sincerity, religion, and secularism starting in the mid-nineteenth century. He analyzes a diverse archive, including Herman Melville's novel The Confidence-Man, vice-suppressing police, Spiritualist women accused of being fortune-tellers, eclectic conscientious objectors, secularization theorists, Black revolutionaries, and anti-LGBTQ litigants. Across this history, McCrary reveals how sincerity and sincerely held religious belief developed as technologies of secular governance, determining what does and doesn't entitle a person to receive protections from the state. This fresh analysis of secularism in the United States invites further reflection on the role of sincerity in public life and religious studies scholarship, asking why sincerity has come to matter so much in a supposedly "post-truth" era. Dr. Charles McCrary is a scholar of American religion, focusing on secularism, religious freedom, race, and science. His work has been published in academic journals including the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Religion & American Culture, and Religion. He also has written for popular outlets such as Religion & Politics, The Revealer, and The New Republic, many of which are linked in the show notes of this episode. Before coming to ASU, he was a postdoctoral research associate at the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis. Read more by Charles McCrary: "The Supreme Court and the Strange Politics of the 'Sincere Believer,'" Religion & Politics, Apr. 2022 "The Antisocial Strain of Sincere Religious Beliefs Is on the Rise," The New Republic, Apr. 2022 "The Baffling Legal Standard Fueling Religious Objections to Vaccine Mandates," The New Republic, Sept. 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/law

"Sincerely held religious belief" is now a common phrase in discussions of American religious freedom, from opinions handed down by the US Supreme Court to local controversies. The "sincerity test" of religious belief has become a cornerstone of US jurisprudence, framing what counts as legitimate grounds for First Amendment claims in the eyes of the law. In Sincerely Held: American Secularism and Its Believers (U Chicago Press, 2022), Charles McCrary provides an original account of how sincerely held religious belief became the primary standard for determining what legally counts as authentic religion. McCrary skillfully traces the interlocking histories of American sincerity, religion, and secularism starting in the mid-nineteenth century. He analyzes a diverse archive, including Herman Melville's novel The Confidence-Man, vice-suppressing police, Spiritualist women accused of being fortune-tellers, eclectic conscientious objectors, secularization theorists, Black revolutionaries, and anti-LGBTQ litigants. Across this history, McCrary reveals how sincerity and sincerely held religious belief developed as technologies of secular governance, determining what does and doesn't entitle a person to receive protections from the state. This fresh analysis of secularism in the United States invites further reflection on the role of sincerity in public life and religious studies scholarship, asking why sincerity has come to matter so much in a supposedly "post-truth" era. Dr. Charles McCrary is a scholar of American religion, focusing on secularism, religious freedom, race, and science. His work has been published in academic journals including the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Religion & American Culture, and Religion. He also has written for popular outlets such as Religion & Politics, The Revealer, and The New Republic, many of which are linked in the show notes of this episode. Before coming to ASU, he was a postdoctoral research associate at the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis. Read more by Charles McCrary: "The Supreme Court and the Strange Politics of the 'Sincere Believer,'" Religion & Politics, Apr. 2022 "The Antisocial Strain of Sincere Religious Beliefs Is on the Rise," The New Republic, Apr. 2022 "The Baffling Legal Standard Fueling Religious Objections to Vaccine Mandates," The New Republic, Sept. 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/secularism

"Sincerely held religious belief" is now a common phrase in discussions of American religious freedom, from opinions handed down by the US Supreme Court to local controversies. The "sincerity test" of religious belief has become a cornerstone of US jurisprudence, framing what counts as legitimate grounds for First Amendment claims in the eyes of the law. In Sincerely Held: American Secularism and Its Believers (U Chicago Press, 2022), Charles McCrary provides an original account of how sincerely held religious belief became the primary standard for determining what legally counts as authentic religion. McCrary skillfully traces the interlocking histories of American sincerity, religion, and secularism starting in the mid-nineteenth century. He analyzes a diverse archive, including Herman Melville's novel The Confidence-Man, vice-suppressing police, Spiritualist women accused of being fortune-tellers, eclectic conscientious objectors, secularization theorists, Black revolutionaries, and anti-LGBTQ litigants. Across this history, McCrary reveals how sincerity and sincerely held religious belief developed as technologies of secular governance, determining what does and doesn't entitle a person to receive protections from the state. This fresh analysis of secularism in the United States invites further reflection on the role of sincerity in public life and religious studies scholarship, asking why sincerity has come to matter so much in a supposedly "post-truth" era. Dr. Charles McCrary is a scholar of American religion, focusing on secularism, religious freedom, race, and science. His work has been published in academic journals including the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Religion & American Culture, and Religion. He also has written for popular outlets such as Religion & Politics, The Revealer, and The New Republic, many of which are linked in the show notes of this episode. Before coming to ASU, he was a postdoctoral research associate at the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis. Read more by Charles McCrary: "The Supreme Court and the Strange Politics of the 'Sincere Believer,'" Religion & Politics, Apr. 2022 "The Antisocial Strain of Sincere Religious Beliefs Is on the Rise," The New Republic, Apr. 2022 "The Baffling Legal Standard Fueling Religious Objections to Vaccine Mandates," The New Republic, Sept. 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Poem of the Man God is a retelling of the Gospel story of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the private revelations of Maria Valtorta. In this episode, we see Jesus' farewell to Hebron. (As Jesus anticipates His own death, He takes leave of the places He'd visited, knowing that the people in that region will never see Him again on the earth. Each town receives a special exhortation from Him.)Original music by Angela Marie (Mohammed). Messiah. Savior. Passion of Christ. Religion. Wisdom. Miracles. Catholic Christian Theology. Apostles. Disciples. Believers. Followers. Early Church. Communion. Healing. Suffering Sacrifice. New Testament. Healing.,

Believers can know, by faith, that our sins are forgiven, we are born again, our eternity is guaranteed, and we are being conformed to the image of Christ. The post Rescued, Part 5: Faith Like Abraham appeared first on Reston Bible Church.

