Podcasts about corinthians

Fr. Mike comments on the growing divide between Judaism and Christianity that Paul experiences on mission in Acts 21. In 2 Corinthians, Fr. Mike explains the difference between Godly grief that brings us to repentance, and worldly grief that leads us to destruction. We also learn about the importance of imitating the generosity of Christ. Today's readings are Acts 21, 2 Corinthians 6-8, and Proverbs 29:1-4. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

A few years ago, our church hosted refugees fleeing their country because of a change in political leadership. Entire families came with only what they could fit in a small bag. Several of our church families opened their homes, some with little room to spare. Such gracious hospitality echoes God’s command to the Israelites before they inhabited the promised land. As an agricultural society, they understood the importance of the harvest. Every bit of food would be essential to get them through until next year’s harvest. God told the Israelites when harvesting not to go back to retrieve what they may have missed. “Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow” (Deuteronomy 24:19). They were to practice generosity not by giving when they knew they had enough but by giving out of a heart of trusting in God’s provision “so that God could bless the work of their hands” (v. 19). God always has enough. The practice of hospitality also reminded them that they had been “slaves in Egypt” (v. 22). While we may not have experienced such oppression, we’ve all experienced being an outsider or being in need. As we give to others, we do well to remember our most basic need: freedom from our sin. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). When we’re hospitable, we celebrate our generous God who “loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

You've been filled with the Holy Spirit...now what?! Do you need more, or do you have everything you need? In this message, you will discover:- The difference between salvation and baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-6)- How to "turn on" the flow of the Spirit daily through speaking and worship- Why praying in tongues is for ALL believers, not just some (1 Corinthians 14)- The nine manifestations of the Spirit and how they flow through you (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)- Practical steps to move from powerless Christianity to Spirit-empowered living- The power of the flow: rivers of living water coming out of your heart (John 7:38)#jerry #jerrydirmann #dirmann  #overflow #blessingSupport the show

Psalm 49 Revelation 4:11;5:9,10,12 1 Corinthians 1:7b-9 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

2 Corinthians

Authentic ministry starts with a servant’s mindset, and Christians searching for purpose will find it in action—zeal for good works is a mark of discipleship, not a pastoral job description. John 12:26 frames service as the pathway to honor from the Father, reminding believers that following Christ means stepping into everyday ministry, wherever life places your feet. Highlights Ministry simply means “to serve,” and every follower of Christ is called into it. Jesus modeled servant leadership as the Servant King—service is imitation before function. The call isn’t to become a pastor, but to live like Jesus. Daily surrender (“die daily”) is less dramatic and more incremental—small yeses, repeated. Excuses shrink when identity grows: you serve because you are His, not to become enough. Service is worship when done in the Spirit’s power, not self-reliant hustle mode. Zealous good works expand your reach for God’s Kingdom—overflow comes after outpour. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Zealous for Good Works By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:26, ESV). “Ministry” is from the Greek word diakoneo, meaning “to serve.” At my church, our elders believe that every member of God’s Church is a minister, so obviously that would mean that every believer is called to serve- serve Jesus and serve His Body. Jesus was the servant of all. In fact, He was the Servant King. Christ shares in the gospel of John the importance of serving and following Him as He serves others. “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:26, ESV). Jesus asks us as Christians to lay our lives down continually, denying our wants and desires, or as the Apostle Paul said to do, “die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). Do we know how to do that? Intersecting Life & Faith: It is human nature to seek after what our hearts and flesh crave, but we do not have to give in to that kind of nature, for we have a new nature in Christ Jesus (Colossians 3:10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:24). Some people have wrong thoughts about God and service, perhaps believing their service doesn’t matter because others have it taken care of. Or perhaps they see pastors as the ones who are qualified for service and ministry, so they don’t need to join in. But we are all priests to our God (1 Peter 2:9)! When we put our hands to the plow, so to speak, in ministry, we are worshiping God. Those who are saved by Christ will eagerly and joyfully serve Christ and His people. We have been clothed in Christ’s righteousness to match Him and follow Him. What clothes are you wearing- the world’s or Christ’s? No matter the excuse or wrong thinking regarding ministry and service, we can ask God to help us see the importance of serving the Lord and others. The Holy Spirit empowers us to set aside our selfishness and learn how to be selfless like Jesus, preferring others above ourselves. That kind of lifestyle starts in the mind, in the way we think, as we learn to think of ourselves less and look for ways to put others first. The Lord promises that the Father will honor the one who serves Christ by serving His people. As we learn to prefer others above ourselves, the Lord fills us with His love to the overflow to reach more people for His Kingdom. He will give us zeal for ministry. God is selfless, humble, gracious, and merciful, and as His children, He asks us to follow His example. We cannot do that in our own strength. The Holy Spirit will empower you, and with His grace, to be able to deny your own desires and selfish ambitions. We need God’s help to prefer others above ourselves. God’s Word transforms our minds so that we can learn how to think less of ourselves and seek to serve God and His people. Let us ask God to help us value the call to serve so we can look more like Him, ministering to whoever He puts in front of our path. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Our dog, Missy, had just ridden with us on a 1,600-mile round trip to Chicago and back. That was the first for her. It was a first for me to do it, too, with a dog and we both survived! Miracles still happen. Missy had been through a lot of upheavals in her routine as a result of that trip, and she'd had an exhausting two days. I can't believe now I was empathizing with our dog! Well, anyway, all of this might explain her uncharacteristic behavior when we returned home. She just hunkered down all day long underneath this white cabinet in the kitchen. There was barely enough room for her under there, but no one could coax her out. She was a grump! She didn't come out to eat. Now the two people she responded to the most got down there and tried to speak "doggy" to her. Nothing. Finally, her primary caregiver reached her hand under there and promptly got it nipped by a dog who never did that. This was an animal with an attitude! I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Your Ugly Times." Our word for today from the Word of God comes from 1 Corinthians 13. You may recognize this as being maybe the greatest description of what love really is like in all the Bible. And in a world that's pretty confused about love, 1 Corinthians 13 is more relevant than ever. As you listen, would you think about the people you love and measure how you're treating them by these words from God? Here's verse 4: "Love (and you could say my love for whoever) is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." See, love is not a feeling. It's not words. It's not the official status of certain people. It's an act or way of treating people - certain ways that I'd like to underscore from these verses. If you love someone it means you treat them with patience, you treat them kindly, and you look for what you can do for them, not what they can do for you. And your love doesn't get easily angered, it doesn't nip at people. Are you listening, Missy? I think that too often we're all like the dog. We're exhausted, we're feeling low, we're thinking of ourselves a lot. Inwardly we've crawled under the cabinet, and instead of responding, we bite, we snarl, we punish people for needing us when we're low. But love is better than that. Just look at the One whose life we're trying to copy. Look at Jesus, experiencing the greatest agony any human has ever experienced as He hangs on a cross, bearing in His soul all the hell of all of us. Is He lashing out? Is He demanding to be left alone in His pain? No, He's reaching out. Jesus - He's patient, He's kind, He's not rude, He's not self-seeking, and He's not easily angered on the cross. He's caring about the need of the man on the next cross, the needs of His mother. He's forgiving those who nailed Him there. I want to be like that, don't you? I know that my tired times, my stressed-out times, my hurting times, a lot of times they don't bring out the best in me. I've nipped at too many people I'm supposed to love in times like that. But those are the times when love shows its true colors, when it's sacrificial, when you give it at a time when you feel like giving out. So maybe you'd like to join me in making Jesus Lord of your ugly times. You say, "Lord, when I'm like this I'm often not like You. Please re-train me Lord. Help me to draw deeply on Your grace and Your love right now. Give me a victory in this time when I feel just like I want to focus on me. Empower me to love people in the times that I would normally be plain old ugly." Remember, you will experience Christ's love and Christ's power on a new level as He overrules your tendency to snarl or to bite. The people around you don't need a wound from you, they need supernatural love.

