Podcasts about corinthians

A verse by verse study through the book of 1 Corinthians with Pastor Kevin Edwards of Calvary Chapel Clayton, NC. https://www.calvaryclayton.com

Today we dive into Presbytery Sunday — our Mercy Culture Elders come together to pray, prophesy, and encourage members according to God's purpose for their lives. Pastor Landon unpacks what Presbytery is, what true biblical prophecy looks like, and why it must be submitted, ordered, and stewarded well. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 14:29 and Acts 13:1-3, this service reveals prophecy not as a guarantee, but as an invitation to partner with the perfect will of God. Text PROPHETIC to 59090 for the Prophecy Study Guide. Mercy Culture Church exists to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. For more information on ways you can be a part of it, follow us on social media @mercyculture or visit us at mercyculture.com Share the link and invite a friend to join this service.

Today we dive into Presbytery Sunday — our Mercy Culture Elders come together to pray, prophesy, and encourage members according to God's purpose for their lives. Pastor Landon unpacks what Presbytery is, what true biblical prophecy looks like, and why it must be submitted, ordered, and stewarded well. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 14:29 and Acts 13:1-3, this service reveals prophecy not as a guarantee, but as an invitation to partner with the perfect will of God. Text PROPHETIC to 59090 for the Prophecy Study Guide. Mercy Culture Church exists to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. For more information on ways you can be a part of it, follow us on social media @mercyculture or visit us at mercyculture.com Share the link and invite a friend to join this service.

Topics: Turning From Sins, Turn From Sins, Salvation by Grace Alone, Ephesians 2:8-9, Eternal Consequences of Sin (Romans 6:23), The Meaning of Repentance (Metanoeo), Freedom and Permission in Christ (1 Corinthians 6:12), True Identity as Holy Saints, Romans 6:1-2, Grace Teaches Upright Living (Titus 2:11-12), The Trap of Man-Made Traditions, Mark 7:9, Rest in Christ's Light Yoke, Matthew 11:28-30, Cleansing the Conscience by Faith (Hebrews 9:14), Complete Salvation Through Christ's Life (Hebrews 7:25), Permanent Cleansing vs Repeated Rituals (Hebrews 10:22), Drawing Near to God Through Faith, Hebrews 11:6, Desiring an Honorable Conscience, Hebrews 13:18, Danger of Self-Righteous Hypocrisy, Matthew 23:3-4, The Heavy Burden of Legalism (Luke 11:46), How the Law Stirs Up Sin (Romans 6:14, Romans 7), Freedom from Condemnation in Christ, Romans 8:1, Life in the Spirit vs the Law, Galatians 5:18, Standing Firm in Christian Freedom (Galatians 5:1), Rebuking Legalistic Yokes of Bondage, Acts 15:10, Rightly Dividing the Apostle James, James 4:8, True Context of Deliberate Sin (Hebrews 10:26), The Final Sacrifice of Jesus, Hebrews 9:22, No Judgment in Christ (John 5:24), Boldness on the Day of Judgment (1 John 4:17), Full Forgiveness of All Sins, 2 Corinthians 5:19, Crucified and Resurrected with Christ (Romans 6), Perfected Forever by One Sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14), Living Under Grace Instead of the LawSupport the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional!  https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Bucked off, breath knocked out, and trampled... when you did nothing wrong. A cowboy church sermon on how to get back on. Kevin Weatherby closes out the First Time? series with the first time life knocks you flat when you did everything right: the Big Lake barrel racing wreck, the world championship that got away, and the bronc riding that same day. Seven tips a cowboy uses to get back on. In this message: Getting bucked off when you did nothing wrong Seven tips to get back on, from "it'll quit hurting in a minute" to "show-ups, not show-offs" The wreck is never the end of the story Scripture: Psalm 34:18-19, Proverbs 24:16, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 Grab this week's free 5-day Bible study at savethecowboy.org. Watch the full message: vimeo.com/1213062706 Read the Bible in plain cowboy talk, the Simplified Cowboy Version: simplifiedcowboyversion.com Ride with the Long X Ranch Cowboys: lxranch.org Give to the ministry: savethecowboy.org A sick pen for sinners, not a show ring for saints.

Main Scripture - 2 Samuel 21:15-22God's People Face Relentless Attacks from Enemies2 Samuel 21:15-171 Peter 5:8-9John 15:18-20Ephesians 6:12God Has Prepared His People for Warfare2 Samuel 21:17-19James 1:52 Corinthians 10:3-5John 16:33Ephesians 6:10-111 John 5:4-5Because of Jesus, You Don't Have to Be Afraid2 Samuel 21:20-222 Timothy 1:7Romans 8:38-39Application Points:Expect attacks and prepare through faithfulnessPrepare for battle through discipleship in the churchEmbrace the wisdom, mindset, and victory through ChristReject fear for faith in Christ

Spring Lake Church – Lawrence CampusSermon: DisciplinesTeacher: Jack GuerraPassages: Proverbs, Luke 14, 1 Corinthians 9, Galatians 5, and 2 TimothyIn “Disciplines,” we explore how biblical discipline and faithful stewardship shape every area of life. Through passages including Proverbs, Luke 14, 1 Corinthians 9, Galatians 5, and 2 Timothy, this message challenges us to cultivate self-control, accountability, and perseverance as we steward our time, talents, resources, and faith. Discover how the HABIT model and the seven pillars of stewardship can help you grow into a life that honors God and bears lasting fruit. Join us as we pursue spiritual maturity together.springlakechurch.org | springlakechurch.org/give | springlakechurch.org/prayer

Matthew Week 147 2 Corinthians 5:21 NASB 95   21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.       1 Peter 2:24 NASB95   24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.       Galatians 3:13 NASB95   13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"—       Matthew 26:38a ESV   38 Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death;…       "Don't you know I have wild animals at my disposal? I will unleash them immediately upon you if you don't change your mind"       "Well unleash them, who ever heard of repenting from what is good to what is evil?"       "Since wild animals don't seem to scare you, know here and now I will have you burned alive if you do not denounce Christ"       "You threaten me with a mere fire that burns for an hour and then goes out. Haven't you heard of the fire of coming judgement and the eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly? Why do you keep delaying, do whatever you want with me."       "leave me as I am. The one who gives me strength to endure fire will also enable me to remain motionless against the stake without having to be secured."-"Letter from the Church of Smyrna" – David Bercot: Will the Real Heretics Please Stand, p. 3-4       "Suffer me to become food for the wild beasts, through whose instrumentality it will be granted me to attain to God. I am the wheat of God, and let me be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ." The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, edited by F. L. Cross and E. A. Livingstone. Oxford, 1997.       2 Samuel 15:23 ESV   23 And all the land wept aloud as all the people passed by, and the king crossed the brook Kidron, and all the people passed on toward the wilderness.       Psalm 55:20-21 ESV   20 My companion stretched out his hand against his friends;   he violated his covenant.   21 His speech was smooth as butter,   yet war was in his heart;   his words were softer than oil,   yet they were drawn swords.       Matthew 26:47-49 ESV   47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; seize him." 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" And he kissed him.       John 18:3 NASB95   Judas then, having received the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons       John 18:4-8 ESV   4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" 5 They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go."       John 8:56-59 ESV   56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad." 57 So the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" 58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.       Matthew 26:50-51 ESV   50 Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you came to do." Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.       Luke 22:48 ESV   48 …"Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"       Mark 14:47 ESV 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.       Luke 22:50 ESV 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.       John 18:10a ESV 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear.          

Spring Lake Church – Bellevue CampusSermon: EvangelismTeacher: Jeff PittmanPassages: Genesis 2:7, Matthew 22:37–38, Job 2:11–13, and 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 In “Evangelism,” we explore Jesus' call to make disciples through passages including Matthew 28:18–20, Matthew 9:35–38, Mark 10:45, and Matthew 18:12–14. This message highlights the B.L.E.S.S. practices—Begin with Prayer, Listen, Eat, Serve, and Share Your Story—as practical ways to reflect Christ's compassion and reach others with the gospel. Be encouraged to join God's mission by loving your neighbors and pointing them to the hope found in Jesus.springlakechurch.org | springlakechurch.org/give | springlakechurch.org/prayer

Christians in the Church Must Become Christians in the Marketplace of Unbelievers MESSAGE SUMMARY: From the Gospel of Luke (10:1-20): Life Laborers Are Few This “Life Lesson from Luke” focuses upon the Apostle Luke in the context of “Luke the Evangelist” – telling the good news of Jesus the Christ. Introduction:  Jesus, in Luke 11:11-13, compares asking God versus an earthly father being asked by his son: “What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”. God desires to give to us before we even ask Him but ask, we must. Since we must ask for the Holy Spirit, it is good to begin our daily prayers with: “Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit.”. From Luke 11:1-13, we have a Life Lesson on Prayer. Life Laborers Are Few:  As Jesus sends the Seventy-two out on a mission trip (Luke 10:1-20), He tells them, in Luke 10:2: “And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'". As in the First Century, today we can make the same observation as Jesus: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” – where are the laborers for His Kingdom today? People all around us are in need. This passage from Luke 10:1-20 reveals God's plan and model for evangelism – the ministry of the Gospel. Further, Jesus instructs us to: “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” – God's harvest. This model for the ministry of the Gospel is not just for Clergy, this model is for all followers of Jesus. To meet the needs of today's plentiful harvest, the Christians in the Church must become the Christian in the marketplace pf unbelievers. To be effective in this plentiful marketplace, we must be ourselves and a willing vessel for God's will and for God to fill us with the Holy Spirit. Additionally, we must be a willing laborer for the ministry of the Gospel – the harvest is plentiful. Be God's hand!   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: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

One of the most important questions a Christian can ask in dating or relationships is this: Is this relationship from God—or is it a counterfeit the enemy is using to pull me away from Him? In a culture that often confuses strong feelings with divine leading, many believers struggle to tell the difference between a God-ordained connection and one that the enemy is orchestrating for destruction. Scripture is clear that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians […] The post How to Tell If a Relationship Is from God or Satan: Biblical Signs of Discernment appeared first on Christian Singles Advice | Christian Dating Advice Tips. Related posts: Biblical Signs of an Evil Person in Christian Dating Signs of Humility in a Potential Spouse: A Biblical Guide for Christian Singles The Top 5 Lies Satan Tells Christian Singles Top 4 Ways Satan Tempts Christian Singles – and How to Laugh Your Way Through It! Top 5 Green Flag Signs in a Christian Dating Relationship

SHOW NOTES   In Podcast Episode 386, “No Soap Strong Enough for That,” Kim discusses the lengths humans will go to try to cleanse themselves from sin and guilt. She takes listeners through a brief overview of many scriptures that point to the only way to receive cleansing for sin.   Our focal passage for this episode is Jeremiah 2:14-22, with 22 as the focal verse:   “No amount of soap or lye can make you clean. I still see the stain of your guilt. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!”     WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE:   What “soap” have you tried to use to cleanse yourself of your sins of commission or omission?   Additional Resources and Scriptures:   Matthew 27:11-24 Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10-12; 3:23; James 2:10 Psalm 51; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Hebrews 9:13-14 John 1:29; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 1:7-9 Examples of Modern-Day “Soap:” 1. Busyness; 2. Being a “Good Person;” 3. Religious Activity; 4. Image Management; 5. Comparison; 6. Success; 7. Self-Improvement; 8. Numbing the Conviction. Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM -  https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus     I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.   RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF Jeremiah/Lamentation PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Jeremiah & Lamentations by Steven Smith “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. OpenAI. (2026). ChatGPT     "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group:   Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.   This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus.   In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives.   If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week.   Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”   If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com.     National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline   988   https://988lifeline.org/   Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004.   Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay.     The HIDDEN Episodes:  If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/  

Session: 5 Date of First Use: August 16, 2026 Title: An Outward Focus The Point: Bring glory to God by seeking the welfare of others. Life Connection: As Americans, we like to emphasize our individual rights. Christians also have rights that arise out of the freedom we're given in Christ. We have the right not to be held to the convictions or preferences of others. But love dictates that we often need to set aside that “right” and freedom for the sake of others. In so doing, we can encourage others and honor Christ.   Session Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 

Culture is loud, identity is fragile, and the church can drift without noticing. We sit down and get honest about what's been forming us lately, from family seasons and ministry travel to what we're seeing in students who genuinely want “the things of old” back, especially manners and respect. That real-life thread sets up a deeper spiritual question: if we say we follow Jesus, what does our life actually reflect?We walk through 1 Corinthians 11 with the kind of pastoral clarity that doesn't aim to impress, but to restore. Paul's warning to Corinth still lands today: when the church absorbs the idols and categories of the world, we stop reflecting Christ and start mirroring whatever we used to serve. We talk Christian identity, image-bearing, and why labeling ourselves by politics, success, status, or any identity above Jesus quietly breeds pride, comparison, and division.Then we move to the communion table, where Corinth's rich believers humiliated the poor and turned the Lord's Supper into something harmful. Communion is meant to pull us back to the cross, back to unity, and back to a serious moment of self-examination. We close with prayer, repentance, and a clear invitation to surrender what we've been carrying so we can live with clarity and peace in Christ. If this challenged you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it.Thanks for listening!  Follow us on Facebook or YouTube.

1 Corinthians 11:1-16

Group Guide Use this guide to help your group discussion as you meet this week. Acts 1:1-5 Spencer Carey Download TranscriptGood morning. My name is Spencer. I am one of the pastors here. We did it you guys. We made it through 2 Samuel. 1 and 2 Samuel.And now we're in the book of Acts. So if you're new to our church, we typically, not exclusively, but the majority of what we do is we walk through books of the Bible. And we're gonna go verse by verse, passage by passage. And we're in Acts chapter 1 today. As we begin the book of Acts, we'll be in this for the next season. We're in the first five verses of the book of Acts.That is on page 1053, 1053 in your black Bibles. The main text will be coming from the Bible. So we will hold a Bible and read that with this. There'll be other texts. They'll be on the screen. But we're gonna introduce the book of Acts because it is wise when you jump into a book to have some context for what you're actually studying.So I want to point out three things as we begin to introduce us, I think, well to understanding the book of Acts. If you grab a study Bible, like the ESV study Bible, you open it up before we start reading a book. If you're gonna study it, you're gonna see different introductory elements. And I'm gonna give you three that kind of help us frame our time together in the book of Acts. Genre, author, and purpose. So let me hit those very quickly.It's important to first know the genre because not all scripture is the same. You don't read Proverbs like you read the Psalms, like you read Genesis, like you read the Gospels, like you read the epistles, the letters in the New Testament. They are all, they come from different genres. So it's important to understand what you're reading before you jump in. The book of Acts is historical narrative. Functions like the Gospels in that way.It's historical narrative. It's a bunch of stories that tell the story of how the church began starting in the first three decades of the church is what the book of Acts and 28 chapters covers. So from around 33 AD to around 60 to 65 AD, we're gonna read a bunch of stories and teachings that shaped the church early on and that we get to be shaped by as well. So it's one of the longest books in the New Testament. The Gospel of Luke is the only book that's longer and we'll be in it for a bit. So the second thing that is helpful to know is the author.And the author is Luke. So Luke was inspired by God to write this. So let's introduce ourselves to Luke. We don't know a ton. Here's what we do know. Luke was likely Greek.Okay. He may have been Jewish, it's debated, but if he's Jewish, he's very what you would call Hellenistic, meaning he's very Greek influenced. So he's Greek. What we also can see from the letters of the New Testament is he's likely a doctor. So likely a physician like Mike Goble who was just standing here leading us in prayer.He's a doctor. It's also clear that he's an historian. He was tasked with the job of both telling an orderly account of the Gospel in Luke of Jesus Christ and his life, his ministry, his death, his resurrection and the book of Acts, which tells the story of the early church. So some will say that Paul wrote most of the New Testament. It's actually not true. When you go by word count, Luke actually was inspired to write most of the New Testament because Luke and Acts is longer than all Paul's 13 letters combined.Fun fact. Three, purpose. Okay. Why is the book of Acts and our Bibles? Why did God inspire it? Why was it so important that it became an essential part of what's called the New Testament canon?What is the official books of the New Testament? Why do we have this? That's what we get to look at today. One of the things that's clear when you read the book of Luke is that there's this foreshadowing of the inclusion of the Gentiles. So that's basically, I would assume everybody in this room that comes from a non-Jewish background.There's this foreshadowing that the Gospel is going to go to the nations and that we're going to be included. And the book of Acts is going to show us how. How we are brought into the household of faith. So we're going to see this. We're going to look at the values and the witness and the Gospel that spread all that comes out of this. We're going to look at key figures like Philip and Peter and James, the brother of Jesus Christ, and Paul.We're going to look at all of this. And when you actually, if you look at a Bible and you go to Acts, oftentimes they're going to have the subscript that we have from the earliest manuscripts that says Acts of the Apostles. And if you read that, it may lead you to believe that this book is primarily about the work of the apostles. But what we're going to see is this book is primarily about a God rescuing his people and his rescue plan for the nations. And then even more of the point, one of the things that makes Acts so unique and so essential is it gives us the most comprehensive window into the third member of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit.We're going to read a lot about the Holy Spirit. No book in the Bible mentions the Holy Spirit more than the book of Acts. It would be wrong to say that this book is only about the work of the Holy Spirit, because God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son are both present and loom large in this book. But there's no other book in the Bible that gives us a more upfront window to the work of the Holy Spirit than the book of Acts, which makes this very helpful for us as we want to be a Spirit empowered people and the season that we're in trying to be missional and planting a church. So we're very excited to be able to walk this book together.And what we're going to see today and these first few verses and what we're going to see throughout this series can be summarized in this sentence, the Holy Spirit in God's church taking Jesus to the world. That what we're going to see is the Holy Spirit in God's church taking Jesus to the world. So let me pray and then we'll walk through this introduction together. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the good news of the gospel that we just sang about, that we just prayed for, that we just recited from the Scriptures. God, I pray that you would help us be, have open eyes to see how you started your church and what it's built upon.And we ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. All right, go to verse one. In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach. So let's pause there.Out the gate, there should be some questions that jump off the page. Who's Theophilus? When did you do all this, where you dealt with all the things that Jesus began and taught? And that is why understanding Acts, it's very helpful to have a working general knowledge of the book of Luke. The gospel of Luke helps us understand the book of Acts. Luke functions very much like a part one and Acts functions very much like a part two.So what I want to do a little bit today is to go to the book of Luke and to help us see a little bit of how this helps us understand Acts. I want to go to Luke chapter one. This will be on the screen. You can look up here and hold that place in Acts because we'll come back to it. Luke chapter one says, many have undertaken to draw up an account of these things that have been fulfilled among us just as they were handed down to us by those who were, who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the Word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you most excellent Theophilus so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.So this is very similar to the introduction to the book of Acts. Who is Theophilus? We don't know for sure. We know that his name means lover of God. Theo and Phyllis, those are two different Greek words to come together, lover of God. It is very likely that he was a wealthy Christian who put the money forward for Luke to do the work of gathering all these reports.It takes time and energy and effort and money to go and travel throughout all of the New Testament world and to put together what is the gospel of Luke? What is these stories that tell us about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? And we should be familiar with that concept because we know today they are investigative reporters, that they make their living, they get paid to go out and do investigative work and put together reports from Bob Woodward and his work all the way to reporters like Christopher Rufo today. They are all types of different people that get paid to put together reports.And that is what Luke was. He was an historian who got paid and traveled to go and put together this gospel of Luke that tells us about Jesus Christ. And what I appreciate about Luke is that he's not only just giving us a bunch of facts about Jesus, he does the work of organizing it into a story. So when you read it, like the other gospels, it has story arc. So most stories, the gospels, stories in the Bible and stories that you go and you watch in the movie theaters, most stories have a general story arc.There's an introduction, there's rising tension, so there's going to be some different plot things that happen. There's rising tension, there's a climax, and then there's resolution. That's the majority of stories. And when you read the gospel of Luke, there's an introduction to who Jesus Christ is. He was born. And then all of a sudden, very early, you see the rising tension as he's ministering and establishing and teaching the kingdom of God.He's got the tension with the Pharisees and the religious leaders. And there's this tension that builds all the way towards Jerusalem where Jesus Christ is crucified, where he is resurrected. And then there's this resulting action, which is the commissioning of the church. And I appreciate that because it makes reading the gospels a lot of fun. It helps us see that he's a good storyteller in pulling all these stories together for us to see. But buried in the end of the gospel of Luke, in what we just read a few minutes ago, is a bit of a cliffhanger.And I also appreciate the art of a cliffhanger. My oldest recently has gotten really into books. She loves reading. And what happens sometimes is that she'll come down tired. And she's like, I'm so frustrated because I just want to go to sleep. But every chapter, there's just this cliffhanger.And I just have to keep reading. And it's like, I love that you love reading. We're going to have to learn to live with a cliffhanger for a bit because you actually need to go to sleep. But cliffhangers do that. They kind of leave something lingering that draw you into the next part. And that's what's the genius of the end of the gospel of Luke.And I want to go back to what we read just a few minutes ago so that we can see that. You get the very end of Luke, chapter 24, verses 44 through 49. This is how the gospel of Luke ends. Then he said to them, this is on the screen, these are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. Okay. That's what we call biblical theology.That's the reality that the entire Old Testament, all of it points to Jesus Christ. And he sang it. Listen, law, the prophets, Psalms, all of it points to me. Verse 45. Then he opened their minds to the scriptures, which is Jesus Christ, opening their minds to understand.46, And said to them, thus it is written that the Christ should suffer, and on the third day rise from the dead. 47, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed and is named to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things, and behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you, but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. So Jesus points to the climactic work, his death, his resurrection. And then he tells them in verse 47, really a preview of what is ahead. He nods to, you're going to go and preach.It's going to be the message of this gospel of his life, death, and resurrection. You go preach that there's going to be a call for repentance of sins. They're going to experience forgiveness that washes and covers us. This is what you're going to proclaim, and that message is going to the nations. You are going to be witnesses of this. But first, you're going to go to Jerusalem, and you're going to wait, because power is going to come from on high.Wait for the promise of the Father. It's coming, but you go into Jerusalem first, and that's like the cliff thing. Oh, wait, what? And it's like, oh, I want to know more about that. And here's the good news. You don't have to wait a year for part two of the movie to come out.You can just flip over the book of Acts, which is what we're in. So go back to verse one. Now, we have a good working knowledge of what Luke is doing in the gospel of Luke. Pick up in verse one, the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, verse two, until the day when he was taken up after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. Which just for a moment, I appreciate that what is clear is that when Jesus is teaching his disciples throughout his ministry, the Holy Spirit is present with him, teaching his followers.Verse three, he presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Okay, so there's a period of time between Christ's resurrection and his ascension, which is what we're going to look at next week is when he ascended to the right hand of God the Father. That period of time is 40 days. So in that 40 days, when you look and read the end of the gospels and you pick up in this part of the book of Acts, we don't get all likely of what Jesus did during that period. We can tell that he appears to them at various times.He's not with them every second, but he appears to them and what he's doing is he's preparing them. He's teaching them the kingdom of God and he's preparing them for what awaits them. He appears to them in Jerusalem. He appears to them on a mountain in Galilee. He appears to them on a lake in Galilee and he's doing the work of preparing them for what's next for the unfolding plan to reach the nation. So he's preparing them, but also what I like in this passage is it points out that he's also establishing that he is alive, that there are witnesses who have seen Christ.That's why Paul in 1 Corinthians, he points out that there are 500 people at one point that saw Jesus in the flesh. So Jesus is both preparing his church for what is ahead and establishing I am alive through all types of eyewitness accounts that we read in the scriptures. So he's in the period of preparation preparing them for what's next over that 40 days and now he's here verse 4. And while staying with them, he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which he said, you heard from me for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.So Jesus is getting ready to ascend, but he tells them you're going to wait. You're going to wait in Jerusalem. You're gonna wait for the promise of the Father and that's foreshadowing what we're going to see the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the church. You're gonna wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon you. Now at this point, it's very likely Jesus has taught them all about water baptism from the moment that he's baptized until now.And they should have the understanding at this point that baptism is the new covenant sign that you belong to God. But what they're going to learn is that faith does not begin with water baptism. It doesn't begin with water that faith begins with fire. That faith begins with fire that comes upon you when the Holy Spirit changes you into a new creation in Christ Jesus. When you believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, the baptism of the Holy Spirit overtakes you and changes you into someone who is new that you belong to Jesus Christ. And then you enter the waters of baptism to declare that you belong to him, which is why we as good Baptists baptize after someone is converted to Jesus Christ.That's what he's giving a nod to here at the end of this verse five. So he's telling them they need to wait. You're gonna go to Jerusalem and you're gonna wait for the Spirit to come upon you. And then you're going to begin to see this wonderful redemption plan that's going to unfold. And the rest of the book of Acts is how that plan unfolds. God in his people with them, bringing them into his mission to reach the nations.And I personally am very thankful that God brings us out of the stands and into the game so that we get to participate with our God in doing the most important eternal work there is. Around this time every year, I get excited because football is not far away. Okay. I love football. It's my favorite sport. I like other sports.Football is my favorite. I like how in August as the first game approaches, how delusional I get into thinking I will convince myself by the end of August that Lenora Sellers may be a Heisman candidate for the University of South Carolina. It's going to happen. I can convince myself of that delusion while also know I can't wait for the disappointment. It's going to be so exciting. I hold those two intention simultaneously and I get excited because I love watching the Gamecocks.I love watching us take on like blue blooded SEC programs like Kentucky and Mississippi State on the SEC Plus Network where we usually play. I just I look forward to it. I like pro football. I like watching. I'm a huge Indianapolis Colts fan. I love watching every season.I was like one time we won the Super Bowl in my entire life and I enjoy doing it. I love watching it. But let me tell you something. When I play football, I had way more fun. When I got to play football growing up, I mean Friday nights were way better than Saturday mornings in the stands. Friday nights in the field were far superior to ever watching something on TV or being there in person to watch it.No, it was a lot more rewarding, a lot more fun to be in the game playing. And what I appreciate about our God is that this wonderful redemption plan that He has given us, that He's unfolding for us, we get to participate in. That we get to wait for the power of God to come upon us and we get to be obedient to where He calls us to go. We get to see the spirit change people's lives. Guys, there's nothing more wonderful in this world than declaring the good news of Jesus Christ to someone who does not believe. And then God goes to work in their heart, brings them to faith in Jesus Christ.And then 10,000 years from now, you are standing in the presence of Christ with that brother's sister because you leveraged your life now for eternity. There is nothing more important. There's nothing more glorious. There's nothing more wonderful. And none of that happens unless the Holy Spirit is present. None of that happens unless the Spirit goes to work.We're like little kids that just want to get in the game and we're like three feet tall and we want to dunk a basketball and we can jump two inches off the ground and we're dreaming up just I want to dunk it and then we get picked up and we get to participate. And that's what the spirit does in us. He works in us in a way where we get to be a part of this, the Holy Spirit in God's church taking Jesus to the world. That's what all of this is about. And that's what we're gonna see throughout the book of Acts. The Holy Spirit in God's church taking Jesus to the world.I just want to give you a preview of what's ahead. I want us to see how this this theme of the Holy Spirit and God's church taking Jesus to the world, how it shows up all over the place. Because we'll work through Acts 1, then we'll get to Acts 2. And in Acts 2 we're gonna see at the festival of Pentecost where all the Jews are coming in to celebrate that at the right time the Holy Spirit will descend upon the church. And then Peter who, think about this, just six weeks before that was denying Jesus Christ repeatedly, stands up what we'll see at Pentecost and preaches a sermon where 3,000 plus people, their eternity has changed and the church begins.And then we're gonna watch from Acts 3 to Acts 6 as the church explodes in Jerusalem. The Spirit working in profoundly wonderful ways as people are being changed. And with that comes what Jesus promised. That if you declare the good news of Jesus Christ, you will be persecuted. You will suffer and they do. And as the church begins to declare the good news of Jesus Christ and powerful, wonderful things begin to happen, the church begins to be persecuted.And that comes to the head in Acts 7 when Stephen, a servant of Jesus Christ, is declaring the gospel and he's murdered and martyred for his faith. And then we'll see how the Spirit uses that. Because the Spirit uses that to expand the church further. When we get to Acts 8 we'll see how this plan is unfolding because they're gonna spread when they're being persecuted into Samaria, into Syria. And now the gospel is spreading. And then we'll follow this as Acts 10 to Acts 12 we'll see the finally how the Gentiles are included and how God works in that.We'll see in Acts 13 at Antioch when the church is commissioned and Paul and Barnabas are sent to go and take the gospel to Asia Minor into Europe and the gospel begins to spread from Acts 13 to Acts 20 all over from Turkey to Greece. The gospel begins to go everywhere. And then as we finish the book of Acts we're gonna see in Acts 21 to 26 when Paul is giving a defense for the gospel as being persecuted, being imprisoned, and that he uses his imprisonment for the gospel to go forward. He uses imprisonment to get the gospel to Rome. He's like I want to get to Rome. So I'm gonna be in prison and that's where I'm going.And then Acts 27 there's a shipwreck and then Acts 28 he finally gets there. And what I love about Acts 28 is when he gets there guess what there are any Christians there. That's what God does. He keeps working in lots of different people. But you keep reading this the Holy Spirit and God's church taking Jesus to the world.You keep following chapter after chapter after chapter and then all of a sudden you get to 28 you get done reading it and it just ends. It's like Luke just dropped the pen and said I'm done. It's the wildest thing. Go read through the book of Acts. I encourage you guys as we start this series go read through the whole book. And you get to the end and it's just like this isn't complete.And we know that Luke knows how to write a story because you can read the gospel of Luke and you can see such compelling story arc and how it and it just that's not we just have this rising tension and it just stops. He just quits writing and it's clearly so incomplete. It's not like any other book in the Bible just stops. And the question that should linger is why. Why? Why is it just that?And the answer is because the story isn't finished. Acts continues. The story isn't finished. The gospel is still trying. We're still taking the gospel to every tribe nation and tongue. The story isn't over.The church keeps going. Years ago there were some clever Christians that came up with a church network name called Acts 29. Which was brilliant. But it was a statement on it keeps going. That we are living and Acts continues. That the story continues.And it does. It continued in the first century as the gospel spread from North Africa to as far as Spain over to India and to Asia. The gospel spread as of the next few centuries as the church began to be further established as they were once a persecuted minority. Faith becomes a majority faith in the Roman empire. And the church begins to grow and to expand and that eventually you follow the centuries and centuries later that there were some Christians who were being persecuted for their faith by the established church of England. And they say we want to go to this new place called America.And they travel to America and that kind of starts a big wave of Christians moving and pastors moving and missionaries moving to America. And eventually you saw land in this state where they start churches from the coast up to the upstate. And eventually at around the early 1900s people came to this part of the river and they began a new church. First Baptist Church of Casey. And this church ministered for a century and then all of a sudden another church started up in the area of Mill City Church. And then a few years later we merged together as one church, Mill City Church.And the spirit is still at work taking Jesus to the world. And what I love is that if you've ever read a book, you ever watched a movie that leaves the ending ambiguous? That leaves a cliffhanger? Instead of getting frustrated, what I like to do is I like to dream a bit. I like to imagine what actually is going on and what could be. Like if you watch the movie Inception, you get to imagine does the top fall or does it keep spinning?And you get to dream a bit about what that can be. If you read a book like The Giver, you get to imagine does he make it? Did he die in the snow or did he make it to experience reality? Whatever story has this ambiguous ending that is unclear, you get to dream a little bit about what that gets to be. And when you read the book of Acts, what I want us to do is I want us to dream a little bit. When we walk through this series, I want to dream about what can be.That if the Holy Spirit is at work in the church to take Jesus to the world, then let's dream a little bit. Because I'll tell you something, we dreamed for years about doing what we just prayed about earlier. For years we dreamed about planting a church. We want to multiply this church. We want to expand to a different part of the city. And then finally God put the pieces together.And if you've been here the last six months, you remember to hear this story. And I'm excited about sending out Oak Ridge. I'm excited about our little small version of Acts continued that we get to do. I'm excited that Mike who is just standing up here and that Isaac get to head out with right now it seems like 60 of y'all counting to go and take the gospel to a very strategic place on exit 51 to reach that part of Lexington that expands all the way into Gilbert and as far as Leesville. Like I'm pumped about that. But if we do that and we go, yes, we did it.We nailed it. We accomplished it. Then we missed it. If we think we've arrived at this, if we think that Jesus Christ's blood was poured out and wrath came upon him, that he conquered death at the resurrection, that he ascended to the right hand of God the Father to be king over all of creation, that the Holy Spirit descended upon the church for just Mill City in Oak Ridge. We missed it. So we need to dream a little bit.We need to dream about what can be. Dream about how God can continue to work because we got work to do. I'm gonna put up a timeline that'll hopefully help visualize this. You can go to that slide. Christ ascended almost 2,000 years ago. Like literally we're getting close to almost literally 2,000 years ago.Okay. At some point he's promised he's going to come back. He's going to return. Now you go to the next slide. I don't know where we are in this timeline. Don't get hung up on this.If you were in the book of Revelation, it's clear that you know we don't know where we are in this timeline, but we're somewhere in the middle of this. Now this expands for thousands of years. We've got a small place in that timeline where we have work to do until he comes back. And we should dream about what that gets to be. Because here's the deal. We've talked about this and we'll keep saying this, that once we set out Oak Ridge, everyone has work to do.There's no neutrality in how this is going down in January. Oak Ridge is going out and they've got work to do. And everyone who's staying here, we have work to do. So I want you to dream. How are we going to be obedient to the call to go and make disciples? How are we going to do that in our version of the Acts-continued story?What are we going to do? I want to give you some considerations for how you should think of this. Some of you need to start taking your faith more seriously. Some of you come on Sundays and you go to a group and or hopefully both. But what it has largely been is a time for you to be filled up.And don't miss something. We want we want you to be filled up. We want you to grow in maturity. But maturity in Christ is not just consuming and being filled up. It's pouring out. That God fills us so that we might multiply ourselves into others.That we might make disciples. The great commission is to make disciples. And some of you need to press into maturity. You get the wonderful opportunity to do that. You get to go deeper into the Bible, deeper into the discipline of prayer. You get to help you have a zeal for evangelizing, for sharing the gospel with your friends, your neighbors, your co-workers.And then I hope you get people that are coming around that don't know Jesus or just new to Jesus and you get to sit with them and point them to who Jesus Christ is and say, come follow me as I follow Christ. There's no better way to use your life than for the sake of helping others know Christ. And you get to. And this next season, you get to be a disciple maker. Some of you will have the opportunity to become a leader in training in your group. And you should take it and you should want this because community groups are the means by which we advance the mission in our city.Okay. Our groups are how we reach our city and our group leaders, you can talk to them. Leading a group is wonderful, but it's also quite difficult at times because the good work that God calls us to do is difficult. That's told to us. And what you get to be as a leader in training is not only grow in knowing more of Christ and maturity, but you get to be a helpful and healthy part of your group. You get to breathe life into your group that when everyone just opts out last minute and the person who was supposed to bring the meat just says, I got the sniffles and I'm out.But you're just like, I'm okay. Well, I'm jumping in. What do you need? That you're going to be a helpful part of your group. And some of you should aspire to them. You should want that.You should want to be a leader. You should want to say, hey, come follow me as I follow Christ. And I want to follow you as you're following Christ. We should want that. There's another thing I want to point out. And when I say this, this is autobiographical.When I led a group, it's reality in my group. Now, I already told my group leader, I'm like, this isn't, this is, this is not just us. This is widespread, but I want to put up group content for a moment. All right. This is last week's group content. This is second Samuel.We have five different versions of group content that show up. It's typically this format. If you're not in a group, you should be in a group and you'll see this and it's pretty great, but there's a gospel centered section. There's a community section. There's on mission section. Something that I've noticed that happens in not just my group, but in a lot of groups is that we will love discussing the Bible.We will love getting deep. We'll get the community and everyone has updates and we'll share and we'll talk. And then all of a sudden it's like time to leave and kids are going crazy and someone hurt themselves. And, and, and, you know, because they ran into the wall or something downstairs, not a, not an adult, but a child. And then it's on mission and it's like, ah, we should do it, right? Yeah.Cool. All right. Let's go home. I'm not going to ask you to show your hands, but how many times does that get buried? That's an afterthought. And it's like that, that needs to come to the foreground.There might be weeks where it's just like, ah, you know what? I love, but let's, we're eating a meal. Let's, let's, let's share some life updates. Let's, let's have some time for this. Let's not miss this because we have friends and neighbors and coworkers who we need to understand the eternal situation that right now they are journeying towards an eternity under the wrath of God because of their sin.And the church is plan a for advancing. You are the person that God has put in their life to tell them Jesus is better, that, that eternity is real and God wants you and is for you and desires you. And it's you. And we need to remember that because what could happen when you get to a church of our size is that you can get comfortable and you can think there isn't a need, but there is. And we can't miss that for a moment. So some of you, some of us need to regain our missional hustle in this season as we dream about what we could be in this Acts continued story.Some of us, some of you need to step up and serve. We've run some Numbers that are out of retreat. We kind of looked at all this stuff. There are 58 members of our church who currently do not serve in any capacity. Now there are some folks who have very, very real legitimate excuses, members of our church who have legitimate excuses for why that cannot happen.But there's a lot that don't. And here's the problem. There's 58 members of our church right now who've set in their commitment. They're committed to serving the church, but they're not serving in any capacity. When we send out Oak Ridge, there's going to be that number drops to 54. Now that tells us a couple things.First Oak Ridge is about to go out with a bunch of people who've served for years. And what Mike and Isaac are going to tell you is guess what? There's more where that came from. You got more work to do there. But what that means for us is that we're losing a big part of our church that has served for years.Like if I put up a chart right now, which I don't have, but if I put up a chart of all the different areas that people serve in our church and I just put in bright colors all the different people who've committed to go to the Oak Ridge church plan and the next slide, after they're gone, it just gets real dark. And it's because we will have opportunities for everyone to pick up a shovel and go. And I'm excited about that. I think you should be too excited about the opportunity to step into Kid City and breathe life into it, to our kids excited to step into hospitality and into groups and a bunch of different ways and to serve and to hustle and to grind because Jesus Christ is worth it.He's worthy of our worship and our service that is worthy of the gospel going forward. We're going to have a variety of ways that we get to dream. And I want you to dream. I want you to have personal dreams where you pray about this. I hope the series of Acts opens that up for you. I've got some.I want to share one of just one that's personal to me. That I feel called to this land and in this area. All right. That wasn't always the case. At one point when I went to seminary, I was like, I'm never coming back. I said it out loud.I'm never coming back. And I came back. Let me tell you something. I love this people. I love this place. Okay.My family history, they came over like 300 years ago to Pelion and they like never left. Like Pillion, West Columbia, Casey Lexington, you draw a triangle and my people have posted up in that area for 300 years. And I personally, I want this part of the Midlands, I want the Midlands to see scores and hundreds and thousands of people come to Christ. Because there's so, I know you think there's, there's lots of people that are, there's lots of churches that there are thousands of people in and around you that do not know and are not following Jesus Christ. And what I'm also seeing is that there are a lot of churches in our area that are dying as a statistical fact.There are a lot of churches in our area that are running in the red financially, that if they lose a few members, they're losing a big part of their church. They're physically dying. They are like a roof replacement away from just, it just have to shut the doors. My personal dream right now is that I want to see men in this church aspire to the office of overseer elder pastor. I want to see men in this church who want to step up and become pastors and pastor churches in this area over the next 10 years that need to be replanted, that need to be revitalized, that need life again. And right now there's a massive pastor shortage across the country.There's a massive pastor shortage. There's a bunch of boomers who are retiring, who are dying, and it's not being filled with younger generations. So what I want to see is men in this church. I want you to pray some dangerous prayers and I want you to ask, do I need to be the kind of man of character that says, follow me as I follow Christ as I shepherd the people of God here or somewhere else? And that's my personal part of the dream. And for the next 10 years, I want to see that happen all over the city.I want 50 years from now the Midlands to look dramatically different in churches because for the next 10 years, we leveraged our time, our energy, our money, and our people to send out pastors and teams of people to go and make more disciples in this city. And I want it to go further because it's been a few years since we have sent a missionary to the foreign mission field. It's been a few years and there are unreached peoples that get the smallest amount of resources and people. And some of you need to go and you don't need to be here in five years. And some of you need to have a conversation with Ben Johnson at 1040 Hub with Tim.Where's he at? Tim Rice over there, who works with IMB. We got missions, opportunities, good Lord. I'd love to see someone go to the nations, but we're going to have to pray and we're going to have to dream and we're going to have to own our part of the Acts-continued story. So in this next season, let's dream a little bit.Let's pray some dangerous prayers. Let's let the Holy Spirit work in a way that gets us in the game. Let's be obedient even when it feels risky, even when it feels uncomfortable. Let's own our part of our very small part, but important part of the story of the Holy Spirit and His Church taking Jesus to this city and the world. Let's pray.Heavenly Father, I pray that You might work in us in this season to stir us towards faith and trusting You. And the fruit of that would show up in beautiful, eternal ways. God, that first means that in this season there are people that do not know You that need to. There are people in this room who do not know You, have not surrendered their life to You, do not see You as Lord, and they need to. And I pray that You open their eyes to who You are and a baptism of the Holy Spirit would take over their lives. God, there are folks in this room that are going, that are going with Oak Ridge, and I am so thankful for their obedience to go, to be uncomfortable, to take risks.Lord, may You bless their labor, and may there be people in the kingdom of God a thousand years from now because they were obedient to go. And God, may You stir in us. May You give us a hustle. May You empower us for the good work that You have right here and beyond for years to come. In Jesus' name, amen.Transcript

