Podcasts about Christendom

Text: Luke 24:1-12Easter is the biggest holiday and festival in all of Christendom. But what do we celebrate exactly? Is the Cross really that important? Can we have Easter without a resurrection? Should my life look different because of Easter? Join us for this series as dive into the truth of Easter and how it impacts every aspect of our lives. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) April 20, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Met de dood van de 88-jarige paus Franciscus eindigt een tijdperk. Vanuit Rome vertelt correspondent Ine Roox over de complexe nalatenschap van een atypische paus. Van Franciscus werd verwacht dat hij progressieve hervormingen zou doorvoeren. Heeft hij dat waargemaakt? En: wie gaat hem opvolgen?Gast: Ine Roox Presentatie: Bram Endedijk Redactie: Niki Ipenburg en Iris Verhulsdonk Montage: Yeppe van KesterenEindredactie: Tessa Colen Coördinatie: Elze van Driel Productie: Rhea Stroink Heb je vragen, suggesties of ideeën over onze journalistiek? Mail dan naar onze redactie via podcast@nrc.nl.Zie het privacybeleid op https://art19.com/privacy en de privacyverklaring van Californië op https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Christianity stands or falls on the fact of the Resurrection of the Lord Christ from the dead. This is the centrality of the Christian faith, the establishment of Christendom, and the Hope of mankind.This sermon series continues to foucus on the Resurrection message of the Lord Christ and the victory of the promised Messiah.

Send us a text!In this episode, we talk with Tate Taylor about why men need spaces to physically push themselves, as well as the New Christendom Games that will take place at our conference in June. We'll talk about the funeral games in The Aeneid, and why older men should be excited to see young men hardening their bodies through physically demanding efforts. Tate walks us through the qualifier for the Games, and talks about what the competition will include at the conference.2025 New Christendom Press Conference: https://www.newchristendompress.com/2025Sign up for the NCP Games:https://beregenerated.com/games/Check out the Farmer Bill's Provisions's products. Click the link below to claim 20% off.https://farmerbillsprovisions.com/discount/HARDVisit KeepwisePartners.com or call Derrick Taylor at 781-680-8000 to schedule a free consultation.https://keepwise.partners/Talk to Joe Garrisi about managing your wealth with Backwards Planning Financial.https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/joe-garrisi/planningStart forging the man God made you to be. Be Regenerated is forging the men who will build the New Christendom.https://beregenerated.com/Livingstones Studio offers strategic design solutions to help you grow your business, communicate your values, and stand out with a timeless brand. Learn more at https://livingstones.studio/Support the show

Welcome to a bonus episode of The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. In today's episode, environment reporter Sue Surkes makes a guest appearance, stepping in for Berman. This is a week of spring holidays, and so we are dedicating the program to some of the biblical flora of the Land of Israel. In honor of Easter, which is celebrated by much of Christendom on Sunday, we begin with a date palm that was brought back from the dead and a plant that resurrects itself. In 2008, Dr. Elaine Solowey germinated a 1,900-year-old date palm seed that took the name Methuselah after the long-lived biblical character. She has since gone on to revive several more ancient seeds, including females that bear fruit. Surkes tells the story of Solowey's amazing success -- and describes how the dates taste. Next, we hear about the Rose of Jericho, which was named for the biblical city of Jericho that constantly rose from its ashes -- and still stands today. It's an extraordinary story of a plant surviving in the harshest of circumstances. We then turn to a tree that is called the Christ-thorn jujube (shezaf). Traditionally, this type of tree was used to create the thorny crown that Jesus wore on his last journey down the Via Dolorosa. Surkes then speaks about the olive tree -- both the last few remaining "wild" variety located near Atlit, and the cultivated variety. She turns to Psalm 128 to show how being acquainted with the flora of the Land of Israel gives a deeper meaning to the text. And finally, we speculate on the Garden of Eden's "forbidden fruit." Was it an apple? Or maybe a fig? Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and the video was edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: Dates harvested from 'Hannah,' the first female palm tree germinated from 2,000 year-old seeds discovered in the Judean desert, are displayed in Kibbutz Ketura in southern Israel, on September 27, 2021. (Emmanuel DUNAND / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Gornoski is joined by Shannon Braswell and Jason Jones for a special Good Friday episode that focuses on the global persecution of the Church, the dark side of Christendom, the mimetic doubling of intersectionality, sacrificial theology, and more. Check out Bright News here. Follow Jason Jones on X here. Follow David Gornoski on X here. Visit aneighborschoice.com for more

In the final episode in our three-part series on Israel andJudaism, Chris Hume is joined by John Bingaman (board member with Future of Christendom) and Shak Khoury (born and raised in Israel) to discuss and apply our understanding of modern-day Judaism and the related concept of Zionism.

In this episode Dr. Jared Looney talks with Ben Cheek about ministry in post-Christendom. They explore the increase of mistrust in institutions, discipleship, and evangelism among post-religious communities.  

Justin Brierley reports from the ARC conference in London where over 4,000 secular and religious attendees met to hear about the renewal of civilisation from speakers such as Jordan Peterson, Douglas Murray, Jonathan Pageau and Ayaan Hirsi Ali. But in the era of Trump 2.0, is the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship co-opting Christianity for conservative political purposes? Justin interviews Christian speakers Bishop Robert Barron, Miriam Cates and Johannes Hartl on what ARC is. He also hears from influencers Ruslan KD, Whaddo You Meme and Biased Skeptic, plus delegates Peter Lynas, Jeff Fountain and Mikhael Laursen on the overlap of politics and faith. He also finds out why New York Times columnist David Brooks created such a stir. Justin also dialogues with secular meaning seekers and influencers, including Andrew Gold, James Lindsay and Carl Benjamin, who have abandoned New Atheism and discovered a new appreciation for the value of Christianity. More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/ Support via Patreon for early access to new episodes and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/justinbrierley/membership Support via Tax-deductible (USA) and get the same perks: https://defendersmedia.com/portfolio/justin-brierley/ Give a one-off gift via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/brierleyjustin Buy the book or get a signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/ Got feedback? Share it with us by emailing: feedback@think.faith Ep 6 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-6-all-aboard-the-arc-why-conservatives-want-to-save-christendom The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, Rohadi Nagassar and I talk about the challenges of creating the belonging we crave. Rohadi is a writer predominantly engaging the topics of decolonizing and deconstructing Christianity. Discover Rohadi's latest book, “When We Belong. Reclaiming Christianity on the Margins.” His podcast on decolonizing Christianity is called: Faith in a Fresh Vibe. Season 11 is now available entitled, “Farewell Evangelicalism”. Rohadi has planted three churches including an online church he co-leads called A Beautiful Table. He has also written extensively in the areas of missions and church leadership, including his book, “Thrive. Ideas to lead the church in post-Christendom”. Follow Rohadi on socials @rohadi.nagassar. Join the Found Family crew over on Substack and get your free Found Family Cheat Sheet!Support the show

South Africa faces many challenges today. Crime. Racialized,communistic government initiatives. Poverty. But in the midst of these challenges, there are also opportunities. South Africa needs Christ. And the Body of Christ in South Africa needs the rest of Christendom to help them stand. What do things truly look like on the ground from a Christian perspective? How can we better understand what is happening spiritually and practically in South Africa? Annemarie Smuts – also known as Ava in Africa –joins the Christian Emergency Podcast to offer her take on all that's playing out in South Africa. She offers sage insight, sober assessments and a resilient spirit. If you find this episode helpful, please give us a positive rating and review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Also share this episode with a friend so they too can be blessed by these insights. To learn more about resources mentioned in this episode, see the following:Ava in Africa / Annemarie Smuts (Twitter / X)Christian Emergency Alliance (Website)Christian Emergency Alliance (Twitter / X)Christian Emergency Alliance (Facebook)Christian Emergency Alliance (Instagram)The Christian Emergency Podcast is a production of the Christian Emergency Alliance.Soli Deo Gloria

Send us a textIn his lifetime, John Chrysostom witnessed the true beginning of Christendom: the Emperor Theodosius confirmed the public standing of Christianity over that of paganism and delivered a final knockout blow to Arian heresy in favor of Nicene orthodoxy. But a religion on the upswing can attract opportunistic and ill-informed converts. Jonathan and Ryan look at Chrysostom's advice on the bringing-up of children, and the ways in which the Greek Father uses pagan tropes - Greco-Roman hero cults, wrestling, statuary - to cajole new converts into dropping their pagan habits.Richard M. Gamble's The Great Tradition: https://amzn.to/3Q4lRnOJaspreet Singh Boparai's The Man Who Translated the Bible Into Latin: https://antigonejournal.com/2021/10/saint-jerome/New Humanists is brought to you by the Ancient Language Institute: https://ancientlanguage.com/Links may have referral codes, which earn us a commission at no additional cost to you. We encourage you, when possible, to use Bookshop.org for your book purchases, an online bookstore which supports local bookstores.Music: Save Us Now by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

These parables are oftentaken out of context and misinterpreted, but they have much to teach us aboutGod's work, Satan's schemes, and our call to discernment.  First, Jesus asks, “Whatis the kingdom of God like? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a mantook and planted in his garden; and it grew and became a great tree, and thebirds of the air lodged in its branches” (Luke 13:18-19). On the surface,this sounds like success—a tiny seed sprouting into a towering tree. Butsomething's off. Mustard seeds grow into shrubs, not trees. This abnormalgrowth hints at distortion. The Jews knew their Scriptures: a mighty tree oftensymbolized a world power (Ezekiel 17:22-24; Daniel 4:20-22), and birds, as inthe parable of the sower (Luke 8:5, 12), represent evil—Satan and his forces(Matthew 13:19). Jesus isn't picturing triumph here, but a kingdom infiltratedby falsehood. Then He says, “Towhat shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman tookand hid in three measures of meal until it was all leavened” (Luke13:20-21). Leaven, in Scripture, consistently symbolizes evil (Exodus 12:14-20;Luke 12:1).  Think of the Pharisees'hypocrisy or Herod's corruption (Matthew 16:12; Mark 8:15). A woman hidingleaven in meal suggests stealthy contamination, not godly influence. Theseparables, echoing Matthew 13, don't show the kingdom conquering the world.Instead, they warn of Satan's two-pronged attack: abnormality (the oversizedtree) and adulteration (the hidden leaven). For context, Jesusspoke amid opposition. The synagogue ruler had just fumed over a Sabbathhealing, clinging to dead traditions. These parables counter that mindset:“Your rules won't stop God's kingdom, but Satan will distort it.” Historically,Israel rejected Christ, and during this church age, God's program facesfailure—not in its ultimate victory, but in its present form. The mustard seedreflects “Christendom”—the visible, professing church—growing unnaturallylarge, like after Constantine, when the “Organized Church” became a politicalpower, not a humble “little flock” (Luke 12:32). Like birds, the false teachersnest in its branches.  The leaven showscorruption creeping in: Pharisees with empty rituals, Sadducees denying thesupernatural, Herodians bowing to Rome. Today the church battles similardistortions, such as legalism, skepticism, and compromise. Jesus isn'tcontradicting Himself here. He'd already called leaven evil (Luke 12:1). Nor dothese parables promise global permeation; population growth outpaced by truefaith. The kingdom's seed often falls on barren soil, Satan sows counterfeits,and the net catches good and bad fish (Matthew 13). Yet, there's hope: God'strue kingdom endures, despite the mess. These stories challenge the crowd, andus, to look beyond appearances. The religious leaders saw only theirtraditions; Jesus saw Satan's schemes and God's bigger plan. What does this mean forus? We're in a mixed age where truth and falsehood grow together. We mustdiscern the real kingdom from its counterfeits, not confusing size or influencewith godliness. Satan attacks with abnormality (prideful bigness) andadulteration (subtle lies). Our job isn't to fix the whole tree or the meal butto be faithful, bearing true fruit in a crooked world, trusting God for thefinal harvest. Closing ChallengeThis week, examine yourfaith: Are you swayed by the “big tree” of flashy religion or the “leaven” ofwatered-down truth? Pick one area of your life, maybe a belief, habit, orinfluence, and test it against Scripture. Root out any distortion and commit toauthentic, humble faith. Be a seed of truth in a tangled world. PrayerLord Jesus, thank Youfor revealing the kingdom's reality of growth amid corruption. Open our eyes toSatan's schemes and keep us from false traditions or lies. Help us bear truefruit, faithful to You, not the world's show. Strengthen us to stand firm untilYour victory comes. Amen. 

Send us a textSagaria 7:9-10 So het die Here die Almagtige gesê: Laat reg geskied aan almal, bewys liefde en barmhartigheid aan mekaar; moenie die weduwee en die weeskind, die vreemdeling en die arme verdruk nie; moenie bose planne teen mekaar bedink nie. As daar wel 'n God in die hemel is, wil jy sekerlik hê dat Hy 'n God van liefde, 'n God van geregtigheid en 'n God van hoop moet wees. Dit klink mooi nè? So hoekom is dit dan dat sy kinders, die "Christene" hulle deur die eeue so sleg gedra het?Luister net hierna: Daar was die kruistogte van die 11de tot 13de eeu, die Spaanse Inkwisisie in die laat 15de eeu, die Europese heksejagte van die 15de tot 18de eeu, die Salem-hekse-verhore van die laat 17de eeu (en dis nie al nie). Dit was verskriklike, ondenkbare gruwels wat in die naam van godsdiens gepleeg is.Die kruistogte het ontstaan uit die oënskynlik goeie bedoelings van godsdienstiges om die Heilige Land te herower, en om die kerk van boosheid en heksery te bevry.So, hoe kan goeie bedoelings sulke slegte gevolge hê? Die antwoord is dat dit is wat gebeur wanneer Christene hul wapens opneem teen dít wat hulle as ‘n bedreiging vir hulle geloof beskou. Hulle het dit nooit, ooit voorsien dat wat hulle as eerbaar beskou het, tot so ‘n moorddadige vlak sou daal nie.Sagaria 7:9-10 So het die Here die Almagtige gesê: Laat reg geskied aan almal, bewys liefde en barmhartigheid aan mekaar; moenie die weduwee en die weeskind, die vreemdeling en die arme verdruk nie; moenie bose planne teen mekaar bedink nie.Geregtigheid, genade en deernis; dis waartoe God ons roep. En ten spyte daarvan gaan die Christendom steeds deesdae voort om hulself te bewapen: In die politiek, in omgewingsake. Dit kom ook na vore in die manier waarop ons diegene behandel wat nie dieselfde lyk, nie dieselfde klink, en nie dieselfde as ons glo nie.So, hier is 'n bietjie goddelike raad: net ingeval jy in die versoeking kom om die Bybel as 'n wapen te gebruik; gebruik dit eerder as 'n spieël.Dit is God se Woord. Vars … vir jou … vandag. Support the showEnjoying The Content?For the price of a cup of coffee each month, you can enable Christianityworks to reach 10,000+ people with a message about the love of Jesus!DONATE R50 MONTHLY

Text: Isaiah 50:5-7; 52:13-53:12Easter is the biggest holiday and festival in all of Christendom. But what do we celebrate exactly? Is the Cross really that important? Can we have Easter without a resurrection? Should my life look different because of Easter? Join us for this series as dive into the truth of Easter and how it impacts every aspect of our lives. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) April 6, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Gary Petty and I talk about his recently published book Christendom. Available on  Amazon Here is a description of the book. For hundreds of years after the death of Jesus, the people who professed to be His followers faced persecution from the Roman Empire. Then a miracle seemed to happen to this fragmented and diverse religious movement. Emperor Constantine declared that he was a Christian, and then through the following decades attempted to create a unified Christianity. This effort to build a unified Christian church continued during Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. This effort was a complex chronicle of theological debates, schisms, political intrigue, and violence, at times. The people and events intertwine with the collapse of the Roman Empire and the impact of Germanic culture on the church as well as with plagues, wars, Crusades, and repeated attempts to recreate a united Europe. The story includes Goths, Anglo-Saxons, Franks, Italians, Spanish, Vikings, Celts, Arabs, Jews, Mongols, and others whose identities have all but disappeared. Countless individuals played their parts in the events—Augustine and his mother Monica, who hailed from North Africa; Justinian and his wife Theodora from Byzantium; Charlemagne; Mohammed; and dozens of popes, peasants, aristocrats, priests, and warriors. All of them shaped the formation of Christendom—the Kingdom of God on earth—a kingdom that changed original Christianity until it would have been in many ways unrecognizable to Jesus' earliest followers. Christendom: The Kingdom that Changed Christianity is a companion book to Plato's Shadow: The Hellenizing of Christianity.   ___________   Gary Petty is an author and pastor known for his works on the historical and philosophical influences on Christianity, as well as guidance on managing personal conflicts. His notable publications include:​Better World Books+4Google Books+4ThriftBooks+4 Plato's Shadow: The Hellenizing of Christianity This book examines how Greek philosophy, particularly that of Plato, influenced early Christian teachings, leading to deviations from the original messages of Jesus and His apostles. ​Barnes & Noble The Mercy Effect: A Spiritual Guide for Managing Conflict In this work, Petty explores the spiritual roots of conflict and offers practical steps for resolving disagreements in various aspects of life, emphasizing the importance of mercy and forgiveness. ​Better World Books Christendom: The Kingdom That Changed Christianity Serving as a companion to 'Plato's Shadow,' this book delves into the transformation of Christianity during the formation of Christendom, highlighting how political and cultural shifts reshaped the faith. ​ThriftBooks+5Google Books+5Bookshop+5 These works reflect Petty's focus on understanding the historical contexts that have shaped modern Christianity and providing insights into personal spiritual growth.

Title: The Assignment: Protect and Provide Text: Acts 20:28-35 FCF: Church leaders often struggle understanding their assignment and fulfilling it. Prop: Because Elders must shepherd the flock well, they must protect and provide for themselves and the church. Scripture Intro: Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 20. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard bible starting in verse 18 and going to verse 25. You can follow along in the pew bible or the version you prefer. Last week, Paul began his final exhortation to the Elders of Ephesus. He used his example to depict for them the kind of men who they must be to lead the church well in his absence. These qualities could be summarized in the primary trait of blamelessness. Paul makes it abundantly clear that if the Elders are not blameless, the Ephesian church will fail. Today Paul will continue his exhortation to them, this time issuing commands on what they must do. Let's take a look. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Most loving and Gracious God. We come to You as the bride You came from heaven to seek. We come to You as the earthen jars You have placed Your treasure in. Though we are without worth, You have given us infinite value in what You spent to save and to predestine us for a most holy purpose. We are now citizens of the Kingdom of Light. I pray that You would shine Your light on us today and reveal to us our new purpose, which you purchased for us with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Build our faith, strengthen us in Your Word of Grace today. We pray this in the name of The Word… Amen. Transition: Let us press on this morning to the text. We have much to discuss. I.) An Elder's role is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock, so we must protect ourselves and the flock from false teachers. (28-31) a. 28 - Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, i. Up to this point in his exhortation Paul has pointed to his own example which the Ephesian Elders observed while he was among them. ii. Although Paul does not overtly command them to imitate him, it is implied that he wished for his example to be a pattern they must follow. iii. Specifically, a pattern of character. iv. After this, Paul now turns to exhorting the Ephesian Elders directly. v. Paul's opening word in this section is the command to be on guard. vi. The word means to give attention to, to be alert to, to be concerned about, to devote or apply yourself to something. vii. What does Paul command these Elders to guard? viii. He actually points their guard toward two targets. ix. First, they are to guard themselves. Second, they are to guard all the flock. x. Of course, by “all the flock” Paul means all the church in Ephesus. Let no one slip through the cracks. Be on guard for everyone, yourselves included. b. among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, i. They are part of that flock in Ephesus. ii. They are sheep too. iii. So how did they get in the position they are in? Did Paul put them there? iv. Paul may have appointed them, and the congregation may have received them as Elders… v. But the primary agent in their becoming Elders is by the work of God the Spirit. vi. The Holy Spirit made or appointed them to this duty. vii. The character qualities and spiritual giftedness of each Elder serves as an assurance to the congregation that God's Spirit has appointed these men to their office. Their humility, their care, their teaching, their servant's heart has all authenticated the Spirit's appointment. viii. But what role has the Spirit appointed them to? What duty must they fulfill? ix. Paul uses a word that in other letters he uses interchangeably with Elder. x. He uses the word overseer. xi. The term Elder emphasizes the maturity of the man in the office and the term overseer emphasizes the responsibilities of the office the man holds. xii. To oversee means to watch over, direct, and be held accountable for those in your charge. xiii. So, we know who they are to guard and we know the relationship between themselves and those they guard, but what is the purpose of or the intended result of their guarding work? c. to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. i. Again, Paul uses another word that is used interchangeably with Elder and Overseer. ii. It is the word Shepherd or Pastor. iii. Here it is used as a verbal infinitive adverb modifying the command to be on guard. It answers the question why the Elders must guard themselves and the church. iv. The goal of an Elder's oversight is to care for those in their charge. v. Not just spiritually but for their entire being, body and soul, including protection, provision, guidance and accountability. vi. As a shepherd would care for his sheep, so Elders/Overseers/Pastors are to shepherd the lambs which they lead. vii. Why? Why must they be cared for? viii. The first reason they must be cared for, is because they are precious to the Lord. ix. Notice the reason why. Christ purchased the church with His blood. x. Some false teachers today claim that we can determine our inherent worth by how much God was willing to spend to purchase us. Using this text as proof of that claim. xi. However, the bible also describes us as children of wrath, broken vessels, and leaky cisterns. In a sense, the bible communicates to us that we only have value when we can be used for what we were created to be used for. xii. God made us to be His image bearers. To reflect, represent, and worship Him forever. Sin has utterly destroyed all men's ability to do any of that. Meaning we are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. xiii. Christ purchasing us with His blood should not communicate to us that we are inherently valuable. For to conclude this would be to contradict other parts of scripture. xiv. Instead, Christ purchasing us with His blood gives to us our infinite value because of what He spent on us to remake us into a new creation. xv. And to those who oversee and shepherd the redeemed of God – they had better take exceptional care of what Christ has purchased with His precious blood. xvi. Another reason that these Elders should guard this flock with the intent to shepherd them, is because there is a looming threat on the horizon. d. 29 - I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 - and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. i. What a terrible revelation given to these Elders – but one they should not have been shocked to hear. ii. They must be diligent and on guard to shepherd Christ's church because as soon as Paul departs, false teachers will come and try to destroy what God has done. iii. How did Paul know this? Is he making a prophesy? iv. Friends, Paul has been dealing with this since day one. v. In the late 40s after completing his first missionary journey to southern Galatia, only a few months after he returned to Antioch of Syria, Paul had to send a letter to the churches there strongly correcting them for abandoning the gospel. vi. False teachers had come in among them and led them astray. The turn around on this was so quick that Paul wondered if they had been bewitched. “Has someone cast a spell on you?” he asked. vii. The same kinds of things have happened to him in several cities since. At some point a pattern emerges and prophesy becomes merely predictability. viii. And unfortunately the scriptures reveal to us that Paul was exactly correct. 1. In the 60s AD, from I and II Timothy, we find that Paul sends Timothy to Ephesus to right the ship and reestablish order there. Meaning that only a few years after Paul spoke these words to them, the church was under attack by false teaching. 2. And by the time John writes to the church in Ephesus in the 90s, only a little over 20 years after Paul was executed, they had left their first love. ix. Paul's warning is that these people will come in like ravenous wolves. They will rip and tear apart the unity and maturity of the church and will shipwreck the faith of the people. x. But perhaps one of the most blood curdling things Paul says here, is not only that false teachers will come from without, but even some of the ones standing before him, will rise up and speak wicked and crooked things and draw away people from the truth. xi. In I and II Timothy Paul calls out three men who had led to the shipwreck of the faith of many and were gangrenous to the church. He calls them out as Hymenaeus, Alexander, and Philetus. xii. What a sobering thought it is that very likely these three men are standing there listening to Paul say these very words. xiii. What are we to do if the threats are from without AND from within? e. 31 - Therefore, be watchful, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. i. Paul issues another command. ii. He says that because of this, because the church has been given infinite worth being purchased by Christ, because there are threats from without and within to destroy it – iii. They must remain alert. They must not only dutifully guard themselves and the church in order to shepherd these people but they must be vigilant in this task. They must be diligent. iv. Then Paul calls to their attention, again, his example. He labored night and day to continually admonish each of them with tears. v. Of course, Paul doesn't mean that he never slept. But Paul's point is that he worked hard. He labored long. He wasn't passive or lazy. He labored… to do what? Admonish everyone with tears. vi. He labored to counsel, exhort, rebuke, and instruct with great passion, pleading with all the church to follow Christ. f. Summary of the Point: Paul gives two commands in this passage, but those two commands are really describing what an Elder is to do. They must be on guard and be watchful. They must be dutiful and diligent. But neither of these commands mean much divorced from the primary aim of their duty and diligence. What is the goal of their guard and their watchfulness toward the church? It is to shepherd the flock of God. This is THE assignment of every Elder. But this assignment takes on two distinct flavors in Paul's exhortation. The first, which becomes our first application point, is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock by protecting ourselves (The Elders) and the flock (The rest of the church) from false teaching and false teachers. Paul makes it abundantly clear and with the luxury of hindsight we see the nauseating truth of it, that false teachers are everywhere. From without… and sadly… also from within. It is the assignment of every Elder – if they are to shepherd the flock of God well – to protect themselves and the flock of God from false teaching. Transition: But as I said, there are two particular flavors of this concept of diligently shepherding God's flock. Not only must the Elders protect themselves and the church from false teaching, they must also be providers. II.) An Elder's role is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock, so we must provide for ourselves and those who are weak. (32-35) a. 32 - And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, i. Paul now prepares them for the second aim of their assignment to shepherd the flock. ii. Again, he teaches them from two examples. The first is God Himself. iii. He begins by entrusting them or puts them into the care and protection of God. iv. God is ultimately going to keep His people safe. Paul knows this. This doesn't cancel his command to them to protect the flock. Instead, they should perceive God's sovereign hand using them to accomplish this purpose. v. What has God done to protect His people, including His undershepherds, from believing error? vi. He has given us The Word. And even though you do not see it, in my notes this is capitalized. vii. The word of God's grace is another way to say the gospel. But oftentimes New Testament writers when they say the gospel they mean far more than simply the fact that Christ was crucified for sinners. viii. In fact, all of Christ's words to us, all of the revelation of God through Christ to His people would constitute the good news. The Word of Grace. ix. The Word of God's grace is how God continues to give His riches to us because it is given through Christ's work both passively and actively. And Christ is The Word. x. Christ did not only come and die to purchase our pardon but also lived, obeyed God, and taught His disciples and His church. xi. The Word continues to be God's riches dispensed to His church via The Spirit inspired teachings of the apostles recorded in our New Testament. xii. God has given a marvelous gift to us in His Word in that we find all we need for life and godliness. We find all we need to be prepared to do everything that God has commanded us to do. xiii. Paul entrusts the futures of these Elders to God because he knows that God gives grace freely to His people when they need help, and He does this through His Word. xiv. Help to do what though? b. which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who have been sanctified. i. We know that for those who have received Christ by true faith, we cannot lose our salvation. Therefore, we will not fail to endure. ii. But we are also told in the scriptures that it is only those who grow and endure in their faith who will inherit the kingdom of God. iii. How do we harmonize these thoughts? iv. Quite simply, those who have true faith will grow and endure. v. Those who have true faith will take the warnings about enduring faith seriously and pursue any means to mature and perfect their faith so it endures. vi. And Paul here says that The Word of God's grace is the means by which we are built up and given an inheritance among those who have been sanctified. vii. We are continually sustained by feasting on The Word of God's grace. To not read, study, mediated, memorize, learn, and live out the commands of Jesus Christ, is to starve yourself and risk proving that your faith… is actually dead faith. viii. Again, The Word of God's grace is a gift freely given. And God has given us this Word of His grace to help us grow and endure and assure us of a clear conscience before Him. ix. This is God's example. God freely gives to help those who are weak. Like us. x. Let's move on to Paul's example. c. 33 - I have coveted no one's silver or gold or clothes. 34 - You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to those who were with me. i. Paul's example is also of one who is not greedy for gain but is instead a servant to all providing for himself and those who ministered with him. ii. Now this is not to say that pastors and missionaries should not accept support from other believers. We know that Paul himself did accept monetary support from the church in Philippi while he was in Thessalonica. He mentions this in the book of Philippians. iii. So, Paul isn't giving these Elders the absolute statement of never being supported by the church. iv. Instead, he is targeting one key area which often destroys leaders. v. Covetousness. Greed. And seeing the flock of God as servants to them. vi. Paul's example is that he did not see each church member as a bank account or a means to make him rich. vii. Instead, he worked with his own hands to support himself and his companions in their missionary endeavors. viii. He continues… d. 35 - In everything I showed you that by laboring in this manner you must help the weak i. He did this so that he could be an example to them of what it means to labor hard and long and help those who are weak. ii. Paul isn't saying they can never be supported by the church… but he is saying that if they are to shepherd well, they must not only provide for themselves but also for those who are unable to provide for themselves. iii. The poor and the weak and the destitute among them. iv. This ought to be the goal of Elders. To not only provide for themselves but to be in a position financially to provide for others. v. Why? e. and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” i. Although we do not have this specific teaching of Jesus recorded for us in the scriptures, there is no doubt that Jesus said this at some point to Paul directly or to his disciples. ii. It is certainly something we can piece together from the rest of the teachings of Jesus. iii. It is certainly more blessed to give than to receive. iv. God should know – He is constantly depicted as a giver in the scriptures. v. In fact, the doctrine of God's independence or Aseity teaches us that God has no need of anything from His creation. There is nothing that we can give to Him that He needed. vi. Therefore, God is the ultimate giver because there is literally nothing we could ever do to “pay Him back” for all that He gives to us. vii. Paul should know that it is more blessed to give than to receive for he has given of himself for the sake of these Ephesians and did so for 3 years admonishing them night and day. He earned his own living and paid for his mission with very little help from others. He did not charge a fee to hear him but only took enough to provide for himself and to help those in need. viii. Paul's point is this. These Elders had freely received from him the gospel of God… so they must freely give of themselves and exercise servant leadership, providing even the financial needs of those who are desperate, and refuse the temptation to Lord over the congregation expecting to be served. f. Summary of the Point: Again, Paul's primary point is that the Assignment of an Elder is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God. The first aspect of shepherding well involves protecting the flock from false teaching. But because God has given all we have and we are simply blessed receivers of His grace, and because Paul's pattern was to provide for himself and those who were destitute, we conclude that another necessary component to shepherding the flock of God well is to be a giver and not a taker. Elders must diligently and dutifully provide for themselves and those who are destitute. In this sense they, who have richly received from God, must richly give to those who are weak. Elders must be servant leaders, positioning themselves in a way that they are neither needing financial aid, nor are they withholding help from those who are in need. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC, and how then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: As Paul addresses the Ephesian Elders, he has already shown them through his example the character qualities required to be an Elder. Today, he gives them their assignment as he goes off to Jerusalem never to see them again. Their assignment is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God. This command divides into two basic roles they must fill in order to shepherd well. The first arises from the impending threat of false teachers peddling other gospels which will shipwreck the faith of the flock and act like gangrene to the body of Christ. So, to shepherd dutifully and diligently means that we must protect ourselves and the flock from doctrinal error and those who teach them. The second role in shepherding well arises due to the threat of covetousness and greed which is so common among leaders. Failing such a role leads to the pervasive want of those who are destitute in the church. So, to shepherd dutifully and diligently means that we must provide for ourselves to the point that we have enough to give to those who are weak among us. But let us look deeply into these applications. There is quite a lot here and although the actions commanded are aimed at Elders, the key concepts necessitating those actions are profitable for all God's people to affirm. 1.) Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that false teachers will continue to arise from without and within our church. a. Oh it could never happen here. We are just a small country church in a township without a major city in not quite the thumb area of a state that isn't even the most well-known peninsula in the USA. b. It could never happen to us. Right? Wrong. c. There are many churches in our area that get the gospel right. There are even a few who share our perspectives on the specifics of the gospel and several other secondary matters. d. But make no mistake, there are many churches in our area peddling a false gospel leading people to trust in themselves, their inherent goodness, and their own faith so that they can be healthy, wealthy, and earn their spot in heaven. e. Indeed, in our nation heresies abound. And not new heresies. There is nothing new under the sun. Arianism, Modalism, Partialism, Pelagianism, Sabellianism, Universalism, Gnosticism, Montanism, Marcionism, and many more all still exist in some form or another. f. And they don't just exist in the cultic offshoots of Christendom. My friends some of these heresies exist in churches that are minutes from us. They are preached from their pulpits. They are swooned over in small groups. g. And some teachings which have been part of the church orthodoxy for thousands of years are being chucked out the window by people who think they know the bible well enough to unceremoniously cancel what Theologians from hundreds of years ago bled and died to prove to be true. h. My friends, we must hold fast to the teachings which we have received from faithful witnesses which have been passed down through the ages for thousands of years. i. This is why it is absolutely imperative that we study the scriptures and have the scriptures be our final authority but that we also do not study the scriptures and have our interpretation of them be our only authority. j. The church is not comprised of several individuals! We are one body untied by one faith and one Lord in one baptism from the garden to now. Thus, the essential doctrines of our faith must be known by us and known well, including not only where we find it in the scriptures but also why the church arrived at these beliefs through the study of those scriptures. k. No one here is exempt. Everyone here is a theologian already. But no one is an island either. l. Once again, I advise that you read the books Know the Creeds and Councils and Know the Heretics. m. The ancient Creeds and Councils define for us what orthodox Christianity looks like and how the church has always interpreted key doctrines from the scriptures. Knowing the Heretics helps us to understand how the church engaged with those who did not agree on these ancient teachings of essential doctrines. n. Knowing both the creeds and councils and the heretics will provide for you some guardrails for what has always been taught in the church of Christ. And with these books and diligent study of the scriptures you will not fail to remain steadfast in the essential and ancient doctrines of the church. o. Incidentally I just ordered 10 more of each of these books and they should be here this week. I highly… HIGHLY recommend you read them – if you haven't already. And maybe read them again if its been a while. p. Why is this so important? Without drawing paranoia or undue suspicion on one another – we must keep in mind that the threat of false teachers is always present. Not just from without but also from within these very walls. q. The biggest antidote to this as a member of this congregation or even as an Elder is to remain humble and when you find yourself disagreeing with something, search the scriptures and assume you are the one out of bounds. And only when you cannot harmonize your view with what is being taught, should you approach the Elders and seek clarification or… even… correction. r. Unsurprisingly the greatest inoculation against false teaching is humility. 2.) Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm the church is valuable to God because He purchased it with the blood of Christ. a. You have often heard me teach against the self-esteem movement. b. You have often heard me criticize the modern overemphasis on the love of God to the point that some preachers make it seem that God would be really lucky to have us join Him. c. You have often heard me teach on the wretchedness and wickedness of natural man and how we are all enemies of God and hate His law and do not seek after Him naturally. d. All of this is true. All of this I will continue to preach until I die. e. But I want to make it very clear – dear children of God – that God has given every single one of us eternal and infinite value by redeeming us with the precious and priceless blood of His Son. f. For His bride Christ came and sought her. He found her prostituting herself to various gods and passions. She was a slave of Satan and her own lusts. g. But He found her and bought her with His death. He has granted her new life in His resurrection. He has made her new. h. The value God has given to His church is bound to His holy and eternal purpose for her. She will be glorified with the Son and she will reign with Him forevermore. i. My friends… God has lavished His love on us in that while we were yet sinners… Christ died for us. j. We are worth so much to God, because He gave us worth in His Son. We are no longer slaves… but sons and daughters. And if we are sons and daughters, we are heirs to the throne of God. We are a holy and royal priesthood. We are Princes and Princesses, unblemished Priests and Priestesses, and preaching Prophets and Prophetesses… why? Because we are His bride. k. He loves us so much. Not because we are loveable… but because He has poured into us His love. We love God because He loved us first. l. Oh the depth and the riches and the glory of the Love of God! His church is the apple of His eye… the reason He became a man, lived a sinless life, and suffered and died… we are His Holy Church. m. My friends, He is ours… but we are also His. We are His portion. We are His prize. We are His children. We are His bride. n. Oh the depth and the riches and the glory of the Love of God which He has lavished on His church! From heaven He sought us. Through death He bought us. Forever He loves us. o. Oh the depth and the riches and the glory of the Love of God which He has lavished on His church! 3.) Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the Word of God's Grace is able to grow our faith in maturity and endurance. a. God loves His church so much that He has supplied His Son not only to redeem us but to grow us and sustain us and to remake us into what He desires us to be. In this we walk worthy of the expensive name we have been given. b. The Word of His Grace continues to shape us, grow us, mold us, and strengthen us to endure to the end. c. The Word of God is powerful to destroy and rebuild to mold and purify. d. We are of great value to our King, which is exactly why He has not left us to fend for ourselves. He has given us the Word of His grace. e. Why oh why do you deprive yourself of the gift of God's Word? Do you enjoy starving yourself or feasting on that which will never satisfy? Do you enjoy feeding yourself at the pig trough when you could be dining on the fatted calf your heavenly Father has slain for you? f. Why do you like baby birds desire the prechewed and predigested food of books about the Word of God's grace when you could study the Word itself? g. My friends – it is time for you to take up the means that God has provided to grow you and make you strong and consume it daily! h. What have you to do with your time that is better than eating and drinking? Who among us today can go a week without water? How many among us have gone a week without food? i. Why then do you consume spiritual food only on Sunday, and only food that has been prepared for you. Food that is so large a meal that your stomach, being accustomed to short 2 minute devotions, cannot seem to linger over for more than 10 minutes before you have eaten your fill and thus drifted off to sleep. j. Do you not know the price God paid to give you the Word of His grace? k. Elders and church members alike… feast often and feast long on the meals arranged for you in the Word of God's grace. See how big and strong your faith becomes. See how humility becomes your default setting when day after day the Word strikes you down to the nothing that you are only to pick you up in the potential of His Spirit's plan for your life. 4.) Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” Elders must dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God by protecting ourselves and the assembly from doctrinal error. a. Elders we must lead the way in this. b. All that I have said so far is for everyone here… but we must lead the way. c. We cannot be prone to hobby horse doctrines, theological musings, endless discussions over genealogies and mythologies, or answering the questions of how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. d. My friends, we must devote ourselves to the rigorous study of the Word of God and the Creeds, confessions, and historical dogmas of the church to ensure that we do not stray to the left or the right. e. Why? f. Because where we go others are sure to follow. g. We must hold one another accountable. We must stay on guard for all teachings which could lead others astray from the truth and even for teachers rising up… even from among us… who must be corrected and if they will not be corrected, they must be silenced. h. We have been given the duty to shepherd this flock. To do so well, we must protect them from ravenous wolves. And some of them we may even know personally. i. We must be courageous and bold in this. 5.) Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God freely gives to His children all we need to be godly. a. God is the greatest example of a giver. b. God has given freely, without cost, without need of repayment, all we as His children need to be godly. c. God owns all of us, everything we have, everything we are… all of creation is His… yet He gives us life, hope, peace, repentance, godliness, faith, grace, and mercy. d. He gives out of His abundance. e. No one can outgive God. f. He has lavished His love on us, His people. g. Indeed, God even gives glory to us through Christ. h. Although the scriptures say that God will share His glory with no one… the scriptures also teach that God will glorify us in Christ. i. In fact, God is glorified by glorifying us in Christ. How? j. Because for all eternity we will live to declare the matchlessness of His grace to us in that He has lavished upon us all His riches at Christ's expense. k. God is the greatest example of a giver that there ever could be. 6.) Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” Elders must deny that the church exists to serve us. a. As no surprise then, men, if we are the undershepherds of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… then we must be givers too. b. From heaven… He sought His church and bought them with His own blood. c. How could we EVER conclude that the church exists to serve us? d. They are not here for us… we are here for them. They are His precious bride, His children, His heirs. e. And so are we. f. Those who wish to be first, must be last. g. As Elders, we have desired this noble office… we have desired to be first among these people… h. But that means we must be last. i. We must be servants of all these dear ones whom Christ has purchased with His blood. j. Like God… like Paul… we must give of ourselves to them… until we are empty and extinguished. 7.) Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that it is more blessed to give than to receive. a. But not just the Elders need to understand this principle. b. All of us must heed the words of our Lord. It is more blessed to give than to receive. c. Giving of our time, talents, abilities, strength, financial resources – is the heartbeat of the Triune God as He gave freely to save His church. d. We are blessed when we are holy as our heavenly Father is holy. e. When we are stingy, self-focused – we are only cursing ourselves. f. Our culture says take care of #1. And many today are keyboard activists standing up for the rights of those who are oppressed or hurting… but when it comes to actually DOING something to help… they have only excuses for not doing so. g. Let that not be said of us. Let us be generous first to the household of faith. Let us be generous to all whom the Lord purchased with His blood. Let us not allow even one among us who are truly His child to be poor and destitute. h. Let us intervene and meet the needs of those who cannot meet their own needs. And let us encourage and train them to go from needing help, to helping others. Why? i. Because it is more blessed to give than to receive. j. It is not God's will for you to remain a taker… because it is more blessed to give than to receive. If you must receive, do so without shame. But see to it that you seek to become a giver as soon as you are able. 8.) Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” Elders must dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God, by providing for ourselves and the destitute in the assembly. a. Men this leads once again to us leading by example. b. We must labor hard and not be lazy. c. We must devote ourselves to providing for all our own needs so that we may take our excess and give out of our abundance, like our heavenly Father does to us. d. It is very uncomfortable for me to say this you all as the vocational Elder here. I have to just voice that. I labor each week to bring the text of scripture to bear upon all of us – myself included. For this the church graciously supplies my needs, giving my family enough to be generous to others as well. e. But for you all my brothers, you earn your living via another job and then give of yourselves here by pure sacrifice. f. Nevertheless, the scriptures must be presented as they are. All of us must be providers to those who are destitute in our fellowship. g. As it stands at this moment, the Elders are not aware of any that are… but it is our job to ensure it stays that way men. Let me close with a prayer by the Puritan John Flavel Lord, cleanse our churches, and repair their walls, so they may become gardens of delight for Christ to walk in and take pleasure in. May her ministers be faithful and wise: faithful so they do not deceive others; wise so they do not deceive themselves. May their wisdom prevent deceivers imposing on them, and their faithfulness prevent them imposing on others. May their wisdom enable them to discern wholesome food for the flock and their faithfulness oblige them to distribute it. May our leaders be pure with spiritual aims and intentions; serving not their own honour and interest, but yours. May our leaders show sincerity, not appearing outwardly spiritual while being inwardly carnal. May our leaders be diligent, like men in harvest, like women in labour, like soldiers in battle, watching while others sleep. May our leaders lack favouritism, as those who will appear before an impartial God. May they take the same care, manifest the same love, show the same diligence to the poorest and weakest souls in their care as they do the rich, the great and the honourable. For all souls are rated the same in your book of life, and our Redeemer paid as much for one as the other. May their faithfulness fix their eyes on the right end, and may their wisdom direct them to the best means of attaining it. May they lay a good foundation of knowledge in our souls, choosing subjects that will meet our needs, shaping the language in which they address us, using their own affections to move us, being careful of their behaviour. Send them often to their knees to seek your blessing upon their labours, knowing that all their success entirely depends upon you. It is in Jesus' name we pray this… Amen. Benediction: May our God who called Abraham when he was but one, And blessed him and made him many, Show you the incomparable riches of his grace, That you might know you are His workmanship, To do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Explore the Catholic intellectual tradition with John Kirwan, who shares his educational journey and insights into the current crisis in education. He discusses the historical roots of this crisis, influenced by progressive movements and the denial of objective truths. The conversation highlights failures in New York City's educational projects, the rise of liberal arts education, and the need to integrate traditional philosophy with modern leadership for effective school administration.

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!When did Western civilization truly collapse? In this profound interview with Rob from Avoiding Babylon by Chris from Crash Canon, we journey through the critical historical moments that transformed our world from traditional Christendom to post-Christian modernity.Rob makes a compelling case that World War I served as the decisive turning point. More than just a military conflict, it was the death knell for the traditional European monarchical system. We explore how the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggered a domino effect that dismantled centuries of Christian governance across Europe. The fall of the Habsburgs, Romanovs, and other royal houses wasn't just political change—it represented a fundamental spiritual and cultural shift.Our discussion takes fascinating detours into biblical translation controversies, examining the theological implications of phrases like "She shall crush thy head" versus "He shall crush thy head" in Genesis. We also share personal stories of faith journeys—how we drifted away from Catholicism and what eventually brought us back.Perhaps most thought-provoking is our examination of modern political terminology. As Rob explains, "To be conservative, you have to be wanting to conserve or restore Christianity." Yet today's political "conservatives" often advance classically liberal ideas that would have been revolutionary two centuries ago.Whether you're a history buff, theology enthusiast, or simply curious about how our world became what it is today, this episode provides rich context for understanding our cultural moment. The echoes of these historical transformations continue to shape our society, politics, and spiritual landscape.Subscribe to Crash Cannon for more stimulating conversations that bridge faith, history, and culture. What other historic turning points have shaped our modern world? Share your thoughts in the comments below.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

In this weeks episode of Inverted Orthodoxy, Pastors Kyle, Blake, and Doug discuss the following questions:475. AER: you were discussing socialism and communism in heaven. What are your thoughts on the verse talking about storing up our treasures in heaven? Matthew 6:19-21 what is this referring to?476. AER Just finished watching this week's show and I had to laugh at you guys Reminded me of three old guys sitting around a table at Timmie's talking about a hockey game that was played 20 years ago. Love and appreciate the show. Keep them coming.477. AER Singapore, a benevolent dictatorship, is supposedly a “Christian nation “. If the citizens are Christian, then they are bland, entitled, and not exactly on fire for god. I realize that in describing individuals, that would be an unfair stereotype, but I mean it as the characteristic of the nation.478. AER In your podcast last week you talk about the separation of church and state, the end of Christendom. With the upcoming election in Canada, one party has proposed removing the charitable status for advancing religion. I recognize this may affect all religious organizations, but how do you think this will impact Churches and Christian charities? Should this be a factor Christian's take into consideration when thinking about who to vote for? More details  https://www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/Communications/Canada-Watch/Committee-recommends-removing-charitable-status-fo#:~:text=But%2520a%2520parliamentary%2520committee%2520hasto%2520anti%252Dabortion%2520organizations.%E2%80%9D479. What does it mean to be of one flesh? Is it marriage? Is it sex? How can it be interpreted in today's age? 480. What do you know about the indigenous smudging ceremony? is it contrary to the christian faith? some say it mimics the ritual of incense in the jewish or catholic faith. My children are being offered this opportunity through school, and i am uncomfortable with it from initial thought. I would appreciate your perspective.Do you have a question you've been wanting answered? Head on over to our website www.invertedorthodoxy.com to submit a question. You can find us on Wednesdays on Youtube, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. To learn more about our church, you can visit www.livingspringsairdrie.com

Join Robert Ellsberg in this One on One interview with author, Wes Howard-Brook, as they discuss "Come Out My People!" and "Empire Baptized".Wes Howard-Brook has taught at Seattle University. He is the author of several Orbis books, including "Come Out, My People," Unveiling Empire, The Church Before Christianity, Becoming Children of God, and co-editor of The New Testament: Introducing the Way of DiscipleshipGet your copy of "Empire Baptized" at https://maryknoll.link/92i"Wes Howard-Brook has performed a great service with Empire Baptized. He explains how the transition in Christianity from Jesus's way of peace to the coercive ways of Christendom happened. An enormously enlightening account that helps us better understand our present dilemmas".- Ted Grimsrud, author of The Good War That Wasn't--And Why It Matters: The Moral Legacy of World War II; Senior Professor of Peace Theology, Eastern Mennonite UniversityGet your copy of "Come Out My People!" at https://maryknoll.link/cca612Howard-Brook undertakes what few dare anymore: an introductory primer for the whole Bible. . . This book invites disciples to connect the dots, in order to recover our ancient, anti-imperial identity, and to embrace a radical faith and practice that are personal and political. --Ched Myers#OrbisBooks #RobertEllsberg #WesHowardBrook #AntiImperialFaith #ComeOutMyPeopleBook #FaithAndPolitics

Soren called himself "One without authority." He had considered the pastorate but felt God's call to be a writer. So, the Upbuilding Discourses were first for him. To uplift himself and perhaps also the series of the "single individuals" who'd glean spiritual benefit from his writings and whom he called "My readers." His goal: "Introducing Christianity to Christendom." The Supplemental notes that we finished up today provide a glimpse into the insults he endured, the struggles he had with prayer, and other things. Including running out of money. We are officially finished the 18 Upbuilding Discourses and will now take on "Training in Christianity." Added some music to the Intro and will change the thumbnail picture for the podcast after this final episode of Season 3 is posted. Each Season is a book and most Episodes are reading through that given book. The thumbnail picture will show that. The books are the focus and guests are secondary. It is the only way we will get through all of his books. Remember, in the end, Soren wanted to be known as a poet. To present and express the faith in his own unique literary manner. "I call myself a learner." That is how the book ends. To be a teacher, one first must be a learner.

Text: Matthew 21:1-11Easter is the biggest holiday and festival in all of Christendom. But what do we celebrate exactly? Is the Cross really that important? Can we have Easter without a resurrection? Should my life look different because of Easter? Join us for this series as dive into the truth of Easter and how it impacts every aspect of our lives. Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) March 30, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Hebrews 12:1-2   Have you ever heard of an athlete on the field with a sack of potatoes bound to his back?  Why would an athlete be so foolish to do a thing like that?  It's unheard of, and yet, as I look around the stadium of Christendom, some believers are doing this very thing, and they wonder why they're out of spiritual breath a few laps into the race!  Brothers and Sisters, could it be that they're carrying too much weight?  This sermon is an exhortation to lay aside every weight and to run the race set before us!!

For nearly 140 years, she has stood in New York Harbor, torch held high, a symbol of freedom and hope. But last week, a French politician made headlines by saying they want her back. "Give us back the Statue of Liberty," Raphaël Glucksmann declared, arguing that America has abandoned the values she used to represent. He even quoted the famous poem inscribed at her base: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."But here's the problem—those words were never part of the statue's original meaning. When France gifted the statue to the United States in 1886, she was named Liberty Enlightening the World. She was not meant to symbolize mass migration, but the ideals of ordered liberty—the kind of liberty that could only be sustained by a virtuous and free people. She was a monument to the political and spiritual inheritance of Christendom, a testament to the unique civilization that made true freedom possible.Yet over time, that meaning was rewritten. Lady Liberty was no longer a symbol of Christian self-government, but of open borders and a rootless, multicultural myth. So what happens when a nation forgets what made it free in the first place? Today, we're setting the record straight.This episode is brought to you by our premier sponsors, Armored Republic and Reece Fund, as well as our Patreon members and donors. You can join our Patreon at https://patreon.com/rightresponseministries or you can donate at https://rightresponseministries.com/donate.The Statue of Liberty was never meant to be a symbol of mass migration, yet somehow, that's the version of history we've been sold. How did we get here? How did a monument to liberty itself become a rallying cry for open borders? And more importantly—what does this shift reveal about the way modern America understands itself? Today, we're going back to the real history, breaking down the myth, and pointing toward a better vision.Let's get into it.*MINISTRY SPONSORS:*ENTER TO WIN 2 FREE TICKETS TO OUR APRIL 2025 CONFERENCE BY Signing Up For Private Family Bankings Email List1. Email Banking@privatefamilybanking.com2. Use Subject Line: April Ticket Giveaway3. Provide Your Full Name & Contact Phone Number4. Private Family Banking will be in touch for the winner of the tickets.*Private Family Banking*How to Connect with Private Family Banking:1. FREE 20-MINUTE COURSE HERE: ⁠https://www.canva.com/design/DAF2TQVcA10/WrG1FmoJYp9o9oUcAwKUdA/view⁠2. Send an email inquiry to ⁠chuck@privatefamilybanking.com⁠3. Receive a FREE e-book entitled "How to Build Multi-Generational Wealth Outside of Wall Street and Avoid the Coming Banking Meltdown", by going to ⁠https://www.protectyourmoneynow.net⁠4. Set up a FREE Private Family Banking Discovery call using this ⁠link: https://calendly.com/familybankingnow/30min⁠5. For a Multi-Generational Wealth Planning Guide Book for only $4.99, use this link for my affiliate relationship with "Seven Generations Legacy": ⁠https://themoneyadvantage.idevaffiliate.com/13.html⁠*Reece Fund: Christian Capital - Boldly Deployed⁠https://www.reecefund.com/*Dominion: Wealth Strategists* is a full-service financial planning and wealth management firm dedicated to putting more money in the hands of the church. With an education focused approach, they will help you take dominion over your finances.https://reformed.money/#immigration #christianity #america

Video games are huge.Approximately 3.26 billion people worldwide play video games.  89.5% of video game sales happen in the digital world.  In 2022, gamers in the US spent $55.5 billion on games.But, prior to the advent of Bible X, it's been a domain largely avoided by Christendom.Why?But now, through one of the most successful video game development Kickstarters, Bible X is bringing the Gospel to the digital realm of video games.Today, we talk with Eunice Lenk, a community relations and marketing advocate for Bible X which is located in Norway.  In 2024, Bible X is preparing to launch "Gate Zero", a first-player adventure game that takes players into the future (the year 2072AD) in order to take them back to first century Israel.The hype is real.  The game is legit.To learn more about Bible X, please follow this link.To enjoy the playable demo on Steam, please click here. "Kingdom Culture Conversations" is a podcast created through Frameworks, a Biblical worldview initiative of Northwest Christian School.For more information on Frameworks, please visit: https://frameworks.ncsaz.org/For more information on Northwest Christian School, visit: https://www.ncsaz.org/To reach out to Geoff Brown, please email gbrown@ncsaz.org or you can reach him by cell phone: (623)225-5573.

There’s some contention within Christendom on the topic of original sin, some people don’t even know what it is! Today on Foundations we’re going to look at this topic and see if it’s Christian or Jewish in its origin.Your support sends the gospel to every corner of Australia through broadcast, online and print media: https://www.vision.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We welcome Dr. James Wood to discuss the cultural changes in regards to the acceptance of Christianity and religiosity more broadly. These are strange times for Christendom. Father finishes with timely thoughts. Show Notes Christendom's Autopsy - by James Wood - Aaron Renn Life in the Negative World: Confronting Challenges in an Anti-Christian Culture: Renn, Aaron M.: 9780310155157 A Brief History of Our Annihilation - Crisis Magazine Christians at the End of the Pax Americana | New Oxford Review The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation A Secular Age: Taylor, Charles - Books The Cube and the Cathedral: Europe, America, and Politics Without God: Weigel, George Can we be Good without God? On the Political Meaning of Christianity: Tinder, Glenn iCatholic Mobile The Station of the Cross Merchandise - Use Coupon Code 14STATIONS for 10% off | Catholic to the Max Read Fr. McTeigue's Written Works! "Let's Take A Closer Look" with Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J. | Full Series Playlist Listen to Fr. McTeigue's Preaching! | Herald of the Gospel Sermons Podcast on Spotify Visit Fr. McTeigue's Website | Herald of the Gospel Questions? Comments? Feedback? Ask Father!

I spoke to Christopher before about his book the Lion House. That was part 1 of a trilogy on the life of Suleiman the Magnificent. Christopher is back to talk about part 2: The Golden Throne - the Curse of a King.Suleiman is older and perhaps wiser now. The Turks have unleashed Barbarossa on Christendom and just when they need to act together Francis I of France enters into an alliance with Suleiman. Suleiman seems to be winning on all fronts but the curse of the king lurks at the heart of his rule!We talk about harems, eunuchs and some of the most tragic episodes of the day. And perhaps I shouldn't laugh but the story of Barbarossa's fleet eating the French out of house and home was irresistibly funny to me. As ever Christopher has a fascinating story to tell and tells it beautifully.You can send a message to the show/feedback by clicking here. I can't reply so if you need one please include your email.

Today on Foundations we’ll learn about another fulfilled promise of God to His people, especially the restoration of their ancient holy language. Hebrew was only used for ceremonial purposes, beyond that it was a forgotten and dormant language. But God promised its restoration because God always keeps His promises to His people. He’s never forsaken or replaced them, as many in Christendom believe.Your support sends the gospel to every corner of Australia through broadcast, online and print media: https://www.vision.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are multitudes of sinners today, millions in Christendom who persuade themselves that they truly love God, when in reality they hate Him; and the hardest of all tasks confronting the ministers of Christ is to shatter this cherished delusion and bring their unsaved hearers face to face with the horrible reality of their unspeakably vile condition.

Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”The Claymore podcast presents a battle plan for Gen Z men who sense something wrong with our increasingly toxic culture and are searching for authentic purpose and identity.• Miletus Christi and Claymore are initiatives from John Paul II Renewal Center designed as battle plans for young men• Our crisis stems from rejecting objective truth and embracing subjective constructs of feelings• When God is forgotten, we lose understanding of ourselves and our purpose• Satan works by twisting what God created good, especially in distorting authentic love into lust• The three-step spiritual battle plan involves morning prayer, turning temptations into opportunities for prayer, and becoming a person of love• True identity comes from understanding we're created beings with divine purpose, not accidents of history• Building "cells" or small communities of like-minded men is essential for spiritual growth• Authentic masculinity means viewing women first as sisters to protect before considering them as potential brides• Fulton Sheen warned in 1974 that we're seeing the end of Christendom's influence on cultureDownload the Claymore battle plan at the John Paul II Renewal Center website. Email info@jp2renew.org with questions or to invite Jack to speak at your church or community.Here are today's Discussion Questions: 1. How does the author contrast a world with God and a world without God? What are the consequences of each perspective on human identity and purpose?2. What role does modern culture play in shaping young people's understanding of love, happiness, and identity, according to the author?3. How does the story of Bill W. and Carl Jung illustrate the importance of spiritual transformation in overcoming struggles?4. What is the significance of Jesus' question, “What do you seek?” in the Gospel of John, and how does it relate to the theme of identity in the text?5. How does Saint Augustine's quote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You,” summarize the central argument of the article?(The Video-Podcast of this Episode will be made available on Rumble. For past episodes on Video visit our Rumble Channel and don't forget to subscribe!)Follow us and watch on X: John Paul II Renewal @JP2RenewalOn Rumble: JohnPaulIIRCCatch up with the latest on our website: jp2renew.org and Sign up for our Newsletter!!  Support the show

Today on Catholic Family News, Murray Rundus interviews Joshua Charles from Eternal ChristendomEternal Christendom: https://eternalchristendom.com/about/Joshua's X: https://x.com/JoshuaTCharlesTwo other great channels we mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@thetraditionalthomist⁩ https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@Distinguo⁩  Premium channel: https://catholicfamilynews.locals.comSubscribe to the paper: https://simplecirc.com/subscribe/17820213• Angelico Press: https://angelicopress.com/catholicfamilynews• Sophia Institute Press: https://sophiainstitute.com/product-category/books/ref/63/• TAN Books:  https://lddy.no/1js4lFollow us on Rumble! https://rumble.com/c/c-390435CHAPTERS:00:00 - 12:15 Conversion Story12:15 - 19:40 Meaning of Catholic Conversion Stories19:40 - 25:05 How to Study the Fathers25:05 - 35:15 Catholic Bibles Today35:15- 37:50 Catholic Patronage37:50 - 45:30 The American Founding45:30 - 52:45 Scholasticism vs Ressourcement52:45 - 01:01:14 Catholic Apologetics Today & Conclusion

Many modern Parents in Christendom have totally failed in securing their children's eternity! They have sacrificed their children at the altars of this world's pagan systems!! This Podcast deals with this important issue at hand and tries to help parents to see their God given responsibility and rightly care for their children. May the Lord help us to truly care for the souls of our children above all. Amen. SDG.

The myth goes thus: the Black Death reached Christendom at the Siege of Caffa when Mongols catapulted diseased bodies over the walls. Where did we get this story? What actually happened at Caffa? And how did the Black Death really enter Europe?Maddy Pelling and Anthony Delaney are joined by Professor Hannah Barker, medieval historian from Arizona State University. She's the author of That Most Precious Merchandise: The Mediterranean Trade in Black Sea Slaves, 1260-1500 and "Laying the Corpses to Rest: Grain Embargoes and the Early Transmission of the Black Death in the Black Sea, 1346-1347".Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a History Hit podcast.

February 22, 2025 Strength to Strength welcomed Stephen Russell to discuss how the apostolic church's original stance towards their earthly nation shifted over time.The first 300 years of the Church's existence were marked by distrust and persecution of the Church by the Roman Empire. The next twelve centuries reveal an ever-closer entanglement of Church and State in western Europe (the core of Christendom). Why and what were some of the results of this?An interactive question-and-answer period follows.https://strengthtostrength.org/sacred-roots-development-of-the-relationship-between-church-and-state/

On today's episode, we took some time to answer your questions that were mailed in. Looking to the scriptures, we attempted to tackle some difficult, and perhaps some of the more controversial topics currently being asked within Christendom. We hope you find this installment of the show informative. Scripture:Leviticus 27:30, Deuteronomy 18:1-8, 2 Corinthians 9:6-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 9:8-10PBHB GIVEAWAY: https://www.stayreformed.com/giveawayAdditional References:The Second London Baptist Confession (1689): https://founders.org/library-book/1689-confession/https://www.chapellibrary.org/pdf/books/lbcw.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOorAi1b6iCPqv94DjBcMhSSpcDOGwJrb9hXJSlgqxrFSgo9ofc0-Social Media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StayReformedTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/stayreformedInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayreformed/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stayreformedpodcast/Website: https://www.stayreformed.com/Email: contact@stayreformed.com

2025 New Christendom Press Conference: https://www.newchristendompress.com/2025In this episode of the King's Hall Podcast, we'll discuss the Post War Consensus, why we think it is dying—and why we think that's a good thing. Out with the “weak gods” that have destroyed the West, and in with the “strong gods” that built the first Christendom. In particular, we'll discuss R.R. Reno's book, Return of the Strong Gods, as well as an article from Ben Crenshaw over at American Reformer. We'll discuss Woodrow Wilson's dream for a global government, and FDR who fulfilled that vision with the creation of the UN. How have these policies and ideologies shaped the 20th Century? Did you know supporters of the show get ad-free video and audio episodes delivered early and access to our patron exclusive show The Deus Vault? https://www.patreon.com/thekingshallTalk to Joe Garrisi about managing your wealth with Backwards Planning Financial.https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/joe-garrisi/planning10 Ways to Make Money with Your MAXX-D Trailer.https://maxxdtrailers.com/10-ways-to-make-money-with-your-trailerVisit KeepwisePartners.com or call Derrick Taylor at 781-680-8000 to schedule a free consultation.https://keepwise.partners/Visit Muzzle-Loaders.com and get 10% off your first order when you use the coupon code KINGSHALL at checkout.https://muzzle-loaders.com/Buy your beef or pork box today from Salt and Strings Butchery.https://www.saltandstrings.com/Book your free consultation with Boniface Business today at https://bonifacebusiness.comYour trusted data and technology partner. Visit White Tree Solutions: https://www.wtsdata.com/With over 100 titles, there are books that address systematic, historical, pastoral, and practical theology. https://founders.org/Get your tickets for the Christ Is King: How To Defeat Trash World conference.https://www.tickettailor.com/events/rightresponseministries/1267074Support the show:https://www.patreon.com/thekingshallSupport the show:https://www.patreon.com/thekingshall

Matt, Paul, and Jon continue the discussion of the baptist vision set forth by Stanley Hauerwas and James McClendon, focusing on unity and contrasting it with the forced and violent unity of Christendom. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider donating to support our work. Become a Patron!

In this episode, we explore a term I'm calling Romephobia—an unhealthy aversion to anything that looks, sounds, or is perceived as Roman Catholic. Many historic terms, ideas, and practices that were once broadly embraced by the ancient Church have, over time, been wrongly attributed solely to Rome. This fear has led many to abandon deeply rooted Christian traditions simply because they carry a “Catholic” association.Join us as we examine key theological concepts, liturgical practices, and historical terms that were once common across Christendom but have been unfairly labeled as exclusively Roman. From the use of “Eucharist” and “bishop” to beliefs about the Real Presence and apostolic succession, we'll uncover how these elements belong to the historic Church, not just the Roman Church.Is it time to move past Romephobia and reclaim what rightfully belongs to the whole Church? Tune in as we separate historical fact from modern misconceptions.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #Romephobia #ChurchHistory #AncientChurch #ChristianTradition #Eucharist #ApostolicSuccession #Liturgy #Theology #ChurchUnity #HistoricChristianity #CatholicVsProtestant #ChristianApologetics #FaithAndTradition #Orthodoxy #AnglicanTheology

Erick Ybarra is a revert to the Catholic faith from Protestantism and has spent over a decade studying the doctrinal nature of the divisions that exist within Christendom, particularly between Catholics and Eastern Orthodox, as well as Protestantism. He is a speaker that has appeared on various social media outlets, but is known most especially for his contribution as a co-host of Youtube's Reason and Theology and his own channel, Erick Ybarra. He resides in Central Florida with his wife, Victoria, and their 6 children.

Christopher Isett joins me to discuss the rise of capitalism and "The Great Divergence," in which Christendom transformed itself from an obscure corner of the world into the dominant global power. Just how did that happen, what part did capitalism play in it, and why did capitalism develop in Europe? And what does China have to do with all of it?Chris gives his answers to all of these questions, especially drawing on the work of Robert Brenner. Here's Brenner's page on the Verso website, if you want the full story: https://www.versobooks.com/blogs/authors/brenner-robert

Prophecy expert Xavier Reyes-Ayral explains the Catholic tradition of the Great Monarch, a prophesied French king who is foretold to rise during a time of immense chaos in both the Church and the world.The prophesied monarch is alive today and even reveals his foretold name: Henry V of the Cross. This future king will reclaim France, expel foreign invaders, and help rebuild Christendom.Drawing from Marian apparitions and the visions of mystic Marie-Julie Jahenny, Xavier Reyes-Ayral explains how this monarch will aid in restoring the Church alongside a future Holy Pope. Learn more about historical prophecies, ongoing global turmoil, and how current geopolitical events—such as wars and cultural upheavals—align with these predictions.U.S. residents! Create a will with LifeSiteNews: https://www.mylegacywill.com/lifesitenews ****PROTECT Your Wealth with gold, silver, and precious metals: https://stjosephpartners.com/lifesitenews +++SHOP ALL YOUR FUN AND FAVORITE LIFESITE MERCH! https://shop.lifesitenews.com/ ****Download the all-new LSNTV App now, available on iPhone and Android!LSNTV Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lsntv/id6469105564 LSNTV Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lifesitenews.app +++Connect with John-Henry Westen and all of LifeSiteNews on social media:LifeSite: https://linktr.ee/lifesitenews John-Henry Westen: https://linktr.ee/jhwesten Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a crisis of good news in our world today. The message of the gospel - the radical, transformative love of God poured out through Jesus Christ - has become muted, obscured by the noise of culture wars and the bitter taste of Christendom's failures. For many, the idea of "evangelism" conjures up images of slick preachers and aggressive door-to-door campaigns, leaving a sour note where there should be a jubilant melody. But my guest today, Derwin Gray, is on a mission to reclaim that melody - to help believers rediscover the joy and power of sharing the good news, not as a chore or a weapon, but as an overflow of the love that has set their own hearts ablaze. As the founding pastor of Transformation Church, Derwin has witnessed firsthand the way a community can be "lit up with love" - a people so captivated by the grace of God that it spills out into every corner of their lives. In our conversation, he unpacks a vision of evangelism that is relational, empathetic, and rooted in the overwhelming reality of God's affection. It's a perspective that has the potential to rekindle our passion for the gospel and reshape how we engage a world that is, in many ways, starving for the good news. So join me as we dive into Derwin's story, and discover how the simple act of receiving God's love can transform us into everyday missionaries, compelled to share the most life-giving news the world has ever known. Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the co-founding and Lead Pastor of Transformation Church, just outside of Charlotte, NC. He is also the author of several books, including “How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and What the First Century Christians Knew about Racial Reconciliation." You can follow him at @derwinlgray on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, as well as www.derwinlgray.com.Derwin's Book:Lit Up With LoveDerwin's Recommendation:Paul: A BiographySubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowEmail jjohnson@allnations.us, so we can get your creative project off the ground! Support the show

As we discuss in today's episode—which features an interview with Dr. George Grant—the 5th through 9th centuries were marked by Guilds of Learning, which were the melding of craftsmanship with covenant succession. A student spent an entire lifetime being shaped by a master, who helped them become immersed in whatever trade they had taken up.As a result, “artists” saw themselves as workmen, and spent a lifetime honing their craft. None of this could have been possible without the emergence of a Christian education that shaped every facet of life. Da Vinci, for example, knew five languages, studied vastly, and created works of art and science that would still be wildly acclaimed centuries later. A more modern product of Christendom's genius could be found in someone else we discuss in this episode: J.R.R. Tolkien. So join us today in the King's Hall, as we discuss the importance of Christendom, guilds, and the heights of artistic and cultural development brought about by a distinctly Christian culture and people.Talk to Joe Garrisi about managing your wealth with Backwards Planning Financial.https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/joe-garrisi/planning 10 Ways to Make Money with Your MAXX-D Trailer.https://maxxdtrailers.com/10-ways-to-make-money-with-your-trailerVisit KeepwisePartners.com or call Derrick Taylor at 781-680-8000 to schedule a free consultation.https://keepwise.partners/Visit Muzzle-Loaders.com and get 10% off your first order when you use the coupon code KINGSHALL at checkout.https://muzzle-loaders.com/Buy your beef or pork box today from Salt and Strings Butchery.https://www.saltandstrings.com/Book your free consultation with Boniface Business today at https://bonifacebusiness.comVisit Mid State Accounting where your growth becomes your legacy: https://www.midstateaccounting.net/Your trusted data and technology partner. Visit White Tree Solutions: https://www.wtsdata.com/Get your tickets for the Christ Is King: How To Defeat Trash World conference.https://www.tickettailor.com/events/rightresponseministries/1267074Support the show:https://www.patreon.com/thekingshall

Friends of the Rosary,Four years after the promulgation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception by Pope Pius IX (1854), the Blessed Virgin appeared eighteen times to Bernadette  Soubirous in 1858 in Lourdes, France.On the feast of the Annunciation, March 25, the Most Holy Virgin announced her name,"I am the Immaculate Conception."Soon, a Shrine was erected, and since that time, countless pilgrims visit every year Lourdes, one of the most important "places of grace" in Christendom.In Lourdes, pilgrims open their hearts to the presence of the Mother and are captivated by the mystery of the Son.The Marian apparitions have encouraged countless souls to follow a path of conversion and personal sanctification.Pope Benedict XVI said,“The message which Our Lady still offers at Lourdes recalls the words Jesus said at the beginning of his public mission and that we hear so often in Lent: ‘Convert and believe in the Gospel, pray and do penance.”Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!+ Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠February 12, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Northern Nigeria today is arguably the most dangerous place for Christians today. Thousands of believers have been eliminated, maimed and displaced by Islamists for years. Many of those attacks came from the Fulani, a large Muslim-majority tribe. The Fulani pose a serious risk for indigenousChristians living in northern Nigeria.Amazingly, God is moving among the Fulani. One young man – Musa Bello – converted to Christianity, went to bible training, and now evangelizes among the Fulani. The evangelist Musa Bello is joyful and exudes gratitude. You would never know he faces one of the most dangerouscallings in Christendom.Like Musa, how can you serve faithfully when ministry can be costly, maybe even dangerous? What does obedience look like in the face of very real persecution? Listen to this episode of the Christian Emergency Podcast and learn from Musa Bello yourself.If you find this episode helpful, please give us a positive rating and review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Also share this episode with a friend so they too can be blessed by these insights.To learn more about resources mentioned in this episode, see the following.Evangelist Musa Bello:Ministry Twitter / XChristian Emergency Alliance (Website)Christian Emergency Alliance (Twitter / X)Christian Emergency Alliance (Facebook)Christian Emergency Alliance (Instagram)The Christian Emergency Podcast is aproduction of the Christian Emergency Alliance.Soli Deo Gloria

From Joan of Arc, the novel Mark Twain considered his finest work—one that took him longer to write than any of his other books, and one so deeply personal to him that he chose to publish it anonymously: “When we consider that her century was perhaps the most brutal, depraved, and morally corrupt in history since the Dark Ages, we are left in awe at the extraordinary emergence of such a figure from such a time. The contrast between her and her era is as stark as the difference between day and night. She was truthful in a world where deception was the norm; she was honest when integrity had nearly vanished; she kept promises when few would even make them; her great intellect was devoted to noble causes, while others squandered their brilliance on trivialities or selfish pursuits; she embodied modesty, grace, and refinement when loudness and vulgarity had become commonplace; she harbored compassion when cruelty ruled; she stood firm in her convictions when stability was unknown; she was a beacon of honor in an age that had forgotten its meaning; she was steadfast when others were adrift in doubt; she maintained her dignity in a time of sycophants and servility; she exhibited courage when her nation's hope had withered; she was pure in thought and action in an era where corruption ran rampant at the highest levels; she was all of these things in a world where crime was the everyday business of kings and nobles, and where even the most powerful figures in Christendom shocked the world with their treachery, bloodshed, and barbarism.” In this week's bonus show, Andrea mines the timeless lessons in Mark Twain's portrayal of Joan of Arc, drawing connections between her legacy and contemporary struggles—both in the U.S. and in Ukraine, which faces its most daunting challenge under Russian-backed Trump. No matter how grim the situation may seem, history shows us that movements born from collective action can prevail. Want to enjoy Gaslit Nation ad-free? Join our community of listeners for bonus shows, ad-free episodes, exclusive Q&A sessions, our group chat, invites to live events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, and more! Sign up at Patreon.com/Gaslit!   Show Notes: People's March January 18: Find a location near you: https://map.wewontgoback.com/local People's March–more info: https://www.peoplesmarch.com/ Opening Clip: https://x.com/atrupar/status/1879698232495734828 Is American an Oligarchy? https://www.gaslitnationpod.com/episodes-transcripts-20/2024/12/10/is-america-an-oligarchy Rep. Rick Crawford expected to serve as House Intelligence chair https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/01/16/congress/crawford-to-be-named-house-intel-chair-00198644  Luigi Mangione: Shooter or Superfan? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwGVUvq7Pq4&t=18s  ICYMI: Here are previous documents the Security Committee has shared: • Tech Travel Tips : https://web.tresorit.com/l/hmKP6#FFHiLuu45pSJtMo_Z9Zp9Q • Why defending your right to privacy is important: https://web.tresorit.com/l/73FHq#ip5_zE6hhWkuaDMBAAhpYw • Introduction to VPN https://web.tresorit.com/l/WHdqz#-zI5O7Q2zHznO_NG7aZWPQ • Three Security Steps to Take Today: https://web.tresorit.com/l/417K9#CaDJOcOrEOta4T5oDlNsYw • Practice Safe Data Security: https://web.tresorit.com/l/hiw9s#wOykkL6Lh_Hz_TbRsiCiEQ  Read all the details in the PDF here: https://web.tresorit.com/l/W6ots#IydZ2pnTmE1MLPJLkLZ73A   For the Gaslit Nation Book Club – First Meeting at the Gaslit Nation Salon on February 24 at 4pm ET:   Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl https://bookshop.org/p/books/man-s-search-for-meaning-viktor-e-frankl/8996943?ean=9780807014271   The Stranger: Introduction by Keith Gore Albert Camus (Author)  Matthew Ward (Translator) https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-stranger-introduction-by-keith-gore-albert-camus/18890716?ean=9780679420262