In this passage, Peter tells us the outcome of the great battle of world history. Christ triumphs! Believers who know the outcome of history can take heart in the face of our suffering so that we do not back down or resort to our old ways of life. Instead, we can continue to follow the example of Jesus who also suffered for doing good. Sermon Outline:I. Take heart, Christ has died and triumphs over sin.II. Take heart, Christ has risen and triumphs over death.III. Take heart, Christ is reigning and triumphs over hell.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. How does understanding that Christ has already paid for all your sins change the way you think about suffering or difficulty in your Christian life? Where might you be tempted to believe God is punishing you rather than fathering you?2. Share about a time when following Jesus has cost you something (a relationship, an opportunity, respect, comfort, etc.). How can knowing the outcome of the story help us face that kind of suffering?3. If you've been baptized as an infant or later after you believed, how does your baptism serve as a reminder and encouragement that you share in Christ's death and resurrection? If you have never been baptized, what is holding you back? 4. What would it look like practically for you to invest more fully in Christ's kingdom this week? 

Continuing in Nehemiah 4–9, this message highlights that while the enemy consistently opposes God's work through discouragement, distraction, and division, God always completes what He begins. Through the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, we see that God brings not only physical restoration but deep spiritual renewal through His Word. Believers are called to recognize opposition, respond faithfully through prayer and persistence, and remain anchored in Scripture as the ongoing means of transformation.Main Points:The enemy opposes God's work (through discouragement, distraction, and division)God always completes His workGod works renewal in His people through His wordScripture Referenced: Nehemiah 4-9 (main passage); 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:10; John 15:20; Ephesians 6:12; Joshua 1:9; Nehemiah 4:14; Nehemiah 6:3; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalm 133:1; Romans 12:18; Matthew 18:15; Daniel 4:35; Psalm 19:7; John 6:63Community Group Guide:Begin with PrayerBegin by thanking God for bringing your group together and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and reveal how He wants to work through each person present.Discussion QuestionsPart 1: Understanding Opposition (Read Ephesians 2:10)The sermon identified three tactics of the enemy: discouragement, distraction, and division. Discuss each of these through the questions below.Discouragement Discussion: Discouragement is theological, not just emotional—it happens when we believe something that is out of step with God's power or promises. What specific area of discouragement in your life might actually be a crisis of belief about who God is?Distraction Discussion: Newley shared “Distraction doesn't usually announce itself as disobedience. It shows up as overcommitment.” What “good things” might be pulling you away from the “great work” God has called you to?Division Discussion: Are there any relationships in your life where unity needs to be pursued or restored? Do you find biblical conflict resolution (Matthew 18:15-17) difficult to follow? If so, why?Part 2: God's Faithful Completion (Read Nehemiah 6:15-16)Newley admitted struggling to believe God could use Grady as a worship leader because of his limitations, yet God was already doing it differently than expected. Where might you be putting God in a box by defining what completion or success must look like in your life?Part 3: Renewal Through God's Word (Read Psalm 19:7 and John 6:63)If someone asked you, “Tell me what you're learning from God right now. What are you reading in God's word?” would you have an answer?In Nehemiah 8-9, The Israelites' renewal came through hearing, studying, weeping over, confessing, and acting on God's word. How would you honestly assess your own active and intentional engagement with Scripture right now?Personal Reflection and Practical ApplicationCombat DiscouragementWrite out 3-5 promises of God from ScriptureWhen discouragement hits, speak these truths out loudShare with one person how God is at work, even if you can't see the finish lineEliminate DistractionIdentify one “good thing” that's pulling you from the “great work” God has called you toMake one practical decision to create margin for God's prioritiesPractice saying “no” to something this week, internally remembering Nehemiah's words: “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down”Pursue UnityIf there's division in a relationship, pray for the Spirit to help you take the Matthew 18:15 step this week as He leads: Reach out privately, speak truth in love, and pursue restorationIf no division exists, encourage someone in the body of Christ who might be strugglingWorship Setlist: Psalm 150; Lord I Need You; Stand Firm; Behold Him

Title: Set the Believers an ExamplePreacher: Jim HamiltonSeries: 1 TimothyPassage: 1 Timothy 4:7b–16

The life God has for us is a life oriented to devotion to Him faithfully lived out in community.

