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In this message, we take a look at Joab. Was he on the right side? Was he on it for the right reasons? What kind of man was Joab at heart?
Message Notes for Today's Sermon. Click Here - https://gileadchurch.churchcenter.com/episodes/618260/notes Outline for Today's Sermon. Click Here - https://www.gileadchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/3-8-26.pdf Digital Connection Card Click Here to fill one out - https://gileadchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/202250 Having Trouble with the Live Stream? Click Here to watch on our website - https://www.gileadchurch.com/ Looking to Give Online? Click Here - https://www.gileadchurch.com/giving/ Did you make a decision today and want to take your Next Step? Click Here - https://www.gileadchurch.com/next-steps/ Weekly Announcements - https://www.gileadchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/WeeklyAnnouncements3-8-26.png To Listen to Our Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gilead-church-podcast/id1729234971 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sOidhOjzZepJFlQp2ZJWZ?si=9550f665a7fa4612 For More From Gilead Church: http://www.gileadchurch.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gileadchurch1/ https://www.instagram.com/gilead_church/
The Lord Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:17, For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Dear child of God, read those words from our Blessed Lord again. So many of God's children walk around under this thick cloud of condemnation. What is the source of such an oppressive spirit? Most certainly, this condemnation does not come from The Lord, nor from The Holy Ghost. Conviction? Chastening? Yes. Condemnation? No.The apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:1-2 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." The source of this condemnation is Satan. Rev 12:10 "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night."In courtroom terminology, Satan is the prosecuting attorney. The Lord Jesus told Peter before he denied him that Satan would pounce on the sin, and seek to destroy his faith in Jesus. "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat" (Luke 22:31). Oh the compassion and mercy that Jesus has for ALL of His sheep when they fail and fall short of the glory of God. Listen once again to the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 8:33-34. "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."One of Satan's most effective fiery darts is the fiery dart of accusation. Every child of God must resist this lie from the pit of hell by holding up the shield of faith, which in reality is the shield of faith in the perfect work of Jesus Christ for our sin, not the shield of faith in my own faith. When the church of Corinth did not deal biblically with the issue of forgiving a man who has fallen, but had repented of his sin, Paul exhorted them to forgive him: "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Cor 2:11).Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is our Advocate or defense attorney before The Father. He is not condemning you, beloved, He is pleading for you and me before The Father. Rejoice in your salvation, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Hallelujah! SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com
You don't condemn people… right?Let me stop you right there.In this episode, John Ortberg walks through six surprisingly common styles of condemnation — from the obvious (aggressive anger) to the subtle (silence, sarcasm, perfectionism, conditional acceptance, even martyrdom).We all judge. We all distance. We all find creative ways to say, “I'm above you.”Drawing on Scripture, psychology, and real-life examples (including the “Pan Am smile” and the devastating power of ridicule), John helps us name our default style — and invites the Holy Spirit to gently interrupt it.Because condemnation doesn't just hurt others. It corrodes us.And the freedom we're after this Lent is simple and radical:Let me stop you right there.There is now… therefore… no condemnation.
Send a textIn this episode of Unscripted: A Calm Take on the Double Standard, I explore the strange dynamic of the attention economy online—where some forms of visibility are celebrated while others are condemned. After seeing a viral post framing one woman as more “worthy” of attention than another, I started thinking about the deeper contradiction in how we talk about empowerment, objectification, and respect for women. Why do some expressions of visibility get applauded while others are shamed? And what role do audience reactions — especially from men and parents— play in shaping that narrative. This episode isn't about attacking anyone. It's about stepping back and asking a quieter question: are we being consistent in the standards we claim to care about? Thanks for listening to Unscripted: A Calm Take on the Double Standard.These conversations aren't about telling you what to think. They're about slowing down and looking at things from a different angle.If you enjoyed the episode, follow the show and share it with someone who appreciates calm conversations in a loud world.And remember, visibility isn't the same thing as worth
There is now no condemnation...but if we're honest, sometimes condemnation feels effective.In this episode, John Ortberg explores what Dallas Willard called the law of reciprocal condemnation — the almost unbreakable cycle where judgment breeds counter-judgment, attack breeds counter-attack, and anger multiplies itself.It's extremely rare, Willard observed, that anyone who is condemned responds by changing in the desired way.Instead, condemnation produces:- Counter-condemnation- Passive aggression- Perfectionism- Procrastination- Rebellion- Or quiet relational deathJesus warned about this in the Sermon on the Mount:“As you judge, so you will be judged.”Not as a threat from God — but as an observation about how relationships work.So how do we break the cycle?Paul gives a shocking alternative in Romans 12:Do not repay evil for evil.Leave room for God's justice.Overcome evil with good.Justice is real.But it is not ours to manage.
What if you could silence the voice in your head that says, “You're not enough”? In this powerful and freeing message in Romans 8 and shows how the Gospel sets us free from condemnation, shame, and striving. Whether you're crushed by self-doubt or just tired of trying to measure up, this message will remind you: in Christ, you're already loved, accepted, and forgiven.
