Podcast appearances and mentions of Charles Stanley

Brian opens with heavy hearts over the tragic death of a Wisconsin high school quarterback following a football injury, reflecting on the fragility and brevity of life. He shares insights from a sermon on what actually fuels a lifestyle of service — not guilt, but gratitude for what Christ has done. Brian discusses a Christianity Today review of the late Charlie Kirk's posthumous book on Sabbath-keeping, and its surprisingly countercultural call to unplug from the "endless noise" of modern life. He digs into a deeply personal Gospel Coalition article by a pastor with terminal brain cancer wrestling with the shame that can come when prayers for healing go unanswered, and a fascinating piece on why so few pastors quit ministry despite widespread burnout. Brian closes with Matt Redman's case for "vertical" worship songs that point to God rather than ourselves, and a Charles Stanley devotional on Jesus calming the storm as a picture of overcoming fear through God's presence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian reflects on a heartbreaking update in the case of a drunk driver who killed a new bride, troubled by her father's response minimizing her responsibility, and reflects on the real consequences of our choices. He wrestles with a Religion News article on political campaigns branding opposing clergy candidates as "not real pastors," arguing it's not our place to make sweeping judgments about someone's faith from a political microphone. He shares Russell Moore's piece on the disturbing rise of interest in blasphemy laws among some Christian nationalists, and why external religious conformity was never Jesus's goal. Brian digs into a fascinating study finding improv theater classes uniquely help anxious teens build empathy and collaboration skills, reflects on a Gospel Coalition piece on staying rooted in Scripture amid cultural drift, laughs through a viral list of things considered normal parenting in the 1970s that would be unthinkable today, and shares a Christianity Today piece on the importance of letting kids take healthy risks. He closes with a Charles Stanley devotional on Jesus washing his disciples' feet as the ultimate picture of humility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weeks episode is sponsored by Charles Stanley http://charlesstanley.sjv.io/6k7oEQ This week on Cash Chats, host Steve Alderton and Editor of BeCleverWithYourCash.com James Andrews are talking about the rise and fall of Wonga and the payday loan revolution. Wonga and their counterparts arrived with a bang and set about disrupting the loan game with quick, easy short term loans and lets not forget the sliders! However, things didn't take long to unravel and soon the empire came crashing down. But what exactly went wrong? For links and further reading head to becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is the award-winning podcast brought to you by the team of money geeks at Be Clever With Your Cash, sharing the latest updates from the world of personal finance and helping you to navigate the everyday money challenges we all face. Show notes can be found at becleverwithyourcash.com/podcast. BE CLEVER WITH YOUR CASH ON SOCIAL twitter.com/BeCleverCash instagram.com/becleverwithyourcash   youtube.com/@becleverwithyourcash   GET OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER You'll also get a free Quidco bonus for signing up https://becleverwithyourcash.com/newsletter/ MUSIC The music is Easter Island by Lonely Punk and provided on a creative commons licence 

In this episode, Dr. Charles Stanley examines a pivotal moment in the Bible when Abraham let fear take the wheel and tried to make things happen on his own. Dr. Stanley unpacks what this story reveals about why trusting God is always the wisest path forward. Sign up for the Miracle Channel eNewsletter for a new ebook and Scripture declarations each month, plus updates on the ministry! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow In Touch Ministries: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

Brian opens reflecting on what to do when life doesn't unfold the way we hoped — leaning on God's unchanging faithfulness even amid disappointment and regret. He wades into WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham's comments on biological males in women's sports and the swift cultural backlash she received, lamenting the loss of civil disagreement in public discourse. A study claiming "true love" requires a six-figure salary gets pushback from Brian, who shares his own experience marrying young and broke. He shares a moving Gospel Coalition piece on the recently uncovered story of Charles Spurgeon's father's imprisonment for debt, and how God used that family failure to shape one of history's greatest preachers. Brian also digs into a fascinating trend piece on young adults ditching smartphones for "dumb phones" to reclaim their mental health and attention, a Relevant Magazine interview with Louis Giglio on how our earthly fathers shape our view of God, a simple "Bible before phone" spiritual discipline from Tyndale House, Tim Chalis on tasting heaven, and closes with a Charles Stanley devotional on the power of praise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strach zastírá myšlení, brání uspět a oslabuje sebedůvěru. Charles Stanley se zamýšlí nad tím, jak naložit s intenzivním strachem. Čte Pavel Hromádka.Tento podcast můžete podpořit na https://radio7.cz

Charles Stanley said: “Too many Christians have a commitment of convenience. Instead of standing alone […]