Episode #300(!!!!) of 15 Minutes and a Big Idea. A Podcast by The Mended Collective. In this episode, we take a step back and summarize the material from 1 Corinthians 11:27-32. Big Idea: Examine Yourself 1) Unworthy Eating Brings Guilt 2) Examination Brings Life 3) Judging Oneself Prevents God's Judgment Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/15bigidea/?view_public_for=110691360592088 The Mended Collective: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSlUSkU2N0UEy4Bq1HgpFEQ Email: 15bigideapodcast@gmail.com Theme Music: "Advertime" by Rafael Krux

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Paul's account of pleading with the LORD to take away his thorn. Scripture References: Psalm 119:160; John 17:17; 2 Corinthians 12:8; Acts 9:5-16; Acts 18; 2 Corinthians 1:1-5; John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 11:23-12:10; Luke 22:42; Isaiah 55:8-9 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Guiding Question: What will you choose in the defining moments of your life—mediocrity or a life of courageous adventure?

Are you living powerlessly when God has given you rivers of living water? Pastor Jerry Dirmann reveals how to activate the flow of the Holy Spirit through speaking, praising, worshiping, and praying in tongues. This life-changing message will ignite your Spirit-filled walk.In this powerful sermon, you'll discover:- The difference between salvation and baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-6)- How to "turn on" the flow of the Spirit daily through speaking and worship- Why praying in tongues is for ALL believers, not just some (1 Corinthians 14)- The nine manifestations of the Spirit and how they flow through you (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)- Practical steps to move from powerless Christianity to Spirit-empowered living- The power of the flow: rivers of living water coming out of your heart (John 7:38)Pastor Jerry systematically unpacks Scripture (Galatians 5:16-17, John 4:13-14, John 7:37-39, Ephesians 5:18-19) to show that God doesn't want you to live a silent, passive Christian life. The Holy Spirit is a fountain inside you waiting to be released. This message will confront, activate, and empower you to walk in the fullness of what Jesus bought for you.This is part of our "Swimming in Overflow" series on the Holy Spirit at The Rock Church.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction: The Power of the Flow5:20 - Galatians 5:16-17: Walk in the Spirit vs. the Flesh12:15 - John 4: Living Water as a Fountain Within You18:30 - John 7:38: Rivers of Living Water Flowing Out28:45 - "As the Scripture Has Said" - Believing Jesus God's Way38:10 - Acts 19: Salvation vs. Baptism in the Holy Spirit46:50 - The Flow: Speaking in Tongues and Prophesying49:25 - 1 Corinthians 12: Nine Manifestations of the Spirit56:00 - Word of Knowledge Testimony: The Power of the Flow59:50 - Ephesians 5:18: Be Filled with the Spirit - SPEAKING01:03:45 - Turn It On! Activating the Flow Daily01:08:20 - Practical Application and Lifestyle Adjustments01:12:00 - Closing Prayer and ActivationABOUT THE ROCKThe Rock is a multi-campus, multi-language Foursquare church in Orange County, California, with one mission: building solid lives that build solid lives. We're passionate about making disciples who make disciples through our Jesus Disciple method and house church networks.Weekend Services: Sundays at 8am, 9:30am & 11:30amSenior Pastors: Jerry & Kimberly DirmannVisit: www.gototherock.comCONNECT WITH THE ROCKSubscribe for weekly sermons: www.YouTube.com/@gototherockFill out a Connect Card: https://form.jotform.com/200927752854159Give online: https://pushpay.com/g/therockJesus Disciple Network: www.therocknetwork.comMedia Library: www.therocknetwork.mediaGET BAPTIZED IN THE HOLY SPIRITIf you've never spoken in tongues or been baptized in the Holy Spirit, this belongs to you - Jesus bought it for you. Pray right now: "Holy Spirit, fill me. I want everything Jesus died to give me. I receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues. Activate the flow in me today." Then open your mouth and begin to speak, thank God, praise Him, and let the flow begin!SHARE YOUR TESTIMONYIf this message activated the flow of the Spirit in your life, share your testimony in the comments below! We want to hear how God is moving.#HolySpirit #BaptismInTheHolySpirit #SpeakingInTongues #PrayingInTheSpirit #SpiritFilledLife #PastorJerryDirmann #TheRockChurch #PentecostalTeaching #CharismaticChristianity #RiversOfLivingWater #MakingDisciples #FoursquareChurch

