Podcasts about Boldness

00:00:00 Acts 1 – Promise of the Holy Ghost and Matthias Chosen00:03:37 Acts 2 – Cloven Tongues of Fire and Peter Preacheth00:09:04 Acts 3 – Lame Man Healed and Repentance Declared00:12:37 Acts 4 – Boldness of the Apostles and All Things Common00:16:54 Acts 5 – Ananias and Sapphira Smitten and Prison Opened00:22:09 Acts 6 – Seven Deacons Ordained and Stephen Accused00:24:07 Acts 7 – Stephen's Defense of the Faith and Martyrdom00:31:32 Acts 8 – Philip Preacheth Samaria and the Ethiopian Baptized00:36:27 Acts 9 – Saul's Conversion and Aeneas and Dorcas Healed00:42:11 Acts 10 – Cornelius's Vision and Gentiles Receive the Holy Ghost00:48:14 Acts 11 – Peter Justifieth His Ministry to the Gentiles00:51:53 Acts 12 – James Killed, Peter Delivered, and Herod Smitten00:55:20 Acts 13 – Paul Sent Forth and Elymas the Sorcerer Blinded01:02:16 Acts 14 – Paul Stoned at Lystra and Elders Ordained01:05:53 Acts 15 – Jerusalem Council and Decree Touching the Gentiles01:11:14 Acts 16 – Macedonian Call and Philippian Jailer Saved01:16:30 Acts 17 – Paul at Thessalonica, Berea, and Mars' Hill01:21:19 Acts 18 – Paul at Corinth and Apollos Instructed01:25:07 Acts 19 – Exorcists Confounded and Uproar at Ephesus01:30:33 Acts 20 – Eutychus Raised and Paul's Charge to Elders01:35:19 Acts 21 – Paul Warninged, Arrested, and Bound at Jerusalem01:40:58 Acts 22 – Paul's Defense Before the Jews and Roman Citizenship01:45:02 Acts 23 – Paul Before the Sanhedrin and Plot Defeated01:50:07 Acts 24 – Paul Accused Before Felix and Reasoneth of Judgment01:53:56 Acts 25 – Paul Before Festus and Appeals Unto Caesar01:57:59 Acts 26 – Paul's Defense Before Agrippa and Almost Persuaded02:02:16 Acts 27 – Voyage, Tempestuous Wind, and Shipwreck at Melita02:07:52 Acts 28 – Viper at Melita and Paul Preacheth at Rome

Have you ever encountered something so real, so life-changing, so undeniable, that you simply could not stop talking about it? That's not enthusiasm. That's what happens when you've been with Jesus. In the final episode eight of A Life Unleashed, Christine Caine takes us to Acts 4 where Peter and John have just watched a man who couldn't walk stand up and leap, where 5,000 people have turned to Jesus in a single day, and where the most powerful religious leaders in Jerusalem have gathered to shut the whole thing down. Their verdict: these men are uneducated, untrained, and dangerous. Their observation: they have been with Jesus. In this episode, Christine Caine shows that the boldness that stunned the Sanhedrin was not the product of rhetoric, theological training, or strategic communication. It was the natural overflow of two men who had been with Jesus and could not contain what they had seen and heard. Christine Caine makes the case that this same compulsion is available to every believer, that cancel culture is not a new invention, that the church has always grown fastest under pressure, and that the most powerful testimony in the world is not an argument but a life — a healed man, standing in the room, impossible to refute. The compelling takeaway: you do not need a seminary degree or a platform to share Jesus. You simply need to be with Him. When you are, it pours out of you — and no one can stop it. ✨ If you've ever asked questions like… ✅ How do I share my faith without feeling like I'm forcing my beliefs on someone? ✅ What do I do when culture or my workplace or my family pressures me to stay silent about Jesus? ✅ How do I get the boldness to speak about my faith when I'm afraid of what people will think? ✅ Does the Holy Spirit really give me the power to do things I can't do in my own strength? ✅ Is my story — my experience with Jesus — actually enough to share, even without formal training? ✅ Why does it feel like there's more resistance to Christianity now than there used to be? ✅ How do I keep believing in miracles when everything around me is trying to explain them away? …then this is your episode.

Live with Doug - Daily at 11:30 AM ETBoldness In the Day of Judgment (1 John 4:17-5:4)Featured playlist: The Church (That Meets in My Home) — https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5Yobt1jZDd9Zzn8Ufa-BNciyYv04Cl6mMy books:Exalted: Putting Jesus in His Place — https://www.amazon.com/Exalted-Putting-Jesus-His-Place/dp/0985118709/ref=tmm_pap_title_0God's Design for Marriage (Married Edition) — https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Design-Marriage-Married-Amazing/dp/0998786306/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493422125&sr=1-4&keywords=god%27s+design+for+marriageGod's Design for Marriage (Pre-married Edition) — https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Design-Marriage-What-Before/dp/0985118725/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_topSupport us - become a CTC Partner: https://crosstocrown.org/partners/crosstocrown.org@DougGoodin

Send us Fan MailScripture doesn't ask us to choose between boldness and gentleness. In fact, we see them working together throughout Scripture. In this episode, we explore why boldness and gentleness need each other. We aren't simply trying to win an argument or prove that we're right. We're called to faithfully represent Christ in the way we speak, correct, lead, and disagree.Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15–16; 2 Timothy 2:24–26; Proverbs 15:1; Colossians 4:6; Galatians 6:1If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Christ and leadership in the local church.Connect with Narcely:Website: www.NarcelyRuiz.comInstagram: @narcelyruiz / @upstreampursuit If you're a woman serving in ministry and you want support in growing in biblical confidence, leadership, and healthy ministry rhythms, I'd love to connect with you.

Do you feel unqualified to share your faith? Soul winning isn't about complex theological debates, it is simply one beggar telling another where to find bread. By sharing your personal salvation story, you can boldly witness Jesus's transforming power today!

Following Jesus is difficult, and it can be scary. In Power and Boldness, the final message in our series on the Holy Spirit, Pastor Matthew Johnson teaches from the book of Acts. He explains that the calling of Jesus is impossible without the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.You'll hear the story of Peter, a man who denied Jesus three times and then preached with courage at Pentecost. Pastor Matthew shares five truths from Peter's life. Peter resolved to obey, began to obey, was empowered by the Spirit, was ready for God-ordained moments, and was amazed by what the Spirit did.This message will encourage you to say yes to God before you know every detail, and to trust that the Holy Spirit fills the gap between your ability and His calling.Watch the full message on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/Q7nyhlMIv08

Acts 4:23–31 shows Jerusalem believers answering threats through Scripture-grounded prayer, applying Psalm 2, requesting boldness, and receiving Spirit-empowered courage to continue their witness. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="0"}

What happens when ordinary believers step out in extraordinary, bold faith ? In this sermon from Acts 3 and 4, Pastor Tim Yeager walks through four powerful scenes showing how God transforms life, turns everyday interruptions into opportunities, and moves His church to speak the truth with courage—even when facing opposition . Through the miraculous healing of a man lame from birth , Peter and John's fearless witness before the Jewish sanhedrin , and the early church's prayer for supernatural boldness , we are challenged to examine our own lives: Are we too distracted by comfort and control to notice what God is doing right in front of us ? Watch as Pastor Tim illustrates how God uses common, faithful people to bring restoration, hope, and the gospel to our city and beyond . Key Takeaways Compassion to Restoration: True biblical compassion goes beyond quick fixes to bring real, lasting restoration . Boldness over Comfort: Expansion often brings opposition, but God calls us to pray for boldness rather than just changed circumstances . Witnessing in Daily Life: You don't need all the answers; you only need to be a faithful witness of what you have seen, heard, and experienced in Christ . God Uses the Common: God changes the world through ordinary, bold, and faithful servants who simply say "yes" . Chapter Markers & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: We Are Witnesses of What God Has Done 00:27 – Welcome & Series Overview (Acts 3 & 4) 01:58 – Scene 1: The Healing of the Lame Beggar at Beautiful Gate 04:47 – Real Compassion Leads to Restoration 10:25 – Scene 2: Peter Preaches at Solomon's Portico 13:00 – Confronting Sin with Brutal Honesty & Amazing Grace 15:36 – The Call to Repentance and Times of Refreshing 18:04 – Scene 3: Peter & John Arrested & Brought Before the Council 22:15 – Standing Boldly Before the Jewish Supreme Court 25:12 – How God Uses Common, Faithful Servants 29:06 – Standing Firm Against Threats 30:50 – Scene 4: The Believers Pray for Boldness 33:16 – Overcoming the Distractions of Comfort & Control 34:11 – Modern Testimonies: God at Work in Houston Today 37:45 – Closing Challenge & Prayer

What does biblical boldness really look like?In Acts 14, Paul is threatened, driven out, worshiped, stoned, and left for dead—and then he gets back up and keeps preaching. But his boldness wasn't bravado. It came from conviction, surrender, endurance, and the power of the Holy Spirit.In this message, we look at what true Christian boldness actually looks like—and why you don't have to be a naturally fearless person to live boldly for Christ.Paul shows us how to:• Speak boldly without becoming reckless• Know when to stay and when to leave• Stand firm when people flatter you• Endure opposition without giving up• Keep going when following Christ becomes costly• Point people back to God instead of yourselfBiblical boldness isn't about personality. It's about being so surrendered to God that fear no longer gets the final word.What would change if you stopped trying to manufacture boldness yourself and simply surrendered to the Holy Spirit?Acts 14 shows us the answer.

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Acts 4:23–31. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. Browse other resources from Justin S. Holcomb. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

Sep. 23, 2026 - Confidence and Boldness in PrayerPastor Ed Taylor1 John 5:14-15 | Study #162291 John

In this program, Joni dares you to be like Daniel in the Bible. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

What happens when standing up for your faith lands you in jail? That is exactly the situation we find ourselves exploring in Acts 4, where Peter and John are arrested for healing a man and preaching the resurrection of Jesus. This message digs into what it truly means to be bold in the face of opposition, and the answer might surprise us. It is not about having the right credentials, the perfect words, or a flawless track record. Peter, the same man who denied even knowing Christ, stands before the most powerful religious court of his day and does not soften a single word. The secret behind that kind of courage is the filling of the Holy Spirit, a special enabling that does not replace our preparation and time in God's Word, but goes far beyond what we could produce on our own. The lesson for us is deeply personal: we already have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us the moment we trust Christ. The question is whether we are yielding control to Him or trying to navigate life's challenges on our own. Real boldness does not ease into the room, read the temperature, and then decide how much truth to share. It commits fully and trusts God with the outcome.

True spiritual boldness for sharing the gospel stems from an intimate relationship with God and reliance on His power rather than human self-confidence. Michael challenges us to be intentional in our daily lives, stepping out in simple acts of obedience and generosity to build a personal "resume of encounters" with God.

