Podcasts about Bountiful

In this week's message at Flourishing Grace Church, Pastor Benjer unpacks one of the most sobering and hope-filled teachings of Jesus found in Luke 13:22–30. As Jesus journeys toward Jerusalem—fully aware that the cross awaits—He encounters a question that echoes through time: “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” What follows is a deeply personal and challenging conversation about salvation, grace, and what it truly means to know Jesus. Pastor Benjer explores Jesus' response about striving to enter through the narrow door and helps us understand what that means for followers of Christ today. The sermon addresses a tension that exists both inside and outside the church: how can salvation be found in only one way without making God seem narrow-minded or unloving? Using historical and cultural background from first-century Judea and Rome, Pastor Benjer reveals that the narrow door is not about exclusion, but about clarity—Jesus Himself is the narrow door because He is the only one who can deal with our sin problem and offer eternal life. Throughout the message, listeners are invited to examine what they are trusting in. Many people, both in Jesus' day and our own, appeal to their spiritual “resume”—their family background, good works, or religious involvement—as evidence that they deserve God's favor. But Jesus' parable makes it clear that being in proximity to Him is not the same as having intimacy with Him. Pastor Benjer emphasizes that knowing about Jesus or being around His people is not the same as belonging to Him through faith. Just as those outside the door pleaded their case based on their lineage or their service, many today believe that moral behavior, volunteerism, or religious attendance will be enough. But as the sermon reminds us, salvation is not earned; it is received through surrender. We cannot present God our accomplishments or heritage and expect entry into His kingdom. Only through the person and work of Jesus—who lived the life we could not live and died the death we deserved—can anyone be saved. Using both Scripture and contemporary examples, Pastor Benjer dismantles the modern belief system often described as “moralistic therapeutic deism”—the idea that God simply wants us to be nice, happy, and well-adjusted, and that good people go to heaven. Instead, he points us back to the truth of the gospel: that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but through faith in Christ, we are justified by grace as a gift. Jesus' death was not symbolic—it was substitutionary. He absorbed the wrath of God against sin, satisfying justice and extending mercy. Quoting from Romans 3 and Isaiah 53, Pastor Benjer reminds us that the cross was God's plan to make a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him. The narrowness of this way is not cruelty; it is compassion. God has provided one clear way to life so that no one would have to wonder where salvation is found. The sermon moves from theological depth to heartfelt application, urging the congregation to drop their resumes before God and instead pursue intimacy with Jesus. The narrow door is not a one-time entry point but a lifelong pursuit of relationship. Followers of Jesus must daily rely on His grace—not just at the moment of salvation, but every day afterward. Pastor Benjer challenges the church not to be filled with people who attend services, know the songs, and volunteer out of duty, but with people who know and love Jesus deeply. Proximity does not equal transformation. Only intimacy with Christ brings life.

Life is hard! Suffering and brokenness feel like a normal part of our daily lives. However, just as he did with the Apostle Paul, the Lord is seeking to encourage us today by reminding us to have courage. For the Christian, we have no need to fear because we are never alone, the Lord is always with us!

Autumn is here on the Talking Heads podcast - as the last vestiges of Summer in the garden dodge the wet and windy weather while trying to give the last hurrah before that inevitable but pleasantly seasonable slide into the hibernation of winter. But gardeners never sleep so Lucy and Saul are still out and about in their plots plying the horticultural trade they both love. So join them both for more horti-waffle and insights into the life of the modern, professional gardener.It's squally out there! With the podcast being recorded on the eve of Storm Benjamin's arrival, Saul and Lucy are turning their thoughts to one of the major autumn tasks - leaf clearing. While it's key to get this fallen foliage off the lawns, is it essential to remove autumn leaves from borders? The duo give this concept practical consideration. And it's been an incredible year for apples, this year, so much so that Stonelands has produced tonnes of fruit. Lucky Plymouth listeners can get their hands on this prestigious harvest - Saul explains how.Instagram link:Lucy lucychamberlaingardensLinkedIn link:Saul WalkerIntro and Outro music from https://filmmusic.io"Fireflies and Stardust" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Support the show

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this sermon from Luke 13:1–9, Pastor Benjer McVeigh of Flourishing Grace Church explores one of Jesus' most challenging and life-giving teachings—the call to repentance. Many of us hear the word “repent” and instinctively recoil, weighed down by years of misunderstanding and guilt. Yet as this passage reveals, repentance is not about condemnation but restoration. It is a divine invitation into grace. Jesus confronts the human assumption that tragedy and hardship are always signs of personal failure, reframing repentance not as punishment but as the merciful opportunity to turn from death toward life. Through the parable of the barren fig tree, Jesus paints a vivid picture of God's patience and kindness. The gardener's plea for one more year and his decision to nurture the fruitless tree reflect the heart of a Father who gives every chance for renewal. God does not fold His arms in disappointment and wait for us to get it right; He kneels beside us, digging around the hard soil of our hearts, giving us everything we need to flourish again. Repentance is not an act of despair—it is the evidence of God's compassion. As Romans 2:4 declares, it is His kindness that leads us to repentance. Pastor Benjer reminds us that repentance is not a one-time decision but a posture of daily humility. It is the ongoing recognition that God is God and we are not, that His ways are better than ours, and that our flourishing depends on continually turning our hearts back to Him. When we try to control our lives, to “grab the shovel” and fix ourselves, we miss the beauty of surrender. True repentance means handing over the keys, trusting that God can rebuild what we cannot. The sermon also addresses the fears and misconceptions surrounding repentance. Many believers equate it with shame or divine anger, but Scripture shows that confession leads not to rejection but to restoration. When we come before God with honesty about our failures, He meets us with mercy, not wrath. As 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The act of turning back is never met with scorn—it is met with celebration, just as the father in the parable of the prodigal son ran to embrace his returning child. Repentance, then, is the shortest distance between where we are and where God longs for us to be. Whether we are seeking freedom from sin, reconciliation in our marriages, or restoration in our hearts, repentance is the starting point. It is the about-face that redirects us from rebellion toward redemption. Like C.S. Lewis wrote, true progress begins the moment we turn back to the right road. Throughout history, every genuine revival has begun with repentance—not in packed stadiums but in quiet hearts humbled before God. Renewal in our communities and churches starts when believers admit their need for grace and bow before the Lord in prayer. This is where the Spirit moves most powerfully, transforming individuals and igniting movements of faith. As Pastor Benjer concludes, repentance is not a story of human failure but of divine faithfulness. It is an open door to forgiveness, healing, and the abundant life found only in Jesus Christ. To repent is to stop running, to stop pretending, and to return home—to the God who digs around the roots of our lives and whispers, “Let's begin again.” If you've wondered what repentance really means or feared it as a word of judgment, this sermon will help you see it as the gift it truly is—a daily invitation into grace, freedom, and flourishing in Christ. Watch, reflect, and rediscover the beauty of turning back to the One who never stops pursuing you.

In what ways do fear or comfort keep you from boldly defending the gospel? How might your life look different if you truly believed your story was part of God's redemptive mission? Through Paul's defense before a hostile crowd, we see that God's sovereign hand not only redeems broken sinners but also redeploys them for His mission. Just as Christ met Paul on the road to Damascus, He also stands ready to meet each of us in our brokenness, offering forgiveness, purpose, and courage to testify to His saving grace.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this powerful conclusion to The Way of Discipleship series, Pastor Brett Turner unpacks the biblical call to consecration—being set apart not just for good works, but for a sacred and holy purpose. Preaching from 2 Corinthians 6:1–2 and 1 Chronicles 13–15, he challenges us to examine whether we have received the grace of God in vain and invites us to live lives marked by holiness, obedience, and transformation. This message draws a clear picture of what a flourishing life in Jesus looks like, not as a set of steps to complete but as a continuous journey of growth rooted in God's grace. Throughout the sermon, Brett addresses the common assumptions that often hinder our spiritual growth. Many believers assume that simply doing good things or living morally upright lives equates to holiness. But Scripture reveals that consecration is more than being “set apart”—it is being set apart for a sacred and holy purpose. He reminds us that God's call to holiness, as seen in 1 Peter 1:16, is not about perfection but direction, a daily response to God's invitation to live differently. Drawing from the story of David's attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Israel, Brett explores how even good intentions can lead to failure when they are not aligned with God's Word. David initially moved the Ark in a way that imitated the culture around him rather than obeying the specific commands God had given. The result was tragedy, but also a moment of grace when David realized the importance of doing things God's way instead of his own. Brett emphasizes that receiving God's grace in vain means wanting His love, mercy, and blessing to flow to us without allowing His glory and holiness to flow through us. A consecrated life, by contrast, lets the grace of God transform every part of our being. He warns of the danger of treating God casually—approaching worship without awe, rolling into church late, or engaging with Scripture as routine rather than revelation. Such attitudes reveal how easily we can become spiritually apathetic, allowing cultural influences and distractions to dull our reverence for God. Brett challenges listeners to come before God expecting to meet with Him, to encounter the living Lord who desires a relationship that transforms us from the inside out. Another key theme of the message is the tension between comfort and holiness. Brett reminds us that while God is indeed the God of all comfort, His comfort meets us in our afflictions, not in their absence. Using 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 and Psalm 34:18, he explains that God's presence in hardship is what brings true peace and spiritual growth. The Christian life is not about escaping difficulty but about finding God faithful in the middle of it. Through personal reflection on his wife's recent cancer diagnosis, Brett shares how his own prayers have shifted from asking God to remove the hardship to asking how God might reveal His presence and purpose through it. This vulnerable moment illustrates what it means to be consecrated—to trust that God's way, even when painful, is always better and leads to deeper flourishing. The sermon culminates with a powerful look at Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in John 17, where Jesus declares that He consecrates Himself so that His followers may be sanctified in truth. Brett explains that Jesus set Himself apart for a sacred and holy purpose so that we could be made holy through Him. When He went to the cross, there was nothing casual or comfortable about His obedience—it was total surrender. His consecration secured our salvation and opened the way for God's glory to dwell in us. Brett urges listeners to consider whether their lives reflect that glory or whether they have settled for a form of faith that merely “seems good.”

What if following Christ led you into suffering instead of comfort — would you still obey? In “Chained in Obedience,” Pastor Josiah unpacks Paul's costly journey to Jerusalem in Acts 21:15–36 — a story that reminds us that following Christ faithfully does not guarantee comfort, favor, or safety. Paul's obedience led him into chains, not away from them. Yet through those chains, God advanced the gospel and displayed His sovereignty. Paul's example calls believers to embrace the truth that faithful obedience often includes suffering, and that despite persecution God's plan still succeeds! The same Lord who ruled over Paul's prison cell reigns over every trial we face today, turning our suffering into a testimony of His grace and power.

11 October 2025 Daily Devotion: "Bountiful Goodness" Psalm 13:6 New Living Translation 6 I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me. How do you view your lot in life? Are you in awe of what God has done with you, through you, and for you? Or did you think at this point you'd have or be more? Many people miss out on joy by failing to recognize the goodness of God in their lives. David was able to live joyfully because he knew how good the Lord had been to him. He understood the mercy of God and that He doesn't deal with us according to our sins (Psalm103:10). There was an old pastor who, when asked how he was, would always respond, “Better than I deserve.” If we had the same understanding, we'd be singing joyfully to the Lord every day for all the good He's done.

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A new MP3 sermon from Covenant Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Bountiful Benediction Romans 16:25-27 Subtitle: Romans Speaker: Pastor Charles Swann Broadcaster: Covenant Baptist Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 10/5/2025 Bible: Romans 16:25-27 Length: 62 min.

Compelled | Josh Brown | October 5, 2025 by Flourishing Grace Church

As Paul journeys toward Jerusalem, the Spirit repeatedly warns him that suffering awaits. Friends beg him not to go, but Paul's response cuts to the core of discipleship: “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die for the name of the Lord Jesus.” This is not reckless ambition—it's the fruit of a heart transformed by the Gospel. The Gospel calls us to die to self, strengthens us to endure hardship, and assures us that death itself has been conquered. Paul's resolve reminds us that following Christ was never meant to be safe, but it is always worth it. When the Spirit calls you into costly obedience, will you shrink back—or press forward, trusting that Jesus is worth it?

Committed | Benjer McVeigh | September 28, 2025 by Flourishing Grace Church

Prayer connects ordinary believers to an extraordinary God who keeps His promises and draws His people to Himself. In James 5:13–20, we're reminded to pray in every season, pray for one another, and pray boldly in the righteousness that comes through Jesus. Tune in to this week's message and discover how ordinary prayers connect us to an extraordinary God who saves, restores, and sustains His people.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Unrestricted Podcast, I sit down with Jim and Joe of Cutler Cookie Co., the creators of one of Utah's most beloved cookie, soup, and sandwich shops. We talk about how they got their start in Bountiful, Utah, the role of social media in building their brand, and the exciting news about the launch of their new South Jordan location.Joe also shares personal updates, including becoming a father and his ongoing fitness journey, while Jim reflects on what it means to grow a business while staying connected to the community.This is an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, family, and building something special in Utah.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Unrestricted Podcast, I sit down with Jim and Joe of Cutler Cookie Co., the creators of one of Utah's most beloved cookie, soup, and sandwich shops. We talk about how they got their start in Bountiful, Utah, the role of social media in building their brand, and the exciting news about the launch of their new South Jordan location.Joe also shares personal updates, including becoming a father and his ongoing fitness journey, while Jim reflects on what it means to grow a business while staying connected to the community.This is an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, family, and building something special in Utah.

Life is filled with waiting — waiting for answers, for relief, for justice. In James 5:7–12, God's word calls His people to patiently endure in the face of hardship, oppression, and uncertainty by trusting His sovereign rule and the certainty of Christ's return. This powerful message points us back to the heart of the gospel. Just as Job endured suffering and ultimately experienced the mercy of God, so too Christ endured the cross to secure mercy and compassion for all who believe. And now, we live in a new hope — not wringing our hands in worry, but standing firm in faith, knowing that the Judge is at the door and His promises never fail.

Growing tomatoes in South Australia is all about preparation. Sara Mitchell from the Adelaide Botanic Gardens joined Deb Tribe & Sophie Thomson tell you how.  

What does it really mean to flourish, and how do curious skeptics become devoted followers of Jesus? In this message from Acts 17:16–34, Pastor Benjer explores Paul's famous address in Athens at the Areopagus and shows how God awakens spiritual curiosity, why some mock before they believe, and how everyday Christians can step into gospel conversations with confidence and love. If you've ever wondered how to talk about Jesus in a culture crowded with competing definitions of “the good life,” this teaching is for you. Paul arrives in Athens “provoked” by a city full of idols, yet he responds not with outrage but with compassion and reason. He finds common ground, exposes the emptiness of man-made gods, and proclaims the Creator who “gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” He names the altar “To the Unknown God,” declares the risen Christ as Lord and Judge, and invites repentance. The result is mixed, just like today: some mock, some want to hear more, and some believe. Acts 17:16–34 becomes a masterclass in evangelism, apologetics, and pastoral heart, all centered on the resurrection of Jesus. This message also frames a bigger journey many of us are on. We borrow our vision of flourishing from social media, success metrics, and other people's expectations, then wonder why we are anxious, exhausted, and empty. Scripture paints a different picture. Jeremiah 17 describes the flourishing person as a tree planted by streams of water, unafraid of heat and drought, still bearing fruit. Jesus clarifies the source in John 15: abide in Him, the true vine, and you will bear much fruit; apart from Him you can do nothing. Real flourishing is not self-optimization. It is a Spirit-powered, Jesus-rooted life that blesses others. You will hear a practical pathway for growth that moves from curious to connected to committed to compelled to consecrated. Curiosity is often awakened by God long before a person ever sits in a church. That is why ordinary believers matter so much. You are already placed in neighborhoods, classrooms, teams, and workplaces where spiritual conversations can naturally begin. You won't know who is curious about Jesus until you talk about Jesus. Our lives should commend the gospel, but the gospel itself must be spoken. Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. If you are exploring Christianity, this message invites you to ask honest questions and follow the evidence. The God who made you is “not far from each one of us.” If you are a follower of Jesus, you will be challenged to pray by name for one person in your everyday life and to look for the openings God provides. Evangelism is not a performance; it is participation with a God who is already pursuing people in love. Key themes include Acts 17:16–34, Paul in Athens, the Areopagus, the “unknown god,” idols and worldview, resurrection apologetics, repentance and faith, discipleship, abiding in Christ, Jeremiah 17, John 15, spiritual curiosity, gospel conversations, and a biblical vision of flourishing. Whether you are new to church or a long-time Christian, this sermon will help you discern the voices shaping your life, root your joy and purpose in Jesus, and step into your calling as an everyday ambassador of Christ. If this message helps you, consider sharing it with a friend who is curious about Jesus. Subscribe for more Bible teaching on the way of discipleship, spiritual formation, and how to flourish in Christ in every season.

Does God really hear the cries of those who are cheated, wronged, or overlooked? In his message centered on James 5:1–6, Pastor Josiah shares a powerful warning from James: selfish hoarding and dishonest gain may look like success in the world's eyes, but before God they will testify against us. Earthly riches corrode, unjust dealings oppress the vulnerable, and self-indulgence leads to judgment. Yet in Christ, there is an eternal treasure that moth and rust cannot destroy. For the oppressor, God's word declares judgment. For the oppressed, we can be comforted – God hears your cries and will bring the unrighteous to justice. And for all who believe, the gospel gives hope: true riches are found in Christ alone.

How a Young Prince Frederick celebrated his wedding to Princess Charlotte, and started a great Bavarian tradition.Based on the work of Mumfreds. Listen to the podcast at steamy stories.In 1808 people of Württemberg lived in the convergence of three cultures. The masculine lead industry and agriculture of the Germans, the Swiss provided enlightenment of the sciences, and the French liberality and arts added a healthy dose of libertine free thinking and even a tolerance for kinkiness.But Württemberg was moving forward with the final demise of the Holy Roman Empire just a few years earlier. Napoleon had just defeated the Austrian military and established a new Confederation of the Rhine.  The ethnic German people were split apart  and some were under the Austrian protectorate, while the Rhine was under French protectorate on both sides of the Rhine river, including the German homeland.Prince Frederick had watched as his older sister was given to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte as a wife for Napoleon's brother, in exchange for his family's continued role of the Württemberg Kingdom, under the occupation of Napoleon's empire. Now Prince Frederick was being pressured by his parents and the court advisors, to strategically marry a well-bred heiress from the kingdom of Bavaria, princess Charlotte.Princess Charlotte was just 18 in the spring of 1810. A debutante, already being aggressively sought by Napoleon, she was terrified. When faced with the two unwanted options, she and her mother agreed that Frederick William was the better option and more respecting of their shared German heritage. Charlotte wept for weeks. She was still a girl of just 18 years. Her parents apologized repeatedly. It was especially difficult because Charlotte had always been a free-spirit and defiant of the stupid rules of etiquette that she violated almost daily.As an enthusiast of all things equestrian, Charlotte refused to ride ‘side-saddle'. She also found the practice to be a convenient excuse when the Royal Physician of Württemberg Court conducted a prenuptial gynecological exam a requirement in the nuptial contract between the kingdoms. As for Prince Frederick William, the marriage was even less anticipated. Charlotte was not the ideal sex object of his fantasies. Where he liked slender, tall older women, Charlotte was busty with a big round ass.Frederick liked the arts and sciences. He enjoyed the opera and studied astronomy.Charlotte loved animals and preferred German folk songs. Charlotte found little appeal in Frederick's lanky physique. She preferred the bulky, athletic, and masculine virility of farm-hands and tradesmen. A fall wedding Festival Back in 1810 Crown Prince Frederick William, sought the hand of the lovely princess Charlotte of Munich. She was the most desired woman in all of the ethnic German kingdoms. He courted her for many months, seeking to prevail over the efforts of Emperor Napoleon of France.Frederick's family negotiated aggressively with her father King Maximilian; whereby Frederick eventually asked Charlotte to marry him.Both kingdoms shared a strong disgust for all things French culture.It was the one topic where the two actually enjoyed conversation and felt compatibility. they were political allies and even business partners; but not at all romantically drawn to desire. She felt the same way he did, and accepted his offer. They were scheduled to marry on October 12th. As the date came close, she was starting to feel some trepidation. He was concerned and asked what was the problem. She shyly told him that she was expected to be with him; only with him, for the rest of her life. He said of course she would be only with him, and he would be only with her, as was customary.She thought carefully, and said; “Forever is a long time.”He did not want her to be so sad and thought for a while. He proposed an idea as a secret plan that they should not tell anyone about.At the wedding there would be a huge and joyous festival; a very German cultural Festival. At the festival she could go among the crowd and choose three men with which to make love.Upon hearing the idea, she was overjoyed at the thought and thanked him for his generosity and gladly accepted.The wedding was indeed a huge and joyous festival where everyone in Munich turned out. The first night of the festival was the night of their wedding. The celebration was scheduled to go on for 5 days.On the second day of the festival the prince approached the princess and told her today would be the day she made her three selections. She would go out and pick three men with which to ‘sow her oats.' She went to her dressing chamber to pick out her sexiest outfit. She chose the shortest dirndl she had. It stopped just below her ass.  The front of the dirndl plunged to show her beautiful Buxom cleavage. On her smooth legs she wore white by high stockings that ended below her dirndl. On her feet she wore elevated wedges. She was a vision. Her body was very visible and very sexy.The prince and princess began to make the rounds, where villagers were celebrating and congregating. As they walked, the men noticed princess Charlotte and paid her a great deal of attention. Offerings were made of pretzels, beer, and all sorts of treats, as she walked through the fair.She was pleasant of all and smiled as she always did. These were her people and she hoped they would come to accept her foreign Prince.Helmut the blacksmithAs they walked through the grounds they came upon a blacksmith, who had a stall set up to shoe horses. Charlotte stopped, and seemed to take a special interest. As one would expect, the blacksmith was quite strong, and also handsome. When she got close, a smile fell across his face and he gave greetings.“ I am Helmut, my princess;” he said in the most cultured enunciation he could contrive. She secretly knew Helmut from her frequent trips to the Stables. But that is their secret. The prince asked the princess if this might be one of the men. She smiled and said; “Indeed this would be one of the men if he so desired.” As the princess continued strolling, the prince stayed back briefly and invited Helmut to a special dinner with the princess that evening at 7:00. He graciously accepted. While he didn't understand what was fully ahead for him, he was happy to be able to spend an evening with the busty and charming princess. Robert the actorThey continued to walk through the fairgrounds with the prince often letting the princess drift ahead so he could see the reactions of the commoners as they look at her beauty. He watch her interact with the men of the Kingdom. As they continued, they came across a play that was just finishing up on the stage. The lead actor was quite athletically fit and very handsome. He flashed a smile at princess Charlotte and catching her off guard, she shyly looked away. The production poster listed the lead actor as ‘Robert.' What Prince Frederick didn't suspect was that Robert was also a part of the local Polo team. The two had secretly met in the Stables. The secret remains to this day. She composed herself and began to smile. He congratulated her and the prince on their wedding. She whispered to the prince that it might be fun to invite him to dinner. Shortly thereafter the prince did just that.Steffan the folk dancerAfter not much longer, the princess stopped in front of the stage where there was folk dancing.One of the dancers was agile, strong, and very skilled. As he lifted his twirling partner into the air, then safely caught her in his arms. She caught the vicarious thrill of experiencing being airborne and caught in his gentle arms. Steffan stepped back for his female dance partner to perform her feature solo. As he caught his breath, he looked out to the applauding crowds. He spotted the royal couple and was pleased. He had caught the princess's eye. She stood and watched him perform. in his lederhosen, not taking her eyes off of him. This was not missed by the dancer, and when the dance was over he came over and introduced himself to the princess. “I am Steffan”, he humbly bowed.This was but a rouse, as the dancer was part of a Mayday festival at the Munich Palace. Charlotte had graciously helped him find the dressing rooms when he'd gotten lost in the palace back halls. Charlotte felt a wetness as she recalled his tryst in her private Chambers just months ago; As Steffan talked with the prince, his eyes glanced up and down Charlotte's body. Memories led to arousal, and after several minutes, Steffan quickly dismissed himself to ‘prepare for the next number.His tight shorts left little to the imagination and it was clear that he was very well built down there. It also became obvious when he was talking to the princess, that she pleased him greatly and that is why he had to make a quick exit.Princess Charlotte smiled at The Prince and he understood that the dancer would be the third. The prince then extended an invite to him.The special guests come to dinner The dinner was scheduled for that evening at 7:00. A fire was made in the large fireplace and the finest Linens, China, and glassware were laid out.The cooks were busy making Gourmet Foods and the prince picked the wines himself. The princess was bathing and getting dressed for the evening. She had taken her time to clean and shave meticulously. She had chosen a metallic gold dress that plunged in the front bodice, and a skirt that stopped right at her bottom, in the back. She also wore matching metallic gold strappy shoes with towering heels. She also wore her gold earrings, necklace, and bracelets. On her right ankle was a gold anklet that the prince had bought her that day for the dinner. She looked irresistible. As the princess dressed upstairs, the men arrived early for the dinner. They too, had bathed and put on their finest clothes. The prince greeted them personally, and the young studs introduced themselves to each other.  The prince poured them each a drink and they toasted to each other and their good fortune. Prince Frederick explained to their astonishment and delight; the agreement the prince and princess had made ,and that they were the lucky men chosen.When the princess arrived downstairs, the prince met her before she walked into the dining room. To her surprise, the prince said that he would not be joining them. He wanted the men to have her to themselves and for her to have the men to herself. After thinking about it a bit, she realized that this might be more fun.The prince told her however, that he couldn't possibly resist watching her sexual conquests and would be watching from special consealments that were created near the dining room.They then walked into the dining room as the men stood up and were formally introduced by name to the princess.As she walked in looking lovely as can be. There were Smiles all around. The prince said his good-byes,and said he would stop in the evening, The princess and her suitors were seated for dinner and were poured wine from the servants. As the conversation began, the men paid great attention to the princess. The men stared deep into the eyes of the princess while she spoke and attended to her every need.Dancing In The ParlorAfter dessert was served Steffan asked the princess if she'd like to dance. She loved to dance and quickly accepted the offer from the handsome man. Charlotte led the man into the Parlor and went over to a cabinet on casters she opened the lid of the music box and cranked up the Armature. The Parlor was filled with the rich sounds of an Austrian Waltz. They began a formal Waltz, with the dancer expertly taking the lead and the princess easily keeping up. They glided around the room while Helmut and Robert looked on, seated on nicely-upholstered wing-back chairs.Not wanting to be left out, Robert cut in and continued the dance;  His intense blue eyes staring into the princesses. Helmut, not wanting to miss his turn, cut in. This allowed the princess to put her hands on his muscular arms as he easily spun her around the Dance Floor. During dinner, Prince Frederick had been sitting in a hall outside the dining room. He took great pleasure in watching the princess charm and be Charmed by the men. He found himself increasingly excited as the dancing started. His new wife was a youthful and sexy dancer, and watching her interact with the men turned him on immensely. When the quartet moved to the parlor, Prince Frederick went upstairs to a balcony overlooking the Parlor. A member of his Württemberg Entourage, Claudine was making her regular checks on his welfare. She was his tutor since he was 10 years old and she was 21.The woman taught Frederick on many subjects, and over time had become an adviser on many matters. She was tall, slender, and elegant. Her lessons often continued in his bed Chambers whenever they could safely conceal the ongoing sex education lessons. Now, 17 years later, Claudine now carries herself as a charming  and confident 39 year old vixen.From the balcony, the prince and his ‘tutor' (and secret lover) sat on the floor, behind the velvet drapes, and silently peered between the balusters, Charlotte's deportment with the young men.The quartet move to a slower song and the blacksmith pulled the princess close for a slow dance. The princess's head had been spinning from her wonderful evening and her third Goblet of wine, and now she was very close to and touching this muscular man. He too could feel her busty body with his strong hands around her firm waist he pulled her in closer to him she didn't pull away as she felt him stiffen.She began to feel a tingle inside herself. Before she knew it Robert the actor had stepped up and taken Helmut's place. As Robert stared into her eyes he leaned forward and gently put his lips to hers and she readily received them as she first did in that pile of straw in the horse stables.He pulled her close to him and continued to kiss her. She then felt a second set of hands on her hips from behind it was Steffan. Her dress was so short that his hands were right above the bottom of the dress. She briefly stopped kissing Robert as Steffen pulled her hips into him and began kissing her neck. Pressing into her rear end was that very large and now very hard cock that had attracted her earlier that day. He raised Goosebumps on her as he kissed her neck.From the balcony, Prince Frederick and Claudine had seen everything. He didn't miss a second of the meal or the dance.  Much like the viral men in the parlor, he too was very hard. To watch the woman he married be so pleased. To be able to watch her talk and flirt and touch and be touched was truly a pleasure. To see the way the young suiters desire her.Claudine began rubbing his crotch while sliding her other hand up under her own skirt.As Steffan continued to kiss the princess on her neck and ears, he slowly ground his cock against her white ass. With his hands around her waist the skimpy dress began fully raising from the grinding as it lifted. The actor in front of her looked down and realized she wasn't wearing any panties. He could see her perfect beautiful shaved cunt. He went wild, grabbing her head and kissing her deeply with his tongue. Steffan also noticing the dress had climbed up her body, began using his large hands to rub her large crack.The princess felt so good she was barely standing at this point, mostly being held up in the sandwich of the men. The blacksmith was standing on the sidelines with his cock out, stroking while looking at the scene he had in front of him.The actor was now kissing down the body of The Princess and Steffan turned the princess's head and began kissing her deeply as he reached in front and grabbed her heating tits and fondling her tall erect nipples. Robert had made his way down to her belly and was closing in on her cunt. The princess shook as Robert's lips came in contact with her cunt lips. He licked her cunt as she held his head against her. After the princess Broke Free from Steffan's kiss, she gave a look towards the waiting blacksmith. The look let Helmut know it was time for him to join the fun. Helmut, unable to contain himself, walked towards the melee. He ignored Steffan and the actor and picked up the princess and carried her to a large couch on the side of the room. He laid her down on the couch and began for lack of a better word, to ravage her body.He grabbed and sucked her nipples and then quickly moved down to her cunt, licking her clit. The other two men were quickly at the couch. The actor began sucking her nipples making the princess squirm. She wrapped her legs around Helmut's head. As Robert & Steffan worked their magic, she began to quiver.This stirred both of the men and their tongues sped up lapping her nipples and clit. Her back arched as the orgasm flowed through her body. As she recovered from her orgasm, the men stood her up and removed her mini dress so that only her gold platform heals and jewelry remained. At this point; Helmut was so turned on, he couldn't wait. He laid the princess back down, and guided his rigid cock inside her. As much as she enjoyed his mouth it felt really good to have his hard warm cock in her.The princess looked next to see that Robert had removed his clothes and had his hard shaft in front of her. The princess reached out and grabbed his cock. Robert's heart was pounding. The hand of this beautiful woman felt so good on him.Steffan stripped off his clothes and joined the group.The princess had her eyes closed as Helmut picked up his pace. She put her right hand on his muscular chest and rubbed down his chiseled abdomen, wrapping her hand around his thick cock as it slid in and out of her. She returned her hand to his chest and continued to jerk off the wood of Robert on her left.One of the thrust of Helmut's threw the princess's head back and as she look to the right she saw the naked body of Stefan.His cock was large and beautiful. It was exactly what she hoped for when she picked him for the evening. She slowed her hand down on the actor as she eagerly grabbed the thick rod of the handsome dancer. She slowly explored the entire length of his cock with her soft hand. He leaned over and touched and kissed her slowly, exploring her mouth; reaching over to gently caress her nipple. She firmly but gently grabbed the base of his cock, and pulled him close to her.  It was perfect, and she began licking and sucking it. She continued to suck as much of the cock as she could fit in her mouth,  to the rhythm of Helmut sliding in and out of her wet cunt. Helmut would not last much longer, and began to pick up speed. The princess began to tremble and slow down the actor and Dancer.As Helmut's hands wrapped around her tiny waist, she put her hands on his waist, to push him in further,He began grunted and began powerfully jack-hammering her. Her entire body was moving as Helmut slammed into her. He began to cum.  She felt his first shot squirt into her body, which pushed her into a full orgasm as her body clinched around him.  He kept pounding, shooting a large load  as she moaned. Charlotte was trembling from the orgasm Helmut had just given her. He held her in his strong arms, as she took a moment to recover. After some time, he withdrew his cock from her.Steffan grabbed the Princess's face with both hands, and kissed her passionately on the lips.He backed up and stared into her eyes. He could wait no longer. As he backed up, the Princess could see his turgid cock, standing at attention. He was extremely hard. With both hands on her waist, he pulled her towards him. He grabbed the base of his rod, and began to run it up and down the length of her cunt lips. He would have to move slowly, to get his large shaft into her tight cunt. Robert and Helmut saw that she might have some troubles, so they went up to the princess. They each took one of her shapely legs. She still had her golden heels on. They each held an ankle in one hand, and with the other they reached up to her inner thigh.They spread her legs wide apart, to give Steffan better access. As his cock pressed into the small opening between her cunt lips, she was both nervous and excited.Cum In The BalconyStill viewing from the Position to see his new wife, as naked and as hard as the other men; he had his cock in his hand. It was ecstasy to see his wife enjoying herself so much to allow her to have a variety he could not provide himself .He also liked being able to just watch the way she flirted, desired, and moved.He could just focus on watching her be sexual. It was such a turn on for him. Claudine sucked his cock while he lay on the balcony floor; her cunt spread wide above his adoring eyes. His cock deep in his concert's throat while the passionate sounds of a foursome filled the Parlor below their lofty perch. As Claudine's juices ran down the tongue of the prince, her inner thighs pressing tight against his ears while she shakes from the oral menstruation he has perfected.Frederick took it all in and paused his urges to thrust while Claudine indulged in the joy of her orgasm. She sucked his tip and flicked his head gently while her Bliss lingered. As Claudine's body came back to the moment, she fixed her desire to the cock in her mouth. Soon her head pressed down on his crotch and his cock rapidly entered and exited her throat. Her tongue synchronized in a swallowing sequence. In less than a minute later, his hips rocketed upward as his balls constricted into the base of his cock. His prostate began a series of jets sending cream deep into Claudine's receptive throat. She knew his body and his signs of eminent release. She's taking a deep breath before plunging down on his explosion with her expert tongue.She used a swallowing sequence to take every last drop into her throat. Claudine had become so proficient that it had been a couple years since she could remember the taste of Frederick's spunk. Downstairs The princess took a deep breath as Stefan's cock slowly entered her cunt.  She felt it spreading her and filling her up. She was very wet but Stephen still took his time. She was so tight he needed to move slowly. He paused after he was completely inside her, to give her a moment to once again get used to his massive cock.With her eyes closed she let out a breath feeling so full in her cunt. Slowly he moved back out and then gently pushed back into her. He increased the speed as she grew used to his size. He slid in and out of her, hitting spots on her that had never been felt before. Helmut and Robert released her legs. Starting at her shoulders, they each kiss down her body, gently touching and tasting her as they worked.From her legs up, they kissed around her breasts, settling on her erect and sensitive nipples. Kissing them, licking and sucking them.In appreciation, she reached out and grabbed each of their firm cocks. With a cock inside her, with two handsome men sucking her nipples and a cock in each hand, her head was spinning. his face and her breathing she began to lose control with that fat cock filling her up and both nipples getting sucked. She began to moan louder and louder and she moaned the man began sucking her nipples faster and faster.Finally she couldn't hold out any longer and began to come.She let out what was almost a scream and seemed to have cum for a full minute. She felt so good after she came completely inside her while he waited and she recovered he couldn't wait any longer and slowly started pumping her she moved her body in time with his and it felt good.Recovering the princess started to feel a tingle as Stefan again picked up the pace. It was at this time the princess saw something to her left. It was the prince. He was so turned on by the event that he had to get closer. He was naked and jacking off his hard cock at the sight of his beautiful bride. She felt so good with the comfort of knowing her husband gave his approval and was so turned on,She looked up and Stefan was staring straight into her eyes. She could feel the pre-cum dribbling inside her, from his massive cock and knew it wouldn't be much longer. It was now just him and her, as he wrapped his large hands around her tiny waist and began to Bear down on her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and started to moan. They locked eyes as he drove into her faster and faster. She could feel his balls slamming into her with each stroke she began to scream  as the orgasm took over and his cock began to twitch.She began wave after wave of orgasm as his cock began to come inside her. She could feel the hot spurts of his semen. He kept pumping till his big cock was drained. She laid back sweaty and completely spent as his cock went limp inside her. Charlotte's good nightWith her eyes closed she felt lips softly touch hers. It was Prince Frederick. He looked deeply into her eyes and thanked her for what she had done. It was such a pleasure to watch her. Stefan prepared warm water and began gently cleaning her up with washcloths. They then helped the princess nymph, to dress into a beautiful tight golden gown. The night had gone on for hours ,with all of the meeting, drinking, and dancing; Charlotte saw each man out separately, and some private words were spoken but not overheard. Frederick told Charlotte he'd be up a bit and she should get her rest. The two never shared a bedroom again.A tradition of need Frederick William and his wife Charlotte remained in two royal families from two Allied kingdoms of the German peoples. It would be years before their fathers' Reigns would be passed on, so the two developed humanitarian causes and charities, to benefit the people of the two kingdoms. Württemberg & Bavaria. This often meant a lot of travel in the two adjoining kingdoms. Together they kept up appearances and showed no public affection to each other.It's not that they lacked a libido; they just had no physical or emotional attraction to anything about each other. In the weeks after Frederick and Charlotte disclosed to each other that they both had romantic interests in other lovers. they both provided discreet accommodations to each other and still kept a mutual respect.Second Year, and the Dirndl Craze Princess Charlotte is widely recognized as the inspiration for Oktoberfest. Her Bountiful bosom is synonymous with the joy of a Bountiful Harvest. The beer garden waitresses all wore the 'Charlotte dirndls' at the Munich Oktoberfest of 1811, 2nd Annual Festival. Charlotte and Frederick traveled the second night to Württemberg to inaugurate a sister Festival there. Some of the Württemberg church ladies initially objected to this Bavarian hussie princess whom their Crown Prince had married. Prince Frederick caught word of the grumbling prudes and decided to tell the organizers that he would personally appear with Princess Charlotte to make the official pronunciation of the beginning of the festival, At the noon hour, all the crowds gathered in the festival Square. Troubadours and dancers, Artisans and Partiers, all stood with a hush as the prince and princess climbed the steps to the platform. "Men and women, People of Württemberg, and guests. It is good to Delight in the Bountiful provisions of the Almighty, and we are truly thankful. We Delight ourselves in the fruit of both our hard work and Providence." Prince Frederick paused then added; "You are all part of that bounty. Delight in each other. I have taken a wife and we celebrate our anniversary with you today."Charlotte was standing just behind, and to the side of Frederick. He stepped back and took her hand to have her step up next to him. She was wearing a new dirndl in the colors of Frederick's Kingdom coat of arms. It was low cut, daring, and revealed a lot of leg. Frederick watched as a few older ladies whispered and expressed some displeasure. Frederick resumed his words; "In our holy scriptures we are commanded to Delight in God's provision. All of it. I conferred with the bishop and I'm confident of the clear meaning of this holy command. In the Book of Proverbs, the fifth chapter and the 18th verse. It commands us, 'Let thy Fountain be blessed and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe. Let her breasts satisfy thee at all times, and be thou ravished always with her love.' " At that word, the men of the festival let out a roar of delight, Frederick and Charlotte turned to each other and smiled. Prince Frederick yelled over the excited crowd, "Bishop Johan, have I spoken accurately? Red-faced, the cleric simply gave a slow affirmative nod. The roar continued again, and the women now also joined in the applause. Prince Frederick stepped away and signaled for his Buxom princess Charlotte to acknowledge the acceptance from his kingdom. Ever the impish and useful girl, Charlotte made the impulsive decision not to curtsy, but bow instead, as a man would.The entire Festival cheered even louder, as the buxom princess gave a 'birds-eye' peek as her busty assets. The crowd began to chant; "We Love Char! We Love Char!" Prince Frederick motioned for a few frauline barmaids to roll a keg to Center Stage. They were all wearing similarly low-cut matching dirndls. The crowds now cheered at fever pitch. These girls were wearing exact replicas of the skimpy dress Charlotte had worn last year, for the special night of the original Munich Festival. The beirmeister tapped the keg and poured the local ale into a Stein. The beirmeister handed the Stein to Prince Frederick. Prince Frederick swiftly drank the entire contents without a pause. Holding up the empty stein, Prince Frederick shouted "O' zapft is! The Keg is tapped! Let Oktoberfest begin!" That's what sealed the legacy of the German ethnic future. Charlotte became the mascot without ever intending to. For her, Oktoberfest was always a way to conveniently compensate for a marriage which completely lacked romance and sexuality. This was all for show. Frederick continued his lust for older MILF trysts and taking interest in tall slender women. Claudine was a frequent counselor and lived in the palace. Charlotte was able to surround herself with virile men who loved her busty figure. As a proud answer to the French Mardi Gras hedonism, the people of Bavaria and Württemberg kingdoms heartily took to the annual fall Harvest Festival we still know as Oktoberfest. It still includes house parties to end the days, and people entertain house guests til wee hours of the morning.It's set for celebrating the conclusion of the harvest, which means The agrarian communities have both time and money for celebrating with energy and enthusiasm. Each year after, new festivals popped up in other cities and the royal couple collaborated in both kingdoms to stagger the dates and coordinate promotions and resources.Württemberg's new king and queen Charlotte became Queen Caroline when Prince Frederick William became King William the first; but the marriage was sexless. After a few years Frederick learned of the death of his cousins Royal husband, in Russia. Princess Catherine Pavlovna met King William while both were visiting Vienna. Frederick was love-struck by the tall Russian granddaughter of Catherine the Great.They were both in their Prime of life and burning with lust for each other. Soon Frederick asked Charlotte for an annulment agreement. For Charlotte, it was liberation. She immediately became the most sought woman in Europe's royal society.Very quickly, Emperor Francis the first of Austria secured her commitment to marriage and become Empress consort of his Austrian Empire with another 46 titles of nobility. Francis was 24 years older than Charlotte and the two did not have children together. But with Charlotte's help, Francis eventually defeated the Napoleon Empire. That meant Württemberg's King Frederick, her first husband, was now subject to her, through her new husband, Francis. Thus begun the great Austrian Empire of Europe for about 100 years to come. by  Mumfreds for Literotica 