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,“For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.1. How much of the time do you assume God's love is like human love? In what ways does that reduce your enjoyment of God's love?2. Does Paul's “more than conquerors” language empower you, discourage you, or simply unimpress you?3. Paul says God's love for us is welling up from within us, and working every detail in our lives for our good. Does that strike you as a different kind of love? Can God's love be the fundamental reality of your life? If God's love isn't, what is?4. How often do you accuse yourself of damnable sin? Do you believe Paul when he says God is the one who justifies us, and Jesus is the one who was condemned in our place? What should you do when you get into a rut of self-accusation?5. What are the “what ifs” that keep you up at night? Does God's love in Christ help turn those into “even ifs”? Why or why not?
God is like a lifeguard who never fails, constantly watching over us, ready to save. We're all drowning in the pool of life, but through Jesus, we've been offered rescue and new life."For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) These 26 words remind us that God's love isn't conditional—it's for the whole world, including you. Jesus didn't come to condemn us but to save us. Condemnation is not God's goal; salvation is.This Lent, we're diving into the Gospel of John together. No matter where you are or what mistakes you've made, you are loved more than you can ever know. Nothing can separate you from God's love. Join us as we explore what it means to be fully saved and wholly loved.
If you need forgiveness, peace, and assurance in your walk with God, Pastor Al Dagel believes that this Psalm is for you.
Condemnation comes easily when we quietly assume we earned where we stand.In this episode, John explores two truths that change everything about how we see other people: we do not know their full story — and we do not know their future.Drawing on Psalm 103 and the classic film Angels with Dirty Faces, John tells the story of two boys who run from the police. One clears a fence. One doesn't. That single moment sends their lives in opposite directions. Years later, one is a priest. One is a criminal.How much of what we call character was shaped by circumstances we did not choose?You'll discover:- Why condemnation assumes too much- What Psalm 103 means when it says “we are dust”- How curiosity disarms contempt- Why only God sees the whole arc of a life- How to bless someone you're tempted to judgeJohn closes by inviting you to bring to mind the person you're most tempted to hold in contempt — and to pray for them instead.Because there is now no condemnation.
Today, John Ortberg uses Les Misérables by Victor Hugo to explore two ways of living:• the condemning life (Javert)• the blessing life (the Bishop)• and the transformed life (Jean Valjean)Drawing on Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 3, and insights from Dallas Willard, John explains:- why condemnation feels powerful- what the “ministry of condemnation” really does- how grace humiliates before it heals- why pride resists light- how blessing rewires the soulThrough the unforgettable moment of the candlesticks, we see how self-giving love defeats condemnation. One man bends the knee and is transformed. One refuses grace and collapses under its weight.“To love another person is to see the face of God.”That is the blessing life.That is the transformed life.And there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Today Allie discusses her impressions of Trump's State of the Union address, praising its patriotic tone and strategic juxtaposition of Democratic and Republican policies. She highlights key moments, including Trump's condemnation of illegal immigration, his proposal for Delilah's Law, and his support for IVF, which she criticizes due to ethical concerns. Allie also commends Trump's stance on crime, citing a 125-year low in murders, and his opposition to indoctrinating children into gender ideology. Trump also hosted special guests, including Erika Kirk and the USA men's hockey team. Allie criticizes Democrats for their lack of support on issues that should be unifying and emphasizes the importance of policy in protecting American citizens. Share the Arrows 2026 is on October 10 in Dallas, Texas! Tickets are on sale now at: https://sharethearrows.com Buy Allie's book "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion": https://www.toxicempathy.com — Timecodes: (00:00) Intro (04:30) Honoring USA Men's Hockey Team (07:15) Ethics of IVF (11:45) Condemnation of Illegal Immigration (16:40) Upholding ICE (22:30) Protecting the Vulnerable (27:10) Honoring Erika Kirk (30:45) Blocking Transgender Surgeries — Related Episodes: Ep 575 | Quick SOTU Reaction, Big-Picture Encouragement & Q&A https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-575-quick-sotu-reaction-big-picture-encouragement-q-a/id1359249098?i=1000552741431 Ep 751 | Biden's Absurd State of the Union Address https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-751-bidens-absurd-state-of-the-union-address/id1359249098?i=1000598716140 Ep 1125 | God Bless 47! Here's What's Next | Guest: Kevin Roberts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1125-god-bless-47-heres-whats-next-guest-kevin-roberts/id1359249098?i=1000684742923 — Buy Allie's book "You're Not Enough (and That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love": https://www.alliebethstuckey.com Relatable merchandise: Use promo code ALLIE10 for a discount: https://shop.blazemedia.com/collections/allie-stuckey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After receiving new life in Christ, many believers still carry baggage from the past—habits, addictions, and strongholds that impact their daily lives. In Living Free, Pastor Greg Mohr reminds us of Jesus' promise in John 8:36: “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” In this powerful series, Pastor Greg shows you how to experience lasting freedom—not just temporary relief. You'll discover how to put off the clothes of the old man, and how to break cycles of fear, anger, depression, guilt, shame, and addiction. As you apply these truths from God's Word, you'll be equipped to walk in the abundant life Jesus ordained for you and help others do the same. It's time to start living free!
Because Christ withstood and satisfied the wrath of God for us, we can walk in the Spirit.
Today, Pastor Al Dagel begins a three-part look at Jesus Christ in light of Paul's teaching in the Letter to the Colossian believers.
John Ortberg tackles a tension many of us feel but rarely name:If there is no condemnation, what do we do with real evil, injustice, and wrongdoing?John walks us through Scripture, the prophets, and Jesus' own words to show why “no condemnation” does not mean indifference to sin—and why accountability still matters deeply to God. Drawing on insights from Abraham Joshua Heschel, John explores how the prophets saw injustice as a spiritual emergency, and why our culture's casual attitude toward evil would have stunned them.Along the way, he reminds us:- God hates injustice precisely because God loves people- Jesus was gentle with those everyone expected him to condemn- But fierce with the religious who used righteousness to exclude others- And that before we can hear no condemnation, we must first take condemnation seriously- This is a thoughtful, challenging reflection on judgment, responsibility, and grace—and why condemnation may be a word, but it is never the last word.Download the free NO CONDEMNATION COMMITMENT: https://bit.ly/NC-commitment
You can’t change your spouse, but you can influence him or her. Jim Daly shares why affirmation, not criticism, is the best way to produce positive change in your marriage. Support Family Ministry If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family Commentary, please give us your feedback.
After receiving new life in Christ, many believers still carry baggage from the past—habits, addictions, and strongholds that impact their daily lives. In Living Free, Pastor Greg Mohr reminds us of Jesus' promise in John 8:36: “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” In this powerful series, Pastor Greg shows you how to experience lasting freedom—not just temporary relief. You'll discover how to put off the clothes of the old man, and how to break cycles of fear, anger, depression, guilt, shame, and addiction. As you apply these truths from God's Word, you'll be equipped to walk in the abundant life Jesus ordained for you and help others do the same. It's time to start living free!
Download the free NO CONDEMNATION COMMITMENT: https://bit.ly/NC-commitmentOn the first day of Lent, John Ortberg invites us into a brave and deeply personal journey: giving up condemnation...and learning how shame actually works.This episode goes straight to the source. John traces condemnation back to its root system in shame, beginning in Genesis and moving through psychology, philosophy, trauma-informed theology, and lived experience. Along the way, he explores why our urge to judge others is often fueled by hidden pain in ourselves—and why healing starts when we stop hiding.You'll hear insights from:John Walton on Genesis and chaos imageryWarren Kinghorn on trauma and the first humansEleanor Stump on guilt vs. shameKurt Thompson on the “shame concierge” that narrates our inner livesJohn makes a crucial distinction:Guilt fears punishment and is healed by forgiveness.Shame fears rejection and is healed only by acceptance, love, and belonging.He introduces two invisible companions we all carry:a shame concierge that quietly judges every momentand a grace concierge—the Spirit—who reminds us we are God's beloved children.
In this letter to the editor, Washougal resident Mike Johnson argues that a proposed Clark County Council resolution condemns federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and urges support for federal immigration laws. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-the-intent-of-the-proposed-county-council-resolution-appears-to-be-a-general-condemnation-of-our-federal-immigration-enforcement-officers/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #Washougal #ICE #ImmigrationPolicy #LetterToTheEditor
Download the free NO CONDEMNATION COMMITMENT: https://bit.ly/NC-commitmentWhat if the most spiritual thing you could do today… is not have the last word?In this episode, John Ortberg tells a powerful story about his friend Dallas Willard and introduces a simple but life-changing practice: letting go of condemnation by releasing our need to be right.As Lent approaches, John invites us into something deeper than giving up chocolate or social media. He challenges us to give up condemning others (and ourselves), drawing from Jesus' silence under accusation, insights from Arthur Brooks, research by Robert Putnam, and wisdom from Dorothy Day.You'll explore:• Why condemnation is quietly damaging our relationships and culture• How Jesus modeled a radically different way of living• What it means to practice “not having the last word”• How love, not blame, becomes the path to healing• A 40-day Lenten invitation to live without condemnationJohn also shares a simple commitment you can practice one day at a time:With God's help, I abandon condemnation and blaming. Instead, I will live in the love of God, the love of life, and the love of others.If you're tired of outrage, polarization, and carrying judgment in your body and soul, this episode offers a gentle, courageous way forward.
Jason Wallace shares how a street outreach turned into a life-changing conversation. Hear how kindness, preparation, and trusting God opened the door for a young Atheist to meet Jesus. You’ll be inspired to look for those unexpected moments in your day-to-day life too—and be ready to share what God has done in your life.Host Barry Meguiar is a car guy and businessman who hosted the popular TV show, Car Crazy, on Discovery Networks for 18 years. He loves cars, but he loves Jesus even more! Learn more about Barry at IgniteAmerica.comFind out how to get this month’s faith-sharing gift at https://go.rotw.com/MonthlyOffer Get your copy of Barry’s book Ignite Your Life: Defeat Fear with Effortless Faith at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and other online booksellers. Learn more about: - Why obedience matters when sharing the Gospel- How we can work God into any conversation- Why 80% of Americans are looking for God- When we can use humor to share God’s message- How the Holy Spirit gives us a voiceCheck out Why Share? on IgniteAmerica.com to learn why it is important for every believer to share their faith. Then visit First Steps which provides practical ways to get started in your faith-sharing journey. Sign up to receive emails that will bring you solid faith-sharing tips and powerful inspiration.(00:00) Confronted with “God Doesn’t Exist”(02:45) Kindness Instead of Condemnation(03:27) From Skeptic to Surrender(04:12) Sharing Your Faith with Excitement and Purpose
Jesus shows us a love that protects the vulnerable, a model for how to be a safe place for people who feel condemned. Check out Darryl's message to hear how it's done!
Send a textEver had love feel like a lifeline—then watched it change once your life filled with hope again? We dig into how connection can blossom when you're at your lowest and why it sometimes struggles to breathe when the air finally clears. It's a candid look at Valentine's expectations, the comfort we mistake for commitment, and the work it takes to grow from survival bonding into durable partnership.We also pull apart the Super Bowl halftime uproar to see what's real and what's revenue. The NFL optimizes for eyeballs; outrage often does the same. We talk cultural dance without panic, how to explain it to kids with context, and why not every stage needs a grand statement to matter. Activism is powerful when it's chosen and sharp; it blurs when it's required by default. That nuance extends to the mic itself. If you can shape minds, you're a steward, not just a performer, and being honest about your own contradictions is part of earning trust.The conversation turns sober and practical on domestic violence. Condemnation is the baseline; prevention, accountability, and reform are the work. We explore de-escalation, boundaries, and how to acknowledge complex dynamics without excusing harm. Real change blends consequences with tools—therapy, groups, and communities that help people unlearn what hurt taught them. If you've ever wondered how love survives the return of hope, how culture becomes controversy, or how creators should carry a platform, this one meets you where you are and leaves you with more to think about—and to do.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to tell us what part challenged you most. Your feedback shapes where we go next.Support the show
Hi SOGs,Sometimes we rush so much that we forget how easy it is to stumble while trying to catch up with things or moments we feel we've missed. In our hurry, we can overlook the lessons God wants to teach us along the journey, and we may become more vulnerable to temptation.Even when we fall, we must remember to return to the repair shop — at Jesus' feet — where He can reshape and restore us, instead of remaining stuck in guilt and condemnation.Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."
The Silent Battle For Your Mind: Torment | The Todd Coconato Show Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Today on The Todd Coconato Show Title: The Silent War in Your Mind: Torment There is a battle many believers face that nobody sees. It is not always external persecution or visible opposition. It is the silent war in the mind. Fear. Accusation. Intrusive thoughts. Condemnation. Mental torment that tries to wear down faith and rob peace. On today's broadcast, we are exposing this strategy of the enemy and confronting it with the Word of God. We are going to talk about how torment operates, why the battlefield is often the thought life, and how Scripture gives us clear authority to defeat it. The Bible says we are to take every thought captive, that we have been given a sound mind, and that the One who lives in us is greater than the one who is in the world. That is not theory. That is truth you can stand on. If you have ever felt like you are fighting a battle internally that nobody understands, this show is for you. You are not alone. You are not weak. And you are not without authority. Today we are stepping into clarity, power, and freedom as we learn how to enforce the victory Christ has already won.
From the 2026 EFCA Theology Conference, Dr. Tom Schreiner—associate dean and professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary—explores the doctrine of hell and eternal conscious punishment through a lens of biblical truth and systematic theology.
From the 2026 EFCA Theology Conference, Dr. Michael McClymond—professor of modern Christianity at Saint Louis University—unpacks the doctrine of hell and eternal conscious punishment by looking to the historical consensus of the Church.
From the 2026 EFCA Theology Conference—Dr. Ben Skaug, pastor at Bell Shoals Church—breaks down the doctrine of hell and eternal conscious punishment as it applies to pastoral perspective and practice.
