Podcasts about Eternal

Dr. Philip Allred continues to examine how the Lord's personal nature helps us face suffering and how Moses's encounter with the Adversary highlights the power of Jesus Christ's mission to help God's children return to Him.YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/cNsq2a9S900ALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIM.coFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook  WEEKLY NEWSLETTER https://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter  SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE00:00 Part 2 - Dr. Phllip Allred02:30 A spiritual download05:04 Moses 1 - An overview08:03 A premortal plan12:10 Burning bush, continued?14:54 A vision bigger than imagination20:09 Eternal identity23:47 One thing is unlike the others27:30 Jesus more powerful than the enemy32:05 Satan has to obey34:13 An important conclusion38:21 A “missed” moment with President Oaks41:33 Nevertheless moments matter45:29 Galactic object lesson48:45 Never cease calling on the Lord52:05 What will the Lord do with this world?55:48 A glorified world will include this!58:51 Hank “Because of the Righteousness of Thy Redeemer.”1:02:37 Help me, help Your children1:07:36 Testing Center Revelations1:14:48 French climber wisdom1:19:45 End of Part 2 - Dr. Philip AllredThanks 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

Have you ever wondered, “What is the point of following Jesus?” You may have even heard someone say, “Believe in Jesus so you won't go to hell.” That's part of the story, but the Good News of Jesus is so much bigger! And it's not just about the afterlife. It's also about the now-life! This is how Jesus described eternal life when he was praying to God, His Father…He said, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Eternal life is not just about where you go when you die—it's also about knowing God now. Following Jesus is about a relationship of love, forgiveness, and it's about hope. And it can begin today, and it will last… forever! You can begin right now by praying, “Jesus, I want to know You. Please forgive me. Help me to start now, this eternal friendship with You.” Always remember, there is hope with God. radio.hopewithgod.com

Today we'll wrap up Lloyd's series on sharing the gospel, titled "Eternal Influence".  As we bring you the final message in this series, let me remind you that there is a great opportunity to share right now, with our country and the world in complete turmoil.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251231dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Matthew 2:16 The Comfort of Christmas Herod, furious that the Magi left without telling him where Jesus was, went scorched earth and ordered every boy in the vicinity two years old and younger to be killed. Historians estimate that twenty to thirty children were murdered in his desperate attempt to eliminate the Christ child. It is uncomfortable to read this so soon after Christmas. Wouldn’t it be better to skip this part? Why remember such horror during Christmastime? Because it shows what happens when light enters a world of darkness. When the light arrives, the darkness does not politely step aside. It tries to snuff the light out. This is why Jesus came: to battle the darkness that rejected him from his very first days. This same battle between light and darkness continues in your own heart. When Christ’s light shines within you, your sinful nature fights against it. Yet God remains on your side—God rescued his Son from Herod’s sword so that his Son could rescue you from eternal darkness. Jesus’ death and resurrection became the ultimate light that conquers the darkness. And here lies one of the Bible’s hardest truths: though God possesses all power and hates evil, he still permits suffering. So here is the comfort of Christmas: God may save us from evil, or he may save us through evil. The boys of Bethlehem died tragically, but Christ the Savior was born not to save them from Herod, but from hell, and that is what he did. With God, wherever there is weeping, comfort follows. The grieving mothers of Bethlehem would see their sons again because their King came to save them through tragedy into heaven’s triumph. This is the comfort of Christmas. That even though the darkness could take the boys of Bethlehem away from their parents, it could not take them away from Christ. It cannot take you away from him either. Prayer: Merciful Father, thank you for the comfort of knowing that no darkness can separate me from the light of your Son. 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.

(0:00-12:27) Vic Fangio likes good players; Kincade & Salciunas re-rack(12:40-20:29) Back to back playoff games for Sixers & Flyers(20:36-32:25) Best 5 minutes of Adam Schefter(32:38-44:52) Where does New Years Day in sports rank for you? Please note: Timecodes may shift by a few minutes due to inserted ads. Because of copyright restrictions, portions—or entire segments—may not be included in the podcast.For the latest updates, visit the show page Kincade & Salciunas on 975thefanatic.com. Follow 97.5 The Fanatic on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Watch our shows on YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all the best moments from Philly's home for sports!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Questions about the nature of hell and the destiny of the soul are resurfacing in the church, often framed as matters of nuance or speculation. Scripture, however, speaks with deliberate gravity—placing eternal punishment and eternal life side by side. These doctrines are meant to shape reverence, humility, and urgency, not fearfulness or indifference.

You and I never know when an opportunity will come up to share the good news of salvation through Christ, so, as the Boy Scouts say, we should "be prepared". But we also need to approach those opportunities with the right attitude and tone. Our country is in desperate need of a change of heart, and the gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ is what can make that change. That's what today's message is all about - sharing the gospel the right and effective way. 

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251230dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Matthew 2:14-15 Out of Egypt The words in our Bible reading today show that even as a baby, Jesus was already fulfilling prophecy and establishing his credentials as the promised Savior. When King Herod sought to murder the Christ child, God sent the holy family fleeing to Egypt. Seven hundred years earlier, Hosea had foretold that God’s Son would go there and return—and now Jesus, cradled in his mother’s arms, was living out that prophecy. To understand this fulfillment, though, we must recall Israel’s story. Over three thousand years ago, God adopted a nation of slaves and called them his son. He brought Israel out of Egypt, led them through the wilderness, and gave them a new home in Canaan. But Israel did not always return their Father’s love. The people he rescued turned to false gods and sacrificed to idols. Through prophets like Hosea, God warned his disobedient children what would happen if they refused to repent. They deserved punishment for their idolatry. Yet God could not stop loving his son. That is the backdrop for Matthew’s quotation. Jesus is the perfectly obedient Son of God—so fully identifying with God’s people that his life mirrors theirs. As Israel once went down to Egypt, so he went down to Egypt. As Israel was called out, so he was called out. Where Israel failed, Jesus succeeded; where Israel rebelled, Jesus obeyed. And he obeyed for you! When the time had fully come, God sent his beloved Son to be born in Bethlehem, to live as the obedient child you were meant to be, to die on the cross, and to rise again so you could be brought into God’s family. He loved you so much that he poured out his Spirit into your heart so you can cry, “Father!” and know that the Almighty delights to hear you, protect you, bless you, and save you. Even though you have been a rebellious child, God’s grace is greater than your guilt. His love at the manger and the cross is more than enough to bring peace on earth and good will to men. Prayer: Father, thank you for fulfilling your Word by calling your Son out of Egypt, so that I am your own dear 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.

Make Morality Mainstream Again The adultification of teen fiction has intentionally Frankensteined books for teens into cesspools of ideological normalization. A while ago, I met a mother and her daughter, the latter of whom I hadn't seen in several years. On the cusp of turning twelve, she'd obviously grown in the time since, and, her mother proudly informed me, had become quite the reader. Indeed, the girl held quite a thick book in her hand. Which was it? The girl showed me the cover. I turned to the mother. “Do you know what your daughter is reading?” She'd figured telling her eleven-year-old she could read whatever was marked 14+ was a safe enough guardrail for appropriate content. As reading is an experience between book and reader, the mother wouldn't have seen what her daughter was taking in. She couldn't either know that her daughter's book was familiar not because it was something I'd read but because it was something I wouldn't. Worse, she thought she could trust the institution. THE READING DILEMMA Parents want kids to read, but as most can't keep up with their reading habits, they don't fully realize what's being allowed, even promoted, in books for young readers. As with other once vaunted institutions, the publishing world has morphed in ways many aren't fully aware of. Over a decade ago, I signed my first contract for Young Adult (YA) fiction. Before and since, I've watched the genre boom through the stages of audience demographic to viable business. Throughout, YA has expanded from books for teens to a genre unto itself, attracting talented writers, lucrative contracts, and the golden goose of Hollywood adaptations. YA is officially for readers 14-18 years (and up). However, as it's after Middle Grade (8-12 years), tweens are frequent readers, plus many eleven-year-olds reading up. There is “lower” and “upper” YA, but they're unofficial categories for libraries or writers specific about their target audience. Most retailers and publishers categorize all teen books under the general YA umbrella. NA, New Adult, mainly written for college-aged readers into their early twenties, is often sheltered under the YA umbrella too. Alongside the wider publishing industry, YA has changed significantly over the years, reflecting broader shifts in society. What follows isn't an analysis on talent or quality but content, as something about words in a book makes what's written more real, valid, romantic, admirable, aspirational. Thus, the intent is to shed light on some of the many topic and imagery that are included in books for young readers. At risk that this won't earn me any friends in publishing (at best), here's some of what I've seen: DEVOLUTION OF YA FICTION Growth of the YA audience/genre is an objective benefit, logical as it is to increase methods for targeting potential customers. As YA has increased in business and position, its morphing into genre unto itself has attracted many adults readers. As a YA author, I read mainly within my market and see the appeal for adult readers considering how well the genre's developed. The migration of older readers to YA is certainly one of the many reasons it's been so adultified. Other factors include the poisonous stranglehold ideological tentacles have on many aspects of culture, entertainment, and education. The shifts adults have finally caught onto in adult fiction and film have infected literature for younger audiences, picture books through YA. A quick example, originally, romantic comedies centered on a man and woman who clashed at the outset, then eventually found their way to each other at the end. The story would build to some romantic declaration, then a kiss. Anyone who's been watching knows that there's now a whole lot of touching that happens before any romantic declaration occurs. Longer, more frequent kisses are only second to scenes of the pair sleeping together before deciding how they really feel about each other. All this is becoming commonplace in YA. What was once cutesy stories about a high school girl chasing a crush has now become stories featuring a whole lot of other firsts, even seconds, and then some. The devolution of YA is a result of purposeful normalization and reshaping of societal norms through manipulatively emotional appeals by writers, agents, and editors. On average, books from larger publishing houses take roughly eighteen months to two years to evolve from contract to product on the shelf. To say, story trends are set in motion well before their rise in popularity. Whatever the view on agents as gatekeepers to the larger houses, publishers only publish so many books in a year, an amount significantly less than all the people who want to be published. Hence, agents act as preliminary filters for editors, whittling down potential authors to relatively more manageable numbers. An agent must really believe in a writer and project to nab one of those few spots. Like most creative fields, writing is highly subjective, so in addition to general quality, each agent and editor has preferences for stories they want to work with. They're also usually pretty clear about what they're looking for, so part of the progression of change can be traced back to what's being requested. CHARACTER INCLUSION CHECKLISTS When I first entered the “querying trenches,” wish lists from agents mainly specified genres and their various offshoots. Although ideologies make a home in all genres, most were subtler, more akin to a light sprinkling than the deluge of today. Within a few short years, wish lists changed. Unofficial “checklists” appeared in the now familiar cancerous categories of equity, representation, marginalization, and other socialist pseudonyms. Nonfiction for teens is dominated by activism, coming out, and adaptations of left-wing figures' biographies. Rather than prioritize quality, potential, uniqueness, the new gatekeeping is often focused on the inclusion of certain ideologies. For the first while, emphasis was on strong female characters, an odd request considering the YA market is dominated by female writers and readers. Previous character portrayal thus had little to do with some imagined patriarchal oppression. Now, female characters are “fierce”, projections of feminist fantasies celebrating girl bosses who are objectively pushy, uncooperative, obnoxious, self-righteous, and/or highly unrealistic. Somehow, they capture the most desirable love interest, a magical combination of masculinity and emotional vulnerability, who is inexplicably un-neutered by support of her domineering principles. Frequently, the girl makes the first move. Worse than overbearing feminism is unrealistic portrayals of a girl's physical abilities accompanied by most unsavory rage and wrath and anger. Supposedly, these traits aren't anathema to the gorgeous guys (when it is a guy) these girls miraculously attract. Unless there's a moth to flame metaphor here, it's a lie to pretend wrath is a healthy attraction. This well reflects the move away from what's become so-last-century stories featuring underdogs who searched deep for courage and heart to overcome challenges, raising up others alongside themselves. A time when character development focused on, well, character. More wholesome stories have been replaced with a self-proclaimed oppressed burning with self-righteous rage and violence. Such characters have seeped into fantasy for adults as well, most notably in armies featuring female combat soldiers and warriors without special powers, who somehow go toe-to-toe if not best male counterparts. Often this sort of matchup is shown as some cunning of smallness, agility, and destruction of arrogant male condescension. Never mind that such fighting is highly unrealistic, and any male is rightly confident if paired against a woman in physical combat. No amount of small body darting or ingenuity will save a girl from the full force of one landed male punch. The unquestioned portrayal of women able to best men in physical combat is worrying considering the real possibility of a reader confusing fact with fiction. Besides, a country which sends its women to war will no longer exist, as it's a country with males but not men. The current not-so-secret of major houses is that a book doesn't have a high chance of getting published if it doesn't check certain markers, especially for midlist and debut authors, though A-listers are not immune. A Caucasian is hardly allowed to write a story featuring a so-called BIPOC, but a straight author must somehow include the ever-expanding gay-bcs, and it must be in a positive light. Some authors were always writing these characters, which at least reflects acting of their own volition. For the rest, many didn't start until required. Because of the careful wording around these ideologies, many don't speak out against these practices so as not to appear hateful and bigoted. The mandated appearance of so-called marginalized and under-represented in stories lest the author risk erasing…someone, somehow also operates along these lines. Although, apparently, only very specific groups are at risk of disappearing. These standards are ridiculous in their least damaging iterations. How many so-anointed BIPOC were consulted over their standard portrayals? How can every individual of every minority be consulted for approval, and who chooses which faction decides? How many Latinos, speakers of gendered language, agreed to Latinx and Latine? Christian characters in mainstream publishing are rarely portrayed as steadfast believers or even rebels rediscovering faith. Jewish stories usually feature a character who's “lived experience” is assimilation, so the character is of a religion but doesn't represent it. A real portrayal of the true beliefs these characters come from would not align with the world mainstream publishing wants to shape. Even more ludicrous is that “disabled” and “neurodivergent” are considered identities, as if a physical or medical condition is cause for new labeling. The approach used to be that you are still you, worthy of respect and consideration, despite these conditions. In the glorified world of the self-hyphenate, the world of we-are-our-self-declared-identity, it's the foremost feature mentioned, with accompanying expectation of praise and exaltation, regardless of an individual's character or behavior. Don't confuse the argument against the labeling with the individuals, because they are separable. Worse than the tokenism is the reduction of individuals to secondary characteristics. Is this really the first thing you have to say about yourself, the most essential thing to know? When did it become norm to turn skin color or medical condition or physical ability into a character trait, the very notion of which says that anyone in this group must be viewed primarily through this lens, as if each is exactly the same? How myopic. How belittling. Following the cue set by movies, books for teens also morphed from cutesy rom-coms to ideological showcases. Unsurprisingly, there's been the introduction of the stereotypical gay best friend. Then storylines focusing on coming out or discovering someone close was gay, with accompanying template for writing them. The one coming out is always the strong one, the resilient one, though much language must be banned lest they be offended or erased, so their strength is dependent upon a carefully constructed bubble. Not only is inclusion necessary but happiness is the only possible, deliberately portrayed reaction. Never mind if some or all of it runs counter to a writer's religious beliefs. Moreover, “I'm not sure how I feel about this, but I'll still treat you with respect” was never an acceptable response. And it is an acceptable response in all manner of situations, unless you exorcise it in efforts to forcibly shape a particular worldview. Additionally, the attitude is that since you can't tell me who to love, and loving this person makes me happy, you must not only ally but champion me. Why is it offensive to present different acceptable, respectful reactions to teens? Who exactly is erased if this character isn't presented at all? As before, don't confuse the argument against mandate with the individuals. The contention isn't about love, but about religion protecting the sanctity of romantic relationships and marriage, a religious practice since the dawn of time, as seen across centuries and civilizations. Marriage is described as sanctified and holy, because it's Divine in nature, and thereby under the domain of the religious. If it's just a contract, then of course any government can regulate it. It’s disingenuous to deny that such enforcement clashes with the very nature of what writing is about. It shuts down discussion, then subverts it entirely by pretending there's nothing to debate. That shouldn't be a source of pride for publishing, but deepest shame. In their efforts to supposedly widen the window of story matter, they've narrowed the frames and tinted the panes to exclude suddenly unacceptable voices entirely. PORNOGRAPHY AND CONSENT Compounded upon all this, most books are no longer relatively clean romances building to a single kiss, as every stage of the relationship has become more explicit. Some scenes are akin to manuals, containing the sort of imagery once the sole province of steamy romances. When efforts are rightly made to remove these books from shelves, screeches of censorship! erasure! representation! resound. We wouldn't, and shouldn't, tolerate any adult approaching a kid on the street and telling stories with such description, nor should we allow it from close friends or family. Authors do not hold special status in this, no matter what the screechers screech. Taking such books off shelves isn't an indication of bigotry, intolerance, hatred, or erasure, but moral obligation. The counterargument from writers, agents, and editors is that explicit detail is necessary because of something to do with “lived experiences” and consent. First, if kids are doing it anyway, then adults definitely needn't assist. Second, consent is not quite the magical word society would have us believe. Third, “everyone has different experiences” is not a reason for writing graphic content, and the replacement of “intimacy” with “experience” is largely responsible for why relationships are in the gutter and leaving people unfulfilled. Intimacy is something private between two individuals; experience is a vague euphemism to pass off what should matter as transitory, despite irrevocable effects. It's difficult to imagine in an age when phones, cameras, and microphones track a person everywhere, but there was once an ideal called privacy, and the intimate was part of it. Pushback also leads to defenses of “sexuality,” another way of saying adults want to teach kids all kinds of ways to pursue these “experiences”. Changing the wording doesn't alter the nature but does allow immoral actors to force celebration of their fantasies and fetishes. The wrongness is incontestable, though not surprising from those who promote polyamory for teens and romantic relationships between humans and demons or other ungodly creatures. The feeble argument for writing scenes of teens sleeping together is they must see what consent looks like. Again, authors do not hold special status or exemption. There is no strong enough argument for writing scenes for teens in which one character undresses another and verbally asks permission every step of the way. Especially because the new trend seems to be the girl not only “consenting”, but also a burning I want this. If she wants, this wording implies, then she must have, abandoning all reason and morality. Consent has become an excuse for all sorts of undesirable, immoral, even illegal behavior, but mutual agreement is supposed to make it okay. This isn't the behavior we should be promoting for teens; we should be giving them better things, bigger ideas to think about. Worst of all, why is any adult writing about two sixteen-year-olds sleeping together? A teenager, no matter how mature, is still developing and while smart and clever not really old enough to fully understand what she's “consenting” to, and is probably being taken advantage of. We treat eighteen with the same magical power as consent, as if any age should be sleeping around, even if legalese only extends so far. Teen pregnancy, abortion overall, would hardly be an issue if everyone stopped sleeping with people they shouldn't. Any adherent to morality knows this, though morality is just another thing scuttled from teen fiction. G-dless ideology is the new morality; immoral, manmade gods have replaced G-d; lust is the new love; sexuality excuse for pornography; perceived racism and misogyny validation for violence and rage. Many are we who did not consent to this. These scenes are in teen films as well, though how many parents know this in an age of individual devices? Adults pretending to be teens take each other's clothes off before a camera for real tweens, teens, and/or adults to watch. Please explain in clear and simple language why this is not a form of pornography. What absolutely vital role does this scene have in advancing the story? Consent is not enough. Wanting is not enough. We're encouraging teens to turn their bodies into used cars, dented, scraped, scarred, and baggage laden, for what? Why is this hollowing out of self and morality good? This serves no benefit for teens and the overall state of relationships. Consent has become an excuse for all sorts of undesirable, immoral, even illegal behavior, but we're supposed to think that everyone agreeing makes whatever they agree to okay. It's incredibly obvious that feminism and the sexual revolution didn't free women, but chain them in a prison of animalistic, unsatisfying desire, dooming them to jadedness, frustration, and loneliness. But they're so responsible! So mature! By such logic, a responsible sixteen-year-old should be able to buy guns, alcohol, and drugs. But identity! No, identity doesn't mandate a book with graphic imagery, nor is it “sexuality” or “feeling seen” or any other term you hide behind. Witness the tattered remains of social morality that writers do not balk at writing this for teens. They should balk at writing this for anyone. Once we recognized that betterment came through battling temptations. It is not difficult to see how the enforced normalization of all this was also an effective ridding of undesirable shame. Not only have we banished feeling bad, we've enforced celebration of what shame once kept in line. But they'll never be prepared! How did any of us get here if none of this existed for millennia? But look at the sales! Many people also bought rock pets. Deviants and defenders will attempt to claim that (a) this sort of stuff always existed, which isn't really a reason for its continuance, and (b) previous generations were undoubtedly stifled in their inability to express their true selves. Perhaps. And yet, previous generations built civilization, with significantly less medical prescriptions too. Previous generations were better at family and community, meaning and purpose. We have “experiences.” But this is what married people do! Some writers introduce a faux or rushed marriage into the plot, perhaps because their weakening moral compass prevents writing an explicit scene between unmarried characters. Marrying the characters and making them eighteen doesn't magically okay writing this for teens. Everyone does it—indeed there are many common bodily functions which shouldn't be demonstrated in public—isn't either reason enough. Pressures to include these scenes is evidenced by authors long regarded as “clean” storytellers, authors who won't swear or indulge in graphic or gratuitous content, authors who clearly express Christian beliefs in their acknowledgements, writing them too. Would they give this book to their priest? To a young church member? Would they read the scene aloud for family or friends or the very teens they write for? If even the professed religious authors do not have the fortitude to oppose this, if even they can be convinced of the supposed validity, then gone is the bulwark protecting children from the psychological and moral damage resulting from these scenes. But inclusivity! We must reflect the world around them! Considering what's in these books, all should pray teens aren't seeing this around them. Either way, that doesn't excuse writing about it. Moreover, cries for inclusivity from those shutting down differing opinions are inherently without substance. True inclusivity is achieved when stories focus on universal truths and laudatory values shared by all. The fundamental argument is that “could” is not “should”, and the only reliable arbiter between the two is Divinely-based morality. Current permissiveness is only possible in a society which worked for decades to expunge religion from its vital foundational position and influence. The demonization piled atop its degradation was simple insurance that the moral truths of religion wouldn't interfere with the newly established secular order. We can still be good people, they claimed. Witness the tattered remains. Allowing, championing, this sort of writing has not made us better, and instead of listening to concerns, activists and proponents double down. Need you any proof of the separation between ethics and morality and elitism and academia, scroll through an article or two in defense of these scenes. The more “educated” the individual, the twisted the pretzel of rationalization. Rational lies, all of them. These lies are prominently center of the new crusade against so-called “book banning,” although the books are still available at retailers and publishers. Fueled by self-righteous hysteria, activists take great pride in influencing state legislatures to enact decrees against book bans in protection of “lived experiences,” representation, and the like. If a teen doesn't see two boys or girls or more sleeping together, so the thinking goes, then they face imminent, unspecified harm, never mind that their sacred voice has been quashed. They claim BIPOC and queer authors are specifically targeted, failing to mention it's the content not the author rejected. Somehow the bigots are the ones who don't want kids reduced to “sexuality”, while the tolerant are the ones who do. Need anyone ask if these protections extend to writers who don't align or even disagree with their worldview? I'd say these books are better suited for adults, but adults are despairing of the unreadability of books in their categories too. And that aside from the targeted “decolonization” of books and authors that adults, especially men, enjoyed reading. From the myriad of books extant, no plot was ever turned, no story ever dependent upon an explicit scene, in the bedroom or elsewhere. Neither does such render the work art or literature, but rather indecent and abhorrent. Parents struggle to encourage their kids to read when such are the books available. ELIMINATING THE WEST For some time, agents have specifically requested non-western narratives, histories, and legends. Atop the deteriorating state of the current education system, teens aren't being presented with a fictionalized character in history, which may thereby spark interest and curiosity in real history. No wonder they know so little of the past when they're not offered history at all. What does make it in represents very select time periods. Other permitted historical fiction is alternative histories where the past is magicked or reimagined, almost always in some gender swapped way. While alternative histories can be creative, the lack of regular historical fiction seems to indicate the only permitted history is a remade one. Otherwise, most of western history isn't on shelves because no one wants to represent it. Which means no one's fighting for it to be published. Which means young readers aren't given glimpses into the past that made this present and will highly influence the future. And this from those who claim large swaths of the population don't properly teach history. The same who pushed the fabricated and widely debunked lie that slavery was unique to the west, the only culture who actively sought to end it. The same who have yet to consider the absolute necessity of mandating schools to teach the true horrors of communism done right. The same who have a monochrome view of colonization and chameleon approach to the faux oppressed-oppressor narrative. A rather high volume of Asian-based stories, histories, and mythologies fill the market instead. The proliferation of Asian and other eastern fiction isn't objectively concerning, but it's deliberate increase alongside western stories' deliberate decrease is. It's less an expansion of viewpoints and more a supplanting of anything west. I grew up reading historical fiction, but there's a dearth on shelves for teen readers, who must see where we come from through the eyes of characters resembling our ancestors. Instead of walking through time in their shoes and understanding their struggles in the context of when they lived, we project modern ideologies upon the one protagonist somehow vastly ahead of her time. It's deliberately false and disconnects readers from the world that created the one we live in. Whatever your opinion of our world, it was formed in those histories, and we cannot appreciate the present without understanding the world that made it. MENTAL HEALTH Another major trend in teen fiction is the focus on the broad category of mental health, its emergence unsurprising considering the uptick in modern society. Whatever the viewpoint on diagnoses, the truth is that the ones calling for greater awareness have much to do with having caused the issues. Teens living in the most prosperous, free society that ever was should not have such measures of mental health struggles, yet they do. Skim the messaging of the last several decades and it's no wonder why. Teens are raised on a bombardment of lies and damaging viewpoints resulting in a precarious Jenga structure at their foundation. For decades they've been told they can sleep around without lasting consequence, negating the need to build deep, lasting, exclusive relationships. Families, a fundamental source of meaning and grounding, have been shoved aside for the faux glory of sleeping with whomever, whenever, and the new solution of “found family”. Just because a pill supposedly prevents biological consequences doesn't mean a different sort of toll hasn't been exacted. And that follows the perpetual degradation of dress, reducing the entirety of an individual to a form as valued or devalued as any other physical object. Added to the disrespect of the body is the incessant, unfounded claim that “climate change” is going to destroy the planet by…well, soon. Never mind that we're doing better than before, and all predictions have been proven wrong. Imagine what continual doom and gloom does to the mental state of a teenager already grappling with ping-ponging hormones, who should be presented with optimism for the future they're about old enough to create. Well, we have a pill for that too. Teens have been told the American dream is gone by those who set out to destroy it, that American greatness isn't worth dreaming about by those who recolored it a nightmare. Hobbies and collected skills, the work of their own hands, have been shunted for social media trends and unfettered internet access. Phones are given to younger and younger kids, so they don't grow up in the tangible, real world but an algorithmic, digital one. Inevitably, the worst of that world affects them. They're told that they're hated, feared for the way they were born. They're told they're not even who they've been since birth, basic facts purposely turned into issues and doubts to shake the foundation of self. Those most adamant about the contrived need for teens to discover identity are the most diligent at axing their very roots. The response to the mental health crisis, the jadedness, the internal turmoil they've helped facilitate by destroying the enduring, reliable fabric of society is to encourage more of the same empty, hollowing behaviors. Atop all this is never-ending rage, rage, rage. At the base is the deliberate removal of religion. No matter an individual's choice of observance, religion undeniably provides what liberal society and decadence cannot; meaning. Eternal, enduring meaning. The knowing that you're more than a clump of cells passing through this timespan, because you are an integral link in a chain reaching back millennia. Your ancestors didn't endure hardships or fight to build civilization so you could be the end of the line, but so you could gratefully take your place in it. You and your actions matter. Not because you're a political vote or celebrated community, but because you were made in the image of G-d Who woke you today as there's something only you can do in His world. What effect would the proliferation of this messaging in literature have on the mental state of the youth? And for those pontificating about diversity and inclusion, who in truth only want different skin colors espousing the same beliefs, there is no greater unifier than religion. Belief in a higher power unites individuals of different backgrounds, colors, and, most valuably, opinions, in ways no mandate or ideology ever can. While lengthy, the above in no way encompasses all the changes, reasons, and effects pertaining to the devolution of teen fiction. And, as the focus is not on talent but content, it can be shifted as easily as it was before. You may disagree with everything I've written. You may accuse me of jealousy, hatred, bigotry, racism, misogyny, xenophobia, erasure, et al. I only encourage you to look for yourself. Peruse bookstore aisles; click through new releases; check who's getting awards. What do your eyes see?

Is Jesus eternal, or was he created? How do we interpret Colossians 1:15? This conversation stirred as Kemp continues his conversation with JWs.   Want to support the show, check out our website, Laymenscup.com. You can buy merch and buy us a cup of coffee.  If you are listening on iTunes, please subscribe and leave a review.  Laymen on iTunes If you have comments or questions for us, you can email us at laymenscup@gmail.com. Find us on YouTube by searching for LaymensCup. Make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell! We are on Facebook at www.facebook.com/laymenscup. You can also follow us on Instagram and Twitter @laymenscup. It is always our hope to get the Gospel out to as many people as possible and you can help us by sharing the show. Word of mouth is the greatest way we will get the show out to the masses. Thank you. Please pray for us, as we are praying for you. Kemp, Bob, Shaun, and Ann

Sunday, December 28, 2025 

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251229dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt. Matthew 2:13-14 God’s Purpose in Herod’s Fear One moment, the baby Jesus had magi laying treasures at his feet; the next, Joseph was taking him into the night and headed for Egypt. The Light of the world had come, but the darkness fought back. You see, the Magi had first come to Jerusalem and told King Herod that they were looking for the King of the Jews. Herod viewed the baby as a threat, and he didn’t like that. He had already killed three of his sons, his favorite wife, his mother-in-law, his uncle, some cousins, and the high priest for being threats to his crown. Now he targeted a baby. But God saved his Son from an early death because the plan of salvation required that he die on the cross when the time had fully come. He fled as a child so that he could later say, “It is finished” (John 19:30). The world did not change the night Jesus was born, but everything changed the morning he walked out of the tomb. The power of Jesus’ resurrection is already removing the darkness, and he will completely remove it on the Last Day. When evil touches your life, remember it also touched him. The child who fled Herod is the Savior who was “despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering and familiar with pain” (Isaiah 53:3). At Christmas, God gifts you his Son, Jesus. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for stepping into this dark world so that you can call me out of it and into your wonderful light. 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 Revelation 14:9-11, this urgent prophetic warning reveals the three angels' messages: gospel proclamation, Babylon's fall, and the doom of beast worshippers. Receiving the mark signifies deliberate rejection of Christ, leading to undiluted wrath, eternal torment in fire and brimstone before angels and the Lamb. Jesus drank this cup for us—now rejecters face it. Call to daily worship, intercede for families' salvation, repent now before tribulation. Eternal separation awaits; grace period ends soon. All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others 01.)What does receiving the mark of the beast represent? 02.)What are the three angels' messages in Revelation 14? 03.)What happens to those who worship the beast and take his mark? 04.)How does Jesus relate to the cup of God's wrath? 05.)What is the first practical response for believers? 06.)What should Christians urgently pray for right now? 07.)Is hell a real place or just symbolic? 08.)Why do people end up in hell according to the sermon? 09.)What makes salvation genuine (not just words)? 10.)What is the prophetic timeline and urgency?

Send us a textHebrews 9:11-15Scott Christensen, Associate Pastor/ElderDecember 28, 2025

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251228dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. Isaiah 63:7 Mercy and Compassion A highly respected running coach was once asked what he would do if he wanted to make his own son an Olympic runner. He responded, “I would get him a coach that believed he could be an Olympian.” After all his years of training runners, this man had learned that having a coach who believed in his runner was a key component to helping that athlete reach his true potential. Isaiah describes the Lord looking at his people and saying, “Surely they are my people, sons who will not be false to me.” How could the Lord say this when Israel had turned its back on him again and again? It wasn’t that God thought he could make his people better simply by believing in them. No, God calls Israel his people because in his love and mercy, he made them his people. “He became their Savior.” A coach might help an athlete achieve his greatest potential by believing in him, but God has done much more for us. Simply believing in us would not have been enough, because left to ourselves, our only potential was to go our own way and stray further away from him. So, God in his love and mercy redeemed us. By sending his only Son, he bought us back from our destiny of being sinners forever separated from him. This truth causes our Christmas joy to overflow every day of the year. In his loving kindness, the Lord has made us his people, who are given the righteousness and obedience of his Son. What’s our response to such mercy and compassion? We can join with Isaiah in saying, “I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us.” Prayer: Merciful and compassionate God, I thank you for being my Savior. You have made me your child through the redemption that comes through Jesus Christ. Help me to speak of your kindness, of all that you have done for 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.

This is a moment to reflect on your testimony, as Elder Kevin G. Brown explains how we can strengthen our belief in God.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251227dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:22-25 God With Us Hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah that he would be born of a virgin. God inspired the apostle Matthew to write about the fulfillment of that prophecy. Joseph had no sexual relations with Mary until Jesus was born. Joseph was not Jesus' father; God was. Isaiah said that “they will call him Immanuel”—(which means, “God with us).” The baby born of the virgin Mary is God with us—God became a human being because we are unable to save ourselves. We are unable to keep his commandments. We are unable even to do the one thing he requires of us: “Be holy” (Leviticus 19:2). The baby born of the virgin Mary is God with us—God became human to be one of us. To feel like we do. To eat and drink like we do. To walk and talk like we do. To go through what we go through. He didn’t do this because he needed to, but because we needed him to; so that “God with us” would show us that a human could do what God demanded. And so that “God with us” could suffer and die, and in doing so, pay for our sins. Since he is human, he could die. Since he is God, his payment is for all of us, for all time. Joseph gave him the name “Jesus.” His name declares his great purpose for coming from heaven to be with us on earth. He is our Savior who came to take us from earth to heaven! Prayer: Jesus, you came down from heaven to be with us. Your life and death accomplished my salvation. I worship and honor you for your great love. Come again and take me to be with you in heaven. 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.

God Centered Concept Discipleship Series is now live. Our first book is now on Amazon called the Victory in 7. Help support us by purchasing your copy today on your kindle or paperback.Victory in 7: The Foundational Process (God Centered Concept Discipleship Series): Wright, TS: 9798274946032: Amazon.com: BooksTo have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.In this conversation, TS Wright and Joshua Spatha delve into the age-old question of whether the chicken or the egg came first, exploring the deeper philosophical implications of mind versus matter. They discuss the Big Bang Theory, its challenges, and the relationship between neuroscience and consciousness. The dialogue emphasizes the role of theology in understanding existence and the nature of reality, ultimately suggesting that mind may have created matter rather than the other way around.SummaryIn this conversation, TS Wright and Joshua Spatha delve into the age-old question of whether the chicken or the egg came first, exploring the deeper philosophical implications of mind versus matter. They discuss the Big Bang Theory, its challenges, and the relationship between neuroscience and consciousness. The dialogue emphasizes the role of theology in understanding existence and the nature of reality, ultimately suggesting that mind may have created matter rather than the other way around.TakeawaysThe question of what came first, mind or matter, has been debated for centuries.The spiritual realm is often posited to have come before the material realm.Modern science tends to assume that matter produced mind, but this is debated.Philosophers like Plato have explored the existence of abstract concepts independent of human minds.The Big Bang Theory suggests that the universe had a beginning, implying a cause.Neuroscience studies indicate that the mind is not confined to the brain.There is no known location in the brain that corresponds to intellect or will.The evidence suggests that mind may have created matter, not the reverse.Theological perspectives provide insights into the nature of existence.Science relies on abstract concepts that cannot be proven by material means.Mentioned in this episode:Victory in 7 Book on Amazon - Get your copy today

With our country in upheaval, there's never been a time when the good news of salvation through Christ has been more needed. And I know you have loved ones who are unsaved. How do we reach these people without offending them or alienating them? John chapter four will be our focus. 

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251226dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. Hebrews 1:1-2 He Has Spoken by His Son When people want to know God’s will, they often search for a voice. Some look for signs in nature, others for whispers in their hearts. Some chase after visions or dramatic experiences. But the writer to the Hebrews reminds us that we don't need to guess where God speaks. We already have his clear Word. Long ago, God spoke through prophets like Moses and Isaiah. Their words were true, and they pointed forward to something greater. All those voices prepared the way for the day when God would speak through his Son. And that day has come. In Jesus, God has spoken once for all. Do you want to know how God feels about you? Look at his Son. See Jesus reaching out to touch the untouchable leper. Hear his voice calming the fearful. Watch him carrying your sins to the cross. Listen as he cries out, “It is finished!” That is God's message to you. No uncertainty. No guesswork. God loves you, forgives you, and calls you his child. Notice also how Jesus is described. He is the heir of all things, the One through whom the universe was made. This is no ordinary messenger. When he speaks, it is not merely advice or suggestion. It is the voice of the eternal Son of God. And that means you can trust his promises with complete confidence. So, when doubts arise, when your heart longs for assurance, you don't need to wait for a special sign from heaven. You already have the greatest sign: God has spoken by his Son. Open the Scriptures. Hear him there. His Word is living and active, still speaking forgiveness and peace into your life today. Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the final and full Word of God. When I am tempted to look elsewhere for assurance, turn me back to you. Let me rest in your promises, for in you I hear God's love loud and clear. 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.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251225dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 Give Glory to God How do you know what God is really like? Some imagine him as distant, powerful but far removed from daily life. Others picture him as a stern judge, always ready to condemn. Still others think of him as a vague spiritual force, too abstract to know personally. But John tells us something remarkable: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” The eternal Son of God didn't stay far away. He didn’t just send messages through prophets or appear in visions. He came down to live with us, fully human, yet still fully God. That changes everything. In Jesus, we see exactly what God is like. He is not cold or distant. He is not waiting for us to climb up to him. Instead, he comes down to us. He steps into our weakness, our suffering, even our death. He takes on flesh so that he can carry our sins to the cross and give us his righteousness in return. John says we have seen his glory. But notice how that glory shines. It is not in earthly splendor or political power, but in humble service, in compassion for the broken, in sacrifice for sinners. The manger, the cross, and the empty tomb reveal God's glory most clearly. There, we see a God full of grace and truth. Grace, because in Jesus, we receive forgiveness we could never earn. Truth, because in Jesus, we see God's faithfulness to every promise. This means you don’t have to wonder whether God loves you. You don’t need to search for hidden signs of his presence. The Word became flesh. He lived among us. He still comes to us today through his Word and sacraments. And he will dwell with us forever in heaven. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for becoming flesh and making your dwelling among us. Help me to see your glory in your life, death, and resurrection. Fill me with confidence in your grace and truth. 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.

Christmas Eve, recorded Wed., December 24, 2025. Based on Micah 5:2-5a. Pastor Johnold Strey. Website: crownoflifehubertus.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crownoflifehubertus/ Written transcriptions: https://johnoldstrey.wordpress.com/

As things escalate underground, Rihva creates a diversion, Tonreir checks for dangers, Ira brings the light and Gydeon makes matters worse. Much, much worse.--- This episode contains content warnings. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠badheroescast.com/contentwarnings/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details.- Subscribe to our free Patreon tier at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/badheroes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠to get news and updates about the show!- Use code BADHEROES for 10% off your order of coffee for game night and tea for the tabletop from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Many Worlds Tavern⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.--Music:"Traveler Harp Loop" and "Cryptic Choir" – Monument Studios"A Fey Presence" – Will Savino (wsavino.com)"Push Daisy Disco" – Tim Kulig"Solve the Damn Mystery" – Jesse SpillaneSound effects from nickcase and TheWoodlandNomad on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠freesound.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251224dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12 A Savior Has Been Born to You The shepherds weren’t expecting anything that night. They were just doing their jobs. They watched their flocks, kept predators away, and tried to stay warm in the darkness. Then suddenly, the night sky blazed with God’s glory, and an angel stood before them. Terror filled their hearts. Who could stand in the presence of God’s holiness? But the first words they heard were not words of judgment. They were words of comfort: “Do not be afraid.” Why not? Because God had not come to condemn. He had come to save. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.” Notice the angel’s message. This Savior is for you. Not just for kings or priests. Not just for the powerful or important. For shepherds, for sinners, for all people. And the sign? Not a mighty warrior or dazzling throne, but a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. God’s Son came in humility so that no one would be too lowly to approach him. On this holy night, the same message comes to you: Do not be afraid. Whatever guilt weighs on your conscience, whatever darkness troubles your heart, your Savior has been born. Rejoice! The good news of great joy is for you. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into this world for me. Drive away my fears and fill my heart with your peace and joy this Christmas Eve. 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.

  By Mary Lindow AS I PREPARE THIS PODCAST OUR HOME HAS THE AROMA OF BANANA BREAD FILLING THE AIR WITH A COZY WARMTH. Soft Carols are playing in the background. My dear Steve has gone bed for now. He's been working on a carpentry project for my Christmas present.   AS I SIT HERE, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE MOVED WITH TENDERNESS FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING over the recent miscarriage of a 22 week old baby, a friend who has had a sudden death of a family member, those friends of mine tending to the sick and fragile, and for the widows I know, who ache for the arms of the one they loved so well for so long. My heart is saddened by the weariness of knowing single friends of Steve and I are longing for rest and still have hopes of meeting another godly person who might be the one to nurture and live them. ALL OF THE KINDNESSES AND BEAUTIFUL THINGS OF CHRISTMAS, truly, when wrapped up in compassion, outreach to those who are hurting, personal sacrifice so that others may thrive, and with discernment to know when these things are God nudging you, this is what makes the true value of Christmas shine.   CHRIST CAME TO GIVE. He came to give all. To tend to all those that were held captive, to set them free, to open the eyes of the blinded and the cerebral intellectuals who refuse to hear the truth. But yet, HE came! And HE is still speaking today, still pursuing those who run from him.   WHEN GOD BREATHED THE BREATH OF LIFE INTO EVERY HUMAN BEING... ...IT WAS HIS BREATH   As long as there is breath in a human, it is the breath of God. God will pursue every human being, regardless of how they feel towards him. This is the love that came down at Christmas. And this is the love that stays. People can run. But they cannot hide from the light of God.   AS I SHARE THIS BRIEF BUT WARM AND HEARTFELT PODCAST WITH YOU, I wanted to share something so profoundly, beautiful and so well spoken. I've read over and meditated/ pondered it many times during this Christmas season because there have been disappointments! There have has been betrayals, harsh words, indifference, people pushing you away because they can't receive the love you offer them. These are the things Jesus experienced on a regular basis, and yet in his perfection, he continued to pursue the will of God in his life, and eventually, it COST him his life!   THAT LITTLE, WEE BABE IN THE MANGER TROUGH, He was filled with the fullness of God and was God, but chose to walk out in human flesh, incarnate, the life of everyday human beings, in order to prove that he was aware of the suffering and the sorrows of this human life in a fallen world.   AS I SHARE THIS BEAUTIFUL EXPRESSION FROM ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL BY THE NAME OF JESSICA JECKER, (who is an influencer on another social media site), I hope that you will allow it to saturate any part of you that is suffering or that is resisting love, or, is perhaps angry at God, questioning why life is so hard, or where you may have become bitter and hardened to the tenderness that is available to each of us.   LISTEN CLOSELY TO THE CRY OF MALACHI AND WHAT GOD‘S WORD SPOKE. Listen to the words of one pondering the beauty and the fierce sacrifice that Jesus so humbly and willingly yielded to so that we might truly celebrate a Savior. HERE IT IS: “This week, I lingered in the final breath of Malachi's words and I felt the unbearable weight of what followed. When the prophet finished speaking, heaven did not answer. The echo of his voice faded...and then... nothing. Four hundred years of silence. No open vision. No burning word. No prophet rising with fire in his bones. No “Thus says the Lord” breaking the darkness. Four hundred years of waiting. Of longing. Of groaning. Of hearts lifted toward heaven that seemed sealed shut. Generation after generation was born into the quiet. They lived. They died. And still—no voice. Until one night. On a dirt floor in a forgotten place... in a stable that did not look holy... in the shadows of obscurity and insignificance... a sound was released. After four hundred years, heaven spoke again— Not with thunder, not with fire, not from a mountain- but from the lungs of a newborn. A cry pierced the silence. A cry that split history in two. A cry that carried eternity within it. In that moment, the King of Glory stepped down into the dust of His own creation. The Eternal wrapped Himself in skin. The Word became flesh—and cried. The Son laid aside His throne and chose a manger. Heaven's highest treasure placed in a feeding trough. He came low. He came meek. He came breakable. Wrapped in swaddling cloths, laid where animals ate, born beneath the looming shadow of a cross. A Lamb born to be slain. The Hope of a hopeless world breathed His first breath in the dark. A weary world rejoiced as a young virgin labored and delivered its redemption. In that manger, the Great I AM made Himself vulnerable. Touchable. Killable. And with one holy cry, the silence was shattered. The separation was broken. The way was opened. Then, suddenly, heaven could not remain quiet. The skies erupted with angelic voices declaring, “Glory to God in the highest!” Wonderful. Counselor. Mighty God! Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. With the cry of an infant, heaven invaded earth. Behold—our Redeemer. Behold—our King. Behold—the fulfillment of every promise. Behold—the sound that broke four hundred years of silence. Not the roar of an army. Not the shout of a king claiming His crown. But the fragile cry of God-with-us. He did not arrive with a sword in His hand, but with nails already written into His future. He did not enter wrapped in royalty, but in cloths that foretold a burial. The silence was not just broken, it was answered. Every unanswered prayer. Every tear cried into the dark. Every generation that waited without seeing. Every promise that seemed delayed but not denied. All of it converged in that single cry. That night, heaven did not just speak- heaven gave. God did not send another prophet. He did not send another sign. He sent Himself. And in that stable, eternity took its first shallow breath. Omnipotence learned weakness. Glory learned humility. Love made itself small. The cry that shattered the silence would one day be echoed again- not from a manger, but from a cross. The first cry said, “He has come.” The final cry would say, “It is finished.” From swaddling cloths to grave clothes, from a feeding trough to a borrowed tomb, He came to be broken so we could be made whole. And even now, that sound still reverberates. It calls the weary. It awakens the forgotten. It reaches into the places where heaven has felt silent again. If God could speak through the cry of a baby, He can still break silence in our darkest night. So behold Him. Not distant. Not untouchable. Not unmoved.   But Emmanuel. God.  With. Us."   SUCH TREMENDOUS AND EXPRESSIVE WORDS!   DEAR PERSON, WHO MAY BE LISTENING TO THIS PODCAST OR READING IT IN PRINTED FORM. Talk to Jesus. Cry. Ask Him to show you his love, his true self, his kindness. His merciful forgiveness. He's listening.   LET'S PRAY BEFORE I END THIS PODCAST. "Heavenly Father, For Those Who Are Lonely This Christmas, I Pray That You Would Surround Them With Your Presence. Let Them Feel Your Nearness. Bring People Into Their Lives Who Can Offer Companionship and Comfort. Help Them To Know That Even When They Feel Alone, Abandoned or Weary That They Are Never Truly Alone Because You Are Always With Them. Heal the Wounds That the Holidays Have Opened. Replace Sorrow With Your Joy, Despair With Your Hope, and Loneliness With the Knowledge That You Will Never Leave Us or Forsake Us. Thank You That Jesus Came To Heal the Brokenhearted and to Bind up our Deep Wounds From Life on Planet Earth. I Trust You To Do That Work in my Life and in the Lives of all Who Are Hurting This Christmas. Father, This Christmas I Celebrate the Birth of my Savior With a Grateful Heart. Help Me To Never Get Over the Wonder of the Gospel, Never Stop Being Amazed That You Loved Me Enough To Send Jesus. May my Life Be a Living Thank-You Note for the Gift You Gave at Christmas—the Gift of Your Son, my Savior and my King. In the Comforting Name of Jesus, Amen."   I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS PODCAST! I know that we are fast approaching that day we celebrate and give gifts and just sit back and enjoy the beauty of the season, but, I know many people suffer during this time and, Jesus is there with you. He's understands you're suffering and he understands where you're stuck. I encourage you to not hold onto those things that you want to manage or control or that you think, “This is just the way it's going to, be it's always been this way.” That is fatalistic thinking and it's really actually ungodly. It's an attitude that says, “I will control my destiny, and... I have control over my life because nobody else can help me.”   I ENCOURAGE YOU TO SOFTEN, TO TENDERIZE YOUR HEART BEFORE THE LORD IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS, and as you listen to Christmas carols and hear the words of “Joy to the World, the Lord Has Come, Let Earth Receive her King and Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room.” That means it's up to us to “prepare room” in our hearts to receive what the king has for us. All the things the King has for us. Some of it is discipline. Some of it is change. Some of it is repenting for just being angry , and some of it is walking in fear. Know this, that if we will prepare a room for him to come in and live and dwell, we can enjoy His presence in a greater way with us during this season and into the next year.   I'M GOING TO CLOSE OUT FOR NOW AND I WANT TO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR LISTENING! I want to thank those of you who have been so kind to support and assist me. Honestly, I am just so grateful because I just don't know how I would really do these without those that are touched and moved by God to assist is publishing this podcast and also to assist me in helping others with counseling who have a lower incomes, or, who are going through difficulties where their income is so tight, and they need that counseling, they need that help. WHEN YOU HELP BLESS AND SUPPORT WHAT THE LORD HAS ASKED ME TO DO OFTEN I'M ABLE TO DO A LOT OF PRO BONO WORK because I know there's a little bit more in that bank account for ministry that I can then draw on. Steve and I live very frugally. We don't have big mansions and we certainly aren't driving any Rolls-Royce's, yet God seems to always come through and provide in ways that truly humble us. Part of that is those that God moves on, and those that listen to him and do support what God has called us to do in these days. I thank you again, and I asked that he pours out a blessing upon you in grace and in kindness and in peace for your kindness and grace back to me. I WISH YOU ALL THE VERY MOST PEACEFUL AND BLESSED AND JOYFUL CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SEASON!   I will close this podcast out now and send my love and blessing to each one you! Merry Christmas!   Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed As long as the complete message, website and podcast  information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You! Copyright © 2025   " THE MESSENGER "  - "The Advocate of Hope"  Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com PODCAST   If you would be so kind and assist Mary helping her to meet other administrative needs such as website and podcast costs,  or  desire to bless her service in ministry with Spirit-led Love gifts or regular support: Please JOYFULLY send your gift in the form of:  ► Personal Checks ► Business Checks ► Money Orders ► Cashiers Checks To:  His Beloved Ministries Inc.  PO Box 1253 Denver, Colorado 80614  USA    Or feel free to use our send a tax-deductible gift with Pay Pal   paypal.me/mlindow  Under the name of - Mary Lindow His Beloved Ministries Inc.    ALL gifts are tax-deductible under His Beloved Ministries 5013c non-profit status.   We are financially accountable and have been in full compliance since 1985.  THANK YOU!      

[00:30] Is America Experiencing a Holy Awakening? (56 minutes) Fulton County has finally admitted that the 2020 election was rigged, but the U.S. news cycle is focused on Bari Weiss's 60 Minutes segment and the success of the new David movie. Republican media outlets are proclaiming religious myths while nations like Germany arm for war.

There is a tractor beam pulling you through life that determines where you will end up. But you have control over what that tractor beam is. Peter reveals the one that will pull you into the wisest and best decisions in life. Discover how a flash of light on an ancient hill can rewrite your future. On the Mount of Transfiguration. Peter, James, and John saw Jesus shine like the sun and flash like lightning—not as a reflection, but as the source of divine light. This wasn't just a miracle. It was a preview of the Second Coming, when every element melts, the Antichrist shatters under His splendor, and the universe is flooded with eternal, uncreated glory. If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. My sermons are the fruit of nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry, biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a lifelong passion for God's Word. Since childhood, I've been drawn to the beauty and power of expository preaching—opening Scripture verse by verse and applying it to real life. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute, I spent the next 27 years serving as a youth pastor, senior pastor, church planter, and host of the Food For Your Soul radio broadcast. Along the way, I also earned a Master of Sacred Literature and a Doctor of Religious Studies. For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. Follow on social: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.DRichardFerguson

Join Micah Van Hus on Watchman on the Wall as he delves into the unseen spiritual warfare from his book, 'Angels Eternal.' Explore the hidden conflict beyond our physical world, the roles of various angelic beings, and the cosmic battle detailed from Genesis to Revelation. Discover the mysteries of portals, ancient powers, and the spiritual entities influencing world events today. This in-depth discussion offers insights into God's divine counsel and the end times prophecy.

It is the eternal and immutable purpose of God, that all who are his in a peculiar manner, all whom he designs to bring unto blessedness in the everlasting enjoyment of himself, shall antecedently thereunto be made holy. This purpose of his God hath declared unto us, that we may take no wrong measures of our estate and condition, nor build hopes or expectations of future glory on sandy foundations that will fail us.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251223dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21 Give Him the Name Jesus Joseph’s world had been turned upside down. The woman he loved was expecting a child, and Joseph knew he wasn’t the father. In his hurt and confusion, he planned to end the engagement quietly. But before he could act, God intervened. Through an angel, the Lord gave Joseph the comfort he needed: “Do not be afraid.” Mary’s child was no scandal. He was the Savior, conceived by the Holy Spirit. This was not Joseph’s plan, but it was God’s, and it was perfect. The angel even told Joseph the baby’s name: Jesus. That name means “The Lord saves.” His purpose was clear. He will save his people from their sins. Not from Roman rulers. Not from poverty or sickness. But from the deeper problem that haunts every heart—sin. What a message of hope! We too face fear and confusion when life does not go as planned. We wrestle with guilt over choices we made, with uncertainty about the future, with the pain of brokenness in our world. Yet in our turmoil, God still speaks: “Do not be afraid.” Why not? Because Jesus has come. He has come to save us from our sins. He has lived the perfect life we could not, carried our guilt to the cross, and risen victorious from the grave. His name is still our comfort today: Jesus. The Lord saves. Like Joseph, we may not always understand God’s plan. But we can trust his promise. In Christ, we are forgiven. In Christ, we are safe. And in Christ, we have every reason to live without fear. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to save me from my sins. When fear and doubt rise in my heart, remind me of your name and your promise: The Lord saves. 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.

Trapped in her own purgatory, what's death like for a ghost? www.cryptiquepod.com TikTok @cryptique_podcast YouTube @cryptiquepodcast X @podcastevil IG cryptiquepodcast Let us know about your worst nightmares at cryptiquepodcast@gmail.com For a small one-time donation, you can buy us a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/cryptiquepi Cryptique is a podcast and YouTube channel that covers A.I., aliens, alternative dimensions, alternative history, astrology, bigfoot, black eyed kids, conspiracies and conspiracy theories, consciousness, cryptids, cults, extraterrestrials, fays, feral kids, flat earth, folklore, forbidden knowledge, ghosts, giants, ghouls, goblins, government cover ups, haunted items, hauntings, hat man, hidden archeology, hidden realms, indigenous cultures, lake monsters, men in black, mystic powers, near death experiences, nightmares, numerology, occult, paranormal, politics, psychic abilities, psy ops, psychedelic research and experience, reincarnation, religion, remote viewing, Sasquatch, shadow people, spirits, Tartaria, tarot, the afterlife, true crime, true stories behind horror movies, UFOS, ultraterrestrials, urban legends, weather control, yokai, Yowie.

Amitai

Hello and thanks for joining us today! On todays episode we are continuing on the topic of eternal conscious torment. In light of all the news coming out about Kirk Cameron (Left Behind series actor) changing his view to Annihilationism (belief that those who do not accept Christ will not face eternal damnation) has many asking questions about hell itself. Bro. Dean takes time to address the question on hell and its eternity. We pray this episode is a blessing to you and you are elevated in the Word!

Recorded - 12/21/2025 On this special Almost Sideways Update, Terry and Adam come together to put out their reactions to the latest blockbuster from James Cameron. Does Fire and Ash live up to the first two Avatar films? We also discuss what we've been watching (and Terry has a hot take). Here are the highlights:(2:45) "Street Fight" - Terry Oscar Anniversary Review(6:35) "Rollerball" - Adam Sh*t on My Shelf Review(12:10) "Eternal" - Terry Review(18:55) "Five Nights at Freddy's 2" - Adam Review(23:45) "The Secret Agent" - Terry Review(28:30) "Avatar: Fire and Ash" - Featured ReviewFind AlmostSideways everywhere!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠almostsideways.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/AlmostSidewayscom-130953353614569/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AlmostSideways Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: @almostsideways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Terry's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: @almostsideterry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zach's Letterboxd⁠⁠: https://letterboxd.com/pro_zach36/Todd: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Too Cool for Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Adam's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: @adamsideways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/almostsideways-podcast/id1270959022⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7oVcx7Y9U2Bj2dhTECzZ4m⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfEoLqGyjn9M5Mr8umWiktA/featured?view_as=subscriber⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join Dr. Larry Spargiamino and author Micah Van Huss on 'Watchman on the Wall' as they delve into the mysteries of the spiritual realm with a focus on Van Huss's latest book, 'Angels Eternal: War of the Princes.' Discover the cosmic battle between divine and fallen beings, the role of angels in human history, and what this means for our understanding of the Bible and prophecy. Explore how tradition, scripture, and spiritual warfare shape our faith and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.

Una esperanza eterna para tiempos de crisis. En esta segunda parte seguimos explorando la unica esperanza eterna que es Jesus. Mensaje basado en Isaias 9: 6-An Eternal hope for times of crisis. In this second part we continue to explore the only eternal hope which is Jesus Message based on Isaiah 9: 6To discover more messages of hope go to tallowood.org/sermons/.Follow us on Instagram, X, and YouTube @tallowoodbc.Follow us on FaceBook @tallowoodbaptist

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251222dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 Look to the Sign We live in a world that constantly demands signs. Politicians promise change, and we look for signs that things will improve. Doctors give us a diagnosis, and we want signs that treatments will work. Even in our spiritual lives, we sometimes find ourselves asking God for signs as proof that he is with us, proof that he hears us and will help us. King Ahaz, the king of Judah, was in a difficult spot when Isaiah spoke the words of our Bible reading for today. Powerful armies threatened him. God offered him a sign of his faithfulness, but Ahaz doubted God. God’s promise did not depend on Ahaz’s faith. The Lord himself gave the sign: a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son, and his name would be Immanuel, “God with us.” Centuries later, Matthew's gospel revealed how wonderfully God kept that promise. The virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus, and in him God truly was with us, not just in spirit, not only in power, but in the flesh. He came to stand in our place, to live the perfect life we could not, and to die the death our sins deserved. The ultimate sign of God’s faithfulness is the cross and the empty tomb. What does this mean for us? It means we never need to doubt whether God is with us. Whatever troubles surround us—health concerns, family struggles, financial stress, or guilt from our sins—God has already given us the sign. In Jesus, he is with us. And if he is with us, then who can be against us? So, when doubts creep in, return to the sign God has given. Look to the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb. There you see Immanuel, God with us, God with you. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to be my Immanuel. When I am afraid or tempted to doubt, turn my eyes back to you and the sign of your 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.

Video này được chuyển thể từ bài viết gốc trên nền tảng mạng xã hội chia sẻ tri thức Spiderum

On this episode of Protestia Tonight for December 22nd, 2025, David walks through Kirk Cameron's response video on the pushback against his promotion of annihilationism and discusses why his response is sinful and deeply concerning.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:1-25The book of the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king.And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.

At Christmas, we celebrate that Jesus was born in order to die and rise again!John 1:29, Genesis 22:7-8, Leviticus 5:5-6, Hebrews 10:3-4, Isaiah 53:5-7, 1 Corinthians 5:7, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Luke 22:15, 2 Corinthians 5:21, John 19:30 At Christmas, we proclaim that Jesus was born in order to die and rise again!1 Corinthians 11:26, John 1:29, John 1:35-37 --------DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOOREGet Ron's Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit biblechapel.org/devo.CAREGIVINGDo you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at caregiving@biblechapel.org.GROWTH TRACKWe all have a next step - what's yours? To learn more about our Growth Track and to take your next step, biblechapel.org/connect.

Rev. Vincent Joplin continues the Advent season with a message on "Peace". We know there is peace is because God promises us his peace through His son Jesus, and we know this because He tells us no other kings are worthy enough to lead us than Himself. Eternal peace requires and eternal king. —Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @TheStirringAtHopeTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @TheStirringAtHopePrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251221dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name's sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1-6 Family Matters For many people, these are days of preparation and travel to be with family for Christmas. Most will describe this as an essential and very enjoyable part of the Christmas celebration. Similarly, the reason Jesus was born in Bethlehem was a family matter. His parents had traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem because “they were of the house and line of David” (Luke 2:4). In the very town that hundreds of years earlier David was anointed the king of Israel, came the one who would fulfill that promise. Jesus had a family. The apostle Paul wrote, “As to his human nature (he) was a descendant of David.” He “became flesh” (John 1:14). He became true man so he could live and experience life like one of us. He also “through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God” (Romans 1:4). Jesus wasn’t just another human member of David's family tree; he is God himself. The result? We also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. We have another family to celebrate with this Christmas—all those who realized their need for a Savior, and in whose hearts God’s Spirit has worked a conviction that Jesus is their Savior and Lord. While we enjoy time with our families this Christmas, may we also rejoice that we can trace our spiritual roots back to the Babe of Bethlehem and celebrate with the family of believers our joy in Jesus, who came into this world to be our Savior. Prayer: Dear Jesus, bless my Christmas worship this year and my time together with family as we come together to celebrate your birth. Fill me with the awe of your miraculous birth and the joy that comes from believing that you are my God and Savior. 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.

The Eternal KingSeries: Advent 2025 Speaker: Nick LauerSunday MorningDate: 21st December 2025Passage: Isaiah 9:2-7

[00:30] The Prince of Peace (52 minutes) President Donald Trump believes he is the greatest peacemaker in history. But trusting in human solutions and promises inevitably leads to war. Only God can bring peace to the world. [52:10] WorldWatch (4 minutes)

We're closing out our 10-part Wellness Series with a conversation that couldn't feel more fitting. Today's guest is my friend Brad Stulberg, who returns to the podcast to talk about his new book, The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World. I read this book over the past couple of months and finished it on the plane heading to a busy week of interviews at the running event, and I genuinely felt more grounded and prepared because of it. Brad has been on the show many times, and I always leave our conversations with tangible takeaways for how to live and lead better. He's the author of The Practice of Groundedness, Master of Change, Peak Performance, and The Passion Paradox, and he brings such a thoughtful, practical lens to ambition, growth, and fulfillment. In this episode, we talk about caring deeply, the inevitability of failure, and why caring, even when it opens us up to heartbreak, is still worth it. We also touch on goal setting as we head into a new year and how to think about excellence in a way that's sustainable and meaningful. I hope you love this conversation as much as I did and that it leaves you feeling encouraged as we wrap up this series. Check out Brad’s work and pre order his newest book at BradStulberg.com What we talked about: December as a natural season for reflection, and the tension of “ramping down” while launching something big The Way of Excellence and how excellence can be a mindset you practice, not just an outcome you achieve “Brave New World” as a fear-to-curiosity reframe for big moments (races, interviews, parenting, hard lifts) Curiosity vs fear, and why curiosity helps you perform better (and feel better) under pressure Caring deeply as the cost of stepping into the arena, and why “too cool to care” is actually insecurity Excellence as heartfelt (not robotic) and a critique of “pseudo excellence” culture and optimization obsession Cold plunges and “hacks”: what's legit, what's hype, and when hard things are useful vs unnecessary Identity and the “house with rooms” metaphor (runner, parent, creative, partner) so one setback doesn't collapse your whole sense of self Reading vs short-form video for attention, cognition, and emotional health, plus habits that support focus New Year goals: why resolutions fail, and how values-based goal setting helps you climb the right mountain Sponsors: Eternal This entire Wellness Series has been made possible by Eternal, a science-backed preventative health company for people who take their health and training seriously. Eternal offers comprehensive, integrated primary care, advanced testing, and personalized health planning. They go beyond biomarkers to provide real answers, proactive care, and support for athletes and active humans alike. Learn more and become a member at https://eternal.co. Lagoon Sleep If you're ready to upgrade your sleep, Lagoon pillows are truly a game changer. Their customizable pillows are designed to help you fall asleep faster, stay cool, and wake up without neck or shoulder pain. You can adjust the fill to make it perfect for you. Save 15% by going to https://lagoonsleep.com/lindsey and using the code LINDSEY at checkout. Lindsey Hein Coaching & Training Plans I've been coaching runners since 2013 and currently have space for a few one-on-one athletes. If you're training for your first half or marathon, chasing a PR, or aiming to qualify for Boston, I take a holistic, week-by-week approach to coaching. I also offer half marathon and marathon training plans for beginner through advanced runners, designed with conservative mileage progression and simple strength and mobility work. Visit https://lindseyhein.com and use the code DECEMBER2025 to get $10 off training plans through the end of the year. If you're interested in one-on-one coaching, email me at lindsey@sandyboyproductions.com. Brad's new book, The Way of Excellence, is linked here. Thanks so much for being here and for supporting the Wellness Series.

Today, in this special Christmas message, Pastor Jack teaches that Christ's return has a forever ending. There is a Heaven, and Christ is the only Way to get there. Eternal life is promised to those who believe in His birth, receive His message of salvation, and look forward to the promise of His return.

What if more money meant less joy? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper opens Luke 16:1–9 to show how generosity frees us from emptiness and stores up eternal welcome.