Podcasts about Ecclesiastes

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith. You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website. . If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange . The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here: https://amzn.to/41v1DKh . To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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ECCLESIASTES 4:1-6:12 | 2 CORINTHIANS 6:14-7:7 | PSALM 47:1-9 | PROVERBS 22:16Support the podcast here:

NEW #BIYE w @OliveTreeBible DAY 246 - Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7 Psalms 47:1-9 Proverbs 22:16

Where you bank may seem like a purely practical decision. We often compare interest rates, fees, convenience, and technology—and those things matter. But for Christians, banking can also be viewed through the larger lens of stewardship. Every financial decision gives us an opportunity to consider how faithfully we are managing the resources God has entrusted to us. Aaron Caid, Chief Marketing Officer at AdelFi Christian Banking, joined the show today to discuss financial discipleship, the role of Christian financial institutions, and how everyday banking decisions can support work that advances the gospel. Banking as an Act of Stewardship Biblical stewardship begins with recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to God. The money we earn, save, spend, borrow, and give has been entrusted to us to manage wisely. That perspective can shape even routine financial decisions. “For Christians, our financial decisions are an act of stewardship,” Aaron says. Whether a family is preparing for the future, a church is expanding its outreach, or a ministry is developing its budget, finances touch nearly every area of life. For a Christian financial institution such as AdelFi, that means providing practical banking tools while keeping biblical stewardship at the center of its mission. Families still need checking accounts, savings tools, loans, and credit cards. Churches and ministries still need financing and cash-management solutions. But those services can be offered with an understanding of the faith and mission behind them. Greater Capacity to Serve The strength of a financial institution matters because it affects its ability to serve its members. For families, that may mean access to resources for managing everyday expenses, building savings, and borrowing wisely. For churches and ministries, it can mean working with financial professionals who understand the unique challenges of ministry—including cash flow, property needs, growth, and long-term planning. One example came during the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Calvary Chapel South Orange County had been holding services outdoors in an outlet mall parking lot while Southern California churches faced restrictions on indoor gatherings. During that period, the congregation grew significantly and eventually became larger than its previous indoor space could accommodate. The church needed a new facility. AdelFi helped provide financing that enabled the congregation to purchase a larger property. While the transaction involved a loan, its impact went beyond dollars and cents. A larger building gave the growing church a place to gather, build relationships, worship, and continue growing together. It shows how financial resources can serve a larger purpose when deployed thoughtfully. What Is Financial Discipleship? Christian stewardship isn't ultimately about accumulating as much money as possible. Financial discipleship is about becoming increasingly faithful in the way we handle what God provides. That includes cultivating wisdom, contentment, generosity, and faithfulness. Jesus makes the connection between our finances and our spiritual lives clear in Matthew 6. He teaches that we cannot serve both God and money and reminds us, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Our financial habits can either reinforce or compete with the priorities we profess. Practically, financial discipleship may look remarkably ordinary. It can mean following a realistic spending plan, saving for future needs, avoiding unnecessary debt, practicing generosity, and making decisions based on biblical convictions rather than simply following cultural expectations. These habits aren't ends in themselves. They help us put money in its proper place—as a tool entrusted to us rather than a master that controls us. Can Where You Bank Make a Difference? Stewardship can also raise another question: What happens to our money after we deposit it? Financial institutions use deposits to support lending and other financial activity. That means Christians may want to consider not only the products a bank offers but also the purposes their financial institution helps support. At AdelFi, members' deposits help provide resources to serve Christian families, churches, and ministries. According to Aaron, AdelFi has funded more than $1 billion in ministry real estate loans, helping churches and ministries acquire or improve facilities while pursuing financially responsible solutions. The organization also offers products designed to connect everyday financial activity with generosity. Its Cash Rewards Visa®, for example, allows members to earn cash back, while AdelFi also gives to Christian ministries and missions when members use their cards. None of this means choosing a Christian financial institution is required for faithful stewardship. Christians can honor God through many different financial arrangements. But it reminds us that stewardship invites us to think intentionally about all our financial choices—including where we bank. Bringing Faith Into Everyday Financial Decisions Faithful stewardship isn't limited to the offering plate or the major financial decisions we make a few times in life. It reaches into the ordinary. How we budget. How we borrow. How we save. How we spend. And even where we choose to keep our money can reflect what we value. The goal isn't simply to make every financial decision appear “Christian.” It's to recognize that every dollar belongs to God and then prayerfully ask how we can manage His resources with wisdom, generosity, and faithfulness. When our financial choices are shaped by that perspective, even something as routine as choosing a bank can become another opportunity to align our money with our faith. To learn more about AdelFi Christian Banking and its Cash Rewards Visa®, visit FaithFi.com/Banking. Apply by December 31 to earn a $200 bonus, plus 1.5% cash back on every purchase and other benefits. With every swipe, AdelFi also gives to Christian charities. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My husband and sister both passed away, and I received life insurance benefits from each. From a biblical perspective, should I tithe on those proceeds? Our younger daughter needs help with a down payment on property where she hopes to build a home. We'd like to help, but we still have a mortgage, only a few months of cash reserves, older vehicles, and several recent major expenses. Would helping her be wise, or would it put our own finances at too much risk? I'm retired, legally blind, and currently rent a home for $500 a month. The VA has approved grants to modify it for my needs, but my daughter thinks I should buy land and put a prefab home on it so I can build equity. Considering the added costs of ownership, would I be better off continuing to rent or buying a home? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) AdelFi Christian Banking FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if wisdom isn't about loss but learning how to meet it? Dr. Adam Miller explores Proverbs and Ecclesiastes and examines how correction, sacrifice, and seeing reality clearly lead us beyond conventional wisdom to the unconventional wisdom of Jesus Christ.SHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTSEnglish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT237ENFrench: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT237FRGerman: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT237DEPortuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT237PTSpanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT237ESYOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/XQj6I0oTMnsNOW AVAILABLE INSpanish:  @followHIMespañol  French:  @followHIMFrançais  Portuguese:  @followHIMPortuguês    ALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIM.coFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook WEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastPart 1 - 0:00 - Part 1 - Dr. Adam Miller3:35 The Art of Losing5:36 Where Wisdom Arises7:54 The Foolishness of God11:05 A Philosopher Reads Scripture13:44 Scripture is Ongoing Conversation16:49 Trust Beyond Knowledge18:10 The Bible's Wisdom Books21:22 Why Ecclesiastes Belongs23:57 Job Doesn't Get Answers25:28 Hungry and Wondering27:42 Everything is Futile30:39 Seeing What We Avoid32:51 Jesus Faces Loss35:29 Wisdom in the Book of Mormon36:48 Wisdom is Better Than Rubies40:05 Wisdom Personified as a Woman42:24 Are We Willing to Be Corrected45:01 When the Truth Feels Hard47:15 Loving Being Duped50:32 Paying to Deceived51:57 The Price of Real Wisdom53:34 Trust in the Lord55:52 With All Thy Getting57:50 The Path of the Just59:33 Wisdom Comes Through Doing1:01:17 Lose Your Soul to Save It1:05:07 Turn Left to Go Right1:08:54 End of Part 1 - Dr. Adam MillerThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

