Podcasts about Eternal

Live in such a way that when you stand before Christ, you will hear the words every believer longs for:“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

What does it mean to carry the legacy of a legendary musician while forging your own path in the world of music? Join host Buzz Knight on this encore episode of takin' a walk as he engages in a heartfelt conversation with A J Croce , the talented songwriter and pianist who not only shares his journey in music but also the profound impact of his father, the iconic Jim Croce. A. J. opens up about the emotional challenges of losing his father at a young age and how he discovered the depth of his father's music and legacy, a journey that shaped his own artistic identity. Throughout this episode, Buzz Knight dives into A. J. 's album, Heart of the Eternal, exploring the creative process that brought it to life. A J Croce shares insights into how he blends diverse musical influences—from jazz and rock to country—creating a unique sound that resonates with listeners. As they walk through the stories behind the songs, A. J. emphasizes the importance of collaboration, recounting his experiences working with legendary artists like Ray Charles and Leon Russell. These musician storytelling moments highlight the magic that happens when creative minds come together. This episode of takin' a walk is not just about music; it’s about resilience, legacy, and the transformative power of art. A. J. Croce's journey is a testament to how music can heal, inspire, and connect us all. As Buzz Knight guides listeners through this engaging conversation, you'll gain music history insights that will deepen your appreciation for the American music landscape and the indie music journey that A J Croce represents. Whether you're a fan of classic rock history or simply someone who loves musician interviews, this episode is packed with inspiring music stories that will leave you reflecting on your own life and the music that shapes it. Don’t miss out on this enriching episode of takin' a walk, where Buzz Knight and A. J. Croce explore the stories behind albums and the artistic reinvention that comes from embracing one’s roots and influences. Tune in for a walk through the heart of music, and discover how the threads of legacy and personal growth intertwine in the life of a musician. Join us for a conversation that celebrates the cultural impact of music and the inspiring artist interviews that remind us why we love this art form. #american music #music history on foot #inspiring music stories #career breakthrough #music legends #classic rock stories #Jim Croce stories #inspiring icons #songwriting stories #iconic musician #Leon Russell stories #viral music success #best musician interview podcastSupport the show: https://takinawalk.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  2 Corinthians 4:17-18 CSB “For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

Meet Mackenzie Murphy of Eternal Elegance Salon in Cornelius, NC. Learn about her personalized salon experience, entrepreneurship journey, and upcoming Lake Norman events.In this episode, Jeff sits down with Mackenzie Murphy, owner of Eternal Elegance Salon in Cornelius, to talk about entrepreneurship, intentional beauty services, and building a client experience that goes beyond hair.Mackenzie shares how growing up in a family of entrepreneurs shaped her work ethic and inspired her to launch her own salon in 2023. Rather than creating a rushed, high-volume environment, Eternal Elegance focuses on personalized consultations, face and color analysis, and a custom “prescription” approach designed to deliver healthy, long-lasting results.The conversation explores:• Mackenzie's journey into cosmetology and early business ownership• Why intentional client experience is the foundation of her salon• The partnership with Groomed and the elevated salon environment• Marketing, networking, and collaborating with local businesses• Launching Divine Links — her luxury hair extension brand• The importance of relationships and creating a safe, welcoming space• Future plans to expand spa-style services and salon experiencesMackenzie also talks about the personal side of entrepreneurship — balancing work with travel, fitness, and downtime — and why connection and care remain central to her vision.Listeners receive a special bonus: mention this episode when booking your first appointment to receive a complimentary treatment.And don;t miss the special event at Overflow! Thursday, 2/12 @ 4-8pmLearn more or book a consultation:Website: eternalelegance-salon.comInstagram/TikTok: @eternal.elegance.salonPhone: 704-928-7454---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lake Norman's #1 Podcast & Email NewsletterThe Best of LKNhttps://thebestoflkn.com/Hosted by:Jeff Hammwww.lknreal.comSupport the show

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  2 Corinthians 4:17-18 CSB “For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

Would you trade your future for a bowl of soup?

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260212dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jesus said] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 Be the Light for Others! Where I live, winter can be a dark time of year. In fact, during several months of the year, the sun goes down well before 5 P.M. During that time of the year, when I come home after an evening class or meeting, it is already quite dark. So dark, in fact, that it can be difficult for me to find the doorknob in the garage door. And if I do find it, the darkness makes it almost impossible for me to line up the key with the lock to enter the house. It is certainly a lot easier if someone else in my family remembers to leave the outside light on. With the light on, it is so much easier to see and to enter. Life can be like that. It can be very difficult—even impossible—to find our way to God. Each day, we encounter so many different thoughts and ideas and religions. We stumble over the idea that there are many paths to God. We get lost in the darkness of the encouragement to do whatever makes us happy. We can’t find the door because we are often convinced that we are good enough for heaven all on our own, if we just try hard enough. Jesus shines in the darkness and shows us the way home to heaven. His life, death, and resurrection cut through all the darkness and clearly show us the only way to heaven. Through faith in him, we see clearly and can enter through the door to leave the darkness behind. With the love of Jesus shining in our hearts, we can now be the light for others. Let it shine! Live your faith. Let your words and actions shine the light on Jesus in this dark world so that others, too, can find the way home to heaven. Prayer: Dear Jesus, shine in me that I may show others the way to you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