Topics: Forgiveness under Grace vs Law, the Gospel of Grace in Acts 20:24, Matthew 6:14-15 Explained, Why God No Longer Holds Sins Against You, 2 Corinthians 5:19 Forgiveness, the Futility of Animal Sacrifices, Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth, Forgiveness as an Act of the Will, Colossians 2:13 Completed Forgiveness, the Difference Between Forgiveness and Trust, Matthew 18:21-22 Meaning, Hebrews 9:22 Blood and Forgiveness, Ephesians 4:32 Forgiving as Christ Forgave, Why Jesus Had to Shed Blood, Exposing the Hypocrisy of Law Observance, Romans 12:18 Peaceful Living, Healthy Boundaries for Christians, the Meaning of Luke 6:37, Forgiveness is a Choice Not a Feeling, Once for All Forgiveness in Hebrews 10:10, Why Christians Forgive Because We are Forgiven, Grieving the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 4:30, the Purpose of Jesus' Impossible Standards, Dealing with Deep Pain and Trauma, How the Cross Defines Forgiveness, the Law as a Ministry of Condemnation, Releasing the Debt of Others, Supernatural DNA of a Peacemaker, Colossians 3:13 New Covenant Forgiveness, Trust is Earned but Forgiveness is FreeSupport the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter
Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Aim to please God through giving yourself, not serving yourself.I. What God condemns: self-serving fakery (20:45-47)II. What God commends: self-giving faith (21:1-4)Digging Deeper Read Luke 20:45-21:41. This passage teaches that God condemns self-serving fakery (20:45-47). We can all be tempted to pretend (“to act in the presence of certain people in ways we would never act in their absence.”). Are there particular circumstances or people around whom you can find yourself tempted toward pretending to be someone you are not? Why do you think that is? 2. The religious leaders of Jesus' day made an outward appearance of loving God and living for him, but in reality, they were only loving and serving themselves. Why do you think we can tend to clearly see this in others (and be troubled by it), and yet often fail to see aspects of this in our own hearts? 3. Are there aspects of your life (e.g., your job, your education, your life experience, etc.) that can, if you are honest, incline you to think you are in some way superior to others? Please share. 4. How can we guard our own hearts and help one another in fighting this temptation (of #3 above)? 5. It was said in the sermon, “Hypocrisy isn't unique to Christianity. But Christianity is unique in its resources to fight hypocrisy.” What does this mean? What are some of the hypocrisy-fighting resources available to us as believers? How might we use these resources to their fullest potential? 6. This passage teaches that God commends self-giving faith. (21:1-4) In what sense was the widow's offering an act of loving, self-giving faith? What might acts of loving, self-giving faith look like for you? 7. We who are members of CrossWay have, on our membership applications, committed ourselves to using our “God-given gifts, time, energy, and wealth to support this local church.” How would you assess yourself? Are you doing what you said you would do? If there is room for growth, what might be a good next step in pursuing that? 8. What might be some ways for us to assess if our giving is sacrificial in nature, or merely “out of (our) abundance”? 9. Read 2 Corinthians 8:9: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” How does (should) the self-giving of Jesus for our sakes motivate our own self-giving for God's purposes in the world? Prayer
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John Ortberg asks a surprisingly practical question:What should I be looking for in people (especially the ones I disagree with) if I want to stop the cycle of condemnation?Along the way, John draws from:- Arthur Brooks on how contempt corrodes our culture (and inboxes)- Social psychology's painfully accurate idea of motivational attribution asymmetry- A dramatic moment in the Gospels where religious leaders look right at suffering… and somehow miss it- The difference between a hermeneutic of suspicion and a far rarer hermeneutic of charityYou'll hear why:- We assume good motives for ourselves and bad motives for “those people”Social media makes us feel morally informed while quietly shrinking our souls- Jesus keeps asking a question we'd rather not answer: What are you actually looking for?- The invitation here is deceptively simple and genuinely difficult:Look for the image of God.Not agreement. Not ammunition. Not confirmation that you're right.- When we see people the way Jesus does, contempt loses its grip—and condemnation doesn't get the last word.Also included: academic shade, Gospel-level tension, and a timer reminding John when it's time to stop talking.Today's Resources:Arthur C. Brooks, Love Your Enemies
Topics: Law vs Laws in the New Covenant, Understanding New Covenant Grace and Freedom, Jeremiah 31:33 and the Law on Our Hearts, Hebrews 8:10 Meaning, Hebrews 10:16 Explained, the Burden of the 613 Commandments, Law of Moses vs Grace in the Gospel, Are We Still Under the Law of Moses, the Foundation of True Christian Morality, 10 Commandments on the Heart or the Spirit, Your New Identity in Christ Jesus, Colossians 1:22 Holiness through His Blood, the Ministry of Death in 2 Corinthians 3, Galatians 5:18 and Being Led by the Spirit, Righteousness Through Faith and Not Works, Romans 6:14 and Freedom From Sin, Total Freedom From the Law of Condemnation, Lessons on Licentiousness from the Book of Jude, Being Holy and Secure in His Grace, Repentance Toward Grace and Away From Works, Matthew 5:48 Perfection and the Impossible Standard, Living as a New Creation in Christ, Ephesians 2:12 and the Covenants of Promise, Deuteronomy 4:2 Warning Against Adding to the Law, Galatians 3:10 and the Curse of the Law, James 2:10 and the Problem of Double Talk, Romans 7 and the Power of Coveting through 10 Commandments, the Fruit of the Spirit vs Lawful Living, Christ in You the Hope of Glory, God Writing His Character on Your Heart, Why the Law Causes Sin to Increase, the Difference Between Trying and Trusting, Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth, the Law as a Ministry of Condemnation, Why Christians Are Not Under the 10 Commandments, Living by the Spirit of Life, the Transition From Old Covenant to New, the Finished Work of Jesus at the Cross, Finding True Rest in Christ's Accomplishment, Why God Writes Himself on Our Hearts and MindsSupport the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter
Today's Show: ARE YOU BEATING YOURSELF UP? This week's short Montyman's Meditorial covers the issue of self-condemnation. Have you made a mistake this week, fallen again, perhaps a relapse? What do you do now? #recovery #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #addiction
In this powerful message, Dr. Edith Davis discusses the upcoming return of Jesus and the necessary "beautification" of the Church. She explains that God is preparing a bride without spot or wrinkle, which requires a radical shift in how we handle our minds and our enemies. Dr. Davis dives deep into the difference between condemnation and conviction, the power of suggestion, and why the "horizontal" relationships in our lives often hinder our spiritual authority. -- God has delegated His authority to the Body of Christ, meaning we are the ones held accountable for the state of the planet, not the unsaved. -- A sound mind is defined as being cool, calm, collected, disciplined, and self-controlled—even when the world around us is in chaos. -- The enemy's primary weapons are deception and suggestion; he uses these to attack our faith and drive us toward self-destruction. -- Condemnation is a derivative of fear and guilt that prevents God from using us, whereas conviction is a tool for repentance and restoration. -- The "vertical" aspect of the cross ensures our salvation, but the "horizontal" aspect requires us to renew our minds to experience "heaven on earth." -- Maturity in the church means being a spiritual parent who can handle "sheep bites" without taking offense or slandering others. -- The story of Moses and the serpent illustrates that we must recognize our authority over the enemy before we can deliver others from the "Babylon" system. Scriptures for Further Study -- 2 Timothy 1:7 -- Matthew 6:33 -- John 10:10 -- Amos 3:3 -- James 4:7-8 This is episode 391. +++++++ Check out my new website: https://www.enterthegloryzone.org/ MY AUDIO BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE You can Divorce Proof Your Marriage by understanding the Secret Keys of Love. You will come to understand that your Marriage has an enemy. You will come to understand that you are dating your future spouse representative. You will come to understand that your Marriage has the gift of Supernatural Sex. For more information about purchasing this audio book, click here: https://personalbuy.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/product8702.html
Podcast host, Alan Skorski, interviewed Dr. Tim Orr, an Evangelical leader, who earned six Masters Degrees, including a Masters in Islam, while studying at the London School of Islam under the tutelage of a Shia Muslim leader. During the interview Dr. Orr spoke of his visit to London on October 7, 2023, and without knowing all the news that was happening in Israel following the Hamas invasion, witnessed horrific antisemitic demonstrations taking place in the streets of London. At the same time, he was watching news from America from his hotel room, and saw almost identical types of rallies and demonstrations that were amongst the most antisemitic he had ever witnessed. These events led him to speak out in support of Israel, while he was still in London, and scheduled to speak to Muslim audiences as an interfaith leader. He said that his speaking engagements were immediately cancelled, and the Shia leaders who had once engaged him began to curse him and tell him they regret ever befriending him. Following October 7th, Dr. Orr wrote; “What I felt most was that the Church there was very weak. And that weakness carried a cost. That disorientation deepened when I watched American and European universities erupt days later with the same slogans and emotional choreography. It was then I realized I was witnessing the expression of a coherent transnational worldview, not a series of isolated events.” On antisemitism and how support for Israel is weaponized against Jews, Dr. Orr has written; Antisemitism persists not only because it is protected, but because institutions and cultures continue to choose it for its usefulness. It offers a ready explanation for failure, resentment, and moral unease. It allows societies under strain to direct judgment outward while preserving a sense of righteousness. And it does this by rendering Jews abstract enough to blame and unreal enough to disregard.When Israel is a symbol, every Israeli action is interpreted negatively, because symbols are judged by their natures, not by circumstances. When Israel uses force, it is not responding to a threat, but revealing its nature. When it exhibits restraint, it is merely biding time, and accused of cruelty by inaction: there is no space for tragedy, since tragedy exists only when two legitimate claims are in conflict, and Israel is denied legitimacy from the outset. Intent is always presumed, and never examined. Condemnation is not a conclusion, but a premise. “Dr. Orr looks at how antisemitism operates in today's political, media, and activist spaces—not just as hatred, but as a system that adapts and hides in plain sight—and how Islamist movements and narratives play a role in spreading it in the West. He brings a clear, evidence-based perspective to topics that are often misunderstood or deliberately blurred. Tim is the author of six books, including his forthcoming Antisemitism Is More Than Hatred—It's a System: How It Works, Why It Persists, and How It Adapts to Every Age.” He is currently offering an online course titled: Architecture of Antisemitism: Structure. not Just Hatred -VIN News Watch the video interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f6bE6bTKiE Alan Skorski Reports 29JAN2026 - PODCAST
The overwhelming characteristic of God is invitation not condemnation. Romans 8.1 Matthew 11.28
Comparison is the quiet engine behind condemnation.In this episode, we explore why sizing ourselves up against others feels so natural and why it so often turns us anxious, resentful, and judgmental. Drawing on insights from René Girard, social psychology, and Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we uncover how comparative desire fuels rivalry, outrage, and “us vs. them” thinking.From the Ten Commandments to social media envy, from Cain and Abel to modern prestige rankings, we discover why wanting what our neighbor has never ends well and what Jesus offers as a radically different way to live.Today's Resources:René Girard, I See Satan Fall Like LightningJonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation
Whoever Conceals the Faults of a Muslim, Allah Will Conceal His Faults on the Day of Resurrection — Ustādh Abu 'Ināyah Seif • Explanation of the hadith: “Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and the Hereafter.” • Our desperate need for the concealment of Allah in both the dunya and the akhirah • The reality of the Day of Resurrection when all hidden secrets will be exposed • Tafsīr of the verse: “The Day when all secrets will be examined” (86:9) • Statement of Imām as-Sa‘dī on hearts being exposed and deeds appearing on faces • Du‘ā of Ibrāhīm عليه السلام: “Do not disgrace me on the Day they are resurrected” • The private questioning of the believer by Allah and His forgiveness of concealed sins • Contrast between how believers and disbelievers will be exposed on the Day of Judgment • From the greatest means of gaining Allah's concealment: concealing the faults of others • Severe warning against searching for and exposing people's faults • Hadith: Whoever seeks out others' faults, Allah will expose his—even in his own home • The honour of a believer is more sacred to Allah than the Ka‘bah • The sanctity of Muslim blood, wealth, and honour • Warning against slander, backbiting, and accusing innocent believers • Lessons from the slander of ‘Ā'ishah رضي الله عنها (ḥadīth al-ifk) • Hadith: Lying about a believer leads to punishment in Hell until one retracts it • The worst form of ribā: attacking a Muslim's honour unjustly • Forgetting one's own faults while obsessing over others' mistakes • Ibn al-Qayyim's example of people who ignore good and only cling to faults • Virtue of defending a Muslim's honour • Hadith: Whoever defends his brother's honour, Allah will protect his face from the Fire • Examples of the Companions defending one another's honour • Condemnation of exposing one's own sins publicly • Difference between how believers and corrupt people view their sins • A sin that humbles a servant may lead him to Paradise • A good deed that leads to arrogance may lead a servant to Hell • Signs that Allah wants good for a servant: – Forgetting one's good deeds – Always remembering and fearing one's sins • Final reminder to conceal one another's faults and fear exposure before Allah
We all have a them.The people we quietly feel superior to.The ones we distance ourselves from.The ones we're pretty sure God should work on… preferably far away from us.In this episode, John Ortberg takes an honest look at how a condemning mind works and why Jesus' story of the Pharisee and the tax collector still exposes us today. Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard and Kenneth E. Bailey, we explore how contempt sneaks into our prayers, how “us vs. them” thinking feels spiritual, and why Jesus refuses to stand aloof from anyone.The twist?For Jesus, there is no them.If you've ever caught yourself thinking, “At least I'm not like that person,” this episode might rearrange how you see others, and how you pray. Today's Resources:Kenneth E. Bailey, Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes Lauren F. Winner, The Dangers of Christian Practice: On Wayward Gifts, Characteristic Damage, and Sin
24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.1. How often do you condemn things, people, yourself? Remember, condemning can be sentencing to death or expressing complete disapproval.2. Being in Jesus means no condemnation for you. How does that impact you when you really believe that? How often do you mis-translate that into “probation”?3. Have you experienced grief over sin that led you toward God? What did that look like and how did God meet you?4. If you are in Jesus then his Spirit dwells in you. How often are you aware that you have the mind of the Spirit, or the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2)? How can having the Spirit impact your thought patterns, emotions and appetites?5. What “debt collector” (habit, craving, or fear) keeps knocking at your door, and how might the Spirit's power free you from it?6. Have you ever felt God's pleasure? Can the truth of you being in Jesus and Jesus being in you free you up to experience his pleasure? How?
Can God's law bring life—or only condemnation? In this message we return to the story of the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17–27) to explore the role of God's law in salvation, faith, and Christian obedience. Many Christians struggle to reconcile biblical passages that say "keep the commandments and you will live" with the New Testament teaching that no one is justified by the law. Did Jesus really mean that obedience leads to eternal life? Why does God demand perfection from imperfect people? And how can the law both condemn sinners and lead believers into life? If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. My sermons are the fruit of nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry, biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a lifelong passion for God's Word. Since childhood, I've been drawn to the beauty and power of expository preaching—opening Scripture verse by verse and applying it to real life. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute, I spent the next 27 years serving as a youth pastor, senior pastor, church planter, and host of the Food For Your Soul radio broadcast. Along the way, I also earned a Master of Sacred Literature and a Doctor of Religious Studies. For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. Follow on social: • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.DRichardFerguson
Condemnation doesn't just come from what others say about us — it also comes from the stories we tell ourselves. In this episode of Become New, John Ortberg explores how easily we slip into self-condemnation, why shame has so much power over our thoughts, and how Jesus offers a radically different way of seeing ourselves. Drawing from Scripture, neuroscience, and everyday experience, John shows how our minds can become trapped in false beliefs that distort reality and quietly shape how we live.This teaching invites us to slow down, notice the inner narratives driving our reactions, and learn how to bring those stories into the light of truth. If you struggle with negative self-talk, guilt, anxiety, or feeling like you're never enough, this episode offers a practical and hopeful path forward. Discover how Christian faith, spiritual formation, and the message of no condemnation can lead to greater freedom, clarity, and peace — not by denying reality, but by learning to see it truthfully.Today's Resources:Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together
We live in a culture of condemnation.Online. In politics. In families. And, if we're honest, in our own hearts.In this episode, John Ortberg explores why judgment comes so easily, what actually fuels it, and the one question condemning people almost never ask. Through a powerful story made famous by Stephen Covey, we see how quickly our perceptions can shift and how grace begins not with changing behavior, but with changing how we see.Jesus invites us into a way of life marked not by assumptions, but by curiosity. Not by condemnation, but by compassion. Because the truth is simple and humbling: we never know the whole story.If you've ever judged too quickly, been misunderstood yourself, or felt trapped in cycles of irritation and self-condemnation, this episode offers a wiser, freer way forward and reminds us why the good news really is good news.Today's Resources:Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Dr. Jack Trieber preached a message entitled “Victory Over Condemnation" during the Sunday Morning service on January 18, 2026, at North Valley Baptist Church in Santa Clara, California. View Archived Services at nvbc.org.
