Podcasts about Charles Spurgeon

The Habit of Verbally Sharing Jesus - If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay... let not one go there unwarned and un-prayed for - Charles Spurgeon

#devocional #spurgeon266. De mañana oire su voz (Charles Spurgeon) Salmo 149:2

Are we living Christ, not just preaching Him? Robert Chapman, called “the saintliest man” by Charles Spurgeon, lived a quiet yet powerful life marked by humility, love, and a deep commitment to live for Christ. He gave up personal rights, pursued unity without compromise, and served the poor and the lost with Christlike love. His life reminds us that true gospel witness flows not from fame, but from faithfully living Christ before others.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION “Before you call the snail a weakling, tie your house to your back and carry it around for a week.”~Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, Nigerian novelist “Before pointing fingers make sure your hands are clean.”~Bob Marley (1945-1981), Jamaican singer and songwriter “People get addicted to feeling offended all the time because it gives them a high; being self-righteous and morally superior feels good.”~Mark Manson, author and blogger “We judge people in areas where we're vulnerable to shame, especially picking folks who are doing worse than we're doing. If I feel good about my parenting, I have no interest in judging other people's choices. If I feel good about my body, I don't go around making fun of other people's weight or appearance. We're hard on each other because we're using each other as a launching pad out of our own perceived deficiency.”~Brené Brown, academic, podcaster, and writer “We judge ourselves by our intentions. And others by their actions.”~Stephen Covey (1932-2012), educator, author, businessman “There are only two kinds of men: the righteous who think they are sinners and the sinners who think they are righteous.”~Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), French mathematician and philosopher, in his Pensées (534) “Nothing can damn a man but his own righteousness; nothing can save him but the righteousness of Christ.” “The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation.”~Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892), famed London preacher “Self-justification and judging others go together, as justification by grace and serving others go together.”~Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), pastor-theologian executed for his opposition to the NazisSERMON PASSAGERomans 2:1-16 (ESV)Romans 1 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse…. 28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.Romans 2 1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

#spurgeon #devocional265. De mañana oire su voz (Charles Spurgeon) Jeremías 32:41

Welcome to Episode 261 of The Burning Bush Podcast, where we share the message of the Bible while enjoying a good cigar. In this episode we're reading the New Testament book of Galatians Chapter 1 with commentary from the notes in the Charles Spurgeon Study Bible, and I'm smoking the Fratello Bianco II 6x50.Charles Spurgeon Study Bible: https://csbspurgeonstudybible.csbible.com/Fratello Bianco II 6x50: https://www.cigarsinternational.com/p/fratello-bianco/2063824/Listen and subscribe at: https://www.theburningbushpodcast.comYouTube: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2xuUIvnTwNsmlHN2fxlidI6Zhgt-GPB7&si=t0IqlNyWtCYOiSwHRumble: https://rumble.com/user/SteveMcHenryEmail: steve@theburningbushpodcast.com#TheBurningBush #Podcast #Scripture #Theology #Jesus #Bible #Christian #GroundworksMinistries #Cigars #BOTL #SOTL #HolySmokes #TreatsNTruth #LogosBibleSoftware #CharlesSpurgeon #SpurgeonStyle #FratelloCigarsSUPPORT THE SHOW & OUR PARTNERSCash App - http://cash.app/$StevenJMcHenryVenmo - https://www.venmo.com/u/Steve-McHenry-3Paypal - http://paypal.me/SteveMcHenrySend me a Text MessageGroundworks MinistriesPromoting the "chapter-a-day" reading of God's Word.Treats-N-Truth MinistryHelping those in need through the love & grace of God.The Burning Bush Merchandise StoreGet your Burning Bush Podcast swag here!Logos Bible SoftwareA digital library and Bible study platform for in-depth study, sermon prep, and academic research.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour.Free delivery on your first order over $35.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Welcome to Episode 261 of The Burning Bush Podcast, where we share the message of the Bible while enjoying a good cigar. In this episode we're reading the New Testament book of Galatians Chapter 1 with commentary from the notes in the Charles Spurgeon Study Bible, and I'm smoking the Fratello Bianco II 6x50.Listen and subscribe here.Download episode here.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Today's episode covers the history of Lent and explores whether Christians should celebrate it. John Piper, Charles Spurgeon, Tim Challies and others weigh in (via quotes)  This will be more of a pop-history overview, and not a deep dive, but that should be sufficient for most who are curious about the origins of Lent, or are unfamiliar with its practice.    First, and this is pretty important, Lent is NOT a mandated biblical practice, BUT in many ways it has roots in biblical practices, and many wings of the Christian church have been practicing Lent, or Lent-like observances since at least the second or third century, possibly earlier, but the word Lent itself is first mentioned by the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, though the way they mention it, it is clear that this is an accepted practice of the church at the time. In other words, the first extant mention of Lent is 325 AD, but the church had been observing Lent for quite some time before that.    Second, what does the word even mean? Has somebody borrowed something? Not at all. Lent comes from an old English word, lencten, which stood for the spring season…that word seems to come from a word that could potentially mean long, as in longer days, which begins to happen in the Spring season. In other languages, like Greek and Latin, the word for Lent Tessarakostí and quadragesima, indicates 40 - as in the 40 days before Easter.    Also, why does Lent start today when today, Ash Wednesday is not 40 days before Easter, but FORTY-SIX? Well the answer lies in church history, and the practice of the early church to FEAST on Sundays. In 601, Pope Gregory I moved the beginning of Lent to 46 days before Easter, allowing for the usual 40 days of fasting plus six Sundays of feasting when the rules of fasting did not apply. Into modernity, the Lenten season is 46, rather than 40 days, and most suspend fasting on Sundays. Further, most Christians who observe Lent do not do a complete fast. In the early church, Christians might have fasted from meat, or rich foods, or richly seasoned foods. Many today fast until sundown. Almost nobody does a complete food fast, as the one that Jesus did in the wilderness. 

How many times have we said to ourselves. "I wish I had time to go on a mission trip." Well guess what, you DO!  Your workplace IS your mission field. Your daily commute IS your mission travel. And your workplace has been crafted perfectly by God, specifically tailored to you, and your giftings. We can all begin to view our workplace and every co-worker as "the mission". We can prepare, pray, plan and then serve our colleagues in the same way we would as if we hopped on a plane and flew to another country.  Charles Spurgeon the Reformed preacher said "Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor."  So which are YOU? What would it take for you to start tomorrow, to shift your mindset and intentionally serve your workplace as YOUR mission field?