What if becoming who God is calling you to be requires leaving the survival version of yourself, not just a physical location? Dr. Jenae Nelson explores Abraham's journey as a path toward covenant identity, healing from trauma, and claiming priesthood power, weaving scripture with her own story of loss, faith, and courageous belonging.YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/rCgXKFOYdBcALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIMpodcast.comFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBookWEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletterSOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE00:00 Part 1 - Dr. Jenae Nelson01:56 Episode Teaser02:36 Bio04:30 Come, Follow Me Manual05:30 Abandoned children and tokens07:56 Father of three religions11:17 Restoring to the Abrahamic Covenant16:14 Understanding the Gathering19:15 President Oaks and Priesthood Authority22:20 Blessings of our fathers (and mothers)25:48 Becoming a change maker29:53 Eternal identity34:40 The Comeback Podcast37:30 The capacity for righteous living40:01 Survival skills and leaving behind old tools43:23 What is a boundary?46:28 Why Abraham? And unanswered prayers51:43 Mistaken identity56:58 A new convert 1:02:32 The Book of Mormon speaks to Israel1:06:09 Faith requires uncertainty1:10:03 The Abrahamic Covenant and becoming a finisher1:14: 58 End of Part 1 - Dr. Jenae NelsonThanks 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

Riding through Cleveland with Bone Thugs-n-Harmony means Moulz & Mel have to be especially careful not to catch a slug, because their review of E. 1999 Eternal might not go over so well with the group, especially given the influences they're under. ------------------------------------ Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (6:31 - 9:12) -- The Rap Rankings Game (33:04) -- This Week In Moulz & Mel (2:26:36) -- E. 1999 Eternal Info (2:42:01) -- Track 1: "Da Introduction" (3:05:15) -- Track 2: "East 1999" (3:26:45) -- Track 3: "Eternal" (3:38:19) -- Track 4: "Crept & We Came" (3:50:11) -- Track 5: "Down '71 (The Getaway)" (4:00:43) -- Track 6: "Mr. Bill Collector" (4:16:23) -- Track 7: "Budsmokers Only" (4:22:51) -- Track 8: "Crossroads" (4:34:04) -- Track 9: "Me Killa (Skit)" (4:46:18) -- Track 10: "Land Of Tha Heartless" (4:51:39) -- Track 11: "No Shorts, No Losses" (4:54:25) -- Track 12: "1st Of Tha Month" (4:59:34) -- Track 13: "Buddah Lovaz" (5:21:53) -- Track 14: "Die Die Die" (5:31:39) -- Track 15: "Mr. Ouija 2 (Skit)" (5:36:29) -- Track 16: "Mo' Murda" (5:37:49) -- Track 17: "Shotz To Tha Double Glock" (5:47:25) -- Ranking E. 1999 Eternal (5:49:00) -- Outro (5:51:54)

If you're an Eternal player who's feeling burned out on Magic: The Gathering Legacy…This might be the healthiest side-quest you can take.Today we're doing a crossover between Eternal Durdles and Common Sense Sorcery to answer one question:Why should Legacy, Vintage, Premodern, and Old School players try Sorcery: Contested Realm?We break it down simply:• 1 set per year (no product treadmill)• Slower, skill-testing gameplay (positioning > “gotcha” cards)• Hand-painted art, zero IP crossovers• Affordable deckbuilding (1-of mythics, not 4-of staples)• Designers who actually listen and patch mistakes fast• A format that feels like old-school Magic used toPhil talks about almost quitting Legacy entirely… and how Sorcery brought back that “I want to play cards again” feeling.If you love Eternal Magic but hate the churn, the power creep, and the constant spoiler seasons — this might be exactly what you're looking for.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260211dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 1 Peter 2:11 Prepare for Battle Is today shaping up to look a lot like yesterday? And the day before it? Life sure can settle into a routine, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Routines and habits can be blessings in our lives. But the same familiar rhythms of our daily lives can also lull us into a false sense of security in our spiritual lives. Because we end up doing the same thing most days, we can easily forget that the stakes are very high. The Bible says that every day is a spiritual battle. Each day, there is a battle in a long spiritual war that we’ll be waging until we leave this earth. This battle is an internal one. The attacks come from our own sinful desires that fight against how God wants us to live our lives. Are you fighting that battle? Or have you quit putting up a fight, maybe without even realizing it? The culture around us wears us down and we may not even know we are often losing the battle, whether it is through the language we choose to use, the things we daydream about, or the actions that have become habits for us. These daily battles are serious: our souls are the target. The devil is trying to destroy our souls, and he uses our own desires to do it! Because we so often fail to put up a fight, we most definitely should lose the battle and have our souls condemned forever. Thankfully, we have one in our corner who fights for us. His name is Jesus, and he was born into this world for the specific purpose of going to battle on our behalf. To do so, he lived a perfect life in our place, daily defeating every temptation he faced. Then he gave his life in our place, to die the death that we deserved, even though he was completely innocent of all sin. Finally, he rose from the dead to guarantee our victory. In Jesus, the war has been won! Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to be ready for battle each day with the knowledge that in you I have victory. Help me to fight the good fight of faith. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

From the 2026 EFCA Theology Conference, Dr. Geoff Chang—professor of historical theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary—unpacks the doctrine of heaven and eternal blessedness by looking to the historical consensus of the Church.