John 14:6-14,Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father'? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. 12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.The goal of this sermon is that we would love to pray and not lose heart. And we're gonna get there, God willing, in three steps — these are three things I want to show you as we work through the passage: What Philip OverlooksWhat Jesus EmphasizesWhat Jesus IntroducesLet's start with Philip. Step #1 …1. What Philip OverlooksWe see Philip speak up in verse 8, and before we talk about what he says, there's something bigger going on here I need to mention: it's that Philip is the fourth disciple who's been named in the last two chapters. And that might not seem like a big deal — because we know Jesus had twelve disciples (and then eleven) — but you may have noticed that for a long stretch in this Gospel, we've not heard much about them.John first tells us about the disciples way back in Chapter 1 — he mentions Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathaniel by name — and they start to follow Jesus. But for several chapters, we don't hear anything about them. Apart from a brief mention in Chapter 6, the focus in this Gospel so far has been Jesus's ministry to the crowds and how he confronts the Jewish leaders. Now the disciples have been present for all that Jesus is doing, but not prominent — they're present, not prominent — until we get to Chapter 12. That's when we see these names reemerge: We hear first about Judas. Then Andrew and Philip say a few things. Then Peter speaks up in Chapter 13. Then Judas again. Then at the end of 13, we see Peter again. At the beginning of 14, we see Thomas. And now, today, we see Philip.So my question is: Why has John gone so many chapters without mentioning these guys by name, and now, all of a sudden, they come into focus?And we don't just hear their names, but we see their foibles. The weaknesses of the disciples are on display.Why does John tell the story this way?The true answer is that we're not exactly sure, but here's my hunch …One thing we learn from how John features the disciples in this section is that the only kind of disciple there can be is an imperfect disciple. Now Judas doesn't count — because Judas wasn't a real disciple — but we see that even among the closest friends of Jesus, his truest disciples, they all have flaws. They all have feet of clay. They all have imperfections. I think that's meant to be a comfort to us. Because at least for now, until we're finally glorified, we're not yet glorified. We are not yet perfect. And so we need to beware the mistake of thinking that faithfulness means ‘getting every single thing right every single time.'Now, of course, we'd like to do that, and there's no excuse for sin. But I'm talking about daily discernment and navigating complexities, especially in troubled-heart situations. I want you to know that impossible standards will crush us. Let me just remind you, church, that: we are saved by the blood of Christ, we are filled with the Holy Spirit, heaven is our home, and, we're just people — each of us is as human as any disciple there has ever been, and Jesus loves us because he loves us. So take a deep breath. We are not going to get every single thing exactly right — and that is okay … as long as we don't do what Philip does here.Devastating MiscalculationNotice what Philip says in verse 8. Jesus says, first, verse 6:I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him. 8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”And if we only had what Philip says in verse 8, it's easy to see that he's off.In light of what we've already seen Jesus say in this Gospel, in light of what Jesus has just said in verse 7, Philip is overlooking who Jesus is. That's clear if we only had verse 8, but now notice how Jesus responds, in verse 9:Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father'?I think that's the tone Jesus has here. This is a rebuke from Jesus. And it's a stronger rebuke than Jesus had for Peter and Thomas. We saw those guys last week. They were off too, but Jesus did not respond to them with the same intensity he does to Philip. Now why?Well, it's because Peter and Thomas — in their stubborn resolve and paralyzing uncertainty — they miscalculated themselves, but Philip has miscalculated Jesus. Peter and Thomas got themselves wrong, but Philip gets Jesus wrong. And look: if you get Jesus wrong, you end up getting everything wrong (including yourself).So church, listen up. Do not make Philip's mistake. Do not overlook Jesus. That's step #1.Step #2 …2. What Jesus EmphasizesWe see this in what Jesus says back to Philip. The questions that Jesus asks are more like statements. He asserts two truths about himself in relation to the Father: we can call them revelation and unity. (Revelation is in verse 9; unity is in verses 10–11.)Revelation of the FatherFirst, for revelation, Jesus says (as plainly as you can) that Philip doesn't need to see God the Father because Philip has seen him. “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” God the Son has revealed God the Father.And John has been telling us this from the very start. He says in Chapter 1, verse 18 that “No one has ever seen God” — and you can't see God the Father because he's immortal and invisible; he dwells in unapproachable light whom no one has ever seen or can see (1 Timothy 1:17; 6:16). “No one has ever seen God” but Jesus “has made him known.” We saw last week that Jesus is our way to God, that's because first Jesus is God's way to us. Jesus is God's word to us about who he is. In these last days, Hebrews 1:2, God has spoken to us through his Son. And his Son is such a perfect word — Jesus is such the perfect, definitive revelation of God — that literally to see the visible Jesus is to see the invisible Father. That's verse 9, and there's no good illustration for this. It's just facts, Philip! If you see Jesus, you see God. And of course we're getting into the depths of the Trinity here, which is exactly where Jesus takes us in verse 10.Unity with the FatherThe reason Jesus truly reveals the Father is because Jesus truly shares in the Father's own life. The Father and Son have this wonderful unity.Verse 10:“Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?” [In other words, you should believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.] The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.Okay, we gotta bend our brains here. Hold on tight! We're talking Trinity — that we worship one God in trinity and the trinity in unity, neither blending their persons nor dividing their essence. The Father is not the Son; and the Son is not the Father — but their divinity is one; their uncreated glory is equal; their majesty is coeternal. We can say it this way: although the Father and Son are distinct persons, the Father and Son have never not been on the same page. One commentator nails it. He writes, Everything Jesus is, has said, and has done is itself also an expression not only of or about the Father but even by the Father. (Klink, 621).And Jesus has shown us this! Jesus has not only said this, but he's lived this way. Every miracle that Jesus performed — turning the water into wine, healing the official's son, healing the paralytic, feeding the five thousand, healing the man born blind, raising Lazarus from the dead — every single time that Jesus did something, it was the Father doing it too.The acts of Jesus are also the acts of the Father.This is unity! To see Jesus is to see the Father, and to have Jesus is to have the Father!So there's no belief in Jesus without also belief in the Father. That's why Jesus says 14:1 — “Believe in God, believe also in me.” There's no other way.If you have Jesus, you have the Father. The only way you can have the Father is if you have Jesus.Hey, I love the song “All I Have Is Christ.” Great song, and, every time we sing it, there's a little theologian's voice in my head that says, “All I have is Christ! And I have the Father! And I have the Spirit!” Because when you have Christ you have the whole Trinity!That's what Jesus emphasizes here! He wants us to know the wonder of his relationship with the Father. That's Step #2. Step #3…3. What Jesus IntroducesThere's a change that comes in verse 12. Jesus goes from talking about his relationship with the Father to talking about our relationship with him. And we did not see this coming. Look at verse 12. Jesus says: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”This is the hinge verse in the passage. Verses 13 and 14 will make no sense to us unless we understand verse 12. Notice two things…1. Believers in Jesus will do the same kind of works that Jesus did. We should not think of this in narrow terms — Jesus is not saying we are gonna turn water into wine. He's talking about the broader work of making God known.Jesus did what he did to reveal God, and we're gonna do the same. Jesus already said this in Chapter 13 about our love. He said:“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” As disciples of Jesus, we have a revelatory function. We're witnesses. We make God known. That's one. But also…2. Believers in Jesus will do greater works than what Jesus did in his earthly ministry because Jesus is going to the Father. This is the introduction part. What Jesus says here is new. What's he talking about? How do we do greater works than Jesus?Let me first tell you what Jesus is not saying. The comparison here is not between the works of Jesus and the works of his disciples. Jesus has just said that we are gonna do his same works. The works is the common denominator. So the comparison here is timing! The comparison is between the work of Jesus in his earthly ministry and the work of Jesus from his heavenly throne. This is really important — track with me …There's the work of Jesus before he was lifted up, and there's the work of Jesus after he was lifted up.There's the work of Jesus leading up to his cross, resurrection, and ascension — and then there's the work after his cross, resurrection and ascension, and that's what he's talking about here. It's the work after he has gone to his Father. And that work of Jesus from his heavenly throne will be greater work than when Jesus walked this earth. And that throne-work is the work that Jesus does through us. The “greater works” that believers-in-Jesus do is the work that Jesus does through us from his throne. We could call it works, or we could call it Acts. Like the Book of Acts.The Book of Acts is titled the “Acts of the Apostles” — but a more accurate title would be the Acts of the Ascended Jesus by His Spirit Through His People.And historically, these acts, or this work that Jesus is talking about in verse 12, has rightly been understood as the advance of the gospel in this world. The greater work that Jesus is doing now, through us, is saving sinners. It's when men and women and boys and girls are raised from spiritual death to eternal life. It's when people stop trying to save themselves and start trusting in Jesus. It's when the despairing find hope, it's when the dirty are made clean, it's when the lost sons come home. That is happening now, and Jesus does that work through us — through us … just people …beggars telling other beggars where to find bread. Don't you want to get in on that work! Don't you want Jesus to work through you like that!In this passage, Jesus introduces us to a new day of redemptive history, and we're ready to go. Jesus, give me my assignment! Where do I start?Praying in Jesus's NameWell he tells us in verse 13. And the first assignment is not Go! … it's Ask! And everybody's gotta see this. Chapter 14, verse 13:“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”Is this a dream? Did Jesus really say this?The keyword in these verses is when Jesus says “in my name.” That's the big question here: What does it mean to pray in Jesus's name?This does not mean merely saying, when you pray, “in Jesus's name.” This is not an incantation. It's not hocus-pocus. We don't pray for our team to win the Super Bowl and add “in Jesus's name.” Jesus is talking about something much deeper and glorious than three words. To pray in Jesus's name means to pray from the inside of Jesus's relationship with the Father. To pray in Jesus's name means we join Jesus in the prayers he's already praying — because he is praying and working right now. See, within the Trinity, for all eternity there has been a conversation going on between the Father and the Son, by the Spirit. Every work of God that has ever touched this world has come from the Son's asking and the Father's giving and the Spirit's accomplishing. And when we pray in Jesus's name, we join that conversation! We participate in that asking!This is why we have such assurance that Jesus will do what we ask — because we are praying his prayers, with his same goal on his same grounds. The goal is the glory of the Father in the Son, and the ground is the righteousness of the Son before the Father. The Son delights to glorify his Father, and the Father delights to give to his Son, and when we pray in Jesus's name, we are right in the middle of that delight. That is why we should love to pray and not lose heart — because we get to pray in Jesus's name.The wonder of prayer is not that it “works” — it's that prayer is fellowship.Praying in Jesus's name is entering into the life and joy of our triune God, and we become part of his greater works. Wouldn't you love to do that? He Saves NowYou know, one day we are going to live in a world where all of Jesus's prayers have been answered. That place is called heaven. It's the Father's house. And Jesus is preparing that place for us now (verse 3). And that throne-work Jesus is doing now, those greater works he's doing until that last day, is bringing more and more people to himself. Jesus is still saving sinners like us. And so if you're here this morning, and Jesus has not saved you yet, he will save you now — if you just turn from your sin and put your faith him. Just tell him: Jesus,I cannot save myself and I'm done trying;you came to save me and I trust you. Believe in Jesus this morning.For those of us who have believed — for those who trust in Jesus, let us love to pray and not lose heart. We get to pray in Jesus's name. And that's what brings us to the Table. The TableThis Table is a table of fellowship. It's where the real and living Jesus meets us together, and he reminds us that we have him — and the Father and the Spirit.We remember that it is only through the death and resurrection of Jesus that we're saved to share in the life and joy of the triune God. If you trust Jesus, if you have entered that fellowship, we invite you to eat and drink with us.

Main Topic Sermon by evangelist David Fisher from Fan Into Flames Ministry, on going through storms in life, using Mark 4:35–41 (Jesus calming the storm) and Isaiah 43:1–3 to call believers to a deeper revelation of Jesus rather than just rescue from problems.​ 1. Introduction: Word of God and Worship Word of God as powerful and authoritative, likened to a hammer that breaks rock (Jeremiah, Jesus' words never passing away).​ Welcome to Pastor Dave Fisher; context of recent ministry, prayer week, and sensing an increased move of the Spirit in the church and region.​ Worship as an act of defiance against the devil: choosing to shout unto God with a voice of triumph regardless of circumstances.​ Isaiah 43 read as a promise to God's people: when you go through waters, rivers, and fire, God is with you and you will not be destroyed.​ 2. “Going Through It”: Life's Unrelenting Storms Honest acknowledgement that many feel they are “going through it” (days, months, even decades of trial).​ Personal testimony of Dave and Shelley facing the most difficult mental, emotional, and spiritual season of their marriage.​ Introduction of Mark 4: disciples in a literal storm used as metaphor for any life trial.​ 3. The Main Question: “Who Is This Man?” Common application: Jesus stills our storms; affirmation that He can, does, and will.​ Central thesis: believers are not the main characters; the primary point is revelation of Jesus' identity, not mere deliverance.​ If God rescues us but we do not gain a deeper revelation of Jesus, our faith will be shaken at the next storm.​ Key question from the text: “Who is this man?”—this is the heart of the narrative and the sermon.​ 4. Crossing to the Other Side: Assignment and Opposition Jesus' simple statement “Let's cross to the other side of the lake” implies divine direction and assignment, not a casual trip.​ On the other side (Mark 5) is the demonized man with a legion; the crossing is about confronting hell and freeing a captive.​ Any call to follow Jesus and advance His kingdom will be opposed by powers of darkness; storms often accompany assignment.​ Demons recognize Jesus' identity and authority even before the disciples do; they know His power over them.​ 5. Storms, the Enemy, and Our Focus Enemy's purpose: incite fear, paralyze faith, and block God's purpose by overwhelming us with storms and problems.​ Some storms may be directly demonic; others are used by the enemy to assault mind, emotions, and focus.​ When overwhelmed by what we are going through, we forget what we are going to (our assignment).​ Disciples' early lesson: following Jesus includes storms; in this world we will have tribulation, but Jesus has overcome.​ 6. Presence in the Storm vs. Our Perception Fierce storm (earthquake-like on the water); seasoned fishermen are terrified as the boat fills with water.​ Core promise: Jesus is in the boat—in the midst of the storm—fulfilling God's word, “I will be with you.”​ Call to defiantly declare God's word over symptoms and senses: choose His word over sight, feelings, and thoughts.​ Warning: if we fail to discern the source of the storm, we fight the storm instead of the enemy behind it.​ 7. Jesus' Peace and Identity vs. Disciples' Panic Contrast: disciples terrified; Jesus asleep on a cushion—same boat, same storm, radically different response.​ It can feel like Jesus is present but passive, silent, or indifferent; these feelings are real but not true.​ Jesus' inner rest flows from knowing His Father, His identity, His origin, His assignment, and His destiny.​ Believers likewise know their beginning (saved), their assignment, and their end (with Him), so anything in between is in the Father's hands.​ 8. Fear, Faith, and Revelation Disciples' cry “Teacher, don't you care we are going to drown?” contrasts Jesus' word “We're going to the other side.”​ Only one declaration can be true; revelation of who He is corrects our conclusions about our situation.​ Critique of purely informational faith: information about Jesus must become Spirit-given revelation in our hearts.​ Areas dominated by fear reveal where we lack revelation of who Jesus is (e.g., healing, provision, family).​ 9. Jesus Rebukes the Storm and the Source Jesus responds to their cry by rebuking wind and waves with authority (“Silence, be still” / “shut up and knock it off”).​ Same language used to address demons, suggesting confrontation with spiritual forces behind the storm.​ Believers are invited to speak with that same delegated authority to the spirit behind the storm.​ Emphasis: the real battle is not with circumstances but with Satan, who seeks to destroy faith and block assignment.​ 10. Christ's Deity and the Disciples' Holy Terror Immediate calm reveals Jesus is doing what only God does in the Old Testament—ruling the chaotic waters.​ This event unveils not just His power but His deity: Jesus is God, the eternal Word made flesh.​ After the calm, Jesus asks, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”—implying they need not have feared.​ The disciples become “absolutely terrified” in a holy way; divine presence is more awe-inspiring than any storm or demon.​ 11. From Survival to Thriving: The Goal of Storms God's purpose is not mere survival but thriving in the midst of storms through deeper revelation of Christ.​ What we magnify (storm or Jesus) will master us; magnifying Christ brings freedom from storm-mastery.​ Storms can serve as opportunities for maturity and revelation (James 1:2–4 referenced).​ Encouragement: do not wait for storms to seek revelation; build it now in the Word.​ 12. Practical Response: Defiant Declarations and Spiritual Warfare Call to become a defiant people against the enemy, not against God: spiritual warfare, shouting, and praise.​ Personal example: walking around the house proclaiming God's word, pleading the blood, attacking the devil by the Spirit and the Word.​ Use Scripture to declare truth over fear, sickness, and oppression; don't believe everything you think.​ Weapons of warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to pull down strongholds and cast down imaginations.​ 13. Extended Declarations: “Who Is This Man?” Corporate ministry time: congregation invited to the altar to declare who Jesus is, not just receive prayer.​ Long series of biblical declarations describing Jesus' identity and work (never leaving or forsaking; bread of life; light; shepherd; vine; way, truth, life; resurrection and life).​ Christ as reconciler, sin-bearer, seated in highest honor, head of the church, victor over sin, death, and Satan.​ Christ as Alpha and Omega, visible image of the invisible God, creator and sustainer, Lamb slain yet standing, coming King.​ 14. Shout of Triumph and Closing Exhortation Congregational Jericho-style shout as an act of spiritual warfare, linked to breaking chains and walls falling.​ Second, louder shout encouraged, likened to (but surpassing) cheering at a football game (Super Bowl Sunday reference).​ Affirmation that walls are coming down, demons are fleeing, and victories are being won because of Jesus' kingship.​ Dismissal: leave with praise, a shout, and an awareness of spiritual battle; take God's word and do warfare in Jesus' name