Today's episode covers the history of Lent and explores whether Christians should celebrate it. John Piper, Charles Spurgeon, Tim Challies and others weigh in (via quotes)  This will be more of a pop-history overview, and not a deep dive, but that should be sufficient for most who are curious about the origins of Lent, or are unfamiliar with its practice.    First, and this is pretty important, Lent is NOT a mandated biblical practice, BUT in many ways it has roots in biblical practices, and many wings of the Christian church have been practicing Lent, or Lent-like observances since at least the second or third century, possibly earlier, but the word Lent itself is first mentioned by the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, though the way they mention it, it is clear that this is an accepted practice of the church at the time. In other words, the first extant mention of Lent is 325 AD, but the church had been observing Lent for quite some time before that.    Second, what does the word even mean? Has somebody borrowed something? Not at all. Lent comes from an old English word, lencten, which stood for the spring season…that word seems to come from a word that could potentially mean long, as in longer days, which begins to happen in the Spring season. In other languages, like Greek and Latin, the word for Lent Tessarakostí and quadragesima, indicates 40 - as in the 40 days before Easter.    Also, why does Lent start today when today, Ash Wednesday is not 40 days before Easter, but FORTY-SIX? Well the answer lies in church history, and the practice of the early church to FEAST on Sundays. In 601, Pope Gregory I moved the beginning of Lent to 46 days before Easter, allowing for the usual 40 days of fasting plus six Sundays of feasting when the rules of fasting did not apply. Into modernity, the Lenten season is 46, rather than 40 days, and most suspend fasting on Sundays. Further, most Christians who observe Lent do not do a complete fast. In the early church, Christians might have fasted from meat, or rich foods, or richly seasoned foods. Many today fast until sundown. Almost nobody does a complete food fast, as the one that Jesus did in the wilderness. 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

It's Wednesday, February 18th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Iranian authorities killed 19 Christians Article 18 reports Iran's security forces have killed at least 19 Christians during recent anti-government protests. The Islamic Republic's security forces brutally cracked down on demonstrators, including Christians.  Believers already face persecution for participating in activities like prayer gatherings, baptisms, and Bible distribution. In December, five Christians received prison sentences totaling 50 years for such activities. Iran is ranked 10th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of the most oppressive countries to be a Christian.  Nuclear deal between America and Iran Speaking of Iran, the country sent representatives to meet with U.S. officials in Geneva, Switzerland yesterday. The two countries agreed to “guiding principles” for a potential nuclear deal. At the same time, the U.S. is conducting a military build-up in the region. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that striking a deal with Iran is difficult because of its commitment to radical Islam.  Secretary Rubio urged Europe to embrace Christian heritage Secretary Rubio addressed the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Saturday.  He criticized Europe for embracing globalism, open borders, massive welfare states, and climate activism. Rubio said, “We in America have no interest in being polite and orderly caretakers of the West's managed decline.” Instead, he called for European countries to partner with the United States on the basis of their common heritage—Christianity. Listen. RUBIO: “America was founded 250 years ago, but the roots began here on this continent, long before the men who settled and built the nation of my birth arrived on our shores, carrying the memories and the traditions and the Christian faith of their ancestors as a sacred inheritance, an unbreakable link between the old world and the new. “We are part of one civilization, Western civilization. We are bound to one another by the deepest bonds that nations could share, forged by centuries of shared history, Christian faith, culture, heritage, language, ancestry and the sacrifices our forefathers made together for the common civilization to which we have fallen heir.” Jeremiah 6:16 says, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls.” Border Czar: We arrested 4,000 illegals & recovered 3,000 kids in MN In the United States, White House Border Czar Tom Homan announced the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota last week. Immigration enforcement officers are in the process of leaving the state after having made over 4,000 arrests since December. Homan noted that officers also recovered over 3,000 missing children. HOMAN: “I.C.E. is a legitimate federal law enforcement agency. We're not out scouring the streets to disappear people or deny people their civil rights or due process. In addition to taking public safety threats off the street, I.C.E., here in this state, have located 3,364 missing, unaccompanied alien children -- children the last administration lost and weren't even looking for.” Planned Parenthood closes Florida abortion mill Planned Parenthood announced Monday it will close one of its abortion mills in Florida.  The Lakeland, Florida killing center will fully close next month. This ends 50 years of the abortion giant's presence in the area.  Planned Parenthood locations have fallen from 567 in 2021 to 488 last month. However, Katherine Van Dyke with American Life League warned, “By shedding this ‘dead weight,' they're not retreating. They're regrouping to push the abortion pill regimen through virtual channels, streamlining abortion on demand.” 348th anniversary of Pilgrim's Progress And finally, this week is the 348th anniversary of the publication of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. His first volume of the book was announced on February 18, 1678. Bunyan began the work from prison. He was sentenced for holding unsanctioned religious services. Despite suffering for his faith, he produced a Christian classic that would influence the church for centuries.  The 19th century English preacher Charles Spurgeon, who read Pilgrim's Progress 100 times, said of Bunyan, “Read anything of his, and you will see that it is almost like reading the Bible itself. He had read it till his very soul was saturated with Scripture; and though his writings are charmingly full of poetry, yet he cannot give us his Pilgrim's Progress—that sweetest of all prose poems—without continually making us feel and say, ‘Why, this man is a living Bible!'” Jeremiah 15:16 says, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O LORD, God of hosts.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, February 18th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Leon Morris once said that Romans 3:21-27 is the most important paragraph ever written. The reason that he said this is captured well by what Charles Spurgeon said of this passage. He said "I do not know any passage in Scripture in which the way of salvation is more clearly and fully set forth than this one." John Piper said about this passage that, "if you understand this passage, you understand Christianity." Martin Luther said that this passage is "the central place of the book of Romans, and of the entire Bible." Nowhere is the gospel so clear. Nowhere is the logic of salvation so powerfully set forth as it is in this passage. In this passage we see that salvation is by Grace alone, through Faith alone, in Christ alone, and to the glory of God alone. This episode is a sermon that was originally preached by Jackson Hankey at a Christian Retreat for College Athletes.

Share a commentA snowstorm, an absent pastor, and a layman's ten-minute sermon changed the course of church history. We follow Charles Spurgeon from that unlikely conversion moment—“Look to Christ”—to a lifetime of preaching that filled halls, stirred headlines, and anchored bruised hearts. What emerges is not a tale of polish and pedigree, but of a teenager seized by grace who kept pointing a restless world to a simple, seismic center: Jesus.We share how Spurgeon's early barn sermons swelled into crowds, how a skeptical London congregation became the Metropolitan Tabernacle, and how Susannah's steady presence shaped the pulpit week after week. Along the way, we open the door to his study: the verse-hunting Saturdays, the sleep-sermon Susannah captured, the Monday edits that sent his words across oceans. We also linger on his pain—gout, rheumatism, long absences from the pulpit—and the engine behind his astonishing output. His answer to “two men's work” wasn't hustle; it was Colossians 1:29 dependence, a partnership with Christ's energy that turned weakness into witness.Spurgeon's courage didn't stop at comfort. He confronted slavery, pushed back on infant sprinkling, and ultimately sounded the Downgrade alarm when doctrinal clarity began to blur. The cost was sharp—censure and cheers at his exit—but the warning still reads like today's news: guard the gospel, prize Scripture, resist the slow leak of conviction. And yet for all the fire, his voice remains most healing when speaking to the crushed in spirit: pour out your heart before God, empty the vessel, and look where hope lives. Acceptance isn't found in the rise and fall of your feelings but in the Beloved who holds you fast.If you need a clear center, a resilient joy, and a bracing reminder that ordinary faithfulness can move cities, you're in the right place. Listen, share with a friend who could use courage, and if this story lifts your eyes, subscribe and leave a review so others can find their way to the same hope._____Stephen's latest book, Legacies of Light, Volume 2, is our gift for your special donation to our ministry. Follow this link for information or to donate:https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/legaciesSupport the show