From the 2026 EFCA Theology Conference, Dr. Michael Wittmer—professor of systematic and historical theology at Cornerstone Theological Seminary—explores the doctrine of heaven and eternal blessedness through a lens of biblical truth and systematic theology.

From the 2026 EFCA Theology Conference—Dr. Ben Skaug, pastor at Bell Shoals Church—breaks down the doctrine of hell and eternal conscious punishment as it applies to pastoral perspective and practice.

From the 2026 EFCA Theology Conference, Dr. Michael McClymond—professor of modern Christianity at Saint Louis University—unpacks the doctrine of hell and eternal conscious punishment by looking to the historical consensus of the Church.

From the 2026 EFCA Theology Conference, Dr. Tom Schreiner—associate dean and professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary—explores the doctrine of hell and eternal conscious punishment through a lens of biblical truth and systematic theology.

From the 2026 EFCA Theology Conference, Dr. Mickey Klink—pastor of Hope Evangelical Free Church—breaks down the doctrine of heaven and eternal blessedness as it applies to pastoral perspective and practice.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260210dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 Who Are You? Have you found yourself yet? Many of us are on a quest to find ourselves, or at least were at one time in our lives. We live in a world so full of people, groups, and ideas that we wonder where we fit. And so, we spend much of our lives searching for an identity—looking for a way to define ourselves. There is no shortage of possible answers to the question. Perhaps we define ourselves through our athletic or musical abilities. As our skill and prowess grow, so does our self-esteem. Or maybe we define ourselves by our level of popularity. As our reputation with others increases, so does our own feeling of self-worth. We may define ourselves through our careers. As we climb the ladder of success, we also climb the ladder of value in our own eyes. Have you discovered the problem with all these methods of finding or defining ourselves? Eventually, (hopefully before it is too late), we discover the emptiness of all these things. We will inevitably find others who are more athletically or musically gifted than we are. There will no doubt be something we do or say that will harm our reputation with others. And we will likely have one business failure or another. When all these things happen, our sense of value, identity, and self-worth will be shattered. Then what? Thankfully, God has provided the answer to the question, “Who are you?” Through the work of Jesus as our Savior, God has made us his chosen people. He says that we are his “special possession.” This happened because Jesus came to live and die in our place to take our sins away and to make us right with God. Through faith in Jesus, we now have a new identity. We are God's people. And that is an identity that can never be taken away from us. Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, thank you for making me yours through faith in Jesus. Help me to always and only find my identity as your child. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

John's Gospel reveals Jesus as the eternal Word, connecting Him to God's creative power in Genesis. This title shows three crucial truths: Jesus is pre-existent, meaning He has always been God and Creator of all things. He is revelatory, shining light into darkness to expose truth and show us the way forward. Most importantly, He is personal - the Word became flesh and dwells among us, not as a distant concept but as someone who walks through our struggles with us. When we receive Jesus and believe in His name, we become children of God through spiritual rebirth.

Clementine Keith Roach, 2020 Courtesy P·P·O·W, New York. Photo: Teddy Park Clementine Keith-Roach (b. 1984) received a BA in Art History from University of Bristol, Bristol, UK and now lives and works in Dorset, UK. She has exhibited at P·P·O·W, New York, NY; Ben Hunter Gallery, London, UK; MOCA, Los Angeles, CA; Blue Projects, London, UK; Centre Regional D'art Contemporain (CRAC), Sète, France; The Villa Lontana, Rome, Italy; Open Space Contemporary, London, UK; Pervilion, Palermo, Italy and London, UK; The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Wellcome Collection, London, UK; Kasmin, New York, NY; and Villa Lontana, Rome, Italy; among others. She is also an editor of Effects, a journal of art, poetry and essays. Keith-Roach's work was featured on the cover of Art in America's September 2022 issue illustrating Glenn Adamson's article Monuments for the Moment, which contextualizes her vessels alongside other influential sculptors including Baseera Khan, Julia Kunin, and Martin Puryear. She presented her first solo exhibition with P·P·O·W in 2024, and her fourth solo exhibition with Ben Hunter Gallery in 2025. Clementine Keith-Roach, Eternal return, 2024 terracotta vessel, plaster, wood, steel, epoxy putty and acrylic paint 23 5/8 x 42 1/2 x 37 3/4 ins. 60 x 108 x 96 cm Courtesy of Clementine Keith-Roach; Ben Hunter Gallery, London; and P·P·O·W, New York Photo: Damian Griffiths Clementine Keith-Roach, I is another, 2024 terracotta vessel, plaster and resin composite, wood, steel, epoxy putty and acrylic paint 20 1/2 x 58 1/4 x 29 7/8 ins. 52 x 148 x 76 cm Courtesy of Clementine Keith-Roach; Ben Hunter Gallery, London; and P·P·O·W, New York Photo: Damian Griffiths

Monday February 9, 2026V Week After Epiphany Today's readings warn us about the danger of short-sighted choices and invite us into a life anchored in what truly lasts. In Genesis 25:19–34, Esau trades his birthright for a single meal—valuing the immediate over the eternal.Hebrews 13:1–16 calls believers to steady, sacrificial faith expressed through love, hospitality, contentment, and continual praise. And in John 7:37–52, Jesus cries out that anyone who is thirsty should come to Him and drink, offering living water that satisfies far deeper than temporary cravings.This episode challenges us to resist the pull of the moment, hold fast to what God has promised, and come daily to Christ—the only source of lasting satisfaction.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260209dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD. Exodus 19:8 Don’t Worry About the Fine Print “Sign here, here, and here, and write your initials here, and here, and here.” If you have ever signed a contract, you have heard those words. Whether putting a downpayment on a house, buying a car, or adopting a life insurance policy, you are asked to sign your name and agree to all the fine print. So much fine print! With such documents there are pages and pages of legal expectations and ramifications. It is all overwhelming at the moment and the best we can do in a few minutes is to briefly skim the headings to get a vague idea of what it is we are agreeing to. Names are signed in the hope that this will not come back to bite us. Agreeing to keep God’s law is similar. On the surface, God’s law might look simple. I mean, there are only ten commandments, right? But the more we dig into the fine print; we realize that there is much more than meets the eye. Even a quick perusal of God’s law to us in the Bible shows that we are held accountable for even our thoughts, in addition to our words and actions. Things like doubt and worry leave us just as culpable as theft or murder. It soon becomes evident that there is no way we can perfectly hold up our end of the bargain. Thankfully, we have someone who did it for us. Jesus knew all the demands of God’s law, and he signed his name on the dotted line of our contract. And then he was born into this world to take our place and to do the work of holding up our end of the bargain. He even did it perfectly! He never once sinned. He also gave his life in our place to pay the price that was demanded of us for the times we had broken the contract. Because of Jesus’ work in our place, God held up his end of the deal and has forgiven our sins and given us the free gift of heaven! Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for signing your name and holding up my end of the deal. Thank you for saving me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

James 1:9-11

Welcome! We Are Glad You Are Here!Today we are in Hebrews 7Jesus, Our Eternal High PriestFollow along in the following verses in order of presentationGenesis 14:12, 2 Peter 3:3-4, Hebrews 6:19-20, Psalm 110, Genesis 14:12-20, Hebrew 7:1-3, Joshua 5:13-15, Daniel 3:25, John 8:56, Hebrews 7:4-10, Hebrews 7:11-17, Hebrews 7:18-19, Hebrews 10:3-4, Romans 8:3, Hebrews 7:19-25, Hebrews 7:26-27, Exodus 32, Hebrews 7:27-28

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260208dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jesus said] “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 Shining Faith One way you can share the precious love of God with others is to simply live your faith. Love others as God loves you. Let your Christian joy be evident to all. You may be trying to reach a lost spouse, a straying college student, or a rebellious teenager. You may be trying to raise young children, reach a spiritually indifferent neighbor, coworker, or bowling buddy. Jesus says that the sincere and authentic way that you live your faith will influence others. Oh yes, we know that some will reject Jesus. But others will be led to find out what makes us tick. Then we can tell them what we have been showing them with our lives—the love of Jesus. The real story of our Savior is such a powerful message that it leads people to put their faith in the heavenly Father and glorify him. There certainly are many reasons to live our faith. We love because Christ first loved us. Sadly, we have given Christ many reasons to forsake us, but he has remained faithful to his promises and to us. In obedience and love to his Father and in love for us, he willingly walked to the cross and gave his holy blood as a complete sacrifice for our sins. The Father has declared us perfect in his sight through Jesus. By living our faith, we show thankfulness to our loving God. We have another reason to live our faith. Jesus died not only for us but for all people. When we live our faith, others will be attracted to learn about God and his love. Therefore, our Christian lives give thanks to God and are directed toward the salvation of all people. What glorious purpose for our lives! So let your faith shine brightly. Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to let my light shine wherever I am and whatever I do. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Speaker: Bruce Chick

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260207dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 1 Kings 18:36-37 Praying with Purpose If you are like me, there is a good chance that at some time in your life, you prayed for millions of dollars. Especially when I was a child, I had a long list of things that I would do with those million dollars. Of course, I would give some of it to church, but the main point of asking was to get something for myself. Maybe things change when you grow up a little. Perhaps you no longer say as many self-centered prayers. Yet, because we are sinful human beings, our prayers can still be tainted with improper motivation: selfishness, greed, and pride. When Elijah prayed, he prayed with a purpose that displayed Godly motivation. When he confronted the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, he wasn’t there to bring glory to himself. He didn’t pray ‘Lord, if this doesn’t work, I’m really going to look stupid!’ Elijah had but one reason for asking God to consume the altar he had built with fire: “…so these people will know that you, “LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” When we pray for ministries, job opportunities, and any blessing from God, we may be tempted to pray with all kinds of selfish motives. But remember that what matters in this world is not so much WHAT we accomplish, but FOR WHOM we accomplish it. Like Elijah, we too can pray with this one purpose in mind: that people may know that the Lord is God. Then, however God chooses to answer our prayers, we will continue to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. Prayer: Heavenly Father, move my heart to utter prayers that are pleasing in your sight. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Living Beyond the Now: Creating an Eternal Impact Through Faith

