Podcast appearances and mentions of christ romans

When life feels like it’s beating you up, it’s tempting to just slip away and hide. But God hasn’t called you to a cave; He’s called you to contend for a legacy. If you’ve just made a decision for Christ, please respond HERE: http://ele.vc/tIepfr Scriptures Referenced: Judges chapter 6, verses 11 through 16 – An angel finds Gideon hiding, calls him mighty warrior Judges chapter 6, verses 25 through 32 – Gideon tears down his father's altar to Baal Judges chapter 1 – Israel let defeated enemies stay in the land 2 Corinthians chapter 5, verse 20 – Paul calls believers ambassadors for Christ Romans chapter 5, verse 8 – Christ died for usSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dead to Sin. Alive in Christ. - Romans 6:1-7 - Pastor Jeren Wentworth

Holy Spirit #2: This message emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is the source of power for the believer, providing the necessary ability to minister and represent the Kingdom of God from within. Drawing a contrast between the Old and New Testaments, I explain that while the Law brought condemnation and death, the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus makes believers free [Romans 8:2]. A critical distinction is made between being born again -- receiving resurrected life as the disciples did when Jesus breathed on them in John 20:22 -- and receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost, which is the "power from on high" (Luke 24:49) described in Acts 2. This baptism is a gift received by faith [Galatians 3:14], enabling Christians to move beyond a passive experience to become active, fervent witnesses for the Gospel [Acts 1:8]. Furthermore, this message highlights that every believer is now the temple of the Holy Ghost, bought with the precious blood of Jesus and no longer belonging to themselves [1 Corinthians 6:19-20]. Just as God appeared to Moses in the burning bush to send him with a message of deliverance from Egypt [Exodus 3], believers today are sent to preach reconciliation and deliverance to a world held in spiritual darkness. Because the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells within the believer [Romans 8:11], they have authority to overcome the devil and should walk in the Spirit of ". . .power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). By recognizing our identity as sons and daughters of God and ". . .joint heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17), we can boldly exercise our authority over the works of the enemy [Revelation 12:11]. Join me as we delve into these Scriptures and more for your edification. Selah! For more: Copy and Paste or Enter into ChatGPT.com, "Create a Study Guide for Episode #105 Holy Spirit #2 from Abounding Love Ministries" ].       www.aboundinglove.org