The walls didn't fall from a fight. They fell from praise — and the praise came first, not after the win. Click here to read the sermon “Until the Walls Fall Down” Joshua 6:1–21 Oh, thank you, Brother Watson. That was so, so good. Friends, we are in the third and final week of this three-week series we have been in called Onward: Moving Toward the Uncharted. In this series, we have been looking at the story of Joshua's leadership of the people of Israel as they step into new ground, as they step into a brand new season, as they cross over the Jordan River into new lands the Lord has given them but of which they have not yet taken possession. There is a promise God has made to His people, but the people have not yet fully stepped into the promise. Two weeks ago, we saw this picture: that God had confirmed this promise, but it wasn't just a promise — it was a principle. And a principle is a promise that is user dependent, meaning the promise God makes to Joshua is, “I have given you every place the sole of your foot treads” (cf. Josh 1:3, HCSB) [see “A New Dawn, A New Day,” July 12, 2026]. Now that's a beautiful promise, but it also means that if Joshua and the people of Israel stay where they are on the eastern side of the Jordan River, that's all they get. But if they take steps of obedience, if they take steps of faith into a new land, if they follow a new journey and a new path to this new destination, God will be true to His promise to them. So we see it's not just a promise, but a principle — a user dependent promise. And last week, we saw this picture: how the people, after forty years wandering in the wilderness, had finally crossed the Jordan River (cf. Josh 3–4) [see “Walk This Way,” July 19, 2026]. They finally had crossed, and the Jordan River is not a huge river, but the Jordan River was an obstacle in the way of the promise. It was an obstacle in the way of stepping into the fullness of who God had called them to be. And so He gave very specific instructions as to how they were to cross the river, so that God would be praised and the generations to come would know that God is mighty, and He would be teaching the people to walk in wisdom. And so as we conclude today, we're going to do so with a message I have titled “Until the Walls Fall Down.” Until the walls fall down. Shock of all shocks, we're going to be looking at Joshua chapter six and the Battle of Jericho. Now, how many of you grew up in VBS, and you know the Joshua and the Battle of Jericho song? Come on: “Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho. Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, and the walls came tumbling down.” [Congregation sings along.] I want to write each and every one of your names up on the chalkboard and give check marks next to you. I don't think that means anything in heaven, but that's how proud of you I am that you all knew that song so well. Now, here's the thing. Many of us have heard the story of the Battle of Jericho in Sunday school and VBS growing up. But here are some of the things we may not have thought about when we were children hearing this story. Jericho is not a big city. Jericho was actually a relatively small town during this period of time. What Jericho had was two very important things, and in order to demonstrate those things, I need all of my youth in Passport shirts to come back up. I need all of your help. So youth and adults — if you're an adult here in a Passport shirt, I need you too. You are my wall. I need you all right here, right across the front. And by the way, I do want to see that special high five y'all worked on together. All right, so here we go — I've got my Passport teens and adults. This is my wall. Now, here's what's true about having a wall in front of you: I feel a whole lot braver with them in front of me, right? Because you can't get me — I've got the wall in front of me. Now, a wall is really great, but here's the problem: if I've got the wall in front of me and you are the encroaching army, you outnumber me, but I've got a wall, so I can just wait you out. But in order for me to wait you out — the same problem siege warfare has had for thousands of years is this: if you are the larger army and we've got a big wall, you don't have to tear down the wall. You just have to prevent anything I need from coming into the city. So the longer you surround the city, the more trouble I'm in. But Jericho had one thing going for it: Jericho had a spring in the middle of the city. So Jericho had fresh water and a wall. And if you've got fresh water and a wall, you don't need much else, because you can't get past my wall. And as long as I've got some animals and maybe some farming and fresh water, you can just keep hanging out out there — you don't bother me one bit. So, how many of you — raise your hands real quick, and then I'm going to dismiss the wall — how many of you have seen The Odyssey already? How many of you went to the theaters and saw the new Odyssey? Yes, excellent, you get it. So of course it's a bunch of men — Nolan made a new movie — that's how it goes. So here's the beauty of The Odyssey: The Odyssey is what happens after Homer's The Iliad, right? It's what happens after the Battle of Troy. And Troy was a walled city with a spring inside.1 So Troy could just wait out the opposing army — which is where the story comes from of the Trojan horse, because that was the only way you had to get someone to bring something into the city of their own accord. Otherwise, the people would just continue to wait and wait and wait — years waiting — because there was a spring and a wall. Y'all give it up for my wall! We're going to go ahead and let the wall fall down. Y'all can head back. “Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, and the walls came tumbling down.” But anytime you have siege warfare, the goal is to wait out the people inside. In fact, there are a lot of stories of siege warfare throughout history where no battle was ever actually fought — the people inside the city simply ran out of resources and ultimately died without a battle ever occurring. Jericho was not a large city. Jericho was a well-defended city. So we're going to read in Joshua chapter six, verses one and two — we'll go back, please: Now Jericho was strongly fortified because of the Israelites — no one leaving or entering. And the LORD said to Joshua, “Look, I have handed Jericho, its king, and its fighting men over to you.” (Josh 6:1–2, HCSB) Now, they've always had a big wall, but it's “fortified,” meaning they are in a defensive posture. And the reason they're in defensive posture is that suddenly that eighty thousand to a quarter million people — the Israelites who crossed the river — suddenly that group is now surrounding them. So the people of Jericho are shut up inside. No one's entering, no one's leaving. And the Lord said to Joshua, “Look, I have handed Jericho, its king and its fighting men over to you.” And if you're Joshua in that moment, you're thinking, “Not really — they seem to be doing just fine inside their walled city. They seem to be doing okay, God. You say You've delivered them to us, but here we are just hanging out outside. It doesn't look like we've been delivered much.” But this is why it's so important to remember that Jericho was not a big or powerful city — it was just well fortified. It's not a big or powerful city. It's just well fortified. And so this is our first point today that I want you to grab hold of: often in life, our obstacles are not large — they just appear insurmountable. Often our obstacles are not large. Often the obstacles you are facing are not crazy, they're not scary — you've just accepted that you can't do anything about them. Maybe that's where we are today as the church. It's easy to be the church in the world right now and look around and go, “Man, every church is declining.” It's easy to go, “It's not looking good.” And we're not quitting — but we've kind of thrown in the towel on going further. We're still going to show up, we're still going to be faithful, but if we're honest, we've lost a little bit of hope that there's more to come. We've lost a little bit of hope that the best is yet to come. We've lost a little bit of hope that the next generation is going to go further than we ever thought possible. It's not because it's big or scary — we're just looking around at the trends, and it feels insurmountable. But this is why what God says to Joshua next is so important. If we continue reading, we read these words: March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry seven ram's-horn trumpets in front of the ark. But on the seventh day, march around the city seven times while the priests blow the trumpets. (Josh 6:3–4, HCSB) You know, I should have asked about this before — I don't think we have a trumpet here, do we? We have the players, but not the horns. If there are any trumpet players in the room, I want to give you a moment to practice. Will you give me the sound you'd need to create the trumpet sound? Let me hear it — all the trumpet players in the room, any horn players in the room, let me hear it. There we go — it sounds a little bit like an elephant, doesn't it? Sounds a little bit like an elephant. Now here's the thing: I want you to imagine seven of those going off nonstop as an entire army marches around a city seven times. That's big, and it's loud, and it's scary. We continue reading: When there is a prolonged blast of the horn and you hear it sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. (Josh 6:5, HCSB) Let's practice our mighty shout. Here