It’s easy to get weighed down by life here—by suffering, distraction, temptation, and the constant pull of what feels urgent or important in the moment. This devotional gently lifts our eyes upward, reminding us that as followers of Christ, this world is not our final destination. Our true citizenship is in heaven. Using the image of citizenship, the reflection invites us to consider how our lives reflect where we truly belong. Our values, choices, habits, and hopes are meant to point beyond the temporary and toward eternity. When our focus drifts too heavily toward earthly desires, it becomes easier to feel discouraged, anxious, or spiritually entangled. Scripture reminds us that Jesus is preparing a place for His people and that one day, everything broken will be made right. Even now, while we live on earth, God is at work sanctifying us—shaping us to look more like Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. This process of transformation is not wasted; it’s leading us home. When the world feels dark or overwhelming, fixing our gaze on our heavenly home restores perspective and hope. We are not just surviving here—we are living with purpose, carrying the message of Christ, and waiting with confidence for the return of our King. Main Takeaways Believers live on earth, but their true citizenship is in heaven. Eternal perspective helps guard our hearts against worldly distraction and temptation. Sanctification is a daily process that prepares us for eternal glory. Fixing our eyes on heaven brings hope when life feels heavy or dark. Remembering our heavenly home strengthens our obedience and gospel mission. Today’s Bible Verse “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself” (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV). Your Daily Prayer Here is a brief excerpt from today’s prayer: “Help me to have a heavenly perspective… When the world gets dark, help me to fix my eyes on my heavenly home.” You can listen to the prayer here or read the full prayer and devotional at the links below. Looking for more daily encouragement and faith-filled content? LifeAudio – Christian podcasts, devotionals, and prayers at LifeAudio.com Crosswalk – Faith, Bible study, and Christian living resources at Crosswalk.com This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.orgTrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. https://trinitycredit.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this Faith Friday edition of Morning Manna, the focus centers on John 6:47–48, where Jesus makes one of His clearest and most powerful declarations: “He who believes in Me has everlasting life… I am the bread of life.” Eternal life is not earned through works or rituals but received through belief in Christ alone. Just as bread sustains physical life, Jesus alone sustains spiritual life. Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart explore what it means to truly believe, why faith is the only doorway to eternal life, and how Christ Himself is the essential nourishment for every soul that longs to live. Lesson 25-2026 Teachers: Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart You can partner with us by visiting MannaNation.com, calling 1-888-519-4935, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961. MEGA FIRE reveals the ancient recurring cycles of war and economic collapse that have shaped history for 600 years. These patterns predict America is now entering its most dangerous period since World War II. Get your copy today! www.megafire.world Get high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves! www.AmericanReserves.com It's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today! www.Amazon.com/Final-Day Apple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books! www.books.apple.com/final-day Purchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today. www.Sacrificingliberty.com

Shai Linne celebrates the union and joy found in the Trinity and the believer's participation in it. Drawing from Jesus' prayer in John 17:20-26, Linne explores Christ's desire that believers experience the same oneness with God and one another that exists within the Godhead, and that they behold His glory and experience the Father's eternal love for the Son.  Jesus prays that believers may see His glory and experience the Father's love that has existed since before the foundation of the world, creating the possibility of participating in the eternal joy of the Trinity itself. The love, unity, and delight of the Godhead becomes the model and promise for all believers. Cultivate your awareness of the eternal joy and love within the Trinity that you are invited to share and delight in. Scripture: John 17:20-26 Topics: Trinity, Unity, God's glory, Eternal love, Joy in God

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260206dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 Peacemaking What is a peacemaker? A peacemaker is someone who steps into tension with a goal, not to win, not to escape, but to bring peace. That sounds noble. It also sounds exhausting. Especially when we remember that people are complicated and disagreements are real, and peace isn’t always welcome. So, Jesus’ words come to us both as a comfort and a challenge: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Before we think about what it means for us to make peace, we need to start with the One who made peace with us. The Bible says that by nature we weren’t neutral toward God. We were actually opposed to him. Our sin created a war we couldn’t end. Yet God didn't stand at a distance, demanding that we make the first move. Instead, he sent his Son to reconcile us to himself. Jesus made peace not by ignoring sin but by carrying it. Not by pretending the conflict didn’t matter but by absorbing its full cost in his own body on the cross. His resurrection declared victory. Peace is now yours, fully and forever. That peace with God becomes the foundation for peace with others. Peacemaking doesn’t mean surrendering truth. It doesn’t mean allowing harm to continue or pretending wrong is right. It means approaching every person in conflict as someone who has been forgiven much and loved deeply. It means speaking truth without hostility, offering grace without conditions, and seeking understanding instead of retaliation. Peacemaking is often quiet and unseen, but Jesus sees it. And here is his promise: “They will be called children of God.” Not because peacemaking earns your place in God’s family, but because it reflects the character of the Father who brought you into it. Every act of peacemaking whispers that you are blessed to belong to the God who made peace with you through Christ. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for making peace between God and me. Give me a heart that is gentle, truthful, and willing to seek peace. Help me reflect your love in every conflict I face. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Jesus's glory is revealed in the prayer he prayed for his disciples at the end of his life. Eternal life is in knowing Him as Lord.

Parshas Yitro 5786 ספר שמות פרק יח פסוק י ‫וישמע יתרו כהן מדין חתן משה את כל אשר עשה אלהים למשה ולישראל עמו כי הוציא יקוק את ישראל ממצרים׃‬ _Sefer Shemot Chapter 18 Verse 10_ _Jethro priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard all that Hashem had done for Moses and for Israel—Hashem's people: how the Eternal had brought Israel out from Egypt._

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260205dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7 Mercy If mercy were easy, Jesus wouldn’t have needed to preach about it. Mercy means showing compassion when it isn’t earned and giving kindness when it isn’t deserved. Mercy steps toward people who disappoint us, inconvenience us, or wound us, which are not usually moments when we feel particularly “blessed.” That is why Jesus’ words might surprise us: “Blessed are the merciful.” The world often views mercy as a sign of weakness. Jesus calls it evidence of a heart transformed by grace. To understand mercy, we start not with what we give, but with what we’ve been given. Think about the mercy Christ has shown you. He saw you long before you cleaned up your behavior or learned Christian vocabulary. He saw you tangled in sin, burdened by guilt, and unable to fix yourself. And instead of turning away, he drew near. Mercy carried him through dusty villages to the forgotten and the broken. Mercy led him to wash the feet of his disciples who would soon abandon him. Mercy moved him to pray for his executioners even as they drove nails through his hands. Mercy kept him on the cross, where he took the punishment you and I had earned so that we could receive the forgiveness we could never deserve. That is the mercy that saved you. And that mercy now shapes your life. When Jesus calls you blessed for showing mercy, he isn’t saying you earn God’s favor by being kind enough or forgiving enough. He is saying that those who know his mercy begin to reflect it. Mercy is not a task to perform but a fruit that grows in a heart touched by grace. The same mercy that met you at the cross meets you again every morning, covering your failures, lifting your spirit, and renewing your ability to show mercy to others. You give mercy because you live from mercy. And that makes you blessed indeed. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the mercy you show me every day. Let your compassion soften my heart, guide my words, and shape my actions, so that others may see your love through me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

It's your business to do whatever God has assigned to you. But as you consciously depend on the Lord Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit who indwells the believer – as you consciously depend upon your Lord – what you do becomes eternally significant. Broadcast #6996To help support this podcast, please visit walkwiththeking.org/donate and select "Podcast" from the dropdown menuA transcript of this broadcast is available on our website here. To hear more from Bob Cook, you can find Walk With The King on Facebook or Instagram.

What does a retired USAF fighter weapon systems officer write after decades at NORAD? Join host Khudania Ajay (KAJ) with author Terrence Rotering as we explore the creation of his ten-book Chronicles Series, an epic multiverse where fantasy, science fiction, and spiritual warfare collide. We discuss the "godwinks" that guided the writing, the unique "egg within an egg" narrative structure, and how his work empowers readers to see they are already equipped for their own battles, unlike the heroes of Tolkien or Lewis. This masterclass unveils the process of building a complete saga and the mindset of a storyteller who has navigated both real-world missions and fictional multiverses. Explore the art of epic storytelling at https://kajmasterclass.com.=========================================*KAJ Masterclass*A video-first, conversation-led knowledge platform featuring thoughtful conversations with leaders, professionals, authors, and experts across leadership, business, health, technology, and the changing world of work. Each conversation is designed to help people learn, reflect, and take meaningful action.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260204dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 Jesus Gives Us Comfort At first glance, Jesus’ words sound contradictory. Blessed are those who mourn? Most of us spend our days trying to avoid sorrow, rather than embracing it. We fill our schedules, distract our minds, and tighten our emotional armor so we don’t have to face the things that hurt. Mourning doesn’t feel like a blessing. It feels like breaking. But Jesus knows something we often forget. Sorrow has a way of bringing us to the end of ourselves so that we can find our beginning in him. When Jesus speaks of those who mourn, he certainly includes those weighed down by the griefs and losses that come with living in a broken world. But Jesus also speaks of a deeper mourning: sorrow over sin. There is a particular kind of ache that comes when God's Word exposes truths we’d rather not face. And here is Jesus’ promise: “They will be comforted.” Not “might be.” Not “if they pull themselves together.” They will be comforted. The comfort Jesus gives is not the shallow reassurance that things aren’t so bad. It is the deep comfort of forgiveness fully won at the cross. It is the comfort of a Savior who sits with you in the ashes and lifts your chin to remind you that your sins are nailed to his cross and cannot condemn you anymore. It is the comfort of a Shepherd who walks with you through the darkest valleys and promises that no grief will have the final word, not even death. His empty tomb guarantees it. So, if you live today with sorrow, whether sorrow over life’s wounds or sorrow over your own sin, hear Jesus’ gentle blessing. You are not abandoned, forgotten, or cursed. You are blessed because Christ comes near to comfort you with mercy that does not run dry. Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me to bring my sorrows and my sins to you. Comfort me with your forgiveness, strengthen me with your presence, and fill my heart with the hope only you can give. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

In this in-depth episode of Hidden Wisdom, Meghan Farner shares five core practices that accelerate spiritual growth, drawn from her own lived experience of awakening, healing, and deepened relationship with God.Moving beyond passive obedience and performative religion, this episode invites listeners into spiritual adulthood—where personal accountability, direct revelation, embodied healing, and courage replace fear-based faith. Meghan explores what it truly means to inquire of the Lord, pursue spiritual rebirth, reframe repentance as healing, and release the subtle fears that keep us spiritually stalled.Grounded in scripture, personal revelation, and esoteric Christian wisdom, this conversation is for seekers who want a lived experience of the divine, not just belief—without dismantling family, community, or faith. If you're longing for faster growth, deeper discernment, and a more embodied connection to God, this episode offers a clear and compassionate path forward.00:00 – 02:30 | Introduction, context, and why spiritual growth can accelerate02:30 – 05:20 | Why faith expansion doesn't require burning everything down05:20 – 07:30 | Why Meghan reflects on growth, timing, and spiritual maturity07:30 – 15:35 | Practice 1: Personal accountability & reclaiming spiritual authority15:35 – 24:40 | Practice 2: Inquiring of the Lord & direct revelation24:40 – 25:40 | Asking courageous questions & trusting God will answer25:40 – 31:40 | Practice 3: Spiritual rebirth, awakening, and sanctification31:40 – 34:50 | Awakening vs justification vs sanctification34:50 – 40:45 | Practice 4: Repentance as healing, integration, and remission40:45 – 46:10 | Eternal law, embodiment, and becoming a pure vessel46:10 – 51:50 | Practice 5: Releasing fear (deception, isolation, the body, God)51:50 – 54:30 | Bonus: Why seekers get stuck—and how to keep going54:30 – 56:50 | Dark nights, integration, and growing grace for grace56:50 – 58:20 | Final invitation: sanctification, embodiment, and continuing the journey Join the Contemplative Prayer + Meditation Q&A with Meghan and Phil McLemore, on February 16th at 7pm MT. Register here! Hidden Wisdom initiates truth-seekers into the Mysteries, guiding listeners toward a lived experience of the Divine that awakens and transforms faith—without dismantling family or community. This podcast is perfect for women (and men) exploring faith renovation, spiritual awakening, Christian mysticism, sacred wisdom, and embodied spiritual growth. Pursue your Journey: ✨ Hidden Wisdom App – Coming Spring 2026! Pathway programs, community, library, events and more! Join the waitlist for updates, sneak peeks, and discounts!

1. A Better Priest Because of a Better Promise 2. A Better Priest Because He Lives Forever 3. A Better Priest Because He Saves Completely and Is Perfect for Us

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260203dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30 Wisdom from God If you have ever wondered what it means for your identity to be Christian, wonder no longer. This Bible verse answers the question. Everything a person is as a believer begins and ends with Christ. The Bible says that Christ “has become for us wisdom from God.” That means you don’t have to figure out how to reach God. You don’t have to decode spiritual mysteries through your own intelligence or intuition. God’s wisdom has already come to you, wrapped in the person of Jesus. When you look at Christ crucified, you see God’s heart, God's plan, and God’s love laid bare. Christ is your righteousness. Think of that word the way a judge would. Righteousness means innocence, a perfect record, a spotless standing before the law. You don't earn it. You don’t polish it. You don’t maintain it by good performance. Through faith, Christ gives you his own record, his own obedience, his own perfection. In Christ, God looks at you and sees “not guilty.” He is your holiness, too. Holiness isn’t about how flawless you feel on your best days. It’s about being set apart by God as his treasured child. Because of Jesus, you are declared holy even when your heart feels cluttered with the same old sins. Your status in God's family rests on Christ, not on the strength of your spiritual progress. And Christ is your redemption. That word pictures a price paid, a slave set free, a prisoner released. Jesus didn’t just speak forgiveness over you; he purchased it with his own blood. He didn’t just open the door of your cell; he walked you out into the sunlight of a new life. So today, remember what defines you. Not your success or failure. Not your feelings or fears. Not your wisdom or weakness. Christ is your wisdom, your righteousness, your holiness, your redemption. In other words, you have everything you need in him. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being everything I need. Teach me to rest in your righteousness, walk in your holiness, and trust in your redeeming love. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Where do we find purpose and meaning? Do you find meaning in your job, or by gaining knowledge and wisdom. Do you see value in money and possessions or maybe in entertainment and pleasurable experiences? Solomon was the wisest man on earth and he ultimately concluded that all these things were meaningless. Not because he didn't find satisfaction in a job well done, enjoy fun experiences, or see the benefit of wisdom, but because they all have their limits. He couldn't take any of his possessions with him when he died. The more knowledge he gained, the more evil he was aware of, which only brought him heartache. There was no way to be happy all the time so if that the purpose of life, it was a disappointment. In the end, the only thing that matters is the things that will last forever, which are the things of God. If we live for Him on this earth, then He will give us abundant and eternal life.

