Podcasts about Bridegroom

You're invited to a wedding! The Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, loves the church, His bride, and gave Himself for her. Now He receives her as His own and we will know Christ, really know Him, for the first time. The marriage takes place in heaven, but picture the moment the door of heaven opens and the Groom and His bride come forth, ready to celebrate the Marriage Supper of the Lamb on earth. A glorious study!

This week, Jake and Bob welcome Dr. John Bishop, founder of FORGE, to continue their series on healing in men. John shares his perspective on why so many men today lack a clear picture of what it means to be a good man. He begins with the story of Adam, uncovering God's original design for masculinity—one rooted in work, responsibility, and the courage to engage in the world and the people entrusted to him. From there, he describes the wounds men experience from Adam's fall: fear, shame, and the tendency for men to withdraw, hide, or dominate rather than love. Yet, with Jesus Christ as a model, whose life and sacrifice reveal the true strength of a man, they reflect on how men can recover a living image of faithful, engaged, and restored masculinity.   Key Points: There is a widespread struggle to engage men in the life of the Church. A central problem facing men today is the lack of a clear and compelling picture of what it means to be a good man. Without strong masculine examples in families, churches, and schools, many men turn to cultural voices that offer distorted visions of masculinity. Adam is the first image of authentic masculinity and reveals a masculine inclination towards responsibility and stewardship. The Fall reveals a core masculine temptation: disengagement, as Adam remains passive when evil enters the garden. Fear and shame often drive men to withdraw emotionally or hide behind work, distractions, or performance. True masculinity requires engagement with both the external world and the interior life of relationships. Jesus Christ, the New Adam, reveals the ultimate image of masculinity through sacrificial love and radical trust in the Father. Fathers ultimately help their sons become men by guiding them toward the deeper truth that their identity is rooted in being beloved sons of God.   Resources: John's Ministry: Forge New Adam: God's Plan for Men by Dr. John Bishop   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 07:22 Seeing Our Identity as Son, Brother, Bridegroom, and Father 12:17 What's Going On with Men in Our Current Age? 25:07 Adam: The First Image of Masculinity 35:44 Engaging with the World as a Man 47:38 Learning to Trust the Creator of the Universe   Connect with Restore the Glory:  Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!

What if the Second Coming isn't just prophecy—but a love story waiting to unfold? In this episode, John reveals how Jesus's return mirrors a wedding, unfolding in two parts: an intimate ceremony and a glorious celebration. Through Scripture, he shows how believers will be transformed “in the twinkling of an eye,” receiving glorified bodies like Christ's resurrected body. This isn't a message of fear, but an invitation to live with joyful expectation as we await our Bridegroom.  Watch now for a discussion that will give you fresh hope in your walk with God. ______________________________________ FREE Show Notes Here: https://page.church.tech/27f2ce71 ______________________________________ Click here to start your free extended trial with LOGOS today: Logos.com/Bevere ______________________________________ Order premium meat now through Good Ranchers—use code “JOHN" at checkout: https://go.goodranchers.com/john ______________________________________ Support this podcast by becoming a partner here (tax-deductible):https://3szn.short.gy/JBgive ______________________________________ Get John's new book, The King is Coming, here: https://www.amazon.com/King-Coming-Prepare-Return-Christ/dp/1400349672/ref= ______________________________________ To help you grow as a follower of Christ, we invite you to download our everyday discipleship app, MessengerX. You can get it here: https://messengerx.com/ ______________________________________ To explore the other podcast shows that are part of the Messenger Network, click here: https://messengerinternational.org/podcasts

Like the Women at the Well, we are all longing for the desires of our hearts to be fulfilled. And also like her, we often cause ourselves and others great harm when we seek fulfillment in all the wrong places. Father Michael Stalla, spiritual advisor of Hope's Garden, delivers a powerful message about the consequences this has on our marriages and families in his homily for Sunday March 8, 2026.Learn more about Hope's Garden and Jesus the Bridegroom at https://hopesgarden.com/Support our work for the restoration of marriage and family. Donate Today: https://hopesgarden.com/donate/

Hear Pastor Jason unpack the pursuit of a bride by her Bridegroom, the greatest love story ever told, where Jesus is constantly pursuing ALL people. Finally, we will invite you to explore where you fit in the story and where Jesus wants you to help others connect with this story of love.

The Church was never meant to thrive on priesthood alone. In this episode, John sits down with Fr. John Burns to talk about a part of the Church many people rarely think about until it is missing: consecrated women and religious life. Fr. John shares his own vocation story and the moment God redirected his life from pursuing success to becoming a priest. He shares the heart behind Friends of the Bridegroom, the apostolate he founded to help renew the Church by renewing consecrated life. Together, he and John discuss why the presence of sisters is essential to the life of the Church, what happens when that spiritual motherhood disappears, and how every Catholic has a role in helping restore it. Get Involved with Fr. John's ministry: https://www.renewreligious.org/ Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renewreligious Follow Fr. John on Social Media: https://x.com/FatherJohnBurns https://www.instagram.com/fatherjohnburns/ https://www.facebook.com/fatherjohnnyburns/ Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John

Pastor starts today's class by taking a look at Matthew 24:37-39a "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away." This text is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount of Olives and He is talking about His second coming. Jesus compares what it will be like at the end of time, to what happened at the time of Noah's flood. Noah and his sons built the boat over a long period of time and people could see he was building a huge boat, but they continued doing their regular life things and the flood took them all away. They had not listened to Noah's preaching and warnings. It will be like that at the end when Jesus returns.   In 2 Peter 3:3-10 Peter shares another comparison of what the Second Coming of Christ will be like. There will be a time when God keeps His word once again.  There's been a warning that there will be an end - the Second Coming of Christ and it will take place. We are called to be alert, listen and respond and not to ignore that He is returning. We are to be ready and waiting. Matthew 24 continues with verses 39b-42 "That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. 'Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.'" Pastor zeroes in on the words "one will be taken the other left." The question is taken to where? Believer opinions are:     ⁃    Taken for judgement     ⁃    Taken to be with Christ Pastor refers back to a recent teaching entitled "What Happens When I Die?"  That teaching can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/live/5L41Ufkiq2w?si=xxcv4CNj2FC-y7XD Part of that teaching is on 1 Thessalonians 4:13- 5:6. These verses are Paul's description of the Second Coming of Christ. Paul makes it clear that when Jesus returns the dead believers will be raised first and those still alive will be caught up with them. Pastor takes a deeper look at the original Greek text of the word Jesus uses for our translated word "taken." For the "taken" Jesus uses here, the word is paralambanō which means to be taken to one's side, to receive to one's self. It is a positive and affectionate word. It's the picture of the Bridegroom taking His bride (His people) to Himself.  In our day it is like Noah's day and Jesus' day where people are just going on like normal and ignoring God or not paying attention to Him or His Word. But Jesus speaks a word of warning to those not listening and a word of encouragement  to believers. In verse 42 He says, "Therefore keep watch!" The greek text for "keep watch" is the word grēgoreō and it means to keep awake! And to be ready for Christ's return! In closing, Pastor shares a saying he once heard: "Live as though Christ died yesterday, arose this morning and is coming again tomorrow!"   Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class For more check out the series, "What's the Answer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030826.cfmFather Chris Alar, MIC, invites you to pause, breathe, and recognize that the path back to God's house is always present. He begins by drawing our attention to the Samaritan well, where a woman deemed an outcast encounters the Bridegroom of the universe. In the longest dialogue of the Gospel of John, Christ breaks every barrier of gender, ethnicity, and past sin, offering “living water” that points to the Sacrament of Baptism.Father Chris explains that this water is not merely a metaphor; it is the very grace poured out in the sacramental fountain of baptism, cleansing us of original sin and welcoming us into the Body of Christ. He links the well‑scene to the nuptial mystery of the Church: Christ, the divine Bridegroom, seeks to unite with us, the Bride, through the covenant sealed at baptism and continually renewed in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.Pastorally, he emphasizes that the woman's story illustrates the universal invitation of Divine Mercy. Even those labeled “Samaritan,” “Gentile,” or “outcast” are called to the marriage feast of the Eucharist, where the Blood and Water flow together as the source of eternal life. Fr. Chris urges us to examine the false “spouses” of wealth, power, and pride that keep us from the true Bridegroom, and to turn to Confession as the means by which those chains are broken.He reminds the faithful that Divine Mercy Sunday magnifies this grace, offering a “second baptism” that wipes away temporal punishment. The homily culminates with a vivid picture of the Bridegroom entering the bride, a mystery fulfilled in Holy Communion, where the Holy Spirit dwells as living water, renewing us for the wedding feast of the Lamb.May this reminder stir within each of us a renewed desire to walk toward the altar of Christ, confident that the Bridegroom awaits with open arms. ★ Support this podcast ★

Episode Overview Why is the Samaritan woman at the well in the middle of the day? Fr. Will reflects on the deep wounds and spiritual thirst revealed in the Gospel of the Woman at the Well. Through the lens of the Lenten series on the deadly sins, this homily explores the destructive power of lust—not simply as a moral failure, but as a distortion of our deepest desire for love, intimacy, and communion. Yet the story does not end with shame. Jesus meets the woman exactly where she is: wounded, isolated, and searching. There at the well, He reveals Himself as the true Bridegroom who alone can satisfy the thirst of the human heart. Key Takeaways The Samaritan woman represents the cycle of sin, shame, and woundedness that lust can create. Lust twists a good desire—the desire for intimacy and self-gift. True love seeks the good of the other, not the use of the other. Many today carry deep wounds from pornography and sexual exploitation. Christ enters directly into our wounds and offers healing, dignity, and freedom. Jesus is the true Bridegroom who alone satisfies the thirst of the human heart.

Pastor Andy concludes our Jesus on Every Page series by looking at the final chapter of the Bible in Book of Revelation 22, reminding us that when we know how the story ends, it changes how we live today. Because Jesus is coming again as Judge, Bridegroom, and King—and in the end He wins—we can live with hope, urgency, and confidence as we follow Him and share His invitation with the world.

"Bridegroom” is one of the important scriptural titles for the Messiah. Jesus purposefully goes into hostile territory, Samaria. And while there, He starts up a conversation with an unmarried, perhaps-five-time-divorced, now-cohabitating, foreign, Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. And so here's the question Pastor Chris asked about this famous encounter with the Woman at the Well: Are there any of marriage or betrothal themes present in the story? Yes, is the answer. Join us as we look at the encounter through the lens of Jewish Scripture and tradition and culture where we will see the Woman at the Well as a kind of symbol of the bride of Christ. The artwork associated with this podcast is titled "Woman at the Well" by Wayne Forte. A closer detail of the work can be seen here. Two other settings of the same story that Pastor Chris referenced were a 6th century mosaic by an unknown artist(s) and "The Woman of Samaria at the Well" by James Tissot.

March, 2026

Who is Jesus? 3.8.26 Dr. Jeff Dowdy Mark 2:13-22

In this sermon from Exodus 4:18-26, we explore one of the strangest and most powerful moments in Moses' life: God's gracious but severe intervention that forces Moses to confront his delayed obedience. Through this unsettling encounter, we see how God prepares His servant for mission, preserves His covenant, and points forward to the ultimate Firstborn Son whose blood truly saves. This message invites us to consider our own hesitations, recognize the grace that pursues us, and respond with joyful obedience to Jesus—our true Bridegroom of blood.

Send us a comment or question!0:00-4:51 Is baptism necessary for salvation4:51-8:04 How did Joseph move such a heavy stone in front of the tomb8:04-19:36 Will believing Jews enter the Millennum in glorified bodies, or will they still be in mortal bodies19:36-30:03 Were the nephilim physical beings, and what about nephilim today30:03-34:45 Who were the people Jesus referred to in Matthew 7:22-2334:45-41:11 Are angels still able to sin and be cast out of heaven  Calvary Chapel Franklin: http://calvarychapelfranklin.com/  Email: info@calvarychapelfranklin.com  Telegram: https://t.me/parsonspadpodcastTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/ccfranklintn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryChapelFranklin/  Subscribe to the audio podcast: https://parsonspad.buzzsprout.com/  iTunes: Parson's Pad Podcast Calvary Chapel Franklin meets at: Sunday mornings: 1724 General George Patton Drive, Brentwood TN 37027 Wednesday evenings: 274 Mallory Station Rd, Franklin TN 37967 (Aspen Grove Christian Church)Mail: PO Box 1993 Spring Hill TN 37174 If you need a Bible, please download the free Gideon's app for iPhone or Android: https://gideons.org/  Calvary Chapel Franklin is a 501c3 tax exempt religious organization. If you would like to donate to support this ministry, please click here: https://calvarychapelfranklin.churchcenter.com/giving 

In this episode of Mass Prep for the Mystic Heart, we reflect on the Gospel of John 4:5–42, the powerful encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.In Scripture, wells are often places where love stories begin. Isaac's servant meets Rebekah at a well. Jacob meets Rachel at a well. Moses meets Zipporah at a well. When Jesus stops at Jacob's well and asks a Samaritan woman for a drink, something deeper is unfolding. The Bridegroom has come to meet the human soul.Jesus begins the conversation with a surprising request. “Give me a drink.” The God of the universe approaches the soul with thirst. He does not begin with correction or accusation. He begins with desire.As the conversation unfolds, Jesus reveals the deeper thirst beneath the woman's life and offers her something greater than the water in the well. Living water. A spring that becomes eternal life within the soul.By the end of the encounter, the woman leaves her water jar behind and runs back to her town to tell others about the man who knew everything about her and still invited her closer.This Gospel reveals something profound about the heart of Christ. The Bridegroom is searching for the thirsty. The same God who asked for water at the well would later cry out from the cross, “I thirst.”Mass Prep for the Mystic Heart is a weekly reflection on the Sunday Gospel, helping you approach the liturgy with deeper spiritual insight and contemplative attention.

Don't Bow to the Beast (1) (audio) David Eells 3/4/26  I want to talk to you about refusing to bow to the Beast, but we will first go over a little background.  Many Christians are deceived about the Bride and the leadership of the church. We know God is raising up a new leadership, a Man-child ministry in these days that's going to be the first fruits of those to walk in the steps of Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 16 that He was going to come again as a baby, a Man-child, born to a woman. We read in Revelation 12 that the Man-child is born at the beginning of the Tribulation Period and that the Man-child leads the woman through the wilderness. In studying the Book of Esther, we've learned that “Mordecai” in Hebrew means “little man” and in Persian means “little boy.” Persia was the Beast kingdom that he was under at the time. Both of those mean “Manchild.” In Esther 2:5, it says that Mordecai was in Shushan, the palace. He wasn't just a commoner; he was a ruler, somebody under the king who probably had to do with ruling over God's people. In Esther 2:19-20, it says that he also sat in the “king's gate,” which was the place of government, where the rulers of the conquered nations gathered before the king. Mordecai raised up Esther as the Bride and he “nourished her,” the original word says. He prepared her for this time and he continued to guide her steps all the way through the Book of Esther, all the way through their tribulation. Also, Hegai, the king's chamberlain, was very pleased with Esther, and she required nothing but what Hegai provided. And we need nothing but what the Holy Spirit provides us with. (Rom.8:14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. This Bride and Man-child are the “sons of God” for whom the creation has been awaiting, the fullness of the sonship of Jesus Christ manifested in His people. In fact, the Shulamite in the Song of Solomon, the Bride who was chosen from among all the fair virgins of the kingdom, was called his “perfect one” (Song of Solomon 5:2). God is going to perfect, to mature His people. Esther was chosen out of all the fair virgins of the kingdom “because the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her Queen” (Est.2:17). But even then she was under the guidance of Mordecai and in verse (20) … Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him. So we see that the job of the Man-child is to raise up the Bride and guide her. The Man-child is the head of the Bride, much like the False Prophet is the head of the Harlot. There is a corporate body of apostate people, called the Harlot, and the head of that body is its so-called Christian leadership, which is leading it astray. The Bride is Jerusalem and David was the head of Jerusalem. When Jesus came, He sat upon the throne of David and He was the head of the Bride. John the Baptist said, He that hath the bride is the bridegroom (Joh.3:29), as he saw Jesus leading the disciples. That's a short background, somewhat, and there's much more to the Book of Esther. (Est.3:1) After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. These princes were the people who ruled over the kingdoms over which Ahasuerus ruled, and among those princes was Mordecai, who was over the people of God. Now we see that Mordecai and Esther are two entities whom God uses to save the rest of the people of God from destruction by the Beast. The Beast that was to destroy them is represented here by Haman, who is a corporate body, just as Mordecai represents a corporate body of people. Why would God advance Haman above the other princes? Because throughout history, God has raised up a Beast kingdom over His people in times when His people were in apostasy. Why is God calling His people out of the Harlot? (Rev.18:4) … Come forth, my people, out of her…. It's because there is such an apostasy in the Church, and they've turned away from the Word; they've gone after religions. They are in apostasy and God is calling His people out of that.  This is what the Tribulation is for. Every time God's people have become a harlot, He raised up a Beast to come against them: from Egypt, to Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, and now the end-time Rome. We're seeing a worldwide revived Roman Empire being raised up again for the purpose of sanctifying His people and bringing them to repentance. The raising up of Haman, with his authority to destroy the people of God, is what brings God's people to repentance. (Est.3:2) And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate (That's the place where government was, where all the representatives of the nations saw the face of the King.), bowed down, and did reverence to Haman (the Beast); for the king had so commanded concerning him. In Rom 13 we are told to submit to the powers that be. He had given Haman authority over God's people. People don't think that the Lord gives authority to evil in the earth, but He does, and it's for the purpose of bringing repentance. (Job2:10) … What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil… God does bring evil against His people as a chastening and a method to bring them to repentance.  So all the King's servants who were in the King's gate bowed down to the Beast, But Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence (Est.3:2). I would say bowing down with reverence should be given nly to God. However, submitting to man's kingdoms is necessary to obey the Lord.  This is something we find all through the Scriptures. Mordecai, as a type of the man-child, refused to bow down to the Beast. We see the example of Joseph, who was sold into bondage by the Harlot, Potiphar's wife, and came to the position of authority like Mordecai. We see the example of Jesus, who didn't bow down to the Beast; and Moses, who didn't bow down; and Daniel – all these are types of the Man-child, who refused to bow down to the Beast.  (3) Then the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment? (4) Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. Who is this accusing Mordecai to the Beast? You remember throughout history how the apostate brethren of Joseph persecuted and came against him and sold him into the hand of the Beast; and the apostate brethren of Jesus, the leadership of apostate Israel, accused Him to the Beast. We're seeing the same thing here; history keeps on repeating. We're not talking about rebellion against Constitutional, political authority here. We're talking about rebellion in terms of not bowing down religiously, of not worshipping the Beast as God. Today, there is a spirit of worship of the Beast by Christians, and there has been for many centuries. Patriotism, pledging allegiance, all these things that saints in past days would never have thought of doing, God's people today think nothing of. They don't understand that there's only one Kingdom – the Kingdom of God – which we should be representing. (5) And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. (6) But he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had made known to him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. Notice that the head over all God's true people is represented here by Mordecai.  In the rest of the story, Mordecai and Esther save all of these Jews from the Beast. Does that mean that all of what we loosely call Christians are going to be saved from the Beast? No, but the true Jews, those who are circumcised in heart, not in flesh, are all going to be saved. All Israel (Romans 11:26) is going to be saved – everybody who is grafted into the olive tree called “all Israel.” They'll be saved from the Beast in one form or another. We see here that Mordecai is one of the princes who sat in the king's gate to represent his people. He was among the other princes who were accusing him. In Ezekiel 17, I've shared a revelation the Lord gave me concerning the Beast of D.S. Babylon, who has brought God's people into bondage. We know that when Babylon conquered the nations, it not only brought apostate Israel into bondage, but they brought people like Daniel and the Hebrews, who were appointed people of God in their time, under the thumb of the Beast kingdom. When we talk about Mordecai, we're talking about the good leadership, but what about the bad leadership that accused him? (Eze.17:2) Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; (3) and say, Thus saith the Lord God: A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers, which had divers colors, came unto Lebanon, and took the top of the cedar: (4) he cropped off the topmost of the young twigs thereof, and carried it unto a land of traffic; he set it in a city of merchants. This represents the Great Eagle of America which is the head of D.S. Babylon, bringing the leadership of God's people into bondage. In the natural, it's happening; natural Israel is more and more under Kazarian D.S. dominion. Something else is also happening, and that is, that spiritual new testament Israel said to be circumcised in heart is being brought more and more under the dominion of the latest Beast government. Media-Persia of Cyrus/Trump is conquering Babylon, thank God. In fact, as we keep reading, it says (11) Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, (12) Say now to the rebellious house…. Why is it that God is permitting  Beast governments to bring under their authority the spiritual people of God and the “letter” people of God, the natural Jews? It is because they are rebellious houses. The letter Israel is a type and shadow for spiritual Israel. They've rebelled against the covenant that God has given. (12) Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, and took the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and brought them to him to Babylon. So the king and the princes of both spiritual and natural Israel have been under the dominion of Babylon. What makes a beast a beast? The flesh is in control over the spiritual. The Alliance of nations under Cyrus/Trump is about to be a GESARA covenant. Although we will benefit from this covenant to rebuild the Kingdom of God, it will not last. The next seven verses go on to talk about a covenant that was broken in the middle, exactly as we would expect if it were Daniel's 70th-week covenant of the end-time broken in the middle. God also rebukes them for breaking His covenant and then He talks about another leadership that He's raising up. We just saw the apostate leadership, the king and the princes, brought under the dominion of Babylon, but He talks about a new leadership here. (22) Thus saith the Lord God: I will also take of the l7ofty top of the cedar (An evergreen type of eternal life), and will set it; I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I will plant it upon a high and lofty mountain. That's referring to the mountain representing the Kingdom of God, spiritual Mount Zion. This was the same description (cropping off the topmost twigs) that God gave in verse four here, referring to the apostate leadership of Israel/Church, but now the Lord speaks of a type of the Israel/Church's new leadership. So, once again, He is talking about a new leadership, “the topmost twig.” (23) In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it; and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all birds of every wing; in the shade of the branches thereof shall they dwell. (24) And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the Lord, have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I, the Lord, have spoken and have done it. God is bringing down a false leadership over the true people of God, and He's raising up a new leadership. This is just as it was in the days of Jesus and Moses, when the apostate leadership persecuted the Man-child Jesus and then His disciples. In the same way, in the end-time, God is going to bring down the high and the lofty and raise up the lowly to take that position who will walk in the steps of the Lord Jesus, the Man-child of Revelation 12. He came as a Lamb but now as a Lion. We just had a prophecy of the coming Lion, who come manifested in His Man-child body.  So we see here two groups in captivity. In the time of Esther, there were two groups in captivity, and the one persecuted the other, just as the False Prophet in Israel, the Sanhedrin, persecuted the Man-child ministry of Jesus. We see the same thing with Mordecai and these servants of the king who accused him to the Beast. Jesus was accused to the Beast by the corporate False Prophet of Israel. Also, we can go to Daniel and see that when Babylon took God's people into captivity, there was the good thrown in with the bad. (Dan.1:1) In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon (the “Great Eagle” in Eze 17.) unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. (2) And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them into the land of Shinar to the house of his god: and he brought the vessels into the treasure-house of his god. (3) And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in [certain] of the children of Israel, even of the seed royal and of the nobles; (4) youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace…. There it is! These are people whom God is raising up who are spotless and blemishless, and they're not equated with the Jewish king and his princes, who were also taken captive. That's the way it was with Daniel. (6) Now among these were, of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. (7) And the prince of the eunuchs gave names unto them: unto Daniel he gave [the name of] Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, [of] Shadrach; and to Mishael, [of] Meshach; and to Azariah, [of] Abednego. Next, these four had to be proven because they wouldn't be defiled by eating the king's food. They wouldn't partake of the Babylonish king's dainties and, since they wouldn't be defiled, they also didn't bow down to the image of the Beast. It's important to know that what we eat is what we are, and if we partake of a beastly doctrine that enables our flesh to rule, we will become a member of the Beast. Our flesh is a member of the Beast kingdom – it is an enemy of God; it's at enmity with your spirit. Partaking of fleshly doctrines is partaking of the Beast's dainties. Anyway, there was nothing but good said about these four Hebrews. (17) Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. … (20) And in every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his realm. (21) And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus. What we see in the Book of Daniel – twice, in chapters 3 and 6 – is exactly what we see concerning the accusations against Mordecai, the Man-child, by the other leaders. What happened in Jesus' day, when He was accused by the other rabbis, the apostates (and accused to the Roman Beast, too, by the way), we see also in Daniel. The three Hebrews represented the people who would not bow down. Daniel was obviously in leadership, but the three Hebrews refused to bow down to the image of the Beast in Daniel chapter three. It was the image of the Beast because it had the number of the Beast. (Dan.3:1) Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore (60 - there's “6”) cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits (there's “6-6”): he set it up in the plain of Dura…. “Dura” means “a circle,” which reminds us of the earth, and the Gematria for “the earth” or “the world” is 600. So there you have a representation of the world adding up to 666. We're talking about the image of the Beast, and it's made up of, if we look carefully in chapter two, all the peoples and all the kingdoms, one right after another.  