Share a commentA snowstorm, an absent pastor, and a layman's ten-minute sermon changed the course of church history. We follow Charles Spurgeon from that unlikely conversion moment—“Look to Christ”—to a lifetime of preaching that filled halls, stirred headlines, and anchored bruised hearts. What emerges is not a tale of polish and pedigree, but of a teenager seized by grace who kept pointing a restless world to a simple, seismic center: Jesus.We share how Spurgeon's early barn sermons swelled into crowds, how a skeptical London congregation became the Metropolitan Tabernacle, and how Susannah's steady presence shaped the pulpit week after week. Along the way, we open the door to his study: the verse-hunting Saturdays, the sleep-sermon Susannah captured, the Monday edits that sent his words across oceans. We also linger on his pain—gout, rheumatism, long absences from the pulpit—and the engine behind his astonishing output. His answer to “two men's work” wasn't hustle; it was Colossians 1:29 dependence, a partnership with Christ's energy that turned weakness into witness.Spurgeon's courage didn't stop at comfort. He confronted slavery, pushed back on infant sprinkling, and ultimately sounded the Downgrade alarm when doctrinal clarity began to blur. The cost was sharp—censure and cheers at his exit—but the warning still reads like today's news: guard the gospel, prize Scripture, resist the slow leak of conviction. And yet for all the fire, his voice remains most healing when speaking to the crushed in spirit: pour out your heart before God, empty the vessel, and look where hope lives. Acceptance isn't found in the rise and fall of your feelings but in the Beloved who holds you fast.If you need a clear center, a resilient joy, and a bracing reminder that ordinary faithfulness can move cities, you're in the right place. Listen, share with a friend who could use courage, and if this story lifts your eyes, subscribe and leave a review so others can find their way to the same hope._____Stephen's latest book, Legacies of Light, Volume 2, is our gift for your special donation to our ministry. Follow this link for information or to donate:https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/legaciesSupport the show

#devocional #spurgeon 264. De mañana oire su voz (Charles Spurgeon) Jueces 7:20

#devocional 220. De mañana oire su voz (Charles Spurgeon) Cantares 1:4

Is it possible to believe in the goodness of God and the victory of the cross while living in deep emotional darkness? In this sermon, we explore the disorienting reality of being a genuine Christian who battles the "mental arthritis" of depression.In this message, you'll discover:• The Weight of History: The story of Charles Spurgeon, a world-renowned preacher who battled a "mental giant" of depression for 35 years after a tragic church accident,.• A "Canonized" Struggle: Why the Bible doesn't dodge depression but instead features main characters like Moses, Job, Elijah, and even Jesus as a "Man of Sorrows" who was familiar with suffering,.• The Darkest Psalm: A deep dive into Psalm 88, the only psalm in the Bible that doesn't end with a happy confession of faith, but with the haunting line: "Darkness is my closest friend",.• The "Who" Before the "Why": Why Heman the Ezrahite started his darkest prayer with three Hebrew words: Yahweh Elohei Yeshua'ti—affirming that God is present, powerful, and his only source of salvation, even when he couldn't feel it,,.• How to Love Someone in the Pit: Practical advice for those supporting loved ones, including the need to be "comfortable with uncomfortable emotions" and the power of presence over easy solutions,.• The Ultimate Hope: The life-changing truth that "Jesus saves the depressed". He doesn't wait for you to climb a ladder to reach Him; He climbed down into the "pit" to find you.Your feelings may be valid, but they don't get the last word—Jesus does,. Whether you are struggling to get out of bed or walking alongside someone who is, this message is a reminder that while sadness may be temporary, the joy found in the finished work of Christ is eternal."It is Jesus—and not the absence of depression—that saves us".

Welcome to Episode 260 of The Burning Bush Podcast, where we share the message of the Bible while enjoying a good cigar. In this episode we're reading the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians Chapter 13 with commentary from the notes in the Charles Spurgeon Study Bible, and I'm smoking the Nica Libre Churchill 7x50.Listen and subscribe here.Download episode here.

Welcome to Episode 260 of The Burning Bush Podcast, where we share the message of the Bible while enjoying a good cigar. In this episode we're reading the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians Chapter 13 with commentary from the notes in the Charles Spurgeon Study Bible, and I'm smoking the Nica Libre Churchill 7x50.Charles Spurgeon Study Bible: https://csbspurgeonstudybible.csbible.com/Nica Libre Churchill 7x50: https://www.cigarsinternational.com/p/nica-libre-cigars/1475423/Listen and subscribe at: https://www.theburningbushpodcast.comYouTube: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2xuUIvnTwNsmlHN2fxlidI6Zhgt-GPB7&si=t0IqlNyWtCYOiSwHRumble: https://rumble.com/user/SteveMcHenryEmail: steve@theburningbushpodcast.com#TheBurningBush #Podcast #Scripture #Theology #Jesus #Bible #Christian #GroundworksMinistries #Cigars #BOTL #SOTL #HolySmokes #TreatsNTruth #LogosBibleSoftware #CharlesSpurgeon #SpurgeonStyle #NicaLibreSUPPORT THE SHOW & OUR PARTNERSCash App - http://cash.app/$StevenJMcHenryVenmo - https://www.venmo.com/u/Steve-McHenry-3Paypal - http://paypal.me/SteveMcHenrySend me a Text MessageGroundworks MinistriesPromoting the "chapter-a-day" reading of God's Word.Treats-N-Truth MinistryHelping those in need through the love & grace of God.The Burning Bush Merchandise StoreGet your Burning Bush Podcast swag here!Logos Bible SoftwareA digital library and Bible study platform for in-depth study, sermon prep, and academic research.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour.Free delivery on your first order over $35.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Geoff Chang and I explore his new devotional book, Your Only Comfort: Devotions for Hope in Suffering, a powerful collection of reflections drawn from the sermons of Charles H. Spurgeon and thoughtfully edited by Dr. Chang. This conversation offers biblical encouragement for anyone walking through pain, grief, or prolonged hardship.We discuss:   •   Why suffering is not evidence of God's absence   •   How Spurgeon's own trials shaped his message of hope   •   The difference between emotional relief and gospel-rooted comfort   •   How this devotional can be used daily in hard seasons

The sermon centers on James 1:19–25, emphasizing that true transformation comes not from merely hearing the Word of God, but from faithfully doing it. It warns against the self-deception of being a hearer only—agreeing with truth intellectually while failing to obey—illustrated by the metaphor of a man who sees himself in a mirror and then forgets what he looks like. The passage calls for a life of consistent, obedient faith, rooted in daily engagement with Scripture, where hearing leads to action, and obedience becomes a mark of genuine freedom and blessing. Drawing from historical examples like Charles Spurgeon and biblical narratives, it underscores that spiritual growth is not accidental but requires intentional, sustained practice of God's Word, beginning with a teachable heart and culminating in a life transformed by faithful obedience.

I was going to open my message with excerpts from Charles Spurgeon's message, The Christian's Great Business, but ended up largely preaching his compelling message on every Christian's Great Commission responsibility. It was true when the inspired Word of God was written. It was true when Spurgeon preached it September 7th, 1873. It's true for all believers today! May God be pleased to Make the Great Commission Great Again in His Church and thus in the earth!