God commands His people not to fear the Assyrians (v. 24). The reasons lie in God Himself: He is faithful, sovereign, and mighty to save. Believers in every age should take these truths to heart, especially in dark and difficult times when we are tempted to fear.

Believers are born again to overcome

02/08/2026 - Sunday Morning Message at Pinheads Family Entertainment Center in Fishers, IN

This sermon explains that true worship is a joyful, humble response to God's immeasurable worth. Scripture shows that when people encounter God, they respond with reverence, service, and praise. Worship begins by understanding who God is—both transcendent, exalted above creation, and immanent, intimately involved with His people through Christ. Because worship reflects God's worthiness, the heart of the worshiper matters most. Genuine worship flows from obedience, repentance, and wholehearted devotion rather than empty rituals, as illustrated by Cain and Abel and Jesus' teaching on worshiping in spirit and truth. Believers are called to present their lives as living sacrifices, offering daily obedience. Worship is expressed through personal and corporate praise, focusing our attention, love, and loyalty on God alone. 

Tune in to our chapter-by-chapter study through Ephesians with Pastor Patrick Farrell from Calvary Chapel Wichita. In this chapter, Paul the apostle continues with practical instruction for the church. Believers are called to walk in love, be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit, living in submission to Christ and to one another. It is a wonderful privilege to be counted among the family of God, and that privilege carries responsibility, responsibility Paul continues to unfold here. The chapter concludes with concise and timeless wisdom for married couples.