Dr. Adam Miller examines how Ecclesiastes dismantles our illusions about success, happiness, and desire and points us toward the surprising freedom found in sacrifice and the life of Jesus Christ.SHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTSEnglish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT237ENFrench: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT237FRGerman: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT237DEPortuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT237PTSpanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT237ESYOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/NIJxU_FPHgcNOW AVAILABLE INSpanish:  @followHIMespañol  French:  @followHIMFrançais  Portuguese:  @followHIMPortuguês    ALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIM.coFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook WEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastPart 2 - 0:00 - Part 2 - Dr. Adam Miller0:24 Happiness Depends on Wisdom2:10 Loving the Idea of Love4:09 Jesus and the Wisdom Tradition8:03 The Despair of Winning11:07 The Ghost of Special Adam13:12 Ecclesiastes is Hard Medicine16:12 Vanity of Vanities18:29 Hopeless About Everything Else20:43 Nothing New Under the Sun23:19 Chasing the Wind25:16 What If You Got Everything27:41 Success Still Doesn't Satisfy30:21 Hope in Jesus Alone31:41 To Everything a Season34:37 Human, Animal, and Divine37:32 Why We Need Jesus Christ39:12 Sacrifice Everything40:46 The Rich Young Ruler43:40 Charity is the Difference45:17 Breaking up the Transactional Gospel47:22 Take Up Christ's Life49:17 Remember Your Creator51:01 Divine Melancholy53:44 End of Part 2 - Dr. Adam MillerThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith. You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website. . If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange . The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here: https://amzn.to/41v1DKh . To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

ECCLESIASTES 1:1-3:22 | 2 CORINTHIANS 6:1-13 | PSALM 46:1-11 | PROVERBS 22:15Support the podcast here:

Ecclesiastes is unlike any other book in the Bible. The wise King Solomon shares his experiences about life under the sun, struggle, vanity, and the purpose of life. Even here, we can see pointers to Jesus Christ. 

NEW #BIYE w @OliveTreeBible DAY 245 - Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 Psalms 46:1-11 Proverbs 22:15

Medicare may be one of the most important—and confusing—financial decisions you make in retirement. Between enrollment deadlines, late penalties, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, prescription coverage, and income-based premiums, there are plenty of decisions to navigate. And because some choices can have long-term financial consequences, understanding the basics before you enroll is an important part of wise stewardship. Eddie Holland, Senior Private Wealth Advisor and Partner at Blue Trust, as well as a CFP®, CPA, and Certified Kingdom Advisor®, recently joined Faith & Finance to help simplify Medicare and explain some of the most important planning considerations. Understanding Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D A good place to begin is with Medicare's different parts. Medicare Part A primarily covers hospital-related care, including inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and hospice. For people who have accumulated the required work credits through either their own employment or their spouse's, Part A generally does not require a monthly premium. Medicare Part B covers many medical services outside the hospital, including doctor visits, lab work, and outpatient procedures. Unlike Part A, Part B generally carries a monthly premium, and higher-income retirees may pay more. Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. Those enrolled in Original Medicare—Parts A and B—can generally purchase a separate Part D prescription drug plan. Medicare Part C, better known as Medicare Advantage, is offered through private insurance companies. These plans combine Parts A and B and often include Part D prescription coverage as well. Some plans may also offer additional benefits such as dental or vision coverage. Another option for those using Original Medicare is a Medicare supplement plan, commonly called Medigap. These private plans are designed to help cover some of the deductibles, copayments, and other expenses that Original Medicare does not pay. Pay Close Attention to Enrollment Timing Timing matters when enrolling in Medicare. Your Initial Enrollment Period generally lasts seven months: the three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the three months afterward. But turning 65 does not always mean you have to immediately leave employer-sponsored health coverage. If you or your spouse are still working and you have qualifying employer coverage, you may have access to a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to delay certain portions of Medicare without facing a late enrollment penalty. Holland notes that employer size and the nature of the coverage can affect how Medicare coordinates with the employer plan. That makes it important to speak with your employer's benefits or human resources department before making assumptions about which coverage should come first. Employer Size Can Make a Difference If your employer has 20 or more employees, the employer health plan may generally remain the primary payer while you continue working, potentially allowing you to postpone Part B and its monthly premium. With an employer of fewer than 20 employees, Medicare may become the primary payer once you are eligible. In that situation, failing to enroll in Parts A and B could potentially leave gaps in coverage. You should also verify whether your employer's prescription drug coverage is considered creditable coverage for Medicare purposes. That can be especially important if you plan to delay Part D beyond age 65. The larger lesson is simple: Medicare decisions should rarely be made in isolation. Your employer coverage, retirement date, spouse's coverage, prescription needs, and other factors all need to be considered together. What Is IRMAA? For higher-income retirees, another important acronym to know is IRMAA, or the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. IRMAA is an additional charge added to Medicare Part B and Part D premiums when modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds. For 2026, Holland notes that IRMAA begins above $109,000 in modified adjusted gross income for single filers and $218,000 for married couples filing jointly. Medicare generally bases the surcharge on the most recent tax information available, which often means looking back two years. So, for example, 2026 Medicare premiums may be based on income reported on a 2024 tax return. That two-year lookback can surprise people whose financial situation has recently changed. If your income has fallen because of certain qualifying life-changing events, such as retirement, marriage, or widowhood, you may be able to request a reconsideration of the surcharge using Social Security Form SSA-44. Roth Conversions Can Affect Medicare Premiums IRMAA can also become an important consideration when planning Roth conversions. Suppose you retire before age 65 and decide to convert a significant amount of traditional IRA money to a Roth IRA. The conversion increases your taxable income for that year. Because Medicare looks back at previous tax returns when determining IRMAA, a large Roth conversion in the years immediately preceding Medicare enrollment could lead to higher Part B and Part D premiums later. That doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't complete the conversion. It simply means you should include the potential Medicare impact in the calculation. Tax planning, retirement planning, and Medicare planning are often interconnected. A decision that makes sense in one area can create consequences in another. Be Careful With HSA Contributions Health Savings Accounts require special attention as you approach Medicare eligibility. Once you are enrolled in Medicare, you can no longer contribute to an HSA. If you enroll around age 65, you need to coordinate the end of your HSA contributions with the beginning of your Medicare coverage. The issue becomes even more important for those who enroll after age 65 because Medicare Part A coverage can sometimes be applied retroactively, potentially affecting HSA eligibility for previous months. Holland recommends understanding the retroactive period before enrolling so you don't inadvertently make excess HSA contributions. Social Security can complicate matters further. If you begin receiving Social Security benefits, you may automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A. Anyone who is still contributing to an HSA should account for that before applying for Social Security. The good news is that money already accumulated in an HSA remains tax-advantaged and can still be used for many qualified medical expenses in retirement, including certain Medicare premiums. Holland notes, however, that HSA funds cannot be used tax-free to pay Medigap premiums. What If One Spouse Reaches Medicare Age First? Married couples can face another challenge when one spouse becomes eligible for Medicare while the other is still several years away. If the older spouse continues working, the employer plan may continue covering both spouses. Some companies also provide retiree benefits that extend coverage to a younger spouse after the older spouse retires. If employer coverage isn't available, COBRA may provide temporary coverage, although it can be expensive. Another possibility is purchasing insurance through the federal or state health insurance marketplace, where the younger spouse may qualify for premium subsidies depending on household circumstances. Whatever option you choose, don't overlook the cost. If one spouse retires several years before the other reaches Medicare eligibility, higher healthcare premiums may need to become a deliberate part of the retirement budget. Make Medicare Part of Your Larger Retirement Plan Medicare isn't simply a healthcare decision. It can affect your taxes, retirement income, Social Security strategy, HSA contributions, and monthly spending. That's why careful planning before age 65 can be so valuable. Understand what each part of Medicare covers. Know your enrollment windows. Talk with your employer before leaving workplace coverage. Consider the impact of your income on Medicare premiums. And coordinate decisions involving HSAs, Roth conversions, Social Security, and your spouse's health coverage. Medicare may be complicated, but you don't have to approach it blindly. Taking the time to understand your options can help you avoid costly mistakes, choose coverage that fits your circumstances, and steward the resources God has entrusted to you with greater wisdom and confidence. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have a mortgage and a car loan and am considering consolidating them into one payment. Is that a good idea, and what type of loan would make sense? I received a letter saying my student loans were placed in permanent disability status, but I never applied for that. How can I verify whether it's legitimate and correct the situation if needed? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Blue Trust Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) | Healthcare.gov AnnualCreditReport.com FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it really mean to "trust in the Lord with all thine heart" when life looks nothing like you expected? In this Come, Follow Me episode, Heather talks with LDS life coach Jenn Zingmark about the wisdom found in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes and how these teachings can help us navigate uncertainty, difficult relationships, fear, grief, and unexpected seasons of life. Together, they explore: Why trusting God doesn't require knowing how everything will work out How focusing on your "next right step" can calm overwhelm and help you move forward Why faith and fear can coexist, and which one we can choose to act from How a "soft answer" can change difficult conversations without requiring us to ignore our real feelings Why grief deserves to be honored rather than rushed What Ecclesiastes teaches us about accepting the different seasons of our lives These scriptures remind us that life is not always perfect when we follow God, but it is better when we trust and follow Him. Heather and Jenn bring a coaching perspective to that invitation, showing what trust, intentional communication, and acceptance can look like in everyday life. Listen in and discover how these ancient words of wisdom can become practical tools for whatever season you are navigating right now. For more information about and for links to access all Jenn has to offer, please click HERE. View on YouTube, go HERE. For more information and available downloads, go to: https://ldslifecoaches.com/ All content is copyrighted to Heather Rackham and featured coaches. Do not use without permission. Niche: Divorce Coach Find out more about Jenn Zingmark HERE. Find this Interview on YouTube, HERE Come Follow Me Lesson: Proverbs 1-4; 15-16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1-3; 11-12 HERE  

An unhurried daily meditation using the Bible, prayer, and reflection led by Pastor Jon Ciccarelli, Discipleship Pastor of Crosswalk Church in Redlands, CA, and Director of Discipleship for Crosswalk Global.If you are enjoying the podcast please go to Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify and share your rating and a review as your input will help bring awareness of this discipleship resource to more listeners around the world.To learn more about The Crosswalk Center for Christian Formation & Discipleship go to https://crosswalkvillage.com/abide-homePlease feel free to reach out to us at jon@crosswalkvillage.com any time with your comments and questions. Thanks and blessings!

This message examines the seriousness of our commitments and the importance of keeping our word.

Work life is oppressive, the best we can do is labor for provision and be content with what we have. All In Gospel Podcast is a chapter by chapter, verse by verse, in depth bible study where we seek to understand God's Word.All In Gospel is recorded live at Calvary Chapel with Pastor Seann Dikkers. You can support this study at anchor.fm/allingospel ⁠or ⁠https://all-in-gospel.com/

Today, you and I will say a lot of words. We have more ways to communicate than any previous generation. We speak, write, text, email, and social media, all of which require a choice of words. Let's slow down, think before speaking, allow the Lord to give us wisdom, and choose our words carefully.Main Points:1. We might be tempted to think our words don't matter, but according to God, they really do.  Jesus spoke about how our words reveal what is in our hearts.2. Our words are like a bucket of water dipped into a well.  If there is fresh water down deep, that's what comes out.  If what is below is stagnant, polluted, and diseased, that is what will come out.  In other words, “If the heart is clean, the words are clean.”  If the heart is contaminated, our words will expose it.3. Because our words have such impact on others, we must ask God to give us wisdom in our daily interactions. Through our words we have the potential to bless, encourage, and inspire. We also have the potential to injure, discourage, and inflict emotional pain.Today's Scripture Verses:Ephesians 4:29  - “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”Luke 6:45 – “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”Ecclesiastes 10:12 - “Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.”Proverbs 15:7 - “The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Puritan poet Anne Bradstreet once wrote, “Wisdom without an inheritance is better than an inheritance without wisdom.” Every parent hopes the resources they leave behind will bless their children. But a financial inheritance can have very different effects depending on the person receiving it. That is why wise wealth transfer requires more than simply deciding how much to leave—it requires careful thought, prayer, and an understanding of each child's unique circumstances. Ron Blue, co-founder of Kingdom Advisors and longtime teacher on biblical stewardship, calls this the uniqueness principle. Equal Love Doesn't Always Require Equal Treatment Studies show that many parents divide their estates equally among their children. There is certainly nothing wrong with that approach, but Ron encourages parents not to make equality the automatic default. As he explains, God loves each of His children equally, but He often treats them uniquely. The same can be true within a family. Children may grow up in the same home and sit around the same dinner table, yet adulthood can take them in very different directions. They may marry differently, parent differently, pursue different careers, experience job losses, accumulate different levels of wealth, or develop very different approaches to money. Those differences can matter when determining how an inheritance should be passed down. The question is not simply, “How can I divide everything evenly?” A better question may be, “How can I steward these resources in a way that truly benefits each child?” Three Questions to Ask Before Leaving an Inheritance When Ron and his wife, Judy, began thinking seriously about their own estate plan, they used three questions to evaluate what an inheritance might mean for each of their five children. 1. What is the worst thing that could happen? Imagine giving a particular amount of money to a particular child. How could that money negatively affect his or her life? For one child, the concern may be minimal. The money might simply be given away. For another, however, a large inheritance could create tension within a marriage, reinforce unhealthy financial habits, reduce motivation to work, or create other unintended consequences. 2. How serious would that outcome be? Not every negative possibility carries the same weight. Some may be inconvenient but manageable. Others could damage relationships, character, or financial stability. Parents should carefully consider the seriousness of each potential consequence. 3. How likely is it to happen? Finally, consider probability. A possible problem is different from a probable one. Together, these questions provide a framework for thinking beyond percentages and dollar amounts to the actual impact an inheritance could have. Your Estate Plan Should Change as Life Changes Another important part of the uniqueness principle is recognizing that circumstances rarely remain the same. When Ron and Judy first began asking these questions decades ago, their children were at very different stages of life than they are today. Careers changed. Marriages developed. Families grew. Financial circumstances shifted. As a result, Ron says the answers they would give today are very different from the answers they would have given 25 years ago. That is an important reminder: An estate plan should not necessarily be a one-time decision. As circumstances change, parents may need to revisit both their assumptions and their plans. Don't Pass Wealth Without Passing Wisdom Underlying Ron's approach is one of his most important principles: Don't pass wealth unless you pass wisdom. Wealth does not automatically produce wisdom. In fact, money can magnify whatever attitudes and habits already exist. Wisdom, however, can help someone steward wealth faithfully—and even create additional resources through diligence, generosity, patience, and wise decision-making. That means preparing the next generation involves far more than preparing legal documents. Parents can begin transferring wisdom long before they transfer wealth by talking openly about stewardship, generosity, work, contentment, financial decision-making, and God's ownership of everything. The greatest inheritance may not be the money children eventually receive, but the biblical principles they learned while their parents were still living. Faithfulness Matters More Than Fairness The uniqueness principle does not mean every estate should be divided differently. After thoughtful consideration, parents may still conclude that an equal distribution is the wisest choice. The point is not that equal is wrong or unequal is better. The point is to avoid allowing cultural expectations, guilt, fear of conflict, or simple habit to make the decision for you. Instead, approach wealth transfer prayerfully and deliberately. Ask what each child's circumstances are. Consider what opportunities or challenges an inheritance might create. Think carefully about the consequences. Revisit those decisions as life changes. Ultimately, wealth transfer is an act of stewardship. The resources we leave behind still belong to God, and our responsibility is to manage them according to His wisdom rather than merely following human expectations. Before asking, “How can I make everything equal?” consider asking a deeper question: “What would faithfulness look like for each person God has entrusted to my care?” On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 60, own two rental properties outright, rent an apartment in Chicago for $2,100 a month, and have about $1.4 million in savings and investments. My rental income is seasonal, but I haven't had to draw from my portfolio yet. Is continuing to rent in Chicago financially reasonable, and is $1.4 million likely enough to support me long term? My wife and I are buying a new home and have about 60% of the purchase price in cash. We need the remaining 40% for only 60 to 90 days until our current paid-off home sells. Would a HELOC, bridge loan, or another short-term financing option make the most sense? Our 22-year-old daughter lives at home and has very few expenses or responsibilities. Would it be biblical and wise to start charging her rent, and how should we determine a fair amount? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last summer the new He-Man movie kind of failed at theaters. Stephen enjoyed the film! Others did not care so much, especially if they didn't grow up in the 1980s. But last week, after the death of voice actor Peter Cullen, fans celebrated the legacy of Transformers. And last month, the Masters of the Universe remake film wielded the power of Grayskull to rule streaming media. No matter your age, big franchises from forty years ago have shaped the fantasy worlds we know today. How can Christians look back on this era with discernment and appreciation for good nostalgia? Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Winter's Dawn by Morgan L. Busse The Guardian of Ailos by Michael B. Foss Etania’s Worth by M. H. Elrich Mission update September 2026 book quest for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild 1. Of note: some fans truly did miss the '80s For many of you, the 1980s came and went before you were born! Stephen and Zack lived through most of the 1980s decade. And yet both of them only remember portions of the time. For his part, Stephen knew only the 1980s homeschool culture. It was the neighbor kids who had He-Man and Rainbow Brite Alas, Stephen never knew that fandom or any of the others, really. And he only vaguely recalls some of these obscure/old franchises. So if he sounds like a distant anthropologist, that is the reason! 2. From Star Wars to He-Man and beyond Recap: George Lucas and Kenner created modern toy franchises. Mass factories, network TV, and cable made a kids’ merch boom. Aside note: some Christians had some legit/silly concerns about it. Mattel lost on Star Wars, but made its own franchise: He-Man. This blended John Carter, DnD, mysticism, and superheroes. Meanwhile, other boys’ and girls’ brands took over toy stores. Zack's notes about growing up in the 1980s and any toys he had. Last week beloved voice actor Peter Cullen (Transformers) died. Fans love his sincere voice for “gentle, powerful” Optimus Prime. That plus GI Joe, despite flaws, did seem to honor real heroism. Masters of the Universe (2026) failed in theaters, but has since found its power on streaming services. 3. Now many fans really do miss the 1980s Most of these franchises were firmly in fantasy and sci-fi genres. Without their popularity, fantasy genres may not be popular today. Eventually, He-Man got shoved out by Ninja Turtles and others. Somehow the Ninja Turtles find new life, while He-Man struggles. The new film version from Prime Studios faltered in theaters. Stephen liked this flawed fantasy, which did hit a streaming boom. Meanwhile, ’80s nostalgia steers new stories like Stranger Things. Maybe people want to feel a simple life without 2020s technology. Some of them also want a simpler morality of good vs. bad guys. But back in the actual 1980s, critics didn't like simplistic morality. And some “80s nostalgia” also forces in the 2020s moral disorder. Every era has common graces that are better perceived with time. All eras also have unique idols, such as godless/mystical heroism. As you grow older, beware the “good old days” temptations. Do recall Ecclesiastes 7:10: “Say not, ‘Why were the former days better than these?' For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.” Com station Top question for listeners Do you have a favorite 1980s fantasy?

Every story carries a worldview—and every day, those stories are shaping what we believe, what we love, and ultimately how we live. In Episode 366 of Fearless with Mark & Amber, we're sharing our “Lights, Camera, Worldview” presentation from the Worldview Matters conference in Green Bay. We unpack what God has taught us through nearly eight years of filmmaking and ministry: media doesn't simply inform us—it forms us. The question isn't whether we're being discipled, but who or what is discipling our hearts? We share the story behind Fearless Features and the journey that took us from Inwood Drive to The Mind Polluters, Dysphoria, Title IX: Demoralizing America, and now Principalities: Doctrine of Demons. Along the way, we've learned that the cultural battles surrounding life, sexuality, identity, education, and truth cannot ultimately be understood as merely political battles. There is a spiritual reality beneath what we're seeing. You'll also hear some of our own redemption story and why we're convinced that exposing darkness can never be the destination. Jesus Christ is. Our hope isn't found in winning a culture war. It's found in Christ—the One who rescues, redeems, renews the mind, and equips His people to walk courageously in truth. As we close, we give you a little homework for next week's episode: read Romans 12:2 in context. We're going to dig into what it really means to refuse conformity to the patterns of this world and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2

What is justice according to the Bible—and who gets to define it? In this episode of Take Heart, Cory Wing argues that justice does not begin with politics, social media, slogans, or cultural movements, but with the character of God Himself.Walking through Deuteronomy 32, Micah 6, Leviticus 19, Proverbs 17, Ecclesiastes 8, Romans 13, Matthew 18, and the cross of Christ, Cory shows that biblical justice is impartial, truthful, merciful, humble, and rooted in God’s holiness.Christians are called to reject partiality, protect the vulnerable, tell the truth, confront evil, pursue restoration, and trust the righteous Judge who will ultimately set all things right.

An estimated $124 trillion is expected to pass from Baby Boomers to their heirs by 2048, marking one of the largest transfers of wealth in history. And women are expected to play a particularly significant role. Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors, joined the show today to discuss this historic shift and the opportunity it presents for women to approach wealth with wisdom, preparation, and biblical faithfulness. Why Women Are at the Center of the Wealth Transfer Economists have been talking about the Great Wealth Transfer for years, but it is no longer simply a future prediction. The transfer is already underway. Women are uniquely positioned within it in part because they tend to live longer than men. As a result, many women will experience both intragenerational transfers—wealth passing from a spouse—and intergenerational transfers from parents and other family members. But inheritance is only one part of the picture. Women already earn income, manage household resources, invest, give, and make significant financial decisions. Research indicates that women are involved in approximately 94% of household purchasing decisions. That means the stewardship opportunity ahead doesn't begin when an inheritance arrives. It is already here. A Biblical Legacy of Women and Stewardship Women using financial resources to advance God's purposes is nothing new. Luke 8:1–3 describes several women who supported Jesus and His disciples out of their own means. These women were not merely observers of Christ's ministry. Their financial generosity helped make the work possible. Likewise, in Romans 16:1–2, Paul commends Phoebe and describes her as a benefactor of many, including himself. In a culture where women often had limited social and economic influence, Phoebe used what God had entrusted to her to serve others and help advance the gospel. Their examples remind us that financial stewardship has always been about something greater than accumulating or managing money. It is about faithfully using whatever God provides for His purposes. Faithfulness Changes With the Seasons 1 Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” That calling applies to every believer, but the practical responsibilities of stewardship can look different in different seasons. A woman may move through seasons as a student, professional, wife, mother, caregiver, business owner, widow, retiree, or some combination of these roles. At various times, she may be an earner, an inheritor, a household financial manager, or all three. The circumstances change, but the responsibility remains: stay informed, equipped, and engaged with the resources God has entrusted to you. That can mean understanding the household finances, learning how investments work, participating in conversations about estate planning, preparing for retirement, or developing a thoughtful plan for generosity. Faithful stewardship does not require becoming a financial expert. But it does require engagement. Money as a Tool for Purpose For some women, managing finances comes naturally. Others may quickly say, “I'm just not a numbers person.” But stewardship is about much more than numbers. Money is a tool that can help us care for family, support ministries, meet needs, practice hospitality, create opportunities for others, and generously participate in work that matters to us. Seen through that lens, financial stewardship becomes less about mastering spreadsheets and more about connecting resources with purpose. Whether wealth is earned, inherited, or managed on behalf of a household, every dollar presents an opportunity to ask: How can I use what God has entrusted to me faithfully? An Opportunity for the Whole Family The Great Wealth Transfer also creates an opportunity for important conversations between husbands and wives, parents and children, and across generations. Preparing the next steward involves more than transferring assets. It means passing along wisdom. Families can begin discussing questions such as: What has God entrusted to us? What values do we want our financial decisions to reflect? How much is enough? What role should generosity play in our estate plans? Is the next generation prepared to manage what they may eventually receive? These conversations can help transform inheritance from a simple financial transaction into an intentional act of stewardship. Preparing for an Historic Stewardship Opportunity The coming wealth transfer represents an extraordinary financial moment, but for Christians, the most important question is not simply who will control the wealth. It is how that wealth will be stewarded. Women have faithfully earned, managed, given, and used resources for God's purposes for generations. As trillions of dollars change hands in the decades ahead, women of faith have another significant opportunity to continue that legacy. The goal is not merely to receive more wealth, but to be prepared to manage God's money God's way—using it wisely, generously, and faithfully for the purposes He places before us. This month, FaithFi is releasing its first-ever special edition of Faithful Steward magazine, entirely focused on women stewarding wealth. When you become a FaithFi Partner, we'll send you this special issue as our way of saying thank you for supporting the ministry. Learn more at FaithFi.com/Give. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Can you recommend a reputable Christian debt consolidation company that could help lower a large monthly payment? I'm almost 69 and plan to wait until 70 to claim Social Security. If I keep working after 70, will my benefit continue to increase, and do I still pay Social Security taxes? I also keep having to pull from savings to cover my checking account. Who can help me build a realistic budget and get my spending under control? My wife and I earn a good income but still owe taxes each year. I've increased my 401(k) contributions to lower taxable income. Is that the best approach, or should I adjust my withholding or set money aside for taxes? I'm 65, plan to keep working, and have about $20,000 in savings with monthly expenses around $4,000. How should I use that money to prepare for retirement? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it actually mean to seek God first? And how do we become more like Jesus instead of simply knowing more about Him? In Part 2 of In His Image, Pastor Josh Hersey explores what Jesus meant when He said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” in Matthew 6:33. Looking at Genesis 4 and the story of Cain and Abel, we see that the difference between the two brothers was deeper than the offerings they brought. It was about what had first place in their hearts. Abel gave God his first and best, while Cain approached God on his own terms. This message challenges us to examine what we are truly pursuing with our time, relationships, money, ambitions, forgiveness, sexuality, and everyday decisions. You'll also discover what it means to pursue God, why Ecclesiastes says eternity has been planted in the human heart, and why Jesus' invitation to “follow Me” is about more than learning information. A disciple follows Jesus closely enough to actually become like Him. If you've been asking How do I put God first? What does Matthew 6:33 mean? Why did God accept Abel's offering but not Cain's? How do I grow closer to Jesus? What is biblical discipleship? How do I become more like Christ? this message will help you understand that spiritual formation begins with what you seek first.   New here or made a decision to follow Jesus today? We would love to connect with you. Fill out our digital connection card: https://churchontherock.net/connect-card  

What happened to the old world?In JT's Mix Tape Episode 95, JT, Bryan and Aaron go down one of the wildest rabbit holes yet — from the millions of skeletons buried beneath Paris and strange population numbers to destroyed architecture, underground cities, ancient technology and the possibility that our accepted historical timeline is missing something enormous.Then things get even stranger.We get into Tesla “ghosts” appearing in graveyards, Tucker Carlson questioning the destruction of America's beautiful old architecture, Larry Ellison and Oracle appearing in Iron Man 2, frightening advances in technology, AI spirituality, transhumanism, technocratic visions for humanity — and the growing trend of billionaires and celebrities building elaborate underground bunkers.Is technology creating a completely new future?Or, as Ecclesiastes says, is there truly nothing new under the sun?Either way, fear is not the answer. Hold fast to Christ and endure to the end.

Send us Fan Mail***Read the Bible in a Year with me in 2026 right here on the podcast!***Bible Verses of the Week: Week 36: Galatians 2:20Welcome to the podcast Move Forth With Grace!  We will be reading the entire Bible in a year.  This is such a perfect way to get into God's Word each day and to develop your own relationship with God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ. I am your host Angela and want to first of all say that I am not an expert in Theology or Church History or a Minister and I never will claim to be.  I am a  wife and mother who has been reborn and want to be of service to God in gratitude for calling me back home. Welcome to the Podcast! The Bible that I will be reading from is the McArthur Daily Bible.  It is a New American Standard Bible.Thank you for being here....thank you for becoming less like you and more like Jesus.May you Move Forth with Grace today!Love, Angela Connect with me on social media or send a prayer request to me on my website here:https://campsite.bio/moveforthBible Teachers that I recommend:Mike Winger on https://biblethinker.org/meet-mike/John McArthur on https://www.gty.orgDr. Chuck Missler on www.khouse.orgNancy Missler on www.kingshighway.orgDale Partridge on www.relearn.orgChuck Smith on http://www.pastorchuck.org/RC Sproul Eschatology Playlist:https://youtu.be/n22MRa0P6_I?si=Aw53nQLSteu6T3-ASupport the show

Brian defends a well-known pastor criticized for using AI as a research tool in sermon preparation, arguing it's no different than consulting commentaries as long as it stays in its proper place in the process. He shares a powerful Christianity Today testimony from David Washington, a former Chicago gang member who found faith after a Baptist church moved into his violent neighborhood, and who now pastors a church in that same community. Brian digs into Gavin Ortlund's Gospel Coalition piece on Old Testament messianic prophecy as an underappreciated argument for the truth of Christianity, and shares a feel-good story of a Wyoming pizzeria turning a costly prank order into a donation for hospital emergency room staff. He warns against trusting algorithm-curated news as much as professional editors, encourages listeners to read across the political spectrum, and shares a Relevant Magazine piece reassuring anyone who feels "behind in life" that comparison-driven timelines are largely a myth. Drawing from Nehemiah's heartbreak-fueled calling, Brian challenges listeners to identify both what breaks their heart and where they have unique access to do something about it, and closes with Ray Ortlund's case from Ecclesiastes for "bold enjoyment" as a legitimate, even wise, Christian way of life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is justice according to the Bible—and who gets to define it? In this episode of Take Heart, Cory Wing argues that justice does not begin with politics, social media, slogans, or cultural movements, but with the character of God Himself.Walking through Deuteronomy 32, Micah 6, Leviticus 19, Proverbs 17, Ecclesiastes 8, Romans 13, Matthew 18, and the cross of Christ, Cory shows that biblical justice is impartial, truthful, merciful, humble, and rooted in God's holiness.Christians are called to reject partiality, protect the vulnerable, tell the truth, confront evil, pursue restoration, and trust the righteous Judge who will ultimately set all things right.Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere

We were never meant to follow Jesus alone.In this week's message from our All In series, Pastor Di looks at Ecclesiastes 4 and the importance of meaningful relationships within the Body of Christ. Solomon reminds us that two are better than one because we are stronger, safer, more encouraged, and better equipped to keep moving forward when we walk through life together.Pastor Di challenges us to move beyond surface-level relationships and intentionally build community with people who can encourage us, help us back up when we fall, stand with us in difficult seasons, and help us continue pursuing Jesus.The world often tells us to build our lives around me, but Jesus invites us into we.We is greater than me.Timestamps0:00 Welcome0:27 Continuing the All In Series1:22 The Apple Watch Illustration2:27 Healthy Rhythms and the All In Track3:12 Why We Tend to Drift4:02 Leaning Into Relational Commitment4:49 Join a Group or Class5:52 A Dare to Build Meaningful Relationships6:21 Try Again, Try Something New, or Go Deeper6:46 We Is Greater Than Me7:37 Ecclesiastes and the Wisdom of Solomon8:28 Life Is Short, So How We Live Matters9:20 Solomon Observes the Person Who Is Alone10:06 Working Hard With No One to Share Life With11:54 “What Am I Doing All of This For?”13:25 The Unexamined Life14:20 Two Are Better Than One15:17 Benefit #1: We Work Better Together15:55 Encouraging Each Other to Keep Going16:45 Benefit #2: We Walk Better Together17:41 Pastor Di's Hiking Accident18:53 Why Two Were Better Than One19:59 Helping Each Other Spiritually When We Fall20:44 You Can Do It Alone, But You'll Still Be Alone21:10 Helping Each Other Back Up21:33 Benefit #3: We Bring Warmth23:06 The Power of Closeness and Connection24:30 Benefit #4: We Watch Each Other's Backs25:55 Two Can Stand Back to Back and Conquer26:58 A Three-Strand Cord Is Not Easily Broken28:12 Jesus Is the Third Strand28:38 Jesus Prays That We Would Be One29:38 Jesus Is Present When We Gather30:03 We Were Never Meant to Walk Alone30:37 We Weren't Meant to Carry Life Alone31:30 Community Has to Be Prioritized32:23 You May Have to Start Again33:23 The Enemy Wants to Keep Relationships Shallow33:54 Deep Friendships Help Us Grow34:19 Commit to Finding Your People35:06 Lead a Group or Join a Class36:05 Prayer for Meaningful Relationships37:32 Closing Prayer37:43 What's Next Resources38:24 Giving & Kingdom Builders39:47 Back to Church Sunday40:10 Introducing Ruins to Revival40:33 Grandparents Day40:54 Saturday Night Interest Meeting41:10 Closing

Welcome to Raw. Real. Redeemed! I am flying SOLO my sweet peeps!  I am literally the last one standing...or sitting as the case may be.  Everyone else is deep in the thick of living THEIR lives so all you have left is ME...and I am beginning a little series on a book I am currently reading and LOVING called "Living Life Backwards" by David Gibson.  A short but PACKED deep dive into Ecclesiastes, my favorite book of the Bible. HELLO!  Love it. It's a LOT. It's packed with "sad but trues" and yet above all, packed with HOPE and a reason to LIVE and KEEP LIVING.  I love it. Let's tuck in.  Have questions or comments for us? We love to hear from our listeners! You can e mail us at hello@rawrealredeemed.com

The Enigma Of Earthly Authority Week 17 of the Ecclesiastes Series & Celebration Sunday Speaker: Drew Mathews Scripture: Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 Download the slides for this message: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/r2de0nmx9ow1745rx157y/Ecclesiastes-Week-17-Celebration-Sunday-PDF.pdf?rlkey=wg4amcw1k6i7oii3awaoj9h6w&st=ufwyjbi9&dl=0 (If using on mobile, click the icon on the top right and click direct download)

“We have deluded ourselves into thinking that we are as gods, and we are not.” — John West Back in 2006, at the height of Web 2.0 optimism, Time made YOU person of the year. The user-generated technology of the internet, Time implied, would make all of us into digital gods of memory and forgetting. Twenty years later, the script has been totally flipped. Now we know that the internet is all-too-human. And so are we. This reminder of our mortality is the heart (if that's the right word) of the new book by John West, the double Pulitzer Prize-winning Wall Street Journal computational journalist. West's The Internet Will Die, and So Will You is a kind of digital memento mori. His argument is metaphysical rather than political. Offline, he writes, our lives are marked by constraint. But we mistake the internet's destruction of physical distance for limitlessness. “We have deluded ourselves into thinking that we are as gods,” he reminds us, “and we are not.” A Christian and a digital deconvert (not an uncommon combination in the technocrati), West wants us to import our mortality online. If we recognize that the internet will decay and finally die, he suggests, we will make it human. (Re)Make it, as us. I've been making a version of this argument since The Cult of the Amateur in 2007. Only West's version — by contrasting Bach, Ecclesiastes, and Mary Oliver with the infinite scroll — is more poetic and musical. Politer too. Noli timere, as the poet Seamus Heaney texted before he died. Be not afraid. Of life, of death. But beware of YOU. Be afraid. Timere. Very afraid. Five Takeaways •       We Are Not Gods. The book's thesis: offline life is marked by constraint — you cannot talk to people farther than you can shout, or hug your child while she's at school — while online we act at a distance and mistake that “foot-loosening technology” for limitlessness. “We have deluded ourselves into thinking that we are as gods, and we are not” — the AI singularity being the theological version of the same delusion, and “a recipe for disaster, both interpersonally, but also within ourselves.” The fix is not logging off but bringing our mortality online: “this is where we live,” and the Internet's magic only stays magical when tempered by limits — “in order for it to be magical, we need the flip side, which is that it can't always be magic.” Andrew's frame: in 2006, Time made YOU person of the year, promising digital gods of memory and forgetting. Twenty years on, the internet is all-too-human — and so are we.•       The Deconvert's Meditation. “No one is more strident than the convert or the deconvert.” West's digital utopianism began in a middle-school computer lab, where an unhappy kid discovered he could find friends and communities online — and it died by monkey's paw: the same mechanism that found him anime fans now routes lonely kids into pro-anorexia TikTok rabbit holes (his own Journal colleagues' reporting) and neo-Nazi forums. “That supercharging is something that I wished for.” He concedes the lineage Andrew has worked since The Cult of the Amateur (2007) and The Internet Is Not the Answer (2015) — and goes further: “I actually think largely, Plato and Postman were right.” Culture must metabolize its technological ruptures. Or, per the Freudian slip Andrew gifted back to him for the next book: its raptures. Andrew's verdict on the lineage: the same argument, more poetic and musical. Politer too.•       A Few Thousand Weeks. On the Luddite summer, West channels past guest Brian Merchant: hatred of technology is usually hatred of lost control. The backlash against AI data centers is about being “completely removed from democratic control over that technology,” and the marketing — a magic box that will take your job — has backfired predictably. His arithmetic of dignity: we get only a few thousand weeks on this earth, and “our dignity demands that we have some say over what we do with our lives.” He cites Freddie deBoer's Copernican principle — everyone believes they live at history's hinge — then breaks it honestly: “but I also think this time, it might be right,” the elder millennial awestruck at the rupture he came of age inside.•       Religious, Not Spiritual. West inverts the modern chestnut: “everyone says they're spiritual and not religious these days. I actually think it's important to be religious, and spiritual can take it or leave it” — religion being “a powerful technology” for binding people into the civic fabric. His Christianity runs to liberation theology: not storing up treasure for the glorious day, but making this world more just now. Hence Bach cantatas, Ecclesiastes, and Mary Oliver as the book's unnamed philosophies — and hence his verdict on the billionaires who struggle with finitude: it doesn't shock him that men who earn millions while sleeping believe themselves gods, since “every dollar is like a little Iago whispering poison into the ears of the Silicon Valley elite.” The advantage belongs to us mere normals, unburdened by the whispering.•       Noli Timere. The Latin on West's X page — be not afraid — was Seamus Heaney's last text message, sent by SMS before the surgery he didn't survive, then carried by the Internet to thousands who found hope in it. That, West argues, is the network at its best: “it is about how you spend your time on the Internet, not what you can do on the Internet.” On memory, his formula is to remember “not more and not less, but rather differently” — choosing what we remember (the Odyssey's oral re-membering, retold body to body) rather than having it forced on us (the red solo cup photos, the traumas that refuse processing). The great mismatch of the web: “the things that we think should be permanent are often the things that are the most impermanent online, and the things that I really wish would fade away are the ones that refuse to.” Andrew's send-off inverts Heaney: be not afraid — of life, of death. But beware of YOU, the ultimate human conceit. Timere. Very afraid. About the Guest John West is a writer and technologist. He reports the news with code at The Wall Street Journal, where his work has won multiple awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes. The Boston Globe called his first book, Lessons and Carols: A Meditation on Recovery, “lyrical and crystalline.” He holds an MFA from the Bennington Writing Seminars and degrees in philosophy and music performance from Oberlin College, and lives outside Kingston, New York, with his partner, children, and unruly cat. The Internet Will Die, and So Will You (Here Below, September 10, 2026) is his digital memento mori. References: •       The Internet Will Die, and So Will You: On Learning to Live in Our Digital Age by John West (Here Below, September 10, 2026).•       Lessons and Carols: A Meditati...

Ecclesiastes asks the question "what is the meaning of life?" The author says all is vanity/meaningless and true wisdom begins when your hope in this world ends. Jesus is calling, come to him. He IS the meaning of life itself. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

Ecclesiastes 4:1-12

Matt Swaim join with highlights from tonight's The Journey Home on EWTN. Francisco Carbonell, Director of Music and Organist, EWTN talks Sacred Music in the Mass. Gail Buckley-Barringer shares the Scripture Verse of the Week from Ecclesiastes. Plus, T's Two Sense and author Philip Campbell talks about "Wounds of Love: The Padre Pio Story"

What is justice according to the Bible—and who gets to define it? In this episode of Take Heart, Cory Wing argues that justice does not begin with politics, social media, slogans, or cultural movements, but with the character of God Himself.Walking through Deuteronomy 32, Micah 6, Leviticus 19, Proverbs 17, Ecclesiastes 8, Romans 13, Matthew 18, and the cross of Christ, Cory shows that biblical justice is impartial, truthful, merciful, humble, and rooted in God’s holiness.Christians are called to reject partiality, protect the vulnerable, tell the truth, confront evil, pursue restoration, and trust the righteous Judge who will ultimately set all things right.

What does it actually mean to live the good life? This week on Don't Miss This, Dave and Grace dive into Proverbs and Ecclesiastes to discover the patterns of living that lead to a life filled with wisdom, happiness, purpose, faith, and connection. From learning to rise again after we fall, to speaking words that bring life, embracing the season we're in, building meaningful relationships, trusting God, and simply going out and doing good—these books offer timeless wisdom for navigating everyday life. We'll also explore Proverbs 31 and what it means to be a person of valor: someone courageous, resilient, capable, faithful, strong, and willing to make a difference. The good life doesn't mean a perfect life. It means learning to trust God and allowing Him to direct our path through every season.

“For everything there is a season …” You might recognize these words (“turn, turn, turn”) as lyrics to a song made popular in the '60s. But thousands of years before that, they were written as the opening of a poem in the book of Ecclesiastes about the cyclical nature of life. Just as we have no control over summer turning to fall, we can't alter the cycles of life. There is indeed a time to be born and a time to die, a time to laugh and a time to weep. In this week's message from Ecclesiastes 3, Pastor J.D. gives us helpful principles for not only navigating life in a world we can't control, but enjoying it for what it is: a gift from God.

Our Mothers Knew It with Maria EckersleyA Creative Study of Come, Follow MeOLD TESTAMENT [Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12]“He Shall Direct Thy Paths”September 7–13, 2026ARCHIVE (available to subscribers at Gather.MeckMom.com)Printable: “The Worth of Souls is Great in the Sight of God”: Random Objects AuctionEtsy link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1864498560/worth-of-souls-auction-kit-object-lessonBy Obedience to that Law: Underwater Fire Trick“I Will Tell You the Way”: Concentration Cup Challenge CURRENT:“Wisdom Entereth Into Thine Heart”: Absorption ComparisonPrintable: “Let Thine Heart Retain My Words”: Paper Fortune CookiesCHAPTERS=========00:0:14 INTRO00:01:30 INSIGHTS00:50:37 QUESTIONS 100:51:40 QUESTIONS 200:53:18 QUESTIONS 3 00:54:42 CREATIVE OBJECT LESSONS00:56:19 OBJECT LESSON 101:00:48 OBJECT LESSON 201:05:14 WRAP UPLINKS=====WEB: https://www.gather.meckmom.comETSY: https://www.etsy.com/shop/meckmomINSTAGRAM: Instagram @meckmomlifePODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST DISCLAIMER=================================This podcast represents my own thoughts and opinions. It is not made, approved, or endorsed by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Any content or creative interpretations, implied or included are solely those of Maria Eckersley ("MeckMom LLC"), and not those of Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Great care has been made to ensure this podcast is in harmony with the overall mission of the Church. Click here to visit the official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Is it wrong for a Christian to want more? In this message from Ecclesiastes 2, Pastor Todd Doxzon looks at Solomon, a man who had wealth, success, influence, and just about everything he could want, yet still ended up saying, “I hated life.” Through three words, Multiply. Mammon. Motivation., Pastor Todd breaks down the difference between healthy ambition and allowing success, money, or comfort to take God's place. If you've ever worked hard for more without stopping to ask why, this message will challenge you to take a closer look at what's really driving you.

Send us Fan Mail***Read the Bible in a Year with me in 2026 right here on the podcast!***Bible Verses of the Week: Week 36: Galatians 2:20Welcome to the podcast Move Forth With Grace!  We will be reading the entire Bible in a year.  This is such a perfect way to get into God's Word each day and to develop your own relationship with God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ. I am your host Angela and want to first of all say that I am not an expert in Theology or Church History or a Minister and I never will claim to be.  I am a  wife and mother who has been reborn and want to be of service to God in gratitude for calling me back home. Welcome to the Podcast! The Bible that I will be reading from is the McArthur Daily Bible.  It is a New American Standard Bible.Thank you for being here....thank you for becoming less like you and more like Jesus.May you Move Forth with Grace today!Love, Angela Connect with me on social media or send a prayer request to me on my website here:https://campsite.bio/moveforthBible Teachers that I recommend:Mike Winger on https://biblethinker.org/meet-mike/John McArthur on https://www.gty.orgDr. Chuck Missler on www.khouse.orgNancy Missler on www.kingshighway.orgDale Partridge on www.relearn.orgChuck Smith on http://www.pastorchuck.org/RC Sproul Eschatology Playlist:https://youtu.be/n22MRa0P6_I?si=Aw53nQLSteu6T3-ASupport the show

Is it wrong for a Christian to want more? In this message from Ecclesiastes 2, Pastor Todd Doxzon looks at Solomon, a man who had wealth, success, influence, and just about everything he could want, yet still ended up saying, “I hated life.” Through three words, Multiply. Mammon. Motivation., Pastor Todd breaks down the difference between healthy ambition and allowing success, money, or comfort to take God's place. If you've ever worked hard for more without stopping to ask why, this message will challenge you to take a closer look at what's really driving you.

“The End of the Matter” - a lesson on the ways that Scripture drives us to enjoy our lives by viewing them rightly: as God's gifts to be enjoyed to His glory. Music: “The End of the Matter.” Lyrics by Toby Logsdon. Arranged by Toby Logsdon. Performed by “Christus Super Omnia.” Copyright ©Toby Logsdon, 2026.

Support the showThank you for listening to this podcast! Follow Pastor James D. Gailliard on all social media @jdgailliard and get connected with Word Tabernacle Church by going to https://wordtab.net/ #EveryoneThriving 

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11,18-26

Ecclesiastes is often misunderstood as a dark or depressing book, but it actually carries a profound and beautiful message. The central Hebrew word of the book, hevel, does not mean meaningless as many translations suggest. It means breath or vapor, pointing to the fleeting nature of life rather than the absence of meaning. Solomon wrote this book as someone who had experienced everything life could offer and was reflecting honestly on what it all amounted to. Ecclesiastes serves as a counterweight to Proverbs, showing us the exceptions to life's general principles and protecting us from treating the Bible like a religious recipe book. It also gives us a first-person view of life under the curse introduced in Genesis 3. Ultimately, the book does not leave us in despair. It leaves us longing for the redemption that only Jesus Christ provides, the Good Shepherd and holy Judge who stepped into our futility and transformed it into something eternal.

Miss Kay's famous banana pudding sends all the Robertsons running as Al's daughter, Anna, recreates the family recipe and sparks a late-night rush for a taste. The guys swap memories tied to Dolly Parton, from childhood family traditions to the kind of old-school American culture that still feels frozen in time. Al and Zach reflect on why certain songs, foods, and places can bring decades of memories rushing back, while Jase gets unexpectedly sentimental about what first drew him to Missy. The guys explore the fleeting nature of life and the hope Christians have in the face of loss. In this episode: Psalm 90:4–6, 12; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Daniel 3:16–18, 19–25; Matthew 9:18–26; John 10:10; John 11:35; 1 Thessalonians 4:13; James 1:2–4; James 4:13–17; James 5:1 “Unashamed” Episode 1408 is sponsored by: https://preborn.com/unashamed - Visit the PreBorn! website or dial #250 and use keyword BABY to donate today. https://trees.com/ - Get an additional 20% OFF with code UNASHAMED at checkout http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ - Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/show/3LY8eJ4ZBZHmsImGoDNK2l Chapters 00:00 Miss Kay's Banana Pudding Lives On 05:06 Remembering Dolly Parton 09:18 Why Dolly Rose Above Politics 13:43 When an Era Starts to Disappear 17:22 Your Life Is Just a Mist 21:05 Why Christians Grieve Differently 25:10 Jesus Confronts Death 29:26 Mourning Without Losing Hope 33:15 The Fourth Man in the Fire 37:50 Jase & Missy's Duet Turns Into an Argument 43:02 Searching for a Song He Can Actually Sing 47:16 Missy's Voice Still Captivates Jase - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices