Podcasts about chirst

The only way anybody starts the Christian journey is by faith. We cross the line and commit our lives to Christ. We embrace Chirst's salvation for us by faith. It's Gods grace and we receive it by faith. And then every step after that in our spiritual journey is a step that we live by faith. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1170/29

Every person who begins the Christian life on the basis of grace through faith is free in Christ. That is our birth right as believers. It is our spiritual standing before God. It's the truest thing about us. Chirst has set us free! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1170/29

Delivered by Ariel of the Parish of Saint Albert the Great in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. Acts of the Apostles 20: 28-38; Rs psalm 68: 29-30.33-35a.35b-35c; John 17: 11b-19.SHARING THE HOLY SPIRIT Our meditation today is entitled:Sharing The Holy Spirit. The expression of “sharing the Holy Spirit” here is akind of spiritual work to signify that after receiving the outpouring andempowerment of the Holy Spirit, the person who receives it assume the duty toshare the gift of the Holy Spirit to others. He or she shares the Holy Spirit in thescope of the mission entrusted. For example, the parents bring the Holy Spiritinto their family. Father and mother show their mutual and loving kindness oftheir marriage, and therefore, they give positive effect on the whole family.Everyone wants to contribute what is good and positive so that joy and peacegrow in the family. One is a God's gift to another.  We have an example from the tworeadings today. Jesus strengthened the apostles and disciples, that their liveswithout His physical presence were actually the lives under the guidance of theHoly Spirit. They must had experienced many challenges and difficulties,especially the threat of enemies from various directions. But the fullness ofthe Holy Spirit in Jesus is to be shared among them. Likewise, Saint Paul, whowas going to leave the Ephesian church he had cared for three years. Heguaranteed that the Holy Spirit fully strengthened and guided them. Why should we share the Holy Spirit?There are several importants reasons. First, because God has shared fromHimself. He who is pure and most holy in heaven, wants to share His life withhumans through the Son of God becoming Jesus of Nazareth; then Jesus Himselfsent His Spirit to us. God has shared Himself, then we must also share fromourselves. Second, the Holy Spirit moves andacts. He moved every person in the Early Church and then animated all theiractivities so that they did not stay silent or hid themselves from differentkinds of opposition. Each of them moved and committed in every corner of theworld to testify about Jesus Christ. We also have to do so, especially sharingtestimonies about Jesus Christ to others. Third, the Church is inclusive and sheobeys Jesus' command to make the whole nations His disciples. Thus, there is noother right way except to move every follower of Christ to share the gifts ofthe Holy Spirit, which are to convey all kindness, joy and truth to the wholeworld. Sharing with others in the unity of Jesus Christ is a law that never tobe neglected and not to be undermined. It is basically the responsibility ofevery follower of Chirst as member of the holy Church. Let's pray. In the name of theFather ... O Jesus Christ, in the moments of waiting the coming of the HolySpirit, we put our faith in you with all our hearts, so that through thefullness of the Holy Spirit we share it with those around us. Our Father whoart in heaven ... In the name of the Father ...

Motherhood is a beautiful journey that can deepen your marriage and transform your faith. In this episode, we explore how becoming a mother can sometimes lead to losing yourself, grieving that loss, and facing identity confusion. We'll discuss the importance of reclaiming your true identity as a child of God - adopted, forgiven, loved, and empowered by His Spirit. Learn how embracing your divine identity can strengthen your marriage, renew your faith, and help you thrive as a fulfilled, confident woman. Join us for encouragement, biblical insight, and practical steps to navigate motherhood with purpose and grace.

Wednesday of the Third Week of EasterJohn 6:35-40Jesus said to the crowds,"I am the bread of life;whoever comes to me will never hunger,and whoever believes in me will never thirst."

Sermon Notes Date: 05/04/2025 Preacher: Josh Peglow, pastor Series: Colossians Key Text: Colossians 2:1-5 Description: You’re not alone…. You’re not alone if you feel overwhelmed by all the opposition to Christianity. And you’re not alone if it seems like there’s just too much to learn — too many arguments to master — just to defend […]