Enslaved to Christ – Romans 6:15–23 by Redemption Church

Here is a detailed breakdown of the July 5, 2026, worship service and Pastor Rhonda Davis's message, organized with clear section headers, bulleted highlights, and a complete Scripture Index. Service Overview & Pre-Sermon Highlights Location: Church of the Harvest (TL Lowry Center) Special Occasion: Independence Day Weekend & America's 250th Anniversary Celebration I. Praise, Worship & Altar Ministry Opening Prayer: The service opened with a focus on celebrating both national freedom and the ultimate freedom found in Christ, inviting the Holy Spirit to fill the room. Miracle & Prayer Focus: Believers were invited to join their faith with the prayer teams at the altars to see God work miracles, declaring that every need must bow to the name of Jesus. Underground Church Reflection: Preachers reminded the congregation of the immense privilege of public worship, noting that members of underground churches globally meet in secret and worship with unprompted passion despite the threat of death. II. Sovereign Moves: Recent Testimonies Pastor Rhonda invited members to share their recent experiences from the unique altar ministry lines held the previous week: Tina Toles: Shared that despite initial fear and hesitation to step into the prayer line, she experienced an overwhelming, unprecedented power of the Holy Spirit that left her with a deep, lasting peace throughout her work week at Chick-fil-A. KK (Mrs. Smith): Expressed that after a period of being away from church and feeling like she was simply "floating" through life, stepping into the line brought an immediate sense of peace. Pastor Rhonda ministered to her, saying, "God said, I am yours," validating a real, physical encounter with the Holy Spirit. III. Harvest Announcements Wednesday Night Series: Summer in the Psalms continues this Wednesday at 7:00 PM at the TL Lowry Center, featuring Pastor Joe Robinson teaching from Psalm 139. Next Sunday Guest Speaker: Welcoming back Lori Wilke, an anointed speaker, singer, and author with a deep prophetic teaching edge. Community Outreach Impact: Pastor Rhonda thanked the church for its continued financial stewardship, highlighting recent works funded by tithes and offerings: reaching the homeless, jail/prison ministries, assisting single mothers, and completely covering the rent for a local family in dire straits. Special Presentation: 250th Celebrate Freedom Tribute Led by Army Veteran Michael Cook (who served 10 years stateside), the service paused to honor first responders and military veterans present in the congregation: Veteran / First Responder Branch / Conflict Bob Rumbaugh U.S. Army (Gulf War) & Naval Reserve (3 Years) Ralph Steven Beavers U.S. Army Zachary Wages U.S. Army Kit Carson Local Firefighter / First Responder Dale Perkins U.S. Air Force Michelle Hill U.S. Navy James Henry U.S. Army (Staff Sergeant) Liliana Henry U.S. Army (Private First Class) Presentation of the Colors: The United States flag was formally presented by Tina Toles, a retired Master Sergeant who served 21.5 years in the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command, with deployments to Japan, Turkey, Germany, and Italy. Tribute Video: A special media presentation featuring interviews with church children and reflections on "American Grit," the founding fathers, and the constitutional right to pursue happiness was highlighted and credited to Austin and the media team. Sermon Outline: "Freedom Worth Celebrating" Preacher: Pastor Rhonda Davis I. Point 1: Land of the Free, Home of the Redeemed The Odds of Grace: Statistically, based on global birth rates, an individual has only a 2% to 3% chance of being born in the United States. A Beacon of Light: Over its 250-year history, America has outlasted its accusers, remaining a democracy through civil war, internal discourse, and external enemies. The nation historically leads the world in sending Christian missionaries to foreign sands and outspends the next three runner-up nations combined in global disaster relief. The Call to Stand: Reading from Galatians 5:1, the church is reminded that Christ sets us free for the purpose of living in actual freedom. Believers must actively choose never to be entangled again by a yoke of spiritual slavery. II. Point 2: Freedom Has a Price The Winter of 1777 (Valley Forge): To understand the value of freedom, Pastor Rhonda recalled General George Washington leading 12,000 under-resourced men into Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, after devastating defeats. 2,000 soldiers died from cold, starvation, and disease. Out of sheer desperation, men boiled their shoe leather for sustenance and left trails of blood in the snow from bare, frostbitten feet—yet they refused to surrender because they believed freedom outweighed personal comfort. The Cost of Spiritual Liberty (Calvary): Moving from Valley Forge to the hill of Calvary, Jesus Christ endured the ultimate price for human liberty. As prophesied in Isaiah 52:14, He was beaten beyond human recognition. Though He possessed the immediate power to call down 10000 angels (Matthew 26), He chose to stay on the cross because He determined our freedom was worth the price. III. Point 3: Two Freedoms, One Source Inherent Human Dignity: True liberty—both the civil freedom to vote and live without government interference, and spiritual freedom—stems from a singular source: God Himself. Because God is free by nature, and because humans are uniquely made in His image (Genesis 1:27), every individual possesses inherent, sacred dignity. The Living Room Jail Cell: Quoting Galatians 5:1 from The Message, Pastor Rhonda warned against trying to add legalism to grace. Living a restricted, legalistic life after being saved is equivalent to being liberated from a maximum-security prison only to build a voluntary jail cell right inside your own living room. IV. Point 4: Don't Go Back to Chains Guarding Against Apathy: History shows nations are rarely conquered by sudden external conquest; instead, they fall through internal apathy and gradually forgetting what it cost to obtain their liberty. Pastor Rhonda recalled a WallBuilders podcast interview by historian David Barton featuring a Washington State pastor who had to sue the government in 2020 because secular establishments were permitted to stay open while churches faced criminal misdemeanors for outdoor worship and singing. Identifying Modern Chains: The enemy constantly attempts to lure believers back into old bondages. These chains manifest as: Rehearsing past failures on a continuous mental playlist. Slipping back into toxic, generational family