Podcasts about ephesians

Some weeks the news makes it impossible to look away. This is one of those weeks. Mia sets aside her pre-recorded episodes to talk about what happens to our hearts when we watch society celebrate something that is clearly evil, and what we are actually supposed to do about it.   This is not a hot take. It is not an opinion episode. It is an honest conversation about staying tender when everything around you is pushing you toward a hard, cold heart, and about why prayer is the real battleground when the comment section feels like the only option. Mia talks about guarding what you let into your spirit, why children and mothers are under such heavy attack right now, and how to stay on mission when the world feels like it is unraveling. The episode closes with a full prayer over babies, over children, and over mothers who are struggling in the dark. If you have been carrying grief, anger, or numbness this week, this one is for you.   Timestamps Time Topic 00:01 Welcome, and why this episode replaced the ones already recorded 00:54 What moments like this reveal about our collective moral compass 01:22 The Bible told us this was coming: evil called good, people loving themselves 02:18 Why this is not an opinion episode 02:47 Protecting those who cannot defend themselves 03:12 Philippians 4:8 and guarding what you scroll past 03:39 Knowing your limits: why Mia will not go down certain rabbit holes 04:36 Staying sensitive to evil without being consumed by it 05:06 When society celebrates evil, and how God still uses it to draw people in 06:18 Why people run toward God after seeing evil 06:49 Pray for the children. Pray for the mothers. 07:18 The real danger for believers: a hardened heart 08:17 Those sweet lives are with Jesus, and there is still a way home 08:45 Becoming your own moral compass 09:11 How a culture of self spills over into how we treat children 10:40 The movement of agreement is more alarming than the act 11:35 Why we cannot argue anyone into seeing it, but we can pray 12:04 Why the enemy targets the smallest and purest among us 13:00 The response is not more hate. The response is prayer. 13:29 If you are on the other side of this, here is the invitation 14:23 You cannot hold the Holy Spirit and celebrate evil at the same time 14:52 Praying over mothers, and what to do about intrusive voices 16:14 Righteous anger, and where to aim it 17:14 What Mia does not claim to know, and what she does know 17:40 There is always a way out, and we still get to choose 18:38 Nobody is too far gone 19:32 How a hardened heart quietly kills your prayer life 20:02 Leading well from whatever platform you have 21:00 Gather your people and pray 22:27 Fight in prayer instead of fighting in the comments 22:56 Full prayer over babies, children, and mothers 25:19 Closing encouragement and what is coming next   Scriptures Referenced Quoted directly Philippians 4:8 (03:12) - Whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, think on these things. Mia's filter for what she lets into her feed and her spirit.   Referenced and paraphrased throughout Isaiah 5:20 (01:22, 22:27) - Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (01:22, 08:45) - In the last days people will be lovers of themselves, proud, without natural affection. John 10:10 (03:39, 12:04, 26:17) - The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus came so we could have life, and have it abundantly. Romans 3:23 (13:29) - All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6:23 (13:29) - The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (13:55) - Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (17:40) - God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but will provide a way out. Romans 10:13 (19:02) - Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 1 Kings 19:11-12 (19:02) - The still small voice. James 4:7 (14:52, 16:14) - Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Philippians 2:9-11 (15:22) - At the name of Jesus every knee will bow. Ephesians 6:12 (13:00, 19:32) - Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces in the heavenly realms. Philippians 4:6-7 (24:21) - The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Luke 12:7 (26:17) - Even the hairs on your head are numbered. Psalm 139:13-16 (26:17) - You knit me together in my mother's womb. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You are not a mistake.   Call to Action Summary 1. Guard your heart and your feed. Do not consume every piece of evil available to you. You cannot unsee what you see, and a spirit worn down by images of harm is not a spirit ready to do what God called you to do. Use Philippians 4:8 as a filter.   2. Refuse the hardened heart. The temptation right now is to go cold, write off society, and stop caring. That is the loss. A soft heart is what keeps you praying, and a hardened heart is what quietly ends your prayer life.   3. Go to battle in prayer, not in the comment section. Pray protection over babies and children, in the womb and out of it. Pray over mothers, including mothers who are pregnant, overwhelmed, or walking through postpartum depression. Pray that they hear God's voice instead of the enemy's. If you know a mother in that place, tell her to call on the name of Jesus, and pray over her yourself.   4. If you are far from God, come back. Nobody is too far gone. Open your Bible. Get into a church. Read what God says about how He feels about children, and about you. It is not too late to get right with Him. Gather your people. Whatever your circle is, family, team, small group, business, bring them together and pray over the children and the mothers out loud.  

In this compelling message, Pastor Sean Gleason explores what it truly means to engage in spiritual warfare, drawing from Matthew 28 and Ephesians 6. He unpacks the truth that principalities are high-ranking demonic spirits that reign over regions, cities, and nations with the primary goal of blinding the minds of unbelievers from seeing the light of the gospel. Pastor Sean challenges believers to be aware of the spiritual realm without becoming obsessed with it, keeping their focus fixed on Jesus who holds the highest authority. Pastor Sean walks through the history of Waco, revealing how the city has partnered with principalities of dishonor, covetousness, the orphan spirit, and false religion, and calls the church to unseat each one by lifting up the highest authority. He warns that every act of disobedience surrenders spiritual authority to the enemy, while every act of obedience partners with Jesus and reclaims ground. This message challenges believers to understand that you unseat principalities not by binding and rebuking in your own name, but by lifting up Jesus, repenting of any partnership with the enemy, speaking His name, and boldly preaching the gospel everywhere you go, because the great commission was never meant only for the pulpit. The vision of Mercy Culture is to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. At Mercy Culture, one of our unique characteristics is that we are a presence driven church. We are not built around any person or ministry. We are built around the presence of God. Each week, you will hear a teaching from our Lead Pastors, Sean and Natalie Gleason or another leader in our community. To learn more about Mercy Culture, visit https://mercyculturewaco.com

How do you choose to navigate troubles and suffering? Do you choose to wallow in them? Do you try to find a solution as quickly as possible? In this episode, Amy talks about how the world chooses to frame mental health and suffering, and what God's Word tells us about navigating suffering and where our hope should be anchored.References:Psalm 18:6; Psalm 107:13; Psalm 145:18-19; Psalm 142:1-5; Ephesians 4:31; James 3:14-16; Romans 5:3-5; Isaiah 43:2; James 1:12-14; Hebrews 4:16; Colossians 3:2Resources:Athey Creek Church - Pastoral Care Phone #: 971.250.1113Elisabeth Elliot, Suffering Is Never for Nothing

Christians are citizens of heaven yet remain in the world. In this sermon on Ephesians 2:4 titled “But God…,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones shares that the two powerful words that make this a reality are “but God.” Without God's action in this world, there would be no hope for the future. Life, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds, cannot be understood unless one views it in light of God. How can this done? He suggests that expository preaching teaches what God says in His word. To be lights in this world, Christians are not simply to strive to solve social issues and wars, but to remind people of the true and only hope: salvation in Christ Jesus. That hope is not to be placed in governments, people, programs or systems, but in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and His saving work on the cross. In addition, Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches the importance of not simply preaching morality and its benefits. Christians are not to preach at people to be civil. They are to share the gospel and beg people to repent as only then will they change. Christians can look forward to going to their true home in heaven. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

God's Family and God's Home Ephesians 2:19-22 paints a beautiful picture of who we are in Christ. Now that we have been brought near to God through Christ, we are part of God's family and we are the very dwelling place of God. This is true for any and all that come to God through Christ.  Ephesians 2:19-22   19 So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.   Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/ The Listener's Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