Live Boldly September 20, 2026 Elwyn N. Johnston Acts 4 Verse of the Week: “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness” Acts 4:31 “let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead – by this name this man stands here before you in good health….there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:10 & 12 “Now as the Council observed the boldness of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 “boldness” – parrhesia – fearless, candid speech 1. Boldness is… fueled by prayer “grant that Your bondservants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29 & 30 Empowered by the Spirit “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness” Acts 4:31 “filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 4:8 2. Boldness… to go “pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain the mystery of the gospel. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God's ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for Him, as I should.” Ephesians 6:19 & 20 “Boldly and without hindrance Paul proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 28:31 “speak the truth in love” Ephesians 4:15 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18 “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message” Acts 16:15 Pray for people to come to Jesus Ask God for divine appointments Serve without asking anything in return Engage in spiritual conversations Invite people to “come and see” to grow “the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.” Acts 4:32 The process is… Supernatural – daily time with God changes our character, develops the fruit of the Spirit, and helps us to walk in humility Corporate – large settings to celebrate together Relational – small groups of people for accountability and growth

Steve Barberieri talks to Fr Mark Wharton, an English convert whose path to the priesthood began by accident, sitting through two hours of Eucharistic Adoration because he didn't realise he was allowed to leave, ahead of the Abide women's conference in Bundoran this November. They trade stories of saints who spoke to God with startling familiarity, St Therese telling Jesus he owed her tenderness, Mother Elvira refusing to leave a chapel until she got her convent, and what it means to simply put people in front of the Blessed Sacrament and get out of the way. L'articolo RM Breakfast Show – Boldness Before the Blessed Sacrament – Naoimh Barbieri and Fr Mark Wharton proviene da Radio Maria.

Praying With Boldness and ConfidenceHebrews 4:16 "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."One of the greatest misconceptions about prayer is that we have to earn the right to come into God's presence.Join Life's Word Academy: https://tinyurl.com/lifeswordacademyAccept Jesus today. https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!****Congratulations! You are now a child of the Most High. John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."****If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.”****Click here for FREE eBook download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love and support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cash App: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles:https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/PastorMalachiBooksHNO Crypto Coin Investing Opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/HNOCoin-ReferralFREE Ways to Support Me:

16th September 2026 - Derry City. Ministered by Jabez Joel.

Step out of the shadows of doubt. The risen King has crowned you with righteousness and eternal victory!

What if your biggest breakthrough isn't a dramatic life change, but simply knowing Jesus? In this episode, Karen Berg-Johnson shares how a lifelong relationship with Jesus can transform how you face adversity, grow in faith, and share the gospel naturally.Karen gave her life to Jesus when she was just four years old, and her story challenges the idea that a “real” breakthrough has to involve a dramatic before-and-after moment.Instead, Karen talks about what it looks like to walk with Jesus through every season of life, including seasons of deep adversity and suffering. She shares how her faith was tested when both of her daughters faced serious health struggles, and how she learned to trust God even when she didn't have answers.One of Karen's biggest reminders is simple: you don't have to have everything figured out before you come to Jesus. Whether you're four or ninety-four, today can be a new beginning.If you're hurting, questioning God, or wondering whether you've gone too far to come back to Him, Karen's closing encouragement is especially for you.

Sin once separated humanity from God behind a heavy veil, but Jesus' sacrifice tore it open. You no longer need an earthly mediator. Draw near to the Father boldly, hold fast to His truth, and lean on Christian fellowship today!