Be sure to visit cultureproof.net Please consider supporting the Culture Proof Podcast. We aim to bring engaging content that will challenge and equip Christians to live according to the Straight Edge of Scripture. All gifts are tax deductible. Our Address is: S.E. Ministries PO Box 1269 Saltillo MS, 38866   Episode sponsors: BJUPress Homeschool We Heart Nutrition – Use the code CULTUREPROOF for 20% off Culture Proof Listeners  THANKS!   Culture Proof Podcast Theme song "Believers" courtesy of Path of Revelation  

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35 NLT) Before I became a believer, one of the things that attracted me to the Christian faith was the way Christians loved each other. I was raised in the 1960s, when the hippie and drug culture was coming on strong. We wore peace symbols and used words like groovy. We talked incessantly about love and peace. But it was a sham. There was no love or peace—at least, not as we envisioned it. It didn’t take me long to recognize the hypocrisy at the heart of the counterculture. Having been raised in a broken home, I wanted love and peace, and I thought maybe the movements of the 1960s were where I needed to look. I tried to buy into their philosophies for a time, not because I was looking for a buzz or excitement, but because I was looking for meaning in life. But nothing really resonated with me until I started meeting Christians. They had the love and peace I was searching for. They would get together for Bible studies on my high school campus, and I would watch them hug each other and say, “God bless you.” I thought, “This can’t be real. They can’t really care about each other. There’s no way.” But as I kept watching them, it started bugging me. And then I thought, “What if they’re right and I’m wrong? What if the love is real and not an act? What if God really is living inside them? What if they have the truth? If that’s true, then I don’t have it, and I don’t have the answers. That means I need to hear what they have to say.” Jesus understood that need and longing for genuine love. That’s why He told His followers, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35 NLT). That love for one another doesn’t always come naturally. Nor should it. Nothing worthwhile is easy. They say politics makes strange bedfellows but so does the Christian faith. Jesus urged His followers to “go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19 NLT). That involves bringing people together from all walks of life—people who are culturally, politically, socioeconomically, and temperamentally different from one another. In other words, people with little in common. The apostle Paul wrote, “There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28 NLT). Yet the prejudices and misunderstandings that exist between these disparate groups don’t magically disappear when people come to Christ. Believers must work to change their thinking, to reach out to people who are different from them, to tear down walls and build bridges. To show love. Can people see that kind of love in your life? When people of different ages, backgrounds, and cultures set aside differences and come together to worship in the name of Jesus Christ, it serves as a powerful testimony to a world that is more divided than ever. Reflection question: What does love for other believers look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prayer Call Faith Takes 1 Violent Believers 01_05_2026.mp3 by Sherman L. Young, Sr.

Be sure to visit cultureproof.net Please consider supporting the Culture Proof Podcast. We aim to bring engaging content that will challenge and equip Christians to live according to the Straight Edge of Scripture. All gifts are tax deductible. Our Address is: S.E. Ministries PO Box 1269 Saltillo MS, 38866   Episode sponsors: BJUPress Homeschool We Heart Nutrition – Use the code CULTUREPROOF for 20% off Culture Proof Listeners  THANKS!   Culture Proof Podcast Theme song "Believers" courtesy of Path of Revelation  

When words fail and grief feels overwhelming, God does not leave us alone. This Crosswalk Devotional is rooted in Romans 8:26–27, reminding us that the Holy Spirit actively meets us in our weakness—interceding, comforting, and strengthening us when we don’t know how to pray. For believers walking through loss, anger, exhaustion, or spiritual dryness, this passage offers deep reassurance: God’s Spirit is already at work within us. Rather than being distant or passive, the Holy Spirit is fully God—our Helper, Comforter, and constant companion. From the moment we place our faith in Christ, He dwells within us, guiding our hearts back toward peace, hope, and renewed strength. Even in seasons of confusion or emotional pain, the Spirit faithfully prays on our behalf according to God’s perfect will. Highlights The Holy Spirit meets believers in moments of weakness God understands our prayers even when we cannot find the words The Holy Spirit intercedes according to God’s will Grief, anger, and doubt do not disqualify us from faith The Spirit brings comfort, peace, and renewed strength God is always present—especially in seasons of loss Believers are never alone in their pain Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Finding Comfort in the Holy SpiritBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27). When I first became a Christian, I had trouble finding peace due to the grief I was experiencing. Living in the aftermath of the death of a loved one changed me, and I began to struggle with anger. Instead of conducting myself with kindness, love, and grace, I often lashed out or said something I would later regret. If you find yourself in a similar situation, take comfort in knowing you are not alone. This does not mean we are not believers. Rather, it simply means we will face more challenges in growing in our faith. At these times, we need to find comfort in the Holy Spirit. Sadly, many people, including believers, are unfamiliar with the Holy Spirit. They may even view the Holy Spirit as an inferior person within the Trinity. However, it’s essential to understand that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, which means He is God. The Holy Spirit is an especially important Person in our Christian walk as He is our Helper, Protector, and Comforter (John 14:26). Instead of distancing ourselves from Him, we need to draw closer to Him. This is especially true when we are feeling alone or disconnected from God. The Holy Spirit is our friend, and He is already living inside of us from the moment we place faith in the Lord (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19). For all eternity, the Holy Spirit will be with us. He can give us comfort when our days feel overwhelming and bleak. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Apostle Paul tells us, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27). Allow these words to bring your heart comfort today. Through this passage, we see that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. Whether we are struggling with our Christian walk, anger, or grief, we can rely on the Holy Spirit. Moreover, when we are too tired to pray or don’t know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. We might not know what to pray for, but the Holy Spirit does. During times of intense emotional turmoil or overwhelming pain, it can be hard to pray. The Holy Spirit will intercede for us at these times and bring comfort to our hearts. Instead of doubting Him, we can find great comfort and peace in His presence. The Holy Spirit will bring joy, hope, and renewed strength back into our hearts. Dear Father, I praise You for always being with me. Thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit. Please give my heart and soul comfort today. Sometimes I don’t know what to pray for, or I’m too weak to pray. Please help the Holy Spirit to intercede for me and bring my concerns to You. Thank You, Father, Amen. After reading this devotional, do you feel your attitude toward the Holy Spirit has changed? How can you find comfort in the Holy Spirit today? Further Reading: Galatians 5:22-23 Luke 11:13 2 Corinthians 3:1 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dean Reese is the President of The Salt & Light Council. She and David talk about the importance of pastors educating believers and staying engaged with today's world. The Salt & Light Council: https://www.saltandlightcouncil.org Biblical Voter: https://www.biblicalvoter.com Liberty Pastors: https://libertypastorsu.com Register for the Worldview Matters Conference: https://davidfiorazo.com/worldview-matters-conference/ www.worldviewmatters.tv © FreedomProject 2026

What do you do when following Jesus puts tension in your closest relationships, especially with your family?In this episode of Dear Future Husband, Christian Bevere sits down with Sazan Hendrix to talk honestly about navigating faith, love, and obedience when the people you love most are not on the same page. Raised in a Middle Eastern Kurdish family, Sazan shares how unexpectedly falling in love with a Christian boy changed her life forever.We touch on topics such as:How do you honor your parents when they do not share your beliefs?How do you walk in obedience without hardening your heart or burning bridges?The cost of choosing faith and the pain of misunderstanding, and the slow, faithful work of God in redeeming relationships.This episode is for anyone navigating love across different backgrounds, carrying the weight of family expectations, or praying for God's hand over their future marriage. It is a reminder that when you trust God with your love story, He is able to honor your faith, redeem what feels fractured, and write a story that is far more beautiful than you could plan on your own.Pray while you wait with Future Husband, Present Prayers and trust God with your love story with the Dear Future Husband Prayer Journal. Pre-order both at www.christianbevere.com

This sermon explores the biblical principles of giving as presented in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9, emphasizing that Christian giving is not governed by Old Testament law but by grace. Pastor Joe Fant addresses common misconceptions about tithing and presents giving as a spiritual discipline and act of worship rather than a legal obligation. The message challenges believers to view their financial stewardship as an expression of gratitude for God's grace, demonstrating that where our treasure is, our heart will be also. The sermon emphasizes that God cares more about the heart attitude behind giving than the amount given, and that generous giving produces a harvest of righteousness in the believer's life. Throughout, Pastor Joe maintains that giving should be voluntary, eager, cheerful, sacrificial, and expectant—reflecting the grace that believers have received through Christ. Key Points: Giving is Voluntary, Not Compulsory: New Testament giving is an act of grace, not a legal requirement. Believers should give willingly from the heart, not out of obligation or coercion. The Tithe as Principle, Not Law: While the 10% tithe was part of Old Testament law, it continues to serve as a helpful pattern and starting point for New Testament believers, though not as a binding legal requirement. Giving Should Be Eager and Contagious: Enthusiastic giving in one believer or church can inspire others to greater generosity, creating a ripple effect of grace-filled service. Cheerful Giving Delights God: God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giving should flow from joy and gratitude, not reluctance or guilt. Sacrificial Giving in the Midst of Poverty: The Macedonian churches gave generously despite extreme poverty and persecution, demonstrating that faithful giving isn't dependent on perfect circumstances. Give Expectantly, Not to Get: While God promises to bless generous givers, the primary harvest is righteousness and spiritual growth, not necessarily financial return. The prosperity gospel's "give to get" mentality distorts biblical teaching. Where Your Treasure Is, Your Heart Will Be: Investing financially in God's kingdom work naturally directs our hearts toward heavenly priorities and loosens our grip on earthly possessions. Give According to Your Means: God expects us to give proportionally to what we have, which is both a comfort to those with less and a challenge to those with more. Primary Giving Should Be Through the Local Church: The local church provides accountability and oversight for how funds are used for gospel purposes. Do Your Giving While You're Living: Rather than waiting for inheritance or death, believers should give generously now to see the fruit of their giving and know where it's going. Scripture Reference: Primary Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15 (entire passage read from New Living Translation) Supporting Passages: Matthew 6:19-21 (treasures in heaven) 1 Thessalonians 1:3-6 (Macedonian believers' affliction) Genesis 14 (Abraham and Melchizedek) Genesis 28 (Jacob's promise) Matthew 23 and Luke 11 (Jesus on tithing) Galatians 3 and Romans 7 (freedom from the law)

Join us for Purim 5786! https://curtlandry.com/register Plant a tree in Israel in honor of Tu BiShvat. Plant for hope and remembrance. https://curtlandry.com/planthope In this episode of the Curt Landry Podcast, Rabbi Curt talks about the biblical significance of trees and the Jewish Arbor Day, Tu BiShvat. Throughout the story of the Bible, we see a theme of three trees: The tree of knowledge in Genesis that brought death, the tree at Calvary where Yeshua brought redemption, and the olive tree in Romans 11, representing Israel and Believers who are grafted in as One New Humanity. God uses the symbolism of trees to tell the story of His people, and trees biblically and culturally in Israel represent life, resilience, and hope. When a child is born, or a person dies, it is customary to plant a tree in their honor– a testament of life and enduring legacy. Tu BiShvat, which falls on February 2 in 2026, will speak to just that: the remembrance of lives lost in war and God's promise of hope and a future, as the land that was once barren is again alive and fruitful, just as the prophets foretold. Join Rabbi and Darrell as they discuss the Swords of Iron Memorial Grove in Israel, the prophetic significance of planting olive trees, and why Purim is especially significant this year in light of current events. Disclaimer: Curt Landry Ministries will never send you a direct message or comment asking for donations, or, request to move the conversation to Telegram or any other third-party application. Any and all donations are solely collected through our website, https://www.curtlandry.com, or, through one of our YouTube fundraisers. For tithing and giving, please visit: https://shop.curtlandry.com/donate/ Listen to The Curt Landry Podcast: https://www.curtlandry.com/podcast/the-curt-landry-podcast/ Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRSNGrZ4oXOEYHMxBkZO94A/join · Website: https://www.curtlandry.com · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curtlandryministries/ · Twitter: https://twitter.com/curtlandrymin · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtlandrymin/ Get the resources you need to stand firm in your inheritance… · Jewish Roots Guide… https://curtlandry.com/Jewish-Roots · One New Man Guide… https://curtlandry.com/ONM-Guide · Psalm 91 Prayer… https://curtlandry.com/Psalm91Prayer · Goals to Grow… http://curtlandry.com/Goals2024

