POPULARITY
The blueprint for Christian character development the Apostle Peter gives us in 2 Peter 1 focuses us on a profound series of steps we need to take in order to be more Christlike. With this blueprint, Peter lays out for us a ladder of Christian character development. As we examine it, we find that each rung of this ladder is vital to our success in climbing up onto the next rung. In the last five parts of this series, we have focused on one rung of this ladder at a time and worked on making the connections between what our foundation is and how each step makes us more like Jesus. Now comes the sixth step, and this one really begins to shape what our outward Christian character should look like! In this episode, we continue our Christian Character Series by examining the sixth rung of Peter's “virtue ladder” in 2 Peter 1:5‑7: godliness. Godliness is not “looking religious,” but a whole‑life orientation toward God, expressed through reverence, devotion, humility and a character that consistently seeks God's will. It is the “allegiance of our character,” the natural outgrowth of perseverance and self‑control working together. Fake godliness Godliness is not something humans possess naturally; it must be developed intentionally through discipline, sound doctrine and a continual turning away from worldly distractions (1 Timothy 4:6‑8). True godliness grows from the inside out and can’t be faked, even though many in the “last days” may display only an appearance of it (2 Timothy 3:1‑5). Real godliness is rooted in Christ's teachings, not tradition, and must never be used as a means of earthly gain (1 Timothy 6:3‑10). Instead, godliness produces contentment, freeing believers from the traps of wealth, status and self‑promotion. Misplaced priorities We also highlight the dangers of misplaced priorities through Jesus' Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:22) and the encounter with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16‑22). Can we truly be called “men or women of God” (1 Timothy 6:11)? Are we pursuing transformation through the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2‑3)? Ultimately, godliness must be visible, shining as a testimony that glorifies God (Matthew 5:16). It is the payoff of perseverance and a foundational step toward authentic discipleship. Key Takeaways Godliness is the allegiance of our character, formed by the previous five virtues. True godliness is internal, genuine and rooted in Scripture, not outward performance. It can’t be used for earthly gain; its true gain is contentment. Godliness requires discipline, perseverance and continual renewal of the mind. It must be visible, shining in a way that glorifies God, not us.
Join Pastor Michael for the 2026 Lenten Soup and Supper kickoff where we begin a sustained conversation about the center of Christian character and an exploration of how gratitude is an essential foundation for every Christian life.
In a world of cynicism and exhaustion, how can a Christian be a source of life to others? This study of Philemon moves beyond abstract theology into the "messiness of reconciliation" and the power of a "refreshing" character. Discover how the Gospel transforms our identity and turns us into "refreshers" who lift the weight off the hearts of those around us
Servants of ChristSeries: Christian Character Preacher: Kate DommettSunday MorningDate: 22nd February 2026Passages: John 12:23-26Philippians 1:1-2
Long-time Seacoaster, Jack Hoey, Jr. joins the podcast to discuss the valuable insight found in his new book, "Becoming Yourself: A Perspective on Christian Character." As a young adult, Jack revered his father and wanted to emulate his positive attributes. So, he approached this endeavor in a way that he metaphorically describes as "putting on a jacket" for a quick outer fix of becoming his dad. He soon realized that real heart change takes time and comes from within. In this discussion, Jack refers to the centerpiece of his book, 2 Peter 1:5-7, to describe "God's will" for everyone. He also shares why it's healthy for faith to reach a breaking point, what it means to say "yes" to suffering, and how people can't be completely objective about another with love. Jack also brings valuable insight on reading Scripture, having a responsive heart toward others, leading a quiet life, and working for justice. From Jack Hoey Jr: LinkIn Profile: Accomplished executive with unusual breadth of skills in finance, operations, and strategy development and implementation. Successful experience in settings ranging from global firms to start-ups. Decisive leader who communicates requirements clearly, builds high-functioning teams, and elicits excellent performance.On this Episode:Jack Hoey Jr. | Linkedin | Book (Website) | Book (Amazon)Hosts: Jack Hoey III | Lynne Stroy | Joey Svendsen Be a Patron of the podcast We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. We'd love to hear from you. E-mail Joey HERE. Producer/Editor/host: Joey SvendsenSound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver
Jesus didn't call us to be fans—He called us to be disciples. In this sermon from John 1:14, we look at what it truly means to follow Christ in everyday life. We shouldn't just believe in Him, we should also sound like Him. Our words reveal who we listen to, who we belong to, and who we love.If you've ever wondered whether your faith is evident outside of Sunday mornings, this message will challenge and encourage you to speak with grace, truth, and purpose.Your words should be windows that reveal Jesus, not walls that conceal Him.Check out the live preaching sermon here.
The blueprint for Christian Character development that the Apostle Peter gives us in 2 Peter chapter 1 focuses us on a profound series of steps we need to take in order to be more Christlike. Based upon God's power and promises, Peter lays out for us the blueprint for a ladder of Christian character development. Peter has taught us that each rung of this ladder is very important to our success in climbing onto the next rung up. In the last four parts of this series, we have focused on one rung of this ladder at a time. We worked on making the connections between what our foundation is and how each step makes us more like Jesus. Step 5 on the ladder Christian perseverance is the fifth step following faith, moral excellence, knowledge and self‑control. Perseverance means “cheerful, hopeful endurance”—an active, conscious decision to “stay under” the weight of trials with constancy. It is not drudgery. It is a spiritually energized commitment to keep moving forward. Perseverance is essential because self‑control can’t survive without it. Scripture shows that perseverance grows out of justification, peace with God, and His grace (Romans 5), and is modeled perfectly by Jesus in his endurance of the torturous cross experience (Hebrews 12). Developing endurance Christians develop perseverance through three major arenas: trials, persecution and loyalty testing. Trials cultivate endurance that leads to maturity, as seen in James' teaching and in real-life examples of believers who endure suffering with faith. Persecution requires principled perseverance, following Jesus' example of non-retaliation and trusting God's power when feeling afflicted or targeted. Loyalty testing cultivates perseverance that glorifies God in every circumstance, choosing prayer, spiritual perspective, and Christlike responses over fleshly reactions. Perseverance strengthens what has already been built—faith, moral excellence, knowledge and self‑control—while enabling continued spiritual growth. Ultimately, perseverance is the allegiance of our energy to God's will, empowered by His spirit, inspired by Jesus' sacrifice, and necessary to receive the promised reward. It keeps us from giving up, restores our confidence and helps us “run and not grow weary” as we walk in Christ's footsteps. Key Takeaways Perseverance = cheerful, hopeful endurance, not mere survival. Self‑control collapses without perseverance; endurance keeps spiritual progress intact. Jesus is the model of joyful endurance, inspiring us not to lose heart. Trials develop maturity, producing endurance that leads to completeness. Persecution requires principled perseverance, following Jesus' example of never retaliating. Loyalty to God is proven through endurance, glorifying Him in every circumstance.
Called to PersevereSeries: Christian Character Preacher: Emma AymesSunday MorningDate: 15th February 2026Passage: 2 Timothy 1:8-2:7
The blueprint for Christian character development that the Apostle Peter gives us in 2 Peter 1 focuses us on a profound series of steps we need to take in order to be more Christlike. As a basis for this needed growth, we have seen how God's promises help us to be ready to systematically take the next step up Peter's “ladder” of Christian character development. So far in our series, we have begun to see how each step up this ladder needs the step before in order to actually bring us towards true daily discipleship. We now continue this character development process by looking into the fourth step up towards Christlikeness. This fourth rung in Peter's “virtue ladder” from 2 Peter 1:5‑7 is self‑control, the “allegiance of our passions.” The first three rungs—faith, moral excellence and knowledge, deal primarily with internal transformation. Self‑control is the pivot point where that inner work begins to show up in real‑world choices. The Greek word for this conveys mastery, inner power and dominion over oneself. For Christians, this begins with preventing harmful or unproductive thoughts from becoming actions, and culminates in actively choosing what is spiritual, wholesome and Christlike. Our discipline requires self‑examination: identifying what naturally pulls us off course so we can learn to make adjustments. The self-control of an athlete running a race Paul's athletic metaphors in 1 Corinthians 9 highlight three components of self-control: intentional focus on the goal, embracing necessary limitations and wholehearted perseverance. Like a trained athlete, we as Christians must make many daily small, disciplined choices that strengthen spiritual “muscle memory.” Self-control also shapes how we view and treat others, enabling us to respond with grace rather than instinctive frustration. It's important to recognize that self-control is not a standalone virtue, and it stabilizes the entire structure of our Christian characters. Without knowledge, self-control becomes directionless; without self-control, perseverance becomes impossible. When rooted in faith, moral excellence, and knowledge, self-control opens the door to genuine spiritual growth and Christlike living. Key Takeaways Self-control is the “allegiance of our passions,” the disciplined governing of our impulses and desires. It is the pivot point where inner transformation becomes outward behavior. True self-control begins with restraint and culminates in choosing what is spiritually beneficial. The Apostle Paul's athletic imagery teaches focus, limitation and perseverance as essential components. Self-control shapes how we respond to others, reflecting Christ rather than our impulses. It stabilizes the entire virtue ladder and enables the next step: perseverance.
Greatness Through HumilitySeries: Christian Character Preacher: The Rt. Rev. Mike HillSunday MorningDate: 8th February 2026Passage: Mark 10:32-45
Bro. Doug Foster presents "Christian Character" from Joshua 24, during a worship service at Immanuel Baptist Church, Florence, Ky. Please visit us at 7183 Pleasant Valley Road Florence KY 41042, or call us at (859) 586-6829. Church links: Website: https://www.ibcflorence.com Daily Devotions: https://www.ibcflorence.com/devotions Free App: http://www.ibcflorence.com/ibc-app Our entire list of recent sermons: https://www.ibcflorence.com/recent-sermons Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ibcflorence Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibcflorenceky Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibcflorence/ Podcasts: https://soundcloud.com/user-658781358 Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/ibcflorence/live We would love to know how to pray for you! Romans 10:9
In this message from Colossians 3:12–17, we explore what it truly means to become new in Christ—not just by removing old habits, but by intentionally putting on the ways of Jesus. Paul calls us to put on the character of Christ, the relationships of Christ, and the worship of Christ. Rather than trying harder, we're invited to live differently—allowing compassion, forgiveness, unity, and worship to shape our daily lives and witness. Becoming new is not accidental—it's a daily, intentional practice of living out the identity we've already been given in Christ.
In 2 Peter 1, the Apostle Peter laid out a phenomenal blueprint for us to follow regarding the how and why of developing a focused and loyal character that is modeled after Christ. After reminding us of the incomprehensible promises that God brings us through His power and Jesus' sacrifice, he then focuses us on doing our part. Peter gives us a blueprint for building a virtue “ladder” of Christian character development, of which the first rung is our faith. Because we have the firm footing of Christian faith in place, we can then develop “moral excellence,” which in turn gives us the stability to next develop knowledge. As we will continue to see, when followed, the order of developing these attributes of our Christian characters will yield an unbreakable allegiance to daily, living God's will through Christ! Peter's ladder sequence is intentional: faith establishes our direction, moral excellence aligns our heart with God's highest standards, and only then can knowledge become a stable, Christlike attribute rather than a source of pride or harm. By contrasting godly vs. misapplied knowledge, we can see that without moral excellence, it can inflate ego and harm others. Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 8 shows that even correct knowledge can become destructive if it emboldens weaker Christians to violate their conscience. True Christian knowledge must therefore be governed by love, humility and responsibility. How much of the Bible do I have to know? This is not about mastering every prophecy or detail, but about understanding Christlikeness and allowing God's light to shape our intellect. All Scripture – both in the Old and New Testaments – is the essential source of this knowledge, forming a lifelong journey of discernment, filtering out worldly influences, and taking every thought captive to Christ. God's plan is expansive, merciful and awe‑inspiring. Recognizing its depth should cultivate gratitude rather than arrogance. Paul's example in Philippians 3 shows the surpassing value of knowing Christ, which makes all previous accomplishments seem like “rubbish” in comparison. Ultimately, knowledge becomes transformative when it flows from faith, is shaped by moral excellence, and leads us toward deeper loyalty to God's will. Key Takeaways Knowledge must be built on faith and moral excellence to avoid arrogance. Misapplied knowledge can harm others while godly knowledge is always governed by love. All Scripture is the authoritative source of Christian understanding. True knowledge produces humility, responsibility and awe at God's plan.
Resisting TemptationSeries: Christian Character Preacher: David EgglestonSunday MorningDate: 1st February 2026Passage: Genesis 39:1-23
In 2 Peter chapter 1, the Apostle Peter is laying out a phenomenal blueprint for us to follow regarding the how and why of developing a focused and loyal character modeled after Christ. He begins by reminding us of the majesty and power of God, along with the loyalty and sacrifice of Jesus. He tells us that because God is as lofty as He is, we are given incomprehensible promises that can bring us to God's own divine nature. He then tells us what's required on our part. Peter explains that because of these promises, we need to apply all diligence, and in our faith, we need to supply – to develop and live – a character that will nurture and grow specific virtues of Christlikeness. As we continue our Christian Character Series, the second “Allegiance Attribute” in Peter's spiritual blueprint is moral excellence. Building on the foundation of faith, we find that that moral excellence is not merely good behavior but wholehearted allegiance of the heart—a life shaped by God's purpose and modeled after His own character. This excellence evokes the idea of something fulfilling its highest purpose, like a horse that runs fast, or land that produces abundantly. For Christians, this moral excellence means living in a way that reflects God's excellence and demonstrates that His purpose truly matters to us. Inward excellence and outward goodness This inward excellence naturally produces outward goodness, the visible conduct others can observe. Drawing from several scriptures, we can observe how moral excellence expresses itself through humility, patience, forgiveness, perseverance, gratitude and Spirit‑led transformation. True Christian virtue is not simply avoiding wrongdoing but actively embodying Christlike character in everyday interactions. The challenge is that God's standard is high, and we will fail repeatedly. Yet Peter reassures us that God has already provided “everything pertaining to life and godliness,” equipping us through His promises to grow into His divine likeness. Moral excellence becomes possible, not because we are strong, but because God is faithful. Ask yourself: Is my moral excellence stronger today than yesterday? Am I becoming the person God intends me to be? Key Takeaways Moral excellence is the allegiance of the heart, reflecting God's character and purpose. Inner excellence produces visible goodness. True virtue requires intentional growth, not just avoiding sin but embodying Christlike qualities. God equips believers with everything needed to develop moral excellence through His promises. Spiritual progress requires perseverance, humility and daily habits that nurture transformation.
The Cost of CommitmentSeries: Christian Character Preacher: The Rt. Rev. Mike HillSunday MorningDate: 25th January 2026Passage: Luke 14:25-35
The Apostle Peter began his second letter to all Christians by addressing the very formation of our Christian lives. He proceeded to lay out a deep and profound series of character development steps to show us how to completely and wholly grow into mature disciples of Christ. In Part I of this series, we covered the first four verses of 2 Peter chapter 1. These verses laid out a broad foundation for the development of our Christian character that is based on who God is, what He promises us and what Jesus has done. The next part of the blueprint for our character development is to not only show us traits we need to have included in our Christlikeness, but HOW we are to include them. This episode reveals how Peter unfolds his spirit-driven, exciting and practical approach to building a true Christlike character. Peter's blueprint continues with a command: “…applying all diligence.” The Greek terms reveal a vivid picture—bringing our effort alongside what God has already supplied, and doing so with eagerness, earnestness and speed. Diligence is the opposite of sluggishness; it reflects a focused loyalty to God's will. As we receive God's promises, we are to simultaneously apply this diligence. The first area where diligence must operate is our faith. Faith is not a wish; rather, it is a conviction grounded in God's reality. It is a gift, and though not earned, it must be tested, strengthened and lived. Trials develop endurance, and endurance matures character. Faith becomes what we call an “Allegiance Attribute”—a foundational internal quality that shapes all the other traits Peter will list. Faith must be active, single‑minded and visible through works. Just as Christ fully supplies the body and Christians supply one another, we are called to fully supply our own character with what it needs to grow. Ultimately, God abundantly supplies entrance into the eternal kingdom, far beyond mere adequacy. Our role is to respond to His overwhelming provision with the diligent and eager faith that fuels the lifelong process of Christlike transformation. Key Takeaways God's promises form the foundation for Christian character development. “Applying all diligence” means bringing earnest effort alongside God's provision. Faith is the first and foundational Allegiance Attribute. Faith must be active, tested, single‑minded and visible through works. Growth is mutual: God supplies us, we supply our character, and we in turn support others. God's supply is abundant and our response to it must be diligent and wholehearted.
Showing CompassionSeries: Christian Character Preacher: Jim RichardsSunday MorningDate: 18th January 2026Passage: Luke 10:25-37
The Apostle Peter began his second letter to all Christians by addressing the very formation of our Christian lives. He proceeded to lay out a deep and profound series of character development steps to show us how to completely and wholly grow into mature disciples of Christ. To begin this process, his clear message in the first four verses of Chapter 1 verifies that we have been given EVERYTHING we need to be faithful to our call. Peter directly connects God's promises to our faithfulness. What is it about His promises that has such a powerful influence on the everyday lives of those who are “called according to His purpose”? How can we clearly and definitively apply these promises to each and every day of our lives? This episode explores how God's promises transform the life of a Christian, using 2 Peter 1:1–4 as the foundation. Peter opens his letter by reminding Christians that they have received a “like precious faith”—a faith equal in value to that of the apostles. This faith requires a life of non‑conformity to the world, inner transformation and continual renewal through God's spirit. Such faith is rooted in the righteous acts of Jesus, whose obedience satisfied divine justice and opened the way for believers to become “new creations.” Grace and peace Peter then highlights that God multiplies grace and peace in the lives of those who grow in true knowledge of Him. This knowledge (Greek: epignosis) is not superficial; it is a deep, ever‑advancing understanding gained through study, prayer, discipline and perseverance. God's divine power has already provided everything necessary for life and godliness, regardless of one's circumstances. Christians are fully integrated into God's plan—granted access, citizenship, a spiritual foundation and a place in His household. Only after establishing this foundation does Peter introduce God's “precious and magnificent promises.” These promises are trustworthy because they come from God's unchanging character. They include peace, strength in temptation, instruction, protection, courage, assurance, hope and an ultimate reward of immortality. Importantly, these promises do not remove trials but walk Christians through them, shaping Christlike character. The purpose of these promises is transformative. Through them, we may become “partakers of the divine nature,” escaping the corruption of the world. This extraordinary privilege is granted only to faithful followers of Christ who live in alignment with God's will. Peter's introduction sets the stage for the “ladder of virtues” in 2 Peter 1:5–7, which outlines the step‑by‑step development of Christian character. The promises are tools that empower us to grow into mature disciples whose allegiance is fully centered on God. Key Takeaways God's promises are powerful because of who God is—unchanging, truthful and sovereign. These promises equip, not escape; they strengthen Christians to endure trials. True transformation requires knowledge, discipline and alignment with God's will. The promises ultimately enable faithful followers of Jesus to become partakers of the divine nature.
Living Holy LivesSeries: Christian Character Preacher: Alex PettSunday MorningDate: 11th January 2026Passage: Ephesians 4:17-5:7
Various December 28, 2025 AM.In this sermon, we examine the general nature of how we can build Christian character without falling prey to a law-based approach, which did not work in the prior era and will not work in the modern time. We learned about God's "tools" to develop our character, including His Spirit, His Word, and His Church. We also thought about the transformative nature of our union with Christ and ongoing relationship with Him. These things cause Christian growth, which changes the nature and amount of behavioral "fruit" that we produce in our lives.
Many believers confuse the appearance of virtue with its substance. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explain how virtue signaling arises from fear, peer pressure, and the desire for approval, showing how social media rewards superficial displays of spirituality. They clarify that true virtue cannot be created through posts or outrage but develops through taking time, studying Scripture deeply, and allowing God's righteousness to transform motives. They warn that when believers seek visibility, they risk drifting from the quiet work of communion with God and settling for habits that enhance their image rather than strengthen the soul. The guys point out how easy it is to share spiritual content without letting it take root, leading to performance rather than genuine transformation. They encourage Christians to confess sin promptly, seek God's approval above human applause, and establish daily routines that shape the heart. In doing so, believers learn to live with sincerity, depth, and a consistent pursuit of true virtue.Send us a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro
Bobby Bosler shares a simple Christmas challenge from Mark 10:45: Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. With Christmas break and “time off,” it's easy to drift into an entitlement mindset, but Jesus' coming calls us to a different posture. This episode urges young people to make Christmas break a season of joyful, intentional ministry at home, in the church, and in the community.Topics DiscussedSnow culture shock: Wisconsin vs. the mountains of West VirginiaWhy Mark 10:45 is a “Christmas verse” in contextThe temptation of “me-first” living during breaks and holidaysEntitlement at home (parents, siblings, routines, expectations)Serving practically in your local church during Christmas events“Don't be a jerk this Christmas”: choosing humility and helpfulnessTotal surrender expressed through ministry that benefits “many”Key TakeawaysJesus had every right to be served, yet He chose to serve. Follow His example.Christmas break is a gift, not a license to drift into selfish patterns.The most encouraging thing you can bring home is a servant spirit.Serving your family and church is not “extra,” it's part of living surrendered.A Christ-centered Christmas looks like giving yourself for the good of others. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.
Send us a textIn the last MMD for 2025, Pastor Jackson closes out this series with some final thoughts and more excerpts from "Follow Me". People aren't nearly as offended by our doctrine as they are about our hypocrisy. As Christians, we simply need to live out our faith if we intend to draw others to Christ. Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond
What if adding value to someone's life started with something as simple as your next word, action, or quiet act of service? This reflection challenges us to practice thoughtful consideration—so that what we think, say, and do consistently builds others up at home and beyond.
Send us a textIn this week's MMD, Pastor Jackson stresses unity within the church. The entire point of love and reconciliation, which is at the heart of this faith, is so that we can move on together unified in the Spirit, instead of staying together broken. Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond
Send us a textIn this week's MMD, Pastor Jackson reminds us that as Christians, we are called to compassion and reconciliation. This is our Christian duty as new creatures in Christ. Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond
Send us a text
Send us a textIn this week's MMD, Pastor Jackson continues his conversation on forgiveness and reminds us that any successful relationship of any kind thrives and survives through repeated acts of grace. Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond
Send us a textIn this week's MMD, Pastor Jackson discusses the importance of not trying to grow Christians too fast when they haven't mastered some of the basics of the faith, like loving and forgiving one another. Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond
Dave Rich examines virtue ethics within Christian teaching, contrasting secular approaches with biblical principles. While godless virtue ethics lacks authority and struggles with practical guidance, Christian virtue ethics finds its foundation in God's character and Christ's perfect example. Scripture emphasizes moral excellence through passages such as 2 Peter 1:3-8, which call believers to cultivate virtues including knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, and love.Virtue ethics complements deontological commands and teleological purposes in comprehensive Christian ethics. Believers imitate Christ as the perfect exemplar, bearing God's image through godly attributes that produce righteous actions, for a good tree bears good fruit. ★ Support this podcast ★
Send us a text In this episode, we discuss the importance of Christian character and conduct after salvation. We try to emphasize that our character is the condition of our heart, while our conduct is the outward expression of it. God works within believers to develop these traits, while prayer shapes our character and conduct. We stress the need for all believers to live holy lives, follow Christ's example, and be obedient to God's guidance.
Send us a textIn this week's MMD, Pastor Jackson shares more excerpts from "Follow Me" and talks about the person, the pattern, and the principles of Christ, and how they cause us to be charitable as Christians, not selfish. Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond
True champions aren't made on the battlefield—they're forged in secret obedience. In this Thursday evening message, Pastor Dean Miller draws from David's life to reveal what gives a believer the heart to stand strong for God. Be challenged to cultivate courage, humility, and faithfulness that win unseen battles.This is the ninth sermon in a special series that will contain all of the sermons and workshops delivered at the 2025 Thee Generation Youth Summit at Falls Baptist Church in Menomonee Falls, WI this past October 8–10, 2025.Don't forget to make plans to join hundreds of other young people next October 14–16, 2026 for our annual meeting in Menomonee Falls, WI. For more information, please visit theegeneration.org/tgys. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.
Send us a textIn this week's MMD, Pastor Jackson reminds us that the emphasis of the faith should always be on Jesus. While others in the Bible can provide encouragement and inspiration, the basis of Christianity is always Jesus. Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond
Send us a textIn Part 5 of this series, Pastor Jackson focuses on having a servant's heart. Many of us are looking for titles in the faith to make us feel more important. Meanwhile, God is looking for those that are willing to serve. Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond
Dr. Patrick explores how education has shifted from forming virtue to producing information, how “evidence-based” medicine often becomes “authority-based,” and why true learning requires humility, diligent study, and a willingness to repent. He also discusses the consequences of identity politics and the loss of honest dialogue in universities, touching on the cultural impacts of feminism, competence, and gender differences in learning and vocation. This thought-provoking discussion reminds us that wisdom begins with truth, and truth begins with character. // LINKS // Website: https://www.johnpatrick.ca/ Podcast: https://doctorjohnpatrick.podbean.com/ Biblical Literate Quiz: https://www.johnpatrick.ca/meaning-metaphor-and-allusion/ Recommended Reading list: https://www.johnpatrick.ca/book-list/ Ask Doctor John: https://www.johnpatrick.ca/ask/ LINKS: https://beacons.ai/doctorjohnpatrick
Send us a textIn Part 4 of this series, Pastor Jackson shares more excerpts from his book "Follow Me" as he discusses the importance of being built on a solid foundation and the validity of our faith. Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond
Send us a textIn Part 3 of this series, Pastor Jackson stresses that Christ must be at the center of all that we do as Christians. Also, he discusses the importance of being our brother's keeper. Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond
Send us a textIn this week's MMD, Pastor Jackson stresses the importance of service as Christians. There's no way that we can help the less fortunate that we are called to serve if we insist on looking down on them. Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond
Send us a textPastor Jackson returns from his hiatus with a new MMD series discussing what it really means to be a Christian at heart. With the recent events in this country, which included the murder of a right wing podcaster that claimed Christianity, we begin a new conversation on what the faith should look like in our actions and in the words we speak. Here's a hint: It's nothing like America would have us to believe. Take a listen and share!Support the showBe sure to find us at www.facebook.com/krjministriesTo become a patron, visit www.patreon.com/PurposeAndBeyond
Christian Character produces Christian Unity. Gentleness Patience Love We have a Singular, One and Only, Unifying Faith One Spirit - One Hope - One Lord - One faith - One Baptism - One God and Father - “of all who is overall and through all and in all.” Jesus Christ has given us the gifts we need by his grace. What Gifts did Jesus give us? Apostles - most importantly, writing the Scriptures Prophets - proclaiming the Word of God Evangelists - Preaching the Good News Shepherds/Pastors - Caring for and feeding the flockTeachers - rightly handling the Word of God. What is the result of the work of the church leaders? Our calling to Maturity In verse 4:13-14, we see a list of benchmarks to maturity . . . 1. Unity of the Faith - 2. Knowledge of the Son of God - no sermon should be without Christ. 3. To Mature Manhood 4. To Become like Jesus. This is our calling as believers. “To the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” 5. No Longer Be Children - unsteady and easily led astray - EXERCISE WISDOM Wind of Doctrine, Human Cunning, Craftiness in deceitful schemes
Kingdom of Peace - The Christian Character | Matthew 5:7-9 | Jared Osselaer | August 24, 2025
In this sermon, Pastor Devin explores the Christian principle of humility through Philippians 2:5-11. He emphasizes that humility is not natural to the human condition, which tends toward pride and self-focus. The pastor explains that Jesus exemplified perfect humility by emptying himself, taking the form of a servant, and submitting to death on a cross despite being fully God. This humility led to his exaltation by God.Humility is not natural to humans but is essential for Christians as it was exemplified by Jesus throughout His life and death.True humility begins in the heart as an inner disposition, not just outward actions or a soft exterior.Jesus, though fully God, emptied Himself by taking the form of a servant and submitting to death on a cross.In God's upside-down kingdom, the way up is down - those who humble themselves will be exalted by God at the proper time.Humility requires actively crucifying pride and recognizing that everything we have comes from God.Support the show
In this solo episode, Bobby Bosler reflects on a summer of surprising stability while ministering from his new home base in Fairmont, West Virginia. Drawing from Psalm 15, he explores the traits of someone who is unshakable—not because of circumstances, but because of nearness to God. With biblical insight and practical challenges, this episode calls young listeners to examine their own lives and find spiritual stability in drawing close to the Lord.Topics DiscussedSummer gospel victories in West VirginiaHow Psalm 15 defines spiritual stabilityThe question: “Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?”What it means to walk blamelessly and obedientlyInternal honesty vs. self-deceptionThe dangers of slander and taking up offensesLearning to hate sin and love righteousnessKeeping your word, even when it hurtsManipulation, corruption, and integrity in relationshipsA call to walk near to God for unshakable stabilityKey TakeawaysSpiritual stability isn't about external calm—it's about internal nearness to God.Psalm 15 gives practical, convicting marks of the unshakable believer.God desires not just outward obedience but inward honesty and consistent integrity.The things that make us unstable—manipulation, slander, compromise—can be replaced by holy living if we draw near to God.Living close to God will expose sin and bring the strength to live unmovable. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.