It’s easy to lose track of time without realizing where it went. A few minutes on social media becomes an hour, notifications interrupt meaningful conversations, and endless content competes for our attention. Technology can be a helpful tool, but when our phones, screens, and constant stream of information begin controlling our attention, they can quietly pull us away from God, our families, and the people and purposes He has placed in front of us. Ephesians 5:15-16 calls us to walk wisely and make the best use of our time. Redeeming our time doesn't necessarily mean eliminating technology—it means becoming intentional about what receives our attention. When we create space to pray, read Scripture, invest in relationships, and serve others, we begin using our time for something greater than simply staying busy or entertained. God has given us the gift of time, and we can ask Him for the wisdom and self-control to spend it in ways that honor Him and help us live faithfully. Highlights Why smartphones, social media, and constant information can quietly steal our time and attention What Ephesians 5:15-16 means when it calls us to make the best use of our time How technology can become a distraction from God, family, and meaningful relationships Practical ways to develop healthier screen-time habits and greater self-control Why intentional time with God should be protected from digital distractions How fasting from technology can help reset our attention and priorities Encouragement to redeem the time God has given us for His glory and the work He has called us to Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Redeeming, Not Wasting, Our Time By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV). As a millennial, I find myself reflecting upon a time before the technological boom we seem to be facing, specifically before AI, smartphones, and social media. I remember taking a walk or riding my bike after school without the anxiety of accidentally leaving my phone at home. I remember the excitement of turning in my disposable camera from the school dance and then looking through my friends’ photo albums when I was hanging out at their house. I remember soaking up the most mundane moments without feeling the need to document them. Some of that could very well be what it was like to be younger, but I cannot ignore how much the simplicity of life has become more complicated and distracted with these portable devices that seem to control us and steal our time. About six months ago, I started to feel convicted about the lack of self-control regarding my screen time with my phone, so I purchased a little device that literally turns your phone into a brick when your phone hovers over it, depending on how much you want to limit its functionality. You can customize specific functions and apps that you want to limit, and for me, it was quite simply shutting down my social media usage. After six months of using this limiting device, I can see how it has helped me create healthier habits that have helped me prioritize my time more wisely. Instead of my phone controlling me, I have been able to start controlling it and using it as the tool that it is. My prayer to the Lord is “I want to be found faithful.” I have asked Him very frequently how I can use my time to glorify Him and be a fruitful disciple of Jesus. The Apostle Paul lovingly warns the church at Ephesus: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV). Intersecting Life & Faith: If the days were evil during Paul’s day, they most assuredly are evil today! Although our cellphones, tablets, laptops, etc are not evil, I do believe we need to be cautious as to how much time we are devoting to them. We need to be aware of where we are directing our focus. We need to be attentive to what is capturing our attention that may be causing us to make unwise choices. For me, the distraction from my phone was keeping me from intentional time with my sons and causing me to become captured by covetousness and discontentment with the swath of influencers pushing product after product. As we live in the great information age, we are bombarded with opportunities to fill our time and our minds with so many things that can so easily replace our time of fellowship with the Lord, as well as distract us from the very thing He has called us to do: make disciples! Perhaps you may not have an issue with technology distracting you from the Lord- praise God! Stay strong and be an accountability partner for those around you who are easily pulled away from the things of God because of the ever-increasing information age and the age of social media influencers promoting materialism and vanity. But if you are like me (a stay-at-home/work-from-home mom) and you are finding yourself with limited time to spend with Jesus in prayer and the Word, I challenge you to ask the Lord if there is something you can arrange in your schedule to allow better time management. Also, ask Him if He would like for you to fast (technology, that is), something that could be causing division between you and Him. Devote specific time every day to spend some quiet time in fellowship with God and reading your Bible, without your cellphone or iPad within reach- turn them off during that time and perhaps put a timer on the most-used apps that you access throughout your day. You might just need extra help with self-control, like me! Be thankful for the benefits of the tools and global connections that technology brings us, but don’t allow technology to rob you of your connection to Jesus or distract you from all the blessings He has put right in front of you. We have been given the precious gift of time here on this earth; let’s not waste our time but redeem it all for God’s glory! Further Reading: Matthew 6:33 Hebrews 12:1-2 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

For the Good of the Public brings you news and weekly conversations at the intersection of faith and civic life. Monday through Thursday, The Morning Five starts your day off with scripture and prayer, as we also catch up on the news together. Throughout the year, we air limited series on Fridays to dive deeper into conversations with civic leaders, thinkers, and public servants reimagining public life for the good of the public. Today's host was Michael Wear.  Thanks for listening to The Morning Five! Please subscribe to and rate The Morning Five on your favorite podcast platform. Learn more about the work of the Center for Christianity and Public Life at www.ccpubliclife.org. Today's scripture: Ephesians 2:13-22 (ESV) News sources: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-votes-pass-short-term-funding-bill-prevent-shutdown-election-rcna595350  https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/09/02/us/trump-news  https://apnews.com/article/massachusetts-senate-primary-election-markey-moulton-7968135279320c758b0fd4750d864db9  https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2026/09/02/new-fdny-report-details-25-years-of-9-11-health-impacts  https://abcnews.com/Health/congress-secures-long-term-funding-world-trade-center/story?id=129880721  Join the conversation and follow us at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@michaelwear⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, @ccpubliclife Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MichaelRWear⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, @ccpubliclife and check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tsfnetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music by: King Sis #politics #faith #prayer #scripture #news #Congress #funding #Pentagon #Massachusetts #Senate #elections #911 #NewYorkCity #NYC  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Song ends where Genesis began, under a tree in a garden with two people who are not ashamed. Solomon points us to Revelation 22, Eden restored, and the New Heavens and the New Earth. Love is as strong as death, Solomon writes, and it is the flame of the LORD Himself, which many waters cannot quench. Then brothers appear, worrying over a little sister too young to be spoken for, and they decide that if she is a wall, meaning she has kept herself pure, they will crown her in silver, and if she is a door, meaning she has not, they will board her up in cedar and put a stop to it. Faithfulness is not only a promise between husband and wife, but also the call to every Christian to be loyal to Christ and Him alone. The Rev. Donald Stein, pastor of St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Song of Solomon 8:1-14. To learn more about St. Andrews Lutheran, visit standrewrockton.com. The Song of Solomon is a book of love poetry, a bride and her bridegroom singing to each other across eight chapters. God's people have sung it since Solomon's day, and Jewish congregations still read it at Passover. The Church has heard in it the voice of Christ and His bride, and Luther quoted the Song in The Freedom of a Christian to describe what happens when Christ takes a sinner as His own. Paul was working the same ground in Ephesians five, where he set marriage beside Christ and the Church and called it a great mystery.  This series works through the whole book verse by verse, from the kiss in chapter one to the seal on the heart in chapter eight. We hear what it says about the body, about desire, and about the marriage God instituted in the garden. We also ask where Christ is in it, since the Church has long heard in these songs the voice of the Bridegroom who gave His life for His bride. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

The Rev. Mark Loder gives today's sermonette based on Ephesians 3:1-21. Hear a guest pastor give a short sermonette based on the day's Daily Lectionary New Testament text during Morning and Evening Prayer. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners  Jesus's response when HIS disciples asked HIM who had sinned, a man or his parents, that he had been born blind.  Scripture References: Matthew 4:4; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:11; Ephesians 6:17; John 9:3; John 1:1-14; John 8:34-9:3 Scripture translation used is the NASB “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995, 2020 (only use the last year corresponding to the edition quoted) by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org”CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S OTHER PODCAST- The First Love ProjectHere is the video introducing the podcast on You Tube-https://youtu.be/PhFY1moDDmsHERE IS A LINK TO THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR FIRST LOVE PROJECThttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdaujk1npuKR0BLSkTlKyxmuxavrZQHM6&si=dC10K4Qdh0xMKElU FIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishaffer DAILY MUSICAL DEVOTIONAL BY THE WORSHIP INITIATIVE:Text SING to 79316CHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

United in Christ - Introduction

Blessings of the Union

Paul's prayer that we would KNOW God.