Be sure to visit cultureproof.net Please consider supporting the Culture Proof Podcast. We aim to bring engaging content that will challenge and equip Christians to live according to the Straight Edge of Scripture. All gifts are tax deductible. Our Address is: S.E. Ministries PO Box 1269 Saltillo MS, 38866   Episode sponsors: BJUPress Homeschool We Heart Nutrition – Use the code CULTUREPROOF for 20% off Culture Proof Listeners  THANKS!   Culture Proof Podcast Theme song "Believers" courtesy of Path of Revelation  

“But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, ‘These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.’” (Acts 17:5–6 NKJV) Why is it that first-century believers so radically impacted their world? After all, they didn’t have the cool technology we have today. They didn’t have well-known Christian authors and performers. They didn’t have megachurches. They didn’t have printing presses. Yet a relatively small group of men and women turned their first-century world on its ear, or “upside down,” as the Jewish leaders put it in Acts 17. They intended those words as a criticism of Christians—as a warning to others about them. But their description revealed the seismic impact Jesus’ followers had on the world around them. It’s also quite possible that the Jewish leaders inadvertently aided Christians in their evangelism efforts. Who wouldn’t be intrigued by the possibility of turning the world upside down? Yet for many believers today, those sights have been lowered considerably. People are content to live quiet, unobtrusive Christian lives. They don’t want to kick up too much dust in their walk with Christ. Especially in the United States, many believers are surviving on a watered-down, anemic version of Christianity. They don’t seem to be living at the same standard of Christian faith as the first-century Christians lived. You might say they have a “faith-light.” They seem to want to do only what is absolutely necessary. To put it another way, Jesus has a lot of fair-weather followers today. They will be Christians when it’s convenient, when it’s easy, or when it’s the popular thing to do. But the moment things get difficult, the moment hardship hits, the moment persecution rears its head, they retreat. They abandon their faith. They prove themselves to be less than true followers, less than real disciples. That certainly would explain why they’re not turning the world upside down. It also would explain why, far too often, the world seems to be turning the church upside down. Believers today need to get back to Christianity the way it is given to us in the Bible, the way that Jesus proclaimed it, the way the early church lived it—not the watered-down version of today but authentic, New Testament Christianity. In short, we need to become disciples of the Lord. Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ? Jesus asks His people to step out from the multitude, from the fair-weather followers, from the fickle people, to be His true disciples. Yet He never asks more from us than we can give. Not only will He reward our genuine discipleship, but He will also guide and direct us every step of the way. Reflection question: What would bold discipleship look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Near our home is a famous garden where we often take walks with a young boy our family cares for. His favorite area is the Children’s Garden, which has a small door large enough for him to run through but small enough to force me to crouch. He laughs as I drop to my knees and wiggle through the small opening to chase him. The small garden gate reminds me of Jesus’ object lesson in Matthew 18 where Jesus calls a little child to His side to explain the type of person who will enter the kingdom of heaven (v. 2). It was a bold example, for in Christ’s day to be a child was to be inconsequential and overlooked. Unlike today, their opinions and desires didn’t matter. Jesus uses this description to highlight our human tendency to be noticed and seek power and influence. Of course, Jesus wasn’t asking His disciples to become children again, but rather pointing to the traits that mark those who serve him. The biggest marker is humility—the person who “takes the lowly position” (v. 4) and serves others. The small garden door is a reminder that humility doesn’t come naturally to us. Believers in Jesus, however, are to be this way. We’re to follow our Savior, who modeled this way of living by making “himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:6).

New church plants often begin with vision, faith, and a deep sense of calling—but they also come with real challenges. This devotional reflects on how easy it can be to assume a new church has everything under control, especially when leaders don’t openly ask for help. Over time, good intentions can quietly turn into distance or apathy, even when the need is still very real. The reminder here is simple and important: church planting is never meant to be done alone. God uses many people in different roles—some to plant, some to water—but He alone brings the growth. Even when we don’t know exactly how to get involved, prayer is always a meaningful place to start. Interceding for a church plant, its leaders, and its community is not a passive act; it’s participation in God’s work. This devotional encourages believers to be proactive rather than waiting for an invitation. Support doesn’t always look like finances or formal volunteering. Sometimes it’s faithful prayer, encouragement, or simply staying attentive to what God might be prompting you to do. When we care about what God is building in our communities, we reflect His heart for the Church—and trust Him to bring growth in His timing and His way. Main Takeaways New church plants often need more support than they openly express. God uses many servants, but He alone brings true growth. Prayer is a powerful and practical way to support church leaders and congregations. Believers don’t need to wait for an invitation to care or intercede. God is pleased when we show concern for His work in our local communities. Today’s Bible Verse “What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” - 1 Corinthians 3:5 Your Daily Prayer Here is a brief excerpt from today’s prayer: “Help me not to become apathetic or turn away from those who need it… Only You can truly give it success.” You can listen to the full prayer here or read the devotional at the links below. Looking for more daily encouragement and faith-filled content? LifeAudio – Find daily devotionals, Christian podcasts, and biblical encouragement at LifeAudio.com Crosswalk – Explore prayer, faith, and Christian living resources at Crosswalk.com This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.orgTrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. https://trinitycredit.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.