Podcasts about Bountiful

What role does baptism play in the life of a new believer and what does it signify? How many times does someone have to be baptized? Are we required to be baptized before we can partake in the Lord's Supper? In his sermon, “United In Death, United In Life: Baptism As the Sign of Union With Christ” centered on Romans 6:1-5, Pastor Alex Trotter answers these questions and more as he shows how baptism is one of the two ordinances of the church, and he explains how believer's baptism is one of the first commandments required of every new follower of Christ.

Pastor Geoff Alfassa preaches on Psalm 112.

Worship with us at 9am + 11am 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010 https://flourishinggrace.org/plan-you... In this Sunday message, guest speaker Dave Nelson opens Exodus 3:1-12 to explore one of the most significant questions a person can face: what does it mean when God calls you? Drawing from the account of Moses and the burning bush, Dave traces the nature of God's calling with biblical depth and personal honesty, sharing stories from his own journey of faith that span nearly four decades of pastoral ministry. Dave begins with his own conversion at eleven years old, sitting in a Methodist church in a small Michigan town. He had not come expecting anything unusual, but God showed up. Something pulled at his heart with a force he could not explain, and despite his embarrassment, he made his way to the altar and gave his life to Christ. That moment anchors the entire sermon: you did not choose God. He chose you. The calling is never something we manufacture or manipulate. It comes from Him, in His timing, often when we least expect it. The first truth Dave draws from Moses' story is that God's call comes out of the blue. Moses was not on a spiritual retreat or seeking a divine encounter. He was tending flocks in the wilderness on an ordinary day. The disciples were fishing. Matthew was sitting at his tax booth. Paul was walking to Damascus to persecute Christians. God interrupted every one of them in the middle of the routine. Dave adds his own story of being called a second time at nineteen, sitting on a city lawnmower, when God's voice redirected a life heading in the wrong direction. God will meet you wherever you are. The second truth is that God's call is personal. From the burning bush, God did not issue a general announcement. He said, "Moses, Moses." He called him by name because He knew him. Scripture teaches that God knit each of us together in the womb, ordained our days, and designed us with specific gifts, personalities, and purposes. From Abraham to Paul to Peter, the pattern repeats throughout scripture. God meets individuals where they are, calls them by name, and reveals the life they were created to live. That same personal call belongs to every person alive today. Third, Dave draws a distinction that cuts to the heart of Christian living: God's call is an invitation to join Him in what He is already doing, not a commission to do things for Him. God told Moses He had come down to rescue the Israelites, and then He sent Moses to go. Both are true. God is always working, and He invites us to participate. When we stop striving in our own strength and start following Him into what He is doing, the pressure lifts and the burden becomes light. Jesus modeled this perfectly: "I do nothing on my own, but whatever the Father shows me, I do." Fourth, God's call is gracious. Moses was a murderer in exile. Gideon was the least member of the weakest clan in Israel. Paul called himself the worst of sinners. And yet God called every one of them with confidence and purpose. If you have ever believed that your past or your inadequacies disqualify you from God's purposes, this message speaks directly to that lie. God consistently calls the broken and the weak because His strength is made perfect in human weakness. Nothing you have done places you beyond the reach of His redemption. Finally, God's call is always a call to Himself. When Moses asked who he was to stand before Pharaoh, God did not answer the question. He said simply, "I will be with you." That is the only answer that matters. Jesus defined eternal life as knowing the one true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent. He calls us not merely to a task but to a relationship, to the intimate, daily experience of walking with Him. There is nothing like knowing Jesus this way, and it is available to every person in every circumstance.

As we continue in our new series on the Foundations of the Church, Pastor Josiah built on what we looked at last week, as he examined the supernatural change that comes from the proclamation of God's word. No matter who you are or where you've come from, we all must be born again in order to be part of God's family and gain access into his Kingdom. In his exposition of John 3:1-21, Pastor Josiah showed us how Christ's church is made up of sinful people who have been born from above and are being made new by the power of the Holy Spirit!

Worship with us 9 + 11 AM 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010. For more information or to get connected, please visit: www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit. What is the story of Exodus really about? Is it simply a story about Moses, the plagues, and the parting of the Red Sea, or is there something much deeper taking place? In this opening message of our Exodus series, we discover that the book of Exodus is ultimately not a story about human heroes. It is the story of a faithful God who draws near to rescue His people and claim them as His own. Throughout Scripture, God consistently reveals Himself as a God who takes the initiative. He is the one who pursues, rescues, and restores. The story of Exodus begins by introducing us to this central truth. God draws near to Israel to rescue them and claim them as His own. This theme not only shapes the entire book of Exodus but also reveals the heart of the gospel and the story of the entire Bible. In this sermon, we trace the origins of God's covenant people through the promises made to Abraham. God called Abraham out of his homeland and promised to make him into a great nation through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed. Despite impossible circumstances, waiting, uncertainty, and generations of challenges, God remained faithful to His promises. Even when His people could not see what He was doing, God was working behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes. The message then takes us into the opening chapters of Exodus where we encounter a heartbreaking reality. The descendants of Abraham have multiplied just as God promised, but they are now living under oppression and slavery in Egypt. A new Pharaoh rises to power and begins to fear the growing population of Israel. What follows is one of the darkest moments in Israel's history as God's people suffer under brutal oppression and experience unimaginable loss and suffering. As we examine these difficult chapters, we are confronted with an important question. What happens when God's promises seem impossible to reconcile with our circumstances? Many believers have experienced seasons where they know God is faithful, yet life feels overwhelming, painful, or confusing. Exodus reminds us that God is still working even when we cannot yet see the rescue He is preparing. This message also introduces us to Moses, one of the most significant figures in Scripture. Born into impossible circumstances and rescued from death as an infant, Moses grows up with a complicated identity. He is born Hebrew but raised in the household of Pharaoh. He belongs to both worlds and yet feels at home in neither. His struggle with identity becomes a powerful reminder that lasting identity can never be found in status, success, background, accomplishments, or earthly labels. As Moses attempts to take matters into his own hands, he discovers the limits of human strength and self reliance. His efforts to bring justice through his own power lead to failure, isolation, and exile. Yet even in Moses' mistakes, God is preparing him for a greater purpose. The story reminds us that God's plans are not dependent upon our perfection. God often works through flawed, broken, and unlikely people to accomplish His purposes. One of the most encouraging moments in this message comes as we see Moses wrestling with God's calling. When God invites Moses into His rescue plan, Moses immediately focuses on his weaknesses, failures, and limitations. His response is one many of us can relate to. “Who am I?” Yet the story of Exodus continually points away from human ability and back toward God's faithfulness. The focus is never on what Moses can accomplish. The focus is on what God will do.