Join Neil Epler for an in-depth Bible study on the book of Ephesians, focusing on themes of being chosen and adopted by God through Jesus Christ. This session explores Paul's letters and teachings, providing insight into the historical and spiritual context of Ephesus. Discover the significance of redemption, grace, and the unity of believers in Christ.

Hosts Shelly and June Volk continue their series on living in "newness of life," focusing on how the daily Christian walk requires surrendering human self-reliance to allow the Holy Spirit to produce authentic spiritual fruit. Key Takeaways Defining the Christian Walk: Scriptural references to "walking" signify a total way of life—living by faith, in the Spirit, in wisdom, light, and truth. Prophetic Heart Restoration: Ezekiel 36:26–27 serves as a foundational promise where God replaces a hardened heart with a heart of flesh, enabling believers to live out His statutes through the indwelling Spirit. Unity in the Body: Rebirth into newness of life unifies believers across backgrounds (Jew and Gentile) into one body under Christ. Embracing Necessary Transition: Transitioning into a new spiritual condition can be uncomfortable or disturbing, but stepping out of old habits is essential to entering God's fullness. Scripture Links Romans 6:1–4: Buried through baptism into death to walk in newness of life. 2 Corinthians 5:17: Becoming a new creation where old things pass away. Colossians 2:6–7: Four characteristics of walking in Christ: rooted, built up, established in faith, and overflowing with gratitude. Ezekiel 36:26–27: Promise of a new heart, a new spirit, and the indwelling Holy Spirit to observe God's statutes. 2 Corinthians 5:7: Walking by faith, not by sight. Galatians 5:16: Walking by the Spirit. Ephesians 4:1: Walking in a manner worthy of the calling. Ephesians 5:15: Walking wisely. 1 John 1:7: Walking in the light. 1 John 2:6: Walking in the same manner as Jesus walked. 3 John 1:3: Walking and living in the truth. John 14:6: Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we consider what it means to be “close to God,” it's likely we think of the religious as near to him and non-churchgoers as far away. But Paul tells us that no matter how close we seem, we are all equally estranged from God until we call Christ our Savior. As the Book of Ephesians points out, the real question of whether we are Christians or not is not how good we are or how often we pray. The real question is: have we been brought near by the blood of Christ? Let's look at how 1) those far from God tend to avoid him, 2) how those near to him do the same in different ways, and 3) how the blood of Christ reconciles both with the Lord. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on February 28, 1993. Series: Salvation From the Outside In. Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-18. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

What has God done for the Christian? In this sermon on Ephesians 2:4–7 titled “In Christ Jesus,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on Paul's answer to this question. Paul is concerned that believers are clear about what God has done for them. True Christianity is what God has done to and for the believer. People can decide to be religious, to start or stop doing things, and believe that God forgives them, but that is not essentially Christianity. Some schools of thought have taught that the doctrine of union with Christ is something the Christian strives to attain. But apart from this union, a person is not a Christian. One must examine themselves and ask: is my way of thinking of myself as a Christian in terms of what I am striving to do or make of myself? The difference between the unbeliever and believer is that the believer has a new disposition bending or redirecting their faculties accordingly, affecting the whole person — mind, heart, and will. Birth is sudden and so it is with the new birth. One cannot understand or explain it fully; all one knows is that it has happened. It is a creative act of God that the apostles, and others, referred to as the “new creation.” Apart from union with Christ, this new regeneration cannot make a Christian. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

For the Good of the Public brings you news and weekly conversations at the intersection of faith and civic life. Monday through Thursday, The Morning Five starts your day off with scripture and prayer, as we also catch up on the news together. Throughout the year, we air limited series on Fridays to dive deeper into conversations with civic leaders, thinkers, and public servants reimagining public life for the good of the public. Today's host was Michael Wear.  Thanks for listening to The Morning Five! Please subscribe to and rate The Morning Five on your favorite podcast platform. Learn more about the work of the Center for Christianity and Public Life at www.ccpubliclife.org. Today's scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10 (ESV) News sources: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/01/us/politics/whistle-blower-voting-by-mail.html  https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/two-tankers-attacked-on-midnight-run-through-hormuz-9957caaf?mod=hp_lead_pos2  https://apnews.com/article/new-york-climate-change-donald-trump-coal-epa-kathy-hochul-9fed7c732b27435528342eb37c093c23  https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/01/wake-up-call-for-congress-lawmakers-get-a-big-brother-warning-on-ai-01054087  Join the conversation and follow us at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@michaelwear⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, @ccpubliclife Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MichaelRWear⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, @ccpubliclife and check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tsfnetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music by: King Sis #politics #faith #prayer #scripture #news #USPS #midterms #elections #Iran #SaudiArabia #climatechange #energypolicy #NewYork #AI #privacy #Congress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Solomon describes his bride, beginning at her feet and moving up. He describes her "belly like a heap of wheat encircled with lilies," and her "neck like an ivory tower" and "nose like the tower of Lebanon." The comparisons sound strange to us. In Solomon's mouth, however, they are stately and reminiscent of a kingdom at peace. She answers him: "I am my beloved's, and his desire is for me." That word for desire appears twice more in Scripture, both times in Genesis, both a curse. Does this point us to the reversal of the curse of Eden through the Church's marriage to Christ? The Rev. James Peterson, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Curtis, NE, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Song of Solomon 7:1-13.  To learn more about St. John Lutheran in Curtis, visit facebook.com/stjohncurtis. The Song of Solomon is a book of love poetry, a bride and her bridegroom singing to each other across eight chapters. God's people have sung it since Solomon's day, and Jewish congregations still read it at Passover. The Church has heard in it the voice of Christ and His bride, and Luther quoted the Song in The Freedom of a Christian to describe what happens when Christ takes a sinner as His own. Paul was working the same ground in Ephesians five, where he set marriage beside Christ and the Church and called it a great mystery.  This series works through the whole book verse by verse, from the kiss in chapter one to the seal on the heart in chapter eight. We hear what it says about the body, about desire, and about the marriage God instituted in the garden. We also ask where Christ is in it, since the Church has long heard in these songs the voice of the Bridegroom who gave His life for His bride. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

In Darwin's day, everyone thought that single-celled microbes were simply bags filled with some kind of jelly. Today, of course, we know that even a single-celled creature is a complex living system that contains miniaturized organs to carry on all the business of life. A new discovery now shows us that some viruses are even more elegantly complex than we thought.Viruses that infect bacteria, called bacteriophages, inject their DNA into bacterial cells with something that looks like a syringe. Some bacteriophages have been found to have a unique outer shell. Bacteriophages form their outer shells, called capsids, by making hundreds of copies of the same protein. This is not a simple process. A bacteriophage known as HK97 goes through a multi-step process in which it assembles five or six proteins into a ring. These are then interlocked, like chain mail, resulting in an outer shell that, like a gemstone, has 72 faces. This structure results in a strong outer armor. But it requires that the protein be folded and assembled and then changed into this interlocking pattern. As one scientist put it, "People don't know how to make proteins, let alone fold, assemble, and then transform them into something like this."Contrary to what Darwin's followers still believe, there is no simple form of life. That's because there is a Creator, and He will provide all who follow Him with salvation and then He will give us spiritual armor to protect us from our spiritual enemies.Ephesians 6:11"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”Prayer: Father, I thank You for the beauty and love that You give to us. Amen.Ref: “Protein Chain mail offers armor for viruses,” Science News. Image: IBID bacteriophage, Reo Kometani and Sunao Ishihara, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111

Avengers: Age of Ultron x Ephesians 4:1-6Your daily crossover of faith and fandom! Experience daily Biblical encouragement from nerdy Christian podcasters, bloggers, and content creators. Join the Nerd of Godcast community at www.NOGSquad.com