Now notice who was commanding the people to bow down to this image: (4) Then the herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages…. The word “herald” is the only Greek word in this text, and it's the New Testament word for “preacher.” So we have apostate preachers over the people of God, commanding them to bow down to the image of the Beast. This is like pledging allegiance. Not everybody bowed down, just as we saw with Mordecai. The other servants of the king who stood in the king's gate bowed down. This was the leadership of the apostate people of God, or the False Prophet. They bowed down to Haman, but Mordecai, the Man-child, refused. We see that they commanded them to bow down, and the people all bowed down, except for the three Hebrews. (8) Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and brought accusation against the Jews. They were accused because they refused to bow down to the image of the Beast. Now, God saved them and brought a witness through them of His power to save, even in the fiery furnace that was heated seven times hotter, as in the seven years of the Tribulation Period. “Times” is used in Revelation 12:14, for instance, as in “a time, times, and half a time,” speaking of years. So “seven times” in this text speaks of the Tribulation Period. The three Hebrews refused to bow down. They served the king, obeyed and submitted to the government of the king, but when it came to bowing down, they refused. The world is going to demand this; they're going to make their generic god, and everyone is going to have to serve it and be at peace with others and not witness to others and so on. We have another witness of Daniel himself, who was a type of the Man-child. Daniel refused to bow down, and the same situation happened. There were others with him, who were leaders, who accused him before the Beast: (Dan.6:1) It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom a hundred and twenty satraps, who should be throughout the whole kingdom; (2) and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one (“Throughout the whole kingdom” could be an application of what we loosely call “the Kingdom of God.”); that these satraps might give account unto them, and that the king should have no damage. (3) Then this Daniel was distinguished above the presidents and the satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. (4) Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Praise God! Those were the false prophets who corresponded to the false prophets in Jesus' day, who sought occasion for false witness against Jesus, and since He had committed no sin, they had to falsely accuse Him. It was the same with Daniel here. The head of the Harlot was the false prophets and false leaders who were accusing Jesus, How is the faithful city become a harlot! … (Isa.1:21). God's people had become a harlot because they had apostatized and were committing fornication with the world. They were receiving the seed of the world, the seed of the Beast kingdom. (Dan.6:5) Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. (6) Then these presidents and satraps assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. (7) All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counsellors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a strong interdict, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Daniel only bowed down to his God; he only asked of his God; he wasn't going to treat the king or the Beast as a god. (8) Now, O king, establish the interdict, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. (9) Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the interdict. (10) And when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem;) and he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. So he only knelt down to the God of Israel. He refused to bow down to the image of the Beast.  (11) Then these men assembled together, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. (12) Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's interdict: Hast thou not signed an interdict, that every man that shall make petition unto any god or man within thirty days, save unto thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. (13) Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the interdict that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. (14) Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to rescue him. Notice that it wasn't the Beast that wanted to destroy the Man-child; it was his own brothers. Joseph's brothers were the ones who sold him into bondage to the Gentiles. And, accordingly, Pilate wanted nothing to do with crucifying what he called Jesus, this righteous man (Mat.27:24).  The apostates twisted his arm, exactly as they are doing here. We are headed to the exact same time, when the false leadership over God's people is going to be used to persecute the true leadership. Although all of them are going to be under the same Beast government rule, the leadership of the apostate people of God, just as we saw with Mordecai, is going to bow down to the Beast. Amazingly, people whom you and I have called Christians and thought were Christians will be part of a great falling away. The 10 northern tribes worshipped the image of the beast and were part of a great falling away. They bowed down to the golden calf, or the image of a beast. Now the same thing is happening to what we loosely call Christianity; they have built and bowed down to their golden calf. It's a work of man's hands. It has nothing to do with God or His Word that He created in the very beginning, as far as Christianity is concerned. It's something that they have made themselves, and because it's their own, they're going to want to protect it and defend it and their livelihood along with it. The Man-child ministry is going to be a threat to that because of the truths that will come forth, just as they came out of Jesus. The Bible spoke about Jesus, how He opened His mouth, and things that were hidden from the foundation of the world were revealed. Things that have been hidden are going to be revealed, but also, things that have been hidden in God's people are going to be revealed by this great falling away and by the apostates' siding with the Beast against their brethren. They are Judases, sons of perdition, false prophets. The point here in Daniel is that he still refused to do anything but bow down only to the real, true God, not to just any ruler or generic god, not even to any god that they might call “Jesus.” Many religious images of Jesus are not Him at all. When we read the Bible, we see the true Jesus and His crucified life. That contrasts with what we see now in Christianity. Will the current leadership continue to bring a reproach on Christianity by living so lavishly and fleecing so many people? That's not walking in the steps of Jesus; that's not the crucified life. These people defend that lifestyle as spiritual, and it's a shame. How many airplanes can a person use? God is sending the Beast not only because of the leadership, but also because of the people who don't understand that they should not support people who do such things. The crucified life that Jesus and His disciples walked was a simple life without all the accoutrements of Babylon. They didn't have the fancy temple and the big synagogues, but they had the truth. That was part of the trial. There is a great apostasy, a rebellion, in the church. They're in love with the world, and the things of the world, and the Bible says, If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1Jn.2:15). God is proving just who it is who loves Him. The Bride, in the Song of Solomon, ran fanatically after the Bridegroom, so much so that she surprised the other queens, virgins, and concubines. They thought that one Jesus was just as good as another. But the other Jesus' are made by man. They give Jesus a character that's contrary to Scripture, a contrary doctrine, and so on.  Well, Daniel wouldn't bow down, so he had to be thrown into the lion's den and, as you know, God preserved him. God sent His angel. (Dan.6:18) Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting; neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep fled from him. (19) Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. (20) And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? (21) Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. (22) My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. (23) Then was the king exceeding glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he had trusted in his God. (24) And the king commanded, and they brought those men that had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces, before they came to the bottom of the den. That's very similar to Revelation 17:16, where the Beast devours the Harlot.  The apostate leaders who accused Jesus were then destroyed, and as we know, there's a great and terrible Day of the Lord coming, when that's exactly what's going to happen. The Beast is going to devour and destroy the Harlot and burn her flesh with fire. So the Beast was basically made a believer in the God of Daniel, just as in the time of Nebuchadnezzar; and, by the way, Daniel chapter seven speaks of the end-time. We know the timing of Daniel's Tribulation because he gets a revelation of the four Beasts, and from his time, which was the time of Babylon onward, is when his revelation started. His vision didn't start with the Egyptian and Assyrian Beasts, which were two that came before Babylon. The Beasts of Revelation, however, start with those two that came before Babylon. Daniel mentions the four Beasts that lead up to the end-time Beast. There was the lion with eagle's wings (Babylon) that was conquered by the Media-Persian bear, then by Greece, then Rome. He was prophesying again of the image of the Beast.  In today's end-times, these entities are still with us. The Lion with Eagle's wings is the British Empire, and the Eagle's wings are the present head of the British Empire and America. This is the Great Eagle, which was then and will be today conquered by the Medo-Persian Bear. So not only were these historic, from Daniel's day on, but they're also an end-time revelation of what's going to happen. We find that this last Beast that he talks about, which was Rome, devours the whole earth. The last Beast, he tells us, was headed up by 10 horns, exactly like Revelation 17. The 10 horns are the ten kings that rule over the Beast kingdom. Among those 10 horns comes up a little horn (Daniel 7:8) that's different, it says, from the rest of the horns. That little horn is a ruler among rulers that will be diverse from all of the 10, and it is the corporate False Prophet. (Dan.7:21) … The same horn made war with the saints…. There it is again! They'll make war on the Man-child and the saints, which is exactly what we see in the rest of the Book of Esther. (Dan.7:23) Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth…. We have had the United Nations, whose place is being taken by the Alliance of nations. The whole earth is inside the body of the last Beast. GESARA Law was signed unanimously by all 209 countries in 2015. Remember that in Daniel's vision of the legs of the image of the beast, Rome lasted from the thighs all the way down to the toes – the iron that was mixed with the clay. It is different in these days because now it has covered; it has devoured, the whole earth. And among those 10 kings is the little horn that comes up to make war on the saints. (Dan.7:20) ... Before which three fell, even that [horn] that had eyes, and a mouth that spake great things, whose look was more stout than its fellows. (21) I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; (22) until the ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.  So we see the Beast has been given authority to crucify Christ once more. It says that he “prevailed against them.” This False Prophet and the Harlot beneath the False Prophet have been given authority to crucify the flesh of the saints. It doesn't necessarily mean that all will die; that's not the point here. The point is the crucifixion of the flesh of the saints. The Church is in rebellion because the flesh rules. The Beast, in a spiritual way, is ruling over them already because their flesh rules over them already. There has to be a crucifixion for us to bear fruit and come into the Kingdom; therefore, God is raising up this whole worldwide kingdom to come against His people. The little horn represents a religious entity because it's different from the other horns. They are corporate bodies of secular rulers, but the little horn is a corporate body of religious rulers who will bring God's people to their cross, much like they did to Jesus in His day. This is the seed of that same Sanhedrin that's being raised up in our day, no different from the earlier one. The Sanhedrin in natural Israel has been raised up again, and the Sanhedrin in spiritual Israel has been raised up again, too, to crucify the body of Christ again. God just repeats history in larger and larger ways. The spiritual man is not going to be conquered, and the quicker we learn to submit, the more we will be like Daniel, in that the lions' mouths will be closed. The Beast will not be able to devour Daniel. The fire of the fiery furnace, heated seven times hotter, will not be able to devour the three Hebrews because they have refused to eat the king's dainties and they refused to bow down to the image of the Beast, just like Daniel. What we see in Esther is clearly a prophecy of the end-time. The persecution that was raised up against Mordecai, who was over all God's people of the kingdom, will be repeated in our day. Remember, the Beast decided to kill the people of Mordecai. The people of Mordecai, of whom we are speaking, include the Bride, but just as Jerusalem is only part of the Kingdom, the Bride is only part of the people of Mordecai. Not everybody in the Church is going to follow the Man-child. All the righteous Jews in the rest of the kingdom will be delivered from the Beast through the righteous leadership of Mordecai, the Man-child, and Esther, the Bride – a leadership that refused to bow down and a people that refused to bow down, respectively. The true people of God will not bow down. The rest will worship the image of the Beast; they will bow down. God is sending a separation in the form of this image of the Beast. The people who have no faith in their God, no commitment to their God, will find it easier to justify themselves and bow down to the image of the Beast, even change their doctrines, if necessary, and submit to the Beast kingdom. The true people of God are represented by the people of Mordecai, who discover that this leadership is truly the right leadership, like the people who followed Jesus in His day. This represented a people from among natural Israel who were a first fruits to follow Jesus diligently, just as it will be in our day. (Joh.3:29) He that hath the bride is the bridegroom…. Even if a person didn't come up to the standard of the Bride which Jesus raised up, He sent them forth unto every place He was about to go to fulfill the Great Commission. The apostles raised up the five-fold ministry as the leadership for the rest of spiritual Israel, just as the latter-day apostles will for the Church. We have some great days coming, some wondrous days. In Esther 3:7-8, it is also revealed that God's people had been rebellious, and that's the reason this is coming today. The best thing we can do is learn to serve the true and living God. Don't bow down to the Beast.

White Oak Baptist Church of Stratford, CT is a loving, Christ-centered Church engaging our community in a powerful way. To learn more about our church and how you can connect, please visit http://www.whiteoakbc.org

Send us a comment or question!Calvary Chapel Franklin: http://calvarychapelfranklin.com/  Email: info@calvarychapelfranklin.com  Telegram: https://t.me/parsonspadpodcastTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/ccfranklintn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryChapelFranklin/  Subscribe to the audio podcast: https://parsonspad.buzzsprout.com/  iTunes: Parson's Pad Podcast Calvary Chapel Franklin meets at: Sunday mornings: 1724 General George Patton Drive, Brentwood TN 37027 Wednesday evenings: 274 Mallory Station Rd, Franklin TN 37967 (Aspen Grove Christian Church)Mail: PO Box 1993 Spring Hill TN 37174 If you need a Bible, please download the free Gideon's app for iPhone or Android: https://gideons.org/  Calvary Chapel Franklin is a 501c3 tax exempt religious organization. If you would like to donate to support this ministry, please click here: https://calvarychapelfranklin.churchcenter.com/giving 

Why does the Bridegroom now address the bride with such affection? Song of Songs 6:4–13 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Bridegroom is assuring the bride that she, and their relationship, have been fully restored. The devotional presents the restoration of intimacy between Christ and His bride in Song of Songs 6:4–13, illustrating the Lord's unwavering love, even after spiritual estrangement. Central to the message is the affirmation that Christ's affection for His church remains unchanged, as He reaffirms her beauty, purity, and unique worth, likening them to Jerusalem and Tirzah—symbols of divine glory and royal dignity. The passage emphasizes not only the restoration of personal affection and praise but also the full restoration of union and glory, where the church is exalted as the beloved, recognized and celebrated by all heavenly saints. Even in times of spiritual barrenness, Christ is portrayed as attentively watching for the first signs of revival, longing to return to His bride with joy and urgency, as His soul flies to her at the slightest indication of life. The devotional concludes with an invitation to embrace this assurance, to walk in renewed confidence, and to experience the deep joy of being seen, cherished, and restored by Christ, who delights in His church and invites others to behold her heavenly glory.

This week, Kai from 3Ci shares a powerful message titled When the Wine Runs Out. Preaching from John 2, he uses the miracle at Cana to show how it can mirror the emptiness we sometimes feel in our own lives. We've all had that moment where everything looks fine on the outside, but on the inside, the tank is empty.,Kai reminds us that Jesus doesn't offer a quick top-up or a coping strategy — He offers Himself. As the true Bridegroom, He steps into our lack, carries the weight, and turns what's run dry into something abundant. And like Mary, our response is simple: bring Him the need… and do whatever He says.For up-to-date info, follow our socials: https://www.instagram.com/freedomchurchbenoni/https://www.facebook.com/FreedomChurchBenoniMore episodes on all podcast platforms and our YouTube channel:Follow the link below, or search "freedom church Benoni" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music, or YouTube Music! https://www.youtube.com/@freedomchurchbenoni/podcasts #freedomchurchbenoni #sundayfunday

Even the greatest prophet had a moment of uncertainty. But rather than condemn John, Jesus gave a response that may surprise some of us. Notes: Luke 7 John, in a moment of doubt, sent a message to Jesus,“Are You the One, or should we look for another?” Doubt is a sign that someone is thinking. A French proverb says, “He who knows nothing doubts nothing.” “Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith.” #1 Moses was ready to quit. Numbers 11:14–15"I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me now." #2 Elijah was ready to quit.(1 Kings 19:4) #3 Jesus rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith. #4 Paul the Apostle was deeply discouraged.(2 Corinthians 1:8) #5 David wrote half the Psalms while angry, confused, or feeling abandoned by God. #6 John the Baptist was discouraged and entertained doubts. Read Luke 7:18–28 John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. John was in prison because of his bold preaching to King Herod. In John’s mind, Jesus the Messiah would organize a revolt. John was expecting political deliverance.Jesus was bringing spiritual deliverance. Sometimes we misunderstand God and His word. Jesus understood John’s questions and his doubt. Jesus answered John’s doubt with evidence and clarification, not condemnation. Galatians 5:15But if you are always biting and devouring one another,watch out! Beware of destroying one another. It is easier to critique than create.It is easier to tear down instead of build up. Jesus loves you and understands your questions, too. Psalm 10:1Why, O LORD, do you stand far away?Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Psalm 10:16 (a)The LORD is king forever and ever. Jesus defended John publicly,when John criticized Jesus privately.(Luke 7:24) You have immeasurable value because you are God’s creation.(1 Peter 2:9) Ephesians 2:10For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. God loves you so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross so you could have a relationship with Him. Doubt is a matter of the mind. Unbelief is a matter of the will. John was doubting, but he still believed. Jesus refocused John’s priorities. John’s doubts were answered by Scripture.(Luke 7:22) Stay the course when you don’t see the plan.(Luke 7:23) Luke 7:28I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is! John was a part of the Old Testament economy.You are a New Testament believer. John was a friend of the Bridegroom.You are the bride of the Bridegroom. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even the greatest prophet had a moment of uncertainty. But rather than condemn John, Jesus gave a response that may surprise some of us. Notes: Luke 7 John, in a moment of doubt, sent a message to Jesus,“Are You the One, or should we look for another?” Doubt is a sign that someone is thinking. A French proverb says, “He who knows nothing doubts nothing.” “Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith.” #1 Moses was ready to quit. Numbers 11:14–15"I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me now." #2 Elijah was ready to quit.(1 Kings 19:4) #3 Jesus rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith. #4 Paul the Apostle was deeply discouraged.(2 Corinthians 1:8) #5 David wrote half the Psalms while angry, confused, or feeling abandoned by God. #6 John the Baptist was discouraged and entertained doubts. Read Luke 7:18–28 John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. John was in prison because of his bold preaching to King Herod. In John’s mind, Jesus the Messiah would organize a revolt. John was expecting political deliverance.Jesus was bringing spiritual deliverance. Sometimes we misunderstand God and His word. Jesus understood John’s questions and his doubt. Jesus answered John’s doubt with evidence and clarification, not condemnation. Galatians 5:15But if you are always biting and devouring one another,watch out! Beware of destroying one another. It is easier to critique than create.It is easier to tear down instead of build up. Jesus loves you and understands your questions, too. Psalm 10:1Why, O LORD, do you stand far away?Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Psalm 10:16 (a)The LORD is king forever and ever. Jesus defended John publicly,when John criticized Jesus privately.(Luke 7:24) You have immeasurable value because you are God’s creation.(1 Peter 2:9) Ephesians 2:10For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. God loves you so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross so you could have a relationship with Him. Doubt is a matter of the mind. Unbelief is a matter of the will. John was doubting, but he still believed. Jesus refocused John’s priorities. John’s doubts were answered by Scripture.(Luke 7:22) Stay the course when you don’t see the plan.(Luke 7:23) Luke 7:28I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is! John was a part of the Old Testament economy.You are a New Testament believer. John was a friend of the Bridegroom.You are the bride of the Bridegroom. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're launching 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting…  but before we begin, we have to ask a crucial question: Are we aiming at the right target?In Mark 2:18–22, Jesus is challenged about fasting, and His response reveals something deeper than a debate about food. It's about what it truly means to follow Him. In a world where Christianity can easily drift toward performance, politics, self-improvement, or rule-keeping, Jesus calls us back to the heart of it all: intimacy and restoration.Through the lens of a memorable “target practice” story and four common distortions of modern Christianity, this message unpacks why fasting isn't about keeping score - it's about longing for the Bridegroom. It's not about preserving religious systems - it's about participating in God's restoring work in people's lives.Because if we're not careful, we can hit a bullseye and still miss the target. As we step into this 21-day journey together, this teaching will help you:Understand God's purpose for fastingIdentify false targets that subtly distort the gospelLearn practical, biblical best practices for fasting todayAlign your hunger with deeper intimacy with JesusFast with joy, mission, and restoration in mindLet's set our sights on the right target - and turn our hunger into prayer.// SCRIPTURE REFERENCES //Mark 2:13-3:6More info at the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/videos/mark/ // TAKE A NEXT STEP //Want to visit or discover more about Columbia View? Made a decision to follow Jesus or get baptized? Looking to get involved in growing and serving? VISIT HERE: https://columbiaview.org/ // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA //Youtube Instagram Facebook

Drew Bennett | We Have Seen His Glory

Drew Bennett | We Have Seen His Glory

Most Wednesdays, our Communications Director, Michelle Leichty, hosts a discussion with the preaching pastor from the previous Sunday. Visit our Facebook page to watch the discussion shortly after 1pm on Wednesdays: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/covenantepc⁠⁠⁠⁠Be sure to follow our Facebook page for notifications of when the discussion is posted!

Send us a comment or question!Calvary Chapel Franklin: http://calvarychapelfranklin.com/  Email: info@calvarychapelfranklin.com  Telegram: https://t.me/parsonspadpodcastTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/ccfranklintn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryChapelFranklin/  Subscribe to the audio podcast: https://parsonspad.buzzsprout.com/  iTunes: Parson's Pad Podcast Calvary Chapel Franklin meets at: Sunday mornings: 1724 General George Patton Drive, Brentwood TN 37027 Wednesday evenings: 274 Mallory Station Rd, Franklin TN 37967 (Aspen Grove Christian Church)Mail: PO Box 1993 Spring Hill TN 37174 If you need a Bible, please download the free Gideon's app for iPhone or Android: https://gideons.org/  Calvary Chapel Franklin is a 501c3 tax exempt religious organization. If you would like to donate to support this ministry, please click here: https://calvarychapelfranklin.churchcenter.com/giving 

White Oak Baptist Church of Stratford, CT is a loving, Christ-centered Church engaging our community in a powerful way. To learn more about our church and how you can connect, please visit http://www.whiteoakbc.org

In this episode, Laura and Jenny discuss Song of Songs 2:16-16 and what it means to "catch the foxes" within our vineyard. When our love for the Bridegroom begins to blossom, "little foxes" such as distractions, sins, lies we've believed about ourselves, and negative self-talk can interrupt our healing journey. Laura and Jenny discuss how keeping our eyes on the Bridegroom and rejecting the "little foxes" can help us sink further into the truth that "My Beloved is mine and I am His" (Song of Songs 2:16).Read Jenny's article about catching the "little foxes" of distraction at:https://hopesgarden.com/2026/02/catching-the-distractions-that-make-havoc-of-my-vineyard/To learn more about Hope's Garden CHRIST Program:https://hopesgarden.com/christ-program-subscription/Discover the love of our Divine Bridegroom through the Brides of Christ courses:https://hopesgarden.com/song-of-songs-scripture-study/

In Week 4 of The Real Jesus, Pastor Sean Klein challenges the idea that “ignorance is bliss” and reveals how, spiritually, ignorance can actually become a prison. Walking through Mark 2, we explore three powerful images, The Doctor, The Bridegroom, and The Gift, to uncover how the Pharisees misunderstood Jesus, religion, and even their own need for grace. This message invites us to confront where religion has distorted our view of God and rediscover the healing, joy, and freedom found in a real relationship with the God-King.

Date: February 22, 2026Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13Preaching: David HendersonSeries: Faithful Living While We WaitFind notes or a transcript of this sermon on our blog: https://www.covenantepc.org/blog/faithful-living-while-we-wait/

Send us a comment or question!Calvary Chapel Franklin: http://calvarychapelfranklin.com/  Email: info@calvarychapelfranklin.com  Telegram: https://t.me/parsonspadpodcastTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/ccfranklintn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryChapelFranklin/  Subscribe to the audio podcast: https://parsonspad.buzzsprout.com/  iTunes: Parson's Pad Podcast Calvary Chapel Franklin meets at: Sunday mornings: 1724 General George Patton Drive, Brentwood TN 37027 Wednesday evenings: 274 Mallory Station Rd, Franklin TN 37967 (Aspen Grove Christian Church)Mail: PO Box 1993 Spring Hill TN 37174 If you need a Bible, please download the free Gideon's app for iPhone or Android: https://gideons.org/  Calvary Chapel Franklin is a 501c3 tax exempt religious organization. If you would like to donate to support this ministry, please click here: https://calvarychapelfranklin.churchcenter.com/giving 

Listen to this week's sermon, Parables In Practice preached by Pastor Jason Dunn from Luke 5:27-29

Cities are known for their slogans. New York is called The City That Never Sleeps. Paris is The City of Light. Philadelphia is The City of Brotherly Love. Chicago is The Windy City. Every city has a name it embracessomething that captures its identity and the image it wants the world to believe about it. But in Revelation 2, Jesus gives Pergamum a name no city would ever choose for itself. He calls it where Satans throne is (Rev. 2:13). Imagine that as your citys reputation. Not The Pride of Asia. Not The Seat of Learning. Not The Crown of Culture. But The Place Where Satan Dwells. Pergamum was the capital of Roman Asia, a center of political authority, pagan worship, and emperor devotion. Towering above the city stood a massive altar to Zeus, a visible reminder of pagan power. The Roman governor there possessed the ius gladiithe right of the sword authority to execute. Power, religion, and politics converged in Pergamum in a way that made allegiance to Jesus costly. So when Christ introduces Himself as the One who has the sharp two-edged sword, He makes a bold claim: ultimate authority does not belong to Rome. The sword does not finally rest in Caesars hand. It rests in His. Pergamum teaches us that the churchs greatest danger is not merely persecution from outside, but compromise from withinand that even where Satans throne seems near, Christ still reigns. Dangers from the Outside (v. 13) The Christians in Pergamum faced very real dangers. To the church in Smyrna, severe persecution was coming; to the church in Pergamum, it had already arrived in the martyrdom of Antipas. Unlike many cities in the empire, Pergamum offered few places to hide from Rome, as it was the headquarters of Roman government in Asia. Michael Wilcock observed, If Ephesus was the New York of Asia, Pergamum was its Washington, for there the Roman imperial power had its seat of government. Devotion to emperor worship was not optional civic ritual it was public loyalty to Rome and for Christians, refusal came at a cost. But Pergamums pressure did not come from Rome alone. The city was saturated with devotion to Zeus, Athena, Dionysos, and Asklepios all of whom had prominent temples. The massive altar to Zeus, hailed as the god of gods, rose like a throne above the acropolis, proclaiming that ultimate power and salvation belonged to him. Asklepios, the famed healing god, was symbolized by a serpent-entwined staff still used in medical imagery today; his worshipers sought restoration and life from him. Athena embodied wisdom and civic strength, reinforcing Pergamums intellectual pride. Dionysos promised joy through wine, feasting, and sensual excess, blurring the line between celebration and corruption. And over all of it stood the emperor, honored as lord and savior, demanding allegiance that directly rivaled the confession that Jesus alone is Lord. Robert Mounce, in his commentary on Revelation, wrote: ...as the traveler approached Pergamum by the ancient road from the south, the actual shape of the city hill would appear as a giant throne towering above the plain. This is probably why Jesus refers to the city as the place, where Satans throne is. But against Pergamums skyline of rival saviors stands the living Christ. Zeus claimed ultimate power, but Jesus is the One to whom all authority in heaven and on earth belongs. Asklepios promised healing through a serpents symbol, but Jesus crushed the serpents head and, as the risen Lord, conquered death, giving eternal life to all who believe. Athena embodied worldly wisdom and pride, but Christ is the wisdom of God made flesh, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Dionysos offered joy through indulgence, but Jesus gives the true bread from heaven that satisfies forever. Caesar demanded worship as lord and savior, but only Jesus shed His blood to redeem sinners and now reigns as the King of kings. Pergamum was filled with promises of power, healing, wisdom, pleasure, and security but only the gospel delivers what these gods could only counterfeit. Jesus commends these believers despite the immense pressure around them: Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith They lived in a city crowded with rival saviors, yet they clung to Christ. Though we are not told the exact circumstances of Antipas death, it is not hard to imagine how it unfolded. He likely died by the blade of a Roman sword for refusing to bend his knee to the gods of Rome or to confess Caesar as lord. He would bow to only one name the name above every name Jesus Christ. And it is this man, Antipas executed by Rome, forgotten by the empire whom Jesus calls my faithful witness. We know from Roman records that this was the very test Christians faced. About twenty years after Revelation was written, the governor Pliny the Younger explained that accused Christians could avoid execution by invoking the Roman gods, offering incense to Caesar, and cursing the name of Christ. Those who refused were executed. He even admitted that genuine Christians could not be compelled to curse Christ. When Jesus praises these Christians Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith His words are not cheap; they are costly. To hold fast His name meant refusing to renounce it when your life was on the line. Rome took Antipas life, but Jesus rendered the greater verdict the very title He bears Himself: my faithful witness (see Rev. 1:5). The kind of faithfulness Antipas demonstrated in the face of death is the same faithfulness we are all called to whether suffering comes in the form of persecution or in circumstances beyond our control, such as illness, discouragement, or a life that did not unfold as we had hoped. Faithfulness is not measured by the kind of suffering we face, but by the Christ to whom we cling. And we cling to Him by looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:2). Dangers from the Inside (vv. 14-15) While the dangers from the outside were real, the greater threat was emerging from within. The Christians in Pergamum had stood firm against persecution, but they were less vigilant in confronting compromise within the church. Some adhered to the teaching of Balaam, and others to the teachings of the Nicolaitans. Though these errors shared similarities, they must be considered individually. To grasp the true danger here, we need to recall Balaams actions. In Numbers 2225, Balak, king of Moab, enlisted Balaam to curse Israel, but God turned every attempted curse into a blessing. When outright opposition failed, Balaam changed tactics. As Numbers 31:16 reveals, he counseled Moab to entice the Israelites drawing them into idolatry and sexual immorality through seductive feasts and relationships with pagan women. What Balaam could not accomplish through direct attack, he achieved through compromise. Israel was not destroyed by an enemy from without but by corruption from within. Here is what Balaam was guilty of: He lingered where God had already told him not to go. He pursued recognition and reward at the expense of Gods honor and the holiness of His people. He walked as close to temptation as he could without openly defying God. 4. His obedience was reluctant because his heart was drawn to what God forbade. Balaams problem was not ignorance but desire. He lingered where God had already told him not to go. He pursued recognition and reward at the expense of Gods glory and the holiness of His people. He walked as close to temptation as he could without openly defying God. And though he spoke Gods words, his obedience was reluctant because his heart was drawn to what God had forbidden. This is why Jesus references Balaam. The problem in Pergamum wasnt an outright rejection of Christ but a willingness to tolerate compromise. Some believed they could remain committed to Jesus while engaging in behaviors God had already forbidden. Compromise rarely starts with denialit begins when we linger where God has said no, chase comfort or recognition over holiness, and edge as close as possible to temptation without openly defying Him. We shouldnt think were exempt; this same risk exists in every congregationeven Meadowbrooke. Whenever we treat Gods commands as optional or hover near what He prohibits, were at risk of the compromise Jesus warns us against. The second thing Jesus has against the church in Pergamum is that some adhered to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. As we learned from the letter to the church in Ephesus, Jesus says He hated their works (2:6). What about their teaching provoked such strong language? They promoted a compromise similar to Balaams the idea that one could claim to belong to Gods people while participating in the very sins God had clearly forbidden. The Nicolaitans appear to have encouraged Christians to join in idolatrous feasts and sexual immorality, likely arguing that Gods grace covered such behavior. In their view, holiness became flexible and obedience negotiable. Listen, the spirit of the Nicolaitans is alive wherever Christians rationalize that blending in with culture poses no danger, that hidden sin is under control, or that Gods grace permits what He has clearly condemned. If we downplay sin, treat Gods commands as negotiable, or blur the boundaries between wholehearted faithfulness and self-indulgence, we risk falling into the same compromise Jesus warns against. Why does Jesus name both Balaam and the Nicolaitans in His rebuke? Because Balaam enticed Gods people into sin, and the Nicolaitans justified their continued presence in it. Those who held to these teachings were not outside the church but within it, and the ideas they embraced posed an immediate and dangerous threat to its spiritual health. The Danger of a Greater Sword (vv. 12, 16-17) Jesus takes the purity of His Bride seriously. The dangers from the outside were real, but all Rome was able to do with its sword was to kill and no more. The dangers within were more significant because they threatened the witness, testimony, and mission of the church. Listen, with the martyrdom of Antipas, his witness and testimony continued. His willingness to die for his faith and to stand in the security of Christ, even in the face of death, continued to speak even beyond Antipas death. What the early Christian apologist Tertullian wrote in 197 AD is true: The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. Persecution may wound the body, but it often strengthens the church. Compromise, however, weakens and destroys the church from within. If Satan can infiltrate the church through subtle, subversive teaching persuading believers to tolerate what God forbids and to justify what Christ condemns then the churchs witness is not martyred; it is muted. Its testimony is not silenced by force; it is weakened by concession. What Rome could not accomplish with a sword from without, false teaching seeks to achieve from within. Jesus is madly in love with His Bride and will protect Her when She is threatened. He is also a jealous Groom and will not tolerate any force or teaching that seeks to win Her affections. This is why Jesus hates the works of the Nicolaitans (2:5)! The Nicolaitans offered a perverted version of the Grace that Jesus secured at the cross, teaching that the freedom they had in Christ freed them from obedience to Jesus regarding personal holiness and sexual sin. Jesus calls the Christians in this church to repent by both calling out the false teaching and standing against it. Jesus warns this church that if they do not repent, He will come to war against them with the sword of His mouth. That is sobering language, but it is not unloving. It is not loving to overlook sin in your own life, nor is it loving to tolerate sin in the life of Christs church. This is why the Bible states in James 5:1920, My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. Indifference to sin is not grace it is neglect. A Savior who refuses to confront what destroys His Bride would not be loving. The sword of Christ is not the weapon of a tyrant but the discipline of a faithful Bridegroom committed to the purity of His people. Take a close look at Jesus words in verse 16: Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. That is not a casual warning; it is a decisive command. If they refused to turn from their sin and false teaching, it would not merely expose weakness it would reveal they never truly belonged to Him or experienced the saving grace that brings new life. Saving grace does not leave a person at peace with sin; it creates an urgency to cling to Christ. Where Christ truly reigns, repentance follows. Now notice verse 17. The sword is not the only thing Jesus offers. He promises that the one who has truly received Him as Savior evidenced by firmly holding fast to His name will be sustained and kept by Him. The true Christian is promised three things: hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name. The manna is for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt. 5:6). In a city filled with public feasts honoring false gods, Jesus promises hidden nourishment provision the world cannot see and idols cannot give. The white stone likely referred in the Roman world to a token of admission, acquittal, or honor. But the stone Jesus gives is not temporary; it signifies divine acceptance and permanent residence in His kingdom, where there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). And on that stone is a new name a name given by Christ Himself belonging to the one who receives it. That new name speaks to your identity in Christ, an identity no sword, no demon, not even Satan himself can take from you. On that stone is the evidence of your redemption. Its meaning echoes the words of our Redeemer: You must dwell as mine for many days. You shall not play the whore, or belong to another man; so will I also be to you (Hos. 3:3). Persecution may wound the church, but compromise will hollow it out. Romes sword can threaten the body, but Christs Word searches the heart. So hold fast to His name. Repent without delay. Refuse to justify what He condemns and to flirt with what He died to free you from. Live as those who belong to Him alone nourished by hidden manna, accepted by His verdict, and secure in the name He has written over your life.

Why weren't Jesus' disciples fasting? In Gospel of Matthew 9, Jesus is asked a question that goes far deeper than food. At stake is what counts as righteousness—and whether the spiritual life is defined by religious performance or covenant relationship. When Jesus calls Himself the Bridegroom, He makes a stunning claim: His presence inaugurates a […] The post Matthew 9:14-17 – When the Bridegroom Shows Up appeared first on Sierra Bible Church.

Legalism creeps in wearing the mask of spiritual ambition. We take on extra rules, elevate our preferences, and forget that Paul calls them shadows while the substance is Christ. Today we sit with Colossians 2 and let its sharp “therefore” reframe everything: don't let anyone judge you on food, drink, or special days; don't let anyone disqualify you with ascetic flexes, angel talk, or breathless visions. The gospel cancels the record of debt, disarms rulers, and places you on a podium you did not earn—so stop letting secondary standards steal your joy.We trace how this plays out on the ground. From Peter and John's calm defiance in Acts 4 to Jesus' teaching on fasting with the Bridegroom present, we see that wisdom is good, but “Jesus plus” is deadly. Loud voices often rise where Scripture stays quiet; that's our cue to raise antennas, not new rules. We name the modern list—hair, diets, school choices, entertainment, frequency of communion—and show how majoring on minors wrecks churches, marriages, and friendships. Then we anchor in a picture you won't forget: two high jumpers choosing two golds. Your gold doesn't dim because someone else has one; grace multiplies without dividing. If you want to learn more about the MidTree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

John2:1-11 Rev. Rodney Henderson

Check out this awesome show from March 7, 2025 (2:40) Bible Study: Isaiah 58:1-9a – While it may seem like a condemnation of fasting, this is not so as Jesus himself fasted. Taking up your cross and denying yourself means saying no to yourself. Freedom is the ability to do the right thing and that is the point of fasting, to be free and exercise freedom. Matthew 9:14-15 – If your fasting makes you quarrelsome and difficult don’t bother with it. If your fasting gives you the freedom to be charitable that is good. Jesus talks about being the Bridegroom. (16:08) Break 1 (16:53) Letters: Were there actually angels who had relations with humans? The word “Nephilim” means “fallen ones”. Daryl - I was wondering about the DaVinci Code and wanted to know if Mary Magdalene the wife of Jesus? There is no history in the DaVinci Code. Did Judas conspire with Jesus to have him crucified? No, that is nonsense. Be careful what you name your kids and don’t name your kids “Judas”. (32:25) Break 2 (33:29) Word of the Day: Sacrament (39:34) Phones: Ed - How many times a day could I receive the Eucharist? Gerard - About the Eucharist, in the Passion 2000 years ago, basically Jesus surrendered himself. Does Jesus do the same thing at Mass. Could you clarify? Jane - In the Jubilee Year, what is the deal with indulgence? can you obtain one for yourself and another? Nancy - Organizing a confirmation retreat, any advice on how to explain the sacrament to teens?

A Regnum Christi Daily Meditation. Sign up to receive the text in your email daily at RegnumChristi.com

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022026.cfmFather Tyler Mentzer, MIC, invites us to confront this penetrating question, “What are you hungry for?” On the first Friday of Lent, this inquiry becomes a mirror for our own souls, urging us to examine the cravings that dominate our hearts.The Gospel's wedding feast imagery frames fasting, not as a punitive rite, but as a preparation for the ultimate celebration of the divine Bridegroom. Jesus asks, “Can the wedding guests mourn while the bridegroom is with them?” (Mk 2:19; NABRE). When the Bridegroom remains present, the feast of love outweighs the austerity of fasting. Yet He also foretells the inevitable departure of the Bridegroom, announcing that “then they will fast” (Mk 2:20; NABRE). This duality reveals fasting as medicinal: a temporary giving up of earthly food that readies us for the future sorrow of the Passion and the ensuing joy of the Resurrection.The “Catechism” teaches that “fasting is a penance that draws us closer to Christ, the source of true nourishment” (“CCC,” 2043). By denying ourselves food, drink, or sinful habits, we create interior space for the Spirit, allowing the hunger for God's will to replace the hunger for fleeting pleasures. As Fr. Tyler notes, the Lenten season is a “time of intentional communion with the suffering Christ,” echoing the ancient Jewish practice of fasting on the Day of Atonement (see Lev 16) and its fulfillment in the New Covenant.Saints Jacinta and Francisco of Fatima exemplify this sacrificial love. Even as children, they offered their meals to the poor, endured bitter suffering, and embraced fasting as a conduit for the conversion of sinners. Their witness reminds us that fasting, when rooted in love for the Bridegroom, transforms personal deprivation into communal charity.Thus, the Lenten call is threefold:- Identify the hidden cravings that enslave us — power, pleasure, control, or even the illusion of self‑sufficiency.- Rebuke those cravings through disciplined fasting — whether by abstaining from meat on Fridays, limiting meals, or refraining from harmful thoughts and words.- Redirect the resulting emptiness toward the love of Christ, the true Bridegroom who satisfies every longing (see Jn 6:35; NABRE). ★ Support this podcast ★

Have you thought much about how the Song of Solomon shows you the love of Christ for you. We will think about that together in this episode.To read the original post, visit https://www.theapollosproject.com/the-bridegroom-the-song-of-solomon-and-middle-age/

Read OnlineThe disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Matthew 9:14–15Fasting is an essential spiritual discipline. It signifies humility, repentance, and a sincere turning toward God, while also strengthening the virtue of temperance. This enables us to overcome inordinate desires for food, drink, and other appetites of the flesh. Given its significance, John the Baptist's disciples were surprised to see that Jesus' disciples were not fasting. They approached Jesus with a genuine question, seeking to understand. Jesus responded with a profound truth, explaining why fasting was not yet necessary for His disciples.In His rhetorical reply, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?” Jesus identifies Himself as the Bridegroom whose presence brings joy and celebration. While He was with them, fasting was not needed. However, Jesus makes it clear that a time will come when the Bridegroom will be “taken away”—referring to His Passion and death—and at that time, fasting would be essential as His disciples take up their own crosses to follow Him.This passage not only teaches us about fasting, it also offers insight into how we should respond to both spiritual consolations and times of dryness in prayer. When we experience God's closeness, we should respond with gratitude and joyful praise. However, when those consolations fade, God invites us to enter into a deeper spiritual journey—through fasting, increased prayer, and penance. God often gives us moments of consolation to prepare us for the more challenging periods when our faith is deepened and purified. Thus, we should savor the joyful moments but embrace the difficult ones as opportunities for even greater spiritual growth.It's also important to note the disposition of John's disciples in this Gospel. Unlike the Pharisees who often questioned Jesus with malicious intent, John's disciples came in humility with a sincere desire to understand. They were not trying to trap Jesus or find fault with Him; they genuinely sought clarity. John had already pointed them to Jesus, identifying Him as the Lamb of God. When they noticed a difference in practice—that Jesus' disciples were not fasting—it was difficult for them to reconcile that with their own spiritual customs. Rather than doubting or criticizing, they approached Jesus openly, and He responded to them with gentle instruction.This teaches us a vital lesson: We must approach God—and others—with humility and openness, especially when we are confused or in conflict. When misunderstandings or disagreements arise, it's easy to condemn or judge, but doing so is a lack of humility and rarely leads to peace or reconciliation. Like John's disciples, we must always seek to understand, especially in matters of faith.In our relationship with God, this humble disposition is essential. When things don't go as we expect, we can become frustrated, even feeling abandoned by God. In such moments, it's tempting to distance ourselves from Him or rely on our own understanding. However, any conflict or confusion we experience in our spiritual lives is never because God is distant or indifferent. It is often our sin, lack of trust, or misunderstanding that clouds our judgment. God's will is always perfect, and we must approach Him with faith, knowing that He never abandons us. Reflect today on the example of John's disciples who approached Jesus with a heart open to understanding. Use their example in your own life, especially when you experience confusion or conflict—whether with God or others. Embrace humility and openness, and you will be granted the grace of understanding and peace.My perfect Lord, You are always present to me, always attentive, and always leading me into Your perfect will. When I become confused, grant me the graces of humility and openness, so that I may seek Your will and come to know Your way. Help me to approach others with the same humility and charity, free from judgment and harshness, so that Your peace may reign. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Friday After Ash Wednesday

Send us a comment or question!Calvary Chapel Franklin: http://calvarychapelfranklin.com/  Email: info@calvarychapelfranklin.com  Telegram: https://t.me/parsonspadpodcastTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/ccfranklintn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryChapelFranklin/  Subscribe to the audio podcast: https://parsonspad.buzzsprout.com/  iTunes: Parson's Pad Podcast Calvary Chapel Franklin meets at: Sunday mornings: 1724 General George Patton Drive, Brentwood TN 37027 Wednesday evenings: 274 Mallory Station Rd, Franklin TN 37967 (Aspen Grove Christian Church)Mail: PO Box 1993 Spring Hill TN 37174 If you need a Bible, please download the free Gideon's app for iPhone or Android: https://gideons.org/  Calvary Chapel Franklin is a 501c3 tax exempt religious organization. If you would like to donate to support this ministry, please click here: https://calvarychapelfranklin.churchcenter.com/giving Buzzsprout info: Equipping people for a lifetime of knowing, loving and following Jesushttps://parsonspad.com 

In today's message, we explore the powerful truth that Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection were not accidental—they were the fulfillment of God's covenant plan from the very beginning. Starting in Luke 18:31–34, Jesus tells His disciples exactly what will happen to Him in Jerusalem. Every detail—His betrayal, mocking, scourging, crucifixion, and resurrection—was foretold centuries earlier in scriptures like Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. Yet even His closest followers struggled to understand. They expected a warrior king to defeat Rome—but Jesus came as the Lamb of God to defeat sin, death, and Satan. Key themes from this sermon: The Cross Was Always the Plan From Genesis to the Gospels, Scripture reveals a consistent story: humanity's disobedience brought separation from God, but Jesus' obedience at the cross restored what was lost. Adam's disobedience at the tree brought death—but Jesus' obedience at the cross brought life. The Pattern of Covenant, Obedience, and Substitution Throughout the Old Testament, we see pictures pointing to Christ: • Noah was saved through obedience and faith • Abraham and Isaac revealed God's provision of a substitute sacrifice • The Passover and Exodus showed deliverance through God's power • The bronze serpent foreshadowed salvation through looking in faith • The manna and water from the rock pointed to Jesus as the Bread of Life and Living Water Each story reveals the same truth: God provides salvation through faith and obedience. Jesus Is the Fulfillment of Every Covenant Isaiah 53 describes the suffering servant who would be pierced, crushed, and rejected for our sins. Jesus willingly endured the cross, taking the punishment we deserved so we could be reconciled to God. A Call to Examine Our Hearts This message challenges us to ask: Are we fully devoted to Christ, or are we seeking fulfillment in the things of this world? Jesus, the faithful Bridegroom, gave His whole life for us. Our response is to surrender our lives to Him in faith, obedience, and love. Because of the cross, we are no longer separated—we are brought near by the blood of Christ. Key Scriptures: Luke 18:31–34, Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, Genesis 3, Exodus 14–17, Numbers 21, John 3, John 6–7, Romans 5:12, Ephesians 2:13 Speaker: Jeremiah Goin Sermon Date: 2/15/2026 ComeToFreedom.com

Sermon: Jesus the Bridegroom, Series: Who is Jesus, Rev. Matt Howell, Mark 2:18-22

Rev. Kenneth Bomberger gives today's prayerful thought based on the day's Scripture readings. Begin your morning in word and prayer with Rev. Kenneth Bomberger, who shares scripture, hymns, prayers, and texts for the day, and also gives a short meditation on the day's scripture lessons. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Laura and Jenny continue their discussion of the Bridegroom's invitation to His Bride in verses 2:10-2:14 of the Song of Songs. In this episode, they focus on the Bridegroom's words, "Let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet." Finding our authentic voice is a challenge for those who have been silenced or whose voices have been ridiculed. Jenny and Laura share their stories of how Jesus gently healed their hearts and provided safety in prayer for them to discover and learn to speak with their "sweet" voices. Learn more about Jesus the Bridegroom and the Song of Songs at Hopesgarden.comLearn more about Jenny's work with survivors of domestic violence at https://www.jennydubay.com/healing-guidance