Worship with us 9 + 11am 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010 https://flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit This sermon from Flourishing Grace Church centers on Luke 18:18–30 and the encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler, a passage that confronts one of the most common spiritual questions people carry beneath the surface of everyday life: Am I okay. Preaching from the Gospel of Luke, Josh Brown explores how this question often drives us toward self validation, performance, and control rather than toward true surrender and faith in Jesus Christ. The message challenges listeners to examine the subtle ways we seek reassurance through morality, success, comfort, wealth, or religious activity instead of trusting fully in God's grace. The rich young ruler approaches Jesus with what sounds like a sincere spiritual question about inheriting eternal life, yet Jesus exposes a deeper issue of the heart. Rather than asking how to be saved, the ruler is seeking confirmation that he is already good enough. Jesus responds not by offering affirmation but by calling for allegiance. This sermon explains how Jesus lovingly disrupts self confidence and exposes whatever sits on the throne of our lives, whether money, control, family, identity, or comfort. The call to sell possessions and follow Christ is not a universal command to poverty, but a targeted invitation to release false saviors and trust Jesus as Lord. Throughout the message, the sermon highlights the difference between wanting Jesus to reassure us and wanting Jesus to rule us. Drawing from Luke's narrative, it shows how wealth and self sufficiency can function as rival saviors that promise security but leave us spiritually bound. Jesus' words about the camel and the eye of the needle are not meant to offer a clever solution, but to shut the door on pride and self reliance. Salvation is impossible through human effort, moral achievement, or religious performance, yet it is fully possible through God's power and grace. The heart of the gospel is clearly presented as a gift, not a wage. Eternal life is not earned by those who perform well, but given freely to those who come empty handed, repentant, and dependent on Christ. This sermon emphasizes that Jesus not only calls for surrender but also pays for our rebellion through the cross and resurrection. The statement that what is impossible with man is possible with God is presented as a declaration of salvation, not motivational advice. The message also addresses the cost and reward of following Jesus. While allegiance to Christ may involve real losses in comfort, approval, or control, Jesus promises a greater gain both now and in the age to come. Following Jesus brings a new family, a new identity, a new purpose, and participation in the kingdom of God. This is not a call to misery, but an invitation into freedom, life, and lasting joy. This sermon invites listeners to reflect honestly on what they run to when Jesus feels insufficient and to allow God to expose and heal misplaced trust. It is a call away from striving and performance and toward repentance, faith, and rest in the grace of God. Whether you are new to church, exploring Christianity, or have been following Jesus for years, this message from Luke 18 challenges and encourages believers to lay down false kings and trust fully in Christ, the only one who can save, heal, and give eternal life.

In this episode of Pray the Word on Genesis 46:29, David Platt praises God for the promise of an eternal reunion with all who trust him.Explore more content from Radical.

“Our Teacher” is a collection of essays written by students of Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong). This series is comprised of their personal experiences with the practice and their interactions with Dafa's founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi, when the practice was first taught to the public. The writings were originally published on the Minghui website. Original Articles:1. Precious Memories: An Eternal Witness (Part 1)2. Precious Memories: An Eternal Witness (Part 2)3. Precious Memories: An Eternal Witness (Part 3) To provide feedback on this podcast, please email us at feedback@minghuiradio.org

John 20:31John 1:1-141. WHO IS JESUS? John 1:1-5John calls Jesus "the Word." In Greek, that's Logos.Now, if you were a Greco/Roman listener hearing this, your ears would perk up. Logos was a big deal in Greek philosophy—it meant the rational principle that ordered the universe, the divine reason behind everything.If you were a Jewish listener, you'd think of how God SPOKE creation into existence. "And God SAID, 'Let there be light.'" The Word of God was God's creative, powerful self-expression.John takes both ideas and says, "That Logos? That Word? He's not an 'it.' He's a 'He.' And His name is Jesus."So who is Jesus according to these first five verses?Eternal ("In the beginning was")"In the beginning WAS the Word."Not "in the beginning, the Word came into being." Not "in the beginning, the Word was created."WAS. Already existing. Already there.You know how when you show up late to a party and everyone's already having a good time? Jesus showed up to creation and said, "Oh, this? I was here before the party started. Actually, I planned the party. I AM the party."Jesus is the eternal Word who has always existed, but He entered time so you could enter eternity.Divine ("was God")"The Word was WITH God, and the Word WAS God."This is one of the clearest statements of the deity of Christ in all of Scripture. John is saying two things simultaneously:The Word was WITH God (distinction—two persons)The Word WAS God (unity—one essence)This is the Trinity in seed form. One God, existing eternally in three persons. Father, Son, and Spirit.Now, I know the Trinity can feel like theological gymnastics. Three in one? How does that work? And honestly, if you fully understood it, it probably wouldn't be God. The finite can't fully John Lennox: Consciousness, Energy cant be defined but you believe in them?Creative ("all things were made through Him")"All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made."John is emphatic here. ALL things. Not some things. Not most things. EVERYTHING that exists was made through Jesus.The mountains? Jesus. The oceans? Jesus. Giraffes? Jesus. (And honestly, giraffes alone prove God has a sense of humor. "Let's make a horse... but give it a six-foot neck and a purple tongue." Divine creativity right there.)The Word who spoke creation into existence became part of creation to save it.The same voice that said "Let there be light" would one day say "Lazarus, come forth." The same hands that flung stars into space would be nailed to a Roman cross.Life-giving ("in Him was life")"In him was life, and the life was the light of men."This is important: Jesus doesn't just HAVE life. He IS life. Life isn't something He possesses; it's something He IS.And that life brings light. In a world full of darkness—moral darkness, spiritual darkness, the darkness of not knowing why you're here or where you're going—Jesus shows up as light."The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."I love that. The darkness TRIED. It's been trying since Genesis 3. And it's still trying today. But it hasn't won. It CAN'T win. Because light always defeats darkness. Always.You don't walk into a dark room and watch the darkness push the light out. You flip the switch, and darkness flees. That's what Jesus does.So who is Jesus? He's eternal, divine, creative, and life-giving. He's not a good teacher. He's not a moral example. He's GOD in the flesh.2. WHAT DID JESUS DO? (vv. 6-14)John 1:12-13Jesus doesn't just offer forgiveness (though He does). He doesn't just offer a ticket to heaven (though that's included). He offers FAMILY.Jesus didn't come to give you religion. He came to make you family.You cant earn your way in to God's family, you recive your way in.You don't become a child of God by birth, bloodline, or willpower. You become a child of God by believing.You receive. You believe. And God does the rest.