August 02 2026 Sunday Who Jesus Made You To Be / Week 37 / T. Stacy Hayes #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respectåer of persons "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7 KJV "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7 NLT "So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you." James 4:7 AMPC "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:" 1 Peter 2:9 KJV "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9 NLT "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. [Exod. 19:5, 6.]" 1 Peter 2:9 AMPC "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:" 1 Peter 2:21 KJV "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21 NLT "For even to this were you called [it is inseparable from your vocation]. For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you [His personal] example, so that you should follow in His footsteps." 1 Peter 2:21 AMPC "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:" 1 Peter 3:18 KJV "Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit." 1 Peter 3:18 NLT "For Christ [the Messiah Himself] died for sins once for all, the Righteous for the unrighteous (the Just for the unjust, the Innocent for the guilty), that He might bring us to God. In His human body He was put to death, but He was made alive in the spirit," 1 Peter 3:18 AMPC "casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7 KJV "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7 NLT "Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. [Ps. 55:22.]" 1 Peter 5:7 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured

The Scripture readings are 1 Chronicles 29:10-15; 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; and Luke 16:1-13.Your hands were created to be open to freely receive from God and freely give to others. Sadly, the Fall closed them. Jesus came with open hands to unclench our fists and make them generous.

Parts Of God's Plan 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 I. To Deliver It, You Must Receive It. v.3a II To Receive It, You Must Believe It. v.3b III. To Believe It, You Must Hear It. vs.1-2

"The Old Testament is in the past...""The Old Testament died at the cross!""The new covenant replaced the Old Testament!!"Are those statements true?? Andrew and Robert discuss the idea that the Old Testament is done away with and all we should focus on is the New Testament by reading from 1 Corinthians 10.Send us Fan MailSupport the showQuestions or Comments? Please reach out to us through email at questions@truewisdom.info or on Twitter/X @truewisdom_podGive instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:9-10The Key Principles of Effective Bible Study is a resource that we reference in many of our episodes. It is explained in a series of podcasts found at Rightly Divide.God's Precious Word is a condensed, 9-part series, based on the same document.Other Resources:— e-Sword Bible Software— MySword Bible Software— Blue Letter Bible Study Site— "Knowing the Bible" Bible MapsWe pray that these resources will be very helpful to you in your Bible Studies overall.

In this episode we explore several reasons that we pass through difficulties and how knowing the cause is critical for applying the correct solutions.Scriptures referenced:John 16:33Psalm 4:1Psalm 6:1-3John 15:5Job 42:72 Corinthians 12:9John 15:1-3Hebrews 12:5-13Romans 8:12 Corinthians 5:21Proverbs 16:9Romans 8:28-29Proverbs 19:3Luke 17:1-4Luke 6:27-29Matthew 18:15-17Proverbs 22:24-252 Corinthians 11:14James 4:6-7Ephesians 6:10-18Galatians 5:16-17, 22-23Matthew 14:22-33Philippians 4:8-9Isaiah 26:3Psalm 23:4Hebrews 13:5Genesis 3:17-19Ecclesiastes 11:2Psalm 55:22Psalm 138:31 Peter 5:8James 1:5-6Proverbs 2:1-8Proverbs 12:15Galatians 6:2Romans 12:15John 13:34-35Philippians 4:4Psalm 100Psalm 92:1-4Lamentations 3:21-24Psalm 63:8Psalm 27:13-14BibliographyBonhoeffer, Dietrich. Letters and Papers from Prison. Edited by John W. de Gruchy. Translated by Isabel Best, Lisa E. Dahill, Reinhard Krauss, and Nancy Lukens. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2010.Groeschel, Craig, host. "5 Times I Was Wrong and What It Taught Me | 10-Year Anniversary Edition." Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast. January 1, 2026. Podcast, 25:23. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-times-i-was-wrong-and-what-it-taught-me-10-year/id1070649025?i=1000743398170.Feel free to email the podcast at ijustwanttotalkabout@gmail.com, and we will respond as soon as we are able!I WANT TO BE DISCIPLEDI am on staff with another ministry called Mentoring Men for the Master (M3). M3 is a discipleship ministry; so, if you are interested in being discipled and having someone come alongside you to invest in you and your walk with Jesus, or if you would like to do this in someone else's life, feel free to email us at info@mentoringmen.net. You can also check out M3's website by clicking "I want to be discipled". Also note that despite the ministry's name, M3 disciples both men and women; so, the offer is open to all!I WANT TO SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTERIf you would like to sign up to receive newsletter updates, simply click "I want to sign up for the newsletter" and fill out the form. Also, feel free to check out our most recent newsletter.I WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCASTIf you feel so led, you can support the podcast by clicking "I want to support the podcast". I Just Want to Talk about the Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means that any donations made are tax-deductible. Thank you so much for giving as the Lord leads!...

How many times have you looked in the mirror and quietly asked yourself, "Am I enough?" What if everything you've believed about your worth has been built on a lie? Today, we're uncovering the truth God has been speaking over you all along. Have you ever wondered… "Am I good enough?" "Have I done enough?" "Will I ever be enough?" If you've wrestled with comparison, perfectionism, insecurity, or the pressure to prove yourself, this conversation is for you. In Episode 2 of our Conversations with Mom series, Pastor Lisa and her daughter Bekah have an honest conversation about what it truly means to be sufficient in Christ. Too many women measure their worth by performance, social media, achievements, relationships, or other people's opinions. But God has never asked us to be perfect; He simply asks us to trust Him. Together they discuss: ● Why comparison steals confidence ● How perfectionism keeps us stuck ● Learning to recognize the gifts God already placed inside you ● Building God-confidence instead of self-confidence ● Healing from feelings of not being enough ● Elijah's powerful testimony of overcoming rejection and finding identity in Christ ● Practical ways to strengthen your relationship with Jesus and walk confidently in your calling If you've ever questioned your value, this episode will remind you that your identity isn't found in what you do; it's found in who you are in Christ. You are already enough because His fullness lives inside of you. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome! Pastor Lisa introduces herself and her daughter, Bekah 01:39 "Have you ever felt like you weren't enough?" 03:14 Conversations with Mom (Episode 2): Your value comes from who God says you are 05:00 Bekah shares why she didn't feel qualified for ministry 06:30 The danger of comparison and trying to fit in 08:45 Pastor Lisa's first leadership calling and discovering your God-given gifts 10:45 Perfectionism vs. willingness: Why God doesn't need perfection 12:15 Social media and the constant pressure to measure up 14:58 Why comparison will destroy your confidence 18:00 Psalm 139: God knew you before you were born 20:00 God never asked you to be enough; His fullness is enough 23:07 Learning dependence on God instead of perfection 24:31 2 Corinthians 3:5; Our sufficiency comes from Christ 24:45 Too many voices are telling us who we're not 28:17 His fullness lives inside of you 29:28 Elijah's powerful testimony of overcoming rejection and finding healing 34:43 Practical ways to overcome insecurity: worship, gratitude, community & Jesus 37:44 Celebrate one another instead of competing 41:00 You are more than enough 41:25 Final encouragement and closing prayer #IAMHERPodcast #ChristianWomen #FaithOverFear #IdentityInChrist #WomenOfFaith #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalTruth #GodConfidence #JesusChangesEverything #EnoughInChrist Lisa Kai | @lisakai Bekah Lagafuaina | @bkaiii

No Camisa 10 deste sábado (01), a emoção da Copa do Brasil está de volta! O programa faz o esquenta para os confrontos que abrem mais uma fase da competição, com destaque para o clássico que promete fortes emoções e para o compromisso do Santos, que joga em busca de uma vantagem importante. Além disso, a equipe projeta os duelos de amanhã com Palmeiras encarando o Fortaleza e Corinthians enfrentando o Internacional. Análises, prováveis escalações, bastidores e tudo o que você precisa saber sobre a volta do mata-mata mais emocionante do futebol brasileiro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Share a commentThe eighth commandment sounds like it belongs in a courtroom, but Scripture aims it straight at the heart. We start with the chilling honesty of Acts 5, where Ananias and Sapphira try to look generous while hiding the truth, and the whole church feels the fallout. That scene sets the tone for a bigger question we all have to face: can we look like people of light while practicing hidden forms of stealing? From Exodus 20:15 we track three Bible categories that expand “theft” far beyond cash. We talk about deceit as misrepresentation for unjust gain, how Romans 1 treats deception as a symptom of a God-rejecting culture, and why the church can't afford to normalize it. Then we turn to false teaching, using 2 Corinthians 11 and Jeremiah 23 to sharpen discernment: when someone claims “God told me” while sidestepping the Word of God, they're not offering extra insight, they're stealing authority and attention that belong to the Lord. We also confront self-deception from James 1, where hearing without obeying becomes a quiet way to rob ourselves of integrity and growth. The conversation gets uncomfortably practical with “defrauding” in daily relationships: wages owed for honest work, care owed to parents, intimacy owed within marriage, and even the way believers handle disputes. We close by naming theft that hides in plain sight, stealing worship from God, time from our families, and spiritual gifts from our church community, and we end with Ephesians 4's simple reset: stop stealing, work honestly, and learn to share. If this challenged you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the conversation.Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

Share a commentThe eighth commandment sounds like it belongs in a courtroom, but Scripture aims it straight at the heart. We start with the chilling honesty of Acts 5, where Ananias and Sapphira try to look generous while hiding the truth, and the whole church feels the fallout. That scene sets the tone for a bigger question we all have to face: can we look like people of light while practicing hidden forms of stealing? From Exodus 20:15 we track three Bible categories that expand “theft” far beyond cash. We talk about deceit as misrepresentation for unjust gain, how Romans 1 treats deception as a symptom of a God-rejecting culture, and why the church can't afford to normalize it. Then we turn to false teaching, using 2 Corinthians 11 and Jeremiah 23 to sharpen discernment: when someone claims “God told me” while sidestepping the Word of God, they're not offering extra insight, they're stealing authority and attention that belong to the Lord. We also confront self-deception from James 1, where hearing without obeying becomes a quiet way to rob ourselves of integrity and growth. The conversation gets uncomfortably practical with “defrauding” in daily relationships: wages owed for honest work, care owed to parents, intimacy owed within marriage, and even the way believers handle disputes. We close by naming theft that hides in plain sight, stealing worship from God, time from our families, and spiritual gifts from our church community, and we end with Ephesians 4's simple reset: stop stealing, work honestly, and learn to share. If this challenged you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the conversation.Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

1 Corinthians 14:26-40 Matthew 21:12-14, 17-20

Arnaldo Ribeiro, Eduardo Tironi, Mauro Cezar, Juca Kfouri e José Trajano debatem as críticas ao gramado no empate entre Corinthians e Athletico-PR, o momento conturbado no Flamengo, as narrativas do Palmeiras com a arbitragem e a liderança disparada no Brasileirão, além da definição das oitavas da Sul-Americana e a morte de Franco Baresi

Send us Fan MailThe book of 2 Corinthians records Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry and encourages believers to remain faithful to Christ. Paul teaches that God comforts His people in suffering, that His power is made perfect in weakness, and that the gospel is carried in “jars of clay” so that the glory belongs to God. The letter calls believers to faithful service, generous giving, holy living, and confidence in God's grace, showing that true ministry is marked by faithfulness to Christ rather than outward appearance.Support the showStay engaged with new and up-to-date content, including newsletters, articles, podcasts, etc. Download the Teach Me the Bible App from any app store or Apple TV/Roku device.

To quote 1 Corinthians 15, Quote: “I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” End quote. In today's passage we'll read about the experience that John and Peter as they discovered that their teacher, Jesus the Christ, had risen from the dead. We'll also hear the accounts of other disciples as they saw the risen Christ. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

What’s Next: Section Two WEEK FIFTY ONE: WEEKLY READING PAGE 124 Nitzavim “standing” Torah: Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Daniel 7-12; Hosea 10-14; Joel 1-3; Amos 1-2 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Revelation 13-14 Scripture Memory: 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves, seeing whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not know that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.”

What’s Next: Section Two WEEK FIFTY ONE: WEEKLY READING PAGE 124 Nitzavim “standing” Torah: Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Daniel 7-12; Hosea 10-14; Joel 1-3; Amos 1-2 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Revelation 13-14 Scripture Memory: 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves, seeing whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not know that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.”

What’s Next: Section Two WEEK FIFTY ONE: WEEKLY READING PAGE 124 Nitzavim “standing” Torah: Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Daniel 7-12; Hosea 10-14; Joel 1-3; Amos 1-2 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Revelation 13-14 Scripture Memory: 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves, seeing whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not know that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.”

We look today at the result of the healing of the paralytic and the trial of the apostles Peter and John before the Jewish leaders, seeing Acts 4:1-22 in the light of Exodus 34:29-35; Deuteronomy 13:2-4; Psalm 118; Isaiah 43:11, 45:21-23; Luke 20:1-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6; and Philippians 2:5-11. God uses the humility of the fishermen to bring 5000 men (with their families) to the LORD, and makes them “most wise” in their hour of trial.

Send us Fan MailRomans 8 doesn't let us keep the comfortable middle category. We sit with Paul's words in Romans 8:5-6 and follow his insistence that there are two kinds of people: those “after the flesh” and those “after the Spirit.” Not two moods. Not a believer toggling between settings. Two realms, two masters, two orientations of the mind that show up in what we love, what we pursue, and what we call normal. We trace how this “two classes” theme runs across the whole Bible, from Genesis onward, and why Scripture keeps using paired contrasts like life and death, light and darkness, sheep and goats, wheat and tares. That isn't meant to feed pride; it's meant to clarify what regeneration actually means. If the Spirit gives new birth, the change isn't cosmetic. It's internal, deep-seated, and revealed in the governing direction of the mind. Then we slow down over Romans 8:6: “to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” We ask the blunt question the text forces: can someone be dead and alive at the same time? That leads straight into the controversial claim of the night: there is no such thing as a “carnal Christian.” We also tackle a common objection from 1 Corinthians 3:1 and explain why that verse trips people up when it's pulled away from clearer passages. If this challenged your categories, listen through and weigh the Scriptures with us. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves Romans, and leave a review with the verse you think best answers the “carnal Christian” question.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Send us Fan Mail“Carnal Christian” might be one of the most damaging labels we casually throw around, because it sounds biblical while quietly reshaping what the Bible means by flesh, Spirit, and the mind. We walk through Romans 8 and ask a simple but uncomfortable question: is Paul describing a believer having a bad day, or is he describing an entirely different nature that stands in active opposition to God?From there we go straight to the text people always bring up 1 Corinthians 3. Paul calls the Corinthians “babes in Christ,” says he fed them milk, and says he has to speak to them “as carnal.” We slow the conversation down and show why that language is about how Paul addresses a church acting immature, divided, and flesh-driven not a permission slip for a permanent category of “carnal Christian.” The difference matters because Romans 8 ties “carnally minded” to death and describes the carnal mind as enmity against God, not a temporary “season.”We also get practical about how Christians handle messy lives in real time: how to confront sin without pretending we can infallibly judge who is saved, how to discern the difference between sinful division and necessary separation when truth is defended, and why “deconstruction” stories test our theology of assurance. If you care about spiritual growth, sanctification, Christian maturity, and biblical clarity on the flesh vs Spirit, this conversation is for you.Subscribe for more deep Bible study, share this with a friend who's heard the “carnal Christian” idea, and leave a review with your take: do you think the real issue is behavior, or what governs the heart?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

What does it truly mean to live by faith? In this powerful Bible study, we explore the characteristics of genuine, living faith and why faith is not just something believers possess—it's the very way they live. Drawing from scriptures including 2 Corinthians 5:7, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 11, and James 2, this message reveals how faith shapes every area of a believer's life, from daily decisions to life's biggest challenges.  

In this episode, Dwayne Roberts explores how to strengthen faith during challenging times, emphasizing the importance of steadfastness, surrender, and living in Christ's finished work. Discover practical insights on overcoming fear, doubt, and striving, rooted in biblical principles. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Faith and Spiritual Growth 02:03 What Keeps You from Being Rock Solid in Faith? 04:02 The Power of Little Faith and Its Challenges 05:59 Understanding 1 Corinthians 15:58 and Its Implications 07:59 Living in Christ's Victory and the Call to Labor 09:47 Reflecting on Daily Choices and Faith 11:56 Encouraging Others During Difficult Times 14:02 Surrendering Striving and Embracing Christ's Finished Work 15:57 Practical Steps to Stop Striving and Start Standing in Faith 18:00 Aligning with God's Will and Experiencing Peace Learn More Visit: https://dwaynehroberts.com

Not every battle is yours to fight.In this episode of Discovering You, Michelle Daniels-Holloway explores the difference between fighting for control and fighting in faith. Through Scripture and personal reflection, she reminds us that our greatest battles are often not against people—but against the temptation to carry burdens God never asked us to bear.If you've ever found yourself trying to fix someone, force an outcome, or carry the weight of another person's choices, this episode is an invitation to lay those burdens down and trust God with what only He can do.Remember: our assignment is obedience. God's assignment is transformation.Key Scriptures:• Ephesians 6:12• 2 Corinthians 10:3–4• 1 Timothy 6:12Thank you for listening to Discovering You, the faith podcast where we grow in faith, find clarity, and discover who God created us to be.

July 31 2026 Friday Who Jesus Made You To Be / Week 37 Cast All Your Cares On Him #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. My Prayers For The World Ephesians 1:15-23 NLT  'Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.'  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT 'When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Youar roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.' Matthew 11:28  Find Rest In Jesus Christ Your Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return…  Psalm 37:4  God will give you the desires of your heart… The Galations, having launched their Christian experience by faith, seem content to leave their voyage of faith and chart a new course based on works—a course Paul finds disturbing.  His letter to the Galations is a vigorous attack against the gospel of works and a defense of the gospel of faith.   Paul begins by setting forth his credentials as an apostle with a message from God:  blessing comes from God on the basis of faith, not law.  The law declares men guilty and imprisons them; faith sets men free to enjoy liberty in Christ.  But liberty is not license.  Freedom in Christ means freedom to produce the fruits of righteousness through a Spirit-led lifesty 1 Peter 5:7 Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… 1 John 1:9  Confess your sins God Will Cleanse You… Romans 13:8  Live in God's Love… Romans 8:16-17  Heirs of God and Joint Heirs with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Revelation 1:6  We are kings and priest in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Romans 10:13  Call On The Name Of Jesus And Make Him Lord today… The Biblical Definition Of Grace Is God's Unmerited Favor… Matthew 18:19-20  I will agree with you about your prayer request… Acts 10:34  God is not a respecter of persons. He loves and cares for us all the same… Romans 12:3  God has given us His Faith… Biblical Hope Is A Confident Expectation… Romans 5:5  God has given us His Love… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are the Righteousness of God in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… God's Word Is True Above All Opinions…  Romans 12:2  Renew your mind to what God's Word says… Believe God's Word Above All Opinion… Philippians 4:13  We can do all things through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Philippians 4:19  God will provide all your needs… Romans 10:17  Faith In God comes from hearing God's Word… Isaiah 54:17 No weapon will prosper against me… 1 John 4:4  Greater is He In All Of Us… 1 John 1:9  Confess your sins God Will Cleanse You…  John 3:3  You Must Be Born Again… Luke 15:10  Heaven Rejoices Over One Person That Repents And Is Born Again… John 3:16  Believe On The Lord Jesus Christ Your Lord And Savior… 1 Peter 2:24  Healing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Luke 6:38  Give and it will be given unto you… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media Website https://the-prodigalson.com What God's Word Can Do In Your Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJWTZG_x2vE&t=3s Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com YouVersion Bible App  https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured

ScriptureNow all of us, with our faces unveiled, reflect the glory of the Lord as if we are mirrors; and so we are being transformed, metamorphosed, into His same image from one radiance of glory to another, just as the Spirit of the Lord accomplishes it. 2 Corinthians 3:18The GistThis week we take a different approach to the podcast and walk you through a series of questions you can use to sit with God and discover more about the chapter you are currently in, just closed or about to begin. Beholding - being ready to perceive what is about to come to you. It happens when we stop trying "to hold" and allow ourselves to "be held". We aren't gathering information about God, but instead entering into a mutual space with Him and experiencing utter gratitude and joy, putting all personal preferences and judgment aside.  Digging DeeperWhat did you learn in the last chapter?It is far more interesting to "Title" your chapter at the end of the chapter...What would you name your last chapter?How are you beginning the new chapter?

July 19, 2026 | Questions Sermon Series | "What happens after we die?" | 2 Corinthians 5:1–10 | Rev. Jim Hobby by

In today's episode of Reflections with Andy, we explore one of the more challenging passages in 1 Corinthians as Paul discusses head coverings, worship, and cultural customs in the church. Rather than reading these verses in isolation, we consider the importance of understanding Scripture in its historical and literary context. This passage reminds us that while cultural practices may change, the gospel does not. As we learn to read the Bible carefully and faithfully, we discover that our focus should always be on honoring Christ, loving our neighbors, and keeping the good news of Jesus at the center of our lives.Join us for our daily reflections. In 10 short minutes, we'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help us better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here.Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. You can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here.

There are so many stages of life. Some are longer than others, but none of them last forever. How do we steward each stage in a way that glorifies our Savior and Creator? This podcast series focuses on the practical in different seasons of life with women who are all seeking to be rooted in Christ. We hear from Alice and Caroline today as they share the challenges and joys of raising godly high schoolers in a world that has so many differing opinions.References: Ephesians 2:8-10; Galatians 1:10; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 1:2; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 16:3,6; Psalm 37; Proverbs 3:5, 1 Peter 5:7; Ephesians 5:15-17; Proverbs 24:3-4; Galatians 6:9; Psalm 121:1-2Resources:Is Jesus At Home in Your Heart? https://atheycreek.com/teachings/s2-571Roseline Coffee https://roselinecoffee.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop3PaDO23C8CEFwcPVl9x_R5FrTUt9ROXzBUHs67XvgSYv1-Q9QGabb Phone - https://gabb.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc_search&utm_content=pay&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20557783575&gbraid=0AAAAACr_M2biVXpg6NjXT0wQDy2xihM3K&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlqTRBhCBARIsANrkrxgxxIBbF9YD2r_vlwspDn_Ucoeqyg8rq9CXuvbCIuJgXZsTZk9-6OsaApKuEALw_wcBHigh School Summer Camp - https://atheycreek.com/events/334707/high-school-summer-campTitus 2 Ministry -https://my.atheycreek.com/titus-2-at-homeContact us:devotedpodcast@atheycreek.comwomen@atheycreek.comhttps://atheycreek.com/ministries/womenFollow us on IG:@atheywomen @ammcreynolds

1 Corinthians 14:6-19 Matthew 20:17-28

Wherever you are today, this biblical meditation, narrated by Bonnie Curry, offers a quiet space to pause and reconnect with God. Have you ever felt too impure to be received by God? Meditate on 2 Corinthians 7:1. Abide is a Christian meditation app that helps you experience peace and grow in your relationship with Christ through Scripture, prayer, and reflection. Try Abide free for 30 days and explore our premium, ad-free meditations here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In today's episode, we discuss two verses from James 4 that warn against gossip, secret meetings, and judgement of brothers and sisters in Christ: Jenn shares personal experiences and biblical examples to illustrate how gossip can be detrimental to the church. Judgement is not about calling out sin, but rather speaking against others to manipulate or destroy their reputation. The difference between judging and discerning - examples from James 4:11-12, Romans 14, and 1 Corinthians 5. As Christians, we're not to abandon the church, but follow the law of love and encourage a thriving, God-honoring church. Jenn encourages listeners to be mindful of their words and actions, and to take the time to get both sides of the story in order to discern the truth. If you're interested in learning more about how to navigate difficult situations like gossip in the church and how to treat others with love and respect, tune in to this episode for insightful discussion on judgement and love. Related Episodes: 1 Timothy 3:8-16 - The Qualifications for Deacons Joshua 22:21-34 (From Creation) - The Problems With Gossip in the Church After you're done with that, check out these websites: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle Check out LifeAudio for other faith-based podcasts on parenting, studying Scripture, and more:www.lifeaudio.com Need help memorizing Scripture? Check out Verse in the Chorus: https://www.youtube.com/@VerseintheChrous Become a member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Can a father who has made mistakes still have the right to give his children advice? It's a question many dads quietly wrestle with. When you've experienced divorce, financial struggles, failed relationships, regret, or seasons where you simply weren't the man you wanted to be, it's easy to wonder whether you're being hypocritical by encouraging your children to make better choices than you did. In this deeply personal episode of REBUILT, Michael-David explores the hidden shame that keeps many men silent and the powerful truth that wisdom isn't earned through perfection, it's forged through failure, humility, and growth. Drawing from his own life, including conversations with his daughter, lessons learned through three marriages, athletics, music, leadership, coaching thousands of business owners and men, and his own journey of rebuilding after failure, Michael-David shares why your past doesn't disqualify your voice. It may actually be the very reason someone needs to hear it. Together, we'll explore: • Why so many fathers struggle with imposter syndrome when giving advice to their children. • How shame quietly convinces good men to stay silent. • Why your greatest failures often become your greatest source of wisdom. • The surprising connection between mistakes, growth, and emotional resilience. • Why God repeatedly chooses imperfect people throughout Scripture to encourage and lead others. • How helping someone else often becomes part of God healing you. We'll also look at Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 1, and Isaiah 41 through a practical, conversational lens, discovering how God's grace transforms regret into purpose and our wounds into opportunities to encourage others. If you've ever wondered whether your past mistakes have disqualified you as a father, husband, leader, or man, this conversation is for you. REBUILT is a podcast series for men seeking purpose, faith, emotional resilience, stronger relationships, healthier fatherhood, authentic brotherhood, and practical encouragement through honest conversations about life. If this episode encouraged you, consider following the podcast, sharing it with another man, and leaving a review. You never know whose life might change because you chose to pass hope forward.

While modern business gurus like Steven Bartlett and Elon Musk emphasize extending time horizons from 5 to 50 years to build durable, multi-generational companies, they are still only scratching the surface. In this episode, we explore how the principles of long-term thinking, foundational architecture, and building "durable moats" in business directly parallel the teachings of Jesus and the Scriptures. If extending your time horizon changes the way you construct a business, extending it to eternity should fundamentally transform how you structure your entire life. Discover why worldly success without an eternal foundation is an unstable build, and how you can stop, reset, and anchor your soul on bedrock.--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--To entrepreneurs today, Jesus would say that true success requires extending your time horizon beyond temporal wealth to eternity by building your life on the solid foundation of His teachings. While modern business strategy emphasizes long-term planning to create lasting value, Jesus challenges business leaders to consider the state of their eternal souls. Real security comes from trusting in God rather than unreliable riches, storing up heavenly treasure, and living with an eternal perspective.The Problem with Short-Term ThinkingModern business culture preaches the power of long-term vision. Consultants and top executives encourage founders to look past five-year exit strategies and plan for fifty-year horizons to build durable companies. Extended timeframes naturally demand stronger foundational decisions. Yet, from a biblical standpoint, even a fifty-year business strategy remains dangerously short-sighted.Jesus addressed the trap of temporal focus when He posed a fundamental question to His followers.Mark 8:36-37 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?Many driven professionals achieve massive financial success while inadvertently sacrificing their marriages, families, and spiritual well-being. They focus entirely on temporal outcomes while ignoring eternal realities. The Bible teaches that every human being will live forever somewhere. Consequently, evaluating life solely through the lens of earthly achievements ignores our ultimate destiny. God calls us to expand our planning far beyond a decade or a career.Riches Are Unreliable FoundationsBuilding a life on wealth creates a fragile structure that cannot withstand the storms of life or the reality of eternity. Money itself is not evil, but placing your trust in it creates a dangerous spiritual trap. Wealth offers a false sense of security that quickly evaporates when facing loss, tragedy, or death.The apostle Paul provided clear instructions for those who experience financial success, highlighting where true confidence belongs.1 Timothy 6:17-19 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this, they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.Paul does not condemn money; rather, he warns against trusting in its stability. When business leaders redirect their resources toward generosity and good works, they shift their investments into an infrastructure that lasts. True life is found not in accumulating capital, but in knowing and serving the God who generously provides.The Danger of Storing Up Earthly WealthJesus frequently warned His listeners about the spiritual blindness caused by materialism. In a culture driven by net worth and asset accumulation, His warnings hit home for high achievers. He told a parable about a successful farmer who produced a bumper crop and decided to tear down his barns to build bigger ones so he could relax for decades.Luke 12:20-21 But God said to him, "You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?" Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.Jesus called this successful manager a fool not because he was good at business, but because he was completely unprepared for eternity. He planned for early retirement while neglecting his relationship with God. When we invest all our energy, time, and talent into temporary ventures, our hearts naturally follow those investments.Matthew 6:19-21 Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.Aligning your desires with God's kingdom protects you from placing supreme value on things that will eventually decay.Rebuilding on the Ultimate RockBuilding a high-rise building requires digging a deep foundation. If you try to add extra floors to a building constructed on a weak base, the entire structure eventually collapses under stress. Many professionals reach a plateau or experience a crisis because they attempted to build a massive life on a weak base.Jesus concluded His Sermon on the Mount by contrasting two types of builders.Matthew 7:24-27 Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rains come in torrents and the flood waters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it's built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.The storms of life test every life and career. When difficulty strikes, only a life built on obedience to Christ stands firm. Rebuilding your life on Jesus requires taking a step back, repenting of self-reliance, and allowing Him to transform your priorities from the ground up.The apostle Paul reinforced this truth when evaluating our lifelong work.1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.Every achievement, business venture, and earthly status symbol will one day pass through the testing fire of God's judgment. Works driven by pride and temporal greed will burn away, but efforts built on faith, obedience, and love for Christ will yield eternal rewards.The TakeawayTo entrepreneurs today, Jesus offers a loving warning and a call to true wisdom. Achieving market success means very little if you lose your eternal soul in the process. While business strategies require vision, your ultimate focus belongs on eternity. Reevaluate your priorities today, ensure your confidence rests in Christ rather than your wealth, and rebuild your life on the rock of His Word.

Send us Fan MailHustle culture tells you to grind harder, but your soul seems to be asking for something else. We're talking about biblical rest as more than sleep, more than “self-care,” and definitely more than laziness. I'm joined by  Mrs.Darius Thompson, founder of Ruth Marie Co, a faith-rooted business offering Christian coaching, guided journals, and devotional tools for women walking through growth, grief, and transition, and she brings a powerful framework for understanding what God is actually inviting us into.We break down three kinds of rest found in Scripture: physical Sabbath rest (the command to cease), spiritual rest for the weary soul (Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11), and the eternal rest we enter because of Christ's finished work. From the Israelites and manna to the warning signs of burnout, we keep coming back to one idea: rest is dependence. If you've ever felt like slowing down means you're falling behind, we name how that mindset can become self-sufficiency, striving, and even a hidden idol of control.Take a listen and  after this conversation helps you breathe again, subscribe, share it with a friend who's burned out, and leave a review so more survivors can find real rest!Please check the show notes  below for Darius's blog , media platforms and website info!About our guest : Mrs . Darius Thompson Darius is the founder of Ruth Marie & Co., a faith-rooted business offering Christian coaching, guided journals, and devotional tools for women navigating seasons of growth, grief, and transition. As a wife and mother of two girls who has walked her own seasons of deep loss, her desire is to help women slow down and notice God at work around them, through them, and in them.She also leads In This Season, a membership for women in every season of grief, waiting, or growth — with free and paid tiers, including one-on-one coaching for those wanting deeper support.Find her:Website: https://ruthmarieandco.comBlog: https://ayingardens.substack.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/ruthmarieandco?igsh=MThic2gxdHcyanNjNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ruthmarieandco?_r=1&_t=ZT-98TIqknRsBKYouTube: https://youtube.com/@ruthmarieandco?si=k8GLLp1aF9LDHi6PFind Eve TIKTOK- https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdXBhyrM/FB-https://www.facebook.com/eve.mcnairIG-https://www.instagram.com/mseve_mseve/How to cope with Trauma “Talk to a few trusted people, open up about your struggle, seek online support groups, read self-help books or practice small acts of self-care such as meditation, breath work, yoga and exercise can help you regain some feeling of control.” Find a therapistGet Started (betterhelp.com)Online Psychiatric Medication & Mental Telehealth Services - Rx Anxiety, Depression & Insomnia Treatment | Cerebral  Triumph Over Trauma Scripture:  II Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto to God , who always causes us to Triumph in Christ.... Books I'm reading on my healing journeyThe Body Keeps the Score -  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143127748/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_i_HXH4RMNC329DT7VPQ5WGTrauma & Recovery https://www.amazon.com/dp/0465061710/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_i_It didnt start with you Ihttps://a.co/d/3CZwWaoSupport the show2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to Triumph!