Podcasts about city on a hill

Everyone wants change in the world. There are many different opinions on how this change should take place. Some believe it is through politics, economics, family, education, or technology. As Christians, we believe that the gospel changes everything! God saves us by His grace and transforms us from the inside out. And then that transformation moves to our family and into the world. Don't miss a message for In the Making as we learn about how God is bringing change to our world.PRAYERText (904) 770-3037 if you would like a member of our prayer team to pray with or for you.NEXT STEPSAre you ready to learn more about what it means to walk with Christ, get baptized, or get connected within the church body? Click here to complete our digital connect card: https://fathom.churchcenter.com/people/forms/31883GOT QUESTIONS?Learn more about Fathom Church at http://fathom.church/WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!If you are looking for more encouragement and biblical teaching throughout the week, we hope you'll follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or download the Churchcenter app: https://churchcenter.com/setupMORE WAYS TO LISTEN:Fathom Beyond Sunday Podcast - Conversations with a biblical worldview and real life application - listen in on an engaging chat between leaders at Fathom discussing faith, life, and how we can carry the truth of the word taught on Sunday into our week Monday through Saturday.Fathom Family Podcast - Real talk on how to build a Godly marriage that is in it for the long haul while leading your kids toward their God-given potential and purpose in Christ.See all the ways to listen here: http://fathom.church/category/listen/

We explore the importance of regular spiritual self-examination and biblical literacy as foundations for discernment in a world full of deception. Our daily habits reveal our true priorities, challenging us to align our actions with our professed values of faith and family.• Taking time for a daily spiritual "audit" of how we spend our time and energy• Reading scripture daily as protection against deception and cultural manipulation• Understanding Ephesians 4 on unity in the body of Christ and spiritual maturity• Speaking truth in love, even when it requires difficult conversations• Recognizing America's historical purpose as "a city on a hill" pointing to Christ• Medal of Honor recipient James Bell and his service during the Indian Campaigns• John Adams' vision for America as a light to other nationsIf you're looking for clean reading material for children or grandchildren similar to The Hobbit or Narnia, check out my Countryside series available on Amazon. The Kindle version is currently available for 99 cents, with paperback and hardback options also available. I'd be grateful if you'd leave a review if you enjoy it.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Welcome to episode 211 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continues our series entitled Taste and See. Today we will cover· Lighto God's word is a light (Psalm 119)o Jesus is the Light (John 8)o We are the Light (Matthew 5)Key takeaways:· Taste and see that the Lord is good.· Jesus gives you the light of life.· Put the light on a stand. Don't hide it.Quotable:· “Share the gospel. It's necessary. Use words.”· “98-99% of God's will for your life is found explicitly in scripture.”· “Not just called to show it, we must proclaim it.”Application:- Use God's word to expose sin in your life.- God's word not only calls you to action it also convicts your heart.- A city on a hill is seen from miles and miles away.Connect with us:Web site: https://springbaptist.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/If you haven't already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provide