mindsets. Trapping oneself in people-pleasing loops and performance mentalities. Prophetic Deliverance: Pastor Rhonda shared a personal moment from her youth when minister Billy Burke gave her a word detailing a "ball and chain" around her ankle representing the conditional expectations of others. Breaking that chain requires standing firm—derived from the Greek word stekete, meaning to stubbornly hold your ground, defend your position, and completely refuse to be moved. V. Point 5: How to Steward and Stand Firm in Liberty Know What You Have: You cannot properly steward what you do not understand. Taking inventory of spiritual rights reveals that there is zero condemnation for those in Christ (Romans 8:1), sin is no longer your master (Romans 6:14), and the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives inside you (Romans 8:11). Pastor Rhonda referenced a 2022 table talk discussion with Lance Wallnau and Cindy Murdock, recalling Wallnau's story of Donald Trump in 2015 challenging silent ministers to defend their biblical rights, which later resulted in the executive repeal of the restrictive Johnson Amendment. Use Freedom for Something Greater: Freedom is never the final destination; it is simply the vehicle. According to Galatians 5:13, liberty must never be used to satisfy selfish, sinful natures, but rather to serve one another in love. The sacrifices of past generations are dignified when we use our voices to speak truth with grace and act as the hands and feet of Jesus to help the homeless, the prisoner, and the vulnerable. Let the Holy Spirit Lead: Believers must maintain an open mind to how God wants to uniquely deploy their skills, influence, and talents across different seasons of life. It does not require unusual human ability to shift the world—only a caring heart, a determined mind, and a willing spirit. VI. Conclusion: Intercession for the Land The Command to Pray: Aligning with 1 Timothy 2:1-2, the church corporate is called to make supplications, prayers, and intercessions for all people, explicitly including kings and all secular authorities, so that believers may lead quiet, peaceful, and godly lives. A Promise of Healing: God is not finished with America. Relying on Lamentations 3:23 (His mercies are new every morning) and the covenant promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14, the church closed by corporate prayer, repenting of negative mindsets, asking for systemic healing from the White House to the communities, and calling a wayward generation back into their divine identity. Scripture Index Here are the primary scriptures read, cited, or expounded upon during the service: Psalm 139 (Referenced) – The focal text announced for the upcoming Wednesday night teaching by Pastor Joe Robinson. Galatians 5:1 > "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Also quoted from The Message: "Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.") Isaiah 52:14 (Referenced) – The prophetic description of the Messiah being marred and beaten beyond human recognition. Matthew 26 (Referenced) – Jesus declaring He could command twelve legions of angels to deliver Him, yet choosing the cross. Genesis 1:27 > "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." Romans 6:14 > "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." Romans 8:1 (Referenced) – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:11 > "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." Galatians 5:13 > "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." 1 Timothy 2:1-2 > "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." Lamentations 3:22-23 (Referenced) – The Lord's mercies are not consumed; they are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. 2 Chronicles 7:14 > "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." Numbers 6:24-26 (The Benediction) > "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." "Thanks for listening! For more information, visit churchoftheharvest.com. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and YouTube @cothcleveland.

Sermon text: Romans 7:15-25a

Biblical teaching on evangelism, discipleship, and sharing the gospel—this sermon explains why believers are called to have beautiful feet by bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to others.This message explores Paul's teaching that salvation begins when people hear the gospel. Romans 10:13-15 shows that people cannot call on Christ unless they believe, cannot believe unless they hear, and cannot hear unless someone shares the message. Because of this, Scripture declares, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”The sermon challenges believers to recognize their role in the Great Commission. Some are called to go and preach, while others are called to support and send those who minister. Both roles are essential in advancing God's kingdom and helping others come to faith.A major focus is the eternal impact of leading people toward Christ. James 5:20 reminds believers that turning a sinner from the error of their ways helps bring them from death to life. The message emphasizes that every Christian has a responsibility to share the hope they have received.The teaching also highlights that salvation is a gift from God, received by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). As believers grow in faith through hearing the Word of Christ (Romans 10:17), they are called not only to make converts but to make disciples, following Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19.Ultimately, the sermon encourages Christians to remember that someone once shared the gospel with them. Having called on the name of the Lord and been saved (Romans 10:9, Romans 10:13), believers are now called to help others hear, believe, and follow Christ.Referenced Verses:Romans 10:13-15James 5:20Ephesians 2:8Romans 10:17Matthew 28:19Romans 10:9Romans 10:13-Social Media Ministries, founded by Spencer Coffman, is committed to sharing the Word of God with the entire world. We use social media to reach more people in more places and are counting on you to help us fulfill our mission. Learn more at https://socialmediaministries.com/about-us-MISSION: To use social media to present the living Word of God to as many people as possible and to help them understand and interpret the scriptures in the Bible.-FOLLOW US:YouTube - Podcast - Instagram - Facebook - Medium - Pinterest - TikTok - LinkedIn - X - Join Our Discord Server-DONATE:https://paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/4478888https://socialmediaministries.com/give-Apparel-Resources -Sharing Jesus. Making Disciples. Taking Ground. Building The Kingdom.