What does it actually mean to persist in prayer? In episode 505 of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb conclude their study of Luke 11's "Parable of the Night Friend" — and the answer is far richer than most Christians expect. Rather than teaching a technique for wearing down a reluctant God, Jesus presents a contrasting image: a grudging friend who finally relents out of pure annoyance, set against a Father who overflows with delight to give His people the very best gift imaginable. Through careful exegetical attention to the parable's logic, covenantal structure, and Trinitarian movement, Tony and Jesse show that the ultimate object of persevering prayer is nothing less than the Holy Spirit Himself — the supreme covenant gift of the new covenant age, promised by the Father to the Son, and freely given to all who ask. Key Takeaways The parable operates by contrast, not direct comparison. The annoyed friend is not a picture of God — he is a foil. Everything about God's character is the opposite of this reluctant neighbor, and reading the parable correctly depends on recognizing this reversal. Persistence in prayer is appropriate, not impudent. The word translated "persistence" in verse 8 carries a sense of shameless, boundary-crossing boldness. But unlike the midnight knocker whose asking had become socially inappropriate, our asking of God never crosses a line. There is no point at which we have asked too much. The shift from "friend" to "father" is a deliberate relational and moral intensification. Jesus moves the argument from voluntary friendship (revocable, lateral) to fatherhood (covenantally obligated, vertical), and then from sinful human fathers to the holy divine Father — two axes that together magnify the certainty and character of God's giving. Total depravity and common grace are both present in verse 13. Jesus calls even his disciples "evil," grounding the argument in the doctrine of total depravity, while simultaneously appealing to the nearly universal parental instinct to give good things to children as evidence of common grace operative even in fallen humanity. The ultimate gift is the Holy Spirit, not general blessings. Luke's version of this teaching specifies what Matthew's leaves general: the supreme "good thing" the Father gives is the Holy Spirit Himself. This is not a second-blessing theology, but a call to pray explicitly and persistently for the subjective experience and fresh working of the Spirit already indwelling believers. God's giving is grounded in the Covenant of Redemption. The Father's obligation to give the Spirit to believers is not merely an expression of His general goodness — it flows first from His pretemporal covenant commitment to the Son, to grant Him a people marked, redeemed, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Trinity is on full display in Christ's earthly ministry. The Father sending the Holy Spirit is unavoidably Trinitarian language — and Jesus' disciples received it without confusion. The Old Testament had already furnished them with this framework, and the New Testament simply brings it into full light. Key Concepts The Parable Operates by Contrast, Not Direct Comparison One of the most common misreadings of Luke 11 is to identify the sleeping friend with God — as though Jesus is saying, "If you pester God long enough, He will eventually give in." Tony points out that this reading produces a deeply distorted picture of God: an annoyed deity who only answers prayer when sufficiently harassed. The actual logic of the parable is a contrast. The friend is reluctant where God is eager. The friend gives grudgingly where God gives joyfully. The friend is moved by annoyance where God is moved by covenant love. Jesus is not saying, "God is like this friend." He is saying, "Even this friend eventually gave what was needed — how infinitely more will your Father, who is nothing like this friend, give you everything you need?" The parable's force depends entirely on the distance between its human character and the divine reality it points toward. The Ultimate Gift Is the Holy Spirit Himself A comparison of Matthew 7 and Luke 11 reveals something significant. Where Matthew records Jesus promising "good things" to those who ask, Luke specifies: the Holy Spirit. This is not a contradiction — it is Luke's Spirit-guided theological clarification, shaped by his characteristic pneumatological emphasis and his post-Pentecost vantage point. The teaching closes where it must: not with general providential blessings, but with God's own personal presence and power. Tony is careful to distinguish this from two-stage salvation theology. The call to ask for the Holy Spirit is a call for what might be described as the subjective experience of the Spirit — fresh assurance, sanctifying power, gifts for ministry — not a second indwelling. The Christian who already possesses the Spirit objectively is nonetheless invited, even commanded, to ask persistently for His living and active presence. That invitation is itself grounded in covenant promise. God's Giving Is Grounded in the Covenant of Redemption Perhaps the most theologically profound moment in the episode comes when Tony traces God's obligation to give the Spirit beyond the Covenant of Grace and back to the Covenant of Redemption — the pretemporal, intra-Trinitarian covenant in which the Father promised the Son a redeemed people whose redemption would be applied by the Holy Spirit. This means that when believers ask the Father for the Holy Spirit, they are not merely appealing to His general benevolence. They are appealing to a promise the Father made to the Son before the foundation of the world — a promise sealed in the Son's obedient life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. God's faithfulness in answering prayer for the Spirit is, at its deepest level, an expression of His covenant faithfulness to Christ. That is the ground of Christian boldness in prayer, and it is the ground that never shifts. Memorable Quote God has covenantally bound himself to grant us the Holy Spirit when we ask him... That covenantal obligation first and foremost is not primarily his covenant with us. It is his prior commitment and covenantal obligation to his Son to grant him a people who would be marked by and redeemed and have redemption applied by the Holy Spirit. - Tony Arsenal We could not petition him enough to be annoying to him. There is no boundary for when it is inappropriate to stop asking or seeking or knocking. - Tony Arsenal It doesn't teach a doctrine of prayer as a technique, somehow like wearing down a reluctant God, but a doctrine of prayer as a filial confidence grounded in the Father's revealed character, exercised through this persevering, believing, asking. - Jesse Schwamb Full Transcript [00:01:03] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 505 of the Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse  [00:01:12] Tony Arsenal: And I'm Tony, and this is the podcast With Ears to Hear. Hey, brother.  [00:01:16] Jesse Schwamb: Hey, brother. So I'm excited for this little conversation because I tried to tee all, all of this up for the culmination of this amazing parable, which I, I don't know if you coined it or if it comes from somewhere else or if it's what the Patristics called it- [00:01:32] the parable of the night friends, but I really loved that. Yeah. It sounds like an amazing movie as well, so maybe there's a drama that can unfold. I mean, this is, this is cinematic. And if you're wondering what we're even talking about, you know it. It's the parable in Luke 11, the one where Jesus tells a story about a guy pounding on his neighbor's door at midnight begging for bread because apparently first-century hospitality customs did not include 24/7 7-Eleven. [00:01:58] And so a lot of [00:02:00] us get this one wrong. We hear in this parable words like ask, seek, and knock, and we turn it into some kind of prayer vending machine where if we do the right things or we ask long or hard enough that God will give us exactly what we want. And it turns out the whole parable is about God giving us what we need, the best blessing, the best gift, the thing that is the best in all the world, which is His spirit, and that's what we're gonna talk about on this episode. [00:02:25] So it's all- Yeah ... been set up, loved ones. Now it's time for the good stuff. Tony's here. We're going after it hard. How about that?  [00:02:33] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah, it should be good.  [00:02:34] Jesse Schwamb: It's gonna be, it's gonna be better than good, Tony. It's gonna be, like, amazing. I- I was hoping, like, the, the energy. I, I was just anticipating you were just gonna come in hard with me on that. [00:02:45] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. I, I, I wish I had the energy. I mean, we'll, we'll talk about this maybe a little bit in denials. It's just been a, it's been a long day.  [00:02:53] Jesse Schwamb: Well, speaking of-  [00:02:54] Tony Arsenal: But it's good. It's good ... speaking- I'm excited.  [00:02:57] Jesse Schwamb: I, I felt like you were just like that was, [00:03:00] like, your pretty excitement for me and you were like, "All right. [00:03:02] Move us along." Yeah. "Enough of this stuff." I get it. No, no. I, I'm totally down with that.  [00:03:06] Tony Arsenal: It's good.  [00:03:06] Jesse Schwamb: Honestly, that's as good a set of a segue as any. It is time before we get to the, the full excitement, we'll war- we'll both warm up a bit.  [00:03:14] Affirmations And Denials Segment [00:03:14] Jesse Schwamb: Let's take us to that segment where we take a page from the Reformed tradition of writing confessions, except these are ones that nobody asked for. [00:03:21] It's that time where we affirm with something that we really like or we deny against something that we don't like so much. So I can only wonder now, given that little preamble, that just short little nugget that you dropped there, I am really curious, more than ever, are you denying against something or are you actually affirming with something else? [00:03:40] Tony Arsenal: I'm gonna cheat a little bit and go back, go old school and do an affirmation and a denial.  [00:03:44] Tony Denies Sleep And Twitter Bait [00:03:44] Tony Arsenal: So- Oh, okay ... I guess my denial is just sleep deprivation. It's, it's just been, for whatever reason, it's been a couple nights in a row of, of sort of disruptive sleep with the kids and the dog. And this time of year in New Hampshire, the, the nights start to get a little bit chilly, which is, is great. [00:04:01] Um, but you start to get rodents and other animals moving around and- When you live in the, the kind of house that I do, there's a large crawl space underneath, so even if, even if the animals aren't making their way into the house itself, they move around under the, the house. And so when you have a terrier that has been bred over many generations to hunt those kinds of animals, uh, when they start hearing them moving around under the floors, they don't, they don't stay quiet about it. [00:04:27] So denying sleep deprivation. We've talked a lot about how important sleep is, and how it's a blessing from God, and it's a way to show that we're not in charge, and we're not necessary, that God's, you know, God's plan and God's world keeps spinning even when our brains are shut off for the night. So I'm denying sleep deprivation. [00:04:45] My affirmation, uh, actually it's a denial too. It's two denials. It's a double denial. Uh, my denial, I guess what I'm gonna call it is I'm, I'm denying taking the bait. So there's, there's been a, a rather high-profile, uh, [00:05:00]Christian figure that I honestly was not super familiar with. I don't need to get into the specifics, but I was not super familiar with, and when I was silly enough to ask the question online as to like why is everybody even paying attention to this person who has no theology training and is clearly not articulating things in a reasonable way? [00:05:17] The answer was like, "Well, he has 4.5 million followers." I was like, "Oh. O- okay." Uh, where I'm denying taking the bait is that this is a person who's been railing against Reformed theology, Calvinism, uh, for a, like a week now probably, week and a half. Uh, total straw man arguments, just totally misrepresenting things, not a good faith engagement effort, not really trying to understand the position they're critiquing. [00:05:41] Just sort of like painting really broad, inaccurate strokes and then s- sort of congratulating himself when he knocks down that straw man. And where I'm denying taking the bait is that in the same breath as me saying like, "Why are we bothering to engage this person?" Uh, I engaged the person. And, uh, you know, like it [00:06:00] just turns into what you, what it turns into. [00:06:02] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah.  [00:06:02] Tony Arsenal: It turns into both parties kind of screaming into the void and just feeling like the other person's not listening, and I don't have time for that. So, uh, I've, I've come up with a new policy for myself on Twitter. If someone is clearly not a good faith actor, uh, then I'm just gonna block them, and then I don't have to worry about it anymore. [00:06:18] Good  [00:06:18] Jesse Schwamb: for you.  [00:06:18] Tony Arsenal: Um, so there's plenty of people who wanna have good conversations, who are interested in dialogue, critical or otherwise, uh- [00:06:41] -fashion. Um, first of all, we should always be asking like, "Am I even the person that should be responding?" But i- if you, in God's providence and in wisdom and Christian prudence decide that you are, uh, then, you know, like is this a person worth responding to? Is Twitter the place to respond or, or is it a longer [00:07:00] format or something like that the best, um, best option? [00:07:03] So I'm denying taking the bait. It's like that, uh, like that GIF, like that's bait, and then I total- I totally took it. I totally took it, wasted a bunch of my time. Uh, and I used to think like, "Well, there's people watching, and they're reading what I'm..." But like nobody's reading what I'm saying. Nope, nobody  [00:07:17] Jesse Schwamb: cares. [00:07:17] Tony Arsenal: Nobody cares. Yeah. It's just a bunch of voices online. So there's ways to have influence and, and there are certainly people that have influence through Twitter, and I've had some really good conversations, and I think there is some value at times to engaging in that, uh, that media. But, uh, this was not one of them, so I'm denying taking the bait. [00:07:35] Jesse Schwamb: Would you look at us? I mean, would you look at us? How, how far God has brought us. Yes. I, I just wanna commend you for bringing that up and just kinda laying that all out in transparency. I, bully for you. I think that's right on. There's a... Everybody listen to that again, 'cause there was a lot of good stuff in that short little denial. [00:07:52] Very good.  [00:07:54] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. What about you, Jesse? What do you got for us tonight?  [00:07:57] Jesse Schwamb: I'm in that place now where, remember you and I [00:08:00] said we should create a list of our affirmations, Niles? I think you have been more faithful in that, uh, honestly, than I have. I, I have- ... coveted your, your faithfulness in doing that. So then I did it, and now I can't remember. [00:08:10] I'm not crossing them off, so now I can't remember if I've actually- ... given this. So everybody please have mercy on me if I've already said this before. I don't think I have, because, you know, I'm just burying a lead that doesn't need to be buried.  [00:08:23] Jesse Affirms Invictus EP [00:08:23] Jesse Schwamb: But I've got a affirmation, and it's more music, and it'll hur- hit a certain group I'm sure. [00:08:29] But I'm affirming with a band called Invictus. They have a new EP that's out this year. It's called Sealed and Sent, and I'll just give you... I, I don't, I'm not trying to make light of this, but, like, I'm not gonna tell you what the music... I mean, I have a pedigree I'm sure in history here. But let me just give you, there's six tracks. [00:08:46] I'm just gonna give you the names of the tracks. Maybe you might guess the style of music from these tracks. Um, it starts with Crush the Snake, then goes on to Heaven's Weapon, Hymn for the Fallen, which is acoustic, Retribution, Drive Them Out, and I Won't [00:09:00] Break. This is a great album. It is, I'm gonna go with their definition of their own sound. [00:09:04] They're a cinematic Christian metal project blending crushing riffs, melodic metalcore, and scripture-inspired themes of spiritual warfare, redemption, perseverance, and victory through Christ. Here's the thing. All of that's true, and you might say, as I did when I first came across them, "Uh, sounds a little cheesy. [00:09:22] Sounds a little kitsch." Turns out it's just awesome. And sometimes, like, you need this kind of music that's so spiritually rich in victory with Christ, that is so expressive of... 'Cause there is, as you heard, like a tint there toward the supernatural realm, toward the battles that are in that realm. But I, sometimes you need that. [00:09:43] This is fantastic. The only word of warning I have is that, so if you're not into that style, and there is, like, beautiful, it's very melodic. There's a lot of beautiful melodies in this. A lot of, like, the voices are really truly fantastic. So it's worth listening to for just for that But my warning is, um, [00:10:00] kind of strange. [00:10:01] This track three, it's acoustic, it's Hymn for the Fallen, is, uh, exactly what it is. It's almost like an anthem for those, uh, condemned to hell, and it is troublingly haunting. Uh, I think it's, like, exactly theologically precise, and it's beautiful in its own right. It's a strange song to listen to because it is beautiful in its expression. [00:10:22] The music is phenomenal, and again, the voice work from this, this single artist is incredible. His range is fantastic. I think it'll leave you at parts just almost breathless. And yet what they're singing about is not quite a celebration, but it is like a song of mourning. And every, uh, time I listen to it, and I wanna listen to it, and yet when you're done with it, you do feel this different sense and urgency for those around you. [00:10:46] So that's my only warning is it's a really complex little EP, but it's strong, and it's beautiful, and it's glorious, and it's a little bit haunting, and it's certainly convicting and challenging. So it turns out, I guess I do like... I [00:11:00]just love the word cinematic. Like, I'm not sure entirely all that it entails, but I think it's probably an, an accurate description. [00:11:07] So if you're looking for some new music or some different music, I highly recommend Invictus because I think you'll be blessed by them  [00:11:16] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. My, um, my musical, uh, I don't know, repertoire consists mostly of, like, kids worship bop music. Uh, so, uh, maybe I'll, maybe I'll put that on the next time I'm in the car by myself just to listen to some sort of, like- [00:11:34] I don't know, like grown-up music. 'Cause, 'cause I don't listen to a lot of grown-up music as it is now. I, if, if I'm lucky, I get a couple, uh, couple minutes on the bus or something like that to listen to some real, real adult music. But yeah, I'll, I'll have to check it out, and there's always a chance that this will be the screaming music or the heavy music that I like. [00:11:55] There's always a chance.  [00:11:57] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. It's more, it's more heavy than maybe screaming. There is a [00:12:00] little bit of that good rasp, but it brings me back to, you and I are of a certain age. I'm, I'm older than you, but I think back to, like, maybe that late '90s, early 2000s, kinda like Creed style. Mm. Like, almost like that, but a little bit deeper and richer and, and a little bit harder. [00:12:16] But it's, it's not, I think, so dissonant that the average ear wouldn't find great value in it. And again, that- Yeah ... third track, which is acoustic, is very beautiful in its own right. It's just a very strange song. Usually you don't hear a song like that, and it really caught me by surprise. And the more I listen to it, the more it does create some kind of mourning within you, and I've thought about it quite a bit, even as I interact with people around me, thinking about the essential emergency of what it means that souls are, are in play here, so to speak. [00:12:44] That, of course, they're all under the providence of God, but He used us as a means in which to preach that gospel message, and we ought to be about that gospel message. And I suppose- Yeah ... in point, that started the podcast as we talked about the gospel and became excited every time we spoke about the [00:13:00] gospel, and then it's, it flowed into this whole series we're doing on the parables. [00:13:04] Back To Luke 11 Reading [00:13:04] Jesse Schwamb: And now, of course, we find it again in Luke chapter 11 here And I was excited to speak with you because I tried to set up for everybody, ourselves included, just like all of the little prolegomena, all the, all the kinda like little fine, fun details of like the circumstance and the interaction that's happening in this parable. [00:13:23] But really the punchline comes in this, I would say, unexpected twist that one, we have this friend going to another, and the friend is reluctant when he really shouldn't be, and there's this incredible juxtaposition of, well, how much more so is God going to be less reluctant because He's our Father, and He delights to give us that which is good, the best of gifts. [00:13:43] And this sometimes gets turned around in that we ought to just really continually annoy God to the extent that He just gives us the very thing, and that somehow this is explained to us that we have to have enough perseverance, hope against hope, to continue to pray against all odds. And instead what we find [00:14:00] buried in this parable is something far better than that. [00:14:02] Actually, the gift that God gives us is something that we really could not conceive of apart from the gospel itself. So I'm gonna take us back- Yeah ... into Luke chapter 11. I'm gonna read the whole passage or the parable that we were just talking about, started it last week. But we're really gonna pick it up in this, so everybody can be listening, at this turning point where Jesus begins to speak about the role of the Father and what He desires to give us. [00:14:27] So this is Luke chapter 11, beginning verse one. "And it happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of the disciples said to Him, 'Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.' And He said to them, 'When you pray, say, "Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. [00:14:45] Give us each our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation."' Then He said to them, 'Which of you has a friend and will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me [00:15:00] three loaves for a friend has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.' [00:15:05] And from the inside he answers, 'Do not bother me. The door has already been shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot rise up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not rise up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as much as we needs. [00:15:23] So I say to you, ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who receives asks, and he who, he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks will be opened. But what father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if his son asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [00:15:45] If then you being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give you the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?'"  [00:15:57] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah.  [00:15:59] Tony Unpacks The Parable Logic [00:15:59] Tony Arsenal: This is, um, one of those passages that I think... I think you're exactly right. We, we sort of fall into a very specific way of thinking because for some good reasons, right? [00:16:13] Like, this is a parable about prayer. It's couched, y- you know, it's, it's sort of sandwiched in different parts tea- teaching about prayer. And so I think we, we instinctively, kinda like we saw with the Parable of the Good Samaritan, we kind of instinctively assume who certain characters in the, in the analogy here are, right? [00:16:34] Sure. Just like in the, the Parable of the Good Samaritan, we kind of assume that, like, the neighbor that is being talked about is the guy who got beat up and left for dead, but in, in the s- the punchline, we find out it's actually the Samaritan. In this case, I think we assume the person who is being, um, who is being e- entreated upon must represent God, and the person who is doing the entreating, uh, is, you know, is us.[00:17:00] [00:17:00] And I'm not sure that the parable, a- and again, like, what even is a parable? Some people would say, "Well, this isn't a parable," but w- we're really just talking about kind of like the figures of speech ministry of Christ, the figures of the sayings of Jesus that sort of circulate around these analogies. Um, w- what even is a parable? [00:17:19] And in this case, like- We need to be careful not to just make those assumptions without-  [00:17:25] Jesse Schwamb: Right ...  [00:17:26] Tony Arsenal: justifying them in the text because it'll lead us to the wrong conclusion. Like, like you've said, like if we assume that the person in the text, in the, the, the parable here who is being entreated upon represents God the Father, well, what we've done now is we've made God sort of like this annoying or this annoyed figure who doesn't really wanna answer our prayers, but because we harass him so much, because we're so persistent. [00:17:51] Another translation of that word is impudence, right? It's a word that has to do with, like, almost like a shameless begging. Like, [00:18:00] it's, it's someone who is asking something that goes beyond the boundaries of appropriate.  [00:18:05] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:18:05] Tony Arsenal: Right? It's, it's impudence, it's persistence, but it's not just persistence in that, like, it's not just stick-to-it-iveness. [00:18:12] It's like persistence to the point of being, uh, inappropriate is really what this word is getting at. Well, now what we've done is we've made it so we have to inappropriately pursue God for prayer. Right. So I'm, I'm glad you set it up this way to sort of say, like, we need to think about this parable. Yes, there's something here about prayer, for sure. [00:18:29] There's more here about the fact that God desires to give us good gifts, but we really need to understand how it is that this teaching is functioning in almost like a, a, almost like a contrasting example kind of way compared to, like, a direct example. It, it's, it's not, it's not exactly an argument to the lesser, from the lesser to the greater. [00:18:51] I mean, it kind of is.  [00:18:52] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:18:52] Tony Arsenal: But it's, it's almost like a reverse argument from the lesser to the greater. Like, there's this lesser that's so much lesser that he's actually [00:19:00] sort of- Yes ... like an annoying, like not a super admirable, noble figure. Then how much more noble is God? It's kind of the, the sort of the force of this parable, the force of this teaching. [00:19:09] Jesse Schwamb: Yes. I like how you said that. It was... You crystallized something I've been thinking about, which was, it's almost like in this text, think of, like, these two different shores. On one shore is this function, the action, and the worship of, uh, through prayer. On the other shore is this g- great supreme gift of the Holy Spirit, and there's something about a bridge that's being built between these two things, and it starts with this really interesting analogy. [00:19:34] But then there's, like, this turning point from friend to father, and for me, what, like I mentioned last week, I'm seeing, I'm picking up, maybe too much so, all of this interesting covenantal shadows and language here. And so, like, in this shifting, specifically from this analogy to friend to fa- from friend to father, there's almost in my mind, like, an intensifying of the relational bond. [00:19:56] I mean, friendship being voluntary and revocable, fatherhood, [00:20:00] especially in ancient thought, bound by nature, and then that again, covenant obligation. It does strengthen this interesting logic that's unfolding for us. But it's as if the bridge that's being built here by Jesus is taking and uniting or bringing together this idea of good gifts of the Father, and the greatest gift being the Holy Spirit, and prayer and how that accomplishes or receives or invokes those gifts, and the bridge being the right way in which to think about prayer and the right mode in which to consider prayer so as to ask for the things in the name of Jesus according to God's will, that is the greatest of all gifts, which is the Holy Spirit. [00:20:36] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:20:36] Hospitality Context And Midnight Bread [00:20:36] Tony Arsenal: And I, I think it's interesting too because this teaching, this parable opens with y- you know, kind of a s- sort of standard format that Christ use, uses in some of these circumstances, where He's talking to an audience who may or may not be hostile. In some instances it's hostile. In this instance it was a friendly, a friendly audience. [00:20:57] It was His disciples. Um, He says, "Which of [00:21:00] you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say, 'Friend, lend me three loaves. For a friend of mine- Right ... has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.'" This is parallel similar language to, like, which of you having a sheep who falls into a- [00:21:22] not like everybody has experienced it, right? I think I, I've never had, like, livestock, but, like, I know my dog has gotten into stuff. Like, everybody who's had a pet is like, "Yeah, my animal has done something stupid at some point." Like, ate something stupid, got stuck in something, hurt itself. So, like, the, the, the way that this is set up is [00:21:53] Tony Arsenal: In a way where it's like the scenario is sort of insane and nobody would [00:22:00] be in that situation. Um, and then there are times where he says, "Which of you having a friend, which of you having a sheep who falls into a ditch?" [00:22:09] Um, and, and the assumption is on some level either the, it, it's such a common scenario that of course everyone would have understood it, right? Which of you... It's like, it's like a woman losing a coin who sweeps the house to look for the coin. Everybody who has a, a, a valuable piece of money that they lose is gonna spend time looking for it. [00:22:29] Jesse Schwamb: That's right.  [00:22:29] Tony Arsenal: This one I think is more like that second one, which feels weird to us. Again, like we're, like you kind of alluded to and kind of joking, but I think is, is a, is a per- serious point, we can just go to the store. Like I could go to a 24-hour supermarket and buy resources if a guest shows up unexpectedly. [00:22:46] It's not like that in the ancient world. So this statement of like, which of you Basically like which of you who has unexpected company show up would not go to your friend or neighbor and ask for something to serve them? And especially in the sort of [00:23:00] hospitality-driven culture that the 1st century was, it would've been deeply, deeply troubling for a guest, especially a, a guest who's coming on a l- from a long journey who's showing up at midnight. [00:23:10] That feels like in our culture we'd be like, "Yeah, it's understandable that I don't have anything on hand." It would be deeply troubling for someone in that scenario to not be able to provide hospitality. So I think that's the first hurdle we have to get over with this one is the scenario feels, at least to me, feels a little bit insane, but I actually think the assumption baked into the teaching is that this is an understandable, relatable situation with an obvious answer. [00:23:36] Of course, all of us would go beg a friend for a few loaves of bread to serve our guest who shows up unexpectedly.  [00:23:43] Jesse Schwamb: That's right. There is like a foil in all of this. Again, it's not like Jesus is not commending like wear God down with nagging as a technique, but there is a lot at stake here in this scenario that's been set forward because there's, there's honor, there's covenantal honor like I think I [00:24:00] mentioned p- last time. [00:24:00] Again, this is where I'm seeing that there is something to be said for like the petitioner is a little bit shameless here. That is, like he's bold. It's, it's socially inappropriate maybe, the persistence in the knocking, but that's what secures the loaves. And so on this view, verse 8 does teach like persevering bold prayer. [00:24:18] I think then what we're being lead to, try, led to try to understand is well, what kind of bold prayer here? Is it just like any kind of prayer, or is there something specific that Christ himself is directing these people to ask for in prayer? And to me, it, to like, you know, maybe preempt a little bit, it seems like, of course, like he's saying, "Ask for God, of God the only thing that God can give you. [00:24:39] Ask boldly for that thing. Ask shamelessly, unapologetically for that thing," because we're gonna be led again to this kind of reprisal of roles here and see that he's gonna speak about himself again as, as Father, as being this really good father over and against this really reluctant friend who only gets up really because he has been annoyed, and that's certainly the opposite of [00:25:00] God's stance towards us. [00:25:01] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:25:02] Persistence Without Impudence [00:25:02] Tony Arsenal: And you know, there is, um, you know, like we mentioned, there's this element of- The an- sort of annoyed friend, right? And, and we don't wanna be too quick to compare God directly to the annoyed friend, right? It is this foil. It's kind of like, it's almost like God is not, is like this in some ways, but not like this- Yes [00:25:23] in the most important ways. I actually think the asking itself falls into that category, right? In, in the context of the parable, the asking, m- maybe not the asking, but the persistence, the continuing to pound on the door when the answer no has already been delivered. That is, in the context of this teaching, is, is seen as inappropriate, right? [00:25:45] It's, it's impudent. It's disrespectful. It's, it's an- Right ... unrelenting persistence beyond the bounds of propriety. Not only is God not like the annoying friend, or the annoyed friend, or the annoying friend, I guess, not only is God [00:26:00] not annoyed, uh, so there's this sort of like argument to the, from the lesser to the greater opposite or the greater contrary But our asking itself and our persistence is not impudent. [00:26:13] And I think that's a really key thing here, and that's why it goes directly into the next verse. "Ask and you will g- give it given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock, it will be opened to you." He's not saying because you're so persistent, because you continue to wear God down, it's gonna be given to you. [00:26:29] It's almost like he's saying, like, look, in this context of this parable, not only is the friend, not only did the friend say no, and the, the seeker is seeking inappropriately, and the friend finally, not out of the goodness of his heart, not out of his loyalty to his friend, not out of his desire to serve a stranger, not out of any of those noble things, just because he's annoyed, he finally gives in. [00:26:51] Well, not only is that not what God is like, but your prayers are not like the persistent, annoying friend who won't give up when the answer is no. Right. [00:27:00] Your, your prayers are appropriate insofar as you persist. As you continue to persist, they are appropriate. And, you know, we could get into all of the Greek details about the, the participles and all of this stuff about it's, it's not just ask at one point. [00:27:15] It's, it's continue asking, it'll be given to you. Yes. Continue knocking, it'll be given to you. Like, we can, we can go into all that, and I'm sure we'll talk about a little bit. But the reality is the sort of like durable nature of prayer, the like ongoing, persistent nature of prayer here is not established by those participles. [00:27:32] It's established by the comparison to this inappropriate asking, this inappropriate persistence in the parable, but it's not inappropriate. And I think that's, again, like that's another sort of argument from the lesser to the greater contrary. I don't know if that's actually a term or if I invented that, but that seems like what's going on here. [00:27:49] There's this sort of like minimum situation, and then you flip it over a little bit and, and make it bigger, and that's what we're getting at here. It's, it's sort of a strange technique that, [00:28:00] um, again, like is it present in oth- a lot of other teaching? There's obviously like the parable of the widow and the unjust judge that's basically the same situation. [00:28:08] Right. And we're- I'm sure we'll get to that, but like it's the same basic situation. It's, it's this idea that like Christ is presenting this scenario that has this one touch point, and everything else is like flipped over. It's like everything else is sort of opposite day.  [00:28:24] Jesse Schwamb: And that is a little bit different than the stuff that we've covered so far, which is what makes this a little bit exceptional. [00:28:29] There are ones that mirror it, but this technique-  [00:28:31] Tony Arsenal: Right ...  [00:28:31] Jesse Schwamb: is something that we haven't really come across yet, of course, in our conversations.  [00:28:35] Covenantal Frame For Ask Seek Knock [00:28:35] Jesse Schwamb: And I would say, like, good Biblical hermeneutics, like you said, resolves all of that, what you just said, not by, like, weakening the promise, but by locating it within its covenantal frame again. [00:28:46] Yeah. This promise is spoken to disciples who have just been taught to pray, "Your kingdom come, give us, forgive us, lead us not." That is, all of this prayer needs to be conformed to God's revealed will and kingdom priorities. And so what's hard is I [00:29:00] hear this spoken about a lot, this parable, but it always gets cut, like, from the teaching that just preceded it. [00:29:06] Right.  [00:29:06] Why This Contrast [00:29:06] Jesse Schwamb: Like, a- as if, again, they're coming to Jesus saying, "John was really good at providing instruction to his disciples on how to pray, and you being the Son of God, like the ultimate teacher, teach us then. How do we see you pray? We know that you're a man of prayer. We know that you're Son of God. Teach us, instruct us in this way." [00:29:22] W- w- let's get it, as it were, the... These guys are like, "Boys, let's get it from the horse's mouth." And so it's interesting that Jesus gives the instruction, he gives the prayer, he gives some language and a framework, and then he's like, follows it immediately with this teaching. And this teaching, though, like you said, doesn't draw, like, often, like it's orthogonal. [00:29:39] There's no, like, parallel or linear lines here- Right ... so to speak. It's, it's all about creating this weird contrast. And you might ask, "Well, why do it this way?" And so it does beg the question of does that distinction, that almost like cognitive dissonance between these characters, and then again, like the comparison to God, does that draw out in different ways this character of God so that we might actually [00:30:00] see it more clearly in that juxtaposition? [00:30:02] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:30:03] Midnight Friend Parable [00:30:03] Tony Arsenal: And I think, y- you know, one of the other comparisons that I think's going on here, and, and again, I think this is basically the same teaching as the, the pa- the widow and the unjust judge. Like, she wears him down with her petitioning, and he finally gives her justice. Like, I think a big part of this, the idea here is when we look at this parable, everything in the parable is- uh, understandable and relatable, right? [00:30:28] To some extent. Um, again, we i- in our 21st century modern context, at least in the West here, we don't have a situation where we can't basically just drive to the store and get something, even, even in the middle of the night. I, I don't know m- many people personally who don't have access to some sort of 24-hour supermarket or convenience store, something where they could go and get something to present to a guest who shows up unexpected in the middle of the night. [00:30:57] Um, and even the idea of, like, someone showing up [00:31:00] unexpected in the middle of the night is kind of like, even then, like, what we think of as unexpected is, like, the person calls us and they're like, "Hey, I'm 35 minutes away. I'm gonna be there. Do you have a bed I can use?" What we're talking about here in the 1st century is literally like, I'm asleep, all of a sudden there's a pounding on my door, and my friend has come from a long journey. [00:31:18] There's no advance notice, there's no messenger that came. This is literally just someone who appears out of nowhere in the middle of the night, and so he has to go get something. That is actually a somewhat relatable situation, even to us What I think is interesting, what I, what I really love about these, this parable and the other one I referenced, is when you think about the way that the, the friend, the annoyed friend, the friend who's sleeping and gets woken up, the way he responds is still to provide the need. [00:31:49] But then look at how we are... Look at the language around how God gives us good gifts, right? Right.  [00:31:56] Ask Seek Knock [00:31:56] Tony Arsenal: He's not giving us... It, it's almost like the teaching is God gives us good gifts. We should ask, we should persevere in prayer. If you continue asking, it will be given to you. If you continue knocking, it, it will be opened to you. [00:32:07] If you continue seeking, you will find. Like, that's the, that's the positive teaching of this. But the contrast is not just, yeah, if you continue to be persistent enough, you're gonna get what you ask for. It's, look, God is going to give you what you need and what you ask for. He's going to give that to you joyfully and out of his own abundance and out of his own desire to bless you with good gifts. [00:32:30] Not like this worldly dude who just does it 'cause he's annoyed.  [00:32:34] Jesse Schwamb: Exactly.  [00:32:34] Tony Arsenal: So it's not just the argument of like, here's a picture of somebody who's persisting in prayer and gets what they want, and like, yeah, we have some language about the guy being annoyed and about inappropriate asking. God's not quite like that. [00:32:47] God Not Annoyed [00:32:47] Tony Arsenal: It's really designed to paint this picture of marveling at the goodness and, and graciousness of, of God in that not only does he grant us what we need, but he does so [00:33:00] joyfully. We could not petition him enough to be annoying to him. There is no boundary for when it is inappropriate to stop asking or seeking or knocking. [00:33:12] That's the real point of this, is not to just compare God to this annoyed friend who finally gives in, but to show us, like, this is what the world looks like. When you ask enough, you might get what you want, but you're going to annoy someone. That's what worldly pr- like, persistence in lateral prayer, if we wanna call it that, just to sort of keep the analogy going, right? [00:33:33] Lateral prayer, lateral petitioning, or lateral whatever. Like, lateral interceding, all of those things, however we wanna phrase it. That is real, and yes, if you do it long enough, you're probably gonna get what you want. You might burn a bridge in the process. You can never burn the bridge to God by being so annoying, because he's saying continue to ask, continue to seek- Right [00:33:55] continue to knock, and it will be given to you. And not only will it be given to you, but it will [00:34:00] be given to you out of the joy and goodness of my heart. That is really the big comparison that's going on here  [00:34:06] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, there's something that we just get to see about God's character here. It's grounds this perseverance not in doubt about God's willingness, but in confidence about it. [00:34:15] And that's what's so interesting here is it comes about by seeing this distinction. It is like a great mockery of saying like you're saying this friend who w- should've been a good friend and had all the reason to be reluctant, even though you pers- persevered with him, he relented and gave you that very thing. [00:34:32] Guess who will be the exact opposite of that? Yeah. Is God himself who lavishes love upon you. And so therefore because of that, you come before him and see he's nothing like this friend. And even a friend will do this in the worst of all circumstances. How much more so will God, where he's given you every spiritual blessing in Christ? [00:34:50] From Friend To Father [00:34:50] Jesse Schwamb: And that's, that's where he leads us, and that's why I think then it transitions to this different set of characters or comparisons by speaking about fathers. So in verse [00:35:00] 11, where we find written, "What father among you, if he has sons, asks for a fish will instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?" [00:35:09] And, and I've read that there's some commentators who will draw from these pairs being chosen for maybe, like, their potential visual tactile resemblance. Like, a, an eel-like fish might have resembled a snake, and generally there were, like, these whitish scorpions I, I guess that were common in Galilee that might have resembled an egg. [00:35:26] And perhaps even here there's a little bit of humor in the illustration just to show, like, just the extreme nonsensical nature of this thing. It's, it's- Yeah ... a really cruel bait and switch. It's deliberate. You know, Jesus is appealing certainly to this universally recognized parental instinct as evidence, again, like you're saying, Tony, for a still greater divine instinct which is present, and that's this love of God for us that we can't even imagine. [00:35:49] But we can comprehend by him saying, "Come, ask, seek, knock." And so, so to me, I think we've got these two axes kind of going on here which are really interesting and beautiful. We've got the reluctant friend [00:36:00] to the willing father. That's a kind of, like, I would say again, like, relational intensification. Like, we're firing it up. [00:36:05] Here, we're taking it to the next level. And then because we got... I gotta slip this in because we got a little, a little TD coming in here hot. From the second axis is from, like, the sinful human father to the holy divine Father, which I would say is, like, a moral intensification, and that's made explicit in verse 13. [00:36:24] Total Depravity Common Grace [00:36:24] Jesse Schwamb: And here's the TD. Like, lest anybody doubt this, to me, and I don't want to over-read, but that second axis is of course where Reformed theology's doctrine of total depravity becomes, like, exegetically significant here. Yeah. Because Jesus himself just calls it out in this verse, and that's part of the, the setup that he's gonna bring forward to explain just how loving God is. [00:36:44] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah, and it's even, um... It's not only is it total depravity, it's also common grace, right? Yes. Even evil, even evil, wicked people. And again, like, evil is a, is in this instance is sort of a relative term, right? It's, it's, um- [00:37:00] The audience is the disciples, at least primarily the disciples. So it's not like he's talking to, he's talking to unregenerate people, right? [00:37:09] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:37:09] Tony Arsenal: Um, the, the disciples by all realistic assessment, I think, uh, were regenerate w- with the exception of Judas at this point. Um, you know, you could make some arguments that maybe some of them came to faith during the course of his ministry, but, uh, for the most part we should think of the disciples not as like coming to faith and becoming regenerate after Christ is raised. [00:37:31] Like, they're, they're believers, they're followers with the exception of Judas at this point in his ministry, and he's still calling them evil. But even Even an unregenerate father, for the most part. There are exceptions. There are, are, there are those who are so wicked that even their base parental instincts are messed up, right? [00:37:51] And that's reality. It's terribly sad, but that's, that's the vast exception. Even the worst parents in the world still love their [00:38:00] kids and wanna give them good, good gifts. Like, it's just baked into the genetics of wanting to do that. Even that still is, uh, is an act of common grace. But I, I think you're right, too, and actually, as I think about it, too, like, this isn't even just one parable. [00:38:14] Right. This is actually, if we're talking about the first one as a parable, this is actually, like, its own second parable, right? That's which of you, having a friend that shows up in the middle of the night, would not go- Yep ... and then there's, "Now what father among you?" And it's, again, it's that eminently understandable, relatable scenario where either it, it's so common that everyone has dealt with it, or it's so, like, obviously practical that even if you haven't dealt with it, you, you couldn't come to any other conclusion. [00:38:42] Right. What father among you, if your son asks for a fish, would give him a serpent, right? It's one of those, like, who does that? The answer is no- nobody. Right.  [00:38:53] Jesse Schwamb: Exactly. Right?  [00:38:53] Tony Arsenal: Who, who asks for an egg and gives a scorpion? Nobody. So we've got these two [00:39:00]scenarios where the assumption is there's a question that has an obvious outcome, and it drives us to this understanding of the, this image of God as the supremely good giver of gifts, father, faithful, gracious provider, who provides not just a good gift, but the ultimate perfect necessary gift. [00:39:22] Jesse Schwamb: Yes.  [00:39:22] Tony Arsenal: Right?  [00:39:22] How Much More Spirit [00:39:22] Tony Arsenal: And that's where we come to, uh, at the end of verse 13 is how much more, right, there's that argument from... This is truly an argument from the lesser to the greater, like in the purest sense. How much more will the Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him? And I think there's all sorts of implications that we can come out of this, right? [00:39:42] Um, there are those, uh, in the Christian world who never ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit. And, and I'm not, um, I wanna be careful here because I'm not a two-stage salvation person. I'm not a second blessing person, right? We get the Holy Spirit as part of our [00:40:00] regeneration. Like, the Holy Spirit indwells us in regeneration and in, in, not in necessarily in regeneration, but when we are united to Christ, we're united to Christ by the, by the Spirit. [00:40:10] Right. And so there's never a point where we can be considered truly saved Christians- Those who are united to Christ, we cannot be united to Christ and not have His Spirit dwelling within us. But there is this element of the subjective experience of the Holy Spirit where we don't ask for the Holy Spirit, right? [00:40:31] Think of, like, Psalm 51, right? "Take not your Holy Spirit from me." David was not saying, uh, "I've lost the Holy Spirit." He was talking about the enjoyment of the presence of the Holy Spirit, the awareness of the gracious, loving presence of the Holy Spirit. That's what he was asking not to have taken away from him, and, and probably also there was elements of, like, anointing and office that were in there. [00:40:52] But there are lots of Christians who have the Holy Spirit in an objective sense- Right ... who don't take time [00:41:00] to ask the Father for the Holy Spirit in the subjective sense. I think that's the final sort of payout of this teaching, is that we need to continue to ask, continue to knock, and continue to seek, not for general gifts. [00:41:16] Yes, there's a general teaching about persevering in prayer for temporal blessings or spiritual protection, all of those things, all of those petitions that we have. Those are good things. It's good to be persistent in those. But the real point of this whole series of teachings here is that we need to persist in prayer to ask the Father for the Holy Spirit. [00:41:36] Like- Right ... full stop. That's the point  [00:41:40] Jesse Schwamb: Right. Wow, you just did a full stop right there. I thought there was gonna be more, but I, I was getting pumped as you were going on No, no.  [00:41:46] Tony Arsenal: It's all you. Full stop.  [00:41:49] Jesse Schwamb: Uh, yeah.  [00:41:50] Luke Versus Matthew [00:41:50] Jesse Schwamb: I mean, the comparison, of course, is not one of degree alongside, like, a single continuum where it's as though God is a better version of a human father, but it's a kind. [00:41:59] I mean, [00:42:00] God's fatherhood is the archetype of which human fatherhood is just this faint, fallen kind of analog. And so by the time you get to this payload, I like that. It's kinda like a nuclear bomb in a way. I mean, it's so theologically loaded here. Because I was just looking up Matthew's parallel passage here, and it reads, th- this is his punchline, "How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him?" [00:42:26] So it strikes me that Luke, as we've been saying, writing to a largely Gentile audience after Pentecost, and with his kinda characteristic pneumatological emphasis, he emphasizes or specifies that the good things here are the Holy Spirit himself. And so we're gonna read this not as a contradiction between the Gospels, but as Luke's inspired Spirit-guided clarification/specification of what the good gifts ultimately are. [00:42:54] And while they're always pointing toward that even this temporal good gift from the Father is subordinate to and [00:43:00] finds, I guess it's like its telos in the supreme covenantal gift of God's own indwelling presence. That is a bomb. Like, that's incredible. Yeah. And so I like what you're saying here. I think it is a challenge for Christians to think about not just that we shouldn't, of course, go to God with the big and the small things, the concerns of all our lives, the anxieties and the cares which we cast before him. [00:43:20] This is all part and parcel of what real prayer means, what real communion with God is, and speaking with him and listening to his Word, uh, i- in our ear. At the same time, we shouldn't forsake the greater things that we ought to ask God with strong perseverance, knowing that he will give all those things to us. [00:43:38] I think, and you correct me if I'm wrong, I, I'm reading this as- All of this kind of momentum in Christ teaching about the Spirit coming and about where this passage had been placed in the whole kind of grand arc, and I, I think there's, like, all kinds of Ordo Salutis implications in here. But I love a good Ordo Salutis implication, so it's possible [00:44:00] I'm just coming in a little bit too hot. [00:44:01] But I think first it, it anchors this teaching within this broader Lucan narrative, narrative arc toward Pentecost, where the ascended, glorified Christ pours out the Spirit as the chief blessing of the new covenant. And so again, I'm reading this, I'm like, "Covenant, covenant, covenant." Like, only if you're watching this on YouTube can you actually see me do the, the point, like the g- the finger guns- [00:44:24] where really strongly emphasize that point. And so I just see so much covenant in this. I mean, how mu- how much covenant, how much covenant do you see in this, Tony?  [00:44:36] Covenant Obligations [00:44:36] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, I mean, I, there, there is also this element, and this goes back to sort of the first parable or the first teaching in this little segment here, um- The friend is obligated in a certain sense. [00:44:48] Like- Yes ... there is, there is a, there's a sense, a real sense I think, and again, this is something I don't think we understand. If, if, um, if I show up at my neighbor's house, my n- I live in a [00:45:00] small community. My neighbor's house is like 25 feet away from me, and if I knocked on his door in the middle of the night and said, "Gus, I need a cup of sugar," he would give it to me with a smile. [00:45:11] But he's not obligated to do that. Right. He has every right, and no one would look sideways at him if he told me to pound sand and go back to bed, right? I think, um, in the 1st century, the answer from this other friend, "No, I'm already in bed," like that actually is sort of a scandalous answer in and of itself. [00:45:29] And so even within that little dynamic, there's covenant implications, right? The a- the continued asking is inappropriate, but it, the continued asking is almost only reasonably necessary because the annoyed friend already broke a social contract. Not quite a covenant- Right ... but we might call it a social contract, where there's an a- there's an assumed position in the 1st century that if someone comes to you asking for hospitality, you give it. [00:45:57] Like there's no exclu- And that's what's [00:46:00] driving this other friend to go talk to him in mid- at midnight in the first place, is I have to provide hospitality. I'm obligated to do so. So I think, yeah, there's all sorts of covenant implications here. And when we're talking about the, the earthly fathers, right? [00:46:14] There's a covenant, um, I'm, I'm careful to use the term covenant. So I'm gonna use it, but I'm not talking, maybe we'll say lowercase C covenant rather than like formal covenants. Right, right. There's a, there's a covenantal, lowercase C [00:46:28] covenantal obligation that fathers have to their children, right? I didn't make a covenant with August and Addie, but I have obligations to them in light of my station and my role related to them, right? And there's an obligation that if they ask me for something that is reasonable and is good for them, that I should give it to them, right? [00:46:46] I'm obligated to provide food, shelter, um, I would say things like education, love, um, you know, attention. Like the things that are necessary for the health and wellbeing of my children, as a father I'm obligated to give that to them. [00:47:00] [00:47:00] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:47:00] Tony Arsenal: Whether they ask me or not. When they ask me to, right, there are times it's funny. [00:47:05] I, I'll be the first to say, um, I maybe am a little bit on my phone more than I should be, just in general, right? There are times now Addie is old enough where she sees me on her ph- on my phone, and, and sometimes, like, it's fine. They're playing and I'm, I'm doing something on my phone. There are times where she'll come up to me and she'll say, "Daddy phone," and she'll tell me to put my phone down. [00:47:23] I'm obligated to do that. Like, there's a covenantal, lowercase C, covenantal obligation. When she asks me to play with her, if there's not a pressing reason I can't, I should play with her.  [00:47:33] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:47:33] Tony Arsenal: That is really what we have at play here, and this is, this is what I think is amazing. God has covenantally bound himself to grant us the Holy Spirit when we ask him, right? [00:47:42] Jesse Schwamb: That's  [00:47:43] Tony Arsenal: what I'm  [00:47:43] Jesse Schwamb: saying.  [00:47:43] Tony Arsenal: That, and that's, that's, um, that covenantal obligation first and foremost... Man, I didn't even think we were gonna get here. Who would've thought we would've gotten to pretemporal covenant of redemption here just- Would you  [00:47:53] Jesse Schwamb: look at us ...  [00:47:54] Tony Arsenal: uh, look at us.  [00:47:55] Covenant Of Redemption [00:47:55] Tony Arsenal: Um, that covenantal obligation that the Father has to give us the Holy Spirit when we ask is not primarily his covenant with us. [00:48:03] It is, right? It's the covenant of grace, but that only is, is necessary because of his prior commitment and covenantal obligation to his Son to grant him a people who would be marked by and redeemed and have redemption applied by the Holy Spirit. The Father has promised the Son to give the people of the Son the Holy Spirit when they ask. [00:48:26] That's, that's profound in a way that I think, um, really only Reformed theology can fully get at-  [00:48:33] Jesse Schwamb: Right  [00:48:34] Tony Arsenal: on ... is that there is a promise that God the Father made to God the Son to, to send the Holy Spirit to apply the redemption that the Son purchased to his people. That's really what we're getting at here. [00:48:46] I think that's really the, sort of the final outcome of this, is there's this covenantal obligation- That the Father is not just out of His own goodness, of course out of His own goodness- Right,  [00:48:57] Jesse Schwamb: right ...  [00:48:57] Tony Arsenal: but even maybe if it, maybe it's, [00:49:00] hopefully it's not blasphemous to say this, but like even more than just His own goodness is His covenant faithfulness to the promise He's made- Amen [00:49:07] first and foremost to His Son, and then to steal some language from the Westminster Larger Catechism, first and foremost to His Son, but then also to all the elect in Him who are His spiritual seed.  [00:49:17] Jesse Schwamb: That's right. That's right. That's, see that's the good stuff.  [00:49:20] Wrap Up Holy Spirit [00:49:20] Jesse Schwamb: And so what's crazy is then this beautiful wrap-up, which is brings us back to exactly where we started, but we find that we're on another level because the passage closes exactly as it began with this imperative of asking, but now the object of asking has been specified as God's own personal presence and power, not merely material provision. [00:49:41] And so it's everything you just said all wrapped up, and we can ground then like the practice of specifically and explicitly praying for the Spirit's fresh working, which is sanctification, assurance, gifts for ministry, as entirely a biblical form of prayer distinct from, though not opposed to, a prayer for providential [00:50:00] needs. [00:50:00] In other words, I think the disciples started in a place where they were saying, "Teach us to pray so that we might receive that what which we need." And it's almost as if God says, "I will do that and one better for you. Because not only will I just open your eyes to the thing that you need most, but I'm going to instruct you on how to ask for and then receive by way of these covenantal promises, by way of my own character, my faithful precis- provision, both in establishing the promise and then seeing it to fulfillment that you might have the Holy Spirit reside within you." [00:50:33] And that is mind-boggling. We've, we've talked before just what it is to even conceive that God's presence be with us, but then that God's presence it, uh, the Holy Spirit, one of the Trinity, would be residing within us is just inconceivable. Yeah. Even now with the words coming out of my mouth it just sounds wild. [00:50:51] And yet that is what we have to give credit to here is we have to take God at His word. This is the thing that He's, He said to us. His son, His Son Himself has given us this proper [00:51:00] instruction. And I think all, all the other things we talked about, what it means again to seek after gifts for ministry, to serve in our churches and congregations, to have grand assurance, which is the right and the purview and the blessing, the propriety of the Christian to, uh, want to go after sanctification, that all of this strikes me now is part of praying for, to receive the Holy Spirit, a fresh working of the Holy Spirit in that it's not just, it's both like a command and a gift and the greatest priv

 Discover how to move past fear and self-doubt and find the confidence to boldly share what God has done in your life. This message will encourage you to trust the Holy Spirit, recognize the power of your testimony, and step into opportunities God gives you to speak—even when it feels uncomfortable. 

One year after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Jon Groves and Eli Blevins ask what his life, death and legacy have actually changed in the American Church.They look back at the immediate spiritual response after Charlie's death, including people returning to church, Christians becoming more vocal about their faith and Eli's experience sharing the gospel at a Turning Point event where 26 people responded. But a year later, has that boldness lasted?Jon and Eli discuss what made Charlie effective, why biblical boldness is different from belligerence, the importance of actually studying Scripture and apologetics before trying to speak into difficult cultural issues, and how ordinary Christians can use whatever God has already placed in their hands.They also tackle one of the harder questions raised in the aftermath of Charlie's death: forgiveness. What does biblical forgiveness require? Does forgiveness have to be requested? Can you forgive someone without restoring the relationship? And what can pastors learn about handling betrayal, disagreement and hurt without becoming bitter?Finally, Jon and Eli look toward the next decade and ask whether Charlie's death will help produce a generation of courageous Christians or whether the Church will retreat back into silence.This episode is ultimately less about becoming “the next Charlie Kirk” and more about becoming the person God has called you to be, wherever He has placed you.