A Sermon for the Eighth Sunday after Trinity Matthew 7:15-21 by William Klock In 597 b.c. the Babylonians conquered Judah.  The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, ordered the deportation of the ruling elite of Jerusalem.  That meant King Jehoiachin, most of the royal family, and thousands of others including many of the priests.  That included Ezekiel.  He had been born into one of the important priestly families.  He was twenty-five years old.  Had everything gone as expected, had everything gone to plan, he would have been ordained a priest at the age of thirty and gone on to serve before the presence of the Lord in the temple.  Instead, with the rest of those Jewish exiles, he sat down by the rivers of Babylon and wept as he remembered Zion—as one of the psalmists put it.  And he wondered how he and his people could ever sing the Lord's song in a strange land. And then, on Ezekiel's thirtieth birthday, he had a vision.  He saw the Lord enthroned in glory and the Lord commissioned him.  Instead of being a priest, the Lord ordained Ezekiel a prophet—a prophet to the exiles and to the people of Judah.  Ezekiel was to announce to his people why they had been defeated and carried off into exile.  He was to accuse his people of their idolatry and of their unfaithfulness to the Lord's covenant.  And he was also to announce that the Lord's judgement on Judah had only just begun.  And so Ezekiel's ministry began with a series of acted out prophecies.  He acted out the coming destruction of Jerusalem with miniatures.  He lay on his side for a year, acting the part of the scapegoat, while eating food cooked over human waste.  He cut off his hair with a sword.  Again, to announce the coming judgement on Jerusalem.  And all for nought.  The Lord told him that no one would listen and they didn't—because Israel's heart was hardened against the Lord. But just because the people wouldn't listen didn't mean Ezekiel's job as a prophet was done.  The Lord gave him another vision, this time of the temple in Jerusalem.  He saw his people worshipping idols in the temple court and then he saw the Lord's glory—the cloud that rested on the ark of the covenant in the holy of holies—he saw that cloud of glory depart from the temple.  And the Lord announced to him that the temple would be destroyed.  Again, because of Israel's idolatry and lack of covenant faithfulness.  Ezekiel accused his people of being like a rebellious wife and like a rampaging lion.  He described Israel and Judah as two shameless and reprobate prostitute sisters.  And he dragged his people into the divine courtroom and put them on trial before the Lord.  They could beg for mercy all they wanted, but the time for mercy had passed.  God's goodness and faithfulness demanded that he judge his people.  For centuries he had shown them his patient mercy, but now is was time for justice.  And that's when word reached Ezekiel that Jerusalem had fallen, the temple had been destroyed, and that the Lord's judgement had come on Judah. But that wasn't the end of Ezekiel's ministry.  The Lord would not leave his people in judgement forever.  If being faithful to his word meant judgement on their unfaithfulness, it also meant restoring them and making them faithful.  And so Ezekiel's prophetic messaged shifted from judgement to hope.  Through him the Lord promised the restoration of his people under a new king, under a David-like messiah.  And the Lord promised to breathe his Spirit into his people to take away their heart of stone and to give them a heart of flesh.  He gave Ezekiel a vision of a valley of dry bones and commanded the prophet to speak his word over those bones.  And the word of the Lord brought them back to life.  It was a promise of new creation.  But the wicked pagan nations still stood in the way of that new creation.  And so the Lord also gave Ezekiel a series of visions in which he defeated the nations.  And then, finally, Ezekiel had a vision of creation set to rights.  That vision begins with a temple.  Not the old temple, but a new one.  A new one infinitely grander and more beautiful than even Solomon's temple.  And after being given a tour of this temple, Ezekiel has a vision of the Lord's glory descending to fill it.  It's the Lord's way of saying that he will not abandon his people forever.  He will be with them again.  And out of this temple's gate flows a stream and as it flows down the mountain from the temple the stream turns into a great river.  Wherever it flows trees and lush vegetation spring up.  And eventually the river flow down into the desert and there it causes a lush garden to grow—Eden restored—a garden named “the Lord is there”. Now, everyone likes that last part.  Everyone wants to hear and to claim for themselves the messages of hope.  No one wants to hear the call to repentance and the warning of coming judgement.  No one would listen to Ezekiel's warnings.  It's not that they didn't hear them—or see them.  It was hard to miss the weird guy playing with action figures or hacking his hair off with a sword or laying on his side and cooking food over poop.  They saw it all.  But they refused to take it to heart.  They were convinced their exile to Babylon was an accident of history, not the Lord's judgement on their idolatry.  But once Ezekiel's prophecies of doom came true, I expect the people were hanging on his every last word of hope.  That's the test of a prophet, after all: does his word come to pass.  Ezekiel's did. And for that reason the people were still hanging onto his words when Jesus came, still looking for and longing for those divine promises to finally be fulfilled.  Because judgement had happened as the prophet foretold, that restoration of the people, that new creation, that new life with God would happen just as surely too.  It was just a matter of time.  So it shouldn't be a surprise that as Jesus preached he drew on the words of the old prophets like Ezekiel.  But it was the same old thing all over again.  The people gathered to hear Jesus preach good news.  They flocked to him for healing and deliverance and miracles that showed the kingdom of God was breaking in.  But they didn't want to hear the warnings.  They gasped when he told them that to see that coming kingdom, to know that garden called “the Lord is there”, they needed righteousness, they needed covenant faithfulness far beyond that of the scribes and Pharisees.  Judgement was coming on Judah again and Jesus was there to create a new people, a new community that would have that righteousness, that would be salt and light, that would be a city on a hill, that would come out the other side of God's judgement to see his kingdom.  The people in Ezekiel's day didn't want to hear that part of the message and neither did the people in Jesus' day.  Ed Stetzer likes to say, “If you want everyone to like you don't be a pastor, go sell ice cream.”  I think Ezekiel (and Jesus) would say the same thing about being a prophet. Our Gospel today is taken from the closing words of Jesus' sermon on the mount.  Jesus has spoken hard words—just as Ezekiel had.  But there was reason to hope.  In him the Lord was finally doing that new thing everyone had been waiting for since the prophets, but Jesus was also condemning their covenant faithlessness and announcing coming judgement.  And so he warns the people—this is Matthew 7:13—“Go in by the narrow gate.  The gate that leads to destruction, you see, is nice and wide and the road going there has plenty of room.  Lots of people go that way.  But the gate leading to life is narrow, and the road going there is a tight squeeze.  Not many people find their way through.”   In other words, “Yes, I know what I've been saying is hard.  Yes, I know it means repentance and turning away from sin and pursuing covenant faithfulness with everything you've got and even then you're going to need God's help, but that's the way to life.  Listen to me, because judgement is coming again and it's coming soon.  (He later told the disciples: before this generation passes away!)  And if you refuse to listen and if you keep going down the wide and easy path you're on, you're as sure to meet that judgement as the people of Ezekiel's day did. “Watch out for false prophets!” Jesus says.  There are people invested in the ways and the ideas and the systems of the present evil age.  They don't want to see you repent and turn back to the Lord.  They know everyone loves ice cream and they're going to show up with a cart full of it and everyone's going to listen to them—because ice cream is a lot more fun than calls to repentance.  “They will come to you dressed like sheep, but inside they are hungry wolves.”  Jesus draws on Ezekiel's condemnation of the leaders of Israel and Judah.  They were like wolves in the midst of the flock, tearing apart the sheep, shedding blood, all for their own gain.  It's always the way of false prophets.  They proclaim what people want to hear.  When the Lord desires repentance, the false prophets proclaim the status quo.  When the Lord desires sacrifice, the false prophets proclaim health and wealth.  When the Lord warns of judgement, the prophets proclaim “Peace!  Peace!”  And so Jesus warns in verse 16, “You'll be able to tell them by the fruit they bear: you don't find grapes growing on thorn-bushes, do you, or figs on thistles?  Well, in the same way, good trees produce good fruit and bad trees produce bad fruit.  Actually, good trees can't produce bad fruit, nor can bad ones produce good fruit.  Every tree that doesn't produce good fruit is cut down and thrown on the fire.  So you must recognise them by their fruits.”   There's never been any shortage of false prophets in the world.  In the Old Testament the test of a prophet was whether or not what he said came to pass.  The punishment for false prophecy was death.  Brothers and Sisters, claiming to speak the very word of the Lord is serious business.  His words are life.  When people claim to speak for the Lord, but speak falsely, it gives people reason to doubt his actual word.  But people took it lightly in Ezekiel's day, people took it lightly in Jesus' day, and far too many people take it lightly today.  The Old Testament test of a prophet still stands: Do his words come to pass?  But when Jesus warned the people, there wasn't time for that.  Judgement was coming soon.  So Jesus gives another way: look at the fruit.  It was a good test then and it's a good test now.  When someone says, “Thus says the Lord,” look at that person's life.  Does their life show the fruit of the Spirit?  Do you see things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control?  Or are they just selling ice cream and getting rich?  It's always amazing to me how many people flock to men and women who claim to work miracles and who claim to speak for God, but the miracles are false, the words are heresy, and the things they say never come to pass.  But it is a testimony to just how much we like ice cream, how much we'd rather hear “Peace, peace!” than a message about repentance.  Look at the fruit.  If the fruit is bad, the tree is bad and there's only one destination for bad trees: the fire—judgement.  Don't end up in the same place. Look for the fruit.  I know the language of the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit is something that developed later with Paul, but I think it's worth noting that Jesus talks here about fruit.  Too many people look for signs—what Paul would call “gifts” of the Spirit.  But even Paul warns these things can be faked.  Signs and wonders aren't necessarily evidence of a true prophet.  Fruit is the evidence. And Jesus goes on, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; only people who do the will of my Father in heaven.  On that day lots of people will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name, didn't we?  We cast out demons in your name.  We performed lots of powerful deeds in your name.'  Then I will have to say to them, ‘I never knew you.  You're a bunch of evildoers.  Go away from me.'”   “On that day.”  That's language right out of the Old Testament prophets about the coming day of the Lord, about the day of judgement when the Lord will punish evil and vindicate the righteous.  A lot of people thought that just being an Israelite and having the Lord as their God gave them a place in the coming kingdom, but Jesus says that, no, that's not enough.  In fact, he narrows it down even further: a lot of people will think that because they've thought of Jesus as their Lord and done amazing things in his name, that they'll have a place in the kingdom—and not even that will cut it. It's important, I think, to remember here that Jesus isn't talking directly to us.  He was talking to First Century Jews and the judgement he was warning about was the judgement that would come forty years later when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple.  Those who would survive, those who would see the birth of the kingdom, would be those who truly identified themselves with Jesus in faith.  The people who followed him in the new exodus through baptism and into whom God would pour his Spirit.  They're the ones—not the ones who merely had an appreciation for what Jesus was teaching or thought of him as a great prophet—but the ones who truly recognised the God of Israel at work in Jesus the Messiah and who became part of his family, this new Israel redeemed by his death and given a new heart of flesh by the Holy Spirit.  They would be the dry bones that lived again.  They would be the ones whom God would deliver from the coming judgement.  They're the ones who would live to testify to the nations of the glory of the God of Israel revealed in the cross.  They're the ones who would live to proclaim the good news to the nations. And so Jesus concludes his sermon with a final allusion to Ezekiel.  In verse 24 he says, “So, then, everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  Heavy rain fell; floods rose up; the winds blew and beat on that house.  It didn't fall, because it was founded on the rock.  And everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn't do them—they will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  Heavy rain fell; floods rose up; the winds blew and battered the house—and down it fell.  It fell with a great crash.”   Ezekiel warned the false prophets about the wall they'd built.  It's a pretty clear reference to the temple just as Jesus' “house” here is, too.  The false prophets had built a wall and they'd whitewashed it and it looked great.  It looked like a wall for the ages.  But when the Lord's judgement came, when he sent the rains and the floods and the winds, that wall came crashing down and exposed its builders as the unfaithful and idolatrous false prophets they really were.  The same thing would happen again.  The people of Jerusalem and Judea looked up to the temple as their hope, but Jesus condemns them.  Not this time as whitewashed walls, but as whitewashed tombs.  They went through the motions of faithfulness, they maintained their ritual purity, they proclaimed their love for and their loyalty to God, but their hearts were far from him.  Because God's heart was in Jesus. Jesus had to come to fulfil the prophecies of hope and life.  He'd come to build God's new temple.  Not one whitewashed with false piety, but one washed with his own blood.  Listen to Peter's call in his first epistle: “Come to him, to that living stone.  Men rejected him, but God chose him and values him very highly!  Like living stones yourselves, you are being built up into a spiritual house—a new temple!—to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that will be pleasing to God through Jesus the Messiah.  That's why it stands in scripture: ‘Look!  I am setting up in Zion a chosen, precious cornerstone.  Believe in him!  You will not be ashamed.'”   The false prophets, the wolves in sheep's clothing, the grifters selling spiritual ice cream, they whitewash false piety, they whitewash selfishness, they whitewash heresies—they whitewash the ugly things of the world.  They proclaim “Peace, peace” in the face of coming judgement.  Brothers and Sisters, don't be duped.  Listen to Jesus.  Stay focused on Jesus.  Think of Peter's confession later in Matthew's Gospel: “You are the Messiah, the son of the living God!”  This is the rock on which Jesus has built his church—his people, his new temple—and not even the gates of hell will overpower it.  Never forget that this is the temple in which his Spirit dwells. Never forget that this the temple from which God's new life flows to the world.  Never forget that this temple is the source of God's new creation.  And it's built on the rock and nothing but the rock that is Jesus. Come to the Lord's Table this morning and be reminded that in Jesus, God has given his own life for you—for us.  Come to the Lord's Table and be reminded that in Jesus, God has breathed his life into our dry bones and made us live again.  Come to the Lord's Table and be reminded that he's made us the precious stones of his temple.  Then be that Spirit-filled and life-giving water that Ezekiel saw flowing out from the temple into the world carrying God's life, carrying his new creation. Let's pray: Gracious Father, in Jesus you have washed us clean from sin and by your Spirit you have renewed our hearts and made the priests of your new temple.  Guard our hearts from the temptations of false prophets and false gods that our desires might always be for you and your kingdom, through Jesus our Lord.  Amen.

As long as you or I are content with the world, in all of its dark ways, and we aren’t BEING or REVEALING something new... If we’re not sharing the light of the world, if we aren’t being the city on a hill? There’s no news to spread, then! If we’re just people with busier Sundays, what do we have to offer for the searching soul?

As long as you or I are content with the world, in all of its dark ways, and we aren’t BEING or REVEALING something new... If we’re not sharing the light of the world, if we aren’t being the city on a hill? There’s no news to spread, then! If we’re just people with busier Sundays, what do we have to offer for the searching soul?

Bro James shares the importance of being the light that God has called us to be in Jesus

Christ in you is the hope of glory. Because He dwells within us, He is changing us from the inside out—and that change should be visible. We are called to shine, to radiate His glory, to be a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. Every part of our lives—our marriages, families, work, and leadership—is meant to reflect the gospel to the world. Colossians 3 shows us that God has a divine design for our relationships, and all of it falls under the authority of Jesus. The challenge isn't just admitting He's Lord—it's submitting to His Lordship in every area of our lives. As we focus and dwell more on Him, we begin to reflect Him even more to the world. Listen to this sermon about reflecting God's design in the seventh part of our In The Word series, walking through the book of Colossians. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/u0P3HnD4DCISubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Send us a textAuthor and Advocate Ted Neill joins the show to share his powerful journey from working at a home for orphans in Nairobi, Kenya, and then in human services, to becoming a full-time author of nearly 30 books! We explore his middle-grade book series that celebrates disabilities through young superheroes, as well as his advocacy work amplifying the voices of children he once cared for, who are now grown. Ted's BioGlobetrotter and writer Ted Neill has worked on five continents as an educator, health professional, and journalist. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Recovery Today, and he has published a number of novels exploring issues related to science, religion, class, and social justice. He is the 2013 winner of the Martin Luther King Jr. Torch of Peace Award. His 2017 novel, The Selah Branch, attempts to confront issues of racism and the divided political environment of the US today and the 1950s. His debut novel, City on a Hill, examines the fault lines of religious conflict in the Middle East. His 2019 novel, Reaper Moon, takes place against the backdrop of a global virus pandemic and explores how the aftermath unfolds along familiar social divides of race and politics. His young adult series, Snog Team Six, is a romp through global mythology, science fiction, video games, the Old West and Southeast Asia. His high-fantasy series, Elk Riders, has won numerous awards including two Kirkus starred reviews. His upcoming series, The Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare, will provide an updated and exciting entrée to seventeen of the bard's plays for old and new readers alike.He is also an accomplished author of nonfiction. He is the author of two memoirs about his time working at a home for orphans with HIV/AIDS in Nairobi, Kenya.Neill's passion project is his illustrated middle grade series Mystery Force. Mystery Force is a collaboration with friends in the disability community to create a series where children with disabilities are the protagonists and heroes. Mystery Force came about when Neill's friend who uses a motorized wheelchair and has a canine companion approached him and said, “There needs to me more stories where kids with disabilities can see themselves as heroic.” So, they made one.Connect with TedWebsite Check out Ted's books on his website under the "books" tab!Follow Ted on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram @therealauthortedneillTikTokStay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!Sign Up Here!Shop new products here!Places you can reach me at:Website:https://kateyfortun.com/https://kateyfortun.com/podcastInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/

At a recent concert, an iconic American musician hit out at the tRump administration as "corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous," and declared that the America that was "a beacon of hope and freedom for 250 years" is now under the thumb of a corrupt regime rotting the America that was from the head down. To be clear, the "beacon of hope" is not without significant blemishes, including, but not limited to, slavery and Jim Crow, the systematic annihilation of the aboriginal inhabitants, the horrific Mai Lai Massacre during the ill-fated American war in Vietnam, and countless imperialist incursions and military interventions against soverign nations in their own lands.

116church celebrates 5 years! Billy & Jenn share from Matthew 5 on who Jesus says we are - both individually and as a church community: 1. A Light in the Dark2. A City on a Hill 3. A Beacon of Hope-----Official WebsiteInstagramTwitterFacebook

What do coaching, salt, and a city on a hill have in common? This week in our “2K: The Sermon on the Mount” series, we're diving into Jesus' challenge to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. In a culture quick to complain or hide, what does it look like to bring out the best in others and shine with hope? Join us Sunday as we explore how small, faithful actions can make a big difference.

We are A Shining City on a Hill. Everyone sees, everyone is watching. Praise your Father in heaven. There is no God like our God.

We are A Shining City on a Hill. Everyone sees, everyone is watching. Praise your Father in heaven. There is no God like our God.

Welcome back to Red Letters! In today's message, “The Christian Distinctive,” Pastor Kelly Kinder dives into Matthew 5:13-16 and reminds us that Jesus doesn't ask us to become salt and light—He boldly states we already are. That single truth reframes every conversation about identity, influence, and purpose.Salt mattered in ancient kitchens because it preserved meat from rot and drew out rich flavors. Kelly shows how believers carry the same function in society: slowing moral decay and making truth compelling. But Jesus adds a caution: salt can lose its bite. When we compromise conviction to fit in, our presence no longer preserves anything, and culture shrugs us off. Kelly explores practical ways to stay “salty,” from guarding personal holiness to speaking hard truths in love.The metaphor of light lifts the conversation higher. One lamp can change a room; one city on a hill guides travelers for miles. Light's power is in visibility, not volume. Jesus invites us to place our everyday lives on a stand where neighbors, coworkers, and classmates can see good works that reflect God's heart. Kelly illustrates this with stories of ordinary disciples: a mechanic who refuses dishonest upsells, a teen who befriends the outsider, a mom who hosts weekly dinners for single parents. Their influence isn't flashy, but it directs attention to the Father.Three questions drive the message: Where are you positioned to shine? How can your conduct make the gospel attractive? Why do you do it— for personal acclaim or for God's glory? Ephesians 5:8 and Proverbs 4:18 remind us that light grows brighter when we walk in step with the Spirit, hinting that our best impact may still be ahead.If you're weary of identity labels tied to titles, successes, or social media metrics, this conversation will breathe fresh freedom. Kelly's honest anecdotes and Scripture-rich teaching equip you to step into your God-given role with courage and joy.

Don't be a bystander… a city on a hill cannot he hidden. Jesus wants to shine His light through those who are called by His Name. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus and in His word? Then What are you doing in this moment of time where the world is growing colder and evil is going rampant? Don't be a bystander, there is a role need to play. In this requires you to arise and shine in life, Singlehood and in relationships. It begins when you… press play to hear more! Meditated scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:19-24, Isaiah 60:1-3, Habakkuk 2:14.Suggested readings: 2 Timothy 2, Isaiah 60, Titus 3, Colossians 3, Matthew 28. This year we are praying more people would hear such messages, to be stirred to read God's word to live the life He always destined them to live, including having the right spouse and marriage He desired for them to have. If you enjoyed our series, “ Dating & Marriage Prerequisites., you don't want to miss our live session this year, “ Kingdom Relationships 2.0.” We'd love to meet you and exhort you in person. Subscribe to our site for updates!

Join us for a special message from Christian counselor Jon Douglass.

The day of Pentecost was spectacular. But it was not a one-time event. The bible tells us that God added to the church daily. It was the beginning, and the church experienced steady growth. We often have good church, but that too is not a one-time event. What kind of church do we want to be? More importantly, what kind of church does God want us to be? The great commission was to preach the gospel to the world. We cannot do that if we are a hidden gem that no one knows about. We must be a city on a hill, shining our light for all to see. This cannot happen if we do not prepare. Those in the upper room that day didn't just show up when things started happening. The bible says they were all of one accord and were focused on prayer. They were determined to stay in that upper room until God poured out His blessing on them. The wind blowing in the upper room that day was not for them to experience a feeling; it was to fill them with God's spirit. We want what they had, but are we willing to do what they did to receive it? In our text, Jacob wrestles with the Angel of the Lord. After wrestling all night, Jacob refused to let him go until he received a blessing. The mindset of those in the upper room and Jacob is the same. They would do whatever it took to receive a blessing from God. They were determined to leave with something.

The day of Pentecost was spectacular. But it was not a one-time event. The bible tells us that God added to the church daily. It was the beginning, and the church experienced steady growth. We often have good church, but that too is not a one-time event. What kind of church do we want to be? More importantly, what kind of church does God want us to be? The great commission was to preach the gospel to the world. We cannot do that if we are a hidden gem that no one knows about. We must be a city on a hill, shining our light for all to see. This cannot happen if we do not prepare. Those in the upper room that day didn't just show up when things started happening. The bible says they were all of one accord and were focused on prayer. They were determined to stay in that upper room until God poured out His blessing on them. The wind blowing in the upper room that day was not for them to experience a feeling; it was to fill them with God's spirit. We want what they had, but are we willing to do what they did to receive it? In our text, Jacob wrestles with the Angel of the Lord. After wrestling all night, Jacob refused to let him go until he received a blessing. The mindset of those in the upper room and Jacob is the same. They would do whatever it took to receive a blessing from God. They were determined to leave with something.

A City On A Hill series Witness 06.08.25 Adam Hill

​ ⁨@MarkDParker⁩  House of Woo | 3 June 2025 | The City on a Hill https://www.youtube.com/live/0AMOJ_eq5yI?si=LJOFl6jbJezXiIVs   ⁨@transfigured3673⁩  John Vervaeke & Jonathan Pageau - Fellowship in the Spirit https://youtu.be/3yk8HtOQBuE?si=zTbxiD1svPA-cinX  https://roddreher.substack.com/p/second-thoughts-on-woke-right    Paul Vander Klay clips channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX0jIcadtoxELSwehCh5QTg Midwestuary Conference August 22-24 in Chicago https://www.midwestuary.com/ https://www.meetup.com/sacramento-estuary/ My Substack https://paulvanderklay.substack.com/ Bridges of meaning https://discord.gg/tWDuYmBB Estuary Hub Link https://www.estuaryhub.com/ If you want to schedule a one-on-one conversation check here. https://calendly.com/paulvanderklay/one2one There is a video version of this podcast on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/paulvanderklay To listen to this on ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/paul-vanderklays-podcast/id1394314333  If you need the RSS feed for your podcast player https://paulvanderklay.podbean.com/feed/  All Amazon links here are part of the Amazon Affiliate Program. Amazon pays me a small commission at no additional cost to you if you buy through one of the product links here. This is is one (free to you) way to support my videos.  https://paypal.me/paulvanderklay Blockchain backup on Lbry https://odysee.com/@paulvanderklay https://www.patreon.com/paulvanderklay Paul's Church Content at Living Stones Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh7bdktIALZ9Nq41oVCvW-A To support Paul's work by supporting his church give here. https://tithe.ly/give?c=2160640 https://www.livingstonescrc.com/give

How are you using your influence? Now, you might think you are not very influential because you define influence as position, fame, prominence, or name recognition. But listen to this definition of influence. Influence is the effect of something on a person; the power that somebody has to affect other people's lives, beliefs, thinking, and actions.Main Points:1. Everyone listening to this podcast episode has influence. You have people who like you and look up to you. There are people to come to you for your opinion, advice, or wisdom. You have acquaintances, friends, and colleagues who respect you. People are watching your life and being influenced by it, without you even knowing it. Everyone has a circle of influence.2. Our influence is not to be egotistical.  It is not for our benefit.  It is for Christ's sake.  The reason you let your light shine, the reason you are the salt of the earth, is for God.  We are an influence so we can bring more people to Jesus.  3. Let's use the influence God has given us for God's glory and to point others to the Savior.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 5:13-16 – “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.  “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”   Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Audio Recording Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the LordIsaiah 60:1-14, 19-22 (ESV)1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples;but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you;your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult,because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.6 A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come.They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you;they shall come up with acceptance on my altar, and I will beautify my beautiful house.8 Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows?9 For the coastlands shall hope for me, the ships of Tarshish first,to bring your children from afar, their silver and gold with them,for the name of the Lord your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he has made you beautiful.10 Foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you;for in my wrath I struck you, but in my favor I have had mercy on you.11 Your gates shall be open continually; day and night they shall not be shut,that people may bring to you the wealth of the nations, with their kings led in procession.12 For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; those nations shall be utterly laid waste.13 The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress, the plane, and the pine,to beautify the place of my sanctuary, and I will make the place of my feet glorious.14 The sons of those who afflicted you shall come bending low to you,and all who despised you shall bow down at your feet;they shall call you the City of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.19 The sun shall be no more your light by day,nor for brightness shall the moon give you light;but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.20 Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself;for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.21 Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever,the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be glorified.22 The least one shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation;I am the Lord; in its time I will hasten it.Sermon OutlineWe are given a picture of where God is leading history that can transform how we live.1. Draws Usv1 “your light has come” v5 “you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill”v7 “I will beautify my beautiful house”, v9 “because he has made you beautiful”2. Directs Usv1 “arise”v2 “darkness shall cover the earth”v11 “the people may bring to you the wealth of the nations” v20 “your days of mourning shall be ended”v19 “sun shall be no more… the Lord will be your everlasting light… your glory” 3. Utilizes Usv1 “shine” v14 “they shall call you the city of the Lord… Zion”“come”Prayer of ConfessionAlmighty and most merciful Father; we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us. And grant, O most merciful Father, for your Son Jesus Christ's sake, that we may hereafter live a godly and righteous life, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.Questions for ReflectionDo you believe the future is hopeful? If you imagine a great moment in the future, what do you picture?What does the theme of light rising and shining help us understand?What distinguishes true beauty from superficial beauty? Can you think of examples of how true beauty brings life to a person's soul?How can the vision of a hopeful future help you endure present difficulties? How can it inspire faithfulness when what you see is discouraging?How can this picture of people bringing gifts to God inform how you do your work or live your daily life? What does it look like to glorify God with all that you do?Why are Christians called to be a “city on a hill”? How do good works cause the light of God to shine from us into the world? Do you find joy in doing good?How can the church improve in being a community that shines light into the world? What can we do differently?Read AheadIsaiah Sermon Series

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the LordIsaiah 60:1-14, 19-22 (ESV)1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples;but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you;your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult,because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.6 A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come.They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you;they shall come up with acceptance on my altar, and I will beautify my beautiful house.8 Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows?9 For the coastlands shall hope for me, the ships of Tarshish first,to bring your children from afar, their silver and gold with them,for the name of the Lord your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he has made you beautiful.10 Foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you;for in my wrath I struck you, but in my favor I have had mercy on you.11 Your gates shall be open continually; day and night they shall not be shut,that people may bring to you the wealth of the nations, with their kings led in procession.12 For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; those nations shall be utterly laid waste.13 The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress, the plane, and the pine,to beautify the place of my sanctuary, and I will make the place of my feet glorious.14 The sons of those who afflicted you shall come bending low to you,and all who despised you shall bow down at your feet;they shall call you the City of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.19 The sun shall be no more your light by day,nor for brightness shall the moon give you light;but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.20 Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself;for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.21 Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever,the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be glorified.22 The least one shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation;I am the Lord; in its time I will hasten it.Sermon OutlineWe are given a picture of where God is leading history that can transform how we live.1. Draws Usv1 “your light has come” v5 “you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill”v7 “I will beautify my beautiful house”, v9 “because he has made you beautiful”2. Directs Usv1 “arise”v2 “darkness shall cover the earth”v11 “the people may bring to you the wealth of the nations” v20 “your days of mourning shall be ended”v19 “sun shall be no more… the Lord will be your everlasting light… your glory” 3. Utilizes Usv1 “shine” v14 “they shall call you the city of the Lord… Zion”“come”Prayer of ConfessionAlmighty and most merciful Father; we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us. And grant, O most merciful Father, for your Son Jesus Christ's sake, that we may hereafter live a godly and righteous life, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.Questions for ReflectionDo you believe the future is hopeful? If you imagine a great moment in the future, what do you picture?What does the theme of light rising and shining help us understand?What distinguishes true beauty from superficial beauty? Can you think of examples of how true beauty brings life to a person's soul?How can the vision of a hopeful future help you endure present difficulties? How can it inspire faithfulness when what you see is discouraging?How can this picture of people bringing gifts to God inform how you do your work or live your daily life? What does it look like to glorify God with all that you do?Why are Christians called to be a “city on a hill”? How do good works cause the light of God to shine from us into the world? Do you find joy in doing good?How can the church improve in being a community that shines light into the world? What can we do differently?Read AheadIsaiah Sermon Series

City On A Hill series Service - 06.01.25 Adam Hill

What happens when an actor stops waiting for the phone to ring—and starts building the damn set themselves? In this inspiring and action-packed episode, Alyshia sits down with actor, writer, and podcaster Matt Del Negro (City on a Hill, Scandal, The Sopranos, Mayor of Kingstown) to dive deep into what it really takes to get your own project off the ground. From brainstorming with trusted collaborators to navigating Kickstarter campaigns and tax-deductible donations—Matt's doing it all, and he's here to walk us through it. We explore his latest project, Mickey Brash, a gritty, character-driven indie film with a nostalgic 1970s Midwest vibe and a whole lot of heart. Matt shares how he's balancing creative control with practical limitations and how community—yes, your community—can make all the difference. Plus, we break down the evolution of his script Mickey Brasch, originally inspired by a TV role from 2013, shaped by feedback from actors like Chris Messina, and now a sharp, funny, father-daughter road movie with serious Blacklist buzz. If you've ever dreamed of creating your own content but didn't know where to start, this episode is your permission slip and your blueprint.

Jerusalem had been a city in reproach, but now was well on its way to being a shining city on a hill once again. This was the work God had put into Nehemiah's heart. The walls had been rebuilt providing them security and the hearts of the people were being revived by the Word of God providing them stability. While these steps were vital and in many way miraculous, Nehemiah still needed to lead another important step in the restoration of Jerusalem. In order to do so, he needed willing hearted volunteers. Many gladly gave of themselves to meet the need. May the Lord help us to do the same so that His work can go forward for His glory.Download NotesThanks for joining us for this episode and please take a moment to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoy this content, please don't hesitate to leave us a 5-star review and share this podcast with your friends. We'd like to extend an invitation to you and your family to join us for worship this week at Grace Baptist Church. We'd also love to connect with you online at https://gracekettering.org. Thanks again for checking out this episode, and we look forward to having you join us again right here on the Grace Baptist Church Podcast!

a city on a hill series Humility - 05.25.25 Adam Hill

A City On A Hill Series Faith - 05.18.25 Adam Hill

57 percent of Generation Z says their life dream is to be an influencer, but Jesus says every Christian is an influencer. He says you're a shining city on a hill. The only question is what kind of influence you're having. Maybe you feel too young, too old, or too damaged to become the kind of gospel influence Jesus has called you to be. Well, listen to this message and watch Jesus transform Peter from a failure to an influencer, and how we wants to do the samething with you.

Rob Harlamert's sermon on sharing the light of Jesus with those around you. https://elevatelex.church

Send us a textWhat does it mean to truly be seen? To strip away the facades and connect with others in raw authenticity? Gavin Fuller, videographer, storyteller, father of five, and self-described "friend of Jesus," joins me for a conversation that will challenge how you think about identity and relationships.Gavin takes us into his imaginative prayer life, where he flips the famous Biblical question "Who do you say that I am?" back to Jesus, asking "Who do YOU say that I am?" The answer—"You're a friend"—becomes the foundation for how he approaches every relationship in his life. This identity as "friend" shapes his extraordinary capacity to care for others, remember faces, and maintain emotional connections across years and distances.We explore the concept of marriage as "a city on a hill" characterized by authority balanced with love, and how the Fuller family dinner table becomes a communion table—a sacred space where authentic conversations unfold. Gavin shares his approach to drawing people into deeper connection by noticing conversational threads and creating safe spaces for vulnerability.Perhaps most profound is our discussion of Eden—how we weren't designed for platforms and polished perfection, but for the beautiful mess of the garden. Gavin's refreshing honesty about family life, marriage struggles, and the joy found in everyday moments offers a compelling vision of what it means to experience paradise in our ordinary lives.For anyone feeling lonely, powerless, or hopeless about the future, this conversation offers a practical pathway forward through authenticity and connection. Learn how paying attention to the "open threads" in your conversations might create the very Eden you've been searching for.https://www.youtube.com/@GavinFullerSupport the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

What does it take to grow the church? One person at a time.https://elevatelex.church

What if the world could see your faith lived out—unfiltered and unhidden? In Living in Glass Houses, Pastor Tyler Lynde explores Nehemiah 11 and the powerful call for believers to live lives of visible holiness.As Jerusalem's walls were rebuilt, the city still needed to be filled with people willing to live there. While the leaders led the way, others had to be chosen by lot to repopulate the holy city. Tyler unpacks why so many hesitated: living in Jerusalem meant living under constant watch. It was a city set apart, and living there came with heightened expectations. The parallels to modern Christian life are striking—we too are called to live as a “city on a hill,” with our lives pointing others to God.Holiness is not optional for the believer—it's our identity. But it doesn't begin with behavior; it begins with God. Tyler points to Isaiah's vision in chapter 6, where the prophet encounters God's holiness and is immediately undone. That same holiness still transforms today. As Scripture teaches, everything God is and does is utterly holy—and those who belong to Him are called to reflect that.Drawing from 1 Timothy 4:12, Tyler breaks down five areas where holiness shows up: speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Holiness isn't just about avoiding sin—it's about becoming like Christ in every aspect of our lives.But here's the freedom: we don't have to manufacture holiness ourselves. Tyler reminds us that Jesus, the only one to live a perfectly holy life, offers His holiness to us through the cross. And through the Holy Spirit, we're empowered to live in a way that's not just outwardly different, but inwardly transformed. Romans 8 says the same Spirit that raised Christ now lives in us—that's the power we rely on.Living transparently, with nothing to hide, isn't about performance—it's about reflection. When we live holy lives, others get a glimpse of Jesus. And in a world filled with pretense, that kind of authenticity is deeply compelling.The question is: will we embrace our “glass house”? Will we accept the call to holiness, not as a burden but as an opportunity to shine with the light of Christ?We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!Find us on Facebook & Instagram

What does it mean for America to be "a city on a hill"? In this soul-stirring exploration of our nation's spiritual bedrock, we uncover the remarkable prayer journals of George Washington that reveal a founding father deeply devoted to Christ. Far from the cold, distant figure often portrayed in history books, Washington's own words show him prostrate before God, seeking divine mercy and guidance daily. "I will call on thee as long as I live, from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same," wrote the father of our country in his private devotions. These handwritten prayers directly challenge modern narratives attempting to remove Christianity from America's founding story. As we read Washington's humble supplications alongside Jesus's teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, we're confronted with a profound question: How can we claim to be "the light of the world" without Christ at our national center?The episode delves into our personal priorities as well—what we give our time to reveals what we truly value. Do we touch our phone screens more than our Bibles? Do we spend more hours on entertainment than in prayer or with family? These uncomfortable truths mirror our national drift from spiritual foundations. As Filipino General Carlos Romulo observed, "America began as a God-loving, God-fearing, God-worshiping people." This spiritual heritage isn't just historical trivia—it's the key to our future as a nation that produces liberty. Whether examining Harvard's origins as a Christian seminary or considering the purpose of education in a Christian republic, this episode calls us to reclaim the spiritual foundations that made America great.Where do you stand? Join us on this journey to rediscover America's soul and consider how we might return to being that "shining city on a hill" our founders envisioned. Subscribe, share, and let's rebuild America's spiritual foundation together.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Drew Dawson's sermon on the importance of evangelism and going after the one.https://elevatelex.church

Jesus doesn't begin the Sermon on the Mount with commands—He begins with identity. “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” These aren't tasks to perform, but deep truths to live from. In this episode, we explore three powerful, identity-shaping metaphors Jesus gives His followers: Salt, Light, and a City on a Hill. These aren't random illustrations—they're rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures and steeped in covenant language. Salt reminds us of God's enduring faithfulness. Light reflects our calling to reveal God's presence in a dark world. And a City? It's a picture of a visible, communal people where others encounter the reign of God. Through this lens, we'll see how Jesus redefines what it means to be blessed and challenges us to live lives that are distinct, illuminated, and grounded in the story of God. Whether it's in our neighborhoods, workplaces, or online spaces, Jesus is calling us to be a preserving presence, a revealing light, and a visible people shaped by His Kingdom. Key Themes: Salt as covenant loyalty  Light as God's mission  The Church as a City that reflects God's kingdom Scripture Focus: Matthew 5:13–16 (NIV) "Let your light shine..." not to draw attention to ourselves, but to glorify our Father in heaven.” Episode Links: Buy Me A Coffee simplyrevised.org Contact Us Receive our newsletter Facebook Instagram Music Provided by Eric Gwin Appain Media: Bible Study Without Borders: Sermon on the Mount BibleProject (podcast): Salt of the Land and Light of the World

For the good of the city. In the midst of some of the most devastating fires LA has ever seen, Cathedral Church, became an epicentre for hope, transforming into a drive-through distribution centre providing fire relief supplies to the people of their city. In this weeks podcast join Ps Phil and he sits down with Ps Jake Sweetman to discuss this incredible story. Within 72 hours, the Cathedral Church community, with the support of other local churches, mobilised over 400 volunteers, and served over 1000 families with fresh water, hot meals, groceries and prayer. This is a story of how the church can respond in crisis, combining both practical and spiritual support, and become a catalyst for community flourishing - truly fulfilling the call to be a city on a hill, and a light in the dark. This is a story of the mighty church of Jesus in action - not just preaching hope, but being hope - a living, breathing community ready to respond to those in need. Where there's helplessness, there's harvest. Where there's pain, there's an opportunity for Jesus to heal. A truly inspiring story and encouragement for every church. “We say that we're a church for the glory of Christ, the beauty of the bride, and the good of the city. And God is really helping us bring that good of the city aspect to life.” - Ps Jake Sweetman Drive Through Impact Summary: People Served: 1,032 individuals, from those who lost groceries due to the power outage all the way to those who have lost their homes. Outreach Efforts: Teams were sent to gas stations, parking lots, and street corners to spread the word. Life-Changing Support: A family of three was living in their car due to the fires, in line with 2 flat tires, received four new tires and a trunk full of supplies. Community Involvement: Six neighbours from our street came to serve alongside us. Door-to-Door Assistance: Knocked on every door in the surrounding area to offer help. Cleanup Efforts: Helped clean up people's yards. Prayer: Prayed with every car that came through, offering spiritual support alongside physical assistance. Church Unity: 7 different churches unified together ---------------------------------------------------------- Follow Ps Jake Sweetman @Jakesweetman Cathedral Church @Cathedral.church https://www.cathedral-church.com/ Ps Phil Pringle @Philpringle https://www.philpringle.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------- For more information on C3 Church Global: www.c3churchglobal.com | @c3churchglobal Find you closest C3 Church: https://c3churchglobal.com/find-a-church #wearec3 #jesus #lafires #FaithInAction #CommunityOutreach #HopeInCrisis

Join us as our lead pastor Jeff Martin continues our series in Nehemiah with chapter 11. As we make our way through this series, please feel free to email ⁠info@rccjc.church with any questions you may have. Thanks for listening!Be sure to check out our website: ⁠https://www.rccjc.church/Find us on social media:Instagram: ⁠redeemerjc⁠Facebook: ⁠Redeemer Community Church⁠Youtube: ⁠Redeemer Community Church⁠

When I was a child, I remember the sense of security I had while Ronald Reagan served as our president. I also remember his farewell address to our nation and the great sense of loss that I felt knowing that he would no longer be serving as our nations president. John Winthrop preached in 1630 upon arriving in Massachusetts; in his sermon Winthrop declared his fellow pilgrims: For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. He also said of their future in Massachusetts: Beloved there is now set before us life and good, Death and evil, in that we are commanded this day to love the Lord our God, and to love one another, to walk in his ways and to keep his Commandments and his Ordinance and his laws, and the articles of our Covenant with him, that we may live and be multiplied, and that the Lord our God may bless us in the land we go to possess. John Winthrops sermon had a profound impact upon President Reagan for he placed that line about Winthrops hope and expectation that one day that land he and the pilgrims discovered, ...will be as a city upon a hill. I still remember President Reagans farewell address to our nation; I was in eighth grade at Neshaminy Junior High when I heard it. Reagans address is just over 20 minutes long, and although we do not have the time to listen to it, I would like to share with you his concluding remarks that I believe have affected our nation more than some of you may realize: I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. But in my mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity. And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. That's how I saw it, and see it still. And how stands the city on this winter night?More prosperous, more secure, and happier than it was eight years ago.But more than that: After 200 years, two centuries, she still stands strong and true on the granite ridge, and her glow has held steady no matter what storm. And she's still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all the pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness, toward home. We've done our part. And as I walk off into the city streets, a final word to the men and women of the Reagan revolution, the men and women across America who for eight years did the work that brought Americaback. My friends: We did it. We weren't just marking time. We made a difference. We made the city stronger, we made the city freer, and we left her in good hands.All in all, not bad, not bad at all. There is a phrase introduced to our nation from another campaign that I was going to use for the title of this sermon... a phrase I have heard many Christians say or embrace that I have chosen not to use. I know that when some use the phrase, it has been and continues to be used out of a hope and desire for Americas good. However, I have instead chosen the phrase: America is a shining city on hill used by a president I still admire and respect. Jesus is Eternally the Same (vv. 7-9) What I dislike about a sermon series like Christians Say the Darndest Things is that today you will receive an exposition on Hebrews 13:7-14 without the benefit of seeing the wounder of chapters 1:1-13:6. We are skipping right to the end without gazing at the Christ who is, the heir of all things, through whom God also made the world. Right out of the gate in the book of Hebrews, we discover a Jesus who is, the radiance of the glory of God and the exact representation of His nature. In Hebrews we discover a Jesus who, upholds all things by the word of His power. The Jesus of Hebrews 13:8 is the same Jesus who, When he had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Heb. 1:1-3). Because Jesus is, the radiance of the glory of God and the exact representation of His nature (1:3), He is the Ancient of Days (Dan. 7:9). Jesus is the great I AM (John 8:48-59) because He is equal with the Father as the eternal Son (John 5:15-23). Jesus is He who was and is the Light of mankind because He is the Word who was in the beginning with God through Whom All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being (John 1:1-4). This same Jesus became flesh through the miraculous conception in Marys womb while still a virgin, He was born and lived among mankind yet without sin, and He lived for the purpose of dying for sinners like you and me on a cross. This same Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb, and on the third day... He defeated sin and death by rising from the grave. For this reason, this same Jesus is highly exalted and upon Him is, the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:8-11). Jesus is the same yesterday in that when God the Father spoke creation into existence, it was Jesus the Son who completed it: for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authoritiesall things have been created through Him and for Him (Col. 1:15-16). The reason why the earth remains in orbit and every atom and molecule remains in place is because the One who is also the same today is responsible for holding, all things together (Col. 1:17). Jesus is the same yesterday in that He was the One before Whom Abraham bowed (see Gen. 18:1-22). Jesus is the same yesterday in that He is the One who wrestled with Jacob (see Gen. 32:22-33). Jesus is the same yesterday in that He appeared before Joshua as the captain of the Lords army, and it was before Him that Joshua removed his sandals and worshiped (Josh. 5:13-15). Jesus is the same yesterday in that He was the One who was seen by King Nebuchadnezzar in the furnace as He kept Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from perishing in blazing fire of the furnace (see Dan. 3:8-30). Jesus is the same yesterday. Listen, the same Jesus who provided Peter, John, and James the miraculous catch of fish that compelled Peter to fall to his knees and respond: Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man (Luke 5:8), is still the same today! The same Jesus cured lepers, made the lame walk, the blind see, and the dead rise... is still the same today! The same Jesus who died for sinners and rose from the grave is still the same today! The same Jesus who commanded us to make disciples (Matt. 18:19-20) and promised, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judah, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth (Acts 1:8), is still the same today! And listen, the same Jesus who promised that He would come back in the same way that He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9), is the same Jesus yesterday, today, and forever! The point is that if you get Jesus wrong, or if you miss Him, or if you choose any person, thing, or ideology over Him... you will get everything else wrong! The message of Hebrews is that Jesus is a treasure that no other treasure can compare. This is why we are told in verse 8 to, Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their way of life, imitate their faith. Those who truly spoke the word of God to you are those who did not get Jesus wrong! Jesus is the same yesterday. Everything in this World is Consistently Unsatisfactory (vv. 10-11) Because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever... His life, death, and resurrection provide for us a more permanent solution to our sin problem. What this means is that Jesus cross is a better altar unlike ones used under the Old Covenant. The carcasses of the animals slaughtered on the Day of Atonement during Passover were taken out of the city to be burned; if they were thrown into a pile with the city and burned, they would have defiled the city. Not so with Jesus, for while living, he was led outside of the city to become a curse for us on the cross we deserved (Gal. 3:10-14), and by dying for our sins outside the gate, His blood is what makes us holy. What is the point? Here is the point: There is no person, there is no religion outside of Christianity, and there is no government that can do (if you are not a Christian) or has done (if you are a Christian) what Jesus alone can do. Paul Washer put it this way in his sermon preached to pastors some time ago answering the question as to how Jesus death on a cross for a few hours on a tree to save a multitude of men from an eternity in hell: Because that one Man is worth more of them put together. You take mountains and mole hills, crickets and clouds. You take everything. Every planet, every star, every form of beauty. Everything that sings, everything that brings delight, and you put it all onthe scale, and you put Christ on the other side and HE outweighs them all, HE outweighs them ALL! Brethren, this is the one we chase after![1] Compared to Christ, everything in this world is not only temporary but unsatisfactory. Jesus is the living water, and all the promises of this world together cannot compare. They are all broken and cannot deliver what they promise to deliver! The Old Covenant only provided a temporary solution to the sin problem of the Hebrew people; the work of the priests required them to remain standing for the need of a sin covering was ongoing. This is why just three chapters prior, we are reminded in Hebrews 10:1 of the following: For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the form of those things itself, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually every year, make those who approach perfect. Then in Hebrews 10:11-13, we are told of the only one qualified to address our sin problem: Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies are made a footstool for His feet. (Heb. 10:1113) So, why is it that we are chasing after the shiny things of this world that cannot deliver what only Jesus is able to provide? Christian, if you have the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, why are you looking for something different? Why would you long for anything else when you have He who is the Bright Morning Star (Rev. 22:16)? Jesus is the same today. If You Have Jesus, You are Waiting for Something Greater (vv. 12-14) These next verses serve as the crescendo of the entire epistle, and they begin with the word Therefore and if the author of Hebrews was texting you Hebrews 13:7-14, you would see THEREFORE in all caps because it is a very big THEREFORE! In other words, in light of all that has been said from the very first sentence of this epistle to verse 11, Jesus also suffered outside the gate, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood (v. 12). What was accomplished on His cross for our sins outside the gate on Golgothas hill has done infinitely more than anything else you have chased after thinking that person, or thing, or ideology would bring you purpose, peace of mind, or pleasure. They cannot give you what only God is able to deliver! Dear Christian, Jesus sanctified you by dying for you, his corpse was in that tomb for three days, and the proof that Jesus sanctified you is in the fact that He marched out of that tomb three days later! Who or what can give you what Jesus has provided? If you are a Christian, Ephesians 1:7-8 is about you: In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. What Jesus provided on the altar of the cross is only available for those who receive it, and those who receive it will never be the same because of Him. The evidence that you have received what Jesus has made available to you is a desire to follow Him. To any and all who wish to know Him, must follow Him, for Jesus said: If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what good will it do a person if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul? Or what will a person give in exchange for his soul (Matt. 16:2426)? What we read in Hebrews 13:13 is no different: So then... So what? In light of the fact that Jesus is, the same yesterday and today, and forever (v. 7), and what has been provided on the altar of His cross for our sins (v. 10)... let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach (v. 13). The only reason anyone would do that is if they understood Jesus to be infinitely more precious and valuable than any person, any thing, any ideology, any city, or nation of this world. We chase after Jesus because in Him is life is and because He is life, He alone is the Light of mankind (John 1:4). We chase after Jesus because He is, the Light of the world and the one who chases after Him, will not walk in the darkness but will have the Light of life (John 8:12). Because we chase after Him and not the shiny trinkets of this world, He said of His Church: You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.... Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matt. 5:14, 16). If you are a Christian, you are the light of the world because you have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God! He is the Alpha and Omega and He is the first and the last (Rev. 1:8, 17). It is before Him that the nations will stand in judgment and a day is coming when it will be from Him that earth and heaven will recoil in response to His holy and majestic presence! If you are a Christian, you belong to Him and because you belong to Him, you have no reason to fear Him who the tribes of the earth will mourn when He comes again (see Matt. 24:30). This may shock some of you and it may offend others of you, but you really need to hear this: America is not a shinning city on a hill! Here is what the Bible says about America and the nations that surround her: Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales (Isa. 40:15). Because we follow Jesus, we chase after another shinning city, we chase after His city... a city, which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God (Heb. 11:10). Because Jesus is the same yesterday and today, and forever, we live as foreigners, aliens, and strangers even in the United States of America. America cannot be our shinning city on a hill because we are promised something infinitely greater: For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking a city which is to come (Heb. 13:14). Here is what Revelation 21:23-27 says about the city we really belong to: And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lambs book of life. If America is a shinning city on a hill, it is nothing more than a tiny piece of glitter in comparison to the city we really belong to, and what makes the city we are seeking, that is to come, infinitely more beautiful is the Jesus who outweighs them all. He is the same yesterday and today, and forever! [1] Shepherds Conference 2016 | General Session 9 - Paul Washer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkqVZm9-7jc)

It's Monday, March 10th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Police arrest Christians in India for evangelism On February 23rd, police arrested nine Christians in two locations in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India for holding Sunday prayer meetings, which Hindu groups alleged were intended to convert Hindus, reports ChurchinChains. Five Christians, including a pastor, were arrested in Sitapur district, where a case was registered following a complaint by Anuj Bhadauria, the district coordinator of a Hindu nationalist organization named Bajrang Dal.  Plus, four others, including a pastor, were arrested in Raebareli district. In each case, the Christians had gathered for regular Sunday prayers in a home when a Hindu mob barged in and alleged that they were defaming the Hindu religion, and its deities, and offering inducements to convert people. Police seized Bibles and other religious materials as evidence of conversion activities. Over one hundred Christians are reportedly being held in different jails across Uttar Pradesh state, with 35 jailed so far in 2025. Christians make up less than one percent of the 200 million people who live in the state there in India. The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act 2021, a strict anti-conversion law, was amended last year to include harsher punishments including life imprisonment for religious conversion activities. Many Indian Christians find solace in Joshua 1:9 which says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Trump's pro-America speech wins accolades Last Tuesday night, President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress.  (Read the transcript here) TRUMP: “America is back! (applause) Six weeks ago, I stood beneath the dome of this Capitol and proclaimed the dawn of the golden age of America.” CBS News polled Americans and discovered that 91% said the 47th president actually discussed issues that were important to them, and 74% said the address was entertaining.  Overall, a total of 71% said the speech was inspiring. Trump used humor to address the border and wasteful spending No doubt, Trump's description of his policies was indeed entertaining.  Listen to what he had to say about the border. TRUMP: “The media, and our friends in the Democrat Party, kept saying we needed new legislation. We must have legislation to secure the border, but it turned out that all we really needed -- was a new president.” (cheers) He was equally entertaining as he described the waste that the Department of Government Efficiency has identified under the leadership of Elon Musk. TRUMP: “Just listen to some of the appalling waste we have already identified. “$22 billion from HHS to provide free housing and cars for illegal aliens. $45 million for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion scholarships in Burma. $40 million to improve the social and economic inclusion of sedentary migrants. Nobody knows what that is. (laughter) $8 million to promote LGBTQI+ in the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of. (laughter) $8 million for making mice transgender. (laughter) This is real. … “Under the Trump administration, all of these scams have been found out and exposed and swiftly terminated by a group of very intelligent, mostly young people, headed up by Elon [Musk]. And we appreciate it. We found hundreds of billions of dollars of fraud.” (applause) Post-abortive women have higher suicide rate In a new topic-blind study, 2,829 American women, between ages 41 and 45, were surveyed about their reproductive health and suicide attempts, reports LifeNews.com. Authored by Elliot Institute Director David Reardon and published in The Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, the study found that women who had abortions or natural pregnancy loss were twice as likely to attempt to end their lives. The research sought to discern whether post-abortive suicide attempts are “entirely incidental and most likely fully explained by pre-existing mental illness,” as some have claimed, or directly related to the loss of life in the womb. To garner unbiased results, the respondents were completely in the dark as to what the purpose of the research was. Among women with a history of abortion, 35% of them had attempted suicide. Even women who did not have abortions, but lost their babies due to miscarriages or problematic pregnancies, had suicide attempt rates of roughly 30%. Notably, the research found that women who were coerced into having abortions had the highest rates of suicide at 46% of whom tried to end their own lives. Only 13% of women who had successful deliveries with no abortions, no miscarriages, no problems within the pregnancies were found to have made suicide attempts — the lowest rates among all surveyed women. Trump DOJ ends Biden lawsuit to force Idaho to allow ‘emergency' abortions The Trump administration has ended a Biden-era attempt to force Idaho pro-life doctors to participate in so-called “emergency” abortions, but a federal judge is still attempting to delay the law's enforcement, reports LifeSiteNews.com. Idaho's Defense of Life Act bans all abortions except those deemed “necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant woman.”  On Wednesday, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America reported that the new Justice Department under President Donald Trump has moved to drop the case, ending the federal government's efforts to invalidate the Idaho Defense of Life Act.  Actor Chris Pratt: “I care enough about Jesus to take a stand!” And finally, Chris Pratt has built a career on playing heroes — from the lovable goofball Andy Dwyer on "Parks and Recreation" to Marvel's Star-Lord, he's won over audiences with his humor and charm. But his greatest mission, said the “Guardians of the Galaxy” star, is far bigger than Hollywood, reports The Christian Post. After having listened to the entire Bible, Leah Klett asked Pratt which Scripture has had the most profound impact on his life. PRATT: “Matthew 5:14. Being a light in this world, a city on a hill cannot be hidden. I'm being called to be that city on the hill at this moment in my life. I feel like you take a risk. I think being in the entertainment world, being vocal about anything that's divisive, religion is divisive. I do care enough about Jesus to take a stand, even if it cost me. If it costs me everything, I don't care. It's worth it to me, because this is what I'm called to do, is where my heart is. “I'm a father of four. I want to raise my children up with an understanding that their dad was unashamed of his faith in Jesus, and with a profound understanding of the power of prayer and the grace and the love and the joy that can come from a relationship with Jesus. That's something that's really important to me. You don't hear that a lot from people in entertainment, but it's who I am. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. So, get back to Matthew 5:14.” Now there's a Hollywood star whose knee bends to his Savior Jesus Christ. Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, March 10th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Romans 12 raises the bar for followers of Jesus. After 11 chapters of God's heart for his Creation and the invitation to experience a life-changing relationship through Jesus... "In view of God's Mercy...", we get real about following the way of Jesus. Quickly we discover, we were made for more than we often settle for. Romans 12:9-10 How will the full force of the church be unleashed? Love. In a world full of dissension, conflict, and anger, the church will stand out and be an attractive city on a hill if it lives out the love of God. That's why Paul writes, “Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them” (Romans 12:9). How can we really love, and what impact could it make if we did? Check out Week Three of Lean In here!

As we continue to walk with the Children of Israel, today we turn to Joshua 6 and the Fall of Jericho. While the events of this chapter are straightforward, the spiritual and practical gems of this chapter are rich and numerous. Join us as we mine out key principles of God's Word! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Jericho was a well-fortified city on a hill. In normal conditions, it was safe and secure. However, what does verse 1 tell us about the state of the city? What does this show us about their perspective of the threat of the Jews? 2.    What did the Lord promise in verse 2? What did the Lord tell Joshua to have the people do in verses 3-5? How did the Lord's promise in verse 2 make sense of the Lord's instructions in verses 3-5? 3.    How does verse 8 describe the people's obedience? What does this show us about the mindset and perspective of the people? How was their obedience different from the mindset and perspective of the previous generation that failed to enter the Promised Land? 4.    What happened when the people marched around the city for 6 days and then seven times on the 7th day? What did they do to the entire city in verse 24? How was this in obedience to the Lord's instructions in verses 17-19? Why did everything belong to the Lord (in verse 17)? 5.    Who was saved out of Jericho in verses 17 & 22-23? How was her salvation from the fires of Jericho a picture of our salvation from God's eternal fire of judgment?  6.    What does Joshua do in verse 26? How was this fulfilled later in 1st Kings 16:34? What principle does this teach us about toying with something that God has cursed? 7.    What does this passage show us about the relationship between faith and obedience? What does it show us about the relationship between our faith in God and our lack of clamoring after this world's goods?  8.    Who was in charge throughout this chapter? How was this reality demonstrated throughout this chapter?  9.    What does this chapter teach us about obeying God, even when obedience seems impossible?  10.    What does this chapter show us about working together in unity? How did their unity show us how the people were on board with what the Lord was doing? In your own life, in your own church, are there places that you can get more on board with what the Lord is calling your church to be? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

The church is meant to be a "city on a hill....the light of the world." The church and followers of Jesus must exist for the good of the city. This begins with the gathering, but we must then scatter into the world and into the city to see the flourishing of all people.

Welcome back to America's #1 Daily Podcast,  featuring America's #1 Real Estate Coaches and Top EXP Realty Sponsors in the World, Tim and Julie Harris. Ready to become an EXP Realty Agent and join Tim and Julie Harris?  Visit: https://whylibertas.com/harris or text Tim directly at 512-758-0206. IMPORTANT: Join #1 Real Estate Coaches Tim and Julie Harris's Premier Coaching now for FREE. Included is a DAILY Coaching Session with a HARRIS Certified Coach. Proven and tested lead generation, systems, and scripts designed for this market. Instant FREE Access Now: YES, Enroll Me NOW In Premier Coaching https://premiercoaching.com Join Tim and Julie Harris in Celebrating President Trump's Inauguration and America's Return to Greatness Welcome to a truly historic episode as we celebrate President Donald Trump's inauguration and the start of what he calls a “new golden age for America.” With renewed optimism, unwavering faith in traditional values, and a bold vision for the future, the United States is poised to reclaim its place as the shining city on a hill—a beacon of hope and prosperity for the entire world. HUGE Announcement: You will love this! Looking for the full outline from today's presentation? Our DAILY Newsletter featured lead generation systems, real estate scripts, daily success plans and (YES) the notes or today's show. Best part? The newsletter is free! https://harrisrealestatedaily.com/

Today we’re talking about American exceptionalism: the idea that the United States is a uniquely virtuous nation and a “shining city on a hill.” It’s a belief that’s long shaped how the U.S. acts on the global stage and how Americans see themselves, the economy and democracy. In the aftermath of the U.S. presidential election, many Americans are questioning the idea of exceptionalism. Journalist Suzy Hansen challenges the notion of American exceptionalism in her book “Notes on a Foreign Country: An American Abroad in a Post-American World.” On the show today, she explains where the idea of American exceptionalism comes from, how it has shaped today’s world, and why many Americans are disillusioned with it. Plus, is a new version of national pride the answer to the pitfalls of American exceptionalism? Then, we'll get into the creative ways the European Union is preparing for President-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs. Plus, perspectives from an American abroad and thoughts on mandatory national service. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Unlearning the myth of American innocence” from The Guardian “Opinion | Is America a City on a Hill or a Nation on the Precipice?” from The New York Times “The End of American Exceptionalism: Trump's Reelection Will Redefine U.S. Power” from Foreign Affairs “American Exceptionalism Is a Dangerous Myth” from Intelligencer “The US is leaving millions behind: American exceptionalism needs to change by 2030” from The Brookings Institution “Democrats look at late-night, weekend votes to confirm last Biden judicial nominees” from The Hill “Locked and loaded? The EU weapons to fight Trump's trade war.” from Politico “Oil Glut Set to Thwart Trump's Call to ‘Frack, Frack, Frack'” from Bloomberg We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Today we’re talking about American exceptionalism: the idea that the United States is a uniquely virtuous nation and a “shining city on a hill.” It’s a belief that’s long shaped how the U.S. acts on the global stage and how Americans see themselves, the economy and democracy. In the aftermath of the U.S. presidential election, many Americans are questioning the idea of exceptionalism. Journalist Suzy Hansen challenges the notion of American exceptionalism in her book “Notes on a Foreign Country: An American Abroad in a Post-American World.” On the show today, she explains where the idea of American exceptionalism comes from, how it has shaped today’s world, and why many Americans are disillusioned with it. Plus, is a new version of national pride the answer to the pitfalls of American exceptionalism? Then, we'll get into the creative ways the European Union is preparing for President-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs. Plus, perspectives from an American abroad and thoughts on mandatory national service. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Unlearning the myth of American innocence” from The Guardian “Opinion | Is America a City on a Hill or a Nation on the Precipice?” from The New York Times “The End of American Exceptionalism: Trump's Reelection Will Redefine U.S. Power” from Foreign Affairs “American Exceptionalism Is a Dangerous Myth” from Intelligencer “The US is leaving millions behind: American exceptionalism needs to change by 2030” from The Brookings Institution “Democrats look at late-night, weekend votes to confirm last Biden judicial nominees” from The Hill “Locked and loaded? The EU weapons to fight Trump's trade war.” from Politico “Oil Glut Set to Thwart Trump's Call to ‘Frack, Frack, Frack'” from Bloomberg We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.