June 28, 2026 sermon from Providence Reformed Church Las Vegas by Pastor Travis Peterson

Have you ever been disappointed by a Christian? What causes that, and what should you do about it?   ---    The Apostle Paul longed to get to Rome. He knew that if the gospel were well-established in Rome, it would reach the ends of the known world. Before he ever got there, Paul wrote one of the greatest works on the Christian faith ever written - his letter now entitled “Romans.” Join us as we explore highlights from this incredible letter and see why, for Paul, there was no place like Rome.   Sermon Notes: http://bible.com/events/49627547 Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

What does the sacrifice of loving obedience look like in our life in Christ?  Who/what are you worshiping by your daily life? Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Romans 12:2)!

At Bethany, We are God's People who are: Gathered! Connected! Sent!We want to connect with you through this Podcast! Leave us a comment! Tell us where you are at! Leave a Review to help our audience grow!--June 21, 2026 -- Pr. Seth Moorman -- "Dead to Sin, Alive In Christ!" -- Romans 6:12-2312 Therefore, never let sin rule your physical body so that you obey its desires. 13 Never offer any part of your body to sin's power. No part of your body should ever be used to do any ungodly thing. Instead, offer yourselves to God as people who have come back from death and are now alive. Offer all the parts of your body to God. Use them to do everything that God approves of. 14 Certainly, sin shouldn't have power over you because you're not controlled by God's laws, but by God's favor. 15 Then what is the implication? Should we sin because we are not controlled by God's laws but by God's favor? That's unthinkable! 16 Don't you know that if you offer to be someone's slave, you must obey that master? Either your master is sin, or your master is obedience. Letting sin be your master leads to death. Letting obedience be your master leads to God's approval. 17 You were slaves to sin. But I thank God that you have become wholeheartedly obedient to the teachings which you were given. 18 Freed from sin, you were made slaves who do what God approves of. 19 I'm speaking in a human way because of the weakness of your corrupt nature. Clearly, you once offered all the parts of your body as slaves to sexual perversion and disobedience. This led you to live disobedient lives. Now, in the same way, offer all the parts of your body as slaves that do what God approves of. This leads you to live holy lives. 20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from doing what God approves of. 21 What did you gain by doing those things? You're ashamed of what you used to do because it ended in death. 22 Now you have been freed from sin and have become God's slaves. This results in a holy life and, finally, in everlasting life. 23 The payment for sin is death, but the gift that God freely gives is everlasting life found in Christ Jesus our Lord. --GWhttp://www.bethanylutheran.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/Bethany.Long.Beach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/c/BethanyLutheranLongBeach

In this message, Pastor Sam Picken from C3 Assembly in Toronto unpacks a robust, biblical vision of discipleship and equipping in the local church, drawing primarily from Ephesians 4 and the “net‑mending” call on every believer.Built around Ephesians 4:11–16, this sermon explores how Christ gives apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up… attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Pastor Sam clarifies that:Christians are born again in a moment (John 3:3–7; 2 Corinthians 5:17), fully righteous in Christ (Romans 3:21–26),But disciples are made over time, moving from spiritual infancy to maturity (Hebrews 5:12–14; 1 Corinthians 3:1–3).Using the language of Ephesians 4:14, he contrasts mature disciples with “infants, tossed back and forth by the waves” of culture, ideology, and deceitful schemes (John 10:10; Colossians 2:8). The message calls believers to resist a me‑centered, consumer Christianity (Luke 9:23–25; Mark 8:34–36) and embrace a life of surrender, holiness, and mission.Pastor Sam lays out a holistic view of discipleship that includes:Personal devotion and prayer (Matthew 6:5–13; Acts 2:42)Weekend services and corporate worship (Hebrews 10:24–25; Psalm 122:1)Godly friendships and groups (Proverbs 13:20; Acts 2:46–47)Serving on teams and submitting to leadership (Mark 10:43–45; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 4:10)Drawing on the Greek word for “equip” (katartismos) in Ephesians 4:12, he illustrates discipleship as mending, repairing, and strengthening nets—restoring people to purpose (Matthew 4:18–22), arranging their lives according to God's design (Romans 12:1–2), and helping them become “useful to the Master” (2 Timothy 2:20–21).Throughout the sermon you'll hear:A prophetic encouragement for a young couple to step into calling and strict training (1 Corinthians 9:24–27)A challenge to shift priorities—finances, time, and relationships—toward the kingdom (Matthew 6:19–24, 33; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8)A call for every believer to move from only receiving to also pouring out (John 7:37–38; Acts 20:35)Anchored in John 6:35, Jesus as the “bread of life,” Pastor Sam describes discipleship as one beggar showing another beggar where to find bread. Every conversation, text, coffee, and small group becomes an act of sharing that bread and mending the net so others can step into fullness of life in Christ (John 10:10; Colossians 1:28–29).The message closes with Romans 15:13, praying that the God of hope would fill believers “with all joy and peace as you trust in him,” so they overflow with confident hope through the Holy Spirit—and join God's work of equipping everyone to equip everyone.

Can anything separate us from the love of God?In one of the most powerful passages in Scripture, Romans 8:31–39 reminds Christians of the incredible assurance found in Jesus Christ. Paul answers some of life's deepest fears—guilt, condemnation, suffering, doubt, and even death—with a simple but profound truth: God is for us.In this lesson, we explore:• What Paul means when he asks, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" • How the cross proves God's love and commitment to His people • Why Christ's death, resurrection, reign, and intercession give believers confidence • What it means to be "more than conquerors" through Christ • Why suffering is not evidence that God has abandoned us • The promise that nothing can separate God's children from His loveWhether you're struggling with guilt from past sins, facing difficult circumstances, or simply needing encouragement in your walk with Christ, Romans 8 offers unwavering hope and assurance.Key Passage: Romans 8:31–39"In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."If this lesson encouraged you, consider liking, subscribing, and sharing it with someone who needs to hear the hope found in Christ.#Romans8 #MoreThanConquerors #GodIsForUs #ChristianHope #BibleSermon #Faith #JesusChrist #NoCondemnation #NoSeparation #ChurchOfChrist

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

New Life in Christ (Romans 8:1-4) | 062126 by One Ancient Hope Presbyterian Church

Living a saved life means living as a servant of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Romans 12:1; Mark 10:45)!

In this sermon, Pastor Jake unpacks Revelation 15 and invites us to “follow the smoke” of God's presence through the wilderness of this age. Drawing rich parallels between Revelation and the Exodus story, he shows how the same fire that judges evil (Revelation 15:1, 7–8; Exodus 9–12) becomes protection and sanctuary for those who stand in the “burned over place” of the cross (Isaiah 53:4–6; Galatians 2:20).Key themes include:New Exodus & the WildernessSee how Revelation presents the church as God's people on a wilderness journey (Revelation 12:6, 14; 15:2–4), echoing Israel's path from Egypt to the Promised Land (Exodus 14–17; Deuteronomy 8:2–3). We are learning to guard our allegiance to the Lamb (Revelation 14:1–5) and resist the dragon, the beasts, and Babylon (Revelation 12–13; 17–18).Plagues, Justice, and the Prayers of the SaintsExplore how the seven bowls of wrath (Revelation 15:1, 7; 16:1–21) mirror the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7–12) and are connected to the prayers of the saints (Revelation 5:8; 8:3–5). God's judgment is His measured, righteous response to evil (Romans 2:5; 2 Peter 3:9–10) and His answer to our longing for justice (Luke 18:1–8).Sea of Glass & Song of Moses and the LambJohn's vision of the sea of glass glowing with fire (Revelation 15:2) recalls Israel standing safe on the far side of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–31). At the very center of judgment imagery is worship: the people of God singing the song of Moses and the Lamb (Revelation 15:3–4; Exodus 15:1–18; Psalm 98:1–3). Worship and presence are inseparable (Revelation 4–5; John 4:23–24).Smoke, Glory, and the Way InThe temple filled with smoke (Revelation 15:5–8) points back to God's glory filling the tabernacle and making it unenterable (Exodus 40:34–35) and the temple scenes of Isaiah and Ezekiel (Isaiah 6:1–7; Ezekiel 10:3–4). Pastor Jake shows how this is not exclusion but invitation: the Lamb is both sacrifice and high priest (Hebrews 4:14–16; 9:11–14; 10:19–22), the only way into God's presence (John 14:6).From there, the message presses home three Spirit-formed works in our wilderness journey:Provision – Learning dependence as God provides in supernatural ways (Exodus 16–17; Matthew 6:25–34; Philippians 4:19). True maturity is not independence from God but joyful reliance on Him (John 15:5).Protection – Living boldly in a world where the dragon wages war on the church (Revelation 12:17; 13:7), yet knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:31–39; John 10:27–30; Psalm 91:1–4).Preparation – Allowing the wilderness to expose and sanctify our hearts (Deuteronomy 8:2; 1 Peter 1:6–7; James 1:2–4). Through community, correction, and surrender, we are being formed into a people ready for honorable use (2 Timothy 2:20–21) and for the age to come (Revelation 21:1–5).If you're walking through fire, wrestling with dependence, or facing spiritual opposition, this message calls you to stand in the finished work of Jesus, follow the smoke of His presence, and trust His provision, protection, and preparation in the wilderness.

Romans 6:1-14, Colossians 3:1-14

Discover the totality of Christ's salvation...past, present and future...and how it should impact your life and others! Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Romans 1:16; James 1:21)!

Salvation is much more than just saying you believe and showing up at church...although many have been led or allowed to believe that's it! Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Romans 1:16; James 1:21)!

What are the practical commands and steps from Scripture that give evidence to your living out the free gift of salvation that you've received in Christ...and are the evidence of your faith and His salvation? Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Romans 12:2; Luke 14:25-35)!

Main Idea: Empower Your Witness by Maximally Enjoying ChristText: Romans 11:11, 12Outline: 1. Temporary Poverty (v. 11)2. Plentiful Riches (v. 12)

May 31, 2026 Worship Service Order of Service: WelcomeCall to WorshipPraise SongsCommunity NewsGraduate RecognitionMessageWorship SongsClosing

May 28, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - 2nd PetitionDaily Lectionary: Numbers 24:1-25; Luke 23:1-25“What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.How does God's kingdom come? God's kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.” (Small Catechism- The Lord's Prayer- Second Petition)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.There are really only two kingdoms in the world. One is the kingdom of Satan, whom Jesus calls the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31). The other is the Kingdom of God, the rightful ruler of all creation. The devil's kingdom is defined by pride, selfishness, anger, jealousy, hatred, lust, and every other evil you can think of. God's kingdom is defined by love, righteousness, holiness, goodness, patience, forgiveness, and all that is beautiful. To be in the devil's kingdom is to be in a kingdom of misery and pain, leading to everlasting death with even more misery and pain. To be in God's kingdom is to know true peace, joy, freedom, and blessedness, leading to everlasting life with pleasures beyond description. As our baptismal liturgy reminds us, “we are all conceived and born sinful and are under the power of the devil until Christ claims us as His own,” (LSB, pg. 268). We are born needing to be rescued from the devil's kingdom and brought safely into God's kingdom. And, since our sinful nature is always fighting against God and urging us back into Satan's kingdom, we need God's help to keep us in His Kingdom forevermore. That's what we're praying for in the 2nd Petition of the Lord's Prayer. We are not praying that God would establish His kingdom; Jesus has already taken care of that. By living a perfectly holy life in the flesh and offering Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, Jesus has disarmed the devil, broken down the doors of his phony kingdom, and established His own holy Kingdom. As Luther said, “the Kingdom of God certainly comes by itself.” What we are asking is that God would bring us into His Kingdom that He has established by the blood of Christ. We pray that He would rescue us from the clutches of the devil and make us His children, with all the benefits and blessings thereof. But how does God bring us into His kingdom and make us His children? Through faith in Christ. And how does He create this faith in us? It's just as Paul said, “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). The Holy Spirit creates faith by coming to us in God's Word. So we pray that God would continue to send us His Holy Spirit and help us believe His word, so that we would be kept safely in His Kingdom, now and forever. And, since Jesus died for the sins of the whole world and desires that each person come into His kingdom, we pray this Petition not just for ourselves, but for every one of our neighbors. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Draw us to Thee Unceasingly, Into Thy kingdom take us; Let us fore'er Thy glory share, Thy saints and joint heirs make us. (LSB 701: 5)Rev. Aric Fenske, Executive Director of Lutherans for Life.

You may not have had the greatest experience with your earthly parents, in particular, your father? However, you probably yearn for a Father's Love! When you receive Christ as Savior and Lord...you become a child of God, the perfect, loving heavenly Father! Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Romans 8:14-17)!

What does it mean to be an heir and receive an inheritance? Even more importantly, what does it mean to be a joint heir with Christ and inherit God's Kingdom with Him? Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Romans 8:16-17; 1 Peter 1:4)!

As Paul has unpacked the blessings that come with justification by faith, he highlights just how great a blessing justification is by presenting a "before" and "after" contrast between where we used to be and where we are now. Before in Adam, we belonged to a fallen humanity condemned to death. But now in Christ, we belong to a redeemed humanity justified for life. Jesus is the "greater Adam", whose exclusive and exhaustive work paints a brand new picture.

As Paul has unpacked the blessings that come with justification by faith, he highlights just how great a blessing justification is by presenting a "before" and "after" contrast between where we used to be and where we are now. Before in Adam, we belonged to a fallen humanity condemned to death. But now in Christ, we belong to a redeemed humanity justified for life. Jesus is the "greater Adam", whose exclusive and exhaustive work paints a brand new picture.

Series: OtherService: You Are From GodType: You Are From GodSpeaker: Scott Taylor & Tyler HallAt the end of Romans the Apostle Paul emphasizes his deep relationships with the Christians in Rome. He makes an explicit effort to name specific people he wanted to give praise to for work they have done to further Paul's journeys and the gospel of Christ. He also includes men that he is with who want to reach out and encourage the members of the Church of Rome for the sake of motivating them and sharing love in the body of Christ. You Are From God is a podcast dedicated to the teaching of the Bible and the Christian faith.…

God's love for us is expressed perfectly in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Romans 5:8). We may not always feel this love, but over time we can know God's love more deeply and comprehensively as we set our minds on all that Jesus has done for us (Ephesians 3:19).

America may be the most individualistic culture in the world, which makes these verses hard for us to understand. We often think of sin as an individual problem that needs individual remedies, but Romans 5:12–21 teaches that it runs much deeper. Paul states that humanity's ultimate problem is we have inherited Adam's sin nature. Truly, the apple has not fallen far from the tree.Christianity is the story of another Man's righteous act overcoming Adam's transgression. The God-man, Jesus Christ, sacrificed Himself to provide the free gift of grace for all who place their faith in Him. Christ's act of righteousness far surpasses Adam's transgression, and now grace abounds to all who trust in Jesus. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:1)Take-Home Message: Life in Christ defeats death in Adam.Death through Sin in Adam (12–14)Life as a Free Gift in Christ (15–17)Life in Christ Defeats Death in Adam (18–21)Take-Home Lessons:We must embrace the reality that we are children of Adam.We must embrace the righteousness that is only found in Christ.We must embrace the reign of our new life in Christ.

Series: OtherService: You Are From GodType: You Are From GodSpeaker: Scott Taylor & Tyler HallWelcome to another week of You Are From God. Today we are discussing Romans 9 & 10. We enter into practical application of what the first half of Romans was preparing the readers for. Paul calls out challenges that the church in Rome is facing as Jews and Gentiles have to work to be united. We see that Jews hold themselves highly for their knowledge, and Gentiles for their zeal, and we see how the body of Christ is made of people with different skills to pursue the purpose of God as one. You Are From God is a podcast…

Weekly Sunday sermons from Pastor Mike Powers and other members of our Pastoral Body. Richland Creek Community Church gathers to glorify God in worship, grow as disciples of Jesus, and go on mission with the gospel. For more, visit richlandcreek.com.1. Redemption - We are ransomed by Christ. (Romans 3)2. Reconciliation - We are restored in Christ. (Romans 5)3. Resurrection - We are raised with Christ. (Romans 6)4. Regeneration - We are reborn through Christ. (Romans 8)

In this episode, Jim Van Gelderen challenges the common mindset of “seeing is believing” by presenting a biblical reality: in the Christian life, believing is seeing. Drawing from Scripture and personal illustration, he explains how faith opens our eyes to the unseen spiritual realm—where our identity in Christ and fellowship with God are already real. This episode calls believers to stop waiting for visible proof and instead step into the reality God has already declared. Topics Discussed The contrast between “seeing is believing” and “believing is seeing” Living for the seen (temporal) vs. unseen (eternal) realm Thomas and the danger of requiring sight before faith Experiencing real fellowship with God in the unseen realm The meaning of being “in Christ” (Romans 6, Ephesians 1–2, 2 Corinthians 5) The biblical concept of “reckoning” as an act of faith Faith as spiritual eyesight How believing God's Word leads to real spiritual experience and victory Key Takeaways The unseen realm is not less real—it is more real and eternal. Faith is how we “see” spiritual truth and experience God's reality. Your identity in Christ is already true, whether you feel it or not. “Reckoning” is choosing to agree with God's Word regardless of emotions. Fellowship with God is a real, experiential relationship in the spiritual realm. Victory, joy, and transformation flow from believing what God has said. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Send us Fan MailRomans 5:12–21 — Adam, Sin, Death, and the Greater Gift of Grace in Christ Ken Corkins and pastor Rocky Ellison continue Season 18's study of Romans by finishing chapter 5 (verses 12–21, RSV), focusing on Paul's “big picture” comparison of Adam and Jesus. They discuss how sin entered through one man and death spread to all, using this passage to explore original sin versus total depravity and how sin existed before Moses' law even though the law later made trespass clearer. They explain Paul's argument that death reigning from Adam to Moses implies sin was present, and they note Adam as a “type” of Christ in several ways while emphasizing Christ is not equal to Adam because Jesus' act of righteousness and grace is “much more,” bringing justification and eternal life. They also address how “where sin increased grace abounded” can be misused as an excuse to sin, and preview Romans 6:1–14 for next week. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:26 Reading Romans 5 02:17 Why All Sin 03:06 Original Sin Debate 05:44 Sin Before the Law 08:48 Adam as a Type 11:52 Much More Grace 14:37 Not Equal Opposites 16:29 Law and Abounding Grace 18:19 Wrap Up and Next WeekNEW!: Rate us at Podchaser  Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team.Cover Art: Joe WagnerRecorded, edited and mixed by Snikrock 

Pastor Eric Zellner continues preaching through Romans. This week, we see from our text: "In Christ, you must live through the lens of death and resurrection."

When you look in Scripture, you can find some very stunning examples of people who had pockets of fear—and I'm talking about some great saints of old. For example, Abraham had a pocket of fear about being killed. Here is a man described in Hebrews 11 as a man of great faith. God called him from a prosperous and comfortable life and said, Go to a land I will show you, and Abraham simply obeyed. He packed up and went to a place he had never been before, leaving his family and familiar surroundings behind. Even though he did not know where he was going, he went. That took great faith. Would you be able to do what he did? He also was able to believe God could give him a son even though his wife was barren and they both were past the age of childbearing. That took tremendous faith. What really marks Abraham as a great man of faith was his willingness to offer that miracle son as a sacrifice because he believed God could raise the dead if necessary. Every time I read that story, I shake my head at this man of incredible faith. Yet, when he was traveling in Egypt, on his journey to the Promised Land, he revealed a pocket of fear. Abraham was afraid the Egyptians would kill him because of his beautiful wife, Sarah, whom they would want for their own. In fear, he told Sarah to tell less than the truth—to say she was his sister—to keep them from killing him. You’ll find this story in Genesis 12, and as I read it recently, I thought, “Abraham, what in the world was your problem? You believed God in all these huge areas, but you didn’t believe God could keep you and Sarah alive in Egypt? Where was your great faith?” Abraham had a pocket of fear, and it led him into sin. It began to dawn on me we all have these pockets of fear. We can have great faith in some areas, at some times, and then our faith falls apart the next day or the next hour or when we round the next corner. Paul wrote to the Romans: For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry. ‘Abba, Father' (Romans 8:15). Whatever you are fearful about, it’s not coming from the Lord. Of course, we have an enemy who loves to scare us to death about anything he can, because when we are fearful, it means we’re not trusting God. What is your pocket of fear? Let’s look at some of the more common ones. Is money your pocket of fear? Are you fearful of not having enough money, of losing your job, of losing your house, of going bankrupt, or of not being able to afford what you need or want? Frankly, this was a pocket of fear for me. Satan would try to get me thinking, “What if something happens? How will you pay your bills? You could lose your house, all your assets, your retirement money, and everything you own. You could go through all that in no time flat. What in the world will you do then?” That was a pocket of fear for me. Here's what I learned to do with this pocket of fear, when it started to possess me. I would say to myself, “Okay, suppose all those things happen. Imagine the worst: No money, no income, no house, no savings, no retirement. You’d survive; somebody in the family or some close friend would take you in until you could get on your feet again. It would not destroy you.” Then I would make myself claim a promise from the Bible. This was an act of my will, not my emotions. Pretty soon I began to laugh at myself for allowing my thoughts to go to this pocket of fear. It was a stronghold that held me for far too long. I'm so glad by God's grace I emptied that pocket of fear. Some good promises to claim for this pocket of fear are: Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink: or about your body, what you will wear… Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they (Matthew 6:25-26)? And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). By exposing that pocket of fear to the light, by bringing it out in the open and forcing yourself to face the fear, it loses its teeth. It can’t bite you, because you’ve accepted the worst may and could happen, and if it does, God’s Word is still steadfast. He will deliver you. A good first principle in dealing with pockets of fear is to bring them out in the open and talk to God about them. Then find a verse of scripture to counteract them. Are you afraid of being alone? This fear can really take you down the wrong path, and some people are so possessed by it they’ve come to believe nothing is worse than being alone. I know; l used to be that way. I know many single people who are intelligent, have good jobs, and are very successful in many areas of their lives. But they are so fearful of being single forever that very often this pocket of fear causes them to stay in relationships far too long or allow relationships to develop which were obviously wrong from the beginning. Are you struggling with that pocket of fear—the fear of being alone or being single or not having someone to live your life with? If you allow this fear to continue, it will grow stronger and start to control your life. It could cause you to make very bad choices, and that could lead to misery. Will you bring this pocket of fear into the light? Think about it: What is so terrible about being by yourself? You can do what you want to do, spend your money the way you want to, eat when you want and what you want. Imagine what it would be like to be with the wrong person; aloneness is highly preferable to being with someone who is not right for you. Face the fact that you might be alone or single for the rest of your life. Get it out in the open and expose it to the light. Does it mean you cannot have a meaningful life? Of course not! This fear of being alone is an unreasonable fear. And here's the thing, the more you reach out to others and start helping others, the more your life will become so full of love and meaningful relationships, you’ll covet some time alone. Then, find some Scripture to remind you of God’s eternal presence in your life. Jesus promised he will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Nothing you can name will ever separate you from the love of God that you have in Christ (Romans 8:38-39). Concentrate on God’s promises to you, and defeat that pocket of fear of being, alone. It’s a monkey on your back, and you don’t need it. Are you fearful of rejection? For some people, being accepted, liked, and having the approval of others is more important than anything else, so that can easily lead to this fear of rejection. When we are fearful of being rejected, we allow that person or group who might reject us to have a lot of control over us. If I live in fear that you may reject me, you have a great deal of leverage in my life. I will do and say things to try to please you, to avoid upsetting you, and to gain your approval. Usually, the fear of rejection looks anemic when we bring it into the light. Are you willing to do that? Just expose it—admit you are fearful of being rejected and then ask yourself, “Why? Why is it so important for me to have the approval of this person? Why am I allowing them to have such power over me?” Probably the truthful answers to those questions will surprise you and you’ll see how foolish it is to live with that pocket of fear. Are you afraid of failing? When failing is fearful to you, it keeps you from doing very much because the road to success is filled with failures. Anything worth doing is worth doing wrong until you get it right! Fear of failure will rob you of many achievements. Or it will drive you to perfectionism and workaholism. Are you afraid of facing the reality that you can and will fail, just like everybody else? Is it difficult for you to believe you’re not as good as you think you are? Fear of failure may have a lot of pride wrapped up in it. It will be a great help if you’ll bring this fear into the open and expose it. Ask yourself, “So, what will happen if I fail? If I try and it doesn’t work out, will the world stop revolving?” The sooner you expose that fear to the light, the sooner you can find victory over it through God’s Word and prayer. Why is it important for us to deal with these pockets of fear? Because any area of fear is an area we are not trusting God, and without faith it is impossible to please God. When I have a pocket of fear, I know God is very displeased since it shows I don’t have faith in that area. You’ll remember Abraham had a pocket of fear that led to a very disgraceful episode in his life. How could such a man of faith have such a pocket of fear? Abraham found himself in this predicament because he was not totally obedient. God never intended for him to go to Egypt: that was Abraham’s idea to avoid a famine. Again, Abraham couldn’t trust God to feed them in a famine, so he came up with his own plan and did it his way by going to Egypt. One fear led to another, and that caused Abraham to sin. Disobedience will get us into these places of fear, and fear will cause us to disobey. John wrote there is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear… The one who fears is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18). Back to Jesus—loving him supremely, making him Lord in every area of our lives, focusing our thoughts on him, spending time in his presence, knowing his Word better and better. This will drive out those pockets of fear. What is your pocket of fear today? Will you bring it out in the open, confess it, find Scripture to counteract it, and then focus on loving Jesus more perfectly in that area? If so, that fear will have to go, and you’ll be free from the control it has over you now. Truth sets you free, and Jesus is Truth. I urge you to pursue his victory over the pockets of fear in your life. You will please him when you do.

Alive in Christ (Romans 6:1-4) by Timberline Baptist Church

Dwell in the secret place.There is a place that God reveals to those who are willing to enter.A place that is not defined by circumstances, or what is happening around you, but by His presence.In this place, you are not weak… you are strengthened.You are not vulnerable… you are covered.You are not defined by what you are facing… you are anchored in who He is.This is the place where you begin to see differently, speak differently, and walk with a level of authority that cannot be taken from you.It is not a distant or unreachable place.It is the secret place.The place where you stand with your Father, where fear loses its voice, and where every lie that once tried to define you is exposed.In this place, what once felt overwhelming no longer has the power to control you.From this place, you speak with authority… not as someone striving to become, but as one who already belongs.As co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), as children of God (Galatians 3:26), you begin to move from a position of identity, not from insecurity.I encourage you… spend time in the secret place with God.I also encourage you to read or listen to my book “necessary.” chapter titled ‘The Secret Place.' Audiobook and videobook at UnlockingGreatness.comMuch love,Z. (Zenja Glass)Mentor and Author of “necessary.”UnlockingGreatness.comVisit https://www.UnlockingGreatness.com

Romans : The Power of Grace | Week 11: Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ | Brian Bloye

Explore how faith is trusting God even when we can’t see the full picture. Faith is not something we muster ourselves—it is a gift from God, cultivated through His Word and the work of the Holy Spirit. Often, God asks us to trust Him through waiting, “no” answers, and uncertainty. These seasons shape our character and deepen our reliance on Him, proving that faith is more about who we become than what we receive. Highlights Faith is a Gift: True faith comes from God, not from our own efforts (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:17). Faith Requires Trust in God’s Plan: Even when God says “no” or asks us to wait, His timing and wisdom are perfect. Faith During Waiting Produces Growth: Waiting and unanswered prayers often mature our character in ways a “yes” could not. Step-by-Step Faith: God often gives small measures of faith to steward, allowing us to take the next step even when the full path isn’t visible. Aligning Our Will with God’s Will: Faith invites God’s will to become our own, trusting His “no” can be a greater blessing than a “yes.” This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: When Faith Means Trusting What We Can’t See By Hannah Benson Bible Reading: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 ESV) This well-known verse comes right before what is often called the “Hall of Faith” in the Bible. In Hebrews 11, the writer recalls the faith of many people from the Old Testament, including Noah, Abraham & Sarah, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses, and the list goes on. Faith is a common theme throughout Scripture, and we know, as believers, that we are called to have faith. We are called to put our faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and for the cleansing of our sin (Romans 3:23-25, Acts 15:9). While that is the foundation of our faith, it also extends to other areas of our lives. Because Jesus knew we would be prone to worry, He told us to have faith that God will provide what we need for tomorrow (Matthew 6:25-34). We must have faith for healing (James 5:14-15) and for strength and endurance (2 Corinthians 12:9). But what exactly does it mean to have faith? God is not a genie, so it’s not as if we can somehow “procure” enough faith and make something happen. After all, like Romans 11:35 ESV says: “‘For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?’ ‘Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?’ For from him and through him and to him are all things…” And “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). In short, faith is a gift. Faith is not a feeling we can muster. Imagine if it were up to us how much faith we were given. We would become arrogant because we would start to think that if God answered our prayer the way we wanted, we were perhaps more righteous or had more faith than the other person who didn’t receive a “yes” from God. If it were up to us to have enough faith, then that would make us somehow God. And we are clearly not. Faith is a gift that comes from hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). By God’s grace, the Holy Spirit is the One Who opens our eyes as we read God’s Word (John 14:26). In Mark 9:23, Jesus tells a father whose son is possessed by a demon that “all things are possible for one who believes,” to which the father replies in verse 24, “I believe; help my unbelief!” We need Jesus’s help to have faith: faith that we have been saved by the work of His blood on the cross, for His provision, and for healing. Sometimes, we need to have faith to pursue something others deem crazy. Maybe God calls us to accept a job with less pay or to move halfway across the country. Yes, we absolutely need to make wise decisions, but if God calls us to do something—no matter how crazy it sounds—do it. However, we must be in continual prayer as we discern what is truly from God, because a word from the Lord will never contradict His Word given to us in the Bible. What do we do when God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we expect? Even the people in Scripture were forced to wait or accept a “no” from God. Abraham and Sarah waited for years to have a child. David became king years after Samuel had anointed him. Moses never got to enter the Promised Land. Paul begged God to remove the thorn from his life, but God didn’t. Instead, He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV). Even though David prayed, wept, and fasted, his and Bathsheba’s first son died. How do we make sense of that? Sometimes, we might think that if we receive a “no” from God, then we didn’t have enough faith. But Scripture shows us that there could be lots of reasons for “no”. We aren’t God and can’t see the full picture, so maybe He’s protecting us from something. Maybe He has something better in mind. I’ve also heard it said that God is far more interested in who we are becoming than the earthly destination we are heading towards. Faith during a waiting season sometimes produces a maturity that a “Yes” never could. I would even go so far as to say what matters isn’t about getting what we want from God but about getting more of God. Nothing draws me into the presence of Jesus more like a “no” or a “wait”. What if we aren’t simply called to have faith for something but to have faith when God says “no”? To have faith that His ways are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8) and that perhaps His “no” is a blessing in disguise and the preparation for a different “yes” we can’t see yet? “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15 ESV). Note that it says “if we ask anything according to his will.” This is not about forcing our will to become God’s will. No, instead, it is an invitation for God’s will to become our own. Intersecting Faith & Life: A couple of years ago, there was something I wanted but didn’t have the faith to pray for what I thought could be the end result. Rather, God gave me faith to pray for the next step, which may or may not eventually lead to the end result. Which I did. And you know what? God opened the door for the next step. Two years later, my prayers are bolder as God has given me the faith to pray for things I never would’ve prayed for back then. Sometimes, God doesn’t give us faith for everything all at once. He gives us tiny portions of faith, but like any gift, faith is a gift that must be stewarded. After all, as Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:14 (ESV), “By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” That includes the faith that has been given to us. Faith might mean taking one step at a time, even when we can’t see the path ahead. Faith might mean trusting God’s “no” is sometimes greater than His “yes.” Pray with me: Dear Father God, thank You for the gift of faith. I confess that I often try to muster it up in my own strength or treat You like a genie who exists to grant my wishes. Forgive me for the times I’ve valued the “yes” more than the Giver. I thank You for the Holy Spirit, who opens my eyes to Your Word. Help me to steward the measure of faith You have given me today. When I face a "no" or a "wait," draw me closer into Your presence. Align my heart with Yours, so that Your will becomes my own. Give me the courage to take the next step You have set before me, even when I cannot see the rest of the path. I trust that Your ways are higher than mine and that You are making me into who You want me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Who Are You Becoming? (Part 3): The Power of Focus That Transforms Your Life What if the most important question in your life isn't what you're doing… but who you're becoming? In this final episode of his 3-part series on the power of focus, Rob Skinner shares a powerful message from a recent sermon in Boston about how your attention shapes your character—and ultimately your life. Most people focus on external things: Career Money Success Future plans But the Bible calls us to ask a deeper question: Who am I becoming? In 2 Corinthians 3, the Apostle Paul teaches that as we contemplate the Lord, we are transformed into His image. That word "contemplate" means to gaze, reflect, and give sustained attention. In other words: You become what you focus on. The Transformation Process When you fix your attention on Jesus, something powerful happens. His character begins to form in you: • Love • Joy • Peace • Patience • Kindness • Goodness • Faithfulness • Gentleness • Self-control (Galatians 5:22–23) This is the goal of the Christian life—not just to believe in Jesus, but to become like Him. The Michelangelo Illustration Rob shares a powerful illustration from Michelangelo. When asked how he created the statue of David, Michelangelo said: "I simply chipped away everything that was not David." That's exactly what Jesus does in our lives. As we focus on Him, He begins to chip away: • Pride • Fear • Selfishness • Sin Until Christ is formed in us. Christ-Focused Reading Rob shares a practical habit to help you grow: Christ-focused reading Spend time slowly reading and reflecting on passages that reveal the character of God and Jesus, such as: • Exodus 34:6–7 – God's compassion and grace • Romans 5 – God's love demonstrated through Christ • Ephesians 1 – Your identity and blessings in Christ • Philippians 2 – The humility of Jesus • Colossians 1 – The supremacy of Christ • Romans 8 – Life in the Spirit Don't rush. Read slowly. Reflect deeply. Repeat often. Because transformation happens through consistent exposure to truth. Your Life Follows Your Focus We live in a world where everything is competing for your attention. But you have a choice: You choose your focus. And when your focus changes, your life begins to change. So today, ask yourself: Where are my eyes going? Then gently bring them back to Jesus. Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you:

DRY NO MORE | Biblical Sources of Unstoppable JoyAre you a Christian but still feeling dry, empty, or joyless?In this Bible-based teaching, we reveal the biblical sources of true joy and how to experience supernatural joy that doesn't depend on circumstances.You'll discover: • Joy through righteousness in Christ (Romans 14:17) • How God's love produces lasting joy (Romans 8:38–39) • Why understanding the Word of God brings strength and joy (Nehemiah 8:10) • How soul winning releases joy and spiritual vitality (Psalm 126:5–6) • Why the presence of God is the ultimate source of joy (Psalm 16:11)This message is for believers who want: • Biblical joy • Spiritual renewal • Victory over dryness, heaviness, and discouragement • A deeper walk with God“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”Isaiah 12:3 (NKJV)

Pastor Luke Simmons unpacks the doctrine of union with Christ in this message from our series, "The Glory in Salvation."Drawing from images of a marriage, a body, and a vine, he explains what it means to be “in Christ” and how that reality gives believers security, places them in a true spiritual community, and offers a daily opportunity to abide in Jesus.Discover how union with Christ reshapes your identity and your walk with God.00:00 - Introduction09:34 - Union with Christ is like a MARRIAGE12:20 - Union with Christ is like a MARRIAGE… so I have SECURITY18:24 - Union with Christ is like a BODY21:14 - Union with Christ is like a BODY… so I'm in a COMMUNITY26:48 - Union with Christ is Like a VINE29:14 - Union with Christ is Like a VINE… so I have an OPPORTUNITY**HOW TO FIND US*** SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YouTube CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@IronwoodChurchAZFACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/ironwoodchurchaz/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/ironwood.church/WEBSITE https://www.ironwoodchurch.org/