Welcome to Episode 259 of The Burning Bush Podcast, where we share the message of the Bible while enjoying a good cigar. In this episode we're reading the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians Chapter 12 with commentary from the notes in the Charles Spurgeon Study Bible, and I'm smoking the Ramon Bueso Genesis The Project Robusto 5x50.Charles Spurgeon Study Bible: https://csbspurgeonstudybible.csbible.com/Ramon Bueso Genesis The Project Robusto 5x50: https://www.cigarsinternational.com/p/ramon-bueso-genesis-the-project-cigars/1411937/Listen and subscribe at: https://www.theburningbushpodcast.comYouTube: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2xuUIvnTwNsmlHN2fxlidI6Zhgt-GPB7&si=t0IqlNyWtCYOiSwHRumble: https://rumble.com/user/SteveMcHenryEmail: steve@theburningbushpodcast.com#TheBurningBush #Podcast #Scripture #Theology #Jesus #Bible #Christian #GroundworksMinistries #Cigars #BOTL #SOTL #HolySmokes #TreatsNTruth #LogosBibleSoftware #CharlesSpurgeon #SpurgeonStyle #RamonBuesoSUPPORT THE SHOW & OUR PARTNERSCash App - http://cash.app/$StevenJMcHenryVenmo - https://www.venmo.com/u/Steve-McHenry-3Paypal - http://paypal.me/SteveMcHenrySend me a Text MessageGroundworks MinistriesPromoting the "chapter-a-day" reading of God's Word.Treats-N-Truth MinistryHelping those in need through the love & grace of God.The Burning Bush Merchandise StoreGet your Burning Bush Podcast swag here!Logos Bible SoftwareA digital library and Bible study platform for in-depth study, sermon prep, and academic research.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour.Free delivery on your first order over $35.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Psalm 17:8 (ESV)Keep me as the apple of your eye;hide me in the shadow of your wings,What an interesting prayer. In this episode, we reflect on how delicate the eye is — and how close David must have felt to the Lord to ask for such personal protection. The “apple” refers to the pupil, one of the most sensitive and carefully guarded parts of the body. It's a picture of nearness and constant care.Have you ever prayed this prayer? I hadn't — not until recently.Charles Spurgeon wrote, “He who uses this prayer intelligently perceives the omniscience of Jehovah, who, better than a hundred eyes, can see all his foes from whichever quarter they may come.” What comfort to remember that God sees what we cannot and guards what we cannot control.Together, we'll consider what it means to entrust our fears and concerns to the One Who watches over us so closely.If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time gift, thank you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sherriyoungward.com/support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To find out about upcoming gatherings and new projects, please join my email list at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.sherriyoungward.com

Welcome to Episode 258 of The Burning Bush Podcast, where we share the message of the Bible while enjoying a good cigar. In this episode we're reading the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians Chapter 11 with commentary from the notes in the Charles Spurgeon Study Bible, and I'm smoking the Plasencia Cosecha 151 La Música 5x50.Charles Spurgeon Study Bible: https://csbspurgeonstudybible.csbible.com/Plasencia Cosecha 151 La Música 5x50: https://www.plasenciacigars.com/collection/cosecha-151/Listen and subscribe at: https://www.theburningbushpodcast.comYouTube: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2xuUIvnTwNsmlHN2fxlidI6Zhgt-GPB7&si=t0IqlNyWtCYOiSwHRumble: https://rumble.com/user/SteveMcHenryEmail: steve@theburningbushpodcast.com#TheBurningBush #Podcast #Scripture #Theology #Jesus #Bible #Christian #GroundworksMinistries #Cigars #BOTL #SOTL #HolySmokes #TreatsNTruth #LogosBibleSoftware #CharlesSpurgeon #SpurgeonStyle #PlasenciaCigars #LightUpYourSoulSUPPORT THE SHOW & OUR PARTNERSCash App - http://cash.app/$StevenJMcHenryVenmo - https://www.venmo.com/u/Steve-McHenry-3Paypal - http://paypal.me/SteveMcHenrySend me a Text MessageGroundworks MinistriesPromoting the "chapter-a-day" reading of God's Word.Treats-N-Truth MinistryHelping those in need through the love & grace of God.The Burning Bush Merchandise StoreGet your Burning Bush Podcast swag here!Logos Bible SoftwareA digital library and Bible study platform for in-depth study, sermon prep, and academic research.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour.Free delivery on your first order over $35.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Welcome to Episode 257 of The Burning Bush Podcast, where we share the message of the Bible while enjoying a good cigar. In this episode we're reading the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians Chapter 10 with commentary from the notes in the Charles Spurgeon Study Bible, and I'm smoking the StillWell Star English No. 27 by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Toro 6x52.Charles Spurgeon Study Bible: https://csbspurgeonstudybible.csbible.com/StillWell Star English No. 27 by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Toro 6x52: https://www.dunbartoncigars.com/marca/stillwell-star/Listen and subscribe at: https://www.theburningbushpodcast.comYouTube: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2xuUIvnTwNsmlHN2fxlidI6Zhgt-GPB7&si=t0IqlNyWtCYOiSwHRumble: https://rumble.com/user/SteveMcHenryEmail: steve@theburningbushpodcast.com#TheBurningBush #Podcast #Scripture #Theology #Jesus #Bible #Christian #GroundworksMinistries #Cigars #BOTL #SOTL #HolySmokes #TreatsNTruth #LogosBibleSoftware #CharlesSpurgeon #SpurgeonStyle #DunbartonTobaccoAndTrust #DTTCigars #SteveSaka #Sakasquatch #StillWellStar #StillWell #StillWellCigarsSUPPORT THE SHOW & OUR PARTNERSCash App - http://cash.app/$StevenJMcHenryVenmo - https://www.venmo.com/u/Steve-McHenry-3Paypal - http://paypal.me/SteveMcHenrySend me a Text MessageGroundworks MinistriesPromoting the "chapter-a-day" reading of God's Word.Treats-N-Truth MinistryHelping those in need through the love & grace of God.The Burning Bush Merchandise StoreGet your Burning Bush Podcast swag here!Logos Bible SoftwareA digital library and Bible study platform for in-depth study, sermon prep, and academic research.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour.Free delivery on your first order over $35.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

••• In Light of Eternity, Ep 413 . ••• Bible Study Verses: Ecclesiastes 7:2, I Corinthians 15:19, I Corinthians 15:51, Hebrews 9:27, Hebrews 11:23 -27, 2 Peter 3:14, Luke 2:49, Ephesians 5:16 . ••• “The King then narrows the focus: “You have your orders—I send you to battle. You are a soldier, and I would not promise a soldier ease. I promise you difficulty, but with it resources and purpose and joy. “Go to where men die of thirst a stone's throw from pure water...go back as my water-bearer.” As long as we're still here in the parched wastelands of the present earth, God calls us to offer refreshment to a world fill of people dying of thirst", IN LIGHT OF ETERNITY, Alcorn † ••• "We shall have all eternity in which to celebrate our victories, but we have only one swift hour before the sunset in which to win them", Robert Moffat †† ••• "I know what Eternity is, though I cannot define the word to satisfy a metaphysician. The little child taught by some grandmother Lois, in a cottage, knows what she means when she tells him "you will live forever," though both scholar and teacher would be puzzled to put it into other words", Alexander MacLaren, 1826-1910 †† ••• "The best moment of a Christian's life is his last one, because it is the one that is nearest heaven. And then it is that he begins to strike the keynote of the song which he shall sing to all eternity" Charles Spurgeon, 1834-1892. †† ••• “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Be mindful of things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life has been hidden with Christ in God. When Christ our Life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory” Colossians 3:1-2, MKJV ••• What does it mean to live in the light of eternity? ••• What are some of the things that are opposed to the will of God? ••• What are some of the costs of identifying with Christ Jesus? ••• What is the great equalizer in life? ••• Is it better to spend time in church or to party and party and have fun? ••• What does it mean to be mindful of Our Creator's imminent return? ••• What does it take to live in the light of eternity? ••• Why is there a need for self assessment? ••• What is strange and interesting, yet uncomfortable to talk about? ••• What is “the hope of eternity “ and where does it lie according to The Word of God? ••• What must we constantly be reminded of in this life as a believer? ••• Will you ask your small group to pray that you will be the kind of person who will be more intentional about living in the light of eternity through the power of Holy Spirit in the upcoming New Year? ••• Pastor Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible . ••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is a listener supported production who believe in its mission through prayer and support. Thank you. ••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND Nasa Picture of the day, The Helix Nebula from Blanco and Hubble, C. R. O'Dell, (Vanderbilt) et al. ESA, NASA, https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap041229.html . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes . ••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/ep413-purpose-before-partnership-pt5 . ••• † https://www.epm.org/resources/2010/Feb/4/light-eternity-59-excerpts/. ••• †† Christianquotes.com••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ . ••• RESOURCE - https://tinyurl.com/godspeaks777••• FERP260124 - Episode#413 GOT260124 Ep413 .••• Moving Forward to a Positive Year Ahead, Part-5, In Light of Eternity ✝️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Psalm 138:8 (NKJV)The LORD will accomplish what concerns me;Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting;Do not forsake the works of Your hands.In this episode, I walk through Psalm 138, stopping along the way to linger on a few verses that stand out. There is so much treasure packed into these eight verses.Near the end, I read a reflection from Charles Spurgeon on verse 8, where he describes receiving this promise written on a slip of paper inside a “little envelope,” meant to be carried through the year as a steady support. Since I can't place an envelope in your hand, I'm glad to read it aloud to you—along with a little music in the background.If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time gift, thank you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sherriyoungward.com/support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To find out about upcoming gatherings and new projects, please join my email list at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.sherriyoungward.com

Paul's prayer reflects a desire for the church to grow in knowledge of Who God is and in experience of the Holy Spirit's equipping as the means of understanding what His purpose and will for our lives is. Which Paul summarizes with a few key phrases:   - to bear fruit - to grow in knowing God - to be strengthened by God - to give thanks to GodThis will of God resides over, under, and within the specific details of our day to day. It is not so much as discovering which career to pursue, etc, as it is learning what it means to live as a child of God and citizen of His kingdom.   "‘Fruitful in every good work.' Here is room and range enough — in ‘every good work.' Have you the ability to preach the gospel? Preach it! Does a little child need comforting? Comfort it! Can you stand up and vindicate a glorious truth before thousands? Do it! Does a poor saint need a bit of dinner from your table? Send it to her. Let works of obedience, testimony, zeal, charity, piety, and philanthropy all be found in your life. Do not select big things as your special line, but glorify the Lord also in the littles — ‘fruitful in every good work.'” ---Charles Spurgeon

John 1:4-13 – The Light of the World Please turn in your Bibles to John 1:4-13. We started this new series in the Gospel of John two weeks ago. Remember the 5 “J”s of John. John, the apostle who is the author; Jews who were John's primary audience; Jerusalem where much of the setting took place; Jesus, of course, the focus of the book; and Jehovah – the emphasis that Jesus is God in the flesh. Then last week, we jumped in to verses 1-3. John's Gospel account doesn't begin with Jesus' genealogy nor the angels announcing of his coming, nor his birth in a manger. No, rather, John begins much earlier. He goes back to creation itself - the beginning of time. He reveals that Jesus is the very Word of God. He has always been and continues to be God. He is One with the Father and the Spirit. He has always existed. He is Christ, through whom God created all things. He begins there because he wants his readers to know that Jesus is truly God and creator. That brings us to verses 4-13. Instead of focusing on Christ's identity, we now learn about his purpose. The Word, who is Christ, is the light of the world. You'll hear that in our text. As I read, you will also hear a reference to a John. This John is not the Apostle John, but rather John the Baptist. He was sent by God to testify to Christ. Let's now come to God's Word Reading of John 1:4-13 Prayer Light is essential for life. I think you would agree with me.Without light, we cannot see. It exposes reality and reveals our surroundings. It purifies and penetrates. Light carries information across galaxies. The light of the sun warms the earth and perks us up. It gives energy to plants and trees. Really countless organisms use light to sustain life. It's no wonder that light is used in Scripture to illustrate God and his goodness and purity. And it's no wonder that darkness, the absence of light, illustrates sin and evil. That's because we intuitively know what light is. We understand it's illuminating nature. When it is dark outside and we need to walk or drive somewhere, we know we need light to see where we are going. We understand that evil and unrighteousness often happens in the dark. Take the Psalms for example. God's Word is described as being a light to our path. Elsewhere, God is described as being light. In our call to worship, we read that “The Lord is our light and our salvation, whom shall we fear?” We're also told in the Psalms that blessed are those that walk in the light of the Lord. And in them, we're given the contrast between light and darkness. God's light dawns in the darkness for the upright. And that is just the Psalms. So, when we get to John 1 and we read in these verses about the Word being the light of men and the darkness not overcoming it… and John the Baptist witnessing to Christ's light, we can understand it. The light of truth and righteousness in contrast to the darkness of sin and evil. We are to see the light of Christ and walk in his light. By the way, we are still in the opening verses of John's Gospel. We call this John's prologue. He's setting the stage by revealing the various themes in his book. And one of those themes is light. It's actually one of the apostle John's favorite themes. He speaks of light not just in this book but also his three letter and in the book of Revelation. In your bulletin on page 4, you'll see an outlin. We'll consider 3 things about this light. #1. The Revealing and Overpowering Light of Christ (verses 4-5) #2. Witnessing to the Light of Christ (verses 6-8) And #3. Receiving and Rejecting the Light of Christ (verses 9-13) 1. The Revealing and Overpowering Light of Christ (verses 4-5) Again, number 1 - the revealing and overpowering light of Christ. As John continues to reveal who this Word of God is, he says this in verse 4: “in him was life.” Prepositions are important. The preposition used here is “in” and not “through.” “In him was life.” It's speaking of Christ's life. It's not talking about the flesh and blood life of Jesus' human nature nor is it talking about our life in him. Rather, it's talking about Jesus' divine nature. We know that from the next few words. His life was shining forth and was penetrating the darkness. So the life spoken of here is Christ's being and existence as God. Notice it's the same verb that we considered last week - “was”. It's imperfect active. Christ's life always was and continues to be. I like how one commentator described Christ's life:  "[it] refers to the fulness of God's essence, his glorious attributes: holiness, truth, …love, omnipotence, sovereignty. This full, blessed life is said to have been present in the Word and this from all eternity…" It is that life – the fulness of God in Christ – which is the light of men. And it makes sense. Christ's righteousness and holiness and truth and love is our light. It is the source of light for all humanity. I mentioned that this theme is all through this book. Let me highlight three instances. ·      In chapter 3, Jesus said, "the light has come into the world, but people loved darkness rather than the light because their works are evil." In those verses he goes on to describe what it means to walk in the light. ·      In chapter 8, the most famous one, Jesus said, "I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ·      And in chapter 12, Jesus said, "while you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light" In these different passages, Jesus is calling us to #1 see his light; #2 believe his light and #3 walk in his light. As we work our way through John, we'll have plenty of time to consider all the aspects of light applied to Jesus, but as an introduction, verses 4-5, give us two of them. 1. First, the light of Christ's life is there for all to see – verse 4. And it emanates from his life. SO, his eternal being and nature are being displayed to us through his light. His goodness and truth and righteousness are there for us to see. And when we see it, God is revealing to us, Christ's nature. We see him when we see his light. Through his light, God reveals Christ and shows us that we need his light. He is our light… which includes of course, the path we are to walk in his goodness and righteousness and truth. So, his light reveals his life and our need for his light. 2. Second, verse 5, his light reveals darkness. Did you notice in verse 5 that the verb is now present tense. The light, it says, "shines in the darkness." The light of Christ IS revealing unrighteous and evil. That's what light does - it reveals what is in the dark. By the way, this is another parallel to Genesis. This time John 1 recognizes that creation has been corrupted by evil and sin – that is the darkness mentioned. Elsewhere in John, we read about the "works of darkness." Darkness is that which is opposed to the light of Christ. It's anything contrary to his light – That would include wickedness and foolishness and unrighteousness. And notice that the darkness has not overcome the light. Other translations use other words there like the darkness has not apprehended the light… or comprehend it or extinguished it. Indeed, darkness cannot put out the light. I shared this once before, but back when I was in college, I spent several days on a mission trip to Sweden. We were ministering to kids from eastern Europe who had come to a camp. For one of our outings, we went to a very large cave in the area. It was safe. You know, it had railings and the such, and you could go way back into the cave. And so we did, we went as far as we could. And then we all decided to turn off our flashlights. It was dark. I mean like dark dark. You couldn't see your hand in front of your face. One of the other leaders had brought a lighter – you know a small butane lighter. And he lit it. That little flame lit up the cave. It was quite amazing how such a small light could illuminate the darkness. We could see one another and we could see the cave around us. And then we read some of the Scriptures about light. I think we read from John 1 – I don't know for sure, but it makes sense. “In him was life and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it” Darkness cannot overcome light. Darkness is, in fact, the absence of light. So, when light is revealed, darkness will be exposed. And that is what Christ has done. His love and justice and holiness and truth has revealed the darkness – evil and sin. It not only reveals it, but it cannot be overcome by it. It's really the other way around. The light overcomes the darkness. Christ has triumphed over the darkness. And that triumph has come through the cross and in his resurrection. Evil and sin have been fully exposed. The light of Christ in his life is in the act of overcoming darkness and revealing the path of life and purifying our hearts and minds. And one day soon, evil and sin will be defeated forever when the light of Christ comes to full fruition… when Jesus' return in Glory for all to see. Well, there is a lot more to say about light, which we'll get to as we work through John. The summary of point 1 is that Christ's light reveals his nature, shows us our need, and exposes sin and evil. 2. Witnessing to the Light of Christ (verses 6-8) Number 2. Witnessing to the light of Christ. In verses 6 and following, the Apostle John begins to transition from the lofty truths about the Word of God to that Word who has come in human flesh. We're told of another John, as I mentioned, who was sent to bear witness to the light. Notice that the word "witness" is used three times. His role is to testify to the light. We call John the Baptist the last Old Testament prophet because he was sent as the final prophet before Christ. John's purpose in being sent was to point to Jesus as the Messiah – the Savior – who was promised to come. And I want you to notice the contrast in verses 6-8. The contrast is between Christ, the Word of God, and John the Baptist. ·      John was not God, but rather, as verse 6 says, he was a man. ·      Furthermore, John was not eternal nor do things find their existence in him. Rather, he was sent by God, as it says. ·      And as verse 8 puts it, He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light." ·      Later in this chapter, John the Baptist himself will say, "I am not the Christ." It appears from these verses that some were confused about the difference between John the Baptist and Jesus. We're not told the specifics, but perhaps some saw John and Jesus as equals. Or perhaps there was competition between their respective followers. Maybe some said, "I am a disciple of John" or maybe even, "I was baptized by John." Or, I was baptized by one of Jesus' disciples. Isn't that human nature? John Calvin is my boy. Oh yeah, well, Charles Spurgeon is mine. Well, neither of them can come close to Augustine or the early church fathers.  It's what we do, isn't it. We don't know what dynamic was at play. But we do know what these verses make absolutely clear. John the Baptist was not the light. Rather, he was a witness to the light. In other words, he was verifying that Jesus was the true light. By the way, the theme of being a witness runs throughout the book. I did a search on the word "witness" and it is used 27 times in the Gospel of John. The first several are about John the Baptist bearing witness to Christ. But that is not the only witness. God the Father and God the Spirit bear witness to Jesus as the Son. Jesus' works and miracles bear witness that he is Christ. Jesus himself bears witness that he is God the Son. Jesus's disciples bear witness to him as God in the flesh. That will definitely be a theme we come across over and over In a couple of weeks, we'll come back to John the Baptist. If you scan down to verses 19 and following, you'll see that we're given specifics of how John witnessed to Christ. But the bigger point is that John the Baptist was not pointing to himself. Rather, he was witnessing to Christ as the light. John was like a mirror, you know. He reflected the light of God and directed people to the source of God's light. And that source was and in Christ – the light of world. 3. Receiving and Rejecting the Light of Christ (verses 9-13) Which brings us to #3. Receiving and rejecting the light of Christ. A couple of weeks ago, we considered the purpose statement of John's Gospel. That was in chapter 20 verse 31. We read that John wrote these things… do you remember why? so that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, we may have life in his name. In chapter 1, when we get to verses 9-13, it's here that we get the first glimpse of John's purpose in writing. He wants people to see Jesus for who he is as the light. He wants people to believe. And in these verses, John sets up the major conflict that almost every single chapter confronts. Who will believe? In verse 10, John writes that the light is in the world, and then he reiterates that the world was made through him. But then he makes two important statements. #1. End of verse 10 - The world did not know him and #2. Verse 11 - his own people did not receive him. The Jewish people didn't receive Jesus, even though they had been given the covenants, the law, the prophecies, and the promises. All of those things were witnessing to the light, yet, when the light came, many of the Jewish people did not recognize him. Yet, he was the very one who created the world and whom they had been waiting for… for centuries. He had come, but they, as it says, received him not. This is why John is writing. He wants people to see the light and believe. He wants #1 the world to see the light.  AND #2 he wants to confront the Jewish people about rejecting the light. We see that theme throughout the book. John writes that many did receive Jesus, include many of the Jews. In fact, the word “many” is used many times. Let me highlight a few. ·      Chapter 2 – "many believed in his name who saw the signs he was doing" ·      Chapter 4 – "Many Samaritans believed" ·      Chapter 6 and Chapter 7 and Chapter 10 each include the phrase “many believed.” ·      Chapter 11 – listen to this one: "many of the Jews who… had seen what he did, believed" ·      Chapter 12 – a similar thing – "many on account of [Lazarus – who Jesus had raised]  were believing in Jesus." And also in 12, "many of the authorities believed in him" It's quite pervasive. Yes, many rejected him, and we are going to see that, but many would come to believe. He wanted his readers to know that… because he wanted his readers to likewise believe. I want to take a brief tangent and talk about application. You know, in the last 2-3 years we have studied Proverbs, 2 Corinthians, and Malachi. Think about the different kinds of life application in each – they are very different. ·      In Proverbs, it was about applying the wisdom of God in the rubber-meets-the road decisions of life. How do we follow God's path? ·      2 Corinthians included many things, but a big one was living with Gospel hope in affliction and pain and conflict. ·      Malachi, if you remember, was very different. It dug deep into our heart idols and our worship and our marriages… and it called us to repent. Isn't that quite a diversity of life application? But let me ask, what is the primary application of John? What does John's Gospel emphasize over and over for his readers… including us? The answer is, we're called to believe. Yes, we are going to see ways in which our lives do not reflect the light of Christ. But the main application of John is to believe. Believe in Christ. Believe in the Word of God. Believe in his promises. Believe in the Salvation that he offers. Believe in the Father and Spirit and Son as One God. It's to turn from our unbelief in whatever ways we haven't believed, and to believe. And that applies to all of us. As the father who had a child with an unclean spirit said – said to Jesus, "I believe, but help my unbelief." That captures our hearts. Briefly in closing, verses 12 and 13 reveal the blessing that those who do believe will receive. It says, "…to all who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born not of blood nor of the flesh nor the will of man, but of God." New life in him. There's a lot in there in that last sentence. I almost shortened our sermon text, again. We don't have sufficient time today to cover it. However, it's yet another theme that will come up in the book - being born again and becoming children of God. It's a big emphasis in chapter 3. So, we'll get there soon. But the summary is that those who believe in Jesus as the light of the world, will be given new life. Will become God's children, born anew in him. So, may we believe in Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. The darkness will not overcome his light. He has come and has offered his life so that we may live. May we believe in his name.

Welcome to Episode 256 of The Burning Bush Podcast, where we share the message of the Bible while enjoying a good cigar. In this episode we're reading the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians Chapter 9 with commentary from the notes in the Charles Spurgeon Study Bible, and I'm smoking the West Tampa Circle of Life Toro 6x54.Charles Spurgeon Study Bible: https://csbspurgeonstudybible.csbible.com/West Tampa Circle of Life Toro 6x54: https://www.neptunecigar.com/cigar/circle-of-lifeListen and subscribe at: https://www.theburningbushpodcast.comYouTube: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2xuUIvnTwNsmlHN2fxlidI6Zhgt-GPB7&si=t0IqlNyWtCYOiSwHRumble: https://rumble.com/user/SteveMcHenryEmail: steve@theburningbushpodcast.com#TheBurningBush #Podcast #Scripture #Theology #Jesus #Bible #Christian #GroundworksMinistries #Cigars #BOTL #SOTL #HolySmokes #TreatsNTruth #LogosBibleSoftware #CharlesSpurgeon #SpurgeonStyle #WestTampaTobaccoSUPPORT THE SHOW & OUR PARTNERSCash App - http://cash.app/$StevenJMcHenryVenmo - https://www.venmo.com/u/Steve-McHenry-3Paypal - http://paypal.me/SteveMcHenrySend me a Text MessageGroundworks MinistriesPromoting the "chapter-a-day" reading of God's Word.Treats-N-Truth MinistryHelping those in need through the love & grace of God.The Burning Bush Merchandise StoreGet your Burning Bush Podcast swag here!Logos Bible SoftwareA digital library and Bible study platform for in-depth study, sermon prep, and academic research.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour.Free delivery on your first order over $35.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

This week, Dr. John Snyder continues reflecting on spiritual weariness by returning to a lecture Charles Spurgeon delivered to ministerial students on what he called “the fainting fits” of a servant of God. Though Spurgeon addresses pastors directly, the wisdom he offers speaks to every Christian who has known seasons of exhaustion, discouragement, or the quiet temptation to lose heart. Drawing from Scripture and Spurgeon's own hard-earned experience, we explore times when faithful servants are most vulnerable to weariness. Spurgeon reminds us that discouragement often follows seasons of great usefulness, precedes seasons of greater blessing, or settles in during long stretches of unbroken labor. He speaks candidly about the weight of criticism, the pain of betrayal, the sorrow of seeing others fall, and the unique loneliness that can accompany spiritual responsibility. Most searching of all, Spurgeon addresses seasons of darkness that seem to come without clear cause—times when resolution fails, human help feels insufficient, and the soul is tempted to turn inward in accusation rather than upward in faith. Yet his counsel is not despairing. Again and again, he points weary believers away from their own strength, moods, and feelings, and calls them to treasure even a single grain of faith more than a ton of spiritual excitement. If you are walking through a season where faithfulness feels costly and joy feels distant, Spurgeon's words remind us that God does not waste the weariness of his servants, and that even in the dark, the safest place is still under the shadow of his wings. If you are in a season of joy and happiness, may we hope these words encourage you to pray for those around you, particularly your pastors, who bear a weight that may be hidden from your view. Show Notes Encouragement for the Depressed by Charles Spurgeon (Forward by Randy Alcorn) https://www.crossway.org/books/encouragement-for-the-depressed-tpb/ Scripture passages referenced: 2 Corinthians 3–4 1 Kings 19 2 Corinthians 12 Mark 6:31 1 Samuel 30 Additional Media Gratiae resources: Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/behold-your-god-series The Church study: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/the-church Through the Eyes of Spurgeon (documentary by Stephen McCaskill): https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/through-the-eyes-of-spurgeon-feature-edition-dvd-package From the Heart of Spurgeon: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts-1/from-the-heart-of-spurgeon

Are the miraculous gifts of the New Testament normative for Christians today? As a cessationist, Pastor Adriel Sanchez explains how he understands the place of miraculous gifts in the church today. PARTNER WITH US - https://solamedia.org/partner/?sc=AS2502V When you become a partner today, you'll receive two remarkable books as our thanks: Rediscovering the Holy Spirit by Dr. Michael Horton and Praying with Jesus by Pastor Adriel Sanchez. We believe these books can guide you into a clearer understanding of the Spirit's work and a richer prayer life. FOLLOW US YouTube | Instagram | X/Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter WHO WE ARE Sola is home to White Horse Inn, Core Christianity, Modern Reformation, and Theo Global. Our mission is to serve today's global church by producing resources for reformation grounded in the historic Christian faith. Our vision is to see reformation in hearts, homes, and churches around the world. Learn more: https://solamedia.org/

It's Monday, January 12th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Iran regime cuts nationwide internet access as protests claim 44 lives On January 8th, Iran was plunged into a nationwide internet blackout as anti-regime protests intensified, severely restricting communication across the country as demonstrations entered their second week and the death toll reached 44, reports Fox News. Before news of the latest killings came in, President Donald Trump, in an interview with Hugh Hewitt on Thursday, issued a warning to the Iranian regime. TRUMP: “I have let them know that if they start killing people -- which they tend to do during their riots, they have lots of riots -- if they do it, we're going to hit them very hard.” HEWITT: “Do you have a message for the people of Iran, President Trump?” TRUMP: “You should feel strongly about freedom. There's nothing like freedom. You're brave people. It's a shame what's happened to your country.” Ali Safavi, a member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, said the blackout coincided with violent confrontations in several regions. The victims were killed by the Revolutionary Guard and other security forces using live ammunition. The protests were sparked in December by the collapse of Iran's currency and soaring inflation, but they have since evolved into a broader movement demanding the overthrow of the Islamic Republic. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ in Iran who are suffering. VP Vance explains Trump's Western Hemisphere foreign policy In a White House briefing, Vice President J.D. Vance explained the Trump administration's foreign policy related to the Western Hemisphere. VANCE: “This is the president of peace. One of the ways that you establish peace in your own hemisphere is to make it clear that the United States is going to be respected, that the United States is willing to take power away from criminal cartel organizations and give it to legitimate governments. “That's how we see the future of the Western Hemisphere, and we think it's going to be much more peaceful than it was, certainly under [former President] Joe Biden.” Congressman: 78% of Somali Minnesotans on welfare after 10 years During a January 7th House Oversight Committee meeting, Republican Congressman Brandon Gill of Texas, age 31, asked Brendan Ballou, a former U.S. Special Counsel at the Department of Justice, a series of questions related to the abuse of taxpayer dollars by Somali-headed households in Minnesota. GILL: “Does large scale Somali immigration make Minnesota stronger or weaker?” BALLOU: “Certainly stronger.” GILL: “Do you know what percentage of Somali-headed households in Minnesota are on food stamps?” BALLOU: “No.” GILL: “54%.  Do you know what that number is for native Minnesota headed households?” BALLOU: “Well, to be clear, a majority of those …” GILL: “It's 7%. It's 7%. There's a big difference between 54% and 7%, isn't there?” BALLOU: “Excise me, sir, could I? Could I answer the question?” GILL: “Let me, let me move on. We've got a lot of questions here. What percentage of Somali-headed households in Minnesota are on Medicaid?” BALLOU: “I don't know.” GILL: “It's 73% Do you know what that number is for Minnesota native households?” BALLOU: “Again, you're using the phrase Minnesota native households, but the majority …" GILL: “The number is 18%. That's a quite an astounding difference. I think we would.” BALLOU: “Can I answer the question please?” GILL: “Let me ask you one more, and then we can go into that. What percentage of Somali-headed households are on welfare in general?” BALLOU: “I don't know." GILL: “81%. After 10 years of being in the United States, what percentage of Somali immigrant households continue to be on welfare?” BALLOU:  “I don't know.” GILL: “The number is 78%. So, even after 10 years, 78% of Somali immigrant households continue to be on welfare. Do you know what that number is for non-Somali immigrant headed households?” BALLOU: “The majority of Somali Minnesotans are as Minnesotan as any of us. They were born in the United States. It's only 8,000 of the 108,000.” GILL: “Nevertheless, the welfare usage is astoundingly different. Let me ask you again, does that make Minnesota stronger or weaker?” BALLOU: “Again, I'd like the opportunity to answer the question here. So again, the majority of Somali Minnesotans are born in the United States, as I understand.” GILL: “Okay. But what percentage of working-age Somalians, who have been in the US for 10 years or more, how many of them speak English very well?” BALLOU: “I don't know.” GILL: “About half. That seems pretty low, doesn't it?” BALLOU: “Again, I keep trying…” GILL: “Doesn't sound like something that makes our country stronger to me. And I think most Americans would agree with me on that.” Michael Reagan's legacy Michael Reagan, the adopted son of former U.S. president Ronald Reagan and his first wife, actress Jane Wyman, died of cancer on January 4th at the age of 80, reported The Epoch Times. He hosted “The Michael Reagan Show,” a nationally syndicated talk radio program, for nearly 20 years, and was a contributor to the conservative Newsmax television network. In Reagan's 1988 autobiography On the Outside Looking In and the 2004 follow-up Twice Adopted, he discussed his difficult childhood, including feelings of not belonging in his famous family, and his profound journey of faith and forgiveness. He penned Lessons My Father Taught Me in 2016, which explored the wisdom his father passed down. Christopher Ruddy, the Editor-in-Chief of NewsMax, wrote, “Mike asked his father about his plan to defeat the Soviet Union. Ronald Reagan replied, ‘It's simple, Mike. They lose. We win.' That was Reagan's genius — clarity, moral confidence, and the determination to win. “Michael believed — like his father — that Americans are part of a living chain stretching back to the Sons of Liberty. Each generation inherits the responsibility to defend freedom, share our values, and serve as a beacon of hope to the world. The torch is passed, and it must never be dropped. Ronald Reagan's greatest torchbearer was his eldest and adopted son.” Beyond physical freedom, Christ offers spiritual freedom from are sin which is the ultimate freedom. John 8:36 says, “If [Jesus], the Son, therefore, shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” Charles Spurgeon's conversion anniversary And finally, last week, on January 6th, Christians celebrated the 176th anniversary of the Christian conversion of Charles Spurgeon in 1850 at the age of 15. On his way to a scheduled appointment, a snowstorm forced him to cut short his intended journey and to turn into a Primitive Methodist chapel on Artillery Street in Colchester, England, where he believed God opened his heart to the salvation message. The text that moved him was Isaiah 45:22. It says, "Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the Earth, for I am God, and there is none else.” In April 1854, after preaching three months on probation and just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 19 years old, was called to the pastorate of London's famed New Park Street Chapel. Charles Spurgeon became known as the "Prince of Preachers,” defended the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, and opposed the liberal theological heresies in the Church of his day. May the Lord raise up more Charles Spurgeons in our day. Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, January 12th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION “Usually, the way God will heal somebody from church hurt is by using the church.”~Jackie Hill Perry, poet, writer, hip hop artist “He can no longer have God for his Father, who has not the Church for his Mother.”~Cyprian (c.210-258), early North African church leader “…for those to whom [God] is Father, the church may also be Mother…. Furthermore, away from her bosom one cannot hope for any forgiveness of sins or any salvation.”~John Calvin (1509-1564) in Institutes of the Christian Religion 4.1.1 & 4.1.4 “In an era that prizes constant change and originality, it can be surprising to realize that corporate worship has neither…. Belonging to the church will always increase our obligations and decrease our independence. And this is good.”~Megan Hill in A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church  Chapter 26.12. All believers are obligated to join themselves to local churches when and where they have the opportunity. Likewise, all who are admitted to the privileges of a church are also subject to the discipline and government of it, according to the rule of Christ…. 14. Every church and all its members are obligated to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all churches of Christ in every place. They must also—at every opportunity within the limits of their stations and callings—exercise their gifts and graces to benefit every church. Also, when churches are raised up by the providence of God, insofar as they enjoy opportunity and favorable circumstances for it, they should have fellowship among themselves for their peace, growth in love, and mutual edification…. Chapter 27.1. All saints are united to Jesus Christ their head by his Spirit and by faith…. They have fellowship in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory. Since they are united to one another in love, they have communion in each other's gifts and graces and are obligated to carry out these duties, both public and private, in an orderly way to promote their mutual good, both in the inner and outer aspects of their lives.~The 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith, from Chapters 26 & 27 “A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertain-ing the goats…. That very church which the world likes best is sure to be that which God abhors.”~Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892), famed London preacher “Don't build a church that attracts people — build a church that attracts God and God will attract the people.”~AnonymousSERMON PASSAGEEphesians 2:11-22 (ESV) 11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

This week on The Whole Counsel, Dr. John Snyder continues a thoughtful discussion on seasonal depression—whether that season is influenced by winter's effect on our mood and mental state, or by a particularly difficult chapter of life. In the previous episode, Dr. Snyder introduced this theme through a candid letter from John Newton. In this episode, he turns to pastoral wisdom from Charles Spurgeon, drawing from a series of lectures recently published in a new book from Crossway, “Encouragement for the Depressed.” Though Spurgeon originally delivered these lectures to vocational ministers, the gospel-shaped truths he presents are deeply relevant for every Christian. Spurgeon addresses a common misunderstanding in the church: faithful service to God should shield believers from fear, doubt, or sadness. Scripture and experience show otherwise. God may allow seasons of depression and weariness not as a sign of failure, but as a means of deepening compassion, sympathy, and patience. Spurgeon also speaks with unusual honesty about the isolating nature of faithful ministry. Pastors are often entrusted with heavy burdens that must be carried quietly and cannot be shared freely. While congregations may express love and appreciation, they cannot fully know the weight their pastors bear. This calling is a blessing, but it is also costly. For that reason, pray regularly for your pastors and to offer thoughtful encouragement whenever possible. Show Notes Encouragement for the Depressed by Charles Spurgeon (Forward by Randy Alcorn) https://www.crossway.org/books/encouragement-for-the-depressed-tpb/ Check out Jeremy Walker's podcast on Charles Spurgeon: www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

Today, we are pleased to share with you the first episode of Crossway's newest podcast that launches today: "Morning and Evening with Charles Spurgeon." Morning and Evening is  a twice-daily podcast featuring the devotional work of Charles Spurgeon. Throughout the course of a year, Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ and consistently meditating on God's word. ❖ Subscribe today on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, or ⁠your favorite podcast player⁠. ❖ Learn more about 'Morning and Evening: A New Edition of the Classic Devotional Based on The Holy Bible, English Standard Version'.