In this episode, we sit down with the new leadership team at CSS Hastings—Jonathan, CSS Hastings Regional Director; his wife, Teresa, CSS Hastings St. Joseph Gift & Thrift Store Manager; and Miranda, our CSS Hastings Development Officer. Together, they share their passion for serving the community, the exciting transition into a new building that will expand CSS's outreach, and what's ahead for the annual Bountiful Harvest Celebration dinner this October. It's a conversation full of hope, fresh beginnings, and a look at how CSS continues to bring Hope in the Good Life to southcentral Nebraska.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this message, Pastor Benjer McVeigh draws an unforgettable connection between the 19th century physician Ignaz Semmelweis and the life-giving simplicity of the gospel. Semmelweis discovered that something as simple as washing hands drastically reduced mortality rates among mothers giving birth. Yet his peers rejected him, unwilling to admit the problem lay with their own practices. The truth was simple and effective, but it required humility to accept. In the same way, the good news of Jesus Christ is not complicated. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5 that in Christ we are made new creations. Jesus took upon Himself our sin so that we might become the righteousness of God. This is not something we achieve through our own effort, wisdom, or strategies. It is not about our credentials, rituals, or personal performance. Just as the doctors of Semmelweis's day could not save their patients by their own flawed methods, we cannot save ourselves through our own strength. The problem is within us, and the solution is found outside of us—through Jesus. Benjer reminds us that while our culture often insists that life can be fixed through self-help, techniques, or relentless striving, the gospel declares something radically different. All this is from God. It is His initiative, His grace, His gift. Jesus died so that you might live, not because of anything you have done, but because of what He has already accomplished. Paul himself knew this truth deeply. Once a fierce persecutor of Christians, Paul encountered the risen Christ and was transformed from an enemy of the gospel to its greatest messenger. His story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, the new has come.” That promise is for all, no matter your past, no matter your brokenness. This sermon challenges us not only to recognize our need but also to embrace our new identity in Christ. Through Him, you are reconciled to God, restored to relationship with your Creator, and given a purpose as His ambassador. The moment you receive Jesus, you are not only forgiven but also entrusted with sharing the message of reconciliation with others. The invitation is simple: do not receive the grace of God in vain. To hear the truth and reject it is to miss the gift that brings true life. To accept it is to step into forgiveness, freedom, and purpose. Today can be the day when you cross from death to life, not because of your own worthiness but because of the righteousness of Jesus given to you. God's grace is not flashy, nor is it complicated. It is a gift freely offered, but it requires humility to admit that the problem is in us and the solution is only in Christ. Just as Semmelweis's discovery saved lives when doctors finally accepted it, the gospel saves when we receive Jesus by faith. Will you admit your need, lay down your efforts, and receive the life Jesus freely gives?

What fears or ambitions keep you from fully submitting your life to God's will? In his sermon, “Stop Playing God,” Pastor Josiah shows us how James 4:11-17 calls us to humble ourselves in full submission before God. As Christians we need to stop criticizing our brothers and sisters, stop pretending we control tomorrow, and start entrusting every part of our lives to the Lord's will. Our lives are but a vapor, and at the end of the day, only what is done in Christ will last. Because God alone is the final authority, we must quit playing God and joyfully submit our lives to Him.

In this message from our Luke series, student and family minister Josh Brown preaches Luke 12:35–59 and calls us to live ready for the return of Jesus. Jesus' words, “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning,” frame the entire passage and define Christian readiness as both posture and perseverance. With vivid images of tucked robes and tended lamps, Josh shows how a ready heart trusts Christ's promise to return, and how daily dependence—through prayer, Scripture, worship, and fellowship—keeps faith burning bright. Readiness is not vague anticipation; it is attentive, active obedience now. Luke 12 moves from heart to hands. Jesus' parable of the faithful and unfaithful servants makes clear that none of us owns what we manage; we steward what the Master has entrusted to us. The blessed servant is the one the Master finds doing His will when He comes. That steady, ordinary faithfulness—discipling children, serving the church, giving generously, praying for friends, opening the Bible when no one sees—matters eternally. Jesus also issues a sober warning: the servant who assumes “my master is delayed,” mistreats others, wastes resources, and lives for self will face judgment when the Master returns at an unexpected hour. “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required” is not a slogan but a summons to accountable stewardship. Josh also wrestles with one of Jesus' most bracing claims: He did not come to bring peace but division. Allegiance to the crucified and risen Lord will at times divide households and friendships because the peace of God comes only in Him, and following Him means dying to self and living by the Spirit. Yet the same Jesus promises true peace in Himself: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Real faithfulness is not gritting our teeth; it flows from union with Christ, who was perfectly faithful, “obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). We are not earning God's approval by our obedience; we obey because, in Christ, we already share His righteousness and are sealed by the Spirit. The passage closes with urgency. Jesus rebukes crowds who can read the weather but not “interpret the present time.” He urges reconciliation on the way to the judge, a picture of the Gospel's now-or-never gravity. Apart from Christ, we carry a debt of sin we cannot pay. “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Scripture presses the claim of the present: “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). Readiness is real only if it moves us to respond to Jesus now—repenting of sin, entrusting ourselves to His finished work, and stepping into faithful stewardship in whatever He has put in our hands. If you are drifting, distracted, or weary, let this sermon reawaken you to the joy and seriousness of living ready. If you are walking faithfully but feeling the cost, find courage in the One who overcame the world and serves His people at the table when He returns. And if you have never surrendered to Christ, hear His invitation today. The King is returning at an hour we do not expect. Will He find you ready? Open Luke 12:35–59 with us and learn how ready hearts trust His return, ready lives stay faithful, and ready souls respond now. Search terms: Luke 12:35–59 sermon, keep your lamps burning, stay dressed for action, faithful and wise servant, Jesus second coming, Christian readiness, stewardship and accountability, division not peace, interpret the times, urgency of repentance, Gospel of grace, John 16:33, 1 Peter 1:13, Ephesians 6, Philippians 2:8, Romans 6:23, 2 Corinthians 6:2, Hebrews 3:15.

Why do our desires so often leave us empty, even when they're fulfilled? In this week's message centered on James 4:1–10, Pastor Josiah unpacks both the problem and the promise regarding the difficulties we face in life. Our passions and worldly pursuits leave us restless, divided, and far from God. Yet God does not abandon us—but gives grace to the humble. In Christ, the true Bridegroom, we are invited to lay down our pride, resist the lies of the enemy, and draw near to the God who draws near to us. This passage is not just a warning but an invitation: to forsake the emptiness of the world and discover the joy of full devotion to Christ. What would it look like for you to go “all in” with Christ today?

Where do you turn for answers when life is hard? What type of wisdom is shaping your life or affecting your decisions? In his sermon, “Wisdom from Above” centered on James 3:13–18, Pastor Josiah unpacks the sharp contrast between false wisdom that is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic—and true wisdom that comes from God. Earthly wisdom seeks pride, ambition, and self-exaltation, but it inevitably leads to disorder and destruction. Godly wisdom, however, is marked by purity, gentleness, mercy, and peace. Most importantly, James shows us that true wisdom makes us peacemakers—sowing peace that produces a harvest of righteousness.This sermon reminds us that wisdom is not measured by intelligence or worldly success, but by a transformed heart that reflects Christ. Only by embracing the wisdom from above do we become the kind of people who strengthen the church, bring peace into broken relationships, and share the hope of the gospel with the world.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In Luke 12:22–34, Jesus speaks directly to one of the most pressing struggles of our time: anxiety. His words are not distant, theoretical, or dismissive. They are intimate, practical, and filled with the promise of God's care. Pastor Brent Van Sickle, from King's Cross Church, reminds us that our Savior does not ignore the burdens we carry. He understands the weight of our worry and calls us to lift our eyes beyond ourselves and place our trust in the Father who delights to give us His kingdom. Jesus points to ravens and lilies—ordinary parts of creation—to show how much more valuable His people are in the Father's sight. If God feeds the birds and clothes the grass of the field, how much more will He provide for His children? Anxiety, He explains, is unproductive, wasted energy, and misplaced effort because it flows from the world's mindset of scarcity and self-dependence. Instead, He calls us to seek His kingdom first, knowing that all these things will be added to us. This passage is not a command to “stop worrying” and then be left alone to wrestle in silence. Instead, it is an invitation to see the character of a God who is not distant but near, who names His people “little flock” and promises His good pleasure is to give us the kingdom. It is a reminder that trust is formed not in striving for control, but in surrendering to the shepherd who leads His sheep to green pastures. Pastor Brent shares how anxiety is not only a mental or emotional struggle but also one that impacts our entire being—our health, our relationships, our ability to live on mission. Yet Jesus offers a way forward: turning our eyes from fear to faith, from possessions to generosity, and from scarcity to abundance in Him. True freedom from worry comes not by clinging tighter to control but by releasing it to the One who holds our lives in His hands. This message also reminds us that generosity is a pathway away from anxiety. Jesus teaches that where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also. When we cling to our possessions, worry only multiplies. But when we hold our resources with open hands and invest in the kingdom of God, we experience the peace that comes from aligning our hearts with His purposes. At its core, Luke 12:22–34 reveals a God who is a Father, a Shepherd, and a King—who cares deeply, provides faithfully, and delights to give His children what they truly need. Whether you are weighed down by financial pressures, fearful about the future, or burdened by personal struggles, Jesus' words offer hope: fear not, for your Father knows you, sees you, and will never leave you without His care. So, the invitation is clear: lay down your anxieties, seek first His kingdom, and trust the God who delights to give. The question remains: where is your treasure, and where is your heart? Will you trust Jesus with your life today?

If your words were placed on trial, what would they reveal about your faith? In this week's sermon, Alex Trotter unpacks James 3:1–12, confronting the sobering truth that our words reveal the condition of our hearts. The tongue, though small, wields extraordinary power—to bless or to destroy, to build up or to tear down. For those in Christ, speech becomes a mark of transformation: increasingly God-honoring, gracious, and edifying, not because of self-discipline alone but because Christ is reshaping the heart. Even when we fail, every careless and sinful word has been covered by the blood of Jesus. For those outside of Christ, however, the tongue exposes the futility of self-reform; apart from the cross, our words testify against us before a holy God. True hope for taming the tongue lies only in the transforming grace of Jesus Christ.Ultimately, this passage presses us to examine the fruit of our faith through the words we speak. Our speech is never neutral—it either confirms the reality of Christ at work in us or exposes our desperate need for Him. The cross of Christ is sufficient to forgive our failures and powerful enough to transform our tongues into instruments of praise. What difference would it make if every word you spoke was filtered through the cross of Christ?

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In Luke 12:13–21, Jesus delivers a powerful warning that speaks directly to the heart of our modern struggles. A man in the crowd asks Jesus to intervene in an inheritance dispute, but Jesus uses the moment to reveal a deeper truth: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” From there, He tells the parable of the rich fool—a man whose barns overflowed with grain, who felt secure enough to say to his soul, “Relax, eat, drink, be merry.” Yet God called him a fool, because his soul was required that very night. The man lived full of himself, full of his possessions, but had no room for God or for others. This sermon, preached by Pastor Dave Nelson, dives into the human tendency to equate life with what we can gain, hold, or achieve. Whether it's money, success, pleasure, or recognition, we all have areas where we think, “If I only had this, then I'd finally be fulfilled.” But Jesus confronts that mindset head-on. True life—“zoe” in the Greek—does not come from possessions, prestige, or pleasure. It comes from God Himself, who is life and who offers His life freely to us in Christ. Through vivid stories, including modern examples of crowds trampling others for sales or surging dangerously at concerts, Pastor Dave reveals the universal human drive for more. He explains how our very biology, with dopamine spikes driving desire, feeds into this restless pursuit. Yet no matter how much we acquire, it never satisfies for long. The longing simply resets, demanding more. Jesus warns that this cycle is dangerous and destructive, because it robs us of the life God intended—a life rooted not in accumulation but in love, generosity, and relationship with Him. This message challenges us to examine what truly fills our hearts. Are we full of ourselves, thinking only of “I will” and “my possessions”? Or are we inviting God into our daily decisions, seeking His will instead of our own? The call of Jesus is not to avoid pleasure, rest, or enjoyment altogether, but to stop making them the foundation of our lives. Instead, He invites us into the abundant life only He provides—a life that overflows with love for God and others, a life that is truly full, rich, and eternal. At its core, this sermon is not simply a warning against greed. It is an invitation into freedom. Freedom from the rat race of needing more, freedom from the endless cycle of desire and disappointment, freedom to live in the richness of God's love. Jesus offers Himself as the way, the truth, and the life. To have Him is to have life to the full—life that is deeply satisfying, meaningful, and eternal. As you listen, let this message move you to reflection. Where are you placing your hope for satisfaction? What do your time, energy, and resources say about what you believe will give you life? Jesus calls us to lay down idols of possessions and success, and instead to receive the life that comes only from Him. Will you keep pursuing fullness in things that cannot satisfy, or will you turn to the One who alone is life?

This sermon confronts one of the most sobering questions in Scripture: What kind of faith saves? In his sermon centered on James 2:14–26, Alex shows us that genuine faith is never alone—it produces the visible fruit of obedience. Works do not contribute to our justification before God, but they are the God-given evidence of a heart transformed by the Spirit. For the believer, this is both a call to self-examination and a comfort: God Himself works in us to will and to do for His good pleasure (Phil. 2:12–13). For the unbeliever, it is a gracious warning that mere profession without transformation is empty, and that Christ alone gives living faith that bears fruit in keeping with repentance.

The Bountiful Food Pantry has fed the hungry for 50 years and that includes helping to nourish thousands of at-risk children in local schools year-round. They can meet the needs of these everyday families because of community volunteers that are the backbone of the pantry's operations. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by Bountiful Food Pantry Executive Director Rebekah Anderson who shares how the pantry that started in a small church closet is changing lives daily.

Sources:https://www.returntotradition.orgorhttps://substack.com/@returntotradition1Contact Me:Email: return2catholictradition@gmail.comSupport My Work:Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/AnthonyStineSubscribeStarhttps://www.subscribestar.net/return-to-traditionBuy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/AnthonyStinePhysical Mail:Anthony StinePO Box 3048Shawnee, OK74802Follow me on the following social media:https://www.facebook.com/ReturnToCatholicTradition/https://twitter.com/pontificatormax+JMJ+#popeleoXIV #catholicism #catholicchurch #catholicprophecy#infiltration

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this message from Luke 12:1–12, Pastor Benjer leads us through one of Jesus' most sobering teachings about what it means to follow Him in a world that does not want us to. Drawing from the lives of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Betty Stam, and Richard Wurmbrand—men and women who paid a great cost for their allegiance to Christ—this sermon reminds us that discipleship is neither neutral nor comfortable. Jesus warns His disciples to beware of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, a caution against living for the approval of others while neglecting the heart. He then gives a clear warning: do not fear those who can harm the body, but fear the One who holds our eternal destiny. Yet even in this, there is comfort—God knows us intimately, values us deeply, and never forgets us. Our worth is not determined by human opinion but by the price God paid for us in Christ. Finally, Jesus issues a call: to publicly acknowledge Him in both word and deed, to live with integrity before a watching world, and to trust the Holy Spirit to give us the words when our faith is challenged. Pastor Benjer emphasizes that following Jesus will inevitably cause friction with the values of the world, but Christians are not called to seek out conflict for its own sake. Instead, we are to live faithfully, sacrificially, and graciously, showing Christ's love in tangible ways. He challenges us to examine whether we have been living to please others rather than God, to reject the temptation to remain neutral, and to resist making enemies of those who simply need to hear the good news. The message closes with a vision for the church: that if our building and programs disappeared, the community would notice because of the way we have loved, served, and represented Jesus. This is a call to live as people whose only hope in life and death is Christ, steadfast in faith whether the world applauds or opposes. It is a reminder that discipleship will cost us something, but that it is worth everything because of who Jesus is and what He has done. Whether you are a longtime believer, a new Christian, or still exploring the faith, this sermon invites you to wrestle honestly with what it means to follow Jesus faithfully today, trusting that His Spirit will equip and sustain you in every circumstance. Will you follow Him with boldness and faithfulness, even when the world pushes back?

Join us today for a unique Mormon Stories episode that is the first of its kind. Myndee Tollefson was born in Bountiful, Utah to an orthodox Mormon family. At just 19, she became pregnant and, feeling immense pressure from the Church and her family, gave her baby up for adoption through LDS Family Services—only to later discover that her child's life in the adoptive family was not what the Church promised.Topics include:-Toxicity of purity culture-Unplanned pregnancy in Mormonism-Harsh backlash from her family and LDS community-Adoption within the LDS Family services program-The church's role in facilitating and encouraging adoption-Being a "birth mom"-Troubled teen culture within MormonismHer story sheds light on the emotional and spiritual costs of institutional coercion, and the healing that comes with breaking free from this control. ___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:⁠⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠Venmo⁠⁠Our Platforms:⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Social Media:⁠⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord⁠⁠Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this powerful message from Luke 11:14–26, Pastor Josh Brown delivers a bold and Spirit-led challenge to our assumptions about neutrality in the Christian life. Preaching from a moment in Scripture where Jesus casts out a demon and is immediately accused of doing so by the power of Satan, Josh calls us to confront a deeper reality: there is no such thing as spiritual neutrality. You are either with Jesus or against Him—there is no safe middle. As Josh walks us through this intense and often-misunderstood passage, he reveals the beauty of Jesus' authority, the seriousness of rejecting His power, and the invitation extended to each of us to fully surrender our lives. Drawing on the imagery Jesus uses—the strong man versus the stronger man—Josh helps us see that the Christian life is not one of trying harder or simply cleaning ourselves up. Jesus didn't come to offer behavior modification; He came to take over. When we stay "neutral," we may think we're safe, but in reality, we're vulnerable, empty, and exposed to spiritual regression. A clean house without Jesus still ends up in ruin. With humor, passion, and deep scriptural insight, this sermon digs into the Pharisees' hypocrisy, our culture's tendency to redefine what is good and true, and the human desire to remain in control rather than surrender to the authority of Christ. Josh shows us how easy it is to intellectually acknowledge the power of Jesus while refusing to bow the knee to Him. But Jesus won't be an accessory to our lives—He is the King who calls for our complete allegiance. This sermon is also a call to evaluate whether we have truly allowed Christ to take occupancy in our lives or whether we're just managing appearances. Are you filled with the Spirit, or are you simply swept and empty? Are you tethered to the One who conquered sin and death, or are you still trying to manage your life in your own strength? If you've ever felt like you're drifting spiritually, wondering why your faith feels stale, or trying to straddle the line between devotion and comfort, this message is for you. It will challenge you to stop coasting and start surrendering. It will remind you that you don't fight for victory—you fight from it, because the stronger man has already come and claimed the victory on your behalf. In a world that constantly tries to blur the lines between good and evil, Jesus draws a clear one. And He invites you to cross it—to step out of apathy, out of fear, and out of false neutrality—into the freedom, fullness, and flourishing of life with Him. Whether you're new to church, wrestling with faith, or walking with Jesus for years, this sermon will compel you to ask a simple but life-defining question: Am I truly surrendered? Or am I just neutral? Watch now and experience the call to take Jesus at His word, to let go of pride and control, and to live fully anchored, protected, filled, and empowered by the one true King. The stronger man is not just strong enough to break your chains—He is strong enough to carry you every day after that. Will you let Him?

In a world obsessed with appearances, James confronts the church with a bold command: Don't play favorites! In his sermon on James 2:1-13, Pastor Josiah explores how favoritism contradicts the very mercy that saved us. When we elevate the wealthy and ignore the poor—or vice versa—we forget that at the foot of the cross, all distinctions vanish. Jesus didn't rescue us because of status or success, but solely by his mercy. Therefore, Christians must reflect that mercy in how we see and treat others. This message is for everyone—rich or poor, polished or broken—because Jesus welcomes all who will come.

WE'RE OFF FOR A COUPLE WEEKS, SO TO TREAT YOUR CRAVINGS.. HERE'S A COLLECTION OF STUFF WE YAPPED ABOUT, VOLUME: 3

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this powerful message from Luke 11:1-13, Pastor Benjamin explores the revolutionary truth that God actually loves to be bothered by His children. When Jesus' disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray, His response reveals three foundational truths about our relationship with the Father that will transform how we approach prayer forever. Many believers struggle with prayer because they fundamentally misunderstand God's heart toward them. We often view Him as distant, annoyed by our constant needs, or too busy with global crises to care about our personal struggles. This sermon dismantles those misconceptions by examining Jesus' parable of the persistent friend and His teaching on the Lord's Prayer. Through relatable illustrations about parenting and childhood boldness, Pastor Benjamin demonstrates that God desires us to approach Him with the same audacious confidence that children show toward loving parents. The message unpacks three life-changing truths about God's character. First, God genuinely loves to be bothered by our prayers and requests. Unlike earthly relationships where we must earn access or worry about overstepping boundaries, our heavenly Father has purchased our access through Christ and invites bold, persistent prayer. Second, God wants to give us Himself through the Holy Spirit, not just fix our circumstances. While we often focus on getting God to solve our problems, He offers something far greater in His very presence and companionship through difficulty. Third, through Christ we are adopted sons and daughters, not slaves or employees trying to earn God's favor. Using the acronym PAUSE, this practical teaching walks through Jesus' model prayer in Luke 11, showing how to Praise His name, Acknowledge His reign, Understand your need and ask, Seek forgiveness and extend it, and Embrace your dependence on God. This isn't about formula prayers but about understanding our relationship as beloved children who can confidently approach their Father's throne of grace. Whether you're new to prayer or have struggled with feeling distant from God, this message will encourage you to approach Him with childlike boldness, knowing He delights in your requests and longs to give you the greatest gift of all - Himself. The sermon includes practical application and concludes with a powerful time of corporate prayer, demonstrating that prayer is both personal and communal in the life of believers.

Have you experienced the kind of spiritual rebirth that leads to real change? James 1:19–27 teaches that saving faith isn't passive—it's transformational. In this sermon, Pastor Josiah explores how the Word of God not only saves us but reshapes us. Through vivid illustrations and pastoral exhortation, you'll discover that “real religion” means more than just hearing Scripture—it means receiving it with humility, obeying it with integrity, and displaying it through a life of mercy, holiness, and self-control. The gospel doesn't just inform your life; it transforms it. Why does the life of a true Christian look so different from the world? Listen to this week's message and find out!

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this week's message at Flourishing Grace, Brett Turner, our Minister of Music and Prayer, shares a powerful and deeply personal sermon from Luke 10:38–42—the story of Mary and Martha. Rather than interpreting the text as a mere contrast between two personalities, Brett invites us to consider a more foundational question: are we choosing the good portion? In a culture that celebrates productivity and constant motion, this passage disrupts our assumptions by revealing a greater truth—there is only one thing that is necessary, and it cannot be taken away. Preaching between the parable of the Good Samaritan and the Lord's Prayer, Brett highlights the intentional placement of this short but rich story in Luke's Gospel. Mary's decision to sit at the feet of Jesus is not laziness or passivity, but a bold act of reception—a choice to receive her spiritual inheritance. Meanwhile, Martha, though serving Jesus directly, is burdened by anxiety and distracted by many good but lesser things. Through this contrast, the sermon points us to a life not defined by striving, but by sitting with Christ and receiving what He alone can give. Brett challenges the listener to consider how often we, like Martha, invite Jesus into our lives yet fail to welcome Him into our hearts. Even in ministry, service, parenting, and relationships, we can find ourselves empty and anxious when we work from our own limited resources rather than from the immeasurable riches of God's grace. Drawing on Ephesians 1–2, Brett reminds us that every believer in Christ has already been seated with Him in the heavenly places and granted a spiritual inheritance that changes everything. This inheritance—our “portion”—cannot be earned, bought, or lost. It must simply be received. As the sermon unfolds, Brett reflects on the deeper implications of inheritance language in Scripture and shares a vision for a life that flows from identity in Christ rather than striving for it. Whether we are in a season of burnout, bitterness, distraction, or doubt, the invitation is the same: come sit with Jesus. When we start there, our serving becomes joyful, our burdens become lighter, and our relationships become rooted in grace rather than resentment. This is not about doing more for God, but being with God—receiving, resting, and then walking in the good works He has prepared for us. Brett also explores Mary and Martha's later appearances in John 11 and 12, showing how both sisters grow in their relationship with Jesus. Martha boldly declares Jesus as the Christ even in grief, and Mary pours out costly perfume on His feet, embodying extravagant devotion. These moments illustrate what it looks like to live from our portion in Christ: drawing near in loss, pouring out in worship, and trusting Jesus with our reputation, our resources, and our very lives. The sermon closes with a heartfelt invitation to three kinds of people: those who are serving Jesus yet feel anxious and unseen; those who have drifted from intimacy with God and feel distant from their inheritance; and those for whom the idea of a spiritual inheritance is brand new. For all, the message is clear—Jesus is not asking us to prove our worth, fix our problems, or perform our way into His favor. He is offering Himself, the good portion, and inviting us to receive. This message is a call to stop striving and start sitting—to pause long enough to be with Jesus, to listen, to be filled, and to walk from a place of fullness rather than emptiness. If you've ever wondered if God sees you, if He cares, or if you'll ever feel whole again, this message is for you. It is not just a teaching; it's an invitation to transformation. The good portion is yours. Will you receive it?