The Rev. Peter Ill gives today's sermonette based on Ephesians 2:1-22. Hear a guest pastor give a short sermonette based on the day's Daily Lectionary New Testament text during Morning and Evening Prayer. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion Book study: Men of the Word: Insights for Life from Men Who Walked with God by Nathan Busenitz Today's Episode:  7. Real Men Repent from Sin:Lessons from the Life of David (Mark Zhakevich) Study Overview: Foreword & Preface: Real Men Walk with God (John MacArthur) // The Key to Becoming a Godly Man (Nathan Busenitz) 1. Real Men Live by Faith:Lessons from the Life of Abraham (Nathan Busenitz) 2. Real Men Find Satisfaction in God:Lessons from the Life of Solomon (Rick Holland) 3. Real Men Treasure God's Word:Lessons from the Life of Josiah (Tom Patton) 4. Real Men Pray with Boldness:Lessons from the Life of Elijah (Justin McKitterick) 5. Real Men Love to Worship:Lessons from the Hymn Writers of Israel (John Martin) 6. Real Men Flee Temptation:Lessons from the Life of Timothy (Andrew Gutierrez) 7. Real Men Repent from Sin:Lessons from the Life of David (Mark Zhakevich) 8. Real Men Refuse to Compromise:Lessons from the Life of Daniel (Kelly Wright) 9. Real Men Lead with Courage:Lessons from the Life of Nehemiah (Jonathan Rourke) 10. Real Men Love Their Wives:Lessons from the Life of Peter (Rich Gregory) 11. Real Men Shepherd Their Families:Lessons from Ephesians 5–6 (Jim Pile)' 12. Real Men Work Hard:Lessons from the Book of Proverbs (Austin Duncan) 13. Real Men Love Their Enemies:Lessons from the Life of Elisha (Jesse Johnson) 14. Real Men Share the Gospel:Lessons from the Book of Acts (Kevin Edwards)  15. Real Men Love the Church:Lessons from the Life of Paul (Brent Small) Reflect: What does this episode reveal about God's character? How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior?  How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life? Follow Christ today: ✝️ "Choose this day whom you will serve..." ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬ ‭✝️ "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬  Next steps: Share with an armed forces member Follow Instagram, Facebook, Podcast https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

As God gave blessings and curses to the members of the Old Covenant, God has given even greater and far more stunning blessings and curses to the members of the New Covenant. What are the blessings and curses of the New Covenant? This episode answers this super-important question to encourage the listener in the infinitely generous and merciful New Covenant grace of God. Scripture referenced: Exodus 19:1-20, Exodus 20:1-21, Exodus 24:1-8, Deuteronomy 28:1-68, Psalm 23:6, Isaiah 53:1-12, Isaiah 61:10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 36:22-27, Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 6:19-33, Matthew 26:36-42, Luke 22:39-44, John 3:1-18, John 10:27-30, John 17:1-5, Romans 3:20-26, Romans 8:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 15:35-58, 2 Corinthians 5:5, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 1:3-14, Ephesians 2:1-5, Ephesians 3:3-12, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:12-13, Colossians 1:13-14, 24-29, Colossians 2:1-3, Colossians 3:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Hebrews 2:10-18, Hebrews 5:7-8, Hebrews 12:5-11

In this episode of the Three C Podcast, Pastor Matt Sturdevant and the pastoral staff of Hope Church continue their "Fully Engaged" sermon series by going deeper into the meaning of ministry. Drawing from a definition by Dr. Wilson, Pastor Matt unpacks ministry phrase by phrase: it begins with participating with God, recognizing that God is already at work and invites us to join Him, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:9 and John 5:19. It also means cooperating with people, because there are no "Lone Ranger" Christians in Scripture — ministry is a team effort that requires humility, patience, and putting the mission above personal preferences, as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:16. Ultimately, ministry is about serving others to meet their needs, fulfilling our calling, and bringing glory to God, as Matthew 5:16 and 1 Corinthians 10:31 remind us. The conversation then turns to spiritual gifts — special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every follower of Jesus at the moment of salvation. Pastor Matt emphasizes that there are no un-gifted believers, pointing to key passages in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. The staff shares personal stories of how they discovered their own gifts through trial, service, and affirmation from others, reinforcing the principle that you often discover your gifts by using them, not by waiting until you've figured everything out. Pastor Matt also draws an important distinction between spiritual gifts and spiritual responsibilities — just because you don't have the gift of evangelism, for example, doesn't excuse you from sharing your faith. The episode wraps up with a candid discussion on spiritual consumerism versus contribution. The staff challenges listeners to examine their motives and move from simply receiving to actively serving. Pastor Matt offers a practical pathway — pray, explore, try, evaluate, and commit — and encourages everyone to connect with the church's discipleship pastor to find a place to get in the game. As Pastor Matt puts it, Jesus didn't save us from something; He saved us for something.

Our study of Ephesians continues in chapter four as we explore verses 25-32 and unpack Paul's call to live like we've truly been saved. This isn't a message of shame or a list of impossible obligations; it's an invitation to a higher standard. We discuss what it means to take off the old self, putting away deception, falsehood, and corrupting talk, and actively put on the new self. In this episode, we dive into what it looks like to speak the truth in love, handle anger without giving ground to the enemy, and examine the speech we put on display. We also discuss the freedom found in surrender and biblical forgiveness, exploring how reflecting on how much God has forgiven us frees us from bitterness and shifts our hearts to extend grace to others.EPISODE LINKSDust to Dust, by Jen WilkinWHAT IS NEUE THING?Neue Thing is a non-profit ministry, founded by Cherie Wagner, that exists to equip women with the Word of God. Cherie's life-long passion is two-fold: knowing Jesus Christ and making Him known. Author of Found On My Knees, Awake O Sleeper, Rest, Hope, Psalms for Life, and Knowing Your Name, Cherie writes Bible studies for women that will encourage them to know and believe God's Word, equip them to live it, and empower them to take it and transform this generation for Jesus Christ.CONNECT Website: https://neuething.org/Email Subscription link:https://neuething.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuethinginc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neuethingGive to Neue Thing: https://neuething.org/give/RESOURCESProverbs: The Wise, The Fool, The WickedKnowing Your NameFound On My Knees: The Journey from Brokenness to BlessingAwake O Sleeper: EphesiansRest: 30 Days of Exploring God's Invitation to RestHope: Tethered to an Unwavering GodPsalms for Life

Send us a message!We finish Ephesians by listening for what “jumps out” when God's Word is read aloud, then we ask what obedience looks like right now. We move from Paul's repeated therefore into a clear picture of living in love, walking in wisdom, and standing firm with the Armor of God. • hearing Scripture spoken as a way to notice conviction and encouragement • imitating God as dearly loved children and living in love • rejecting impurity greed and corrupt speech in favor of thanksgiving • living as children of light and learning what pleases the Lord • walking wisely by making the most of opportunities and seeking God's will • being filled by the Spirit through worship gratitude and mutual submission • marriage shaped by sacrificial love and respect in light of Christ and the church • parenting marked by honor without provoking anger and training in the Lord • work marked by sincerity integrity and leadership without threats • spiritual warfare framed as standing firm with truth faith salvation Scripture and prayer  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.

In this broadcast of Hardcore Christianity, host Brother Mike—counselor at the Arizona Deliverance Center in Phoenix—examines key doctrinal differences between Roman Catholicism and Protestant theology, while reviewing state investigation reports regarding clergy misconduct and institutional governance. Key Takeaways Doctrinal Differences: Analyzes foundational theological distinctions, contrasting Catholic traditions—such as papal infallibility, sacramental confession, purgatory, and clerical celibacy—with Protestant doctrines centered on sola scriptura (Scripture alone) and sola fide (faith alone). Investigation Findings: Highlights findings from state attorney general reports concerning clerical abuse allegations and institutional handling of misconduct across dioceses. Clerical Celibacy Analysis: Argues against mandatory celibacy for clergy, citing biblical standards for church leadership found in the Pastoral Epistles. Protestant Reformation History: Reviews the historic role of former Catholic clergy, including Martin Luther, in initiating the Reformation. Scripture & Reference Links 1 Timothy 2:5: Proclaiming Christ as the sole mediator between God and humanity. 1 Timothy 3:2: Qualifications for church overseers and elders. Ephesians 2:8–9: Salvation by grace through faith rather than works. 1 John 1:9: Confession of sin and divine forgiveness. Support the show: https://hardcorechristianity.com/donations/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morning lessons: Psalms 9; 2 Samuel 21; Ephesians 2:111-22.  I will give thanks unto you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will speak of all your marvelous works.

Wednesday, 2 September 2026   saying: “Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. Matthew 22:24   “...saying, ‘Teacher, Moses, he said if anyone, he should die not having children, he will affinitize the ‘brother, his, the wife, his', and he will raise seed – the ‘brother, his'.'” (CG)   In the previous verse, the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus to query Him, “saying, ‘Teacher, Moses, he said if anyone, he should die not having children, he will affinitize the ‘brother, his, the wife, his'.'”   A new word is seen here, epigambreuó, to affinity with. It is from epi, upon, and gamos, a marriage or wedding. This is its only use in the New Testament. Of this word, Vincent's Word Studies says –   “From γαμβρός [gambros], a word used in classical Greek to denote any one connected by marriage' a brother-in-law, father-in-law, even a bridegroom. The word is appropriate here because it refers to marriage between marriage-relatives.”   The matter brought by the Sadducees refers especially to a levirate type of marriage. That is described in Deuteronomy 25 –   “If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the widow of the dead man shall not be married to a stranger outside the family; her husband's brother shall go in to her, take her as his wife, and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her. 6 And it shall be that the firstborn son which she bears will succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel. 7 But if the man does not want to take his brother's wife, then let his brother's wife go up to the gate to the elders, and say, ‘My husband's brother refuses to raise up a name to his brother in Israel; he will not perform the duty of my husband's brother.' 8 Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him. But if he stands firm and says, ‘I do not want to take her,' 9 then his brother's wife shall come to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal from his foot, spit in his face, and answer and say, ‘So shall it be done to the man who will not build up his brother's house.' 10 And his name shall be called in Israel, ‘The house of him who had his sandal removed.'” Deuteronomy 25:5-10   An example of such a marriage is found in the account of Tamar and the sons of Judah in Genesis 38. Of the Sadducees' question, they continue their words to Jesus, saying, “and he will raise seed – the ‘brother, his'.” This is just what was described by Moses in Deuteronomy 25.   Based on this mandate, the Sadducees will propose a question to Jesus.   Life application: The Unwilling Brother. Why was this ancient rite included in the Law of Moses? As noted, the precept predates the law. A brother was to step in and perform the duty of the brother-in-law. The account in Deuteronomy provides a short review of the inability of the law to bring forth children.   Man, once connected to God, is the dead husband, typified by Adam. The woman represents humanity. A son, in this scenario, would indicate a spiritual reconnection to God. Adam, the man who was once spiritually alive, died and left her no such children.   The purpose of Genesis 38 was to set that idea as a precedent. The story there is one that anticipates the restoration of this spiritual connection to God. To understand that passage, refer to the Genesis 38 sermons from the Superior Word. A full typological explanation is provided there.   Life under the Law of Moses is typologically given as the brother. It is, ostensibly, available to give children to the woman as a brother-in-law. As it says in Leviticus 18 –   “And you will guard My enactments and My verdicts, which he will do them, the man, and he will live in them. I, Yehovah.” Leviticus 18:5 (CG)   However, “being under law” does not delight in the woman, and is – in fact – in a state that is at enmity with her. Paul states that explicitly in Ephesians 2 –   “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace.” Ephesians 2:14, 15   In typology, life under the law will not perform the duty to give the woman a son. Hence, she performs the rite of disgracing him and stripping him of any authority to ever have any right to her again. However, Christ is of the woman, meaning humanity. And of Him, it says in the law itself –   “Then I said, ‘Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. 8 I delight [khapets] to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.'” Psalm 40:7, 8   Because life under the law would not perform the duty, as is evidenced in the 1400+ years of it bringing no one to restoration with God, Christ came to do it. He delighted to do the will of God, and He performs what life under the law was unwilling to perform.   In this, He – as a member of humanity – took away the authority of the law and brought it to its end. Thus, life under the law is “The house of him who had his sandal removed.”   This is indicated in Paul's words to those at Corinth, saying, “And so it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being.' The last Adam became a life-giving spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45). God in Christ is the nearer brother who could, and who did, give a Son, His Firstborn, to the barren woman. From there, life is restored to any who come to Him.   The lesson: There are no born-again children in humanity through life under the law, not before, nor will there ever be. Only in Christ is there a delight in bringing children to God through humanity. In this Son comes a new family, among whom Christ Jesus is the Firstborn.   Deuteronomy 25 is a beautiful passage, found in the law, that conveys to us the truth that life under law is insufficient to save anyone. Only in Christ's fulfillment of the law is there any hope for fallen man. That thought is perfectly expressed by Paul in Romans 3 –   “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.” Romans 3:21, 22   The law itself witnesses to what God was going to do in Christ. Righteousness is imputed to those who simply reach out to God through Him, by faith, and accept what He has done.   If you have friends or family stuck in some law-observant church, keep pecking away at them. Their time is short, and they have an infinitely high hill to climb going that route. They won't make it. Trust in Christ, rest in Christ, and put away your futile attempts at pleasing God through any other avenue than Jesus Christ.   He is the answer to the problem that separates us from God. And surprisingly, the law itself testifies to that fact. Thank God for Jesus Christ.   We are so grateful to You, O God, for sending Jesus to be our Kinsman Redeemer, bringing us back to Yourself through Him. We thank You for the eternal life that is granted to us through what Jesus has done. Thank You for ever and ever. Amen.

Tim leads the community in a musical exploration of joy, arguing that after so many nights spent on hardship and catalyst, we have earned an evening of levity. Opening with the question are you happy? and a story about three sons who each try to buy their mother's happiness, he establishes that no gift cannot become a burden and no burden cannot become a gift. He then reframes joy itself: drawing on Doug's earlier teaching on the rhythm of being — emanation filled with yearning, return filled with longing, reunion filled with rejoicing — Tim proposes that the entire circulation of beingness occurs in the medium of joy, and that joy is being itself. What we seek when we seek joy is our own essence, sounded at our own unique frequency. The musical frame carries the evening. A single note on a staff stands for one incarnation; strung across lifetimes it becomes a melody. Played all at once it would be noise — which is why time is a gift, metering the score so it can be enjoyed in stages. Tim goes to Ra's counsel on revitalization (meditation, acceptance of limitations, joy through association with others and the beauty as of the singing, and contact with second-density life, especially trees) and then to Ra's musical language for chakra work: balance, tuning, and harmony. He develops each through musical analogy — the imbalanced orchestra, the guitar that must be tuned daily, the choir that sings in harmony rather than unison — and lands on Ra's description of the mind/body/spirit complex as a tone poem rather than a machine. The session's metaphysical core is sympathetic resonance: Ra's statement that the linkage between certain sound vibratory complexes and the creation is mathematical, or that of the ratio, and may be considered musical — and that when certain sounds are correctly vibrated, the creation sings. Tim examines 432 Hz and the 136.1 Hz frequency associated with Om, tracing the latter's derivation from the Earth's orbital period, and plays it on a Tibetan cymbal. He closes with transposition: keys can be changed, the Earth is changing key into fourth density, and we are here as co-composers to make the song our own. Rather than describe this, he performs it — singing his own rewritten lyrics to "One Song" from Snow White. Community reflections follow on the necessity of time for experience, sympathetic resonance as spiritual attraction, the harmonic series and the densities, tuning forks and daily practice, and perichoresis as the circle dance of the Creator. Key References Ra, Session 25.2 — Carla's question on how best to revitalize herself; Ra names meditation, acceptance of limitations, experiences of joy through association with others and with the beauty as of the singing, and exercise with contact with second-density life forces, especially trees. Ra, Session 54.8 — The precision of energy-center alignment lies in fluid and plastic placement rather than systematic arrangement; the mind/body/spirit complex is not a machine but what you might call a tone poem. Ra, Session 54.15 — Beyond activating each energy center, it is a priority to refine the balances so that each tone of the chord of total vibratory beingness resonates in clarity, tune, and harmony with each other energy; this balancing, tuning, and harmonizing is most central to the adept. Ra, Session 75.26 — The linkage between Hebrew and Sanskrit sound vibratory complexes and the creation is mathematical, or that of the ratio; it may be considered musical. Ra, Session 75.27 — Sympathetic resonance: when certain sounds are correctly vibrated, the creation sings. Q'uo — Joy as a living energy, as powerful and effective a teacher as sorrow. (Quoted by Tim from a Q'uo channeling; source session not verified against project files.) Ephesians 5:18–19 — Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Isaiah — Songs of everlasting joy. John Stuart Mill — Ask yourself whether you are happy and you cease to be. Joseph Campbell — Follow your bliss. Alan Watts — Rushing toward enlightenment as telling the conductor to play the concert too fast. Hans Cousto — Derivation of 136.1 Hz (C-sharp) from the Earth's orbital period. Doug's teaching on the rhythm of being — Emanation, return, and reunion; the circulation of beingness occurring in the medium of joy. Doug's three faces of joy — Joy at the precipice of creation, joy in creating, joy in experiencing. Music discussed: "Over the Rainbow" (Harold Arlen), transposed from A-flat to G by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole; "One Song" from Snow White, performed by Tim with original rewritten lyrics. Coming Up Next Week: DeMarcus presents on Yahweh — who they are, their involvement with our planet from the beginning of third density, the Martian transfer, the Exodus and the Israelite narratives, and what continues today.

What if your salvation was never meant to be the finish line? Pastor Phil makes the case that being saved by grace is only the beginning - because God also has specific good works prepared for you right now. In this Day 32 message from 52 Days, Phillip Suber unpacks Ephesians 2:8-10 to show why your life is not defined by self-effort, self-promotion, or spiritual passivity. Instead, he calls listeners to see themselves as God's workmanship - shaped, matured, and placed in His hands for a purpose that goes far beyond Sunday attendance. You'll discover:Why grace removes boasting and replaces it with humility and confidenceWhat it means to be "created in Christ Jesus unto good works"How God can assign work to you through prayer, encouragement, forgiveness, and obedienceWhy your purpose is often revealed through daily assignments, not just titlesHow the Great Commission connects to your personal calling. Pastor Phil also presses into the tension many believers feel between knowing they are called and actually stepping into that calling. He reminds listeners that God does not call you without equipping you, and that the seasons of hardship, delay, and refinement are often the very things building the spiritual infrastructure you need for what comes next.This episode is a powerful encouragement for anyone feeling stuck, dormant, or unsure of their next step. If you need clarity, courage, and a fresh reminder that your life is meant to make kingdom impact, this message will push you back into motion.Perfect for anyone ready to move from simply believing to actually doing the work God has already prepared.

Hosts Shelly and June Volk conclude their series on living in "newness of life," exploring how believers are called to internalize God's Word, yield to His counsel, and observe His covenant with a restored heart. Key Takeaways The Internalized Word: Living in newness of life requires ingesting God's Word into our daily lives rather than letting it remain passive text on a page. A New Heart and Spirit: Drawing from Old Testament promises, God replaces a hardened heart with a pliable, responsive heart where His law is written directly (Ezekiel 36:26–27, Jeremiah 31:31). Yielding to Divine Counsel: Spiritual alignment means surrendering human plans and personal ideals to let the Lord's counsel stand firm (Proverbs 19:21). Earthly Preparation for Eternal Life: Walking daily in the light of Christ serves as earthly preparation for eternal fellowship with God, keeping believers grounded in peace rather than worldly fear. Scripture Links Romans 5:18–21: Justification and grace reigning through Jesus Christ compared to the transgression of Adam. Romans 6:1–4: Burial through baptism into death to walk in newness of life. Ephesians 4:22–24: Laying aside the old self and putting on the new self created in righteousness. Colossians 2:6–7: Four characteristics of walking in Christ: rooted, built up, established in faith, and overflowing with gratitude. Jeremiah 29:11: God's plans to give His people a future and a hope. Romans 8:28: God causing all things to work together for good for those called according to His purpose. James 1:17: Every good and perfect gift coming down from the Father of Lights. Proverbs 19:21: The counsel of the Lord standing above human plans. Ezekiel 36:26–27: Receiving a new heart of flesh and the Spirit to walk in God's statutes. Jeremiah 31:31: The promise of the New Covenant written on the heart. Galatians 5:25: Living and walking by the Spirit of God. Ephesians 2:10: God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works prepared beforehand. Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unseating Principalities — In this message, we dive into biblical spiritual warfare and what it really means to fight against "principalities and powers" (Ephesians 6:12). Discover the four spiritual strongholds identified over Austin — Pride, Chaos, Profanity, and the Orphan Spirit — and learn the difference between foolish, self-focused spiritual warfare and the wise way Jesus modeled: unseating the enemy not by fighting harder, but by lifting up the highest authority.

It is not merely the outwardly wicked who are saved by grace who should be amazed at their salvation. Every Christian, even those who lived a supposed moral life before salvation, should be amazed at God's grace. Salvation is entirely God's work. In the sermon on Ephesians 2:4 titled “‘But God:' The Christian Message to the World,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines Paul's introduction of the chief characteristics of the gospel. What makes the gospel good news? It is that in one's salvation, they become a new creature. Conversion is not merely something added to life, but rather a new realm of thinking. The dead have become alive. Dr. Lloyd-Jones remarks that Christ's redemptive work for such sinners seems impossible and yet it's true. He died for the dead so the dead may be made alive. God has done this to show His unmerited favor. His kindness and love are displayed through the salvation of wretched sinners. Come to Christ and discover the exceeding greatness of His power to all who believe. Through the gospel, God has found a way of liberating sinners from all their sin. The Christian, therefore, should be amazed that God would save a sinner such as themselves and not be ashamed because it is the power of God. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

She has lost her husband and goes looking again, and the daughters of Jerusalem ask where he went so they can help her search. He turns up in his garden, grazing among the lilies, and tells her there are sixty queens and eighty concubines, but “my dove, my perfect one, is the only one.” And yet, 1 Kings says he finished with seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines, so this line is a confession as much as a compliment. How do we make sense of Solomon's not-so-exclusive love?  The Rev. Peter Burfeind, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Union City, Michigan, and Agnus Dei Lutheran Church in Marshall, Michigan, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Song of Solomon 6:1–13.  To learn more about Our Savior and Agnus Dei Lutheran churches, visit facebook.com/oursaviorunioncity and agnusdeimarshall.com. The Song of Solomon is a book of love poetry, a bride and her bridegroom singing to each other across eight chapters. God's people have sung it since Solomon's day, and Jewish congregations still read it at Passover. The Church has heard in it the voice of Christ and His bride, and Luther quoted the Song in The Freedom of a Christian to describe what happens when Christ takes a sinner as His own. Paul was working the same ground in Ephesians five, where he set marriage beside Christ and the Church and called it a great mystery.

juniorziegler.com Scripture Reference: Psalm 90 & Ephesians 5

Is the church still relevant in a post-Christendom world? Kurt Fredrickson returns to Spiritual Life and Leadership to talk about his new book, Compelled, and to make the case that the local church, done right, is still "a small working model of the kingdom of God." Markus Watson and Fredrickson talk about why so many congregations operate like machines built to produce bigger Sundays, and what it would take to tend them like gardens instead. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: The church is still relevant because it functions as a small working model of the kingdom of God. Eugene Peterson's definition: the church is "named people in particular places who practice a life of resurrection." Why the church of the 1950s can't simply be repeated in a post-Christendom, polarized culture. The garden-versus-machine metaphor on the cover of Compelled, and what it means to disrupt a congregation's system instead of engineering it. Deprofessionalizing the clergy: the provocative claim that professional clergy can become "the greatest impediment to the work of the church." Releasing the five-fold gifts of Ephesians so ministry isn't bottlenecked in the pastor's office. The isolation-plus-depletion-plus-conflict formula for how pastors get in trouble, and the ABCs (Abide, Breathe, Connect) for staying healthy. Kurt Fredrickson's own journey from twenty-four years pastoring a booming, machine-like congregation to asking, "would our community even miss us?" A story about a congregation that moved communion to the center of the room during a season of painful conflict. Why hospitality and the Lord's Table are the two disciplines Fredrickson considers essential for a missional community. RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS: Kurt Fredrickson: Faculty bio Books mentioned: Compelled: Nurturing Local Missional Communities, by Kurt Fredrickson The Pastor as Gardener: A Renewed Vision for Ministry, by Matthew Erickson and Winn Collier The Pastor as Midwife: Life-Giving Leadership for the Healing of the Church, by Shawna Songer Gaines The Patient Ferment of the Early Church, by Alan Kreider Related episodes: 103. Willingness to Adapt: The Church After Covid, with Kurt Fredrickson and Cameron Lee 313. Embodied Spirituality for Pastors and Leaders, with Mark Scandrette and Dave Kludt 314. Why Good Leaders Sometimes Make Their Churches Worse, with JR Woodward Send me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

In this episode, we dive into the powerful theme of "Greatness vs. Fame." Join us as we explore the profound teachings of Jesus and how they challenge our cultural definitions of success and recognition. We discuss the importance of asking ourselves, "What would great do?" in every area of our lives—whether in our relationships, workplaces, or personal growth. Discover how embracing a mindset of service and humility can lead to true greatness, as exemplified by Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that encourages you to prioritize what truly matters and to live out the greatness that Jesus calls us to. Key Topics: -The difference between being great and being famous -The impact of our choices on our relationships and future -Practical ways to embody greatness in daily life -Upcoming events and series at our church Read along with our chosen scripture: John 8:10–11; Ephesians 5:21; Romans 12:18 The Main Idea: Don't miss family by waiting for perfect circumstances, because Jesus calls us to take the next faithful step regardless of our past or present reality. Don't miss the opportunity to pursue peace, extend grace, and make the first move, doing everything that depends on you to strengthen your relationships. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

The Rev. Peter Schmidt gives today's sermonette based on Ephesians 1:1-23. Hear a guest pastor give a short sermonette based on the day's Daily Lectionary New Testament text during Morning and Evening Prayer. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

We turn to Psalm 63 to name spiritual thirst without pretending it feels easy, then follow David's path from desperation to memory, blessing, and trust. We wrestle with where God is in suffering, how to think about enemies through Jesus, and how longing can become a doorway to real satisfaction in God's steadfast love. • Psalm 63 as language for spiritual dryness and honest prayer • the question of why God feels elusive and why we must seek • naming pain without denial, including anxiety and fear • enemies in the Psalms alongside Jesus' call to love • Ephesians 6 and the fight against sin and death rather than people • remembering God's past faithfulness as an antidote to forgetfulness • hesed as covenant love that is better than life • blessing and worship as a formative force, not a mood • desire, idols, and the search for satisfaction in lesser things • sleepless nights, spirals, and learning to meditate with trust • Jesus fulfilling Psalm 63 through the wilderness and the cross • clinging to God as a learned way of life Support the show

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

EPHESIANS: Marriage & Submission in an Age of Autonomy - Andrew Mook by

A headline grabbing Netflix documentary has everyone debating details, but we can't shake the part that's easiest to miss: how a marriage can become a cage when spiritual authority is used as leverage. We talk about the relationship dynamics on display, the grooming-like power imbalance, and the way a “pastor” label can be used to demand obedience, sex, silence, and loyalty while calling it God's will. That's not faith, that's spiritual abuse.We break down what it looks like when Scripture gets twisted into a weapon, especially around teachings like Ephesians 5 and the word “helper.” We also talk church leadership accountability, because the absence of oversight and consequences is often the oxygen that keeps pastoral misconduct alive. When a church protects the platform over the person, victims get blamed, truth gets labeled “gossip,” and real harm gets spiritualized into “just pray harder.”As the story escalates, we discuss coercive control patterns that show up far beyond this one case: intimidation, surveillance, threats, forced mental health narratives, and public humiliation. We also get brutally clear on the questions people avoid: Does submission mean enduring abuse? No. Does forgiveness require restored access? No. Does repentance automatically restore leadership? No.If any part of this hits close to home, please don't carry it alone. Listen, share this with someone you trust, and reach out for help. Subscribe for more, leave a review, and send this to a friend who needs language for what they're living through.If this conversation challenges you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review so more people can find stories like this. What part of Justin's journey hits closest to home for you?

Send us a message!We read Ephesians 3–4 and trace the shift from what God has done in Christ to how we live as his body in the world. We lean into Paul's vision of the church as God's dwelling place and ask what it looks like to submit when God's work in us feels disruptive.• Gentiles welcomed as fellow citizens in God's household• The church as God's revealed mystery and cosmic display• Paul's prayer for inner strength and rooted love• The “therefore” turning point toward living worthy• Unity of the Spirit grounded in one Lord and one faith• Spiritual gifts and leaders equipping the saints for ministry• Growing into maturity by speaking truth in love• Putting off the old self and putting on the new• Practical commands about anger, speech, work, and forgiveness• Salvation framed as a heart transplant and a rebuilt house 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.

Send us a Text MessageAnchored in the book of Revelation, this three part marriage series will explore principles that apply not only to the church in general but also to relationships in particular. Today's message centers on the power of the past to bring healing to the present.Revelation 2:1-7; Acts 19:11-20; Ephesians 5:21-33"Yet I still dare to Hope..." - Lamentations 3:21 (NLT)PODCAST HOME: daretohopepodcast.buzzsprout.com/EMAIL: hope@dare2hope.lifeFACEBOOK: Dare to Hope MinistriesWEB: www.dare2hope.lifeBOOK: "Mapping a Life of Hope" Order here: https://a.co/d/0gj9wVif

Today we look at another core value of our church: The local church is the primary vehicle that God uses to expand His kingdom.Inspiration & Scripture2 Chronicles 6:18-2118 “But will God really dwell on earth with humans? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 19 Yet, Lord my God, give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence. 20 May your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, this place of which you said you would put your Name there. May you hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 21 Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive.Ephesians 2:19-2219 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Morning lessons: Psalms 5, 6; 2 Samuel 20; Ephesians 2:1-10.  Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my meditations.

If you've ever started your day trusting God — and ended it trying to control everything — this episode is for you. Negative thoughts don't just affect your mood. They shape your homeschool, your relationships, and the way you mother. In this episode, you'll learn 2 practical steps to take back your mind with truth.Most life's battles are won or lost in the mind — and homeschool moms are fighting on more fronts than most. This episode walks you through exactly how to identify the negative thought patterns that keep pulling you back, replace them with truth from God's Word, and finally stop the spiral before it takes your whole day.✅Why negative thoughts are actually easier to think the more you think them (and how to break the cycle)✅The 2-step process to demolish mental strongholds — straight from Scripture✅What to do when you compare yourself to other moms and feel like you're not enough✅Real examples of the lies homeschool moms believe — and the specific truths that demolish them✅Why waiting on God renews your strength — even when waiting feels impossibleReady to stop letting your thoughts run your day? Click the link below to join the waitlist for the Raising Leaders community and get early access.Resources for YouWin the War in Your MInd, by Craig GroeschelHomeschool Encouragement CircleShow Notes:Winning the Battle of the MindMost of life's battles are won or lost in the mind. And I decided to talk about this topic today partly because once I made the decision to tackle it, the enemy has been having a field day in mine.Yesterday I came home from church and wrote in my journal — I will wait on you, God. I will trust you, God. You are my joy, my strength, my deliverer. By evening I was trying to take control of all of my life and everyone else's life, fixing everyone's problems. I was not trusting. I was not waiting. It was all going on up here. And today I had to apologize. I had to confess my sin of trying to control someone. I wrote in a text — I'm sorry for not being patient. I'm sorry for not being kind. I'm sorry for being proud. Will you forgive me?Waiting on God is really hard. It requires patience, self-control, and trust and faith in God.What Scripture Says About the MindPsalm 25:3 says no one who waits on the Lord will be put to shame. That word wait also means trust and hope. No one who trusts in the Lord, no one who hopes in the Lord, will ever be disgraced. When we take it off of us and give it to God and put our trust and faith in Him — that is when we can move forward.Isaiah 40:31 says but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not be weary. They will walk and not faint. That word wait again — those who wait on the Lord, who hope in the Lord, who trust in the Lord.Craig Groeschel and Winning the War of the MindDuring the Texas blizzard in February, I went online to watch church. I came across Craig Groeschel beginning a four-part series on winning the war of the mind. I want to share a few things he shared that Sunday and show how I've been applying them as a mom, a grandma, and in helping kids with their education.He makes this statement — most of life's battles are won or lost in the mind. So are we waiting on God or are we taking things into our own hands? Taking things into our own hands means saying — I can control my life. I can do better. It's all on me. That's wrong.Are you having a worried attitude or a peaceful attitude? If we're worried, we have fear. If we have peace, we're casting all our cares on God — casting all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Do we have a negative mindset or a positive mindset? A negative mindset means we're critical and complaining. A positive mindset means we have faith in Jesus, we are thankful.And here's the key thought — what comes into your mind comes out in your life. In your words. In your actions. What are you filling your mind with? That's what's going to come out in your life.Your life is always moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts. Let me repeat that. Your life is moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts. What are those strong thoughts pushing you toward?Renewing Your Mind With TruthRomans 12:2 says do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — His good, perfect, and pleasing will.Ephesians 4:23 says let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God — truly righteous and holy. I pray this verse almost every day. I say — Holy Spirit, renew my thoughts, attitudes, and emotions. Renew our families.And 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 tells us how we fight these battles in our mind. For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.We don't fight with the world's weapons. We fight with God's weapons — the Holy Spirit, prayer, and truth.Two Steps for Overcoming Negative ThoughtsStep one — identify the biggest stronghold. What is holding you down? What is churning in your head? Name it. When we think a negative thought, there is a chemical release in the brain — a dopamine release — that gives a temporary high and then pulls us back down. And every time we think that negative thought, it becomes easier to think it again. Dr. Caroline Leaf is an expert in neuroplasticity and talks about this very idea — taking our thoughts and rewiring our minds so we think positively.So first, name the stronghold. What is it for you? Maybe you feel like a failure as a mom. Maybe you feel like your marriage isn't good enough. Maybe you compare yourself to other moms, other bloggers, other speakers.I'll be really honest — I struggle with comparing myself to other bloggers and authors and speakers. I see bloggers get book deals and I think — I guess I'm not as important. That is a stronghold. I am comparing myself and saying I'm not enough.I once spoke at a conference in a workshop at 5 p.m. — not a great time — and they had doubled up everything that evening. Zero people showed up to my session. I'm admitting this to you because it was humiliating. But I had to say — God, you took each person at that conference to the workshop where they needed to be, and this is just not the one they needed to hear. I had to humble myself.Step two — name the truth to demolish that stronghold. God says He has given us weapons to demolish strongholds, and one of those weapons is truth. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.So instead of — I'm comparing myself to other bloggers and I'm not enough — speak the truth. I have been given everything I need for life and godliness. I don't need more. God gives me all I need. God is using me in a special way with moms and wives. He uses me when I trust Him. I walk by faith, not by sight.Say that truth every morning when you get up. Speak truth to yourself. That is godly self-care.Tim Tebow said it this way — when I wish I were like someone else, I'm really being mad at God. He didn't make me like that person. He made me. And when I compare myself and wish I were different, I'm not accepting who God made me. He has given us gifts and callings, and we need to walk in those.The truth is Jesus Christ. Name the stronghold. Name the truth. And the truth will set you free.I'll put a link in the comments to Craig Groeschel's book on the mind, as well as Dr. Caroline Leaf's book — both deal with retraining our minds and getting our thoughts focused in the right direction. It takes some work, but it is absolutely possible.Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts, your questions, or your favorite springtime activity.

This episode starts with a celebration of Dolly Parton's extraordinary generosity and cultural impact, then moves into a serious theological conversation about hypocrisy, leadership, and what makes a church spiritually healthy or toxic. Mike, Suzie, and Tim connect Jesus' warnings in Matthew 23 and Luke 12 to modern church culture, power, and the temptation to perform righteousness rather than live it.Why was Dolly Parton so universally loved, from the left to the right? Should Churches have a tax exempt status or does that malform the Church, structuring it like a business? How are we, today, to relate to the Pharisees and Jesus's warnings about their posture?Timestamps00:00 - Dolly Parton as a cultural and moral icon01:00 - Surprising examples of Dolly's generosity03:00 - Why Dolly is beloved across ideological lines05:25 - The question of doctrinal purity and salvation06:53 - Rob Bell versus Mark Driscoll and the “greater heresy” debate08:08 - Measuring a life by fruit, dignity, and consistency12:05 - Benny Johnson, Rome, and the irony of Christian empire language15:07 - Listener question: can 501(c)(3) status shape toxic church culture?16:40 - Suzie on tax status versus church culture18:28 - When tax structure becomes an opportunity for corruption21:37 - Tim on systemic abuse and why the model feels broken24:41 - Why leadership still matters in the New Testament26:08 - Ephesians 4 and leadership for church flourishing27:33 - Hebrews 13, submission, and the danger of abusive authority31:48 - Spiritual leadership modeled by Jesus, not American hierarchy34:29 - Paul's refusal to build status around himself35:51 - Teaching through the first woe in Matthew 2339:40 - Hypocrisy as “judging under” and split identity41:30 - The yeast of the Pharisees as corrupting influence43:49 - Fear, sparrows, and what Jesus says to disciples under pressure47:38 - Three ways truth gets exposed: life, persecution, and final judgment51:23 - Gehenna as a kingdom image, not a simplistic hell map54:17 - The God who judges also knows and loves you55:23 - Public confession, denial, and persecution56:17 - Tim on work, power, and the American dream as a church model58:38 - Why the point is not only identifying Pharisees, but avoiding becoming them61:06 - Suzie on famous failures, confession, and being found out in mercy63:35 - How secrecy and lack of truth-telling deepen corruptionAs always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.Our Merch Store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_marketLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy