Podcasts about Damascus

Preaching: Ben Lacey - Lead Pastor, Trinity River Baptist Church, Fort WorthSaul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, set out for Damascus intending to arrest followers of Jesus. On the way, he encountered the risen Christ in a dramatic vision, was struck blind, and came face to face with the truth of the gospel. God then sent a disciple named Ananias to restore Saul's sight, pray for him, and welcome him into the family of faith. Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit, baptized, and commissioned by God to become a powerful witness of Christ to the nations, demonstrating God's transforming grace and sovereign purpose.

Tekst: Handelingen 9:1-6 Handelingen 9:1 Saulus nu, die tegen de discipelen van de Heere nog steeds brieste van dreiging en moord, ging naar de hogepriester toe Saulus nu, die tegen de discipelen van de Heere nog steeds brieste van dreiging en moord, ging naar de hogepriester toe 2en vroeg van hem brieven voor Damascus, gericht aan de synagogen, opdat, als hij er enigen zou vinden die van die Weg waren, zowel mannen als vrouwen, hij die geboeid naar Jeruzalem zou brengen. 3Hand. 22:6En terwijl hij onderweg was, gebeurde het dat hij dicht bij Damascus kwam. 1 Kor. 15:8; 2 Kor. 12:2En plotseling Hand. 26:13omscheen hem een licht vanuit de hemel, 4en toen hij op de grond gevallen was, hoorde hij een stem die tegen hem zei: Saul, Saul, waarom vervolgt u Mij? 5En hij zei: Wie bent U, Heere? En de Heere zei: Ik ben Jezus, Die u vervolgt. Hand. 5:39Het is hard voor u, met de hielen tegen de prikkels te slaan.Deze woorden komen niet in alle Griekse manuscripten voor. 6En hij zei, bevend en verbaasd: Heere, Luk. 3:10; Hand. 2:37; 16:30wat wilt U dat ik doen zal? En de Heere zei tegen hem: Sta op en ga de stad in en daar zal u gezegd worden wat u moet doen. Bekering van Saulus 1. De irritatie aan Jezus 2. De arrestatie door Jezus 3. De capitulatie voor Jezus Opname van Hervormde Gemeente Wijk (bij Heusden)

As we conclude another powerful week in God's Word, we take time to reflect on what the Lord has been teaching us through our theme:**Build What Heaven Can Defend****Jehovah Nissi — The Lord Our Banner**This week we learned that God gives wisdom before responsibility, invites us to build with Him, reminds us that His presence is the true prize, warns us not to resist what we prayed for, and commissions us to carry His banner beyond the walls.Now the weekend readings bring us to two remarkable men whose lives move in very different directions.