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan... In this sermon from Luke 10:1–20, guest preacher Josh Gardner invites us into a deeper understanding of the mission Jesus gives his disciples—and to us. As Jesus sends out the seventy-two, He declares that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. This passage challenges us to consider where our hearts are focused and what kind of harvest we're truly living for. Are we chasing temporal, worldly goals, or are we attuned to the eternal harvest—the work God is doing to bring people from death to life through the good news of the kingdom? Josh begins by reflecting on how this passage has shaped his own calling and rhythms, including a personal practice of praying Luke 10:2 daily. That verse—“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest”—is more than a directive; it's a call to realign our hearts and cry out to God with desperation and dependence. Josh challenges us to think about what we're truly praying for in our lives. Are we asking God to raise up disciple-makers? Are we praying for boldness and readiness to go ourselves? Or are we preoccupied with lesser harvests—financial gain, social status, comfort, and control? Throughout the message, Josh explains that Jesus sends His disciples not with comfort or power, but as lambs among wolves. This isn't just poetic language—it's a sobering reminder that following Jesus means stepping into spiritual battle with nothing but trust in Him. We are not promised ease or success, but we are promised His presence and power. Josh encourages us to go humbly, depending not on our own strength or eloquence, but on the God who equips and goes with us. He points out that throughout Scripture, God uses unlikely, unqualified people to accomplish His purposes so that His power might be made known. This passage also teaches that we are not only to go, but to bring peace. As Jesus instructs the disciples to offer peace in the homes they enter, Josh reminds us that Christians should be marked by a peace that surpasses understanding—a peace that invites curiosity and opens doors for conversations about Jesus. He shares a personal story from high school where his boss, noticing his peace during a family health crisis, became more open to conversations about faith. These “people of peace” moments aren't accidents—they're evidence that God is already at work in hearts, inviting us to participate in what He is doing. In calling us to do what Jesus did—eat with others, meet needs, and proclaim the gospel—Josh reminds us that we don't go alone. We go with the Spirit and in the power of Jesus' name. But with this calling comes the reality of rejection. Jesus tells the disciples that those who reject their message are ultimately rejecting Him. Josh challenges us to consider how often fear of rejection prevents us from speaking the truth. He quotes magician and outspoken atheist Penn Jillette, who once said, “How much do you have to hate someone not to proselytize?” The stakes are eternal, and love compels us to speak even when it's uncomfortable. Finally, Josh points us to the joy of gospel-centered living. When the disciples return, rejoicing over the authority they exercised in Jesus' name, Jesus redirects their joy—not toward the miracles, but toward the reality that their names are written in heaven. Our greatest joy must be rooted in the gospel itself: we have been saved, redeemed, adopted, and given a place in the family of God. That truth sustains us when the results are slow, when conversations go nowhere, and when we feel unseen in our efforts.

Are you walking through a trial that feels too heavy to carry? How can we find joy when life falls apart? In “Fire Tested & Joy Filled,” Pastor Josiah walks through James 1:1–18 to show that the trials we face are not meaningless—they are God's tool to grow our faith and prepare us for eternity. With honesty, personal testimony, and biblical clarity, this sermon calls believers to endure trials with joy, seek God's wisdom without doubting, resist the tempting lies of the enemy, and trust in the unchanging goodness of God. Even in the hardest seasons, we are not alone—Christ endured the ultimate trial on our behalf and now walks with us through the fire.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this powerful message from our ongoing series in the Gospel of Luke, Pastor Benjer McVeigh leads us through one of the most familiar — and dangerously misunderstood — teachings of Jesus: the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37). But before we tune out with a “been there, heard that” mindset, Benjer challenges us to slow down, lean in, and let the Word do surgery on our souls. What if we've misunderstood this parable all along? What if the point isn't about identifying who our neighbor is — but realizing we are the neighbor God has sent? This message begins by confronting the deceptively small definition of “neighbor” held by the expert in the law, a man who — like many of us — sought to justify himself by asking Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” But Jesus doesn't answer with a list of who qualifies. Instead, He flips the lawyer's question on its head and tells a story where the most unlikely character — a Samaritan, despised by Jews in that time — becomes the model of true neighborly love. As Benjer unpacks the cultural and religious background of the text, he reveals that the priest and Levite in the story weren't merely callous — they were likely busy with temple duties, constrained by religious expectations. Yet their roles, deeply tied to the law, couldn't produce the compassion needed in the moment. It is the Samaritan — the outsider, the one least expected — who sees, stops, and sacrifices. He is moved by compassion, not convenience. He loves with open hands, at great risk and great cost to himself. And this, Jesus says, is what it means to be a neighbor. The message digs deeper, applying this radical vision of love to our daily lives. Who have we disqualified from being our neighbor? Who have we labeled in such a way that excuses us from loving them? Whether it's someone we disagree with politically, someone whose lifestyle we don't understand, or someone we believe “deserves” the consequences they're facing — we are reminded that the teaching of Jesus leaves no room for exclusion. We don't get to decide who deserves love. We simply get to extend it, because Jesus first loved us. And the message gets personal. Benjer shares how a group of teenagers at church camp, willing to sit under the Word of God with seriousness and humility, stirred his own heart. Their willingness to listen, respond, and be transformed by Scripture became the catalyst for this week's call: to slow down, stop crossing to the other side of the road, and live as the kind of neighbor Jesus modeled. By the end, the parable turns into a mirror. It's not just a story about someone else. It's a story about us. And if we take it seriously — if we dare to pray the dangerous prayer, “God, who are you calling me to be a neighbor to today?” — we might discover that Jesus has already answered. He calls us not to love from a distance or with conditions, but to love incarnationally. To see, to stop, to bind up wounds, to take risks, to pay costs, to walk with the hurting until they heal. This is the call to become a people — and a church — marked by the extravagant compassion of Jesus. A church where no label can override the title “neighbor.” A church that reflects the Good Samaritan who saw us lying in the road, broken and far from hope — and didn't pass by. Instead, He stopped. He loved. And He gave everything.

What do you do when your life is falling apart, and you've run out of options—can God still meet you there? Is there any hope for those who have failed God repeatedly?In this final message from our “The Search For A King” series, Pastor Josiah explores the theme of “IF”—those pivotal moments in life that center on trust, obedience, and the faithfulness of God. As Israel stands at a national crossroads, having demanded a king and rebelled against the Lord, Samuel confronts them with their sin, warns them of its consequences, and yet offers them hope rooted in God's steadfast mercy. IF we reject God, we face ruin; but IF we return to Him, He is faithful to forgive us and redeem us from the pit. Through a gospel-centered lens, this sermon shows how our repeated failures can never outmatch God's covenantal grace. Jesus, the true and better King, succeeds where Saul—and all of us—fail. And in Him, we hear the everlasting assurance for every believer: “God's got you!”

In today's episode we're talking to mama, Monica Smith. Monica and her husband Matt welcomed their son Rocky into the world 7 months ago (at the original time of recording), and they're such a beautiful family. Both chiropractors, Monica and Matt are used to environments that support home birth and back it up with the philosophy of trusting the body and its amazing ability to heal. Monica is a well of knowledge. She's also incredibly insightful. Her perspectives on the body, women and birth are enough to get you pumped up and inspired to take on the world! We cover all kinds of topics like tiny house (she and Matt lived in a 275 sq. ft. home for a period of time!) and simplified living, which has transferred over into their parenting styles. We explore what happens when your birth vision does not match up with the actual experience (and how that can be a great thing). Monica also went 42 weeks and 6 days into her pregnancy! Holy mama, right?! Not to mention, she ties in the value of chiropractic care for pregnancy and preparing for home birth (we utilized chiropractic care in our pregnancy and highly recommend it). Monica embodies pregnant intuition - listening to your body, and then using that to influence other areas of your life. And can birth actually be a mirror for who you are in your life? Find out in our interview! Links From The Episode: ⁠Monica's Chiropractic Practice: Rev Optimal Living⁠ ⁠Birth Wellness Center⁠ ⁠Birthing From Within⁠ ⁠ The book "Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful: Experience The Natural Power Of Pregnancy and Birth with Kundalini Yoga and Meditation"⁠ Offers From Our Awesome Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your order More From Doing It At Home: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/doingitathome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today:NBC10 commentator Sue O'Connell and former public safety secretary Andrea Cabral discuss the Karen Read trial, and her acquittal.And, a Juneteenth panel with Boston's first black mayor, Kim Janey, educator and lawyer Ted Landsmark, and Michael Curry of the NAACP and Mass League of Community Health Centers.