What would it take for us to "wake up" into Christ's Vision? Certainly we would have to step outside of the mind of the ego—all of the "attack thoughts" and "grievances" that possess our attention. We do not allow the ego "to obscrure the sight of Christ." This action we must take within ourselves. Christ stands ready when we are, to help us, yet the first step must come from us. We have free will to take this step or not.When we take this step of forgiveness and self-introspection, then the Peace of Christ is bestowed upon us.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34575820/reference/Donate to the show crowdfundr.comXInstagramBioChristopher J. Upchurch, a Michigan native, discovered his passion for acting and music early on. He landed his first role in the musical stage play Million Dollar Man and later starred in Once Was Blind But Now I See. A songwriter with BMI, he has released original music, including Give It Up and Why Breathe.In 2018, Christopher wrote a short film and co-founded CA Production LLC with his wife, Amanda Upchurch. He has since worked on multiple films, including One of Those Days and his latest thriller, Not Us, produced by Keli Price. He also created and stars in the dramedy series Hey Chris.Passionate about storytelling, Christopher continues to write, direct, and produce, aiming to inspire independent filmmakers and artists to pursue their callings.Amanda Upchurch discovered her love for acting and theater at age 8, captivated by dramatic films and historical characters like Cleopatra. In 1996, she trained for commercials with Faces International Modeling Agency in Chicago and pursued local casting opportunities.She starred as Yvette in the 2016 musical stage play Once Was Blind But Now I See and trained in modeling, etiquette, and modern dance at Visceral Dance Center. An accomplished author, Amanda has published multiple books, including Broken Chains, which she pitched as a film at a 2007 screenwriters' conference in California. She continues to grow in the industry, sharing her talents through acting and storytelling.Will Dyer, a dynamic combat veteran turned rising star from Mississippi, is capturing audiences with his compelling journey from battlefield to spotlight. Overcoming adversity, he's worked with and graced screens alongside stars like Jason Patric, Theo Rossi, Michael B Jordan, and more. He has shone in theater with the award winning novel, 'A Few Good Men.' Recently featured in the 2025 Super Bowl commercial 'He Gets Us: What is Greatness,' . Also, Will plays AJ, Chris's best friend and Godfather to his children, down to earth and a little sarcastic in the upcoming TV series, Hey Chris. Will brings his passion for storytelling and a love for making people feel good through every performance, leaving a lasting impression both on screen and stage.Javarian Wilkins, a 22-year-old from Aliceville, AL, developed a love for film and TV at age 7. After playing basketball through high school, he shifted his focus to media production, earning his degree in 2024. Unsure of his exact path, he discovered a passion for acting through reading scripts and imagining himself on screen.Angela Pozniak is a rising actress, Navy Veteran, tech leader, and proud mom. She's the lead actress in the Hey Chris TV series, where she plays the bold and complex character Amanda. She also appears as herself in Beast Games, and recently wrapped Sharlotte's Web, portraying the fierce and layered Draya. This weekend, she's wrapping on the film Discarded, where she takes on the role of Lisa. Angela blends discipline, heart, and raw talent in every role—bringing powerful, grounded performances to the screen while continuing to break barriers in both tech and storytelling.Miari Aimoni, from Mccomb Ms and she is 24-year-old passionate about both acting and modeling. The exhilaration she experiences on set, on the runway, or during photo shoots is truly remarkable. She has been involved in acting and modeling from a young age, participating in church events, school plays, and informal performances with friends and family.  She prides herself on being kind and unique, with a distinctive personality that adds a touch of flair to her work.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/creator-to-creators-with-meosha-bean--4460322/support.

Join me for a very musical episode with priest, musician, and songwriter Josh Bales! Josh and I explore how Lent helps us reckon with our brokenness. Tune in for a deep conversation on the beauty of liturgy and the deep hymns that can shape our worship during this season. Plus, Josh brings his guitar and breaks into song throughout the conversation!    Josh Bales: The story behind the album art for “Come Away From Rush and Hurry”     As of this month, the Identity Project is available for free! That's right, over 200 videos from Christian experts on identity, sexuality, marriage, and more are available to you for free. We believe this platform is needed now more than ever, because our culture is so confused about identity, and that confusion is shaping the people we're called to love and disciple. The Identity Project addresses important cultural questions about identity, relationships, and human flourishing from a distinctly Christian worldview, so you can be equipped to point those around you to a solid, biblical identity. The Identity Project features subject-matter experts like Laura Perry Smalts, Mark Regnerus, Katie McCoy, and more. So, join the Identity Project in this new chapter by exploring the platform and sharing it with others. Make your free account today at identityproject.tv.   Lent is a time to reflect on our need for salvation, repent of our sins, and prepare to celebrate Chirst's resurection with a deep gratitude. Our team has created a free guide with weekly hymns, prayers, and artwork to help prepare your heart for Easter. Join the Strong Women community and download your free copy today at colsoncenter.org/lent.   The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what's happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them.  Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/   Visit our website and sign up for our email list so that you can stay up to date on what we are doing here and also receive our monthly journal: https://www.colsoncenter.org/strong-women    Join Strong Women on Social Media:   https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenCC  https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongwomencommunitycc/  https://www.instagram.com/strongwomencc/  https://linktr.ee/strongwomencc 

Do you know we miss blessings daily? We want a parting of a red sea, fire to reign down... but we dont take a moment to see the little Blessings in our lifes! In this episode we share what to look for and an amazing testimony of death to life, and a miracle that came to KDs Family. Be ready to be blown away!

The season of Lent begins today, and you may be wondering, “What is Lent and why does it matter?” I'm answering your questions about Lent this week with my colleague Maggie, including: What's the purpose of fasting and how can I practice it? How can I observe Lent non-legalistically? What's the significance of Ash Wednesday? ... and more! Whether you've observed Lent before or not, I think you'll find this discussion insightful!  The Songs of Lent  Knowing God by J. I. Packer   Strong Women Podcast Facebook Group    Lent is a time to reflect on our need for salvation, repent of our sins, and prepare to celebrate Chirst's resurection with a deep gratitude. Our team has created a free guide with weekly hymns, prayers, and artwork to help prepare your heart for Easter. Join the Strong Women community and download your free copy today at colsoncenter.org/lent.   The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what's happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them.  Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/   Visit our website and sign up for our email list so that you can stay up to date on what we are doing here and also receive our monthly journal: https://www.colsoncenter.org/strong-women    Join Strong Women on Social Media:   https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenCC  https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongwomencommunitycc/  https://www.instagram.com/strongwomencc/  https://linktr.ee/strongwomencc 

Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary TimeMark 9:14-29Someone from the crowd answered him,“Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit.Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down;he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid.I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.”

Encouragement to W.I.N. in Chirst.

Greetings everyone! Christian and I (Jonathan) have recorded another podcast addressing political concerns that Christians should consider. In this podcast, we specifically talk about the major issue of sexuality. We spent some time explaining through scripture what the Christian worldview is regarding the LGBTQ+ lifestyles. We believe the scriptures clearly outline what God thinks about this, along with how God teaches us to respond to it. We also explain why, from a Christian perspective, it is important to consider this issue when voting in the November election. Although not much about this is mentioned much by politicians anymore, we believe that if it is important to God, then it is important to us, as followers of Chirst, as well. Therefore, we should consider this issue when we vote! Want to learn more about Grace Bond Ministries? Check out our website, gracebondministries.weebly.com. Want to watch this podcast on another platform? - Youtube: https://youtu.be/-aPrT-TqodQ - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grace-bond-ministries/id1551379600 - Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/1q6pbGuLQveVSZCzS7d71n?si=d8c75be62fb84cc1 - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Grace-Bond-Ministries-100063664744029/?paipv=0&eav=AfZrO3slR5IJ0OtCWbXTmDNx9nupHuVzeBmFF-CTF8PV3K2V6WK1VAwIbYT3o302u8o&_rdr

If laying down our pride is one of Chirst's conditions, we must come to a better understanding of humility. Humility is NOT, as we often assume, the act of tearing yourself down.

Enjoy this episode? Please share it with at least ONE friend who you think needs to hear it!  What if the architecture of our past holds the key to a more harmonious and spiritually aligned future? In this episode, we explore this idea with Chris ‘Topher' Gardner, a sculptor of domes, bodies, and minds. As the host of The BioCharisma Podcast, Topher shares his unique perspective on the intersection of architecture, spirituality, and ancient wisdom.     Episode Highlights:  Shaping Perspectives: Topher delves into how his childhood and early experiences shaped his current worldview, leading him on a path of spiritual and intellectual exploration.  Eastern Thought & Enlightenment: Discover how Topher's exploration of Eastern philosophies helped him clear his mind and body, ultimately leading him toward a deeper understanding of humility and the realization that he is always taken care of.  Building Inspiration: Topher discusses how his journey to Costa Rica inspired his ideas for building domes and the importance of using the golden ratio and other energetic principles in architectural design.  Toxicity in Modern Architecture: An examination of how traditional building materials and designs negatively impact the harmony of the human body.  Mud Flood & World Scape: An exploration of the mud flood theory and its impact on our understanding of history and the world's landscape.  Inner Beauty & Natural Kindness: Topher reflects on the innate kindness and beauty within every human, emphasizing the importance of grounding spiritual knowledge into physical practice.  Christianity & The Apocrypha: A discussion on the books of the Apocrypha and their significance to Christianity, along with Topher's thoughts on demonic oppression, invoking Christ, and the misconceptions surrounding tribulations.  Revisiting Biblical History: A provocative look at the possibility that the pre-Noah era of the Bible might have taken place in North America, challenging conventional historical narratives.  Current Times & Truth: Topher offers his perspective on the era we are living in, why much of what we are told is a lie, and how to navigate the cognitive dissonance and avoid the trap of black pill ideology.     About Topher Gardner:   Chris ‘Topher' Gardner is a pioneering sculptor and the host of The BioCharisma Podcast. Based in the Missouri Ozarks, Topher is at the forefront of the art of curved architecture, utilizing innovative materials like biochar-infused ferrocement. A former professional athlete, he brings a dedication to excellence into all his projects. For more on Topher, visit topherhq.com. Join Topher at the Beartaria Ozarks Festival: Dates: August 30 - September 1  Learn More Here Related Episode:  Biocharisma Podcast Episode 8: What's Old is New and what's New is Old w/ Dr. Narco Longo  Listen Here     The Way Forward podcast is sponsored by: NEW BIOLOGY CLINIC: Experience individually tailored terrain-based health services with virtual consults, practitioner livestreams, movement classes, and more. The New Biology Clinic's motivation is to make you healthy and keep you that way. Visit https://NewBiologyClinic.com and enter code TheWayForward for $50 off your activation fee. Members of The Way Forward get the full activation fee waived. Become a member of The Way Forward here: https://thewayfwrd.com/membership-sign-up/ ————————— Visit our online marketplace for discounts on a variety of the best holistic health brands and products: https://thewayfwrd.com/store/ For all of our links, and to watch or listen to The Way Forward on other platforms, visit: https://www.flowcode.com/page/thewayforward Join The Way Forward to connect with like minded men and women near you, businesses near you, and more! The best part? You pay whatever you want!: https://thewayfwrd.com/membership-sign-up/ Are you a natural health practitioner? Join our private, natural-health practitioner database here: https://thewayfwrd.com/directory-form/ ————————— This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without expressed written permission from The Way Forward, LLC. The purpose of this presentation is to convey information. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition; nor is it to be considered medical or legal advice, opinion or recommendation. This information is presented in the spirit of service for all.     0:00 - Dome Sweet Dome: Old World Architecture & Christ's Reign On Earth 2:13 - Introduction 33:10 - Impact of Exploration of Eastern Thought 43:34 - Leading Up to a Saturn Return 50:00 - Difference in Buildings in Costa Rica 58:50 - Standing on Morals & Principal 1:09:12 - The Energetic Ratios of Building Design  1:19:37 - Protection From Nature and Protecting the Human Body  1:24:54 - Old World Architecture & Byzantine Empire 1:33:15 - What is the Mud Flood? 1:47:55 - Making Sense of Narrative Around Native Americans and Nomadic Tribes  2:00:18 - What does it Mean to be a Preterist? 2:05:22 - Invoking the Name of Chirst in Demonic Oppression  2:12:11 - Channeling: Practice and Authenticity 2:28:39 - Power of Prayer & Reteocasual Healing  2:42:24 - Bible as a Holographic Text  2:49:11 - The Second Temple  3:08:42 - Where Did the Towers Go? 3:13:23 - Little Season of the Devils Deception 3:16:29 - Poking Holes in Idol Ideology  3:28:12 - The Mojo Cell Orgone Accumulator  3:37:54 - Closing Thoughts

From Pastor David Peck | Exhortation to Walk in Obendience to Chirst

A new MP3 sermon from Bible For Today Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Mark 10-1-31 Chirst ON MARRIAGE & DIVORCE by Don Waite, Jr. Speaker: D. A. Waite, Jr., MA, MLA Broadcaster: Bible For Today Baptist Church Event: Midweek Service Date: 8/15/2024 Bible: Mark 10:1-31 Length: 35 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Millersville Bible Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Calling All People to Follow Chirst Subtitle: Core Values Series Speaker: Todd McAllister Broadcaster: Millersville Bible Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 6/23/2024 Bible: Matthew 4:18-19 Length: 33 min.

Philippians 3:12-19

We build up the body of Chirst in love as we discover and use our spiritual gifts! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1170/29

From Pastor Adam Triplett | From the sermon series That You May Believe: Studies in John's Gospel

Don't miss this week's message in 2 Kings with Youth Leader and Teaching Pastor, Sam Pharris. 

In this special Easter devotional message titled "Acquitted and Discharged", we are reminded of the value of Jesus' work on the cross in breaking the power of sin over our lives.Aired on Radio HCI Today via the RadioKing App

The Saving Purpose of Chirst's Resurrection (Romans 4:25

Today's Promise: Romans 8:1 Shame, guilt, and condemnation seem to go hand in hand when it comes to religion. Religious people are often the most beaten down and guilt-ridden people around. Religion loves to make you feel ashamed, guilty, and worthless. There is no shame or condemnation for the followers of Christ. All your shame, guilt, and self-reproach disappeared when you made Jesus your Savior and Lord. In Christ, you stand before God clean and pure. Never allow the condemnation of religion to overshadow the forgiveness you have found in Christ.

What's the purpose of the local church? Not only does Paul describe it, he also demonstrates it in the final part of his letter to the Colossians. Pastor Dave unpacks Colossians 4:2-18.

The only way anybody starts the Christian journey is by faith. We cross the line and commit our lives to Christ. We embrace Chirst's salvation for us by faith. It's Gods grace and we receive it by faith. And then every step after that in our spiritual journey is a step that we live by faith. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1170/29

Every person who begins the Christian life on the basis of grace through faith is free in Christ. That is our birth right as believers. It is our spiritual standing before God. It's the truest thing about us. Chirst has set us free! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1170/29

In this episode we delve into Bach's second cantata cycle begun in 1724. The first two cantatas are briefly covered, (with two further cantatas to follow next episode) as well as the connection between the Lutheran church melodies and the significance of the year Bach began this ambitious project.Pieces heard:BWV 20, O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort (Click here to see the live video)BWV 2, Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh dareinBWV 684, Chirst unser Herr zum Jordan KammSupport us:https://www.paypal.me/wtfbachhttps://venmo.com/wtfbachhttps://cash.app/$wtfbachJoin the list for updates if you haven't already:wtfbach.substack.comWrite us:bach (at) wtfbach (dot) com(@wtfbach on instagram) Get full access to WTF Bach at wtfbach.substack.com/subscribe

The movie that all people must see; how their loving savior suffered and died for mankind. Don't hide your eyes from the real cost of our sin, and the loving passion of Christ.

Listen as Jay Krestar preaches a sermon called Assured Because of Christ from 1 John 1:5-2:2.

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2023 quarter 3, lesson 12 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Ephesians” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “The Call to Stand”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: Eph. 6:10–20 | Deut. 20:2–4 | Rom. 13:11–14 | 1 Thess. 5:6–8 | 1 Cor. 15:23, 24. Memory Text: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10, 11, ESV). (September 9–September 15) Sunday (John Lomacang) - “Battle Speech”Monday (Jill Morikone) - “Finding Strength in Christ”Tuesday (Daniel Perrin) - “The Great Controversy in Paul's Letters”Wednesday (John Dinzey) - “Standing on the Ancient Battlefield”Thursday (James Rafferty) - “Wrestling Against Evil Powers” Sabbath School Website: www.3ABNSabbathSchoolPanel.com Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

In this episode God explains how He sees us, and how we grow in Chirst. From the Book of Remembrance:"The voice of YHVH comes in strength, the voice of YHVH comes in majesty, the voice of YHVH draws out flames of fire, and my righteousness stands forever." -Book of Remembrance 30:19Support the show

https://www.amazon.com/Silas-Monday PUrchase today Johnny Newell D.O.B 03/12/1963, Author, Christian Counselor, Master Life Coach,Minister, Photographer. Dad to Amanda, John, Daniel, Rachel, and two bonusChildren Josh and Delray. Papaw to John Wesley, Noah, Ethan, Jonah, Amelia, andAddy.Hi, I'm Johnny Newell, I am a sixty-year-old Spina Bifida survivor, (God deliveredme from it) baby of the family and only son of Johnnie T. and Josie Newell. Papawas born in 1899 and was 63 when I was born and mama was 40. Mama had astroke while delivering me and was never the same afterwards.I was born with Spina Bifida, but few knew what that was in the early and mid60's, I was mis-diagnosed as having Polio at one point and the word spreadthrough our little town like wildfire! I remember that people feared us becausePolio was contagious (but only through contact with that person's fecal matter) Iremember that we would be in town on Saturday and people would see uscoming and walk on the side of the street because they thought I was contagious!They would call us “White trash and curse us too.When I was 10, I went to Shriner's hospital for crippled Children in ShreveportLa. Where they too mis-diagnosed me, this time as having Cerebral Palsy, but theydid some corrective surgery that changed my life. I was left with a noticable limpbut that pretty much took care of my mobility issues, most importantly I wasn'tcontagious anymore!Mama taught me to read when I was 3 and since we lived 27 miles fromnowhere, by the time I was 6 I had read everything we had to read, so I started towrite. Because of how my mama brought those characters in the Bible and theclassics to life, writing came easy for me because I knew each and every Characterin my stories, right down to their shoe size! I knew what they looked like thesound of their voices, even how their perfume smelled.I got my call to preach when I was 13 but I ran from it because I wasashamed of being poor. All the preachers I knew had good clothes, cars andhomes. I had none of this, I was just a poor “White trash”boy that lived in a shackat the bottom of hill on a dead-end road 27 miles from nowhere. But God, soughtme out and told me to write!On hot summer day my wife Katrina was sharing an interesting story with meabout how slave owners used to misuse the Bible to keep the slaves in line. Asshe commented on how wrong this was, a story was unfolding in my mind about aMammoth of a man who hated everyone black and white alike became one of thegreatest preachers of his time and thus “Silas Monday” was born!Cre

Did you know that loneliness can shorten your life expectancy by 15 YEARS?! It's also linked to several other negative health effects AND a more hollow life experience in general. It turns out that we are hard-wired for human connection and the sooner we start investing ourselves into a family/community, the sooner we truly start to come alive as well as find our place of purpose in the body of Chirst. Today Danny Hochstatter talks about how community absolutely transformed his life. If you enjoyed this message, please review and share this message with someone who needs it. Connect with us at www.FamilyLife.cc If you would like to support our mission financially, here are some ways you can donate to our church: Tap the text to the right to give via our Church Center App. Venmo/Zelle: Send to info@familylife.cc Text any amount to 84321 Visit www.FamilyLife.cc/Giving for more options. Thank you for listening and thank you for your generosity.

The mind of Chirst is open for all to read. If you're in the resident congregation turn off your electronic devices and put them away. Let this be a place where you aren't distracted by the world. Welcome To BARAH MINISTRIES Rory Clark Pastor-Teacher Good Morning! for full notes: http://www.barahministries.com/index.php?proc=lsn&sf=v&tid=1770

June 11, 2023.

On this weeks episode we talk through heaven, humans, and what it all means. Although there are many ideas swirling about we still try to come to a conclusion.

God's Grace in Christ

The power we yield belongs not to us but to someone else and we should use it for the greater glory of God.