Erik continues our Advent sermon series, "God of All Comfort", with a sermon from 2 Corinthians 1:3-11. (December 7, 2025)

Join Chris Montgomery in this insightful sermon as he delves into 1 Corinthians 13 to explore the true essence of love as defined by scripture. Highlighting the importance of love within and outside the church, Chris emphasizes how love is not a mere option for followers of Christ but a divine mandate that reflects the character of Christ. Discover how love transcends actions and intentions to embody the teachings of Jesus, urging believers to mature in love and live out its principles in everyday life. This sermon provides a profound understanding of how love should guide our interactions, both within the congregation and in the broader world.

The prophet's message in verses 18-20 finished on a high point with the prophet's reminder of Yahweh's steadfast love (chesed) and compassion. Read these verses aloud slowly. Pause and ponder.James 3 continues in a practical vein with the issues we all have in controlling our tongues. He says that teachers have a stricter responsibility, as our words will be discounted by our inconsistent conduct and speech. The only man to have perfectly controlled his tongue was our Lord Jesus Christ. In verses 3-4 two examples of small things controlling great things - the horse is controlled by a small bit in its mouth; and a ship is directed by a small rudder. The tongue is small, but seemingly uncontrollable - a small spark sets a forest ablaze; and likewise, a tiny bit of gossip creates untold havoc. How perverse we are. We praise and thank God, and, with the same tongue slander those made by God in His image. This is contrary to nature as the two examples of verses 11-12 illustrate. Verses 13-18 describe and counsel the use of heavenly wisdom. Wisdom and understanding are demonstrated by meekness (teachableness) - see Psalm 18verses20-28; 25verses1-9). Strife and bitterness, by contrast, come from self-promotion. Although purity proceeds peace (see 2 Kings 9verses19; Isaiah 57verses19-21), this is never an invitation to pummel people into submission. Read verses 17-18 aloud slowly. Pause and ponder. At the end of chapter 3 we saw one cause of strife was self-promotion; in chapter 4 he names several more. Chapter 4 warns against worldliness. He deals with covetousness in the first three verses. A covetous person has no room in their life for God. Interestingly the 10 commandments stand and finish with covetousness - the first, "You shall have no gods before me" (a person's possessions possess them); and the tenth, "You shall not covet".Hence Paul says in Colossians 3verses5, "Covetousness, which is idolatry". Hence covetousness is likened to adultery (chapter 4verses4-5). The jealousy of God for the purity and chastity of believers is captured by the ESV translation of verse 5, "He yearns zealously over the spirit (mind, or attitude) that He has made to dwell in us". Compare this with what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11verses2-3. The literal Greek of verse 4 is, "adulteresses" (since God is our groom). But for those who graciously submit and draw near to our Father He will show reciprocity in drawing near to them (see 1 Peter 5verses5-11). Humility now will bring future exaltation (compare our Lord Jesus Christ in Philippians 2 verses 1-11). The humble disciple is not one who critically compares oneself with others. From verses 13-17 James reminds us of our vain and transient nature. Therefore, he says, boasting is wrong. All plans we make are "God willing" (subject to His purpose for us). Should we focus on covetousness we have excluded Him from those plans. What we have has been given to us by Him to use in His service. Life is no more permanent than the vapour from the boiling kettle. Don't be arrogant. Place God at the forefront of all your plans.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

1 Corinthians 15:20-28 Advent reminds us that sin, death, and the devil are defeated.

In our reading of Acts 20, Fr. Mike reflects on the healing of Eutychus, Paul's willingness to suffer for the sake of the Gospel, and Paul's tender affection for the people he ministered to. In 2 Corinthians, Fr. Mike also highlights Paul's encouragement to hold onto the hope of beholding the glory of God with unveiled faces and to persevere in our afflictions as they prepare for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. Today's readings are Acts 20, 2 Corinthians 3-5, and Proverbs 28:25-28. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The gospel is so beautiful and valuable, yet God chooses to place this great treasure in “jars of clay.” It's almost incomprehensible, really, but it's how God works. All throughout the Bible, we see examples of how he uses weak, broken vessels for his glory. In this week's message from 2 Corinthians 4, Pastor J.D. shows us how even when we experience suffering, God often uses it for his good purposes, working in us and through us in powerful ways.