1-BBWC 09-06-2026AM - Series: The Second Epistle to Timothy - Title: A Spirit of Boldness - Scripture: II Timothy 1:1-7

The healing of the lame man at the temple gate should have been a moment of celebration. Instead, it became the beginning of persecution for Peter and John. In Acts 3, God performs a miraculous healing. In Acts 4, the religious authorities respond with opposition and threats. But when Peter and John return to the believers, the church doesn't respond with fear. They respond with prayer. Their prayer is remarkable. They don't ask God to remove every obstacle. They ask Him to give them boldness to continue speaking His Word. And God answers. “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” — Acts 4:31, KJV This is the final part of When Prayer Changes the Story, and it reminds us that sometimes prayer doesn't change the opposition around us—it changes us in the middle of the opposition.

This week, Paul highlights how God's grace transforms and empowers unlikely people to boldly proclaim Christ.Join us for a weekly narration of Paul Tripp's popular devotional. You can subscribe to our email list to receive this devotional straight to your inbox each week, or read online at PaulTripp.com/Wednesday or on Facebook, Instagram, and the Paul Tripp App.Paul Tripp's 5-Minute Bible Study on the book of Acts.If you've been enjoying the Wednesday's Word podcast, please leave us a review! Each review helps us reach more people with the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

How do you become an architect, who do you design for, and with what degree of freedom?To close Season 7 of Com d'Archi, Anne-Charlotte Depondt welcomes sociologist Jean-Louis Violeau and architectural historian Éléonore Marantz. Two kindred perspectives, rich in fruitful nuances, explore what shapes the profession, its teaching, and its place in society.Historical depth, insightful sociological analysis, and an intimate knowledge of the architectural world give this conversation a rare richness. Knowledge is shared with spontaneity, humor, and freedom of expression.From their personal journeys to the challenges of research and transmission, the conversation leads us to May 1968, a moment of rupture and redefinition. Their book Mai 68. Parole à l'architecture, which they co-edited with Caroline Maniaque, brings together the voices of those who took part in this transformation. What remains of it today in architecture schools, access to commissions, and the figure of the architect?A lively and candid conversation in which collective ambitions meet the constraints of the profession. Looking ahead, one shared conviction emerges: faced with the challenges of our time, we must continue to question the conditions in which architecture is conceived and open up new possibilities.

Today's message comes from Dave Ammons. To learn more about Oaktown, like service times or how to get connected with a small group, visit WeAreCathedral.com. 

The podcast begins with personal introductions and a discussion of music preferences. The hosts engage in humorous and casual conversations, exploring topics such as allergies, drinking plans, and band comparisons. They review the Muse album 'Absolution' and share their favorite songs. Additionally, they discuss the album cover art, personal experiences, and the influence of Muse on the Twilight soundtrack. The conversation delves into Muse's musical versatility, political themes, and conceptual evolution, highlighting the integration of stringed instruments and comparisons with OK Computer. It explores the band's live music performance, guitar destruction, vocal versatility, and influence and impact. The conversation delves into the influence of various artists on musical expression, the importance of boldness and flamboyance in music, and a detailed analysis of the albums 'Origin of Symmetry' and 'Absolution.' The discussion also covers song highlights, album sequencing, bass guitar technical mastery, album structure, song evaluation, a listener question, and album rating.TakeawaysEngaging and humorous conversations create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for the hosts and listeners.The hosts share personal experiences and insights related to music preferences, band comparisons, and the influence of Muse on popular culture. Muse's musical versatility and integration of stringed instruments set them apart.The band's political themes and conceptual evolution contribute to their unique sound. Influence and artistic expression play a significant role in shaping musical creativity.Boldness and flamboyance are essential elements in musical artistry.Album analysis and song evaluation provide valuable insights into the musical journey and creative process.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast20:36 Album Cover Art and Personal Experiences25:59 Musical Versatility31:30 Live Music Performance40:08 Vocal Versatility and Musical Progression56:05 Influences and Artistic Expression01:05:05 Bass Guitar and Technical Mastery01:20:06 Listener Question and Album Rating

https://andrewhorval.substack.com/p/book-of-acts-kjv00:00:00 Acts 1 – Promise of the Holy Ghost and Matthias Chosen00:03:37 Acts 2 – Cloven Tongues of Fire and Peter Preacheth00:09:04 Acts 3 – Lame Man Healed and Repentance Declared00:12:37 Acts 4 – Boldness of the Apostles and All Things Common00:16:54 Acts 5 – Ananias and Sapphira Smitten and Prison Opened00:22:09 Acts 6 – Seven Deacons Ordained and Stephen Accused00:24:07 Acts 7 – Stephen's Defense of the Faith and Martyrdom00:31:32 Acts 8 – Philip Preacheth Samaria and the Ethiopian Baptized00:36:27 Acts 9 – Saul's Conversion and Aeneas and Dorcas Healed00:42:11 Acts 10 – Cornelius's Vision and Gentiles Receive the Holy Ghost00:48:14 Acts 11 – Peter Justifieth His Ministry to the Gentiles00:51:53 Acts 12 – James Killed, Peter Delivered, and Herod Smitten00:55:20 Acts 13 – Paul Sent Forth and Elymas the Sorcerer Blinded01:02:16 Acts 14 – Paul Stoned at Lystra and Elders Ordained01:05:53 Acts 15 – Jerusalem Council and Decree Touching the Gentiles01:11:14 Acts 16 – Macedonian Call and Philippian Jailer Saved01:16:30 Acts 17 – Paul at Thessalonica, Berea, and Mars' Hill01:21:19 Acts 18 – Paul at Corinth and Apollos Instructed01:25:07 Acts 19 – Exorcists Confounded and Uproar at Ephesus01:30:33 Acts 20 – Eutychus Raised and Paul's Charge to Elders01:35:19 Acts 21 – Paul Warninged, Arrested, and Bound at Jerusalem01:40:58 Acts 22 – Paul's Defense Before the Jews and Roman Citizenship01:45:02 Acts 23 – Paul Before the Sanhedrin and Plot Defeated01:50:07 Acts 24 – Paul Accused Before Felix and Reasoneth of Judgment01:53:56 Acts 25 – Paul Before Festus and Appeals Unto Caesar01:57:59 Acts 26 – Paul's Defense Before Agrippa and Almost Persuaded02:02:16 Acts 27 – Voyage, Tempestuous Wind, and Shipwreck at Melita02:07:52 Acts 28 – Viper at Melita and Paul Preacheth at RomeView One-Year Reading Plan, Commentary, and Content:https://andrewhorval.substack.com/p/kingjamesbibleinoneyear

ACTS 4:12-31- HOLY SPIRIT BOLDNESS - BRIAN SUMNER - 2026ACTS 4:12-31 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”The Name of Jesus Forbidden13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.Prayer for Boldness23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:‘Why did the nations rage,And the people plot vain things?26 The kings of the earth took their stand,And the rulers were gathered togetherAgainst the Lord and against His Christ.'27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”To support this channel and partner with Brian in Ministryhttps://www.briansumner.net/support/For more on Brianhttp://www.briansumner.nethttps://www.instagram.com/BRIANSUMNER/https://www.facebook.com/BRIANSUMNEROFFICIALTo listen to Brians Podcast, click below.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Purchase Brians Marriage book at https://www.amazon.com/Never-Fails-Da...Brian is a full time "Urban Missionary" both locally and internationally with a focus on MISSIONS - MARRIAGES - MINISTRY. Since coming to faith in 2004 doors continued opening locally and internationally to do more and more ministry with a focus on Evangelism, Outreach Missions, Marriage, Counsel, Schools, Festivals, Conferences and the like.  Everything about this ministry is made possible because of people personally partnering through the non profit. God Bless and thank you. †Support the showSUPPORT THE SHOW

Sunday 8.16.2026 10:30 AM Pastor Mark Jackson Prayers of the Bible   A Prayer for Boldness   Towne Church

Speaker: Jason Kennedy — Passage(s): Acts 4:23-31; Psalm 2:1-2

Watch our services live at http://wcfav.org/ Free Downloads of Pastor Shane's E-books at https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/free-ebooks/ Donate to Westside Christian Fellowship here: https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/give/ Westside Christian Fellowship is a non-denominational Christian church that meets every every Sunday at 8:30 am & 11:00 am in Leona Valley, California (9306 Leona Avenue). For more info, or to read our statement of faith, visit westsidechristianfellowship.org/about-wcf/statement-of-faith/

Have you ever wanted to believe boldly for healing but felt unsure how to step out in faith? In this Part 1 episode of Healing Journeys Today, teacher Julieann Hartman sits down with pastors Dave Morgan and Emma Morgan to share their testimony and unpack what it means to walk with boldness when it comes to healing.

Episode Overview Coaching isn't just about asking great questions—it's also about having the courage to speak the truth with grace. In this conversation, Brian Miller and Mary Selzer explore the role of boldness in coaching, from establishing healthy coaching agreements to making difficult observations that create lasting awareness. They also discuss why silence is often the coach's greatest ally and how giving clients space to process can be more transformational than saying one more thing. Key Ideas & Takeaways 1. Truth Must Be Spoken with Grace Coaching requires honesty, but equally important is how truth is communicated. Difficult observations should be offered with care, humility, and genuine love for the client. Boldness isn't about confrontation—it's about serving the client's growth. 2. Coaches Teach People How to Be Coached Healthy coaching begins with a clear coaching agreement. Sometimes clients need guidance on what creates an effective coaching conversation. Setting boundaries early creates stronger coaching relationships later. 3. Boldness Begins with the Coaching Agreement Mary shares the story of coaching a distracted pastor who repeatedly tried to coach while camping and working. A simple but courageous conversation about expectations transformed the coaching relationship for years. Sometimes the most important coaching happens before the coaching even begins. 4. Great Observations Require Courage Coaches must be willing to say what they genuinely observe. A well-timed observation can create awareness that no question alone could produce. Truth spoken with love often becomes the turning point in a conversation. 5. Silence Is Part of the Coaching After a significant insight, resist the urge to fill the silence. Clients often need time to process what they've discovered. Silence is not awkward—it's where transformation often begins. 6. Marinating vs. Stewing Mary compares productive silence to marinating, allowing insight to soak in naturally. Coaches often mistake silence for stewing, assuming discomfort means they should jump back in. Giving clients room to "marinate" allows awareness to become lasting change. 7. Say Less to Say More Powerful coaches use fewer words. A concise observation followed by silence is often more impactful than a lengthy explanation. The goal isn't to explain the insight—it's to give the client ownership of it. Memorable Quotes & Ideas "It's not just telling the truth—it's how you tell the truth." "We teach people how to be coached." "Speak the truth in love." "Silence should be a time of marinating, not stewing." "I won't speak again until they do." "The fewer words we use, the more powerful our observations become." "Let silence do the heavy lifting."    

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What if 2026 isn't asking you to do more… but asking you to get braver? What if the pressure you're feeling isn't a sign you're behind— but a sign the moment is here for you to be seen, to move, and to trust what's lighting up inside you?In this episode, I sit down with Anna Tsui to explore why 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse in Chinese astrology… and how to work with its wild, fast, heart-led energy without getting consumed by it. We unpack what fire reveals (and burns away), why visibility becomes non-negotiable, and how to stay grounded as the collective gets louder—so you can move with courage, clarity, and aligned momentum in your life and business.About the Guest: Anna Tsui is an international serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and spiritual catalyst. Her mission is to help heart-centered business owners become fearless leaders in the new era.In this conversation, you'll discover:How to harness Fire Horse energy for bold visibility and aligned business growth without burning outWhy 2026 marks a shift into personal sovereignty (and what that means for your leadership)The grounding practices that let you move fast, stay intuitive, and channel fire into momentum instead of chaosThis episode is an invitation to feel the fire in your heart, honor the pace of your nervous system, and take bold action from alignment—not adrenaline.References Mentioned:Get Instant Access to the Fire Era at a Soul Guide Discount.Purchase Anna's BookConnect with Anna on InstagramTimestamps:01:08 Meet Anna Tsui01:38 Memories and Mystical Experiences03:47 The Year of the Fire Horse04:39 Historical Context of the Fire Horse07:31 Human Design and the Fire Horse08:57 Navigating the Fire Horse Energy11:51 Harnessing Fire Energy for Personal Growth18:33 Visibility and Boldness in the Fire Era32:43 The Power of Fire Energy34:12 Spiritual Niche and Audience Readiness43:33 Daily Practices for Harnessing Energy49:18 Planning with Soul AlignmentSTAY CONNECTED:Discover the Human Design chart of your business, and how it's naturally designed to create momentum, visibility, and aligned clients. Run the Right Chart: Free chart and trainingSUBSCRIBE on SubstackFOLLOW on InstagramFOLLOW on FacebookSUBSCRIBE on YouTubeReady to use your Spiritual Gifts to attract soul-aligned clients? BOOK a Soul Blueprint Intuitive Business AssessmentLeave a review for Soul Alive Radio (and we'll read it on the air!)

I Thessalonians 2:1-6 – Boldness due to Motivation

Prayer for Gospel Proclamation at Universities in the Buddhist WorldChristians Seeking Unbelievers on University Campuses: Pray that believers will actively seek out students who do not know Jesus, following His example of pursuing those who are far from God. (Luke 19:10)Boldness to Preach the Gospel: Pray that Christian students, campus workers, and local believers will boldly share the good news of Jesus, knowing that the gospel is the power of God for salvation. (Romans 1:16)Divine Connections: Pray that God will lead believers to students who are searching for truth, just as He sent Philip to the Ethiopian official who was reading the Scriptures and ready to hear about Jesus. (Acts 8:26–39)

In a culture that pressures us to stay quiet about our faith, this message challenges us to pray for boldness and courageously speak the name of Jesus. Through the example of Peter, John, and Paul, discover how bold prayers produce bold people who trust God's presence and refuse to remain silent. // NEXT STEPS: http://rockcity.church PRAYER REQUESTS: https://rockcitychurch.tv/care GIVE: https://rockcitychurch.tv/give //  Rock City Church has multiple locations throughout Columbus, Ohio. Whether you're spiritually restless, new at discovering who God is or you are a veteran of the faith, you are welcome here!  // WEBSITE: https://rockcitychurch.tv FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/rockcitychurch INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/rockcitychurch

Just like God had perfectly orchestrated the details in Esther's life to get her in a position to save her people, God has worked in our lives to put us exactly where we are for His purpose. We must step out in obedience and share the Gospel with those around us so that we can fulfill our purpose on earth and grow His Kingdom by reaching others for His sake.

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 In the second hour, Liberty welcomes author Megan Feveryear. As a writer who is a creative communicator, and storyteller, passionate about faith, purpose, and authenticity, Megan brings us her new devotional, Reclaiming Boldness. It's designed to help readers rediscover a confident, grounded, and active relationship with God. Connect with us on Facebook […]

Topics: Turning From Sins, Turn From Sins, Salvation by Grace Alone, Ephesians 2:8-9, Eternal Consequences of Sin (Romans 6:23), The Meaning of Repentance (Metanoeo), Freedom and Permission in Christ (1 Corinthians 6:12), True Identity as Holy Saints, Romans 6:1-2, Grace Teaches Upright Living (Titus 2:11-12), The Trap of Man-Made Traditions, Mark 7:9, Rest in Christ's Light Yoke, Matthew 11:28-30, Cleansing the Conscience by Faith (Hebrews 9:14), Complete Salvation Through Christ's Life (Hebrews 7:25), Permanent Cleansing vs Repeated Rituals (Hebrews 10:22), Drawing Near to God Through Faith, Hebrews 11:6, Desiring an Honorable Conscience, Hebrews 13:18, Danger of Self-Righteous Hypocrisy, Matthew 23:3-4, The Heavy Burden of Legalism (Luke 11:46), How the Law Stirs Up Sin (Romans 6:14, Romans 7), Freedom from Condemnation in Christ, Romans 8:1, Life in the Spirit vs the Law, Galatians 5:18, Standing Firm in Christian Freedom (Galatians 5:1), Rebuking Legalistic Yokes of Bondage, Acts 15:10, Rightly Dividing the Apostle James, James 4:8, True Context of Deliberate Sin (Hebrews 10:26), The Final Sacrifice of Jesus, Hebrews 9:22, No Judgment in Christ (John 5:24), Boldness on the Day of Judgment (1 John 4:17), Full Forgiveness of All Sins, 2 Corinthians 5:19, Crucified and Resurrected with Christ (Romans 6), Perfected Forever by One Sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14), Living Under Grace Instead of the LawSupport the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional!  https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Being ashamed of the gospel is rarely about the gospel itself. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar examine why believers often shrink back from boldly identifying with Christ and how the fear of man quietly competes for the worship that belongs to God alone. The guys explain that shame is often rooted in idolatry, whether it is the desire for approval, the pursuit of success, or the fearof rejection. When acceptance from others takes the throne of the heart, faithfulness to Christ becomes increasingly difficult. Yet the gospel frees believers from living for the opinions of man and calls them to treasure Christ above every earthly idol.The guys emphasize that the world has always opposed God's truth, yet believers are still called to proclaim the gospel with compassion and courage. They reflect on faithful examples of Christians who patiently shared the gospel for years, reminding listeners that salvation belongs to the Lord and that no one is beyond His reach. Rather than letting fear silence them, believers are called to love people enough to speak the truth, trusting God to accomplish the work only He can do. Evangelism becomes an act of worship, flowing from gratitude for the grace believers have already received.The guys also discuss how believers overcome shame by fixing their eyes on Christ rather than on themselves. When idols are removed from the heart and replaced with a greater affection for God, the fear of people begins to lose its grip. They explain that remembering the gospel, meditating on eternity, and growing in love for Christ naturally produce boldness. Just as the disciples counted it an honor to suffer for the name of Jesus, Christians today are called to see opposition as an opportunity to identify with their Savior. The more believers treasure Christ, the less intimidating the world's opinions become.Finally, the guys offer practical encouragement to grow in confidence while sharing the gospel. Boldness develops through faithful obedience, regular study of Scripture, prayer, and consistent conversations with others. They encourage listeners not to wait until they have all the answers but to trust that God equips those who step forward faithfully. Even when believers struggle with fear or shame, Christ welcomes them with mercy and grace rather than condemnation. Ultimately, the guys remind listeners that the gospel is God's power for salvation, Christ is worthy of wholehearted devotion, and there is no greater privilege than making Him known to a world that desperately needs Him.Send us Fan MailThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro