Podcast appearances and mentions of christian churches

Missionary Evangelist Robert Breaker teaches Sunday School at Unity Baptist Church in Statesville, North Carolina on March 30th, 2025, in which he talks about salvation and the importance of blood for the forgiveness of sins, something that is left out in many so-called Christian Churches today. He further stresses the biblical teaching of TRUSTING IN or placing your FAITH IN the blood of Jesus (Rom. 3:25), in order to receive the sacrificial blood atonement of Jesus (Rom. 5:11).

The Nicene Creed, which emerged from the Council of Nicaea, remains a foundational declaration of Christian faith today. But what exactly was Nicaea? Why does it still matter to Christians centuries later?  This special deep dive unravels what made the council groundbreaking and explores how it continues to impact Christian life today. Host Colleen Dulle brings listeners inside its rich history through interviews with experts; theologians, ecumenical scholars and historians. Our guests include: Aristotle (Telly) Papanikolaou, Professor of Theology and the Archbishop Demetrios Chair in Orthodox Theology and Culture at Fordham University  John Chryssavgis, deacon of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Donald Bolen, Archbishop of Regina in Canada and a member of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity  Married professors Ben Hohman, a Roman Catholic, and Claire Koen, an Eastern Orthodox Christian Sandra Beardsall, Professor of Church History and Ecumenics at St. Andrew's College in Saskatoon, Canada, an ordained United Church minister and a member of the World Council of Churches' Faith and Order Commission Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alan's Soaps https://www.AlansArtisanSoaps.comUse coupon code TODD to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bioptimizers https://Bioptimizers.com/toddEnter promo code TODD to get 10% off your order of MassZymes today.Bizable https://GoBizable.comUntie your business exposure from your personal exposure with BiZABLE.  Schedule your FREE consultation at GoBizAble.com today.  Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/toddThe new GOLDEN AGE is here!  Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.Bulwark Capital Bulwark Capital Management (bulwarkcapitalmgmt.com)Get a second opinion on the health of your retirement portfolio today. Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review. go to KnowYourRiskRadio.com today.Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddEpisode Links:JUST IN: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announces a FULL investigation into Biden's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. “There WILL be accountability!”INSANE: FBI Director James Comey ADMITS his crimes, BRAGS about entrapping Trump White House Officials by Targeting the inexperienced new Trump administration: “I called Flynn said we'll send a couple guys over. They interviewed him. We didn't tell him why they were sent.”Brace yourself for five minutes of jaw-dropping testimony exposing how U.S. taxpayer dollars are being funneled to terrorist groups via USAID. Here are some of the most shocking moments:REP MTG: DEMS ARE CRYING BUT PEOPLE ARE HAPPY ABOUT WHAT ELON IS DOINGGovernment employee compares replying to an email to “what I imagine living in North Korea to be like”Hateful, @JoyVBehar flaunts anti-immigrant bigotry against @ElonMusk. She decries him because "the guy was not born in this country." She falsely claims that, as a child, Musk was "pro-apartheid." She calls him a "this foreigner, foreign agent," and "enemy of the United States. She was shocked to find out that Musk is a naturalized U.S. citizen, then questions if he came legally.Atlanta mega pastor Jamal Bryant calls Black Trump supporters & Black MAGA kewns and runaway slaves. Is Dr. Bryant using his pulpit to be racially offensive to Black people?Sunny Hostin: Opposing Wokeness ‘Is Ungodly' and ‘Not Christian!'Best Of

Hour one of Larry Conners USA: RUMBLE: https://rumble.com/c/c-1568182 WEBSITE: https://www.larryconnersusa.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/larryconnersusa NEWSTALK STL: https://newstalkstl.com/larry/ The post Why Are Christian Churches Crashing and Burning? / 6P LC-USA 3-26-25 appeared first on Larry Conners USA.

the monday message

"Let us know what you think."Is it to be resisted at all costs or are there lessons to learn?

Imagine following Jesus—and losing everything because of it. Your job, your friends, even your life. That's exactly the type of hardship the Christians in ancient Smyrna faced. We learn about this in Revelation 2:8:11. In the Book of Revelation, Jesus dictated seven letters to the Apostle John when appearing to John in his prison cave on Patmos. Seven letters to seven early Christian Churches, and the second letter goes to the Church in Smyrna.Smyrna's letter is designed to provide comfort and encouragement. Why? Because the Christ followers there were faithful, but they were suffering. Slandered, arrested, even killed for their faith. Can you imagine being persecuted for your faith in Jesus? But right in the middle of their darkest moment, Jesus speaks directly to them—and to us today—with three powerful truths.First: Don't be afraid! Jesus reminds the church that He is “the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.” Translation? Your suffering doesn't have the final word—Jesus does! You may feel like life is beating you down, but don't let fear take over.Second: Stay faithful! Being faithful means believing God has a purpose for your pain. God doesn't send suffering, but He does permit pain. And if you trust in Jesus, you can rest assured that He works everything together for the good of those who love Him.Third: It won't last forever. Jesus promises that those who stay faithful will receive a “victor's crown.” Your struggles are temporary, but your reward is eternal. The gift of Heaven awaits, so hold on—victory is coming!Now, let's be real—you may not face the same kind of persecution today, but don't minimize your pain by comparing it to others. From medical issues, to wayward children, and financial stress, many Christians today are suffering. Know that your Lord and Savior sees you too, so this is also a word of encouragement for you! Watch this powerful message from Pastor Tim Lucas, which is the fourth in a chapter-by-chapter masterclass unpacking the powerful prophecy of Revelation.A MASTERCLASS ON THE BOOK OF REVELATIONHave you ever read Revelation and wondered, “What did I just read?” The Bible's last book is filled with strange symbols and mysterious messages that confuse modern minds. In this masterclass, Pastor Tim Lucas breaks down Revelation verse-by-verse in a way that's easy-to-grasp without watering down this powerful prophecy. Prepare to have your eyes opened and faith strengthened. Yes, you can read, see, and understand Revelation! #ChristianSuffering #Revelation #LiquidChurch

Imagine one day you receive a letter from Jesus and inside is your performance review. Can you imagine getting a report card from Jesus with details of what you're doing well and what He's concerned about?! Well, in the Book of Revelation we learn that Jesus dictated seven letters to the Apostle John when appearing to John in his prison cave on Patmos. Seven letters to seven early Christian Churches, and the first letter (aka performance review) goes to the Church in Ephesus, which we read in Revelation 2:1-7. Now Ephesus was the largest city in Asia Minor–it was rich, powerful, and filled with pagan idols. In Ephesus there are two temples that stand out: The Temple of Diana where people worshipped sex and the Temple of Domitian where people worshipped politics. Life was EXTREMELY HARD for the Ephesian Christians.On the one hand, they were tempted by sexual immorality and on the other pressured to worship political leaders. Here's what's crazy, 2,000 years later we are dealing with the same stuff! We are living in 21st century Ephesus. These letters in Revelation are written TO them, but they are also FOR us today!And while Jesus has much praise for His church in Ephesus (their performance review starts out really strong), He hits them with the truth that despite resisting the temptations of sex and politics: “You have forsaken the love you had at first.” Somewhere along the way, the Ephesian Christians developed a hard heart. Their love for Jesus became cold. Faith became a duty. They were just doing the church thing. And this points to a moment of self-reflection for all of us today, because if you don't have God's love, all you have is dead religion.Watch this powerful message from Pastor Tim Lucas, which is the third in a chapter-by-chapter masterclass unpacking the powerful prophecy of Revelation.A MASTERCLASS ON THE BOOK OF REVELATIONHave you ever read Revelation and wondered, “What did I just read?” The Bible's last book is filled with strange symbols and mysterious messages that confuse modern minds. In this masterclass, Pastor Tim Lucas breaks down Revelation verse-by-verse in a way that's easy-to-grasp without watering down this powerful prophecy. Prepare to have your eyes opened and faith strengthened. Yes, you can read, see, and understand Revelation! #LoveSexPolitics #Revelation #LiquidChurch

On Monday, Feb. 3, the Vatican hosted its first International Summit on Children's Rights, which Pope Francis called an “open observatory” for children's protection in an attempt to showcase “the reality of childhood throughout the world, a childhood that is unfortunately often hurt, exploited, denied.” In this week's episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen and Gerry dive into the goals of the summit and unpack Pope Francis' plan to write a papal document dedicated to children, described as an attempt “to give continuity to this commitment and promote it throughout the church.” In the second half of the episode, Colleen and Gerry discuss Pope Francis' call for a common date for Easter among all Christian Churches in 2025, which he announced during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from Jan. 19-25. As it happens, the churches will share a common date this year on Apr. 20, 2025.   Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Find links for further reading here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lawyer Bob Amsterdam joins us to give updates on Ukraine. How did Zelenskyy lose track of 100 billion in aid from the U.S.? Why are we funding anti-Christian Churches in the country to rid themselves of the Orthodox faith? Are they simply saying that by having these churches in Ukraine, it opens up spying for Russia? Bob details the priests who are being imprisoned for their beliefs as Bob himself was banned from Russia. Bob also details how Ukraine has become an authoritarian police state that punished Bob for speaking up for the Church.

12 - Are the tariffs going to work? Why did Phil Murphy admit he is hosting illegal aliens in his garage? 1210 - Is the DNC really doubling down on the nonsense that lost them the last election? New faces, same places? 1215 - Side - Best The/of names 1220 - Will Officer Fitzgerald's birthday be celebrated? Will Larry Krasner press Temple students instead of actual criminals? Sean Duffy goes off on Jake Tapper over the management of the FAA. 1230 - Lawyer Bob Amsterdam joins us to give updates on Ukraine. How did Zelenskyy lose track of 100 billion in aid from the U.S.? Why are we funding anti-Christian Churches in the country to rid themselves of the Orthodox faith? Are they simply saying that by having these churches in Ukraine, it opens up spying for Russia? Bob details the priests who are being imprisoned for their beliefs as Bob himself was banned from Russia. Bob also details how Ukraine has become an authoritarian police state that punished Bob for speaking up for the Church. 1240 - How was the Diane Cardano event this weekend? Your calls and tariff talk. 1250 - Is John Fetterman spot on again with another divisive issue? How will Democrats answer the calls for local law enforcement to help ICE in their mission? Your calls. 1 - Columnist Beth Ann Rosica joins us today to discuss her most recent articles. We start in Kennett Square where local officials are looking to keep illegal migrants in the county, seemingly for cheap labor. What are the issues posed by this? We then move to education as Chester County voted to close the “St. Agnes Day Room” where lower income individuals could stop in and get a quick snack or meal. Bet Ann SLAMS this move and highlights the blatant overreach show by local officials. 120 - The “Thin Blue Line” has re-emerged as a controversial topic as Springfield, Montco continues their crusade against the displaying of the “Thin Blue Line” flag on your person or on your property. 135 - Phil Murphy admitted to hiding at least 1 illegal in his house, will he also be arrested? Your calls. 145 - Mike Donohue, the Chair of New Jersey's chapter of America First Policy Institute, joins us today to discuss the most recent Phil Murphy news where he is claiming to be violating federal law by sheltering at least one illegal immigrant. Tell us about the event tomorrow night! Will Republicans present a united front? 2 - Will the Trump tariffs work? Re-discussing mostly everything we have talked about today. Your calls. 210 - Your calls. 215 - Dom's Money Melody! 220 - Winner? 225 - Taking your calls and continuing today's varying dialogue 235 - Scott Presler is able to join us for his weekly segment. Where will Dom be meeting Scott for an event? How are the voting numbers playing out in New Jersey after this most recent event of his? What is Scott's reaction to Governor Phil Murphy housing illegal immigrants from the law? Will we have any movement here in Chester County? 250 - The Lightning Round!

12 - Are the tariffs going to work? Why did Phil Murphy admit he is hosting illegal aliens in his garage? 1210 - Is the DNC really doubling down on the nonsense that lost them the last election? New faces, same places? 1215 - Side - Best The/of names 1220 - Will Officer Fitzgerald's birthday be celebrated? Will Larry Krasner press Temple students instead of actual criminals? Sean Duffy goes off on Jake Tapper over the management of the FAA. 1230 - World News correspondent Bob Amsterdam joins us to give updates on Ukraine. How did Zelenskyy lose track of 100 billion in aid from the U.S.? Why are we funding anti-Christian Churches in the country to rid themselves of the Orthodox faith? Are they simply saying that by having these churches in Ukraine, it opens up spying for Russia? Bob details the priests who are being imprisoned for their beliefs as Bob himself was banned from Russia. Bob also details how Ukraine has become an authoritarian police state that punished Bob for speaking up for the Church. 1240 - How was the Diane Cardano event this weekend? Your calls and tariff talk. 1250 - Is John Fetterman spot on again with another divisive issue? How will Democrats answer the calls for local law enforcement to help ICE in their mission? Your calls.

5 Paleo-Christian Churches: A Suggested Itinerary for the Jubilee Year, with a focus on Rome's oldest churches....and nearby tasty eateries! Rome is a city of unparalleled history, where every cobblestone whispers tales of the past. As the Eternal City gears up for the 2025 Jubilee Year, it's already brimming with visitors. But amidst the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican, there lies another Rome—a quieter, more spiritual side that echoes the city's earliest Christian heritage. In a recent podcast interview, I had the pleasure of chatting with David Laskin, a renowned author and NYT travel journalist, about his suggested itinerary to explore five of Rome's oldest churches. These hidden gems offer a peaceful respite from the bustling crowds while immersing visitors in the city's rich Paleo-Christian history.

The medieval world – for all its plagues, papal indulgences, castles, and inquisition trials – has much in common with ours. People living the Middle Ages dealt with deadly pandemicsmass migration, and controversial technological changes, just as we do now.Today’s guest, Dan Jones, author of POWERS AND THRONES: A New History of the Middle Ages looks at these common features through a cast of characters that includes pious monks and Byzantine emperors, chivalric knights and Renaissance artists. This sweep of the medieval world begins with the fall of the Roman empire and ends with the first contact between the Old World and the New. Along the way, Jones provides a front row seat to the forces that shaped the Western world as we know it. This is the thousand years in which our basic Western systems of law, commerce, and governance were codified; when the Christian Churches matured as both powerful institutions and the regulators of Western public morality; and when art, architecture, philosophical inquiry and scientific invention went through periods of seismic change. We discuss:• The height of the Roman empire and its influential rulers, as well as the various reasons it fell, including climate change pushing the Huns and so-called “barbarian” tribes to the empire’s borders.• The development of Christianity and Islam, as well as the power struggles and conflict ignited in the name of religion, chivalric orders such as the Knights Templar, and the rise of monasteries as major political players in the West.• The intimate stories of many influential characters of the Middle Ages, such as Constantine I, Justinian, Muhammad, Attila the Hun, Charlemagne, El Cid, Leonardo Da Vinci, Genghis Khan, Marco Polo, Martin Luther, and many more.• The development of global trade routes and commerce across Europe, Asia, and Africa and the expanding map during the Age of Exploration.• The Black Death, which decimated up to sixty percent of the local population in the fourteenth century and led to widespread social unrest and the little Ice Age, the period between 1300-1850 triggered by volcanic activity that created a climate so regularly and bitterly cold that it contributed to the Great Famine of 1315-21.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Kaka Balli Punjabi Podcast, your go-to platform for engaging discussions on culture, religion, and societal shifts. In this episode, I team up with the thought-provoking Ajaydeep Singh Dhaliwal to explore the pressing issues shaping Punjab's cultural and religious landscape. From the commercialization of December to the rising influence of Christianity in Punjab, we leave no stone unturned. Join us as we delve into: 1. December: The Month of Marketing Magic Ever wondered how Christmas became such a big deal, even in places where it's not traditionally celebrated? We discuss the clever marketing strategies that turn December into a consumer frenzy and how the holidays are sold as a product to the masses. What does this mean for cultures like ours, where traditional festivals are being overshadowed by global trends? 2. Christmas in Punjab: A New Tradition? The growing popularity of Santa parades and Christmas celebrations in Punjab – a sign of cultural diversity or a deeper shift? Why is the Christian population increasing in Punjab, and what does this mean for the region's identity? Could this shift pose a threat to Sikhism? Or is it an opportunity for interfaith dialogue? 3. Religious Celebrations: Why They Matter Exploring the importance of celebrating and expressing religious identity. How do religious celebrations strengthen community bonds, and what happens when those bonds are challenged by external influences? 4. Church Tactics & Rising Christian Conversions in Punjab Are churches in Punjab employing strategic tactics to attract conversions? Why is the poor population particularly vulnerable to these efforts? Are pastors using sermons to spread hate against other religions, and how does this impact communal harmony? 5. Miracles or Manipulation? The rise of staged miracles in Punjab: From healing ceremonies to divine interventions, how real are these claims? Why do people, especially those in vulnerable situations, fall for these tricks? Can miracles exist in modern faith, or are they just tools for exploitation? 6. North Indian Languages & Artistic Legacy Why is Punjab such a rich breeding ground for poets, writers, and artists? The cultural significance of oral storytelling and poetry in shaping the region's identity. How this legacy continues to influence music, cinema, and global culture. 7. The Problem with Oral Communication Why oral communication of important information often leads to misunderstandings and misinformation. The need for written and documented communication, especially in preserving history and culture. 8. The Role of Superheroes in Modern Culture How superheroes have become the new-age mythological figures for younger generations. The lessons they offer and how they fill the void left by traditional religious stories. 9. Challenges in Sikh Preaching & SGPC's Role The struggles faced by Sikh preachers in engaging with the modern audience. How the SGPC can modernize its approach to connect with the youth. The importance of movies and digital content in spreading Sikh teachings and countering misinformation. 10. Where is Sikhism Lacking? A deep dive into the areas where Sikhism needs to evolve to stay relevant in today's fast-paced, digital world. From better marketing to storytelling, how can Sikhism reclaim its space in the hearts of the youth?

There is a big, big change happening in culture related to young men leaving protestant churches for Orthodox Christian churches. This is being explained as young men looking for a more masculine church. I think there's something else to it. We do need to talk about what's going on with Ethan Haine. Joe Biden's justice department is trying to put him in jail for the third time for blowing the whistle on his own hospital for using wrong sex hormones and gender surgery.Ethan Haim's wife is a great servant of God. “Ethan is being gagged, I am not.” Young men leaving traditional churches for ‘masculine' Orthodox Christianity in drovesLiberal-leaning churches are shrinking compared with many conservative churches; Membership data across faiths challenges those who argue that alignment with progressive ideals is the pathway to vibrancy for religious communities todayPublished: July 29, 2024How To Be A True 1% Man - Father Moses.Ugly Girls? - Patristic Nectar FilmsAlan's Soaps https://www.alansartisansoaps.comUse coupon code ‘TODD' to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bioptimizers https://bioptimizers.com/toddGive your body the magnesium it craves with Magnesium Breakthrough.  Visit bioptimizers.com/todd and save an extra 10% with promo code TODD.Bonefrog https://bonefrogcoffee.com/toddMake Bonefrog Cold Brew at home!  Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.Bulwark Capital Bulwark Capital Management (bulwarkcapitalmgmt.com)Get a second opinion on the health of your retirement portfolio today.  Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review go to KnowYourRiskRadio.com today.My Pillow https://mypillow.com/toddUse promo code TODD to save big on the entire MyPillow classic Collection with the Standard starting at only $14.88.  Renue Healthcare https://renue.healthcare/toddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit renue.healthcare/ToddWisdom Nutrition https://trywisdomnow.com/toddStock up on Wisdom for 33% off plus free shipping. Visit trywisdomnow.com/todd.

Candler School of Theology is hosting a lecture called "Britain's Slavery Debt, Reparations and the Responsibility of Christian Churches." The lecture will be given by Michael Banner, who is the dean of Trinity College at the University of Cambridge, and the author of the book, “Britain's Slavery Debt: Reparations Now!” Banner talks with Rose about his book, upcoming lecture and Britain's imperial past that's directly entangled with the transatlantic slave trade. Plus, Santa Dee, also known as The Real Black Santa, has taken a break from the North Pole to join “Closer Look.” He talks with Rose about how he's spreading holiday cheer in the aftermath of an election year. He also talks more about the Santas of Color Coalition and the growing demand for more Black Santas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wake Up America! MESSAGE SUMMARY: Paul points out to us, in Romans1:18, that God is not a disinterested bystander in either our lives or the life of our country: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.". From the end of WWI, in 1918, through the middle of the 1930s, Hitler and the National Socialist Party coopted the Christian Churches in Germany as the National Socialists rose to power politically, thereby, reducing Germany to only one state-supported religion. Also, the National Socialists coopted all of Germany's political parties to reduce Germany to a one-party country. Is the Christian Church, here in the US, abdicating its role, as the Christian Church did in Germany, by not speaking with a voice that is heard against the changing culture? As followers of Jesus, we and our churches need to wake up to the cultural changes that are opposed to Jesus' teachings and the Bible. The US was created, by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, to be a “country of laws”; and the founding legal context for these laws was the Ten Commandments of God. However, our current and evolving culture, and its related value system, is opposed to the Ten Commandments of God. As we adhere to the new culture and its values, we are in opposition to God and the basic tenants of Christianity. Therefore, our departure from God positions us for the Wrath of God as posited in Romans 1:18. God's Wrath may well take the form of God turning us over to our lusts, desires and the outcomes of this changed culture – as we walk away from God, He may walk away from us. It is not too late for the US to wake up! As God told Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.". God has instructed us that He will forgive us if we: 1) humble ourselves: 2) seek Him, not our culture; 3) turn from wicked ways; and 4) pray. Will America wake up and follow God's instructions. TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to grab hold of you today. I need you. Set me free to begin reorienting my life around you, and you alone. Help me to pay attention to and honor how you have uniquely made me. Thank you for the gift of rest. In Jesus' name, amen.       Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 122). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Romans1:18; 2 Chronicles 7:14; A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Wake Up America!”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Do you receive the Spirit at baptism? Is baptism the vehicle that provides the forgiveness, salvation, and grace of Christ? These are questions to ask anyone you suspect that might believe in baptismal regeneration (baptism for salvation). We look at all verses that supposedly support this belief and rightly divide it out.

Wake Up America! MESSAGE SUMMARY: Paul points out to us, in Romans1:18, that God is not a disinterested bystander in either our lives or the life of our country: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.". From the end of WWI, in 1918, through the middle of the 1930s, Hitler and the National Socialist Party coopted the Christian Churches in Germany as the National Socialists rose to power politically, thereby, reducing Germany to only one state-supported religion. Also, the National Socialists coopted all of Germany's political parties to reduce Germany to a one-party country. Is the Christian Church, here in the US, abdicating its role, as the Christian Church did in Germany, by not speaking with a voice that is heard against the changing culture? As followers of Jesus, we and our churches need to wake up to the cultural changes that are opposed to Jesus' teachings and the Bible. The US was created, by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, to be a “country of laws”; and the founding legal context for these laws was the Ten Commandments of God. However, our current and evolving culture, and its related value system, is opposed to the Ten Commandments of God. As we adhere to the new culture and its values, we are in opposition to God and the basic tenants of Christianity. Therefore, our departure from God positions us for the Wrath of God as posited in Romans 1:18. God's Wrath may well take the form of God turning us over to our lusts, desires and the outcomes of this changed culture – as we walk away from God, He may walk away from us. It is not too late for the US to wake up! As God told Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.". God has instructed us that He will forgive us if we: 1) humble ourselves: 2) seek Him, not our culture; 3) turn from wicked ways; and 4) pray. Will America wake up and follow God's instructions?     TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to grab hold of you today. I need you. Set me free to begin reorienting my life around you, and you alone. Help me to pay attention to and honor how you have uniquely made me. Thank you for the gift of rest. In Jesus' name, amen.       Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 122). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Romans1:18; 2 Chronicles 7:14; A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Wake Up America!”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Wake Up America! MESSAGE SUMMARY: Paul points out to us, in Romans1:18, that God is not a disinterested bystander in either our lives or the life of our country: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.". From the end of WWI, in 1918, through the middle of the 1930s, Hitler and the National Socialist Party coopted the Christian Churches in Germany as the National Socialists rose to power politically, thereby, reducing Germany to only one state-supported religion. Also, the National Socialists coopted all of Germany's political parties to reduce Germany to a one-party country. Is the Christian Church, here in the US, abdicating its role, as the Christian Church did in Germany, by not speaking with a voice that is heard against the changing culture? As followers of Jesus, we and our churches need to wake up to the cultural changes that are opposed to Jesus' teachings and the Bible. The US was created, by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, to be a “country of laws”; and the founding legal context for these laws was the Ten Commandments of God. However, our current and evolving culture, and its related value system, is opposed to the Ten Commandments of God. As we adhere to the new culture and its values, we are in opposition to God and the basic tenants of Christianity. Therefore, our departure from God positions us for the Wrath of God as posited in Romans 1:18. God's Wrath may well take the form of God turning us over to our lusts, desires and the outcomes of this changed culture – as we walk away from God, He may walk away from us. It is not too late for the US to wake up! As God told Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.". God has instructed us that He will forgive us if we: 1) humble ourselves: 2) seek Him, not our culture; 3) turn from wicked ways; and 4) pray. Will America wake up and follow God's instructions?     TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to grab hold of you today. I need you. Set me free to begin reorienting my life around you, and you alone. Help me to pay attention to and honor how you have uniquely made me. Thank you for the gift of rest. In Jesus' name, amen.       Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 122). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Romans1:18; 2 Chronicles 7:14; A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Wake Up America!”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Register free at https://brightu.com to watch the full Healing for the AGES - EMFs & Earthing Virtual Solution Summit 2024 stream - The Jews killed Christ and mocked him in death - Jews demanded #censorship of the very NAME of Christ (Acts 4:16) - Nothing has changed in 2000+ years since, as Jews still demand mass censorship today - Israel is the Antichrist - Christian pastors push deception and lies to prop up antichrist Israel - Israel deliberately engineers mass famine in Gaza - Famine, pestilence and war in the End Times - The sixth seal is a massive comet impact that strikes Israel - Seven Trumpets, Bowls and Seals - God lays out how it all ends - God judges the Jews who murdered His Son and who embraced satanism, death and wickedness - The seventh Trumpet ends humanity, and all face judgment before God For more updates, visit: http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport NaturalNews videos would not be possible without you, as always we remain passionately dedicated to our mission of educating people all over the world on the subject of natural healing remedies and personal liberty (food freedom, medical freedom, the freedom of speech, etc.). Together, we're helping create a better world, with more honest food labeling, reduced chemical contamination, the avoidance of toxic heavy metals and vastly increased scientific transparency. ▶️ Every dollar you spend at the Health Ranger Store goes toward helping us achieve important science and content goals for humanity: https://www.healthrangerstore.com/ ▶️ Sign Up For Our Newsletter: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html ▶️ Brighteon: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport ▶️ Join Our Social Network: https://brighteon.social/@HealthRanger ▶️ Check In Stock Products at: https://PrepWithMike.com

On this week's episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen Dulle and Ricardo da Silva, S.J., are joined by Rev. Matthew Laferty, a Methodist minister who works for the World Methodist Council and represents the Methodist church's relationship with the Catholic Church and the Vatican. They discuss how the Catholic Church's current Synod on Synodality is inspiring deeper conversations and greater unity between the Christian churches. A link to further reading from the episode will be added here soon. Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Gruber discusses news and headlines

Christians in the Holy Land and Gaza are quietly suffering numerous atrocities as the war between Israel and Hamas drags on. Churches, schools, and hospitals have been bombed by the Israeli Defense Forces, who have also allegedly beaten women and forced believers out of their homes. On this episode of The John-Henry Westen Show, Catholic humanitarian Jason Jones shares heartbreaking testimony from our Christian brothers and sisters in Gaza who are begging for our help. Bring aid into Gaza with the Vulnerable People Project: https://www.lifefunder.com/aidtrucksgazaDownload 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 ****SHOP ALL YOUR FUN AND FAVORITE LIFESITE MERCH! https://shop.lifesitenews.com/ +++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.

Clayton Hentzel is the Lead Pastor at The Crossing. The Crossing is an independent, non-denominational church headquartered in Quincy, Illinois, associated with the Christian Churches in the Restoration Movement.[1] The church oversees locations in Hannibal, Missouri, Jacksonville, Illinois, Keokuk, Iowa, Kirksville, Missouri, Lima, Illinois, Macomb, Illinois, Monmouth, Illinois, Mount Sterling, Illinois, Pike County, Illinois, and two locations in Quincy, Illinois and maintains an online presence. 

Declining and ageing congregations, crumbling buildings and fewer clergy: are traditional Christian churches in crisis? 

Pastor Aaron Carlson preaches on Revelation, 2 ThessaloniansSupport the Show.

- Nutrition and its connection to the Bible. (0:00) - Anti-Semitism and violence in the church. (4:21) - Biblical teachings and their relevance to modern society. (10:39) - Using military force in Israel-Palestine conflict, with emphasis on empathy for human life. (25:00) - Selective outrage and double standards in religion and politics. (45:49) - The failure of mainstream churches and the need for personal spiritual calling. (1:02:25) - Spirituality, health, and politics. (1:08:18) - CBDCs and their potential impact on financial freedom. (1:18:33) - Potential use of CBDCs in emergencies, with focus on China's social credit system and technocracy. (1:22:36) - Potential risks and benefits of central bank-issued digital currencies (CBDCs). (1:39:32) - Bitcoin hijacking, privacy coins, and CBDCs. (1:43:25) - Zano, an open-source blockchain project with tokenization potential. (1:49:06) - Decentralized technology and privacy concerns in a surveillance state. (1:59:34) - Exiting the system, financial collapse, and crypto solutions. (2:13:13) - Gold and silver investment options for economic collapse. (2:24:16) - God's blessings and obedience in the Old Testament. (2:41:45) For more updates, visit: http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport NaturalNews videos would not be possible without you, as always we remain passionately dedicated to our mission of educating people all over the world on the subject of natural healing remedies and personal liberty (food freedom, medical freedom, the freedom of speech, etc.). Together, we're helping create a better world, with more honest food labeling, reduced chemical contamination, the avoidance of toxic heavy metals and vastly increased scientific transparency. ▶️ Every dollar you spend at the Health Ranger Store goes toward helping us achieve important science and content goals for humanity: https://www.healthrangerstore.com/ ▶️ Sign Up For Our Newsletter: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html ▶️ Brighteon: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport ▶️ Join Our Social Network: https://brighteon.social/@HealthRanger ▶️ Check In Stock Products at: https://PrepWithMike.com

Hey friends, we're back looking at Tik Tokers and their ideas about our Christian faith. This time, these folks have a HUGE problem with the Christian church. But are these problems legitimate critiques or something else? Let's find out!Join my awesome Patreon community: www.patreon.com/WiseDiscipleAccess exclusive discounts to Logos Bible Software: www.logos.com/WiseDiscipleGet my 5 Day Bible Reading Plan here: https://www.patreon.com/collection/565289?view=expandedGet your Wise Disciple merch here: https://bit.ly/wisediscipleWant a BETTER way to communicate your Christian faith? Check out my website: www.wisedisciple.orgOR Book me as a speaker at your next event: https://wisedisciple.org/reserve/​​​Got a question in the area of theology, apologetics, or engaging the culture for Christ? Send them here: https://wisedisciple.org/ask/​

••• The Factor of Engagement, Part-4, Ep 336 .••• Bible Study Verses: Matthew 16.13-19, Mark 11.23, Isaiah 66.8-9, 2 Corinthians 9.6, Genesis 22.17-18, Hebrews 6.13, James 1.22-25, Matthew 10.33, John 2.1-7, John 3.16,Genesis 32.22-31 . ••• “A Christian life is an unending engagement on the battlefield”, Watchman Nee, 1903-1972, (Born: Ni Tuosheng, or Nee T'o-sheng ( 倪柝聲; pinyin: Ní Tuòshēng), Renown Chinese Church leader whose tongue was cut out by the communists because he refused to stop preaching the gospel even after multiple imprisonments †••• "The main trouble with many Christian Churches today is that they are too much like a clinic, too much like a hospital; that is why the great world is going to hell outside! Look at the great campaign, look at it objectively, look at it from God's standpoint. Forget yourself and your temporary troubles and ills for the moment; fight in the army. It is not a clinic you need; you must realize that we are in a barracks, and that we are involved in a mighty campaign" Martyn Lloyd-Jones, 1899-1981, Welsh preacher at Westminster Chapel in London who was influential in British evangelical movement. For almost 30 years.††••• “And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord”, Hosea 2:19-20, KJV .••• What determines the amount of heaven's resources released on earth? ••• Who benefits from accesses to the heavenly realms? ••• What is central to how far we walk with God and the benefits of our redemption? ••• How long should engagement last for? ••• What makes faith work? ••• Why would you want to be engaged with the Almighty Creator God? ••• What happens when Christians don't engage? ••• What are the 2-reasons why it's so important to engage? ••• How important is faith in your pastor's role? ••• What are 4-life actions for engagement? ••• Are you going to ask your small group to pray that you will be more intentional about engaging with the Almighty God through the power of Holy Spirit? ••• Pastor Godwin Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounters Radio Podcast originally aired on July 6, 2024 on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcasted to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible .••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is brought to you by Christian Leadership International and all the beloved of God who believe in it's mission through prayer and support. Thank you . ••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/ .•••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND painting by Frédéric Schopin (1804–1880), artuk.org . ••• † http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Watchman-Nee-Quotes/ .••• †† http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Martyn-Lloyd-Jones-Quotes/ .••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/240706-engagement-factor-ep336 . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes .••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/john.1%20 .••• FERP240706 Episode#336 GOT240706Ep336 .••• Irrational - The Factor of Engagement, Part-4Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born: 306 AD, Nisibis, Turkey Died: June 9, 373 AD, Edessa, Turkey Full name: Ephrem of Nisibis From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2007: The figure of Ephrem is still absolutely timely for the life of the various Christian Churches. We discover him in the first place as a theologian who reflects poetically, on the basis of Holy Scripture, on the mystery of man's redemption brought about by Christ, the Word of God incarnate. His is a theological reflection expressed in images and symbols taken from nature, daily life and the Bible. Ephrem gives his poetry and liturgical hymns a didactic and catechetical character: they are theological hymns yet at the same time suitable for recitation or liturgical song. On the occasion of liturgical feasts, Ephrem made use of these hymns to spread Church doctrine. Time has proven them to be an extremely effective catechetical instrument for the Christian community. Ephrem's reflection on the theme of God the Creator is important: nothing in creation is isolated and the world, next to Sacred Scripture, is a Bible of God. By using his freedom wrongly, man upsets the cosmic order. The role of women was important to Ephrem. The way he spoke of them was always inspired with sensitivity and respect: the dwelling place of Jesus in Mary's womb greatly increased women's dignity. Ephrem held that just as there is no Redemption without Jesus, there is no Incarnation without Mary. The divine and human dimensions of the mystery of our redemption can already be found in Ephrem's texts; poetically and with fundamentally scriptural images, he anticipated the theological background and in some way the very language of the great Christological definitions of the fifth-century Councils. Ephrem, honoured by Christian tradition with the title "Harp of the Holy Spirit", remained a deacon of the Church throughout his life. It was a crucial and emblematic decision: he was a deacon, a servant, in his liturgical ministry, and more radically, in his love for Christ, whose praises he sang in an unparalleled way, and also in his love for his brethren, whom he introduced with rare skill to the knowledge of divine Revelation. For more visit Vatican.va The post St. Ephrem of Syria – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Will Chamberlain (:52) - The Supreme Court heard arguments today over the obstruction law that's being used to prosecute some of the January 6th rioters. This law seems to only target Jan. 6 rioters and not others who have obstructed other official proceedings. Is there a clear bias? Michael Donnelly and Ron Coleman (9:59, 18:46) - With the Supreme Court today hearing arguments of obstruction for Jan. 6 rioters, let's take a look at the pro-Palestine riots all over America this weekend. Plus, the most important case in America is the trial of Donald Trump and it was reported that dozens of potential jurors were rejected because they could not be impartial. Matthew Tyrmand (27:57) - V-24 Investigations sent undercover journalists to Columbia University. They caught multiple professors on tape pushing for anti-Israel protests, instigating anti-semitism and anti-Christian rhetoric. Tho Bishop (36:42) - The Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is sending a letter to Bank of America detailing the bank's apparent discrimination against Christians. Bank of America has been accused of de-banking or refusing to service Trump supporters, Christian Churches, and Republican-led states.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Broken Vessels Podcast host, Latoya Washington with special guests Mickey Kramer and Rhonda Weeks. In 2015, Women on Fire Ministries was to combine their love of Ministering to God's people with their love of The Arts; Thus, a very special and unique Ministry was formed. WOF incorporates Entertainment and Ministry to produce Faith Filled messages of hope, inspiration, and encouragement. The significance of Christ is brought into the lives of others. People are encouraged, enlightened, and strengthened to persevere and excel in their everyday lives. Women of Fire are gifted in creatively expressing the Word of God through Live action skits, Podcasts, and short films. Women of Fire Ministries have ministered at Women's Coffee Tables, Teachings, and Ladies Retreats. Their testimonies and new Web Series “Holy Humor” are some of the ways in which Women on Fire minister. They also Produce Full Length Feature Films. WOF has Ministered at large Christian Conferences, at Creation Fest, at Celebrate Recovery Groups, Ladies Retreats, VBS events, Aglow Meetings, Youth Retreats, at Christian Coffee Houses, for youth groups, and in many Christian Churches up and down the East Coast. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brokenvessels/support

Seriah is joined by Amber, a hedge witch who resides in Noccalula AL. Topics include history, religion vs spirituality, The Satanic Temple (TST), separation of church and state, Anton LaVey, self-responsibility and accountability, pop culture demons, “The Darkening Age” by Catherine Nixey, “The Myth of Persecution” by Candida Moss, “Lords of the Left-Hand Path” by Stephen Flowers, Lucien Greaves, left-hand and right-hand spirituality, philosophies around the world, psychic energy imbedded in the land, biodiversity, the “desert fathers” in early Christianity, Hypatia of Alexandria, the evils done by humans, ancient Rome, crimes of the Christian Churches, the documentary “Satan Wants You”, the 80's and 90's Satanic panic, hypnotic regression, cosmic morality, definitions of evil, hidden knowledge, Gnosticism, Cathars, light-bringers, sundown towns, Ku Klux Klan activity, the Vulgate (Latin) Bible, typology of demons, Goetic entities, ceremonial magick, Aleister Crowley, a high school scandal and its aftermath, a complicated situation with a former friend, boundaries in personal relationships, intervention by spirits, internal vs external encounters, atheism vs materialism, one-off monsters, anecdotal experiences, humanoid beings, angels, the “Tower 4” podcast, dream walking/astral projection, an intense lucid dreaming experience, the owl totem, omens, Walter Cruttenden, binary star system theory, Seriah's intense experience with an offer of knowledge, electric universe theory, simulation theory, “The Universe Solved” and “Digital Consciousness” by Jim Elvidge, “The Holographic Universe” by Michael Talbot, , liminal places, a video game analogy, digital vs analog reality, an encounter with a human-sized black cat being and a fascinating alternate reality, experiences with a “Bell Witch” entity, the Bell Witch legend, a strange singing experience, ghost cats, Coby Michael and occult herbalism, an intense dream experience with a massive black wolf, and much more! This is a truly unique conversation!

Seriah is joined by Amber, a self-described witch who resides in Noccalula AL. Topics include history, religion vs spirituality, The Satanic Temple (TST), separation of church and state, Anton LaVey, self-responsibility and accountability, pop culture demons, “The Darkening Age” by Catherine Nixey, “The Myth of Persecution” by Candida Moss, “Lords of the Left-Hand Path” by Stephen Flowers, Lucien Greaves, left-hand and right-hand spirituality, philosophies around the world, psychic energy imbedded in the land, biodiversity, the “desert fathers” in early Christianity, Hypatia of Alexandria, the evils done by humans, ancient Rome, crimes of the Christian Churches, the documentary “Satan Wants You”, the 80's and 90's Satanic panic, hypnotic regression, cosmic morality, definitions of evil, hidden knowledge, Gnosticism, Cathars, light-bringers, sundown towns, Ku Klux Klan activity, the Vulgate (Latin) Bible, typology of demons, Goetic entities, ceremonial magick, Aleister Crowley, a high school scandal and its aftermath, a complicated situation with a former friend, boundaries in personal relationships, intervention by spirits, internal vs external encounters, atheism vs materialism, one-off monsters, anecdotal experiences, humanoid beings, angels, the “Tower 4” podcast, dream walking/astral projection, an intense lucid dreaming experience, the owl totem, omens, Walter Cruttenden, binary star system theory, Seriah's intense experience with an offer of knowledge, electric universe theory, simulation theory, “The Universe Solved” and “Digital Consciousness” by Jim Elvidge, “The Holographic Universe” by Michael Talbot, , liminal places, a video game analogy, digital vs analog reality, an encounter with a human-sized black cat being and a fascinating alternate reality, experiences with a “Bell Witch” entity, the Bell Witch legend, a strange singing experience, ghost cats, Coby Michael and occult herbalism, an intense dream experience with a massive black wolf, and much more! This is a truly unique conversation! - Recap by Vincent Treewell of The Weird Part Podcast Outro Music is Everyone Talks about the Weather by Lightning in a Twilight Hour Download

Jeff McCullough is a Protestant, Evangelical Pastor with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He is the creator of a YouTube channel called Hello Saints where he chronicles his journey learning about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from a Protestant, Evangelical perspective. He's married with four children and recently relocated to Utah from St. Louis He completed his undergraduate degree in Digital Media from a Free-Methodist school called Greenville University and received a masters in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary in Chicago. He has worked in pastoral ministry for over 15 years. Links There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19)How does the Catholic church dialogue with other faiths and denominations without compromising on the truth? Why is it important to have friends who don't share my beliefs? How can I be genuinely open to others' opinions without becoming relativistic?In this episode, we wrap up our discussion of unity and diversity by discussing evangelisation, ecumenism, interfaith dialogue, and apostolate. Support us on Patreon!Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/References and further reading/listening/viewing:Matthew 28John Paul II, Ut Unum SintRedemptoris MissioAddress to the Representatives of the Christian Churches and Ecclesial Communities Gathered in Assisi for the World Day of Prayer  Catholic Answers, "What is the Doctrine of Ecumenism?""Is Ecumenism a Heresy?"Peter Kreeft, "The Importance of Ecumenism""What Catholics and Protestants Can Learn from Each Other"Ascension, "Aren't All Churches The Same?"Vatican II, Unitatis RedintegratioNostra AetateDignitatis HumanaeApostolicam Actuositatem Catholic Encyclopedia, "Union of Christendom""What Is the Lay Apostolate?""That We May Be One"Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue,  Reflection And Orientations On Interreligious Dialogue And The Proclamation Of The Gospel Of Jesus Christ

The Holy Spirit has often been neglected in many Christian Churches, yet he is a vital and important member of the Godhead- God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. Dr. David provides five key elements of the Spirit's ministry in our lives. Are you ready to get to know the Holy Spirit? Resource Highlight- Peter and Paul in ActsDavid and Annie are serving the Lord in the US, India, South America, and Africa. Would you consider joining their team? Just click here to get involved. Thanks so much! Show credits:Opening music- Beach Bum Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Transition music- Highlight Reel Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Closing music- Slow Burn Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

What If We Just Met People With Love And Acceptance? 1 Corinthians 12:3 “Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Let Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit."I think this is a great verse because I think sometimes we can get too caught up in things that don't matter. We can get caught up in the religion of it all and forget about the person.  We can see someone who is of a different Christian denomination, and we don't want to talk to them. We are cautious and skeptical of being friends with them because they don't believe the same things we believe. However, if they are Christian, then they believe in the same God, the same Jesus, and the same Holy Spirit.When Jesus walked the world, He did not just hang out with those who were similar to Him. He hung out with sinners, tax collectors, prostitutes, and anyone who wanted to hang out with Him. He came to save the lost, not the righteous. In Luke 5:31-32, “Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” We have to have a renewal of our minds if we want to be more Christ-like. We need to think more like He did and less like the world does.The world tells us that we need to get our act together before we can go to Christ. We have to change our ways. We need to stop sinning. We need to be perfect, and then we can go to Christ. This is not the case. Christ wants us to come to Him now, just as we are. Yes, He wants us to repent, but we don't have to do that before we come back to Him. Repentance is only possible through Him. Philippians 4:23 says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Jesus died on the cross for us while we were still sinners. He doesn't need our perfection. He doesn't need us to have it all figured out. He just wants us to come to Him with an open heart, and He will do the rest.According to Matthew 22:37-40, the two greatest commandments are, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.” I think we put all of our attention on the first one of these and forget about the second one. However, it says all the laws and the prophets depend on these two commandments, not just the first one. We need to figure out how to see people the way Jesus saw people. If we want to love our neighbors, we need to figure out how to accept people for who they are. Jesus did not put conditions on his friendships. He did not say you could come to dinner with me if you promised to change the way you were behaving. He invited them to dinner and treated them with love and respect. He showed them the love of the Father, and they couldn't help but change after an encounter like that. The love of our heavenly Father is more powerful than anything else. If we can give people an encounter with His love, He will do all the work.What people are desperate for right now, maybe always, is acceptance. Jesus offered that. He accepted all those He met, even if they didn't believe as He did. He loved them and accepted them. I think sometimes we think it is our job to correct people when they are living in a way that we don't believe in or that is contrary to the way Jesus taught us to live. Jesus laid down some pretty hard truths while he walked the earth. It wasn't as if He was a pushover who said whatever the people wanted to hear. He said some things that were so hard for people to hear that a lot of His followers left after He gave certain teachings, yet He still gave them. However, when He was dealing with people one-on-one, He loved and accepted them as they were. This is what changed people the most. When you feel loved and accepted, you want more love. When you have a personal encounter with the love of the Father, you realize it is like nothing you have ever felt before, and you would do anything to feel it again. To have that love surrounding you.What if we could do this? What if we could be friends with those who are not like us? What if we could see people as the Lord sees people, as Jesus saw people? What if we saw people for who they are and not what they do? What if we started to look at each person we see as a beloved child of God? Would that change the way we interacted with them? What if we took a moment to think about how much we love our children, our nieces and nephews, or our friend's kids and then realized God loves this person even more than that?We don't just love our kids when they are perfect; we love them no matter what they have done or how awful they have been. They are our children, and we still love them. The same is true for God. He loves His children no matter what they have done. So, shouldn't we do the same? I think a lot of people are turning away from the Catholic Church and other Christian Churches as well because we are leading with all the things they are doing instead of loving them for who they are and accepting them for who they are. Love and acceptance are what people are craving, and it is what Jesus was offering. We are human, we can't offer them the love and acceptance that He did, but we can try. We can offer respect. We can offer our time. We can offer our friendship.We had a speaker in class last night, and he said he is friends with a witch. When he tells people that, they usually freak out, they ask if he is worried she will do something to him. He is not afraid of that, though, because he is completely secure in his oneness with Jesus. He knows that there is nothing on the outside of him that is stronger than that which is inside of him. 1 John 4:4 says, “Little children, you are of God, and have overcome them; for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” We all have the Holy Spirit living inside of us. We don't have to be afraid of anything in this world because the Holy Spirit living inside of us is stronger than anything in this world.The witch did try to do certain things when she first met him. However, he did not judge, and he did not react harshly. He calmly acted in the authority that He has because of the Holy Spirit. She had never known someone who was so knowledgeable and also so accepting of who she was. When she told him she was a witch, he told her that was a label from a world he was not a part of, and that was not how he saw her. Because he could be friends with her and accept her for who she is, they have been friends for 8 years now. She has come a long way, and parts of her are in the kingdom of God, and parts of her are still stuck in the other world. It is a process, and he is just loving her on her journey. Imagine what the world would be like if we led with love. If we didn't care so much about all the division and we looked for unity. What if we looked for what we had in common instead of how we are different? What if we were happy for our friends and family who have a relationship with God or with Jesus, even if it doesn't look like ours? What if we stopped caring if they went to the same church as we did and were just happy that they knew the same God that we did? How would our life change? How would our relationships change? How would the world change?Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode today. Lord, we love you, and we want to be more Christ-like. Please help us! We want to see others as you do; please open our eyes and allow us to see others as you do.  Please help us to show your love and acceptance to all those we meet. Please place on our hearts where we might have good intentions and yet be getting it wrong. Please convict us, Lord, of how we can be more like you. We love you, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name. Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. Tonight's topic for mentoring is God's Forgiveness, and I hope you can join me! If you would like to try it out before joining, send me a message at Catherine@findingtruenorthcoaching.com, and I will send you a Zoom link to join in tonight. I look forward to meeting you here tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's word from the Lord is, “I know you in and out, but I love you just the same, my children. I love you, my children. I keep telling you that. It is because I do love you that I say it to you each and every day. Open your ears more fully, and you will hear me. You will hear my whispers. You will hear everything I wish for you to know. I speak to you with hope. I speak to you with tender love. I speak all that you need to know and that you need to learn. Just open more fully to me.”

Why do so many people seek after signs, wonders and miracles? Others seek after signs and wonders because they want confirmation that there is a God. Some people seek after signs and wonders because they are curious. Others seek signs and wonders because they genuinely need some kind of help. Joining us on Tonight's Weird and Wonderful feature to unpack the Religious Phenomena of Signs, Wonders & Miracles is Dr Funlola Olojede, a theology researcher in the first half an hour. Later on, we have Pastor Giet Khosa, National Executive Board member of the International Federation of Christian Churches.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harvey and Jim discuss a variety of clips from some of their best sources Democracy Now, Breaking Points, and Counter Points. They specifically define genocide and terrorism and show that what Israel is doing is genocide while what Hamas did was terrorism in killing civilians in Israel. We also hear the pastor in Bethlehem calling our Christian Churches while Steve Sosebee relates the sad story of two Palestinian young men who were healed and then killed by Israel. Things got to change and so we hear Sam Cooke.

On today's episode, the Scooby Gang delves into the history of the New Testament Christian Churches of America. We've said it before and we'll say it again, there is a thin line between cult and religion! In this case, has Rodger Wilson Davis crossed that line? 

Asked how she mentors women Esme tells about serving as the Director of Leadership Development for Tirzah International with more than 300 women mentees!Hear The Esme Bowers Story, a marvelous South Africa Christian Leader.Esme Bowers is married to Theo, they have one daughter Nadine and live in Cape Town South Africa. Esme is a creative person having trained and worked in many professions as fashion designer, business director, and community developer.She established the Consultation of  Christian Churches in Cape Town (An interdenominational network of Christian Leaders addressing issues in the city) was one of the founding members of The Evangelical Alliance of South Africa (presently serves as Chairperson) birthed The Women's Ministry in the Full Gospel Church of God in SA serving as as president for 12 years, served as chair of The Pan African Christian Women's Alliance for three terms, and has served on many national and global boards. In 2012 she was one of the founding members of African Women in Mission Network and presently serves as the chair. Her role as the International Secretary for the Lausanne movement gave her the opportunity to host the Lausanne CT2010 conference.  She is presently the World Evangelical Alliance Director for the Department on ‘Church in Community' working with a team of 10 global ministries in developing Healthy Churches.Her real passion is seeing people, particularly women's lives transformed by the power of the gospel and equipping them in their role as community transformers. One of her mantras is “the Whole Church taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole World” (Lausanne).On The Eden Book Series and The Eden Workshops, Esme says "These are all very valuable! I really want to commend what you guys are doing at the Tru316 Foundation and www.Tru316.com!LINKS: Tirzah International https://www.tirzah.org/World Evangelical Alliance https://worldea.org/Lausanne Movement https://lausanne.org/PACWA Report https://lausanneworldpulse.com/lausannereports/1000/09-2008Esme's interview is brought to you by The Tru316 Foundation which is the host of The Eden Podcast! You can support this ministry as a Tru Partner. Click this link: www.Tru316.com/partner

11/16/2023 PODCAST Episodes #1025 - #1027 GUEST: Christine Serrano Glassner, Mike Lindell, Nicole Tsai, Dave McCormick, Robert Amsterdam, Kelly Loeffler + YOUR CALLS! at 1-888-480-JOHN (5646) and GETTR Live! @jfradioshow #GodzillaOfTruth #TruckingTheTruth   Want more of today's show? Episode #1025 Lindell Fights Back; Nicole Tsai Rips Biden Sell Out to Xi Episode #1026 Zelensky's War On Christian Churches Episode #1027 Kelly Loeffler Blasts Brad Raffensperger As AWOL While He Ignores GA Voter Integrity Fixes   https://johnfredericksradio.libsyn.com/

On today's Evangelism Podcast I interview Bishop Albert from the Free Christian Churches of Bangladesh. Bishop Albert shares about the growth of Christianity in Bangladesh, which is a predominantly Muslim nation. In a nation with a population of almost two hundred million people, the church has grown from 175,000 to almost 600,000 Christians since the country gained independence from Pakistan. However, Christians still make up only 0.3% of the population. We ask people to pray for the church in Bangladesh.

Guest Bios Show Transcript https://youtu.be/xfqTi7vFjhw What are the telltale signs of spiritual abuse? And once you've been subjected to it, how do you heal? On this edition of The Roys Report, we're rolling out the first of 11 talks from this year's Restore Conference. This was an amazing gathering of survivors of church hurt and abuse—as well as pastors and Christian leaders wanting to better minister to these survivors. The gathering featured some incredibly powerful and eye-opening talks. One of those talks is on recognizing and healing from spiritual abuse, from Pastor Ken Garrett—one who knows about spiritual abuse firsthand. Ken and his family were members of an abusive church in Oregon, which turned out to be a cult. But after escaping the cult in the mid-1990s, Ken went on to complete graduate research on spiritual abuse. And he created the Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education, or SAFE. This is a bi-monthly meetup for survivors of spiritual abuse connect and support each other—where people of any faith or no faith are invited to participate. Ken also is the pastor of Grace Church in Portland, Oregon—and he's the author of In the House of Friends: Understanding and Healing from Spiritual Abuse in Christian Churches. This talk deals with narcissism, control, and breaking free. Ken, who is such a warm and gentle soul, guides us through these difficult issues with a father's heart. Guests Ken Garrett Dr. Ken Garrett is the pastor of Grace Church, Portland, a diverse, historic downtown church, and author of In the House of Friends: Understanding and Healing from Spiritual Abuse in Christian Churches. Ken has spoken and written for the International Cultic Studies Association, and provides support and encouragement to many survivors of abusive churches, cults, and high-demand groups in the Portland area. He founded the Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education, an informal gathering for mutual encouragement and education that welcomes and supports survivors of religious abuse from all faiths. Show Transcript SPEAKERS KEN GARRETT, JULIE ROYS JULIE ROYS  00:04 What are the telltale signs of spiritual abuse? And once you've been subjected to it, how do you heal? Welcome to The Roys Report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I'm Julie Roys, and on this podcast we're rolling out the first of 11 talks from this year's RESTORE Conference. This was an amazing gathering of survivors of church hurt and abuse as well as pastors and Christian leaders, wanting to better minister to the survivors. As one speaker commented, RESTORE is more like a restorative community than a conference. And there's really nothing that quite compares to being there in person. That said, we had some incredibly powerful and eye-opening talks. And one of those talks you're going to hear today, the talk is on recognizing and healing from spiritual abuse, and the person speaking is Ken Garrett, someone who knows about spiritual abuse firsthand. Ken and his family were members of an abusive church in Oregon, which turned out to be a cult. After escaping the cult in the mid-1990s. Ken went on to complete graduate research on spiritual abuse, and he created the Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education or SAFE. This is a bimonthly meet up with Christian and non-Christian survivors of spiritual abuse to connect and support each other. Ken also is the pastor of Grace Church in Portland, and he's the author of In the House of Friends: Understanding and Healing From Spiritual Abuse in  Christian Churches. Ken also is a warm and gentle soul who I'm proud to call a friend, and I'm so excited to share his talk with you. But first, I'd like to thank the sponsors of this podcast, Judson University, and Marquardt of Barrington. If you're looking for a top ranked Christian University, providing a caring community and an excellent college experience, Judson University is for you. Judson is located on 90 acres just 40 miles west of Chicago in Elgin, Illinois. The school offers more than 60 majors, great leadership opportunities, and strong financial aid. Plus, you can take classes online as well as in person. Judson University is shaping lives that shaped the world. For more information, just go to JUDSONU.EDU. Also, if you're looking for a quality new or used car, I highly recommend my friends at Marquardt of Barrington. Marquardt is a Buick GMC dealership where you can expect honesty, integrity, and transparency. That's because the owners there Dan and Kurt Marquardt are men of integrity. To check them out, just go to BUYACAR123.COM. Well, again, this is the first of 11 talks from the RESTORE Conference, which concluded on October 14. This talk on recognizing and healing from spiritual abuse is by Ken Garrett, a pastor and author of In the House of Friends: Understanding and Healing From Spiritual Abuse in  Christian Churches. Here's Ken Garrett. KEN GARRETT  03:00 Sometimes in the process of recovery from spiritual abuse, it's easy to think in terms of the long haul; Will I ever be okay? Will my marriage be okay? Will my kids get over it? And will I ever go back to church? Or will I ever be able to listen to another loud pastor guy standing behind a pulpit? I mean, all kinds of long-term questions. But really, the recovery is a step-by-step endeavor. And that step by step for me sometimes meant not even getting out of my car when I would drive into the parking lot of a church after I left because guess what? God's will for my life changed when I drove into that parking lot. I couldn't handle it. So, I drive on down the road or drop my kids off at the church and then go get breakfast or something. That's what happened to me, and I want to talk a little bit about it. And Julie kind of covered what I'm up to now is I'm a pastor in Portland, Oregon, had been a pastor of a church there for 20 years in the middle of downtown Portland. And before that, ironically, I served as a paramedic in that district of downtown Portland. In fact, one of the first times I ever preached there, I took care of a gentleman having a hypoglycemic reaction, and then preached and I thought that was so cool as the kind of things you would write about if you were doing that, but that's what happened. And so that's what I do now. I'm a pastor there, and Julie referred to my experience as having been in a Christian cult which is spot on. And I want to assure you today that I know you're in all phases of figuring out what happened to you. I did not refer to my experience or the church I was in as a cult for, I don't know, boy maybe 10 years or so, seven years before I could really think of it that way. And before it occurred to me that I had so much in common really, with my friends that had escaped Scientology, or yoga cults or Hindu cults or white supremacist cults are all of the polygamous, all of those cults. I had so much in common with them. And it was when I started learning about them, I realized I'm certainly, certainly just like them, I've survived a cult. And I was able to start calling it that. I realized, as I'm speaking to you today, that not everybody is comfortable. You're not there, maybe you'll never get there. Spiritual abuse is kind of on a spectrum. And I'm going to share with you some red flags of spiritual abuse in churches that I see and that I believe; not all of those red flags will relate to your situation. But I'm going to be so general about it really, that I think a few bells will go off for you. But it's a process. And wherever you put yourself in that process, I'm delighted that you're here today. That part of it is for you to take a step to cross through the door. Most of you probably know what it's like to walk through the doors of a church after you've had a particularly terrible experience in churches. And that really represents something if you're able to do that. And it represents something today that you did that this morning, you got up knowing, having an idea of the things you were going to hear having an idea of the things we were going to talk about, but you came anyway. And I thank you for that. Yeah, I grew up in Portland, Oregon, and grew up pretty normal. I like to think a normal guy. I  grew up in the Lutheran church, and I live in the neighborhood now that I grew up in. And my parents were Christians and went to church and raised us in the church. I joined the military when I was 20. And during that time, also, I got married. Sharon and I were married and lived in North Carolina for a while. And something that was true about us, and I don't think it's just because she's a Baptist preacher's daughter, I don't I don't think that's the only reason. But we were fiercely devout to our age, you know? We had a little bit of Keith Green, gonna, you know, we're gonna save the world. I mean, good grief, no stopping us. And we were very open to finding ministries that were a little Avant Garde, a little  different, a little edgier. You know, we didn't want our mom and dad's churches, neither one of us did. And so, I was then at work, one day, a fellow paramedic invited me to her church. And she said, Well, Ken, what are you looking for in a church? And I said, discipleship and Bible study. Man, that's candy to a recruiter from a cult, right? I mean, it's just like bing! Guess what we do? And as if that wasn't enough, I actually said, you know, I'd also wouldn't mind joining a church that meets in a home or something like that too Something a little different. She said, we meet in a living room, and thus began in 1984., my journey into a church that began to unravel and fall apart. I'm still thinking through the reasons why it unraveled. I know we talk about abusive churches a lot,  if this was a church, and it was abusive. As if all of you had some malignant designs on each other because you were all bad, you were in an abusive church, you are all abusers or something. That's not true at all. I'm still circling around this issue after many years of studying it. I find a narcissistic personality behind every abusive church I ever find. There's somebody calling the shots and that person has some very distinct attributes about him. And I'm not going to say a whole lot about those attributes, but I'll just say, our guy had those attributes. And he really, we studied the Bible like crazy. I mean, we were studying Greek and Hebrew and church history and giving. Oh, my goodness, like Monday evening, Wednesday morning, Saturday morning evangelism, Sunday morning worship, and then Sunday afternoon fellowship. And that didn't even count meeting during the week with my discipler, mentor, the person who was supposedly going to help me grow spiritually. So, it really kind of ended up eating up our life. which really, when we first went there, we wanted that, we were looking for a big commitment. We did in that sense want to save the world; we wouldn't have admitted that. But sure, why not? Over the years, the whole thing really went off the cliff. And this gentleman who is leading our church, really through all kinds of issues in his life that were simply undealt with, that he really should have gotten, you know, real therapy for and help he didn't. And the church was the low hanging-ist fruit of finding a social group that could be controlled and could become what is called a narcissistic supply for him. And all of those things working together, ended with us moving in together, and living communally with several large homes in a beautiful neighborhood of Portland. And did you know you can get like 24 people into one large home? It was pretty crazy. It was really communal, is what it was, although for some reason, while we were living that way, we and we were with our kids, too, we ended up having three kids in this group. For some reason, it was important that we qualified our communal living that it was semi communal. I don't know what semi meant, because I wasn't in charge of the thermostat or what cable channels we got or anything like that. And I was told when I would eat and what our family was going to do. So yeah, I'm glad it wasn't communal then I guess because semi communal was really bad enough. Well, everything really fall apart, it fell apart. And we really followed him off the cliff. And it's important to note people in my church hate it when I note this. But it's important to note that I was a card carrying fully supportive, on the bus disciple in this group. I progressed to being a kind of a Junior Leader, a deacon in the group, I was teaching, and I spoke a little bit and I supported the whole thing. And that's the way it was for all of us too. That's something that survivors of spiritual abuse, sometimes we have a tough time owning the fact that we really supported it. I mean, we were on target for it. We did alienate friends, we did ruin every Thanksgiving we went to with mom and dad, at least I did. We have trouble sometimes seeing that, because we do carry vestiges of shame about us, don't we? Shame as a husband as a father, I mean, just so that's difficult to look at. And I realize, coming in here today that you probably carry the vestiges of those really hurtful and harmful feelings and things and thoughts about yourself that I'm still picking through 26 I think 20 I don't know 26 years later, so. So, I get it about that. So, in 1996, I had repented of a lot of personal sins in my life. Biggie, Biggie, Biggie things. I mean, the police watched us and the FBI for a while. So, we were kind of serious criminals, I think. And I repented of a lot of sins. And Sharon and I, our marriage, of course had fallen apart in the group and which is kind of what these groups do. And we got together again, although we've known each other since we were kids, we just started piecing together. And this sounds really strange. But the first encouraging thing about my marriage that we pieced together is establishing the fact that if I left the church, Sharon would go with me. Isn't that sad? It's not because she was so bad or, or I was so good. It's because in these kinds of groups, that's how it can be for a marriage. So yeah, and that was like, wow, she's going with me. I can do anything. And here's something interesting. I haven't even touched my notes yet. And I'm glad I didn't write a lot of notes. Here's something interesting. When I first told God I wanted to leave this church, I felt guilty about it. And I felt that I was scared somebody would find out and overhear my prayer or something, even though I was on a mountain in Portland. But when I first told him I wanted to leave this church, the terms that I expressed that to him were this, I'll give up ministry. I'll give up my dreams of being a pastor. And I will put all of these ridiculous books away that I've been poring over for years, I'll walk away from all of those aspirations I had. And I will live on top of a garage somewhere. Man, I'll live in a packing box, a shipping box, I'll live anywhere, if you'll just let me keep my wife and my children. And if you'll do that, God, I won't bother you anymore with these aspirations of Ken being a pastor or anything like that. That says a lot about me and how I viewed God. It really says a lot about what I felt was a transaction happening that I was failing in the contract. I was going  break my contract with God. And I found that that's very, it's actually consistent with Christians and other cults too. Scientologists, when they leave it, they break what for some of them is a 16-million-year contract that they've signed over to follow it. I know that sounds totally wacky. But the first time you hear it, you kind of what, but yeah, and they decided to break that contract. I lived as if I had a contract with God. And as I left the church with Sharon and our children and the few things that we still had to us. And as we walked out the door, on August 28, at about 3pm 1996, and got in our little car and drove away with the associate pastor yelling at me and the elders all angry, and all of that. We went to a hotel because I was too embarrassed to tell my parents, ugh you were right. I'd alienated them so much. I just couldn't take that too. So, we went to a hotel. And the big question, of course, that I carried, and that took a long time to get around was simply the question, what just happened? I was 24 years old, fresh out of the military, great job as a paramedic, buying a house settling into life having babies and here I am, I'm 36, and I'm checking into a little hotel and afraid to call my parents and I'm really freaked out that they'll find out where I'm at. And, wow, what happened? Well, it's really easy to say now what happened, spiritual abuse happened. My religion, spiritual abuse I've written down as the infliction of an emotional, psychological, and spiritual wounding, that is inflicted on a person within the context of that person's religion. Spiritual abuse is not simply located or limited to Christian churches. Spiritual abuse is the use of a person's ideological, metaphysical, or spiritual beliefs, their religion. It's jumping into that world, and then beginning to corrupt the person's thinking, and the person's reasoning. And in many ways, they develop what's called a false self. And that's spiritual abuse when that happens. Now, along with spiritual abuse, are equally terrible abuses and even more terrible that we're not really here to deal with at this event, but sexual abuse, physical abuse, violence, marital abuse, child abuse, economic abuse, professional abuse, I mean, there are so many ways that this abuse happens, and spiritual abuse simply says that these abuses as terrible as they were happened in the context of my religion. The thing that was supposed to help me avoid that abuse. So that's what happened to me. Okay, so let me give you some red flags of spiritual abuse. And I don't expect as I said that these will, you know, make sense to everybody but I'm going to run through them and I got rid of all of my little explanatory notes of my main notes because I thought you know, Ken, you're saying some details here. But as I understand our group here, and what we're doing here today, you guys have the details, you have it down. I'm just stating this out as a general idea about spiritual abuse and how it looks and how it can look. But as I see looking at the schedule of events and speakers, we're gonna get detailed and you're gonna get more details but I'm going to speak kind of generally. I've got 10 things that I think are that I found to be red flags of spiritual abuse. The first thing I should clear up is who joins an abusive church? Who joins an abusive church? I'm not just being facetious about it, but I'll tell you the answer. Nobody. Nobody, nobody joins a church that's going to wreck their marriage, alienate them from their children, take all their money, take them out of professional advancement and educational advancement that they would like to do, like everybody else wants to. Nobody willingly joins that kind of a group. Of course not. We join groups that promise to meet our deepest needs, that promise to give us the community, the quality relationships we want. When we're young families and young parents, they promised to give us other young families and young parents that share our values so we can grow up together in it. This group promises to give us the things we so desperately want. So that's the group we join. And it's the same thing in the world. You know, wherever you're at with it, people don't join a cult, nobody goes out and says, You know what? I like the simplicity of an all-orange wardrobe. And I especially love the simplicity of a vegetarian diet, and the standing on the corner, yelling at people and trying to get their money. That's just icing on the cake baby. That's for me. Of course, nobody does that. They join a group that communicates to them that those deepest needs and desires of their life are going to be met there. And I suspect that's how you guys either joined., or, if you grew up in one of these abusive churches, what you discovered. Okay, so the red flags, the first one is deceit, deceit. Every cultic group, or abusive group, or abusive church is founded when it begins abusing its members. And again, I got to tell you, even though I'm saying members plural, and church plural, in my head, I got a picture of a guy. And that's a bad guy. He's finishing out a 20-year sentence at Oregon State Penitentiary, as we sit here today, for his badness of felony child sexual assault, finally got caught after like three trials. So, I'm thinking of a guy. And I don't know what you might be thinking of, but it's based in deceit. It's based in deceit. The environment of a hurtful church is purposely unclear. The motives are veiled. The atmosphere is controlled. When I say atmosphere, what I mean is the milieu it's the control of the milieu, what you look at what you see who you're with, what kind of music you hear, where the pastor is, how the pastor stands, what does his pulpit look like? What kind of behaviors do you observe, are allowed and what kinds of ones are not? This is the whole cultural milieu, the context and it's based in deceit, because it's presenting to you a picture of the church that is simply not true. And this is important to note, because this is the aspect of an abusive church that destroys your trust, okay? It's the very beginning, realizing, and I hate to put it this way, but realizing you were tricked. And that is a violation of your trust, which, wow, hits you hard. Lose trust in God, lose trust in religion, lose trust in your Bible, lose trust in your friends, your spouse, your religion. And worst of all, you lose trust in God, and you're not sure if you got tricked into the whole ball of wax. So, the first thing I find is deceit with these groups. The second thing and this is not a progressive order, it's just kind of a 10 as they occurred to me. The second thing is isolation. Abusive churches and toxic groups depend on isolating their members from the other's. Moms and dads, brothers and sisters, best buddies from high school, kids you grew up with, other Christians. I mean, the support that could be a support network for you, the abusive church moves toward isolating you away from that and diminishing the importance and the significance of those relationships, to where maybe You'll spend Thanksgiving with your church family, those folks that really love you. And you'll tell your mom and your dad, I'm not going to be able to make it home. Maybe you won't go to the normal Christmas gathering that you've been to all of these years, because you know what? Pastor's teaching of complete study through the book of Mark over Christmas break. That's not something I want to miss. That isolation serves a much deeper purpose than simply showing the power of leadership. The reward and punishments as a system that take place in an abusive church can only take place if you have no outside influences. The abusive leader does not want you to be able to go have a cup of coffee with your high school buddy, and say, well, you'd never believe it. Actually, I'm tithing 30%, which was pretty tough for a new guy and a new paramedic, and with kids and everything, but I don't know, what do you think of that? Well, after my friend got done slapping me he would, he would say something like Ken, wake up, wake up. This is not right. How can this be right? They're rich, and they're making you poor. That kind of discussion and reaction is poison to the leaders and the leader of an abusive church. So, the isolation has to happen. The reason it's important is because you do not become completely pliable until you are effectively isolated, okay? And the way it happens is not through deriding and discouraging you from your present or your relationships or things important to you. It's also through loving you within the group into such a way that you can say, well, maybe my needs will be met here. And it becomes emotionally very important to you that those needs are met and that you're okay with everybody in that group. And you begin making decisions based on the underlying commitment you have to stay good with the group. Isolation is important to these to these groups. Another one – elitism. Elitism. Just the idea of compared to other Christians compared to other churches, compared to other groups, this is a place where it's done right. You might hear the translation of their Bibles criticize; you might hear their pastors criticize. You know, well, what kind of church do you think that must be? They got a woman pastor, right? Don't throw anything at me. I was just using that as an example. So, this elitism begins to happen within these groups. You're actually told, while you're experiencing the worst life you can imagine you're actually told that you're a Green Beret for Jesus. I mean, you're actually in the best group, and you are better and you're going to be better, and you probably are going to save the world. Elitism. Fourth, I see that the independence the freedom of thought begins to be controlled by the group. Nobody likes the word brainwashing, and it's not a good word at all to use in the academic world. It's called thought reform. That is through a system of manipulations and emotional controls, the very way that you as a member think, is changed. That happens partially through being told you're more special than everyone else. And you're elite. Your pastors the best pastor. He's the most like King David. Isn't that something? We really did say that. Yeah. Which if I would have really thought about it, I would have gone, oh man head for the hills. That is not exactly the best person to be like, bless him. But yeah, okay. So, the elitism hits and the independence your ability to think independently gets goofed up. That's why it's hard when you leave a group to think straight. It's hard to think straight. It's hard to pick up a book. I went to the store and stared at the section of Levi's because I needed a new pair of jeans. And it was just months after leaving. I stared at those things. Man, there's like a million different kinds anyway, right? And just trying to make a decision about it. And I walked out after an hour, couldn't decide. It didn't quite take an hour but I also walked out of the supermarket. I could not decide between white and brown eggs. And of course, that wasn't a thing from my cult. It's just my decision making and my trust in myself had gotten so out of shape that at moments I couldn't even control I would be paralyzed and couldn't not think straight. That's generally not a good quality in a paramedic. But there it was, and I managed to survive. So yeah, the independence of thought is hid. And I call that really a freedom of conscience. The idea of being able to believe what I believe and know what I believe and own what I believe in these churches, of course, gets violated. Fifth, I see that the member's private life is violated. Okay, violated, it can take place through simply giving reports to those over you. How are you doing this week? How's your time with God going? How are those memory verses going for you? Can I review you? Are you planning on making it to this? How is this going? Your private life begins to be dismantled. How's your marriage, Kne? How's your marriage? Well, don't just say fine. I mean, how are you doing? When was the last fight you had and, that's stuff that you, you bring up for help and assistance with somebody you trust. It's not something that the bosses ask you. That's your marriage. So, there's a violation. And then of course, confession, the very demand that you as a member, confess your sin a lot, often. And that sin ends up making its way up the chain. And in some churches, they actually write them down. I think the Bible says something about that somewhere, keeping a list, you know. But the confession is a very important part of it, because it involves a public shaming, and an admission of your unworthiness and of your failure. When I went to court, which, you know, 19 years or so, after leaving my cult, I was on the witness stand. And it was very important to the defense attorney to discredit me as a witness, probably because I'm a pastor, because my daughters had been some of the children that this man had abused. But also, I had studied cultic dynamics and whatnot. And so, he thought to himself, well, I don't really want Ken up there. And it was amazing. They remembered sins that I had confessed in 1984. Yeah, and now I'm a 54-year-old man who's, you know, Grace of God moved on from a lot of things in my life. And now I'm faced with 24-year-old Ken with his totally goofed up compromises. And since they remembered it, they told their lawyer, and he nailed me on it in the courtroom, everything from well, I just won't get into it here, but just everything they really it down. And it didn't work. Because when you've left a group like this and faced things, who cares who knows whatever? They thought they were going to make my church maybe fire me or something like, Oh, if they knew what we know about him. That wasn't exactly the case at all. Another red flag is family. How the church treats family relationships. The two that I'll just mention is, first of all, the marital relationship. I've said a couple of things about that already. But also, the relationship of children in the family unit. False teachers and abusive leaders get right to work in fusing marriages, especially young marriages, with issues of dominance, with fake communication with the concept of husbands discipling their wives, or maybe wives discipling their husbands. I mean, I've been to weddings where the pastor, in giving his wedding speech, reminded the young groom that he was now the authority in his bride's life, and he would need the answers. She needed to come to Him for wisdom, no longer her father. Isn't that weird? And I'm thinking to myself, good grief. This is a kid. And he's being told that I mean, I know, he's not even taking responsibility for his own life, because he's 20 years old or whatever. And he also now is responsible for the life of the most precious human being in his life, his wife, and he's set up for failure. Abusive churches hurt marriages, in many, many different ways. And they also hurt the relationships between children and their parents. The healthy connecting, and bonding that should be happening between a child and his mom, especially his mom, but a child and his mom and their dad, in the earliest years of life, often are disrupted in the abusive church, and it hurts because you can't get those years back. The reason this happens is because narcissistic leaders hate dyadic relationships. Strange word: what I mean, there is this, they are jealous of any other two people in their world, having a relationship that is outside of their control, criticism, ability to step right into and mess with anytime they want. They resent these relationships, and they resent the relationships often between parents and their children. That's how it was in my church. You know, he was just jealous. He was just jealous. There's a distinct fear of displeasing leaders in abusive churches. Members end up living their lives with the consideration before they do anything of you know, anything, go out to a movie or whatever. They think, how would pastor so and so feel about this? And would I be in trouble or not? Is this okay or not? And they make decisions based on that. A terrible fear of leadership because of what they can do to you once you've been isolated by them. Then the issue of grace, this is where I could talk for like 10 hours. And I probably wouldn't even touch the bottom of it. The violation of grace that happens in abusive groups and churches is absolutely criminal. If grace is even spoken of, it is relegated to the theology pages of a book to explain the disposition of God, when He graciously and nicely presented Christ in such a way that you and I can believe and escape judgment and sin and, you know, be saved. And that's it. But the issue of graciousness in the church, man that is not just twisted or perverted, it's absent. Grace is absent. That's the number one kind of theology that I find people when they leave these churches and begin to put their lives together  and heal the number one thing that blows them away, if they're in that space, is grace. It's the missing theological point of all of these abusive groups. And finally, leaving the group is traumatic, it's hard to leave. It's not just hard to leave, it's traumatic on you to leave. Long before you leave the group, the message is made clear to you, what will happen to you if you leave the group, what will be said about you by your best friends if you leave the group, how you will be thought of if you leave the group, how you will fail in life if you leave the group. Long before you walk out the door, you see it lived out before your very eyes and how your friends are treated when they leave. And you think to yourself, I don't want that to happen to me. So, the trauma begins before you even leave it. But once you leave it, oh my goodness, oh my goodness, the anxiety attacks, the fear of crowds, the fear of people, the inability to keep commitments you make to meet somebody or to do something, the showing up late for an event or a church or something so that you don't have to talk and then the leaving early, so that you don't have to talk, all of those behaviors,  those all come about because of the trauma that you experienced of your soul being mashed up in a meat grinder by a church. Okay, I've got just a few minutes to say just a few things. How do we begin to heal from this? What does healing look like? How do we begin the healing process? I've got just a few things to say. And the first thing is that the healing process absolutely involves a renewal of trust. It might take a year; it might take 10 years. I suppose I'm 26 years out and I'm still kind of working through it. But trust has been violated. Something that needs to be earned was violated. And you don't trust churches, you don't trust people. You struggle with trusting God. You struggle with opening the Bible, it triggers so much. I mean, so much of what happened to you is centered around somebody tapping a Bible while they were doing it to you. And worst of all, you don't trust yourself. I couldn't trust myself to buy a pair of pants. And I'm raising kids. And I'm giving life support to patients; couldn't trust myself to just make a decision about buying a stupid dozen eggs in Safeway and going home. Your trust in yourself. And if your trust is violated on even those small things, imagine the big things. How do I know how to lead my family? How would I ever know a church that's good or not? How am I ever going to trust another pastor? I trusted that when I trusted that church I trusted that doctrine. I trusted those things and I failed. I should be here and I'm not. I should have this much retirement I don't. I should have this kind of house, I don't, I should have this education, I don't, my wife and I should be experiencing this life we're not. So, trust is violated. And so, the first thing in recovery is to begin to consider the need for trust and make some small choices to restore trust. I'm a very literal guy. When I say small choices, I mean, like, get out of bed. So far, so good. I made it. And that's what I mean is to begin to make good choices, and to establish trust. And of course, that involves people. And that's really the second thing of building back trust is kindhearted people. You need a relationship with people who get it. It's best if those people are people that were in your group with you, they get it, and you can stay up all night telling stories. And that's good. But you need people in some manner. And it can be a handshake and a hello. And that's it for now, no problem, you've done something. But we need human beings to restore trust in human beings. If you're trying to help people recover from these things, this is the most important aspect, that you are a person of integrity and kindness and you stick your neck out for the person that you're wanting to help. And you understand that they don't trust you. And they might not for a long, long time. Okay. And then finally, you need information. You need solid information. I went back to seminary, and I was working on a doctorate, it was on some boring, boring subject that nobody has a right to really take anybody's time. But I switched halfway into studying cults and abusive churches. And all I could find was basically other than a couple of good books, all I could find was devotional materials, or telling me why I needed to be nicer to King Saul when he throws a spear at me. You know what I mean? So, you need, you need education. You need to learn the dynamics of thought reform, of cults, of how psychologically things happen that hurt you. And I had to go into the kind of the secular academic realm to start researching and putting that together, and you need that information. And finally, I got like a couple of seconds. Finally, if you achieve a bit of an education with people, you'll develop the vocabulary to explain what I started out saying what happened to me? You will develop a common language so that you can show up here and get to telling your stories and sharing your heart a lot quicker and you can be understood and empathized with a lot better because you learn a common vocabulary. And over time, you develop the words, and you understand them and you're able to share and to listen to your fellow survivors as you heal. Please bow your heads if you would let me and grant me the respect of letting me pray for you. Gracious King. dear King, Shepherd. Every human being in this room is broken. And every human being everywhere is broken. We're here admitting it. So, we ask you to carry us don't just help us along don't just help things get a little better. Absolutely 100%, save and deliver us. Even now, we want to have a good weekend. But God even now, wherever we're at with this horrible issue, meet us, deliver us, give us trust. Give us good people and teach us father teach us for we are here to learn. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. JULIE ROYS  44:25 Well, again, that's Ken Garrett speaking at RESTORE 2023 which just concluded on October 14. Next week, I'll be publishing my podcast with theologian Scot McKnight and his daughter, Laura Behringer, on their new book, Pivot: The Priorities, Practices and Powers That Can Transform Your Church Into a Tov Culture. That's an awesome book and it's sure to be an awesome podcast, so be looking for that next week. Then on November 8, I'll be releasing a talk from RESTORE by Carson Weitnauer on disillusionment and hope. This is an extremely vulnerable and moving talk where Carsten recounts his profound disillusionment when he discovered that someone he thought was a hero of the faith turned out to be a fraud. That hero was Ravi Zacharias. And when Carson discovered the truth about Ravi, he was a director at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. This is such a painfully honest yet hopeful talk, and one you won't want to miss. I also want to mention that the videos of these talks are all available at my YouTube channel. A lot of conferences charge for their videos, but we've decided to make ours available for free because we don't want anyone to miss out on this valuable content because of lack of finances. But these videos do cost us to shoot and edit. So, if you appreciate this content and you're able to pitch in, would you please donate to The Roys Report so we can continue this important service. To do so just go to JULIEROYS.COM/DONATE. Also, just a quick reminder to subscribe to The Roys Report on Apple podcast, Google podcast, Spotify, or YouTube. That way you'll never miss an episode. And while you're at it, I'd really appreciate it if you'd help us spread the word about the podcast by leaving a review. And then please share the podcast on social media so more people can hear about this great content. Again, thanks so much for joining me today. Hope you were blessed and encouraged. Read more

There isn't an easy answer to the origin of the black mourning band. The use of black clothing to show that the wearer is in mourning for the loss of a loved one, can be traced all the way back to ancient Rome, where the traditional white toga would be replaced with a black toga pulla. Over the centuries and in various cultures white and black have battled it out for dominance as the prevailing color for mourning however in the 14th century, Christian Churches had made the wearing of black at funerals a common custom. the 19th-century artist and professor F. Edward Hulme, explained the color black at funerals showed “the spiritual darkness of the soul unillumined by the Sun of righteousness.” By the 14th century, it was widely associated with death.What arguably set the color black aside for funerals was its expense. To get the deep dark color of black required multiple rounds of dyeing. Black clothing simply cost more than other colors and funerals; specifically important funerals were theater in the day. It was an opportunity to show off, make a political statement, and impress your peers and commoners alike. As Katie Thornton of the Atlantic put it; Funerals were the red carpets of the early modern era.The funeral of Queen Elizabeth the First in 1603 solidified black as the color of mourning. While black has become a more common color over the years and much less expensive it still has a historical connection with death and to this day is the most common color associated with mourning.While the wealthy and political were trying to one-up each other in the black clothing department the military found itself with a conundrum. Early military uniforms were colorful. The bright clothing helped differentiate the fighters on the battlefield. It helped build cohesion and recognition on the smoke-filled landscape. Uniforms were at their most glorious during the Napoleonic era in Europe. Bright colors, gold buttons and ribbons, silver braids and polished leather. The uniforms were intended to display authority, power, status, and glamor.They were everything but black.To allow for proper mourning while still wearing the uniform of the day the black armband as adopted. By adding a black armband to the uniform, the wearer was able to convey the appropriate honor and respect for the deceased while still being gloriously appointed in the dress uniform of the day. The black armband was quickly adopted by anyone who had a specific uniform to wear during the funeral rights. We still see the black armband worn today by sports teams wishing to show their respect of a lost member or important person.For law enforcement the practice of wearing a black armband quickly morphed into wearing a black band over the officer's badge. Today it is common practice for law enforcement officers to wear a black band over the badge to pay respects to fellow officers who died in the line of duty.

Bible Study: (1:47) 2 Cor 1:1-7 What does it mean that the Holy Spirit is the comforter?  Letters (23:06) - What's Father's take on tattoos?  (27:48) - Can angels possess us?  (29:41) - Blowing trumpets and giving alms (30:58) - What are Father's thoughts about Christian Churches?  Word of the Day: Blessed (34:16) Callers  (37:41) - What am I supposed to do as a mother because my 26 year old son wants to transition?  (41:04) - Does Patrick know about Our Lady of Leyva (from Columbia)? (42:23) - I attended a Protestant service where they baptized people. Do most protestant churches 'In the Name of the Father, Son, Holy Ghost...? (45:26) - I believe a Eucharistic Miracle took place here in Yonkers New York (48:44) - Parable of the fig tree, and about an interpretation?