Condemnation can quietly weigh down even the most faithful believers, especially when perfectionism and performance replace grace. Romans 8:1 offers freeing truth: for those in Christ Jesus, condemnation no longer exists because Jesus already carried the full weight of sin and shame on the cross. Highlights Perfectionism often disguises itself as faith but leads to exhaustion and emptiness. Guilt and shame push us away from God, while grace draws us closer. Self-condemnation is a burden Jesus never intended believers to carry. Romans 8:1 declares complete freedom from condemnation for those in Christ. Jesus paid the full debt for sin—nothing more is required from us. Our identity is found in Christ’s finished work, not our performance. Grace is a gift to rest in, not something to strive to maintain. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Carrying the Unnecessary Weight of Condemnation By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, ESV). For many years, I was driven by perfectionism and the feeling that I had to work successfully or perform well in life to be loved by other people… and to be loved by God. On the outside, I looked like I had it all together- high honors throughout school, hyper-involvement in extracurricular activities, serving in any ministry I was asked to be involved in, star of the high school plays and musicals, head cheerleader, first chair clarinet player in the band, and the list goes on and on. But on the inside, I was so empty and constantly searching for true fulfillment. I knew God was there for me, but somehow, I thought I could be perfect in my own strength on my walk with Him. Because we are human, we fail time and time again. We make a mess of things more often than not. Guilt and shame can often push us further away from God, instead of closer. For so long as a Christian, I was allowing self-condemnation to take root in my heart, and it weighed me down as I walked around carrying all of the baggage of my past sins and failures, thinking that I had to continue to strive to keep God’s forgiveness. Thankfully, today, I no longer live burdened by a work-based mentality. I find my identity in the finished work of Christ, and I want to encourage you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, you should too. Grace is a gift that cannot be earned, and you do not have to strive to keep it either. In Romans 8:1, the Bible tells us that we do not have to carry condemnation in our lives when we’re truly in Christ. If you are a born-again believer, condemnation does not exist because the punishment for our failures and sins does not exist. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, ESV). This means that when we embrace and believe what Jesus did for us on the cross, as He took the punishment for our sin that we deserved, our lives are now hidden in Christ. When we come to God with a heart full of repentance, resting in this glorious, finished work of the cross, we can stand before the throne of God without any shame because Jesus bore all of it for us. The debt we owed has been paid in full- we are free from all bondage. Intersecting Life & Faith: Jesus took all of your sin and your shame upon Himself and cast it as far as the east is from the west, friend. Do you struggle with thoughts of shame from your past? Fix your eyes on the finished work of the cross. Christ bore the weight of your sin; you no longer have to live with the weight of your failures. You can come boldly to the throne of grace, beloved, because it is grace that did the work for you. You can rest assured that God sees you as blameless and perfect because you are in Christ. There is no reason to carry that heavy burden of condemnation upon your shoulders… surrender it to Christ today. Let’s pray that you learn to no longer walk around carrying the weight of your past and stop striving for perfection. Remember, Jesus is blameless and perfect for you… lean upon Him. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Are you ready to kick off your year by finally pursuing health goals—without sacrificing your spiritual well-being in the process? In this powerful episode, Heather Creekmore shares her two most effective coaching tips to help you transform your journey toward better health. If you sometimes feel stuck between your desire to improve physically and the need to stay spiritually rooted, this episode will speak directly to your heart. You’ll also hear Heather unpack the difference between coaching and counseling, and why the approach she uses at Compared to Who? is so unique—especially when it comes to body image, food, and faith. She explains how her biblically grounded, practical coaching can change how you approach your goals, your mindset, and your motivation. Tune in to discover: The questions that can radically shift your motivation for pursuing health goals The truth about accountability—and who you’re really listening to on your journey The practical, grace-filled approach that can help you break free from shame and comparison Don’t miss these tips—they could change everything about the way you set and chase after health goals this year! Listen now and be inspired to seek true wellness that includes your whole self. Ready for a new perspective? Press play, and get ready to stop comparing and start living! Learn more about the 40-Day Body Image Journey and find resources mentioned in the episode at improvebodyimage.com If this is the year you’re longing for real breakthrough, this episode is a must-listen! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.