we go — three, two, one. [Congregation shouts.] You scared me! Let's try it again — three, two, one. [Congregation shouts again.] Okay, okay, all right. Now imagine that you are somewhere between fifty thousand and a hundred fifty thousand strong. Imagine that sound. Now, I'm from Florida — we have really great college football teams in Florida, and so that fifty to a hundred fifty thousand people screaming, I've heard a lot of that. Now here in Durham, I imagine we have to associate it more with college basketball — but imagine you're inside Cameron during Duke-UNC. It's tied with three seconds left. Can you imagine what it sounds like in that building? Can you imagine how loud it sounds? There's power in that. But here's what's interesting in God's command here in Joshua 6:3–5: nowhere is there a command to grab a weapon. Nowhere. God doesn't say, “Here's what I want you to do — I want you to spend some time, I want you to build the trebuchet, we're going to take that wall down.” He doesn't say, “I want you to get all the horses you can find, or the chariots you can find” — there's nothing military-related to what we're hearing. It's: walk around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, walk around the city seven times. And what's going to happen? They're going to blow horns. Now, for the people of Israel, blowing horns was part of a celebration — it was part of praise to God. In fact, if you go through the books of Deuteronomy and Leviticus, you're going to find specific instructions for the horns that are supposed to be played during different parts of the worship service and the tabernacle. You're going to find different examples of how you are to worship and praise God.2 God does not command the people of Israel to pick up weapons of violence. He has them pick up weapons of praise. So we're going to skip ahead to verse twelve, and we're going to find out what Joshua does in response to God's command. “Joshua got up early the next morning” (Josh 6:12, HCSB). By the way, notice this in your Bible — whenever you're reading, especially in the Old Testament, you're going to find a continual pattern: when God gives a command to one of His people, the people who are our models of obedience tend to do this — they get up early the next morning. They get up early the next morning. Now, I don't know about you, but I like sleep. I really do — I love sleep. But on days when I'm really excited about something, on days when I know something good is going to happen, I'm that person who can't even stay asleep through my alarm. I'm up an hour earlier. There's so much energy, so much excitement — I'm so ready for what's about to happen. And we see this continually in Scripture: when people are excited about obedience, when they're excited about what God is about to do in their life, they get up early the next morning. They are preparing themselves to experience all that God intends. So Joshua got up early the next morning; the priests took the ark of the LORD, and the seven priests carrying seven trumpets marched in front of the ark of the LORD. And while the trumpets were blowing, the armed troops went in front of them, and the rear guard went behind the ark of the LORD (cf. Josh 6:13, HCSB). On the second day, they marched around the city once and returned to the camp, and they did this for six days. Now imagine — you're the people of Israel. Joshua's received this command from God, Joshua has relayed this command to you, the people. And here you are, day after day, just going for a walk around the city. And you know God has commanded this, but let's be honest — you don't really understand it. And I can't be the only person in the room who has been led by God to do something that didn't really make sense to me. I can't be the only person in the room who has found themselves in a situation where obedience to God seems ridiculous in the face of whatever's going on in your life. And if we're honest, if we're real with one another, I think many of us have come face to face with that struggle. God is asking for obedience, and you're looking at the situation — you're looking at your bank account, you're looking at your relationships, you're looking at your marriage, you're looking at your kids — and you're going, “God, that doesn't seem to make a lot of sense. God, I know You're calling me to be obedient here, but I'm struggling to get it.” And this whole series, this whole three weeks, has really been about the idea that God is calling us into a new land. God is calling us into a new territory. God is calling us into something we did not think was possible before. And so, in order for us to reach that new land, in order for us to reach that new destination, it's going to require some different things from us. And I think, first and foremost, it's going to require a different kind of faith — maybe than we've had before. It's going to require a faith that is deeper, a faith that trusts more. And another way to say that would be a faith that risks more — the kind of faith that says, “If You don't show up here, then I don't have any other options. You've called me into the kind of faith, God, where either You are who You say You are, or I've got nothing.” And if we want to reach a new destination, if we want to be a people who are following a new path, it will require of us a new kind of faith — because following a new path will require a new kind of faith. We've got to trust God enough to continue down a new path toward a new destination, even when it doesn't always make sense to us. In those moments, we've got to trust: God, You know what You're doing. God, You know what You're doing. Because if we're real — and I'm just being honest — I've been in ministry for twenty years, and I'm just telling you what I have experienced: most of the time, my faith looks like one foot in and one foot out. Most of the time, my faith looks like, “God, I'm really hoping You're going to come through, but I've also got a backup plan. God, I'm really trusting that You're going to come through, but please don't ask me to risk too much, or give too much, or do too much. God, don't ask me to take on a position that is outside of my comfort zone. God, don't lead me to volunteer for a ministry where I don't really know what I'm doing.” For most of us, faith looks like, “God, I really, really believe You about sixty percent of the time.” And that's not — please, please don't hear a judgment in that. Please don't hear me say you've only got sixty percent faith. I'm saying I'm there with you. I'm a pastor, and I'm there with you. But what I also know from my own testimony, what I also know from your life, is that the moments your faith has deepened the most have been the moments where you have trusted God in such a way that there was no Plan B. There was no backup. It's “God, I am one hundred percent all in with You. God, I'm not holding anything back. I'm not being careful about what I'm going to do if this doesn't work out. God, I am believing that Your way is the best way. So I'm going to live in such a way that the whole world will know: he really believes that God is faithful.” That's not what my life looks like most of the time. But I know that when God has moved the most powerfully, those are the moments I have trusted Him fully. There's a pastor who passed a few years ago — I mean, we could talk about his influence on my entire generation of Christians. His name was Dr. Charles Stanley. And Dr. Charles Stanley said these words, and I love them: God will take full responsibility of the life fully entrusted to Him.3 And I know in my life, those rare moments — those rare moments where I've had a new kind of faith, those rare moments where I say, “God, I am trusting You fully” — I have seen Him take full responsibility and do more than I ever thought was possible. Church, if we want to reach a new destination, if we want to follow a new path, it will require from us a new kind of faith. As we continue reading, we're going to read verses fifteen and sixteen, and then we're going to skip to twenty: Early on the seventh day, they started at dawn and marched around the city seven times in the same way. That was the only day they marched around the city seven times. After the seventh time, the priest blew the trumpets, and Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for the LORD has given you the city.” (Josh 6:15–16, HCSB) So, church — one more time. We've made our way around this city seven times. The priests have blown the trumpets. Let me be Joshua for a moment, and you be the people of Israel: “Shout, for the LORD has given you the city!” [Congregation responds.] The Lord has given you the fortified city. Let's try it again: “Shout, for the LORD has given you the city!” [Congregation shouts.] So the people shouted, and the trumpets sounded. When they heard the blast of the trumpet, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. The people advanced into the city, each man straight ahead, and they captured the city. (Josh 6:20, HCSB) Now: seven times around the city, trumpet blasts, the people shout. Trumpet blast, the people shout — and then what happens? “Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho. Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, and the walls came tumbling down.” Now here — Joshua fought the Battle of Jericho? The walls didn't come down because of a fight. The walls came down because of praise. You see, praise — the praise preceded the victory. The praise preceded the victory. And let's be honest — come on — how many of us are waiting for the victory to give the praise? How many of us, time and time again, in every circumstance and situation we face in life, we're waiting for the victory? “God, once You bring me the victory, I'll give You the praise. God, once we have won, I'll give You the praise.” That's not how the Battle of Jericho goes. Praise precedes the victory. Praise precedes the victory. What would your life look like if you brought to mind the biggest obstacle you're facing — if you brought to mind the biggest battle that's ahead of you, if you brought to mind the biggest fear, the biggest anxiety, the biggest worry you have — bring that to the forefront of your mind. And what would happen if right now, here in this place, you said, “God, I'm not waiting for the victory to give You praise. I'm not waiting for the win to declare Your glory. God, I'm not waiting until this church is overflowing with people and we're doing four services — I'm not waiting for that to give You praise right now.” Let's be honest, church, I know where you're at. How about, “God, I'm not waiting until we have it all figured out and all the answers to give You praise.” What would it look like? What would it look like for you to say here and now, “God, You get every bit of my praise. You get every bit of my praise, You get it here and now. I'm not waiting for the victory to give You praise.” Because here's what's true — here's what's true. No matter what battle you are facing in this life, no matter what circumstance you are coming up against, what is true is that death has already been defeated. Sin has already been defeated. The blood of Jesus has already purified you from all unrighteousness. You are covered in the grace of God before a bit of victory has been given in the circumstance you're facing in this moment. You've already got more victory than you could ever ask or imagine. You have already won. So yeah — you might be facing some confusion about what comes next for you as a church. You may be facing some tough decisions in your personal life regarding your finances. You may be battling — I mean, man, at this point, you can be battling just by ordering a salad. It's bad out there, y'all. Whatever battle you are facing — you've already won. Church, hear me when I say this: you've already won. You've already got the victory. Yes, there are situations in your life that you're afraid of. Yes, there are situations in your life you're nervous about. There are circumstances going on in your friends and in your family that you are worried about. But I want to let you know: in the middle of that anxiety, in the middle of that worry, in the middle of the unknowns for what comes next, we can praise God right now — because praise precedes the victory. Praise precedes the victory. And here's what the enemy wants for you: the enemy wants you to forget that you've already won. The enemy wants you to forget you've already been victorious. The enemy wants you to forget what God has already done for you — and to get you so wrapped up with the thing that is five feet in front of you that you become blinded to everything else. That's all the enemy wants. But church — what would happen? What would happen in your life if you said, “I've already won. I am praising God”? And victory may or may not come in this situation, but I'm praising God either way, because I'm already victorious. Church, are you willing? Are you willing to give your praise before the victory? Are you willing to give your praise before the victory? And here's the thing that I don't understand — there's so much in Scripture that I don't get. I don't understand how, in God's economy, ninety percent goes further than a hundred percent. I don't understand how, in God's economy, six days goes further than seven. I don't understand how it is that in God's economy, sometimes when we praise, victory follows. It's backwards to the way the world works. Church, God has called you to be a different kind of people, following a different kind of path, with a different kind of faith. Church, are you willing to give your praise before the victory? Because I believe — I believe for Yates Baptist Church, and I believe for every man, woman, and child in this room right now — I believe if you will give your praise, you have no idea what God will do next. If you will give your praise, I believe there is a victory headed your way, church. I don't want you to miss it. I don't want you to miss it. I don't want you to miss out on the destination. I don't want you to miss out on the new lands. I don't want you to miss out on the life that is ahead of you if you're willing to give your praise first. If you're willing to be a people of praise, no matter the situation, no matter the circumstance, I believe that victory comes quickly on its heels. Let me pray for us. Heavenly Father, Jesus — we give You praise in this place. We give You honor and glory in this place. God, we're going to hear music in this place. God, we're going to sing songs of praise in this place. And so, God, we're not holding back. God, we're going to give You praise today like victory is dependent upon it. We're going to give You praise today as a people who have already won. We're going to give You praise today like a people who know that if we praise until the walls fall down, we will see Your victory. We will experience Your grace and Your mercy and Your goodness. Jesus, we want a taste of Your victory, and so we give You praise here and now. We don't know what the future holds, but You do. We don't know what the next step is, God, but You do. So God, would You give us the kind of faith that praises You before the victory? Would You give us the kind of faith that is obedient in such a way that if You don't come through, God, we have no hope? Would You give us the kind of faith that fully entrusts our lives to You, believing that You will take full responsibility of that life? Jesus, we pray this in Your name. Amen. Endnotes 1 The image of “a spring in the middle of the city” draws loosely on Homer's description of twin springs feeding the Scamander near Troy's walls (Iliad 22.147–152: “κρουνὼ δ' ἵκανον καλλιρρόω· ἔνθα δὲ πηγαὶ / δοιαὶ ἀναΐσσουσι Σκαμάνδρου δινήεντος,” “they came to the two fair-flowing fountains, where well up the two springs that feed eddying Scamander”). Homer locates these springs outside the city walls, on the plain, not within the citadel, and describes two springs (one warm, one cold) rather than one. Archaeological excavation at Hisarlık, the site identified with ancient Troy, has not confirmed a spring inside the fortified citadel matching this Homeric image. Excavated water features there consist chiefly of cisterns and a rock-cut channel rather than a documented intramural spring. 2 The trumpet/horn vocabulary sits in three Pentateuchal locations: Numbers 10:1–10, where the instrument is חֲצוֹצְרָה (chatzotzerah, “[silver] trumpet”) and the war-signal is תְּרוּעָה (teru'ah, “shout, alarm-blast,” Num 10:9); and Leviticus 23:24 and 25:9, where the instrument is שׁוֹפָר (shofar, “ram's horn”), again paired with teru'ah. Joshua 6 itself uses shofar for the priests' horns (שׁוֹפְרוֹת הַיּוֹבְלִים, shofrot ha-yovlim, “ram's-horn trumpets,” 6:4) and teru'ah for the people's shout (תְּרוּעָה גְדוֹלָה, teru'ah gedolah, “a great shout,” 6:5, 20). This is Leviticus's pairing, and the same shofar/teru'ah pairing recurs as a holy-war type-scene in Judges: Ehud sounds the shofar to muster Israel (וַיִּתְקַע בַּשּׁוֹפָר, Judg 3:27); Gideon does the same to summon his army (Judg 6:34), and; At the battle against Midian the shofar blast and accompanying cry again precede the enemy's collapse rather than follow it (Judg 7:16–22) The repeated formula forms the same liturgical praise-before-victory pattern the preacher interprets from Jericho. 3 The challenging line, “God will take full responsibility of the life fully entrusted to Him,” conflates language from two sources rather than quoting either: Andrew Murray (“God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him”), commonly attributed to Murray in devotional compilations though without a confirmed primary-text citation, and Charles Stanley's Life Principle 11 (“God assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey Him”), as taught through In Touch Ministries. A third variant, “God takes full responsibility for the life wholly devoted to Him,” also circulates under Stanley's name in popular quotation collections. Rendered in the body as the preacher's own synthesis of these related sayings. Works Cited AZQuotes. “God Takes Full Responsibility for the Life Wholly Devoted to Him.” AZQuotes, https://www.azquotes.com/quote/735429. Accessed 26 July 2026. Bible Apologetics. “Andrew Murray – Quotes for a Deeper Walk with Jesus.” Bible Apologetics, 23 Sept. 2024, https://bibleapologetics.org/andrew-murray-quotes-for-a-deeper-walk-with-jesus/. Accessed 26 July 2026. The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Bible. Holman Bible Publishers, 2004. Homer. The Iliad. Translated by A. T. Murray, Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, 1924. The Odyssey. Directed by Christopher Nolan, Universal Pictures, 2026. Stanley, Charles F. “Life Principle 11: His Promise to Provide.” In Touch Ministries, https://www.intouch.org/watch/sermons/life-principle-11-his-promise-to-provide. Accessed 26 July 2026. “Troy: New Data from Old Excavations.” Archaeological Institute of America, 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.archaeological.org/troy-new-data-from-old-excavations/. Accessed 26 July 2026. © 2026 Rob Stone. All rights reserved.

Charles Stanley said: “Too many Christians have a commitment of convenience. Instead of standing alone […]

A serial Guinness World Record holder from Idaho just balanced 195 rolls of toilet paper on his forehead for 30 seconds — and Brian From is genuinely impressed by the teamwork involved. From there, a rich and timely piece from Mere Orthodoxy on rest: Americans have accepted a mindset where busyness is the norm and vacation is the only escape valve, but that's not what Jesus modeled or taught. Sabbath isn't a two-week getaway once a year — it's a regular rhythm woven into the week, the month, the season. Brian challenges listeners to identify where rest actually fits in their daily lives, not just when they can afford to disappear. Then a meditation on Romans 11:33-36 and the great "therefore" of Romans 12:1 — in view of God's mercy, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice — unpacking what it means that our entire response to the gospel is worship, not performance. A pointed segment on the fine line between conviction and condemnation, and why so many Christians live under shame that scripture never intended for them to carry. And a closing devotion from the late Dr. Charles Stanley on loneliness — drawing on Elijah on Mount Sinai, Jesus praying alone in Gethsemane while his disciples slept, and the handoff from Moses to a terrified Joshua — with a single, grounding promise underneath all of it: His companionship is real, present, and enough.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Trying To Trusting #Nightlight #RTTBROS Isaiah 40:31:"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and shall walk, and not faintAt night as the world begins to quiet down, we often find ourselves in a state of exhaustion. We've run our race, we've faced our battles, and sometimes, we feel utterly drained. We look at the calendar and see another day looming, and the weight of it can feel heavy.But tonight, I want to talk about a different kind of energy, an energy that doesn't come from caffeine or sheer willpower. It's about being continually refueled. And the promise of that renewal is found in the Word of God.Let's look at a powerful promise from the book of Isaiah. The King James Version says in Isaiah 40:31:"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and shall walk, and not faint."Notice the key phrase here: "Wait upon the Lord." This isn's not passive waiting, like waiting for a bus. It is an active, expectant waiting. It is leaning into God, trusting Him, and allowing Him to be the source of your power.To help us understand what this renewal looks like, I want to share a short illustration.Think about the great preacher Charles Stanley. He often spoke about the difference between the trying and trusting. He would tell us that many people try to live life like a machine. They try to push themselves, they push their own limits, they try to be the engine of their own life. They run until they are broken. They run until they are exhausted.But Stanley would tell us, "My brothers and sisters, you cannot run on your own strength. You are not a machine. You are a vessel. And a vessel needs to be filled."He would tell us that the Christian life is not about trying to be strong; it is about waiting on the One who is infinitely strong. He would say in essence "When you are tired, when you are weary, that is not the time to push harder. That is the time to stop. That is the time to look up. That is time to remember that the One who is the Eagle. That One who can lift you up."That is the difference. The difference between the trying and trusting. Tonight, as you prepare for sleep, I invite you do this: Stop trying to solve tomorrow's problems in your head. Stop trying to force yourself to be okay. Instead, pause. Breathe. And consciously "wait upon the Lord."Ask Him to renew your strength. Ask Him to lift you, not just to survive the day, but to soar with wings like an eagle. Let Him take the weariness from your shoulders and replace it with His enduring power.May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, guard your heart and mind. Sleep well, and may you wake up renewed.

In this episode, Dr. Charles Stanley shares why God never meant for believers to live in fear, and helps you learn how to walk in the spirit of love, power, and a sound mind that is already yours. Donate here to support outreaches that are sharing the truth about Jesus to Canada!   Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow In Touch Ministries: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

Co znamená pravá láska? Jsou to milá slova, vřelá objetí, city? Charles Stanley hovoří o lásce, která proniká hlouběji než citové vyjádření sympatií.Tento podcast můžete podpořit na https://radio7.cz

Not all habits are equal, or even beneficial to our lives. In this message, Dr. Charles Stanley details seven essential habits to develop a healthy spiritual life. Learn how practices like prayer, forgiveness, and generosity help you pursue lasting godliness. Sign up for the Miracle Channel eNewsletter for a new ebook and Scripture declarations each month, plus updates on the ministry! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow In Touch Ministries: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

The Praise O'Clock Show (also known as The Praiseworld Podcast) is the breakfast show of Praiseworld Radio.Host: Goodness Ezeh, Kanyinsola OmojolaQuote of The Day: "Gratitude produces deep, abiding joy because we know that God is working in us, even through difficulties." — Charles Stanley

The Praise O'Clock Show (also known as The Praiseworld Podcast) is the breakfast show of Praiseworld Radio.Host: Goodness Ezeh, Kanyinsola OmojolaQuote of The Day: "Gratitude produces deep, abiding joy because we know that God is working in us, even through difficulties." — Charles Stanley

A Pennsylvania man demolished his own house with an excavator after his wife said the marriage was over — which is a wild story, but also a useful case study in what not to do when you're angry. Jim Carrey showed up to a French awards ceremony looking unrecognizable, which opens a bigger conversation about image, aging, and why the only foundation for genuine self-acceptance is knowing you are created in the image of God, fearfully and wonderfully made. Carl Truman has coined a new term — Gig Eva — and it's more concerning than Big Eva: online evangelical influencers who are accountable to no one, may not even be real, and are quietly replacing the local church as the primary discipleship vehicle for millions. Mitt Romney told Harvard Business School graduates that the true measure of wealth is the people you love and your friends — which is either obvious or convicting depending on how you're actually spending your time. Nate Bargatze on why not cursing actually gives you more freedom as a comedian, and what that says about being distinctively different in your field. And a closing devotion from Charles Stanley on the stages of the Christian journey — recognizing where God is working right now, and why we all need people ahead of us, behind us, and alongside us in the race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Možná nám pokyn milovat sám sebe připadá nebiblický. Charles Stanley nás chce přesvědčit o opaku. Bůh nás všechny miluje naprosto stejně. A Bůh také chce, abychom měli rádi i sebe, abychom i sami k sobě měli čistou a hlubokou úctu.Tento podcast můžete podpořit na https://radio7.cz

In this episode, Dr. Charles Stanley reveals ten qualities that make God our ultimate encourager. Be reminded of His faithfulness and how He lifts you up, even when you feel undeserving. Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow In Touch Ministries: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

Brian From is fresh off a monumental weekend — his oldest daughter Madeline's college graduation at Hope College in Holland, Michigan — and the joy of that milestone runs through this whole hour. But the reflections go deeper than cap and gown. The chaplain's baccalaureate message on 2 Corinthians 2 leaves Brian with a simple, searching question: when people are in your presence, do they get a whiff of Christ? Then, a throwaway line from Nike's new CEO — "we struggle when we forget who we are serving" — turns into a pointed word for the church and for anyone whose life has quietly drifted toward self. Plus: a Wall Street Journal piece on the rise of the "beta mom" and why the pendulum may have swung too far, new survey data suggesting peak life satisfaction hits at age 52 (good news for Brian at 49), a Gospel Coalition piece on the most alarming political divide in Gen Z — and it's not Democrat vs. Republican — and a closing devotion from Charles Stanley on what it actually means to be aware of God's presence in your daily life, not just on Sundays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Brian's birthday — 49 years old and staring 50 in the face — and that milestone has him in a reflective mood. On this episode of The Common Good, Brian weaves together a handful of compelling threads: the challenging call to forgive even when bitterness feels justified, a sobering statistic about one-third of Americans currently experiencing an existential crisis, the Kentucky Derby's surprise winner and the life lesson it carries, and a powerful warning from the book of Judges about what happens when faith goes unguarded for just one generation. Brian also shares his personal take on capital punishment after listening to Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History, and closes with a devotional from Dr. Charles Stanley on what it actually means to walk wisely. A wide-ranging, honest, and deeply personal hour of radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn how trusting God as your provider allows generosity to flow from your life. In this episode, Dr. Charles Stanley shares how to freely share the blessings God has given you with those around you. Donate here to support outreaches that are sharing the truth about Jesus to Canada! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow In Touch Ministries: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

In this episode, Dr. Charles Stanley shares tips on how to deepen your level of understanding when it comes to studying your Bible. You can be more aware of how God is speaking to you through His Word! Sign up for the Miracle Channel eNewsletter for a new ebook and Scripture declarations each month, plus updates on the ministry! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow In Touch Ministries: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

In this episode, Dr. Charles Stanley shares how you can use wisdom to handle the trials of life, and how to view a trial from God's perspective. Join the Fontaine family on Thrive weekdays at 11am MT on Miracle Channel or YouTube! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow In Touch Ministries: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

Watch Charles Stanley from In Touch Ministries To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/1274/29

Watch Charles Stanley from In Touch Ministries To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/1274/29

Capping off this little mini series of LEADING OUR FAMILIES because I know the audience isn't always gonna be married men, or men who have kids. But let this one ride out because It has some good wisdom i've obtained from the legendary Dr. Charles Stanley, my own life experiences, along with other resources and VERSES straight from the WORD OF GOD. be blessed!

Watch Charles Stanley from In Touch Ministries To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/1274/29

Having godly relationships helps to strengthen your faith and protect your walk with God. In this episode, Dr. Charles Stanley explores the importance of choosing and pouring into wise and faithful friendships. Donate here to support outreaches that are sharing the truth about Jesus to Canada! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow In Touch Ministries: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

Courage, Character, Constructiveness, Confidence, & Control. Some Key traits for Leaders of the Family to ever be increasing in by GODS GRACE. May the LORD continually help and guide us into living out His will. EXAMPLE is the most effective way of leadership. be blessed (part 2 of the last podcast, “are we leaders”?)shoutout to the late great Dr. Charles Stanley for His example, His wisdom n knowledge, His words of TRUTH, that have been used and recited for generations. Big thanks to Him, and “in touch” ministries .

as much as COURAGE and steel characteristics are needed in a man to lead his family, I agree with Charles Stanley that the velvet side of us is even more important. The love, care, compassion, grace we show our wife and kids is vitally crucial to their health and wellbeing. Our words, but also our LISTENING. our care, communication, and cooperation are alll needed to help the family function at its best

Watch Charles Stanley from In Touch Ministries To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/1274/29

Watch Charles Stanley from In Touch Ministries To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/1274/29

Watch Charles Stanley from In Touch Ministries To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/1274/29

Accountability is essential for living a godly life. In this episode, Dr. Charles Stanley helps you discover the power of sharing both victories and struggles with trusted, wise counsel. Donate here to support outreaches that are sharing the truth about Jesus to Canada! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow In Touch Ministries: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

Watch Charles Stanley from In Touch Ministries To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/1274/29

Watch Charles Stanley from In Touch Ministries To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/1274/29

Charles Stanley teaches that money is not meant to control our lives or replace our trust in God. Everything we have belongs to the Lord, and we are called to be faithful stewards of His resources. When money becomes our source of security, it leads to fear, stress, and misplaced priorities.The message explains that God uses finances to reveal the condition of our hearts. Giving, contentment, honesty, and wise management are expressions of trust and obedience. God does not promise wealth, but He does promise provision for our needs when we put Him first.Jaggy and Tedi offer a gentle reminder through their simple trust—they don't worry about tomorrow. They rest, confident that provision will come. In the same way, believers are called to rely on God daily, trusting Him as the true source of peace and security.Key takeaway:When God is first in our finances, worry fades and trust grows. True security is found not in money, but in the faithful God who provides.

In this powerful and practical message, Dr. Charles Stanley reminds us that conflict and criticism are part of everyday life, but our response determines whether they become stumbling blocks or stepping stones. Drawing from Scripture, he explains how God uses difficult interactions to refine our character, deepen our faith, and teach us humility.Listeners are encouraged to pause before reacting, seek God's guidance in prayer, and honestly evaluate their own hearts. Not every criticism is meant to be accepted, but every situation is an opportunity to respond with grace, wisdom, and self-control. Dr. Stanley emphasizes that a gentle spirit and trust in God's justice preserve peace and reflect Christ to others.As always at Cat81 Radio, Jaggy and Tedi were close by in the studio—quietly reminding us that calm presence, patience, and unconditional love often speak louder than words. Their peaceful companionship perfectly echoed the heart of this message: responding wisely begins with a settled spirit.

Dark moments come to everyone—times of loss, uncertainty, fear, or waiting. In this comforting message, Dr. Charles Stanley teaches that these seasons are not evidence that God has left us, but often moments when He is working most deeply in our lives. God uses darkness to shape our character, strengthen our faith, and draw us into closer dependence on Him.Dr. Stanley reminds us that obedience, patience, and prayer matter most when answers are delayed. Even when we cannot see what God is doing, He sees the full picture and remains faithful. Darkness has an end, but God's love and purpose do not.Here at Cat81 Radio, Jaggy and Tedi are right alongside us, reminding us through their calm presence that comfort often comes quietly—just as God stays close to us in every valley.If this message encourages you, please share it with someone who may be walking through a dark moment right now. A simple share can be a lifeline of hope and faith.

Have you ever encountered someone who simply wouldn't listen to wise advice? Or what about you? Have you ever refused to listen to words of wisdom?  The Bible calls this decision "foolish."Main Points:1. The Bible teaches us that a foolish person is the one who leaves God out. In fact, Psalm 14:1 - “The fool has said in his heart, there is no God.” According to the Scripture, the fool either doesn't believe in God, or they don't consider God and his ways. They leave God out. The fool doesn't follow Godly wisdom or advice. The fool leaves God out of their planning and goes their own way.2. Charles Stanley wrote, “Wisdom is the capacity to see things from God's perspective and respond according to scriptural principles.”3. I believe that to gain wisdom, we must have humility. As long as we think we know better, we'll neglect Godly wisdom, whether it comes from Scripture or a trusted friend. When we humble ourselves, we are declaring that God knows better. We are acknowledging our weaknesses and our limitations. We are trusting God to lead us to make the right decisions.Today's Scripture Verses:Proverbs 12:15 - “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Proverbs 28:26 - “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”Proverbs 14:12  - “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.”1 Corinthians 3:19 - “The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

In the wake of an extraordinary Budget – leaked an hour before the Chancellor addressed Parliament – The Spectator brings clarity to a turbulent political and take stock of how the announcements will impact you.Michael Simmons speaks with John Porteous of Charles Stanley and James Nation, formerly of the Treasury and No. 10, to discuss how the events unfolded and the deeper implications for long-term financial planning, taxation and market confidence.The conversation explores whether the government's approach represents a credible fiscal strategy, what savers and investors should infer from changes to ISAs and pensions, and whether concerns about a growing UK ‘brain drain' are justified.This podcast was created in partnership with Charles Stanley; editorial control remained exclusively with The Spectator. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring message, Dr. Charles Stanley teaches that every believer will face moments when fear rises and courage is required. Drawing from Joshua 1, he reminds us that genuine courage doesn't come from our own strength but from depending fully on God's presence and His promises. When we shift our focus from our circumstances to the One who walks with us, fear loses its grip.Just as Allan's studio companions Jaggy and Tedi rest peacefully because they trust the one who cares for them, we too can find steadiness in knowing our Father never leaves us. Through Scripture, obedience, and remembering God's past faithfulness, we learn to move forward boldly—even when the path seems uncertain.Dr. Stanley's message reassures listeners that God equips His people for every challenge. Courage isn't a feeling—it's a choice to trust the Lord, step out in faith, and believe that He will see us through.

It's important to learn how to trust God's promises even when you can't see the full picture. In this episode, Dr. Charles Stanley shares seven Biblical truths that remind us God always has a plan in motion. Don't miss out on Love In Action, our special Christmas program airing December 7th at 5pm MT. Learn more by visiting miraclechannel.ca/action. Need prayer? Email us at: prayer@miraclechannel.ca Sign up for the Miracle Channel eNewsletter for a new ebook and Scripture declarations each month, plus updates on the ministry! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

In this episode of the Care to Change Podcast, April Bordeau welcomes back Teresa Land, therapist and clinical supervisor at Care to Change, for an inspiring conversation on the practice of gratitude journaling.Teresa shares how she first leaned into journaling during the difficult days of COVID, discovering it as a God-led practice that shifted her focus from anxiety to hope. She explains how journaling is more than making a list—it's about slowing down, engaging both sides of the brain, and allowing gratitude to shape our perspective.Together, April and Teresa explore practical ways to begin, prompts that make reflection meaningful, and how gratitude journaling can transform not only how we see ourselves but also how we connect with God and others. This practice, though simple, has the power to bring calm, deepen faith, and build resilience.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why gratitude journaling is more than “making a list”How writing can help slow racing thoughts and steady your heartPractical prompts to guide reflection (using all five senses, people, places, and ordinary gifts)How gratitude shifts our perspective from scarcity to sufficiencyThe overlap of Scripture, science, and gratitude in shaping peace of mindWhy journaling is personal—your practice can be as unique as you areSimple tips to make gratitude a daily rhythm in your lifeResources & Mentions:In All Things Give Thanks by Charles Stanley (gratitude journal)Spiritual Practices for the Brain by Anne Kertz KernionOne Thousand Gifts by Ann VoskampThe YouVersion Bible App (gratitude devotionals and reading plans)Contact us online here. 

Learn to lean in to God's unfailing kindness. In this episode, Dr. Charles Stanley teaches about tenderheartedness, both how God demonstrates this quality toward us, and how we should imitate Him in our earthly relationships. Join the Fontaine family on Thrive weekdays at 11am MT on Miracle Channel or YouTube! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow In Touch Ministries: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

In this episode, Dr. Charles Stanley speaks on the low points in our lives and how they may lead us to think we don't really matter to God. In reality, we are always loved by God and He will never leave or forsake us in our struggles. Donate here to support outreaches that are sharing the truth about Jesus to Canada! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow In Touch Ministries: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

In this episode, Dr. Charles Stanley explains how to shift from viewing prayer as an obligation to embracing it as a joyful, powerful experience in your relationship with God. Learn how prayer can transform your heart and your life. Sign up for the Miracle Channel eNewsletter for a new ebook and Scripture declarations each month, plus updates on the ministry! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow In Touch Ministries: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

Who are the black evangelicals? How has contemporary evangelicalism reckoned with racial justice? Theologian Vincent Bacote joins Mark Labberton to discuss Black + Evangelical, a new documentary exploring the in-between experience of black Christians in white evangelical spaces. Bacote—professor of theology at Wheaton College and director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics—shares his personal faith journey, early formation in the Navigators, growing racial consciousness, and decades-long engagement with questions of race, theology, and evangelical identity. Together, they work through the tensions, challenges, and possibilities for a more truthful and hopeful evangelical witness. Episode Highlights “The goal of the documentary is not to be a kind of hit piece about the evangelical movement. It's to tell the story of the church.” “To be for Black people is not to be against somebody else.” – Tom Skinner “I couldn't understand why the Bible people weren't leading the way on questions of race.” “Participation in evangelical spaces can't mean leaving part of yourself outside.” “Realism allows you to have honesty, but also remember the good news is the greatest news of all.” “God wants all of us—our whole selves—not a muted version.” Helpful Links and Resources Black + Evangelical Documentary (Christianity Today) Black + Evangelical Documentary Trailer The Political Disciple: A Theology of Public Life by Vincent Bacote Reckoning with Race and Performing the Good News by Vincent Bacote Breaking Down Walls by Raleigh Washington & Glen Kehrein Tom Skinner's Urbana 1970 Address (Full Audio) *The Color of Compromise* by Jemar Tisby About Vincent Bacote Vincent Bacote is professor of theology at Wheaton College and director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics. He is the author of several books, including The Political Disciple: A Theology of Public Life and Reckoning with Race and Performing the Good News: In Search of a Better Evangelical Theology. His research and teaching address public theology, ethics, and the intersection of race and evangelical identity. Bacote is a widely cited commentator and a frequent voice in conversations about Christian faithfulness in public life. Show Notes Mark Labberton welcomes Vincent Bacote, professor of theology at Wheaton College and director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics. Introduction to the Black + Evangelical documentary, a project Bacote helped conceive and produce. Bacote's upbringing at Shiloh Baptist Church of Glenarden, Maryland—unknowingly part of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. Conversion experience around age ten, preceded by years of genuine faith. College years at the Citadel; involvement in the Navigators campus ministry. Influence of a summer training program in Memphis focused on African American ministry. Early exposure to evangelical culture through radio preachers like Chuck Swindoll, Charles Stanley, John MacArthur, and James Dobson. Initial tensions over the lack of evangelical engagement on issues of race. Graduate studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School with the initial goal of becoming a pastor. Encounter with Raleigh Washington and Glen Kehrein's Breaking Down Walls, grounding racial reconciliation in Ephesians 2. Observations of the scarcity of black theologians in evangelical seminaries. 1993 Geneva College conference on black evangelicals—learning from leaders like Bill Pannell, Tom Skinner, Tony Evans, Carl Ellis, and Eugene Rivers. Writing an editorial titled “Black and Evangelical: An Uneasy Tension?” for the student paper at Trinity. Realization that evangelicalism is both a biblical and socio-cultural movement with contextual blind spots. Arrival at Wheaton College in 2000 with a focus on public theology and ethics beyond race alone. Genesis of the Black + Evangelical project at a 2008 Fuller Seminary gathering with Ron Potter. Partnership with Christianity Today and filmmaker Dan Long to shape the documentary. Filming over forty hours of interviews with twenty-four participants, distilled into a ninety-four-minute film. Mark Labberton highlights Tom Skinner's impact and his “Blackface” critique of white evangelicalism. Bacote reflects on his “racially optimistic” early years and growing awareness of systemic realities. Analysis of the Promise Keepers movement and the need for sustained relational work beyond large gatherings. Challenges in building genuine multiethnic churches versus surface-level diversity. The documentary's aim: to tell the church's story, honour lived experiences, and inspire commitment to mission. Bacote's “four stages” for minorities in evangelical institutions: delight, dissonance, distress, and decision. Emphasis on “sober hope”—honesty about pain while holding onto the good news. The gospel's call to bring one's full self into the life of the church. Closing encouragement to watch and share Black + Evangelical as a story worth hearing for the whole church. Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.