“Base things of the world hath God chosen.” — 1 Corinthians 1:28 Walk the streets by moonlight, if you dare, and you will see sinners then. Watch when the night is dark, and the wind is howling, and the picklock is grating in the door, and you will see sinners then. Go to yon jail, […]

“I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” — 1 Corinthians 9:22 Paul's great object was not merely to instruct and to improve, but to save. Anything short of this would have disappointed him; he would have men renewed in heart, forgiven, sanctified, in fact, saved. Have […]

How do Orthodox Jews look at God's forgiveness if there are no current sacrifices? Doesn't James 4:8 say we need to get closer to God? What's the truth about crowns and rewards in Heaven? What's happening with those scary verses in 2 Peter 2? Do they refer to loss of salvation? What should I do about my adult child who has rebelled? Doesn't 1 Corinthians 3 talk about loss of rewards (plural)?

1 Corinthians 16: Anything But Junk Mail (1Corinthians - Untangling Church) taught by Associate Pastor Justin Butorac on 12-07-25.

A Stranger Saved a Retired NYPD Officer's Life on Christmas Eve, A Special Episode Worth Hearing. This is more than a headline. It is a true story of survival, loss, depression, and an unexpected moment of human connection that changed everything. Look for The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Dean Simpson is a retired police officer from the New York City Police Department. Years before this Christmas Eve, he was shot in the line of duty during a violent, life-and-death encounter. He survived the attack, but the shooting left him permanently disabled. What followed was a slow, painful unraveling that many first responders know too well. The inpsiring episode is streaming for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most every major Podcast platform Purpose disappeared. Pain remained. Alcohol filled the silence. By December of 2001, Dean's life had narrowed to drinking, isolation, and attending one police funeral after another. Just three months earlier, the Twin Towers had fallen. While his fellow officers ran toward the chaos on September 11, Dean woke up late, hungover, and drowning in guilt. He still put on his uniform and reported to Ground Zero, working at “The Pile” for weeks, until he realized he wasn't helping anymore. A Stranger Saved a Retired NYPD Officer's Life on Christmas Eve, A Special Episode Worth Hearing. Supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . Then came Christmas Eve. That morning, Dean put his father's revolver in one pocket and his father's worn Bible in the other. He boarded a train at Penn Station with a one-way ticket upstate. He had already decided that once he reached his destination, his life would end. He chose a secluded place so no one would have to clean up the mess, a thought that haunted him even then. While the train rolled north through snow-covered landscapes, a stranger sat down next to him. Her name was Erin. She was a chatty grandmother with a red scarf and a warm smile, exactly the kind of person Dean did not want to talk to. She spoke about the beauty of the city, the holidays, life, and love. Dean sat in silence, angry at her optimism, angry at everything. When she finally asked what he loved about New York City, his response was cold and sharp. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms. “I love being left alone.” Instead of snapping back or moving seats, Erin stayed. When Dean apologized, she accepted. Slowly, gently, she drew him into conversation. She shared her own story, her late husband, her children, her grandchildren. And for the first time in a long while, Dean talked about his life. About being shot. About losing his father. About feeling useless and invisible. A Stranger Saved a Retired NYPD Officer's Life on Christmas Eve, A Special Episode When the train reached Albany, Erin handed him a small pink note. “I don't know where you're headed,” she told him, “but when you get there, read this.” They hugged, and she was gone. Dean continued on to Black Mountain, climbing toward Lake George with ice-capped water below. At the summit, he opened his father's Bible. A scrap of paper fell out, marking a verse: Corinthians 10:13. To a cop, that number meant something else entirely, police code for officer needs assistance. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. Then he read Erin's note: “Dean, life is a gift meant to be shared. Don't ever give up hope. Merry Christmas. Erin.” In that moment, something lifted. The weight inside him eased. Dean emptied the revolver and threw it into the abyss. Then he turned around and walked back down the mountain. A Stranger Saved a Retired NYPD Officer's Life on Christmas Eve. That was the day a stranger saved his life. In this special episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, Dean Simpson tells his story openly, not for attention, but to reach others who may be standing on the same edge. He speaks about trauma, addiction, purpose, and recovery. He shares how the badge shaped him, how it nearly broke him, and how one unexpected act of kindness redirected his life. His interview can be found on The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and across most podcast platforms where listeners will find authentic law enforcement stories. Dean is also the author of two books: The Blue Pawn: A Memoir of an NYPD Foot Soldier, a raw and unfiltered account of life in law enforcement, and Godless v. Trust: The Radical Left's Quest to Destroy Western Civilization, reflecting the worldview forged through experience and service. His story has been shared across Facebook, Instagram, and various news outlets, and is now featured in a special episode of a powerful podcast conversation. Listeners can hear Dean tell this story in his own words on Apple, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms. A Stranger Saved a Retired NYPD Officer's Life on Christmas Eve, A Special Episode Worth Hearing. The full podcast episode is streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. This is not just a story about a retired NYPD officer. It's a reminder that you never know when a simple conversation, a shared moment, or a stranger's kindness might save a life. And sometimes, angels don't have wings, they just won't stop talking. Be sure to check out our website . Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Listeners can tune in on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most every major Podcast platform and follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, and other major News outlets. You can find the show on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB. You can help contribute money to make the Gunrunner Movie . The film that Hollywood won't touch. It is about a now Retired Police Officer that was shot 6 times while investigating Gunrunning. He died 3 times during Medical treatment and was resuscitated. You can join the fight by giving a monetary “gift” to help ensure the making of his film at agunrunnerfilm.com . Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at Jay@letradio.com , or learn more about him on their website . Stay connected with updates and future episodes by following the show on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, their website and other Social Media Platforms. Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. A Stranger Saved a Retired NYPD Officer's Life on Christmas Eve, A Special Episode Worth Hearing. Attributions Amazon NY Post Amazon Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Now this is the catholic faith: That we worship one God in trinity and the trinity in unity, neither blending their persons nor dividing their essence. For the person of the Father is a distinct person, the person of the Son is another, and that of the Holy Spirit still another. But the divinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is one, their glory equal, their majesty coeternal.Similarly, the Father is almighty, the Son is almighty, the Holy Spirit is almighty. Yet there are not three almighty beings; there is but one almighty being.Thus the Father is God, the Son is God, the Holy Spirit is God. Yet there are not three gods; there is but one God. Thus the Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, the Holy Spirit is Lord. Yet there are not three lords; there is but one Lord.”~ The Athanasian Creed (circa 5th Century) “If Jesus were to visit with a modern day psychiatrist, the doctor might say: ‘Jesus, I know that your father is important to you, but for a moment, let's set aside that relationship and talk about just you. How are you doing?' Jesus would probably reply, ‘My Father and I are doing fine.' How those words change any situation we may find ourselves in! ‘My Father and I are doing fine.'”~ Paul Miller, author of A Praying LifeSERMON PASSAGEPsalm 27 I will tell of the decree:  The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;    today I have begotten you. John 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.John 8 12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 10 30 “I and the Father are one.” John 17 1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. Colossians 1 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 1 Corinthians 8 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Dianne Jackson, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. How can you become a cheerful giver? Meditate on 2 Corinthians 9:7. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Apple Spotify Main Scripture - Matthew 2:1-12 Download the Group Guide Christmas Reveals God's Mission to Save SinnersMatthew 2:1-2Galatians 3:8-9Isaiah 49:6Christmas Invites Us to Join God's MissionMatthew 2:3-9Isaiah 60:3John 1:9-10John 12:32John 20:21Leave a Legacy of MissionMatthew 2:10-12Psalm 96:92 Corinthians 5:18-20Application Points:Answer God's call to live the mission of JesusOrder your life around your faith in JesusTake the light of Christ to sinners in the darkLeave a legacy of faith for the sake of future generations

This sermon addresses the deep ache for "home" we feel during the holidays—a longing for the permanent and perfect that the world cannot satisfy. This desire points to the central theme of Scripture: Emmanuel, God with us. This is not just a Christmas slogan; it is the entire storyline of the Bible, from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem.Scripture ReferencesGenesis 1-3: Eden, the first temple where God walked with humanity.Exodus 25:8 & 29:45: God commands a sanctuary be built so He may dwell among His people.1 Kings 8:10-11: The glory of the Lord fills Solomon's Temple.John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."1 Corinthians 3:16: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?"Revelation 21:1-27: The New Creation, where God dwells with man permanently.Key PointsThe Journey of God's Presence The Bible traces God's dwelling place through history:Eden: The original design where God walked with man.The Tabernacle/Temple: "Mini-Edens" where God's glory dwelt, guarded by boundaries.Jesus: The true Temple; God in the flesh.The Church: Today, the Holy Spirit fills believers. We are the temple of God.New Creation: The final stop where heaven and earth merge, and there is no temple because God's presence is everywhere.You Are a Priest on Duty Just as Adam was called to "work and keep" the garden, and priests were called to minister in the temple, believers are a "priesthood" called to keep and cultivate the presence of God. Every believer houses the Holy Spirit and has a ministry to the Lord that will last forever.Longing for Home is Longing for God Our holiday homesickness is actually a spiritual longing for the New Creation. Earthly pleasures are just appetizers (or "little pink spoons") meant to arouse our desire for the real thing: face-to-face communion with God.ConclusionWe are currently living as temples of the Holy Spirit, the "embassies" of the coming Kingdom. The next event on God's timeline is the return of Christ and the establishment of the New Jerusalem, where we will finally be "home" with Him forever. Until then, our purpose is to house and cultivate His presence in a world that desperately needs Him.Calls to ActionCultivate His Presence: Ask yourself, "How am I tending to the presence of God in my life?" Make time for "face time" with Him amidst the holiday busyness.Be Filled with the Spirit: Instead of being filled with wine, fear, or greed this season, intentionally ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).Clean House: Remember you are God's temple. If there are habits or thoughts that grieve the Spirit, clean them out to honor His presence. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

Welcome back to the podcast, we are in our last week of the David series!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Failure is one of life's great interrupters. Sometimes it comes after a long season of struggle. Other times—like David—it crashes into our story right after success. David spent decades waiting on God's promise, surviving betrayal, wilderness years, and impossible odds. Then at last, the shepherd-warrior became king. He won battles. He grew influence. He stacked victories. But success often tests us in ways adversity cannot. When comfort sets in, cracks in our character begin to widen. That's exactly what happened to David.Second Samuel 11 tells the story: David stayed home when kings went to war, saw Bathsheba, pursued her, abused his authority, and arranged Uriah's death. It's a tragic chain of compromise. Then God sent Nathan the prophet, who confronted him with a parable—and with the piercing words: “You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7 NLT). Psalm 51 is David's prayer after being exposed. It's a window into godly sorrow, honest repentance, and the surprising hope that failure doesn't have to be final.1. Failure Can Become a Doorway, Not a Dead EndMany people live as if their worst moment now defines them forever. David felt the weight of his sin deeply:Psalm 51:3–4 (NLT) — “For I recognize my rebellion… Against you, and you alone, have I sinned.”David makes no excuses. He names his sin before God. This is the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow.2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT) says godly sorrow “leads us away from sin and results in salvation,” while worldly sorrow only regrets getting caught. Godly sorrow grieves how sin breaks God's heart, not just His rules. And when we repent for breaking God's heart, He changes our heart—not just our behavior.If you've been letting failure define your future, Psalm 51 offers hope: repentance is a doorway God invites you to walk through, not a wall meant to stop you.2. Humility Is the Hinge That Swings the Door OpenDavid doesn't shift blame to Bathsheba, stress, or schedule. He looks inward:Psalm 51:5–6 (NLT) — “You desire honesty… teaching me wisdom.”Humility is what makes repentance possible. As F.B. Meyer once wrote, the gifts on God's “lower shelves” go to the lowly. Humility is the willingness to be taught, corrected, and changed. Exposure is painful, but it is also grace—because God reveals what He intends to heal.David's prayer echoes another powerful invitation:Psalm 139:23–24 (NLT) — “Search me, O God…”That is the prayer of a teachable heart.3. Repentance Is More Than Stopping Bad BehaviorToo many people think repentance begins with outward change. But Psalm 51 shows that repentance is first an inside work—something...

12/6/25. Five Minutes in the Word scriptures for today: 2 Corinthians 9:10. Kingdom Multiplication. Resources: biblehub.com; logos.com; ChatGPT; and Life Application Study Bible. Listen daily at 10:00 am CST on https://kingdompraiseradio.com. November 2021 Podchaser list of "60 Best Podcasts to Discover!" LISTEN, LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE! #MinutesWord; @MinutesWord; #dailybiblestudy #dailydevotional #Christian_podcaster https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9zaXqv64YaCjh88XIJckA/videos https://m.youtube.com/@hhwscott

December 7, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   In this episode Neal announces a new quarter-long study of 2 Corinthians and explains why the class begins with Paul's second letter to the Corinthians rather than First Corinthians. He places the letter in historical context (Acts 18–20), ties it to the later prison epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon), and recommends earlier teaching on First Corinthians by Hiram and Brittany as helpful background. The episode gives an extended cultural and historical overview of Corinth — its Greek origins, destruction and re-founding under Rome, strategic isthmus location with two ports, the prominence of the slave trade, widespread pagan immorality (including how “to Corinthianize” became synonymous with sexual vice), and the city's importance as the provincial capital of Achaia. These details set the stage for why the Corinthian church faced the problems Paul addresses. Key topics covered include a review of the problems raised in 1 Corinthians (division, idolatry, sexual immorality, marriage questions, worship abuses such as corruption of the Lord's Supper, confusion over spiritual gifts, questions about the resurrection, and factional allegiance to leaders), and how the church largely responded to Paul's first letter. The speaker explains that 2 Corinthians arises from a new crisis: a group of Jewish opponents who undermine Paul's apostleship and claim apostolic authority themselves. The episode highlights the central themes and purposes of 2 Corinthians: Paul's defense of his apostleship and leadership, the danger of false or unordained leaders, and the pastoral necessity of protecting church order. It emphasizes Paul's personal investment in the Corinthian congregation — the suffering he endured, his pastoral care, and his insistence that God-ordained leadership matters because “sheep need a shepherd.” A major motif introduced is comfort: the speaker surveys 2 Corinthians 1:1–11 and summarizes the letter's repeated emphasis on comfort in the midst of affliction. He identifies the sources of that comfort as God (the “Father of mercies”), Christ, other believers who have suffered, and the prayers of the community, and underscores Paul's theme of abundant, effective consolation despite severe trials. Guests and contributors mentioned include teachers Hiram and Brittany (previous lectures on First Corinthians) and Chris (his Wednesday class on the prison epistles); the speaker also references Luke's account in Acts and several Pauline passages as he reads and opens 2 Corinthians 1:1–11. Listeners can expect a mix of historical background, theological orientation to the letter, pastoral application about church leadership and suffering, and a reading of the opening verses to begin the study.   Duration 44:47

A foolish message. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.

This is it. The grand finale of our KINGDOM IMPACT series—and we're finishing strong. In this powerful conclusion, Sow the Seeds, Pastor Travis Hearn delivers a message that digs deep beneath the surface of blessing and favor to expose the gritty, often unseen journey of spiritual growth. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Luke 6:38, and John 12:24, this message is a vivid, faith-stirring reminder: you can't reap what you haven't sown. We've shouted over fruit, but today we honor the seed. We've talked stewardship, generosity, sacrifice—and now, God is calling us to Sow Big. Because before there are roots... before there are shoots... before there's fruit... there must be seed. And that seed isn't just financial—it's personal. It's your heart, your life, your yes to God. You'll hear how the Corinthian and Macedonian churches inspired each other toward radical generosity, and how the soil of your life doesn't respond to promises—it responds to planting. Pastor Travis challenges us to stop asking, “Where is my harvest?” and start asking, “Where are my seeds?” This message is raw, real, and deeply revealing. It's a spiritual call to move from comfort to commitment, from intention to impact, from withholding to wholehearted worship. Let's make a Kingdom Impact.

Joshua Mack | 2 Corinthians 5:16

Humility grows out of true JOY—putting Jesus first, others second, and yourself last. When our hearts are ordered this way, we reflect the self-giving love of Christ and discover the freedom and joy that come from living beyond ourselves. Scriptures:  Phillipians 2:5-11, Hebrews 4:15, 1 Corinthians 4:1-4

A Day Is Coming – Part 2 MESSAGE SUMMARY: We are in the season of Advent, which means “coming” or “arrival”. The Church begins this season of “arrival” or Advent as the time we recognize and celebrate the “arrival” of Jesus – both Jesus' “first coming” and His “second coming”. We celebrate Jesus' “first coming” on Christmas Eve. The season of Advent is, also, a season of hope; and Advent is the beginning of our Church's “New Year”. In the book of Isaiah, Isaiah 24 through Isaiah 26 presents prophesies regarding the future about 600 years before the birth of Jesus. More specifically, Isaiah 24:1-13 describes the destruction of the world resulting from the sinful acts of God's people. However, Isaiah 24:14-16 describes a period of joy and hope in the world. As in the time of Isaiah, we should not give credence to the prophesies, by fellow humans today, of the world's destruction and/or a specific date for Jesus' ”second coming” {arrival}. Jesus told us both not to be “anxious” about those things that we cannot control and that “no one knows the day and the hour” of His return (i. e. Jesus “second coming”). Rather, in this season of Advent, we recognize the hope brought to the world by God's grace and His gift of Jesus. Our hope is built upon Jesus' birth, death on the cross, and His Resurrection all providing us with the means for our Redemption, Salvation, and our Eternal Life. However, there will be a day when Jesus returns again to earth (i. e. Jesus' “second coming”) on a day that cannot be predicted by humans. Jesus' “second coming” will establish His Kingdom and a new Heaven. Therefore, even though we do not know the when of Jesus' “second coming” we haves God's promise of the what Jesus' “second coming” will mean. We need not fear the “second coming”. The “second coming” is a promise by God and should lead us, in this season of Advent, to renew our preparation in hope and not fear and anxiety. We have God's promise that nothing can separate us from His love, as the Apostle John tells us in 1 John 4:16-19: “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us." We do not want to get so wrapped up in the details of Jesus' “second coming” so that, like the First Century Jews, we miss Jesus. One certainty, in Jesus' “second coming”, is our “Judgement”. Jesus' “second coming” will “arrive”, but we have nothing to fear if we are ready. We are “ready” by living lives of Faithfulness to the Gospel and through Repentance. Is there something in your life with which you have not dealt with in Repentance? If so, you are not “ready”. We must be willing to follow Jesus and to respond to those things He asks of us. The Apostle John tell us in Revelation 22:20-21: “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The Grace of Lord Jesus be with all. Amen”. Do you want to be ready for Jesus' “second coming”? If so, are you ready?   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  Isaiah 24:1-16; Romans 8:38-39; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:12-19; 1 John 4:16-19; Revelation 20:4; Matthew 25:31-32; Johnb5:24; 1 Corinthians 11:28-32; Romans 11:25-27; Luke 1:31-33; Hebrews 1:8; Hebrews 10:37-39; Revelation 22:20-21. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “God, the Father, Is Spirit; Jesus Followers Must Worship the Father in Spirit and Truth with Reality and Honesty and Not a Façade”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

1 Corinthians 15:54-57 Hope First Donate to Support The Journey

1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Advent Hope 1 Corinthians 15:19-34

The event that confirms Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be: the Messiah, the Son of God. After His burial, the women came to the tomb expecting decay, but the Scriptures had already declared that the Holy One would not see corruption. Instead, they found the stone rolled away, an empty tomb, and an angel announcing the truth: “He has risen; He is not here.” Sermon Notes Mark 16:1 – 4 Women go to the tomb with spices to prepare Jesus' body and wondering how they will get the stone rolled away from the tomb Mark 16:5 & 6 They enter the tomb and see a young man wearing a white robe (an angel) who tells them Jesus who had been crucified is risen and He is not here Mark 16:7 Angel tells them to tell Jesus' disciples and Peter Jesus will meet them in Galilee Mark 16:8 The women left afraid 1 Corinthians 15:3 – 11 Jesus died, buried and rose according to the Scriptures

Introduction: Pastor Bob Huber Are You Worth Imitating? 4 Areas to Evaluate (1 Corinthians 4:14–21) Your LOVE for PEOPLE: Worth Imitating. (1 Cor 4:14) 2 Corinthians 12:15 – I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. Your HEART for EVANGELISM: Worth Imitating. (1 Cor 4:15) Your CONSISTENCY of FAITH: Worth Imitating. (1 Cor 4:17) Your HANDLING of SINNERS: Worth Imitating. (1 Cor 4:14, 18–21) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 4:14-21What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Who has been a “spiritual father” to you? What do you imitate about them?Who have you tried to be a “spiritual father” to (led to Christ, discipled)?What kind of change, specifically, do you think Paul was hoping for from the “arrogant” (1 Cor 4:18-21)?How do you know when to admonish someone (v14), and when to rebuke them (1 Cor 4:19)?BreakoutPray for one another. (empty) AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

In this BEYOND message,  we're celebrating everything God has done in and through our church this year—and looking ahead with faith for what's next.

Wesee the gifts of the Spirit are given so that the whole body of Christ mightprofit as we read in 1 Corinthians 12:7. Now we notice that Paul is keying inon four specific offices that are vitally necessary for the leading, theoversight, and the feeding of the church. He mentions those here in verse 11.He gave some Apostles. Those were the initial twelve men that Jesus Himselfcalled. Then alongside these Apostles, with the next gift and office were the prophets.Together these two callings, gifting and offices, laid the foundation of the church(Ephesians 2:20).  Thenwe notice the next office and gifting was, “some evangelists”. Of course, theseare the ones who spread the word of God with a special gifting as they traveledand as they ministered in different locations. They most likely were the churchplanters. Like Peter, when they would preach people would respond to the gospelunder conviction of sin and come to know Christ as their Savior. This officeand gifting is especially exercised for the growth and expansion of the church. ThenPaul gives the last office, and He uses two names that indicates two specificgiftings. “Some pastors and teachers”. The fact that the word"some" is not repeated indicates that we have here one office withtwo ministries. The word pastor means shepherd. A shepherd is someone who caresfor the sheep. Two other words are used for the same office in the NewTestament, which are elder and bishop. We see them in 1 Timothy 3 and also in 1Peter 5.  In1 Peter 5:1-4, Peter had a specific message for the elders as leaders in thechurch.  “The elders who are among youI exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ,and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock ofGod which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly,not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted toyou, but being examples to the flock; Notice he toldthem to fulfill the role of shepherds as pastors.  Ibelieve one of the special callings that God revealed to me as a young believer,along with a special gift that goes along with, was to be a pastor shepherd to theflock of God, and to care for His sheep. To be a shepherd means you love thesheep. Remember Psalm 23 where David writes, “The Lord is my shepherd, Ishall not want”. What example do we have from the Lord Jesus Christ? Hecared for the sheep. He leads the sheep. He leads them by example and He gaveHis life for the sheep.  No doubt Peter isthinking of this in 1 Peter 5. Again the “good shepherd, cares for the sheep, feedsthe sheep the Word of God, leads the sheep, and protects the sheep from falseteachers and doctrines (Acts 20:28-30). That'swhy the companion gift of teaching has to be in the life of a pastor. When Paulgave the instructions for the elders in the early church, they had to be ableto teach God's word, understand God's word, have the knowledge of what God's Wordrepresented, stood for, and how it should be proclaimed. This is all verycrucial for the church, the flock of God, to be healthy and productive. So,pastors and teachers, these are gifted people who help care for the flock,protect the flock, lead the flock, and they take time to visit the orphans andthe widows, as we read in James 1:27. “Pure religion and undefiled beforeGod and the father is this. To visit the fatherless, the orphans and the widowsin their affliction and to keep themselves unspotted from the world”.  Apastor does this by example as he cares, protects, teaches, feeds, and leadsthe flock of God. Pray for your pastor today as he fulfills this wonderfulministry to the church! And pastors, we would do well to take heed to Paul'sparting words to young pastor Timothy, “But you be watchful in all things,endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2Timothy 4:5). Godbless!

Pastor Ricky shares on 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 and explains how what informs our giving will determine our collective culture.

Pastor Jon continued our journey through the New Testament in the week's Bible Reading from the Bible Recap, by preaching about spiritual gifts from 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4.Join us as we read through the Bible in a year together as a church!To learn more, visit thebridgebiblechurch.com.

2 Corinthians 12-13; Galatians 1-2

Fr. Mike emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit exemplified in Paul's interaction with those in Ephesus in Acts 19 and reminds us that God wants to fill each of us with the same Holy Spirit so we can walk in his strength. Fr. Mike also highlights the power of sacramentals, the reality of demons acknowledging Jesus, and the importance of removing things in our lives that are harmful. Lastly, as we begin reading the Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, we get a glimpse of Paul's heart for the people of Corinth. Today's readings are Acts 19, 2 Corinthians 1-2, and Proverbs 28:22-24. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Allie sits down with Colorado high school senior Sophia Shumaker and First Liberty attorney Keisha Russell after Sophia's Bible-verse parking spot was censored. When the school banned “religious imagery,” Sophia painted a subtle backward fish — then fought back with First Liberty's help. The district caved, changed the policy, and let her repaint it with her original design, which includes the Bible verse 1 Corinthians 13:4. This is a powerful reminder to be bold in your faith no matter your stage in life or occupation, be that a student or lawyer. Courage is contagious! Go to ⁠firstliberty.com⁠ to learn more about religious liberties and the rights you have as a Christian.  Buy Allie's book "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion": ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.toxicempathy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Timecodes: (00:00) Intro  (04:35) Contacting First Liberty  (13:45) Sophia's Christian Faith  (16:40) Student and Parent Rights  (26:10) Keisha's Legal Background  (32:30) Advancing God's Kingdom --- Today's Sponsors: PreBorn — Would you consider a gift to save babies in a big way? Your gift will be used to save countless babies for years to come. To donate, dial #250 and say the keyword BABY or donate securely at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠preborn.com/allie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. NetSuite — Every business is asking the same question: how do we make AI work for us? Right now, get our free business guide, Demystifying AI, at ⁠⁠netsuite.com/allie⁠⁠. --- Episodes you might like:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ep 1177 | Colorado Parents Will Lose Custody for 'Deadnaming' ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1177-colorado-parents-will-lose-custody-for-deadnaming/id1359249098?i=1000704645676⁠ Ep 605 | Coach Kennedy & Today's SCOTUS Hearings | Guests: Joe Kennedy & Jeremy Dys ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-605-coach-kennedy-todays-scotus-hearings-guests/id1359249098?i=1000558653220⁠ Ep 333 | SCOTUS Stands Up for Religious Liberty ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-333-scotus-stands-up-for-religious-liberty/id1359249098?i=1000501076057⁠ --- Buy Allie's book "You're Not Enough (& 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

“As is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.” — 1 Corinthians 15:48 The head and members are of one nature, and not like that monstrous image which Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream. The head was of fine gold, but the belly and thighs were of brass, the legs of iron, and the […]

“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

2 Corinthians 10-13

Fr. Mike reminds us that God uses crooked lines to make a straight story, like Paul's witness to Priscilla and Aquila as they encounter the person of Christ and become missionaries. Just like Apollos accepted correction, Fr. Mike invites us to courageously open ourselves up to learning and growing. Today's readings are Acts 18, 1 Corinthians 16, and Proverbs 28:19-21. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.