 In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we sit down with comedian, humanitarian, and community organizer Said Durrah for a wide-ranging conversation about identity, service, storytelling, and purpose. Said reflects on growing up Palestinian-American, balancing comedy with humanitarian work, and the experiences that shaped his commitment to serving communities around the world. From fundraising efforts and refugee camp visits to building cultural platforms and launching his new Arab Is Me podcast, he shares personal stories about faith, resilience, representation, and the responsibility of preserving culture through art. The conversation also explores the challenges facing younger generations, the importance of authentic storytelling, mental health, and how creative work can become a vehicle for impact during times of crisis and uncertainty.  Palestinian by way of Gaza, Syrian by way of Damascus, and American by way of Detroit, Said Durrah has made audiences laugh in ways that transcend borders, languages, and cultures. Said's first performances as a young child were in front of his family, where he'd tell stories and impersonate other family members. It was only a matter of time until Said made his way on to an official comedic stage -- first, at the Comic Strip in NYC in 2010, and since, at famous venues such as the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Hollywood's Laugh Factory, DC Improv, Caroline's in Times Square and even a performance on Broadway, just to name a few. Thousands have seen his performances live via tours including Allah Made Me Funny, 1001 Laughs Comedy Tour, Funatical Comedy Tour, and performances throughout Palestine including the historic El-Hakawati theater in Jerusalem. Said has also taught comedy workshops for children in the West Bank. Combining his love of comedy with his dedication to humanitarian work, Said has led, supported, and lent his comedic stylings to dozens of fundraising efforts, helping provide millions of dollars in vital aid for people in need around the world.  In this conversation, we explore  - Said's journey from stand-up comedy to humanitarian and advocacy work  - Fundraising efforts and supporting families affected by conflict and displacement  - The balance between entertainment, service, and community leadership  - Why preserving Arab and Palestinian culture matters for future generations  - The story behind the launch of the Arab Is Me podcast  - Identity, belonging, and growing up Arab in America  - The role of comedy in storytelling, healing, and cultural representation  - Navigating public criticism, activism, and community expectations  - Mental health conversations within Arab and Muslim communities  - Why authentic human connection matters more than social media validation  - Lessons learned from years of community organizing and nonprofit work  - Supporting young people pursuing creative careers and unconventional paths  - Said's biggest comedy influences and the future of Arab-American storytelling Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com This video is for educational purposes only. It documents personal experience, public encounters, and political dialogue.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Thursday morning, the 11th of June, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Book of Acts 22:7: ”And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?' And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.” The power of testimony! I think, without a doubt, it's the greatest miracle ever. There's a transformation of a person completely dedicated to killing Christians and putting an end to Christianity, then in the space of one moment, became the greatest ambassador on earth, apart from Jesus Christ Himself, for the Gospel. His name? Yes, Saul of Tarsus. Once he was converted, he became Paul the Apostle. He wrote two-thirds of this very book that I am reading to you at this moment. It's incredible, a one hundred and eighty-degree turnaround. Oh Jesus we love You! In a clear sky, in the middle of the day, none of the others around him knew what was happening, and the Lord knocked him off his horse or whatever he was riding and said to him, ”Why are you persecuting Me.” “Who are You Lord?” “I am Jesus of Nazareth.” Oh folks, I've seen it so many times. You can't explain it. The wonderful thing about a testimony is that you can agree to believe it or you can disagree, but you cannot argue about it because you weren't there, and that was the case with Paul when he was converted in an instant, on the road to Damascus, where he was going to persecute God's people.Today, I want to say to that young lady that is so desperate for her husband to come to Christ. I want to say to that old mother who has been praying for her son for many years, I want to say to that young child who is desperately hoping that mom and dad will come to Christ, continue to trust the Lord and pray, and God will answer your request, without a doubt. I've seen it too many times in my own life. Bringing men to a Mighty Men Conference, who didn't even know they were going there - they thought they were going on a fishing trip. Three friends put him in the car, and there were four of them, and they drove, and as they came onto the land where the event was taking place, the man started weeping, and they said, ”Why are you crying?” He said, ”I don't know.” And that was the conversion of a man from the world into the Kingdom of God.Let us keep on for Jesus.God bless you and goodbye.

In this episode Matthew Lloyd Roberts was joined by Hannah Lund, Curator of Exhibitions and Displays at Leighton House and Sambourne House. Leighton House was built in Kensington by the Frederic Leighton, a painter, sculptor and president of the Royal Academy famed during the reign of Queen Victoria who vanished into relative obscurity during the 20th century. His house was an important place to create and exhibit his paintings, with a double height studio lit by north facing windows for the vast canvasses on which he worked. Fascinated by the material culture of the Islamic world, he created his ‘Arab Hall', tiling a domed extension to his house with West Asian ceramics gathered on a trip to Damascus. In this episode we discussed Leighton House, Victorian interest in Arabian culture, and the new curatorial interventions being made this year to mark the centenary of the house as a public museum run by the local authority, with new commissions from artists which query the meaning of such spaces their original context and to us today.The podcast is produced in association with the Architects' Journal, London Society, C20 Society and Save Britain's Heritage. It's recorded and produced at the Open City offices located in Bureau. Subscribe on Spotify, Soundcloud or iTunes and to further support, become an Open City Friend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a message!We follow the early church through persecution, surprising growth, and Spirit-powered ministry as the gospel pushes beyond Jerusalem. We also wrestle with motives, repentance, and reconciliation when God turns enemies into family and calls us to make peace. • persecution scatters believers and spreads the good news into Judea and Samaria • Philip's preaching in Samaria and the city's joy through deliverance and healing • Simon's attempt to purchase spiritual power and Peter's sharp call to repent • Philip guided to the Ethiopian eunuch, Scripture explained from Isaiah to Jesus • baptism and rejoicing as the gospel reaches beyond borders • Saul's road to Damascus encounter with Jesus and the cost of following him • Ananias obeying through fear and Saul filled with the Holy Spirit • Saul preaching boldly, facing plots, and Barnabas vouching for him • Peter healing Aeneas and raising Tabitha as many turn to the Lord Be a Barnabas today. Who needs you to show up for them? At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