A longtime soccer correspondent tells us he's ready to cover this year's big tournament — but worrying that a never-ending list of FIFA controversies might just drain the World Cup of its magic.The organization that represents Inuit in Canada launches a new poverty-reduction strategy — and calls on Ottawa to scrap a federal food-subsidy program our guest says simply isn't working. The long delayed Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan may finally be set to open — even as the U-S President keeps throwing up road blocks.Elections Alberta says finding enough staff to work this fall's referendum is a huge undertaking. We'll talk to the woman in charge of organizing the manual counting of up to 45 million ballots. At an exhibition of terrible album art in England, you can see aesthetic disasters that might change your feelings about particular musicians — and perhaps even all human life. Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan is not pleased to be facing a challenge from a new rival whose name is Dan Sullivan — and wants to boot his namesake for his name's sake.As It Happens, the Tuesday Edition. Radio that wonders if we're seeing the Dan of a new era.

This week, Pastor Josiah kicked off our new series “Foundations of the Church” with a sermon entitled, “A Firm Foundation,” centered on 2 Timothy 4:1-8. In his message, Pastor Josiah shares how a faithful church is built on the Word of God, guarded by his Word, and sent out with his Word to reach the nations with the hope of the Gospel. The only way for a church to persevere until Christ's return is to be built on the firm foundation of God's word.

What if the strength you are looking for is found in surrender rather than self reliance? In this powerful message from Romans 8, we conclude our Ordinary Time series by exploring one of the most challenging truths of the Christian life. God calls His people to dependence, not independence. While our culture celebrates self sufficiency, achievement, and personal strength, Scripture points us toward a different path. The Holy Spirit grows our dependence on God and reveals His power in our weakness. Drawing from Romans 8:26–27, this sermon examines how the Holy Spirit helps believers in seasons when life feels overwhelming, uncertain, and beyond their control. Paul acknowledges a reality that every follower of Jesus experiences. We are weak. We do not always know what to pray. We do not always know what to do next. Yet in those moments, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. This message continues the theme of Ordinary Time by addressing the everyday realities of following Jesus. While many people remember major milestones, spiritual breakthroughs, and defining moments of faith, most of life is lived in ordinary days. Monday follows Sunday. Responsibilities remain. Challenges persist. Questions linger. The Christian life is not primarily built on extraordinary moments but on daily dependence upon God through the Holy Spirit. One of the central themes of this sermon is the tension between independence and dependence. From an early age, many of us are taught to value independence. We want financial independence, personal success, and the ability to solve our own problems. Yet when that mindset shapes our relationship with God, it can create distance between us and the One who is our true source of life. Scripture reminds us that we were created to live in dependence upon God, not apart from Him. This teaching also explores Jesus' invitation to abide in Him. In John 15, Jesus describes Himself as the vine and His followers as the branches. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Abiding is not merely a spiritual discipline. It is a posture of dependence. It is learning to remain connected to Christ as the source of our strength, wisdom, peace, and purpose. Through simple acts of prayer, Scripture reading, surrender, and trust, believers learn what it means to live daily in the presence of God. Another powerful section of this sermon focuses on weakness. In a culture that rewards strength and celebrates achievement, weakness often feels like something to hide. Yet the Apostle Paul teaches that God's power is made perfect in weakness. Through personal limitations, suffering, unanswered prayers, anxiety, grief, physical struggles, and difficult circumstances, God often reveals His strength most clearly. Rather than being obstacles to faith, our weaknesses become opportunities for the power of Christ to rest upon us. The message also highlights the importance of surrender. Using Jesus' teaching about a seed falling into the ground and dying, we are reminded that spiritual fruitfulness often comes through letting go. Following Jesus means entrusting our lives, dreams, careers, relationships, resources, and futures to God. It means choosing His purposes over our own and believing that His plans are greater than anything we could accomplish on our own. Throughout this sermon, listeners are encouraged to examine what they may be holding onto too tightly. What areas of life are being controlled by fear, self reliance, or the pursuit of independence? What would it look like to surrender those things to God and trust Him completely? These questions challenge believers to move beyond simply believing in God and into a deeper dependence upon Him.

James tells us that “Faith without works is dead,” and in the conclusion of Paul's letter to Titus we see that God's people must devote themselves to fruitful good works that meet real needs and serve the gospel mission. In his sermon, “Grace In Action” Pastor Josiah shows us how the church is not simply an organization of useful workers, but a family of grace. Christian good works flow from the grace that we've received from Christ and move us toward his love. It is the grace and love that we have for Christ first and foremost and then for each other that binds us together and builds us up for the work that God has prepared for us to while we await his glorious return.

This episode is part 36 in a series going through the story of the Book of Mormon.This episode covers chapters 11 of the book of 3 Nephi. The surviving righteous people gather outside a temple in the land Bountiful and recollect their recent experiences. Suddenly, a voice from heaven says something twice but they don't understand it. The third time a voice says something that sounds like God the Father at Jesus' baptism. Then, Jesus in a white garment descends from the sky and lands among the people.Jesus tells the people who he is and invites them to feel the wounds in his resurrected body. Then, he teaches them the correct form of baptism so that there would be no disputations among his followers. Let's see what the Jesus of the Book of Mormon says that sounds similar to verses in the New Testament and what sounds like intentional edits.Sources cited:"Appendix 3: 'Articles of the Church of Christ,' June 1829," The Joseph Smith Papers.Further research:Book of Mormon in videoJoseph Smith: The Prophet of the RestorationThe Book of Mormon online: 3 Nephi [chapter 11]Have questions for Truthspresso? Contact us!

Worship with us 9 + 11 AM 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010. For more information or to get connected, please visit: www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit. What does it actually look like to follow Jesus in everyday life? Not just during the big spiritual moments, but in the ordinary rhythms of work, family, uncertainty, relationships, and daily routines. In this powerful message from John 14 and Romans 8, we begin the Ordinary Time series by exploring one of the most important and often misunderstood realities of the Christian life. The Holy Spirit grows our intimacy with God. As Jesus prepares His disciples for His death, resurrection, and ascension, He tells them something shocking. It is actually better for them that He goes away because the Holy Spirit will come. For the disciples, this would have been difficult to understand. They had walked with Jesus face to face. They had watched Him teach, heal, perform miracles, and transform lives. Yet Jesus promises that the Helper, the Holy Spirit, will now dwell within His followers and continue His work in them. This sermon unpacks what it means to live with the Holy Spirit in the ordinary seasons of life. From graduations to career changes to moments of uncertainty, life often moves from anticipation into reality very quickly. We all experience moments where we realize, “This is my life now.” The question becomes, how do we continue following Jesus faithfully in those ordinary moments? One of the central themes of this message is intimacy with God. Many believers are comfortable seeing God as authority, leader, or boss, but struggle to experience Him as Father. Through the work of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit, believers are adopted into the family of God as sons and daughters. Romans 8 reminds us that we have not received a spirit of fear or slavery, but the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.” This sermon also addresses several common misunderstandings about the Holy Spirit. Following the Holy Spirit is not reserved for elite Christians or spiritual experts. There is no secret formula, advanced level, or hidden knowledge required. Every believer receives the Holy Spirit at salvation, and the Holy Spirit works in every follower of Jesus to increase intimacy with God, illuminate Scripture, and shape us into the image of Christ. Throughout this teaching, we are reminded that the Christian life is not sustained through human effort alone. The fruit of the Spirit is not the result of self improvement, achievement, or performance. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control are produced through the Holy Spirit working within us. God has a vision for our lives, and through the Spirit He lovingly shapes us as His children. This message also offers hope for those carrying wounds, especially wounds connected to fathers, authority, shame, or fear. Many people struggle to trust God because of painful experiences in earthly relationships. Yet through the Holy Spirit, God patiently teaches His people what it means to truly know Him as a loving Father whose acceptance and love are secure through Jesus Christ. If you have ever felt distant from God, unsure how to grow spiritually, confused about the Holy Spirit, or exhausted from trying to earn God's approval, this sermon will encourage you. It points back to the truth that intimacy with God is not something we achieve. It is something God grows in us through His Spirit. Join us as we begin the Ordinary Time series and discover how the Holy Spirit helps us follow Jesus faithfully in the everyday moments of life.

How should we handle disputes in the church? How do we properly respond to people in the church who are arguing with one another over secondary issues? In his sermon, “Divide to Unify” centered on Titus 3:9-11, Pastor Alex shares how sometimes the church needs to divide over certain areas in order to unify around the gospel. Listen to this week's message to see why Biblical unity is not the absence of conflict, but shared submission to Christ.

Worship with us 9 + 11 AM 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010. For more information or to get connected, please visit: www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit What is your life proclaiming? Whether we realize it or not, every life points to something. Our priorities, passions, decisions, and responses all communicate what we believe is most important. In this final message of the Why Church series, we explore 1 Peter 2:9–10 and discover one of God's greatest purposes for His church. We are called to proclaim the excellencies of Jesus Christ, the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. This powerful sermon walks through the identity of God's people and reminds believers who they truly are in Christ. Peter writes to Christians facing suffering, persecution, uncertainty, and displacement. Many had lost homes, relationships, careers, and security because of their faith in Jesus. Into that pain and instability, Peter speaks truth about their identity. They are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people belonging to God. This message reminds us that our identity is not rooted in our performance, success, background, or achievements. Followers of Jesus are chosen because of God's faithfulness and grace, not because they earned His love. In a world where identity constantly shifts and people search for belonging, this sermon points us back to the unchanging truth of who we are in Christ. Throughout this teaching, we see that the church is not a building or an event. The church is a people united by Jesus. No matter our background, nationality, culture, or story, believers share a new heritage and citizenship through Christ. This sermon beautifully highlights the reality that followers of Jesus belong to a greater kingdom and a greater family than anything the world can offer. One of the central themes of this sermon is understanding what it means to proclaim the excellencies of God. Proclaiming the gospel is more than simply talking about Jesus occasionally. It is living a life transformed by Him. A life radically changed by Jesus naturally points back to the One who changed it. Through our words, our actions, our relationships, our worship, and our perseverance in suffering, we testify to the goodness and grace of God. This message also provides a vivid picture of salvation through the gospel. Just as trapped people in darkness cannot rescue themselves, humanity cannot save itself from sin. Jesus came to rescue us completely. He carried us out of darkness and brought us into His marvelous light through His death and resurrection. Salvation is not something we achieve on our own. It is entirely the work of God's grace. As this sermon unfolds, we are challenged to examine our own lives. What are we proclaiming through the way we live? Are our lives pointing to comfort, success, politics, approval, or ourselves? Or are they pointing to Jesus and the transforming power of the gospel? You will also hear a compelling encouragement to remain faithful in suffering. Peter's audience faced hostility for following Jesus, yet they continued proclaiming Him with hope and joy. This message reminds believers that even in hardship, disappointment, grief, or uncertainty, God still has purpose for His people. The church exists to proclaim who Jesus is and what He has done. This sermon also celebrates the beauty of worship and community. God's people gather together not out of obligation or performance, but because praise overflows from hearts changed by grace. As we remember the darkness Jesus rescued us from, worship becomes a joyful response to His mercy and love. If you are struggling with identity, carrying suffering, wrestling with sin, or searching for purpose, this message will encourage you to look to Jesus. He is faithful. He rescues. He restores. And He calls His people to proclaim His goodness to the world.

In his sermon, “The Mercy That Makes Us Useful” centered on Titus 3:1-8, Pastor Josiah shared how we as believers should live in light of God's incredible mercy. Since God has saved us by his mercy, believers must devote themselves to good works before all people so that God can use us to advance the gospel and bring him glory!

Welcome to the grand finale of Season 9 (2025-2026) of the Nichel Anderson Short Stories And Beyond podcast!

As the economy faulters, socialists are getting elected, promising free goods and services and an end to the chaos. Even when they make things worse, however, they will still gain political power.Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/socialists-are-reaping-bountiful-political-harvest-while-they-create-havoc

As the economy faulters, socialists are getting elected, promising free goods and services and an end to the chaos. Even when they make things worse, however, they will still gain political power.Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/socialists-are-reaping-bountiful-political-harvest-while-they-create-havoc

Worship with us 9 + 11 AM 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010. For more information or to get connected, please visit: www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit What was Jesus' vision for His church and why does biblical community matter so much? In this powerful message from Ephesians 4, we continue the Why Church series by exploring one of the most important and challenging callings for followers of Jesus. Unity in the body of Christ. In a world shaped by division, isolation, and individualism, this sermon reminds us that Jesus did not design His people to follow Him alone. He calls us into deep spiritual community centered on Him. This teaching begins with a profound question. Is the version of Christianity we are living closer to Jesus' vision for His church or closer to a private and isolated faith shaped by culture? Drawing from Jesus' prayer in John 17 and Paul's words in Ephesians 4, this sermon reveals that God's desire is not simply individual spirituality but a people united together in Christ. Throughout this message, we see that unity is not something we create through personality, preferences, or agreement on every issue. True biblical unity is rooted in Jesus Himself. There is one body, one Spirit, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father over all. This changes how we see one another and how we live together as the church. This sermon also addresses the tension many believers feel when they hear about unity. It can seem impossible. People are different. Relationships are difficult. Pride, fear, selfishness, and hurt often stand in the way. Yet Paul reminds us that the Christian life is impossible apart from the power of God. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is at work in His people, making possible what feels impossible to us. As the message unfolds, we are challenged to examine our posture toward others. Are we living with humility, gentleness, patience, and love? Are we eager to maintain unity or are we allowing culture to shape the way we relate to people? This teaching honestly confronts the reality that many Christians have unknowingly embraced an individualistic faith that stands in contrast to the vision Jesus prayed for. One of the central themes of this sermon is that the church is not meant to be a performance or a weekly event. It is a people being formed together into the likeness of Christ. God uses community, prayer, worship, communion, Scripture, and shared burdens to shape His people. Spiritual growth was never intended to happen in isolation. This message also provides practical encouragement for how believers can move toward deeper community. Read Scripture together. Pray with others. Invite people into your life. Move toward relationships instead of withdrawing from them. As believers gather together around Jesus, the church becomes a powerful witness to the world of God's love, grace, and reconciliation. You will also hear powerful reminders about identity in Christ. Followers of Jesus are chosen, redeemed, forgiven, adopted, and filled with grace. Before any role, career, title, or achievement, believers are sons and daughters of the Most High God. This truth reshapes how we live, work, love, and serve. If you have ever felt disconnected, isolated, frustrated with church, or unsure of where you belong, this sermon will encourage you to rediscover God's design for His people. Jesus is not building isolated individuals. He is building a united family that reflects His love to the world. Join us as we continue the Why Church series and discover the beauty, challenge, and hope of unity in the body of Christ.

What is the difference between passively waiting for Christ's return and actively waiting for his second coming? In his sermon centered on Titus 2:11-15, Pastor Josiah outlines the key elements in waiting well for Christ's return.

Being Salt and Light in a World That Resists Jesus _ Benjer McVeigh _ May 3rd, 2026 [Spifxu0sJF4] by Flourishing Grace Church

What does God ask of us as believers? How should we act as members of the church? In this week's message we get a snapshot or a small window into what it looks like to be a member of God's family. In his sermon, “Rules for Living in God's House,” centered on Titus 2:1-10, Pastor Alex unpacks Paul's specific instructions to the church and shows us the effects these rules have not only on believers, but on the unbelieving world around us as we seek to understand who God is and what his word demands of us as members of God's household.

Worship with us 9 + 11 AM 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010. For more information or to get connected, please visit: www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit Why does the church exist and what is its purpose in our lives today? In this opening message of the Why Church series, we explore Matthew 4:18–22 and uncover the heart behind Jesus' call to His first disciples. This sermon challenges us to rethink what the church truly is and why it matters, not just as a place we attend, but as a people called into a shared mission. As Jesus walks along the Sea of Galilee, He calls ordinary fishermen to follow Him. With just a few words, everything changes. They leave behind their nets, their livelihoods, and their plans to step into something far greater. This moment is not just a historical event. It is a picture of what it means to follow Jesus today. His call is not simply to believe something, improve our lives, or participate in a religious routine. His call is to Himself. In this sermon, we unpack three powerful phrases from Jesus' invitation. First, follow me. This is a call into relationship, not performance. Jesus does not ask for credentials or perfection. He calls people as they are and invites them to walk with Him. This reminds us that the foundation of the church is not built on what we do for God, but on being with Jesus. Second, I will make you. This is a promise of transformation. In a world that constantly tells us we must earn acceptance through achievement, success, or self improvement, Jesus offers something radically different. He takes responsibility for our growth and change. Transformation is not something we manufacture. It is something we receive as we surrender to Him. This is the heart of the gospel. Third, fishers of people. This is a call to purpose. Jesus does not separate following Him from living on mission. He gives His followers a new identity and a shared calling to invite others into relationship with Him. This is not a task reserved for a few. It is a defining part of what it means to be the church. As we follow Jesus, we help others encounter Him as well. This message also clarifies what the church is and what it is not. The church is not a building, a program, or a weekly event. It is the community of people who have surrendered their lives to Jesus across all time. When we understand this, everything changes. Church is no longer something we attend. It is who we are. Throughout this sermon, we are reminded that God's mission is to draw people to Himself, and He has chosen to work through His people to accomplish that purpose. This includes both our individual lives and our life together as a church family. Whether it is through everyday relationships, serving others, or creating opportunities for people to encounter Jesus, we are invited to participate in what God is already doing. If you have ever wondered why church matters, struggled with feeling disconnected, or questioned your purpose as a follower of Jesus, this message will challenge and encourage you. It calls us to move beyond passive faith and step into a life of intentional discipleship and mission. Join us as we begin this series and rediscover what it means to follow Jesus, be transformed by Him, and live on mission together as His church.

In his letter to Titus, Paul addresses one of the most important job that elders in the church are called to perform – guarding the flock! In his message centered on Titus 1: 10-16, Pastor Alex shares information about dangerous false teachers and the effect they have on the church. How should we respond to false teaching? How do elders protect the church from false doctrine? Tune into this week's message to find out!

April 27th, 2026

What would make someone not a Buddhist?? Life is fleeting, unsatisfying, & essentially empty, and are we into, and ready to reckon with that? Or so the argument goes. Is the road to joy beyond our wildest beliefs paved with cynical expressions? Why can't Buddhism say something nice? Is this the answer to every question anyone has about Buddhism and every issue we have in life?? Find out here!

Worship with us 9 + 11 AM 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010. For more information or to get connected, please visit: www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit What does it really mean to follow Jesus with your life, not just in belief but in action? In this powerful message from Luke 24, we explore Jesus' final words to His disciples and what they mean for us today. At the end of the Gospel of Luke, after His death and resurrection, Jesus makes a clear and life shaping statement: “You are witnesses of these things.” This is not simply a command or a task to add to our already busy lives. It is an identity. It is who we are as followers of Christ. This sermon walks through the reality that being a witness is not about having all the right answers or mastering a script. A witness is simply someone who has experienced something and tells others about it. If Jesus has changed your life, then your story matters. From the suffering and sacrifice of Christ to His resurrection and the forgiveness He offers through repentance, the message of the gospel is both deeply personal and eternally significant. The call is not to perfection, but to authenticity, humility, and courage. We also address common challenges that many believers face when it comes to sharing their faith. Sometimes we focus only on the content and forget to share our personal experience. Other times we share our story but leave out the truth of the gospel itself. And in some cases, our lives do not reflect the message we are trying to communicate. This message brings clarity and encouragement, reminding us that God is not asking for performance, but for faithful presence and honesty about what He has done in our lives. A key focus of this sermon is the role of the Holy Spirit. Jesus did not leave His followers to figure this out on their own. He promised power from on high, reminding us that it is God who draws people to Himself. Our responsibility is not to control outcomes, but to trust, pray, and step into the opportunities God provides. Through real life stories and practical encouragement, this message shows how God works through ordinary people in everyday moments. You will be challenged to consider who God has placed in your life and how you can begin praying for them. Whether it is a neighbor, coworker, friend, or family member, God is already at work. As you pray for opportunities, trust the Holy Spirit, and remain faithful over time, you may be surprised at how God uses your story to impact others. As we close out the Gospel of Luke, this message invites you to reflect on your own journey with Jesus. Have you experienced His forgiveness, His grace, and His transforming power? If so, you already have a story worth sharing. And if you are still exploring faith, Jesus invites you to come and see, just as He did with His first followers. Join us as we discover what it means to live as witnesses of Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of a life that has truly been changed.

How should a church function? Should it be run like a business or more like a community co-op? What is an Elder and why is the role important in church leadership? In his exposition of Titus 1:5-9, Pastor Alex shows us how Christ has established order for the church through the appointment of biblically qualified elders who help lead and shepherd the flock. Tune into this week's message and find out why elders serve as a necessary and precious gift to Christ's church.

Worship with us 9 + 11 AM 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010. For more information or to get connected, please visit: www.flourishinggrace.org. How can we hear God's voice in a world filled with noise, distraction, and doubt? In this powerful sermon from Luke 24:13–35, we walk alongside two discouraged followers of Jesus on the road to Emmaus and discover a profound truth that still speaks to us today. God is not distant or silent. He is near, He is present, and He is actively speaking. The question is not whether God is speaking, but whether we are listening. This message explores the moment after the resurrection when two disciples are overwhelmed with confusion, grief, and unmet expectations. They had hoped Jesus would redeem Israel, but instead they witnessed His crucifixion. Now, walking away from Jerusalem, they believe the story is over. What they do not realize is that Jesus Himself is walking right beside them. This passage reveals a powerful reality about our own lives. Even when we feel distant from God, He has not moved away from us. Through this teaching, we see that Jesus draws near to us in our disappointment, doubt, and discouragement. Our circumstances do not determine God's presence. Whether we are celebrating victories or struggling through pain, Jesus meets us right where we are. He listens, He engages, and He patiently leads us back to truth. This is a message of hope for anyone who feels like God is silent or absent in their life. One of the central themes of this sermon is understanding how God speaks. Not through dramatic or sensational moments alone, but through a steady, relational connection. God speaks through His Word, through His presence, and through His people. As Jesus walks with the disciples, He opens the Scriptures and shows how all of it points to Him. This reminds us that the Bible is not just information to study, but truth meant to transform our hearts and help us recognize the voice of God. We also see the importance of community in hearing God clearly. It is in conversation, shared meals, and relationships that clarity begins to form. When the disciples sit down together and break bread, their eyes are finally opened. In that moment, they recognize Jesus. This shows us that spiritual growth is not meant to happen in isolation. God often speaks most clearly when we are walking with others in faith. This sermon also challenges us to respond. Just like the disciples invited Jesus to stay with them, we are called to continually invite God into every part of our lives. Hearing from God is not about a one-time experience. It is about an ongoing relationship. It requires openness, humility, and a willingness to listen. If you have ever felt disconnected from God, unsure of His voice, or questioning His presence, this message is for you. It will encourage you to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the ways God is already speaking in your life. From Scripture to community to quiet moments of reflection, God is constantly drawing near. Join us as we unpack Luke 24 and learn how to recognize Jesus in our everyday lives. God is speaking. Let's learn how to listen.

This Sunday we began a new series through Paul's letter to Titus. As we examined the introduction of Paul's letter together, Pastor Josiah challenged us to anchor our faith in the unfailing promises of God.

We are shifting the focus away from celebrity chefs and big-city restaurants as we highlight the untold food stories in rural and small-town America.Hear from cookbook author and the host of "America the Bountiful" Capri Cafaro.She'll discuss her travels through America's backroads while exploring the nation's diverse cultures, all while using food as a guide.Guest:Capri Cafaro, creator/host/executive producer, America The BountifulSupport WOSU 89.7 NPR News during our spring membership drive and you can receive a copy of "America the Bountiful: A Recipe Journey" as a thank you gift. Give now at https://www.wosu.org/pledge.

We are shifting the focus away from celebrity chefs and big-city restaurants as we highlight the untold food stories in rural and small-town America.Hear from cookbook author and the host of "America the Bountiful" Capri Cafaro.She'll discuss her travels through America's backroads while exploring the nation's diverse cultures, all while using food as a guide.Guest:Capri Cafaro, creator/host/executive producer, America The BountifulSupport WOSU 89.7 NPR News during our spring membership drive and you can receive a copy of "America the Bountiful: A Recipe Journey" as a thank you gift. Give now at https://www.wosu.org/pledge.

Worship with us 9 + 11 AM 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010. For more information or to get connected, please visit: www.flourishinggrace.org. Welcome to this Easter message from Flourishing Grace. In this powerful and honest sermon, we walk through Luke 24:1–12 and explore the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ through the lens of doubt, questions, and faith. This message is for anyone who has ever wrestled with uncertainty, struggled to believe, or wondered if the story of Jesus is truly real. On the first Easter morning, no one expected the resurrection. The women who went to the tomb were not anticipating a miracle. The apostles did not believe the initial reports. Even Peter, after seeing the empty tomb, walked away still trying to make sense of it all. These moments remind us that doubt is not something to be ashamed of. In fact, doubt can be a meaningful part of the journey toward truth when it leads us to ask honest questions and seek real answers. In this sermon, we explore three snapshots of people encountering the empty tomb. The women arrive perplexed, unsure of what has happened. The apostles dismiss the news as unbelievable, struggling to trust what they have heard. Peter begins to move toward belief, yet hesitates to fully respond. Each of these responses reflects something deeply human and relatable in all of us. This Easter message challenges us to consider where we are in our own journey. Are we relying on our own understanding rather than trusting in God's power. Are we surrounding ourselves with community but resisting the truth of God's Word. Are we beginning to believe but holding back from taking action. These questions invite us to examine not only what we believe, but how we respond to what we believe. At the center of this message is one defining truth. Either Jesus is alive or He is not. The resurrection is not simply a symbolic idea or a hopeful story. It is a claim that changes everything. If Jesus truly rose from the dead, then it reshapes our understanding of life, purpose, forgiveness, and hope. It calls us to move beyond passive belief and into a life that is transformed by faith. This sermon also reminds us that faith is not about having everything figured out. It is about following the evidence, engaging with the truth, and allowing God to meet us in our questions. The people in Luke 24 did not begin with certainty, but they encountered the reality of the risen Christ and their lives were never the same. Whether you are new to church, exploring Christianity, or have been following Jesus for years, this message is an invitation to take your next step. Do not stay stuck in uncertainty. Pursue the truth. Ask the hard questions. And consider what it means if Jesus really is alive. If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need to hear it. Thank you for joining us this Easter as we celebrate the hope, truth, and life found in Jesus Christ.

This Easter Sunday message from Acts 2:42-47 asks a simple but important question: what happened after the resurrection? In Christ's Devoted Church, we look at how the risen Lord formed his people into a church that was rooted in truth, shaped by love, filled with joyful worship, and marked by prayerful dependence. This sermon is not only about the habits of the early church. It is about the power of Christ to form a people who live together in a way that displays the beauty of the gospel. Today Jesus Christ calls us to be that kind of church for others.

On Good Friday, Pastor Alex Trotter preached a message centered on Zechariah 3:1-10 in which he outlined why as Christians we call the night that Christ was crucified good. Listen to his message "Heavenly Acquittal" to find out how that terrible night was turned into a very good night for all those put their faith in Christ.

Worship with us 9 + 11 am 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010. https://flourishinggrace.org/plan-you... What does it truly mean to remember Jesus and why does communion matter so deeply for the life of a believer? In this powerful sermon from Luke 22, we explore the meaning behind the Last Supper and discover how Jesus transforms the Passover meal into something far greater. This message walks through the moment Jesus shares bread and cup with His disciples and reveals the heart of the gospel through remembrance, sacrifice, and the promise of a new covenant. As Jesus gathers with His disciples, He is not reacting to events unfolding around Him. He is fully in control, intentionally moving toward the cross. Even in the presence of betrayal, opposition, and spiritual warfare, Jesus is orchestrating redemption. This passage reminds us that nothing about the cross was accidental. It was the plan from the beginning, and it was carried out for you and for me. In this teaching, we unpack the deep connection between the Old Testament Passover and the work of Christ. The Passover pointed back to God rescuing His people from slavery in Egypt. Jesus takes that same meal and redirects it to Himself, showing that He is the true and better fulfillment. The bread becomes a symbol of His body given for us. The cup becomes the sign of a new covenant, not based on our ability to remain faithful, but on His finished work on the cross. This sermon also highlights a powerful truth about spiritual memory. What we remember shapes who we are. When we forget what Jesus has done, we become anchored to fear, shame, and the lies of the world. But when we remember the gospel, we are grounded in our identity as forgiven, redeemed, and adopted children of God. Communion is not just a ritual. It is a weekly reminder of what is most true about us. Through a moving story and biblical teaching, this message challenges us to consider what we are anchoring our lives to. When everything else fades, when life becomes uncertain, and when the things we depend on fall away, what remains? The call is simple but profound. Remember and proclaim. Remember what Jesus has done. Proclaim it with your life. This is why the church gathers. This is why we take communion. Not out of routine, but out of deep need. We need to remember the sacrifice of Christ. We need to proclaim His death and resurrection until He returns. This message will encourage you to see communion with fresh eyes and to anchor your life in the unshakable truth of the gospel. If you are searching for meaning, struggling with doubt, or simply wanting to grow deeper in your faith, this sermon will point you back to the foundation that never fails. Jesus is enough. His sacrifice is sufficient. And His covenant is secure forever. Join us as we walk through Luke 22 and rediscover the beauty of remembering and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.

What are you worried about? What are you afraid of? In this week's sermon, Pastor Josiah shows us how Christ came in power and authority over our biggest fear and our greatest enemy through a message centered on Luke 8:22-56.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this message from Flourishing Grace, we walk through Luke 21 and hear the words of Jesus as He speaks about the end times, the destruction of the temple, and His promised return. As the disciples marvel at the beauty and strength of the temple, Jesus redirects their attention to something far greater, reminding them that even the most magnificent earthly structures will pass away. This passage can often raise questions, uncertainty, and even fear. Jesus speaks of wars, natural disasters, persecution, and global unrest. These realities feel familiar as we look at the world around us today. Yet, the purpose of His teaching is not to create anxiety or speculation, but to provide clarity, hope, and direction for how His followers are to live. Rather than giving a precise timeline, Jesus emphasizes what will happen and how His people should respond. He warns against being led astray by false teachers and encourages discernment in a world filled with competing voices. He reminds us not to live in fear when we hear of conflict and chaos, but instead to trust that God is sovereign over all things. A central theme of this message is readiness. Jesus calls His followers to live with purpose, endurance, and faithfulness. Even in the face of hardship, persecution, or uncertainty, believers are given an opportunity to bear witness to the truth of the gospel. God promises to provide wisdom, strength, and courage in those moments. This teaching also points us to the unchanging nature of God's Word. While heaven and earth will pass away, His words will remain. This truth invites us to trust Him fully and to build our lives on His promises rather than the shifting circumstances of the world. For those who do not yet follow Jesus, this message is a clear and compassionate call to respond. Scripture teaches that all people will one day stand before God. The good news of the gospel is that through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are offered forgiveness, righteousness, and new life. Salvation is not something we can earn, but a gift we receive by placing our faith in Him. For believers, the question becomes: are we living as if Jesus could return at any moment? This passage challenges us to examine our hearts, to remain watchful, and to avoid being distracted or weighed down by the cares of this world. It calls us to prayer, dependence on God, and a renewed focus on His kingdom. Ultimately, this message is one of hope. Jesus assures us that history is moving toward a certain and glorious conclusion. He will return in power and glory, and God will dwell with His people forever. Because of this, we can live with confidence, peace, and purpose today. We pray this message encourages you to trust God more deeply, to stand firm in your faith, and to live each day in light of eternity.

What distractions are choking out the spiritual growth in your life right now? Are you close to Christian things, or are you actually hearing and doing the Word of God?In this week's message, centered on Luke 8:1-21, Pastor Josiah shows us how Jesus makes it plain that hearing God's Word always demands a response. This message is a call to examine the soil of your heart. It is time to press past shallow religion, church familiarity, and outward association with Christian things, and determine whether the gospel has truly taken root in your life or not.

On this episode of The Ty Brady Way, Ty sits down with Dan Dearden, a 25-year veteran of the group health insurance industry who has spent his career helping small and mid-sized businesses navigate one of their biggest frustrations: the relentless, compounding cost of group health coverage. Dan lays out the landscape employers are dealing with right now. Hyperinflation in healthcare is running in the double digits with no slowdown projected for at least three to five years. Employers are capping employee hours to stay under the 50-employee mandate threshold, offering plans with $6,000 to $8,000 deductibles while still paying enormous premiums, and in some cases simply paying the government penalty because it costs less than the insurance itself. Trent Staggs, traveling the country talking to business owners, heard the same answer almost unanimously: the cost of health insurance is the number one problem in business today. Dan explains why so many employers stay stuck, and why the traditional brokerage model is part of the problem rather than the solution. Then he walks through the alternative his firm Spica Employee Benefits is most committed to: Pareto Health, the largest employer captive in the country with nearly 4,500 member companies. The model pools smaller employers together to create the same buying power as a Fortune 500 company, driving down the cost of medical procedures, surgeries, and prescription drugs while actually improving the quality of care. Dan shares that a top-ranked orthopedic surgeon in Bountiful, Utah performing robotic knee surgery can cost half of what a lesser surgeon down the street charges, and that steering employees toward the best providers in every category means better outcomes and lower total cost. His firm's goal is to get employers from 100% of their current fully insured cost down to around 80%, and often better, with one local Utah company saving $109,000 in their first year on 65 employees. Dan closes with the wellness piece, sharing his own story of dropping his A1C from 5.9 to 4.1 through coaching, dietary changes, and targeted supplements, going from nearly being put on diabetes medication to his doctor calling him in disbelief. His message is that a culture of proactive health is just as important as the financial structure of the plan, and that a lot of expensive medical interventions are avoidable with the right support. For any employer with 50 or more employees who thinks they are already getting the best deal possible, Dan's ask is simple: give his team 30 minutes. His parting wisdom for anyone building a career mirrors that same straightforward approach: work hard, become the subject matter expert in your field, and never stop investing in the people around you.  

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan... In this sermon from Luke 21:1–4, Pastor Dave Nelson teaches on the powerful story of the widow's offering and what it reveals about the heart. While others gave out of abundance, the poor widow gave two small coins, and Jesus declared that she had given more than everyone else. This message explores why God is not ultimately measuring the amount we give, but the posture of our hearts. Through this passage, Pastor Dave challenges listeners to consider where their treasure is, who is getting their best, and how giving reflects love, trust, surrender, and wholehearted devotion to God. Drawing from scriptures including Luke 21, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew 6:21, Proverbs 4:23, Genesis 4, and 2 Corinthians 8–9, this sermon unpacks the connection between generosity and spiritual formation. Pastor Dave walks through different levels of giving, from giving nothing, to giving half-heartedly, faithfully, generously, and sacrificially. He shows that biblical giving is not about earning God's favor or salvation, but about guarding the heart, resisting selfishness, and learning to trust God more deeply. This is a message about stewardship, discipleship, and the grace of God at work in ordinary believers. This sermon is especially helpful for anyone wrestling with questions about tithing, generosity, money, obedience, or what it means to follow Jesus with an undivided heart. Pastor Dave reminds the church that Jesus talked about money because He cares about our hearts, our freedom, our relationships, and our spiritual flourishing. The call of this message is not guilt, but grace. God sees the heart, strengthens those who are fully committed to Him, and gives the grace needed to grow in joyful, faithful, and sacrificial generosity. If you are searching for a biblical sermon on the widow's mite, Christian giving, tithing, stewardship, generosity, or how grace transforms the heart, this message offers both truth and practical application. It closes with a simple framework for response: agree with God's Word, ask what needs to change, and take a step of obedience. Whether you are new to church, exploring Christianity, or a longtime believer, this sermon invites you to experience the freedom and fullness that come from giving your heart fully to Christ. #Luke21 #WidowsOffering #ChristianGiving #BiblicalGenerosity #Tithing #Stewardship #Sermon #BibleTeaching #Jesus #FlourishingGraceChurch

How does living on mission relate to our worship of God? How can we as followers of Jesus engage in the great commission in our own community? Through his exposition of Psalm 67:1-7, Missionary Kirk Galster, answered these questions and more as he shared how the good news of the gospel is meant to be shared with everyone we know… including our enemies. Tune into this week's message to find out how you too can be used by God to advance his kingdom and live on mission right where God has planted you. The harvest is plentiful, but are you prepared to work it?

What does true repentance look like? How often do you need to repent of our sins? How is your love for Christ connected to your understanding of forgiveness? This week we continued our series through Luke's Gospel as Pastor Alex delivered a sermon centered on Luke 7:36-50, in which he outlined a “Blueprint for Forgiveness.” Join us for this week's message to find out how true, humble, and heartfelt repentance before Christ can change your life forever!

On this episode of Vitality Radio, Jared dives deeper into the practical side of hemp products—how to use CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids wisely and responsibly.This conversation explores real-world application: when CBD isolate makes sense, why small amounts of THC can enhance results, and how the entourage effect influences the way cannabinoids interact with the body. Jared explains the role of the endocannabinoid system and how lifestyle factors can support this system naturally. You'll also hear practical strategies for stacking hemp products with nutrients like magnesium, herbs, and other supportive formulas for stress, sleep, and recovery. This episode provides a balanced, educational look at hemp as a botanical tool—emphasizing thoughtful use, quality sourcing, and individualized approaches to supplementation.Products:CBD Products - Visit Vitality Nutrition in Bountiful, Utah or call us to inquire and order 801-292-6662Vital SleepMagnesium BisglycinateAnxiety ReleaseTen Days of SunshineOmega-3Curamed Acute PainOllois Cold and Flu Kit (Vitality Radio POW! Product of the Week 30% off of the sale price with PROMO CODE: POW31)Additional Information:#619: Is CBD About to Be Banned? The Future of Hemp In America with Maggie FrankU.S. Hemp Roundtable#375: A Comprehensive Approach to Chronic Pain with Maggie Frank#415: Q&A Show #1 - Jared Answers Your Questions About CBD, Daily Values, Prebiotics, and More!#250: The Key Supplements You Need to Fight Anxiety and Depression with Stuart Tomc#186 The Powerful Effect of 10:1 ratio CBD + THC with Stuart TomcVisit the podcast website here: VitalityRadio.comYou can follow @vitalitynutritionbountiful and @vitalityradio on Instagram, or Vitality Radio and Vitality Nutrition on Facebook. Join us also in the Vitality Radio Podcast Listener Community on Facebook. Shop the products that Jared mentions at vitalitynutrition.com. Let us know your thoughts about this episode using the hashtag #vitalityradio and please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Thank you!Just a reminder that this podcast is for educational purposes only. The FDA has not evaluated the podcast. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The advice given is not intended to replace the advice of your medical professional.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Sharon Eubank, Director of Humanitarian Services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and former global advocate at forums like the United Nations and the G20 Interfaith Forum. Sharon shares the unlikely path that led her from a shy girl growing up in Bountiful, Utah to speaking on some of the world's most influential stages. Through stories of a life shaped by faith, entrepreneurship, public service, and global humanitarian work, Sharon reflects on the mentors, risks, and defining moments that built her leadership philosophy. She discusses lessons from serving a mission in Finland, working in the U.S. Senate, running a small business, and eventually overseeing humanitarian initiatives impacting millions across the globe. Throughout the conversation, Casey and Sharon explore the power of loving people, leading with humility, and building trust across cultures, especially in complex regions like the Middle East. Sharon also shares how real leadership often means stepping into roles you don't feel fully qualified for and growing into them through service. Sharon's new book, Doing Small Things with Great Love, is available here:https://www.amazon.com/Doing-Small-Things-Great-Love/dp/1639934286 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Vitality Radio, Jared sits down with Maggie Frank of CV Sciences to unpack the growing federal threat to hemp-derived CBD and low-dose THC products. With potential legislation that could dramatically restrict access as early as November 2026, this conversation explores what's at stake for consumers, retailers, and the natural health community. You'll learn what the proposed changes could mean for over-the-counter CBD products, and why responsible regulation—not prohibition—is the path forward. Jared and Maggie also discuss the importance of consumer education, the role of the endocannabinoid system, and how adults can make informed choices about plant-based wellness options. If you care about supplement freedom, access to hemp products, and protecting natural health choices, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Products:CBD Products - Visit Vitality Nutrition in Bountiful, Utah or call us to order 801-292-6662Additional Information:U.S. Hemp RoundtableVisit the podcast website here: VitalityRadio.comYou can follow @vitalitynutritionbountiful and @vitalityradio on Instagram, or Vitality Radio and Vitality Nutrition on Facebook. Join us also in the Vitality Radio Podcast Listener Community on Facebook. Shop the products that Jared mentions at vitalitynutrition.com. Let us know your thoughts about this episode using the hashtag #vitalityradio and please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Thank you!Just a reminder that this podcast is for educational purposes only. The FDA has not evaluated the podcast. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The advice given is not intended to replace the advice of your medical professional.

Catch “The Drive with Spence Checketts” from 2 pm to 6 pm weekdays on ESPN 700 & 92.1 FM. Produced by Porter Larsen. The latest on the Utah Jazz, Real Salt Lake, Utes, BYU + more sports storylines.

Catch “The Drive with Spence Checketts” from 2 pm to 6 pm weekdays on ESPN 700 & 92.1 FM. Produced by Porter Larsen. The latest on the Utah Jazz, Real Salt Lake, Utes, BYU + more sports storylines.

It's Monday, February 23rd, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Utah teacher forces student to wash off Ash Wednesday cross A Utah elementary school faced backlash after a teacher told a Catholic student to remove an Ash Wednesday cross from his forehead, a symbol marking the beginning of Lent, reports WHSV TV. Fourth-grader William McLeod had attended church on Ash Wednesday and arrived at Valley View Elementary School in Bountiful, Utah wearing a traditional ash cross.  He said classmates initially questioned him about it, unaware that the ash cross marked the beginning of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness before the beginning of His three-year ministry. The boy recalled his teacher asking, “What is that?” He replied, “It's Ash Wednesday. It's the first day of Lent.” She said, “No, it's inappropriate. Go take it off.” In front of his peers, she gave the child a wipe and told him to clean his forehead. McLeod said, “I felt really bad.” His grandmother said he was embarrassed and upset, saying he later went to see the school psychologist “crying.” The Davis School District issued a formal apology, saying the teacher's actions were unacceptable. A spokesman said, “No student should ever be asked or required to remove an ash cross from his or her forehead.” The teacher later apologized. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 against Trump tariffs On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 against President Donald Trump's sweeping global tariffs, striking down a central part of his economic agenda, reports The Western Journal. TRUMP: “The Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing. I'm ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed, for not having the courage to do what's right for our country.” The case focused on tariffs President Trump imposed under a 1977 emergency powers law known as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. He used that law to impose reciprocal tariffs on most countries beginning last year. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the majority that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act “does not authorize the President to impose tariffs.” Associate Justice Amy Barrett and Neil Gorsuch sided with Roberts and the court's three liberals. However, Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, reports the Associated Press. President Trump imposes new tariff using different authority On Truth Social, President Trump wrote, “I would like to thank and congratulate Justices Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh for your strength, wisdom, and love of our country, which is right now very proud of you. “When you read the dissenting opinions, there is no way that anyone can argue against them. Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for years are ecstatic, and dancing in the streets — But they won't be dancing for long!” Kavanaugh wrote, “The decision might not substantially constrain a President's ability to order tariffs going forward. That is because numerous other federal statutes authorize the President to impose tariffs and might justify most (if not all) of the tariffs issued in this case. ... Those statutes include, for example, the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (Section 232); the Trade Act of 1974 (Sections 122, 201, and 301); and the Tariff Act of 1930 (Section 338).” TRUMP:  “Other alternatives will now be used to replace the ones that the court incorrectly rejected. Great alternatives. Could be more money. We'll take in more money.” Inspired by Judge Brett Kavanaugh's dissent, President Trump imposed a new 10% global tariff the same day of the Supreme Court decision last Friday, using Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, reports NewsNation. GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales had affair with aide who set herself on fire U.S. Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales of Texas engaged in a romantic relationship with an aide who died last year by setting herself on fire outside her Uvalde home, according to a text message and people close to the aide and her family, reports the San Antonio Express-News. Both she and Gonzales were married to other people at the time of the alleged affair. A former staffer in Gonzales' district office, who worked closely with the aide, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, said she told him they had an affair in 2024, and that she spiraled into a depression after her husband discovered the relationship and Gonzales abruptly ended their affair. Exodus 20:14 says, “You shall not commit adultery.” He also shared with the San Antonio Express-News a screenshot of a text message from Regina in which she acknowledged having an “affair with our boss.” The staffer, who asked not to be named, citing a fear of retaliation, faulted Gonzales' office for failing to intervene, saying he warned the congressman's district director months before Regina's fiery suicide that he was concerned about her well-being. He described her as his “best friend” and said their families knew each other. Gonzales, a Republican representing Texas' 23rd Congressional District, is currently seeking re-election in a contested primary.  The San Antonio Express-News, which had initially endorsed Gonzales in the March 3rd Republican primary, recently withdrew its endorsement. In the Republican Primary for Congress in District 23, many South Texans are looking to support Francisco “Quico” Canseco during early voting or on Election Day, Tuesday, March 3rd. Texas bobsled gold medalist almost quit And finally, (audio of Olympics theme song) It was a couple of weeks before Christmas. Elana Meyers Taylor, age 41, was in Norway, prepping for a World Cup bobsled weekend. Things were going horribly. Her body was hurting, she wondered if she was doing right by her two deaf children, and the racing results were, well, bad, reports the San Antonio Express-News. So, she texted her husband. The message: I'm done.  She wrote, “This is just impossible. It's never going to work.” She was 10th in the World Cup monobob standings. Eight women won medals on the circuit this winter and she wasn't one of them. Her average finish was 10th and her result during a race on the Olympic track in November was 19th — a whopping 2.43 seconds behind the winning time. FEMALE ANNOUNCER: “She had probably her worst season of monobob in her life.” Her husband, former bobsledder Nic Taylor, is now a performance coach and works with the NBA's San Antonio Spurs. When a Spurs player — the couple won't say who — learned Elana was struggling, he gifted Nic a plane ticket and told him, “Go to Norway immediately!” So, Nic flew to Norway to encourage his wife in person after those discouraging texts to talk her out of quitting.  That strengthened Elana's resolve to compete. Listen to the Olympics announcer during Elana's bobsled run. MALE ANNOUNCER: “Elana Myers Taylor has this magical moment to win another Olympic medal and potentially gold. Her husband Nick and sons, Noah and Nico, are here in the crowd. “This is a promising run for Elana Myers Taylor. Sixteen-hundredths of a second ahead of Kaillie Humphries, 12-hundredths of a second ahead. Elana Myers Taylor has never won a gold medal at the Olympics. She has now. It's gold for the United States, and that elusive gold medal for Eleanor Myers Taylor, is elusive no more. The most prolific female bobsledder in history.” At 41, she became the oldest woman to win an individual gold medal in Winter Games history. It was her sixth Olympic medal. She said, “I was determined to keep fighting, determined to just put down the best runs I could. And look what happened. There were so many moments during this entire season, during this past four years, that I thought it wasn't possible.” And now you know the rest of the story. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, the Apostle Paul asked, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Or, in Elana Meyers Taylor's case, slide in such a way as to get the prize. Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, February 23rd, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com).  And now, to close the newscast, here's my son, Valor Tyndale, who just turned 11 on Saturday. VALOR: “Seize the day for Jesus Christ.”