AcknowledgementThank you to my colleague, Mr. Sean Maddigan, M.Ed., for his assistance in the research and formulation of many of the finer points of the atonement of Christ in this episode. Thanks, Sean!Perception of Serious Problems - Selling Indulgences?If you say the word “indulgences” to most people today, they would bring up Martin Luther. However, indulgences have been explicitly preached in Catholic theology since the 11th Century, and there have been reductions of penalties since at least the 9th Century. So, where and when does Martin Luther enter the scene?On October 31, 1517, Fr. Martin Luther an Augustinian monk and lecturer at the University in Wittenberg, Germany, issued his propositions for debate concerning the question of indulgences. The proposed debate was intended to be with Fr. Johann Tetzel, a German Dominican friar and preacher. Fr. Tetzel was an appointed papel commissioner for indulgences and was sent to his native Germany to make money to help build St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.From 1503 to 1510, Tetzel preached on indulgences and was effective in doing so. There are countless modern sources which say that Pope Julius II authorized the sale of indulgences, and that, likewise, Pope Leo X sold indulgences too and used the money to build the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. However, the claim that indulgences, as such, were sold seems to be a myth. At one time, one of the spiritual acts that you could receive an indulgence for is contributing to a charitable cause, such as the building of a church. Charitable organizations offer incentives today to increase donations. In the 16th Century, the building fund of St. Peter's Basilica did increase as the result of Tetzel preaching indulgences. There were absolutely abuses in the practice of indulgences, to be sure! But it is important to understand what they actually are. One of the main contributing factors to knowledge of the controversy was Martin Luther's “95 Theses.” In Luther's time, and especially now, there is no end to the horribly wrong interpretations of the Catholic teaching on indulgences. I have also had a few friends ask if I'd be willing to do an episode on indulgences. So, here you go, gents!Catholic Understanding of AtonementAfter the Fall of Adam and Eve, it was fitting that the atonement or reconciliation of mankind be made by a man. However, what mere man could stand in place of all of humanity? When Jesus Christ died on the Cross, He did so as fully God and fully man. Thus, His death and resurrection were offered in our place, in His humanity, and offered perfectly, in His divinity. In the sixth Session of the Council of Trent, chapter ii, we hear:“Whence it came to pass, that the Heavenly Father, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1, 3), when that blessed fullness of the time was come (Galatians 4:4) sent unto men Jesus Christ, His own Son who had been, both before the Law and during the time of the Law, to many of the holy fathers announced and promised, that He might both redeem the Jews, who were under the Law and that the Gentiles who followed not after justice might attain to justice and that all men might receive the adoption of sons. Him God had proposed as a propitiator, through faith in His blood (Romans 3:25), for our sins, and not for our sins only, but also for those of the whole world (I John ii, 2).”There are a lot of things to unpack here. God the Father sent His Son, who was foretold, to redeem the Jews and the Gentiles. This redemption brought with it adoption of each of us by God the Father, in Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. The reconciliation or atonement (literally meaning to become “at one” with), comes through the propitiation of sins merited by Jesus' death on the Cross. The just wrath of God earned by our sin was turned away by the self-offering (the sacrifice and oblation) of our Lord Jesus on the Cross. By His wounds, we are healed, quoting the Prophet Isaiah. The Nicene Creed we profess each Sunday at Mass reminds us of this reality:“who for us men and for our salvation, came down, took flesh, was made man; and suffered…”Jesus did not come for Himself, He came to give His life as a ransom for many. We say “many” because not everyone will accept this gift, sad to say. However, this does not diminish that the gift of Christ's atonement was won for all mankind, without exception. But what is this ransom? Who was holding the souls of the fallen men? It is the Enemy, Satan.In his commentary on Psalm 95, St. Augustine puts it this way:“Men were held captive under the devil and served the demons, but they were redeemed from captivity. For they could sell themselves. The Redeemer came, and gave the price; He poured forth his blood and bought the whole world. Do you ask what He bought? See what He gave, and find what He bought. The blood of Christ is the price. How much is it worth? What but the whole world? What but all nations? (Enarration on Psalm 95, no. 5).”He goes on to explain, in a figure of speech that the Cross was like a trap for the Enemy:"The Redeemer came and the deceiver was overcome. What did our Redeemer do to our Captor? In payment for us He set the trap, His Cross, with His blood for bait. He [Satan] could indeed shed that blood; but he deserved not to drink it. By shedding the blood of One who was not his debtor, he was forced to release his debtors (Serm. cxxx, part 2).”The debt owed to Divine Justice was paid in full by Jesus Christ. Divine Justice was satisfied. But not everyone agreed with St. Augustine's reasoning. St. Anselm and Peter Abelard, for example, rejected the notion that Satan had some sort of right over man. St. Anselm held that an equal satisfaction for sin was necessary to pay the debt to Divine Justice. Abelard, though, did not hold to this strict notion of satisfaction and he argued that God could have pardoned us without requiring satisfaction. So, the Incarnation and the death of Chirst was the pure love of God. And Abelard was condemned by St. Bernard for this view because he argued the effect of the atonement was only moral influence and not any objective payment of a debt.St. Thomas Aquinas, later, agreed with Abelard in rejecting the notion that full satisfaction was necessary. He agrees with Abelard in so far as the atonement was the greatest demonstration of love, but still holds that under God's economy of salvation, the sacrifice of Christ objectively paid the debt of justice (which Abelard denied). Restoring mankind to grace was a work of God's mercy and goodness. It was fitting that Christ should die on the Cross to show the depths of God's love for us, but not absolutely necessary. Along the ages, Blessed Duns Scotus and St. Bernard of Clairvaux had differing opinions than Abelard and Aquinas.Though there is disagreement among theologians throughout the ages, what is shared among them is this. The Atonement is essentially a sacrifice and an act of love. The outward Sacrifice is the sacrament of the invisible sacrifice which comes from the heart of God. As the Catholic Encyclopedia puts it so well:“It was by this inward sacrifice of obedience unto death, by this perfect love with which He laid down his life for His friends, that Christ paid the debt to justice, and taught us by His example, and drew all things to Himself; it was by this that He wrought our Atonement and Reconciliation with God, ‘making peace through the blood of His Cross.'”Imperfect in the Old, Perfect in the NewIn the Old Covenants, the Jewish people would offer “sin-offerings” in which a cereal offering or animal was immolated, offered to God in worship, and then consumed by the priest. Likewise, we get the word scapegoat from the ancient practice of placing, so to speak, all of the sins of the town onto a goat and then releasing the goat to wander into the wilderness, presumably to die. This ancient notion of atonement was no clearer than on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The Day of Atonement is centered upon repentance, fasting, asceticism, and the confession of sins. However, the annual nature of this event shows that it is an incomplete and imperfect atonement. Atonement is made perfect in Jesus Christ, who died once for the sins of man and then rose from the dead, to die no more. In the Holy Mass, Christ does not die again. Instead, the Cross of Christ, a propitiatory Sacrifice is renewed daily in a bloodless manner on the altar. What Is An Indulgence?What does any of this have to do with indulgences? Well, everything, really. An indulgence is classically the remission of a debt. In Roman law, it meant to be release from imprisonment or punishment. The Catholic Encyclopedia defines an indulgence as “a remission of the temporal punishment due to sin, the guilt of which has been forgiven.”So, an indulgence is not permission to sin, it is not stockpiling forgiveness for a future action, nor does it forgive sin or the guilt of sin. An indulgence presumes that God has already forgiven the person receiving it! What is being remitted is the temporal punishment due to sin.Our sins affect us, our relationship with God, and our relationship with others. Particularly egregious sins, like rape and murder, have lasting effects which cannot be put right this side of Heaven. And putting things right is in the nature of justice. God will always set things right, one way or another, though we might not see it until the end of things. Nonetheless, once someone experiences contrition, there is a deep desire, rooted in justice, to make restitution. Imagine that you are a kid playing baseball in the street. Of course, this is a bad idea. Mistakes will happen. You know this, and, yet, you wrongly believe that you are special. So, nothing bad will happen. You will hit the ball perfectly and everything will be just fine. Then… you hit the ball and it goes sailing through Mrs. Johnson's bay window. Immediately, you feel terrible about it. You did not mean for anything to be broken. You experience contrition for the wrong you have done. You knew, of course, that you should not be playing baseball in the street. What did you expect to happen?! Now, you have a choice: run away and hide or go and fess up to what you have done. You decide to go and ask for forgiveness. You ring the doorbell and Mrs. Johnson answers. You immediately apologize for breaking the window and tell her that you are truly sorry. And she forgives you! … That's it, right? That's the end of the story?... No way! You still have to make restitution. You have to pay for the window. In this example, we can see analogously, how we can be forgiven for something, but justice still demands restitution, satisfaction, and even punishment. This distinction between forgiveness and the temporal punishment due to sin seems to have gone by the wayside in Protestant theology over the last five hundred years. Really, if we look at it with fresh eyes, hopefully we can see that it is basic common sense that a wrong done demands restitution. So, why can Protestants not go there? The answer really has to do with Martin Luther. In Luther's view, we can do nothing to merit our salvation and Catholics agree we cannot merit the gift of initial justification; it is completely a gratuitous gift from God whereby we are covered by Jesus Christ. Nothing in the Lutheran view demands cooperation with grace or even the internal change brought about by Baptism, which Catholicism has always held. How, Theologically, Does an Indulgence Work?But with Baptism there is a true change, right down to the core of our being. And grace is given, but our free cooperation is necessary. God's love does not force itself upon us. This means that our good actions, united with Christ, are meritorious. Our sinful actions require restitution. The Atonement won by Jesus Christ on the Cross is superabundantly meritorious, to use the language of the Church. When we unite our actions with the Cross, they do not add to the merits of Jesus Christ, but they come into communion with them. Likewise, the forgiveness of sins is a communion with the Cross of Jesus Christ! But, in justice, our bad actions still require temporal punishment and restitution. As the 14th Session of the Council of Trent puts it:“Add to these things, that, whilst we thus, by making satisfaction, suffer for our sins, we are made conformable to Jesus Christ, who satisfied for our sins, from whom all our sufficiency is; having also thereby a most sure pledge, that if we suffer with him, we shall also be glorified with him. But neither is this satisfaction, which we discharge for our sins, so our own, as not to be through Jesus Christ. For we who can do nothing of ourselves, as of ourselves, can do all things, He cooperating, who strengthens us. Thus, man has not wherein to glory, but all our glorying is in Christ: in whom we live; in whom we merit; in whom we satisfy; bringing forth fruits worthy of penance, which from him have their efficacy; by him are offered to the Father; and through him are accepted by the Father (The Council of Trent: On the necessity and on the fruit of Satisfaction).”Some Protestants hold to the erroneous view of “penal substitution” which is a theory of the atonement that holds that God punished Jesus on the Cross. But there is one glaringly huge problem: an innocent person cannot be justly punished. Jesus took upon Himself the sufferings and death that were due to our sins, but He did not take on the just punishment for our sins.Understanding How Christ Took on Our Punishment (And What That Means)Jesus Christ took our punishment upon Himself. As St. Thomas teaches:“Now by Christ's Passion we have been delivered not only from the common sin of the whole human race, both as to its guilt and as to the debt of punishment, for which He paid the penalty on our behalf (ST III, q. 49, a. 5, co.).”When discussing the fittingness of the death of Christ, St. Thomas also mentions:“... in this way Christ by His death brought us back to life, when by His death He destroyed our death; just as he who bears another's punishment takes such punishment away (ST III, q. 50, a. 1, ad. 3).”Satisfaction means taking up a penalty voluntarily in order to restore justice. St. Thomas Aquinas speaks of taking up this voluntary penalty as someone experiencing something against the will out of charity. In the case of sin and justice, in charity this action makes up for sin because sin is voluntarily doing one's own will at the expense of charity. In other words, satisfaction derives its power from the strength of the charity of the one offering it. There is no need for Jesus to suffer the pains of Hell to save us because even one drop of His Precious Blood could have satisfied the wrath of God. The payment of Jesus, who is sinless and perfect in charity, merits not only release from punishment. By the Cross, He merits for us eternal life!When a debt is to be paid, the punishment is measured. In merit, the root of charity is measured. When one merits for another, he merits more for himself. Yet, when one satisfies for another, he does not also satisfy for himself, because the measure of punishment still covers both him and the one on whose behalf he is satisfying. In the case of Jesus, who is without sin, He has no debt to pay. He is satisfying for sinful men out of perfect charity. The punishment He bore made satisfaction for the sins of all mankind and merited more than any man is capable of: eternal life!Back to IndulgencesTemporal punishment acknowledges that the eternal punishment for sin has been taken away on the Cross, but the temporal consequences of sin still remain. These temporal effects of sin require restitution, to the ability that we are able. We ought to make amends for wrongs done. Expiation, satisfaction, amends, and reparation all mean the same thing when referring to the temporal consequences and punishment due to sin.Going back to this notion of the superabundant merits of Christ on the Cross, we can also add all of the meritorious actions of the Baptized faithful through the ages, most notably the saints. The Treasury of Merit, as it is called, is the collection of the perfect, infinite, and superabundant merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, the expansive merits of our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, and the merits of all the just. Our Lord gave to St. Peter, and to the Apostles and their successors, the authority to apply the fruits of these merits at their discretion when He said: “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (Mt. 16:18-19).”Likewise, in St. John's Gospel, Jesus says to the Apostles, and their successors by extension:“And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld (Jn. 20:22-24).”When a confessor gives absolution to a penitent in the Sacrament of Penance, he is applying this forgiveness of sins which comes from God alone, through the instrument of the priest and the Church. Our guilt for sin and eternal punishment for sin are absolved, but the temporal punishment for sin remains. An indulgence is outside of the sacraments and it does not forgive sins. Instead, it applies the satisfaction of the Treasury of Merit to an individual thereby remitting their temporal punishment due to sin. In other words, by the merits of Christ and the saints, the debt of temporal restitution has been paid in full. The superabundant merits belong to God's mercy and justice, not to the Church absolutely. So, these concessions or diminishments of punishment are administered by the Church but they come from God as a free gift. There is value in what Christ has done for us. But there is also value in what Christ does through us. Either way, the primary action is God. But with our cooperation, we unite ourselves with the Sacred Action of Jesus. As St. Paul said:"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church (Col. 1:24).”What could possibly be lacking in the sufferings of Christ, except for our cooperation with His grace and our own meritorious actions? Not only do our good actions possess the value or merit, they also certainly possess the value of satisfaction.Luther Had a Couple Good Points, But a Lot of ErrorsIt must be said that Martin Luther had some great points in his 95 Theses. In fact, only 41 propositions of Luther's from the 95 Theses and his other writings up to that point, were rejected as heretical, scandalous, erroneous, seductive of simple minds, in opposition to Catholic truth, or offensive to pious ears by Pope Leo X in 1520. Let us look at the first three of the 95 Theses:* “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent'' (Mt 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.* This word cannot be understood as referring to the sacrament of penance, that is, confession and satisfaction, as administered by the clergy.* Yet it does not mean solely inner repentance; such inner repentance is worthless unless it produces various outward mortification of the flesh.”All three of these are true. Interior repentance is a reorienting of one's entire life, not just a momentary “I'll try a bit harder.” This call of our Lord to repentance does not refer to the Sacrament of Penance because it is a call which is first addressed to those who do not yet know Christ and the Gospel. And finally, interior conversion should find expression in visible signs, gestures, and penitential actions. It does seem, though, that Luther is presupposing that indulgences were being sold, with official authorization. This myth is prevalent today and it appears it was in Luther's day as well. Indulgences are drawn from the Treasury of Merit and applied freely when those seeking them fulfill the requirements with proper disposition. Luther's 95 Theses presents many theological errors in this regard. These errors are still being repeated today. For example, this 2009 article from “The New York Times” which gets it wrong from the title (the content of the article only goes from wrong to worse, by the way): “For Catholics, a Door to Absolution is Reopened.”By the way, to show just how seriously the Church took these abuses, Pope St. Pius V, in 1567, issued a decree which canceled all grants of indulgences involving any fees or other financial transactions.Seeking an IndulgenceMany Catholics think that indulgences, per se, were an abuse. They are not. And though it was a focal point in the Protestant Reformation, indulgences did not go anywhere. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church stated in the 1990s:"An indulgence is obtained through the Church who, by virtue of the power of binding and loosing granted her by Christ Jesus, intervenes in favor of individual Christians and opens for them the treasury of the merits of Christ and the saints to obtain from the Father of mercies the remission of the temporal punishment due for their sins… to spur them to works of devotion, penance, and charity" (CCC 1478).Everything that I have presented about indulgences belongs to the infallible teachings of the Church. We are not at liberty to dismiss them, diminish them, or disbelieve in them. The Council of Trent's anathema makes this clear:The Council of Trent "condemns with anathema those who say that indulgences are useless or that the Church does not have the power to grant them."The Church does not remit temporal punishment due to sin with magic or the wave of a pen. The person who suffers those temporal punishments must be disposed to repentance and faith. As Pope St. Paul VI said:"Indulgences cannot be gained without a sincere conversion of outlook and unity with God (Indulgentarium Doctrina, 11).”Before the Second Vatican Council, indulgences were said to remove a certain number of “days” from punishment. Instead, this was to show that indulgences have two types: plenary and partial. Plenary, meaning full, means that all temporal punishment due to sin that a person owed is being remitted. Whereas, a partial indulgence remits part of the temporal punishment due to sin. In order to make this clearer, Pope St. Paul VI revised the handbook of indulgences (called the Enchiridion).As we have covered, satisfaction and temporal punishment for sin are ordered towards justice on the one hand and purification on the other hand. So, the actions for which one might receive an indulgence should likewise be ordered to justice, charity, and purification. Because the justice of God has been satisfied through the merits of Christ and the saints, applied to our lives, then the “time,” so to speak, needed for purification in charity after death has been lessened. Just as a checkpoint or reminder: indulgences remit the temporal punishment due to sin, not eternal punishment. Eternal punishment is remitted fully by the Cross of Jesus Christ, the merits of which we receive in the Sacrament of Baptism. Knowing rightly what an indulgence is, how can we receive this great gift? Please forgive the following lengthy quotation, but Jimmy Akin put it concisely and excellently in his Primer on Indulgences for EWTN:“To gain any indulgence you must be a Catholic in a state of grace. You must be a Catholic in order to be under the Church's jurisdiction, and you must be in a state of grace because apart from God's grace none of your actions are fundamentally pleasing to God (meritorious). You also must have at least the habitual intention of gaining an indulgence by the act performed.To gain a partial indulgence, you must perform with a contrite heart the act to which the indulgence is attached.To gain a plenary indulgence you must perform the act with a contrite heart plus you must go to confession (one confession may suffice for several plenary indulgences), receive Holy Communion, and pray for the pope's intentions. (An Our Father and a Hail Mary said for the pope's intentions are sufficient, although you are free to substitute other prayers of your own choosing.) The final condition is that you must be free from all attachment to sin, including venial sin.Because of the extreme difficulty in meeting the final condition, plenary indulgences are rarely obtained. If you attempt to receive a plenary indulgence, but are unable to meet the last condition, a partial indulgence is received instead.”The Church offers us special indulgences, both plenary and partial, for all sorts of things. But there are a couple of partial indulgences worth mentioning here. Partial indulgences are given by the Church for: * Devoutly spending time in mental prayer, * Reading Sacred Scripture with veneration as a form of spiritual reading (this one is plenary if done for at least 30 minutes), * Devoutly signing oneself with the Sign of the Cross and saying the customary formula: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”ConclusionIndulgences are not magic. They are a part of the infallible teaching of the Church. And they are for our spiritual well-being. We should not be wary of officially promulgated indulgences. We should be grateful to God for His superabundant mercy and His justice. Recognizing that we are sinners in need of His grace, we approach the Sacrament of Penance. Then, we do penance to seek temporal satisfaction and restitution for the consequences of our sins. All the while, we ought to seek out indulgences, because they are nothing more than being union and communion with Almighty God and striving to be more in love with Him who loved us first.Will Wright Catholic Podcast is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Will Wright Catholic Podcast at www.willwrightcatholic.com/subscribe

Patch chapel 2023 sermon series: The Excellence of Jesus (part 13): The Passion Week of Christ Pastor: Ryan Bareng Teacher: Eric Bryan Passage(s): Various Protestant chapel service Sundays @ 1100. Patch Chapel is located at Patch Barracks 2305, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany. There is plenty of parking. We Worship family style (all family sitting together). Come as you are. People dress casually, and all ages are welcome. We have a baby/cry room in the back of the auditorium and an overflow room with TV monitor. We have food/fellowship every Sunday following the service. For more information, contact: patchchapel1@gmail.com or join the "Patch Chapel" FaceBook.

Day 6- We are reading the entirety of the 4 gospels in 22 days! Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The perfect way to enjoy and cherish the Savior this Christmas season!