DMV Hoops Podcast – Episode 109

Visit us at Network2020.org. Recent hostilities with Iran have once again highlighted the role of the Kurds as a key player in regional conflicts. While seen as a threat by governments in Ankara, Tehran, Damascus, and Baghdad, the world's largest stateless group of people continues to be considered by Washington as potential allies when convenient. As the region faces new waves of destabilization, particularly with the war with Iran and the new Syrian government consolidating its territory, what will the role of the Kurds be across the region? How will the disparate views of 30-40 million people spread over four countries impact dynamics in this volatile region as well as for their own quest for independence? .Join us for a discussion with Bill Park, Visiting Research Fellow in the Defence Studies Department, King's College, London, where we will examine how today's rapidly shifting regional dynamics are creating both new opportunities and new vulnerabilities for Kurdish communities and whether potential support from the U.S. will be strong and sustainable or easily abandoned.Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Ahmad Sharawi details how lifting Syria's terror designation would grant the government access to significant capital. This change would encourage Gulf investors to fund critical sectors, increasing their influence within the country. (4)2898 Damascus

Experience the profound transformation of Saul as he encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus and begins his journey from persecutor to one of the most influential apostles. Follow Saul's dramatic conversion story as he is blinded by the light of Christ, experiences divine revelation, and receives the Holy Spirit. Witness how the fierce enemy of Christians becomes Paul, a powerful proponent of the faith, in this second part of his extraordinary journey. Today's Bible verse is 2 Corinthians 5:17 from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

June 8, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 15:1-6Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 5:1-23; Proverbs 6:1-7:27; John 12:20-36a“But Abram said, ‘O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?'” (Genesis 15:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Perhaps Abram has a point. At age 75, he was called by God to leave his home and travel to a new land, but life has been fraught with problems. There was a famine, so Abram found himself in Egypt, where that (first) awkward encounter between the Pharaoh and Sarai happened. And then, Abram has to rescue his nephew Lot from war in Sodom and Gomorrah. What about the promises of being a great nation, being blessed, and having his name be great? Ever since Abram listened to God, it has been one issue after another; there doesn't seem to be any follow-through on those promises. In today's reading, God is making promises again: Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram pushes back: But God…what will you give me? I don't even have an heir of my own!Here's the thing. We sinners like to develop our own timelines and our own measuring sticks. Abram wanted those promises fulfilled now. He wanted what was coming to him. He wanted proof and assurance that this was going to be worth it. Abram is having doubts; he and Sarai hadn't had a child yet - how could they possibly be the great nation that God had promised? Abram doubts. You and I doubt too. Why is my life full of suffering? Why is the Christian life hard? When will I receive what God has promised? The rest of today's reading is the comfort we need. Abram expresses his doubts, and God hears them! God's character is one of mercy and patience. While Abram had no ‘right' to question God or worry about what was going to happen, God met Abram's question with assurances. God gave Abram more promises - Abram, you will have your own son. You will have more descendants than stars in the sky. And even more amazing - when Abram believes these words from God, God counts his belief as righteousness! What about for you? What about when you ask questions, worry, and doubt? God answers you, too. Remember your Baptism. You are named as a Child of God and covered by Jesus. Go to the Divine Service and hear God's Word of Law and Gospel for you. Be reminded that you are a sinner - one for whom Jesus bled and died. Rejoice that you are a saint and that Jesus' resurrection is yours also. Take and eat Jesus' Body and Blood. Believe in the One who always keeps His promises and always hears your prayers. God is faithful.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God gives me my days of gladness, And I will Trust Him still When He sends me sadness, God is good; His love attends me Day by day, Come what may, Guides me and defends me. (LSB 756:3) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

God has always chosen to meet with His people in a gathered community. When Moses finished the tabernacle, the cloud of God’s presence descended and filled the meeting place. The cloud did not settle on every individual tent. It settled where God’s people came together. God’s presence was personal, but it was never private. From the wilderness onward, God established a pattern of meeting with a gathered people who desired His presence. Personal encounters with God are powerful, but they are not meant to replace the church. Paul encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, yet his story did not end there. God sent Ananias to pray for him, restore his sight, baptize him, and connect him to the community of believers. Paul met Jesus alone, but he could not become who God called him to be apart from the body of Christ. Many believers view church as optional, but God often places our healing, encouragement, growth, and breakthrough in relationships with other believers. The gifts of the Spirit were given for the good of others and flourish in community. Scripture teaches that the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. Spiritual gifts require people to serve, encourage, pray for, and minister to one another. God still meets people when they gather in faith. He meets people carrying anxiety, depression, doubt, and burdens they cannot carry alone. The challenge is not only to come expecting an encounter with God, but also to bring others into the meeting place where His presence is transforming lives. The post A House of God’s Presence appeared first on Revival Life Church Boca Raton, FL.

Learn from Philip's desert road encounter that led to the Ethiopian eunuch's conversion, Saul's dramatic Damascus road transformation from persecutor to apostle, and Ananias's courageous ministry to his former enemy. These biblical accounts reveal essential principles for Christian living: trusting God's timing without seeing the full picture, the importance of church community and connection, and how simple obedience can open doors to revival and transformation. Whether you're facing storms of persecution, uncertainty about God's direction, or difficult assignments that challenge your comfort zone, this message provides practical insights for walking in faith. Explore themes of spiritual warfare, divine appointments, supernatural encounters, church growth, evangelism, discipleship, and the power of prayer. Perfect for believers seeking to understand their identity in Christ, overcome fear through faith, and discover how God uses ordinary people for His extraordinary purposes. Keywords include: Christian obedience, Acts of the Apostles, Philip and Ethiopian eunuch, Paul's conversion, Ananias ministry, early church persecution, spiritual growth, faith over fear, divine appointments, church community, Christian discipleship, biblical transformation, Holy Spirit power, evangelism strategies, and overcoming adversity through faith.

Scripture Reference: Acts 1:8 and 9:1-31Mediterranean Postcards Series Wk 1What we're called to do is more important than where we're called to go. Pack your bags and join us Sundays in June and July as we travel with Paul all around the Mediterranean on his missionary journeys beginning with his conversion on the Damascus road. It's a summer adventure complete with twists and turns you won't want to miss! What we're called to do is more important than where we're called to go.--------------------------Connect Card - cc.AshleyRidgeChurch.orgGiving - give.ashleyridgechurch.org

“Wash And Be Clean”2 Kings 5:1-19a1 Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.[a]2 Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman's wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”4 Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said. 5 “By all means, go,” the king of Aram replied. “I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents[b] of silver, six thousand shekels[c] of gold and ten sets of clothing. 6 The letter that he took to the king of Israel read: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy.”7 As soon as the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his robes and said, “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!”8 When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: “Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.” 9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha's house. 10 Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”11 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage.13 Naaman's servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed'!” 14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”16 The prophet answered, “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.” And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.17 “If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the Lord. 18 But may the Lord forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I have to bow there also—when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord forgive your servant for this.”19 “Go in peace,” Elisha said.CONNECT WITH USIf you have any questions or would like to get to know us further, head over to https://www.triumphlbc.org/connect and fill out our online connection card.ABOUT TRIUMPHTriumph wants to see the life and message of Jesus transform your heart, home, and city. To learn more visit https://www.triumphlbc.org/

Q&A: Why Support Israel? Is the Antichrist Here? The Final Hegemon?In this episode of the TikTok Roundtable, Pastor Ryan and Sarah tackle the complex and controversial questions surrounding Israel's spiritual duality and its role in end-times prophecy.   They address the tension of supporting a nation that contains both the "LGBTQ capital of the world" in Tel Aviv and the deeply religious Orthodox communities of Jerusalem. Drawing from Romans 9–11, they explain the biblical concept of Israel's "partial hardening" and why they believe a day of spiritual restoration is coming when the Jewish people will recognize Jesus as their Messiah.The conversation also dives deep into the identity of the Antichrist, identifying current Syrian “president” as a primary candidate based on 44 specific criteria from Christian and Muslim eschatology.  They explore the prophetic role of the United States as the final global hegemon and the "feet of iron and clay" from Daniel's statue.   Finally, the duo discusses the timing of the post-tribulation rapture, the impending destruction of Damascus and New York City, and the urgent need for believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit to navigate the days ahead.

Bookwaves/Artwaves is produced and hosted by Richard Wolinsky. Links to assorted local theater & book venues   Helen Benedict, “The Soldier's House,” Iraqi Refugees in the United States Helen Benedict, Columbia Profesysor of Journalism and author of the novel, “The Soldier's House,” about the lives of Iraqi refugees in America in 2010, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. “The Soldier's House” tells the story of a refugee from Baghdad, Naemi, who comes to America in 2010, sponsored by an American soldier whose translator was killed after the invasion. She, her young son Tariq and her mother in law have come to the United States, to the Albany area, after a time in Damascus, hoping to find a new life. A pediatrics physician over there, she can only gain the lowest levels of employment in America. Helen Benedict has focused her literary career on the plight of refugees in America and Europe as she teaches young journalists the ways to keep digging for the truth and for justice. In this interview, she discusses how Iraqi and Afghanistani refugees have fared in this country and talks in detail about the legacy press and the challenges young journalists face as they come into the profession.   Review of “The Lunchbox” at Berkeley Rep Roda Theatre through July 5, 2026.           The post Bookwaves/Artwaves – June 4, 2026: Helen Benedict, Journalism Professor & Novelist appeared first on KPFA.

The Very Few: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-VERY-FEW/61587358179324/Amy Simpson:Lead Vocalist of Blitz Dynette, a Hall of Fame Soul Band out of Central PA - Amy is also a CPMA winner for Best Female Vocalist.Amy grew up performing music all over the world as a young adult. Amy Started with Blitz Dynette in 1992, and has recorded 2 full length albums and 1 EP with the band. Amy also sings with the Groove Rebels, a Rock Band also out of Central PA, her own solo project, and now The Very Few.https://www.instagram.com/simpsonamy80/Amy also write monthly articles for Harrisburg Magazine - https://harrisburgmagazine.com/author/amy-simpson/Mike Boarman:Mike is on the CPMHOF Board of Directors.A multi-talented Bassist and Vocalist - Mike has recorded with some incredible bands in his career. Some just to scratch the surface: The Gabriels, Damascus, Pentagon, Savage Bliss, and Hybrid Ice.Now, Mike has formed The Very Few and they are rocking it.Mike's day to day is Waterday Properties, which buys, sells, and operates Class A/B+ office buildings.He is also on the Board of Directors for Vickie's Angels - a 501 (c) (3) non-profit with a mission of helping families fighting cancer who have difficulties paying their bills.https://www.vickiesangelfoundation.org/board-of-directorsEnjoy!You can find out more about the CPMHOF @ https://cpmhof.com/Brought to you by Darker with Daniel @ Studio 3.http://darkerwithdaniel.com/All media requests: thecpmpodcast@gmail.comWant to be on an episode of the CPMP? For all considerations please fill out a form @ https://cpmhof.com/guest-considerationJoin us back here or on your favorite audio streaming platform every other week for more content.

Helen Benedict, Columbia Profesysor of Journalism and author of the novel, “The Soldier's House,” about the lives of Iraqi refugees in America in 2010, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. “The Soldier's House” tells the story of a refugee from Baghdad, Naemi, who comes to America in 2010, sponsored by an American soldier whose translator was killed after the invasion. She, her young son Tariq and her mother in law have come to the United States, to the Albany area, after a time in Damascus, hoping to find a new life. A pediatrics physician over there, she can only gain the lowest levels of employment in America. Helen Benedict has focused her literary career on the plight of refugees in America and Europe as she teaches young journalists the ways to keep digging for the truth and for justice. In this interview, she discusses how Iraqi and Afghanistani refugees have fared in this country and talks in detail about the legacy press and the challenges young journalists face as they come into the profession. The post Helen Benedict, “The Soldier's House,” a novel about Iraqi refugees in America, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

What happens when your deepest shame becomes your greatest sermon? Pastor Jeff reveals the transformative power of testimony through the Apostle Paul's dramatic conversion story—showing us that every believer has an identical narrative of redemption. Paul wasn't just a "bad guy"—he was a violent terrorist against Christians, breathing murderous threats and giving approval to their deaths. Yet when Christ intercepted him on the Damascus road, everything changed. Pastor Jeff emphasizes that authentic Christianity isn't behavioral modification to appease an angry God, but total life transformation from the inside out. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Spiritual transformation begins when the presence of God confronts the false versions of ourselves that we have built. Saul was sincere, passionate, religious, and fully convinced he was serving God, yet he was fighting against the very thing God was doing. His encounter with Jesus exposed a painful reality: sincerity is not the same as truth. The Christians were not wrong. Saul was. The presence of God revealed that attacking the church was actually an attack on Christ Himself. Personal encounters with God are powerful, but Jesus does not form believers in isolation. Saul met Christ on the Damascus road, yet Jesus did not heal, restore, or disciple him alone. Instead, God sent Ananias, an ordinary Spirit-filled believer, to pray for him, restore his sight, and welcome him into the community of faith. The man who thought he saw more clearly than everyone else discovered that he was the one who could not see. Spiritual gifts are given so ordinary believers can carry the presence of God into the lives of other people. Ananias was not an apostle, celebrity, or public figure. He was simply available and obedient. His willingness to obey became the doorway to Saul’s healing and future ministry. As was said, “Your breakthrough may be waiting on someone else’s obedience.” God intentionally works through His people, and ministry does not belong only to the person holding the microphone. The Spirit-filled church is a community where every believer carries something God intends to use for the benefit of others. Spiritual gifts are not given for status or recognition but for service, encouragement, healing, and discipleship. The church becomes the dwelling place of God’s presence when ordinary people faithfully carry one another’s burdens and participate in the work God is doing in the lives of others The post A House of Transformation appeared first on Revival Life Church Boca Raton, FL.

Today's readings.. (Joshua 16), (Isaiah 22), (Hebrews 1,2) Today we began reading the specially thought-provoking letter to the Hebrews.  The author is not named, but the best conclusion is that Paul wrote it as a message to his fellow Jews and he didn't name himself because a prejudice against him had developed and some, maybe many Jews, would have ignored the letter if it had been obvious it came from him.  Now Paul had a special relationship with his Saviour because he appeared and spoke to him on the road to Damascus.  He is wonderfully conscious of the continuing unseen presence of Christ in his life and encourages his fellow  Hebrews to develop the same consciousness, he quotes many Old Testament passages from the Psalms and Moses' writings that foretold the special and wonderful role God's Son would have.  We see the emphasis in these two chapters of how he would first come into the world to die as a once and for all sacrifice for sins and also experience life as we do and so be able to understand and help us,We note in particular the closing verses in ch. 2 (from v.16) “For surely … he helps the offspring of Abraham.  Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.  The Greek word, translated ‘tempted' essentially means ‘tested.' Yes, “he is able to help,” but we do not receive this help, this guiding oversight of our lives, unless we prayerfully seek it.  We will see Paul's warning in ch. 3, where, quoting David's words in Psalm 95, Paul says, “Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” [v.15]  It is God's ‘living word' that we read and ‘hear' – and “he is able to help” if we truly ‘listen' and respond.

IntroductionPeople bring criticism against the Reformed people's love for doctrine. People claim that if you go to a Reformed church, you will see that we are people concerned with the head, not the heart. That our catechisms and confessions are cold documents. These are documents fueling intellectual exercises that keep doctrine tidy but leave the soul unmoved. That we know about God without actually knowing him.The Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 13, communicates to us that God is very personal. In fact, we are brought into the Lord's family. We are adopted as sons for the sake of our faithful Savior. We were the estranged children who had been brought near to God through the faithful son. So, is it fair to say that we are people who love doctrine and not the Lord? Is it fair to say that the Reformed faith makes one distant in relation to God? Children by AdoptionThe catechism is careful to distinguish between Christ's sonship and ours. Christ is the Son from eternity who is not created, not adopted, but of the same essence as the Father. When we confess the only begotten Son, we are saying that Christ is of the same nature as the Father. He has not sinned or done anything wrong. He is eternal, having the same attributes and nature as the Father. We are sons by adoption. And we need to be very encouraged by this. In the ancient world, adoption was not a consolation prize. In Roman law and in the Old Testament background, an adopted son received full inheritance rights. Abram understood this in Genesis 15, when he offered Eliezer of Damascus as an option to be an heir. Eliezer was not merely a faithful servant, but Abraham requested him to be the heir. Abraham is offering God an easy option, and not the challenge to bring a son through two elderly people without children. And Paul presses this further in verse 14. He declares that all who are led by the Spirit are sons of God. This language is important because all in the Spirit are sons possessing full inheritance. Note that firstborn sons are the ones who receive the greatest portion. Whatever your gender, whatever your genealogy, if you have the Spirit, you share in the inheritance of the eternal firstborn Son of God. You have done nothing to earn it. You have done everything to forfeit it. However, Christ, as a faithful son, secured His people to be coheirs with him as firstborn children. This love that the Father has for his children goes clear to the core of our heart. Why Submit to God? The Freedom of the RedeemedOur culture does not love submission. Even the word sounds like loss. But Paul reframes the question entirely in verse 15: you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear.Paul has already named the alternative. Living by the flesh is death. We see that in the fall. No, they did not fall dead, but they immediately broke fellowship with God. They were naked and ashamed. They thought they would find freedom in their rebellion, but they discovered that being estranged from God is a problem. Christ, washing the disciples' feet in John 13, says something remarkable to Peter: “ You are already clean.” Christ makes this declaration even before Christ is raised from the dead. Christ's work is so certain that he assures his disciples of its benefit before it is officially confirmed. The disciples consciously know who Christ is, but they need to rest in his cleansing. John Murray captured it well: in Christ, we have moved from the courtroom to the family room. The legal question is settled. Yes, affirming with the head, but resting in the heart. Honoring God without TerrorIf submission sounds like an obligation, honoring God can sound like performance. We can think that we better make sure we earn our Lord's favor. We have to make sure that we are doing the right things to prevent the Lord smiting us or harming us in some way. Paul does not want people to have this mindset of the Lord's grace and mercy. He tells us in verse 15 that we have received the spirit of adoption, by which we cry Abba, Father. This is the same word Christ uses in Gethsemane. This is the time of his greatest anguish, of going to the cross. Christ is vulnerable; this is his darkest moment as he is about to face hell, and in this time of need, he cries out, “Abba.” We call on our heavenly Father as Christ calls on His Father. This is more like Dad rather than “master” or “Father.” It is communicating to us that we are brought near in the family in such a way that we have God's attention. The reason we want to honor God is not out of dread. Rather, when we consider the inheritance, we see that we are: heirs of God, fellow heirs with Christ. Not servants who have earned their way up. Not subordinate sons who receive a smaller portion. Fellow heirs. Co-heirs with the one who never sinned, never failed, and never rebelled. Christ does not gloat over his success, but rather freely shares everything he has merited with those who deserved none of it. Yes, we do consciously profess this with our minds, but the Spirit works in our hearts to see the joy of the new life. So, we cannot divorce the head from the heart. ConclusionThe Heidelberg Catechism seeks to bring out the implications of being brought near to God. The Heidelberg Catechism is not a cold document. It is a document written for people who need to know who they are. People who feel the weight of sin and ask whether God is really on their side. People who wonder whether submission to Christ is freedom or just a nicer version of slavery.The Heidelberg Catechism summarizes Romans 8 with the assurance that you are not a servant who performed well enough to be elevated. You are not an orphan who has been adopted by an abusive or lonely father. You are an adopted child of the living God, a co-heir with his faithful Son, indwelt by the Spirit who prods you toward life and away from death.We honor God, then, not because we have conceded that a terrible master is preferable to a really abusive one. We honor him because he is ours, and we are his, and the inheritance is already secured in the one who went to the cross knowing exactly what the wrath of God costs. He knows the cost and went anyway. He did so in order to make sure we all share in his inheritance. Our life lived before the face of God is not an obligation, but a joy.

Is redemption really free, and if so, what was the price? In this episode of Words From The Word, Pastor Roderick Webster opens with the powerful hymn "Nor Silver Nor Gold" by James M. Gray and takes us deep into Acts 22:1-22 (KJV), where the Apostle Paul stands on the steps of the temple and gives one of the most compelling testimonies in all of Scripture.You might be asking — Can someone who actively persecuted Christians really be saved? What happened to Paul on the road to Damascus? Why did Paul go blind, and what does that mean for us? What does it mean that redemption was bought with the blood of Jesus?In this devotion, Pastor Roderick Webster walks us through these key points:- Paul openly identifies with his persecutors, sharing their background before sharing his transformation- A blinding light on the Damascus road stopped Paul in his tracks and changed his direction forever- Ananias, a man of good report, spoke simply — and Paul's sight was restored that same hour- Paul received a clear calling: to be a witness to all men of what he had seen and heard- The crowd listened — until Paul mentioned the GentilesIf this devotion encouraged you, please like, leave a comment, and share it with someone who needs it today. Subscribe so you never miss a new episode of Words From The Word.#WordsFromTheWord #KJV #BibleDevotion #ChristianLiving #GoodNewsBaptistChurchStay connected with GNBC:

St. Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus has become so paradigmatic that many today speak of their own conversion experience as their “Damascus moment.”   But what happens after that Damascus moment?   In this installment of The Road to Emmaus, Scott Hahn and Rob Corzine address this question as they explore the nature of conversion itself. Shifting the focus from Paul to Peter, they show how the life and legacy of St. Peter reveal conversion not as being a one time experience—but rather something that is ongoing, ever deepening, and often marked by struggle.   Discover how Peter and Paul reveal one of the foundational truths of the Christian life.

i dropped... i dropped the socket follow scooter on the butterfly site: https://bsky.app/profile/angryscooter77.bsky.social check out somehow you didn't die on the way to work with roz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxaVNVX9N3U donate to help buy liam's coworker's grandson a mobility van: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/24216/ check out Public Rail Now: https://publicrailnow.org/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtyppod/ Send us stuff! our address: Well There's Your Podcasting Company PO Box 26929 Philadelphia, PA 19134 DO NOT SEND US LETTER BOMBS thanks in advance in the commercial: Local Forecast - Elevator Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Today, we dive into the 2nd and 3rd Crusades, the events that led up to these conflicts, the legacy left by the Crusades, and other interesting topics… WELCOME TO History Camp!

Pastor Matt opens by honoring Memorial Day, reflecting on John 15:13, where Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." He draws a connection between the sacrifice of soldiers and the sacrifice of Christ, reminding the congregation that sacrifice for the good of others is honorable and meaningful. From there, he transitions into the ongoing series through the Book of Acts, picking up in Acts 9:18–42 with the life of Saul following his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. The central big idea of the message is this: God develops who He calls. Calling may be immediate, but preparation is a process. Pastor Matt points out that what Acts describes as "many days" was actually closer to three years — a detail filled in by Paul himself in Galatians 1:17 — and that Saul largely disappeared from public view for another 8 to 10 years after that. These hidden seasons, Pastor Matt argues, were not wasted time. God was rewiring Saul's theology, building humility, developing ministry skills, and clarifying his calling. The key truth is that God often does His deepest work in seasons no one sees. Pastor Matt draws four practical lessons from the passage. First, immediate obedience does not mean immediate results — faithfulness precedes fruitfulness. Second, God uses hidden seasons to prepare people for future impact, and a calling may determine your direction, but preparation determines your capacity. Third, opposition should be reframed as confirmation rather than contradiction, because following Jesus will not make life easier, but it will bring new meaning, purpose, and power. Fourth, every believer needs a Barnabas — someone to believe in them, bridge the gap, and speak life into them — and many are also called to be that Barnabas for someone else.

Blinded By the LightActs 9:1-31Teacher: Pastor Tom YarbroughDate: May 24, 2026The extraordinary conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus is the most dramatic and well-known in all of history. Indeed, this undeniable encounter with the resurrected Jesus transformed the early church's most dangerous enemy into its most influential missionary and the writer of nearly half the books in the New Testament. But as extraordinary as Saul's experience was, his conversion was comprised of the same necessary elements as our own. What do all believing Christians have in common with Saul's experience on the road to Damascus? A conversion that includes a context, a cause, and a consequence. Join Pastor Tom Yarbrough as we explore Acts 9 together.Support the showTo find more resources like these, follow us:Website: https://thevillagechapel.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQVTzDbaiXVUAm_mUBDCTJAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tvcnashville/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tvcnashvilleX: https://twitter.com/tvcnashvilleTo support the ongoing mission of The Village Chapel go to https://thevillagechapel.com/give/. If you are a regular giver, thank you for your continued faithfulness and generosity!

Reading Acts 9:20-31 where after his conversion, Saul goes throughout Damascus, into Syria, and back again, then to Jerusalem proclaiming everywhere that Jesus is the Christ. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Matthew Shindell discusses the Islamic Renaissance, noting that scholars in Baghdad and Damascus conducted rigorous scientific observations while Western Europe possessed only fragmented ancient knowledge. This era's large-scale translation movement and original astronomical research eventually fueled the later European Renaissance. Shindellalso analyzes Dante Alighieri's reinterpretation of Mars in the Divine Comedy, where the planet represents a celestial sphere of virtue. Moving beyond traditional associations with war, Dante portrays Mars as a symbol of fortitude and holy martyrdom. This literary shift connected the red planet to the sacrifice of Christ and his followers. (2/4)1917 Burroughs