Spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the purpose of conversion to or a rapprochement with Christianity
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The National Eucharistic Revival concluded this past Sunday with the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, and Father Dave welcomes back Catholic speaker and ministry consultant Mari Pablo to discuss what happens next. Mari also discusses her new ministry “In His Heart” which launches on Friday, June 27th, this year's Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle answer questions from listeners, discuss the Biblical evidence behind purgatory and the best logical responses to support it. They also explain the acolyte and their role in the celebration of the Holy Mass. Snippet from the Show “What is Purgatory? It is the application of the merits of Jesus Christ to my soul so that even my desires are in union with God's will for my life.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
How do you handle your own wounds or the wounds of others? Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle open up about childhood pain, suffering, and the path to healing. Through personal stories and shared experiences, they explore the tools needed to move forward and the deep healing that comes when we bring our wounds to the Lord. Snippet from the Show “If you have a wound like that, and you don't bring it to the healer, you don't bring it to the Divine Physician, then it is going to infect.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
Send us a comment or question!Calvary Chapel Franklin: http://calvarychapelfranklin.com/ Email: info@calvarychapelfranklin.com The Parsons Pad Website: https://parsonspad.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/parsonspadpodcastTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/ccfranklintn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryChapelFranklin/ Subscribe to the audio podcast: https://parsonspad.buzzsprout.com/ Calvary Chapel Franklin meets at: Sunday mornings: 1724 General George Patton Drive, Brentwood TN 37027 Wednesday evenings: 274 Mallory Station Rd, Franklin TN 37967 (Aspen Grove Christian Church)Mail: PO Box 1993 Spring Hill TN 37174 If you need a Bible, please download the free Gideon's app for iPhone or Android: https://gideons.org/ Calvary Chapel Franklin is a 501c3 tax exempt religious organization. If you would like to donate to support this ministry, please click here: https://calvarychapelfranklin.churchcenter.com/giving
Why is the feast of Pentecost important? What place should the Holy Spirit have in our life? Dave VanVickle unpacks on the importance of the Holy Spirit and gives practical tips for how we can all increase our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Snippet from the Show “Every year we celebrate the mystery of pentecost, why? We celebrate it to renew the idea that we need the Holy Spirit in our life and to see the mystery of the Church being built throughout that time and we can have a stronger relationship with the Holy Spirit. We want that stronger relationship.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
You are called to evangelize, but don't forget to pray for Jesus to prepare the hearts of those you'll reach with his Gospel. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
1 Peter 3:15
Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle are joined by Dr. Mike Sirilla to explore the divine and human nature of Jesus Christ. Together, they unpack heresies, clarify common misconceptions, and highlight key biblical and historical moments that reveal the true essence of God. Snippet from the Show “Who is Jesus? What is Jesus? He is the perfect union of Divinity and humanity.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
Father Richard John shares about his journey to the priesthood, the importance of hope and our call to serve and evangelize. Parish of the Week: St. Dominic Parish in Saginaw is our Parish of the Week. Their Parochial Administrator, Fr. Richard John, joins us today!Message from Fr. Richard John – Ordained in 2009, I have now journeyed 16 years as a priest, and I share this reflection as a thanksgiving to the Lord who called me. I come from the Archdiocese of Hyderabad, Telangana, in southern India, and currently serve as the Parochial Administrator at St. Dominic Parish since 2023.Three early influences shaped my vocation: my grandmother Margaret John, whose daily Rosary and devotion to St. Anthony inspired a prayer movement in our neighborhood; my father Aron John, a daily communicant who introduced me to the beauty of the Eucharist; and my first encounter with the story of Mother Teresa, whose radical commitment deeply moved me as a child. These seeds of faith were nurtured by my parish priest, and I joined the seminary in 1998 after 10th grade.Growing up in a joint family of modest means, financial struggles were common. I often joined sports camps at school just for the meals. Yet, through God's providence and support like CFCA sponsorship from Sr. Shirley Ruder, a Dominican nun from Michigan, I could continue my education.Despite health challenges during formation, I experienced healing that confirmed my call. Over the years, I've served in various ministries — from being assistant to the archbishop, to working at St. Anthony's Shrine, teaching, radio ministry, and youth outreach.My path to Saginaw in 2022 was guided by God's providence, facilitated by friends, Fr. Raj, Fr. Bill and Bishop Gruss. I remain grateful to the Lord, the bishop, fellow clergy, and parishioners whose support makes this mission meaningful. Thank you
Fr. Anthony, Tony, and Cristina return live today to talk about the goings on, people in the Parish, and of course to offer up prayers. They discuss current events that are occurring, signaling our need to return to God, leading Father Anthony to renew his call for supporters and donations to donate to the Kostka Kids fund a prominent way for us to evangelize. This fund is available to ensure that families interested in Catholic education for their children are able to acquire it here at St. Stanislaus Kostka Academy, despite their financial means. He also asks us for prayer to ensure that we are able to raise the necessary funds to save our children by being able to fund their catholic education if needed. St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish
It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, our mission statement is to evangelize the lost, equip the saints, and empower them to step out into what God has called them to do. The first step is to evangelize. There is a world full of people who are living their life with no hope. It is our responsibility to share the gospel with them.
This week Bill McKeever and Bradley Campbell explain the importance of sharing the Gospel with unbelievers.
This week Bill McKeever and Bradley Campbell explain the importance of sharing the Gospel with unbelievers.
How can the Church be renewed from within? How do we faithfully follow our conscience while acting with prudence? Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle explore how saints, popes, and everyday men and women—including themselves—have embraced the real work of the Kingdom, responding to the failures of Church leadership not with bitterness, but with holiness and give tips on how you can too! Snippet from the Show “The fact of the matter is that no matter the office, no matter the charism, holiness has always trumped everything when it comes to authority in the Church and so what I'd say is like, if you are frustrated with Church leadership, be holy. Be a saint!” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
This week Bill McKeever and Bradley Campbell explain the importance of sharing the Gospel with unbelievers.
This week Bill McKeever and Bradley Campbell explain the importance of sharing the Gospel with unbelievers.
Fr. Anthony, Tony, and Cristina return live today to talk about the goings on, people in the Parish, and of course to offer up prayers. They discuss current events that are occurring, signaling our need to return to God, leading Father Anthony to renew his call for supporters and donations to donate to the Kostka Kids fund a prominent way for us to evangelize. This fund is available to ensure that families interested in Catholic education for their children are able to acquire it here at St. Stanislaus Kostka Academy, despite their financial means. He also asks us for prayer to ensure that we are able to raise the necessary funds to save our children by being able to fund their catholic education if needed. St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish
This week Bill McKeever and Bradley Campbell explain the importance of sharing the Gospel with unbelievers.
Even in the suffering!Join my Youtube Members channel to get access to perks like LIVE coaching and MORE VIDEOS helping you with your Soul, Mind and Body:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UComOLNKo70zgeWxOJEJChlQ/joinI would love to come speak at your conference, association, men/women/youth event or parish! I also lead retreats and parish missions - check out my website at https://kendravonesh.com/speaking/Where are my upcoming events and media appearances?https://kendravonesh.com/events-media/Check out my 10 minute daily inspirational podcast!https://realityreflections.comShare if you appreciated this podcast.
Colossians 4:2-6 gives us an incredible charge and lesson on how vital prayer is to evangelism. And once God opens a door, what should we say to the person? Join us as we study how simply these verses prepare us for evangelism.
May 25 - What's In A Word: Evangelize | Dr. Carolyn Helsel by WHPC
What does it mean to be empowered for missions—not just in theory, but in everyday life? In this special message, Ebenezer Asiamah shares his deeply personal journey from nightclubs in Ghana to Spirit-led evangelism across continents. It's a story of transformation, calling, and the unmatched power of God to use ordinary people for extraordinary mission.Eben's story begins with a “prodigal son” moment—a turning point when he recognized his life was far from God. Through the guidance of a local pastor and a fresh hunger for the Holy Spirit, he found not only forgiveness but boldness to proclaim the gospel. From those early days preaching in village centers without electricity, to ministry work here in the U.S., Eben has lived the truth that missions begins when we say yes to God's purpose and power.Drawing from Acts 1:8, Luke 4, and Matthew 28, Eben outlines three foundational truths:1. Mission is the heart of the Father. From Genesis, God has always been seeking the lost. Mission isn't our idea—it's His.2. Mission is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus was anointed to do the Father's work, we need the Spirit's power to live and speak boldly.3. Mission is our calling. Whether across the globe or across the street, every believer has a role in God's redemptive plan.Eben also walked us through practical responses to this call:- Pray. Spend time before the Lord and let Him place His mission on your heart.- Evangelize and disciple. Be a witness in your home, your church, your workplace, and beyond.- Support missionaries. Through prayer and generosity, you can be part of what God is doing globally.This isn't about guilt—it's about invitation. God's mission is fueled by grace, and He desires to work through surrendered people like you.The world is still full of “unpossessed land,” both spiritually and physically. But we go forward with Jesus' promise: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me…and I am with you always.”We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!Find us on Facebook & Instagram
Like the parable of the soils, we are to sow the seed of the gospel in all kinds of soil, leaving the results to God. In this Bible study, we learn how to share the gospel truthfully and urgently yet in a sprit of love. (Part 4 in our evangelism training class at Calvary Church West Hills)
Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - John 15:9-11 - Jesus said to His disciples: "As the Father loves Me, so I also love you. Remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and remain in His love. "I have told you this so that My joy might be in you and your joy might be complete." Memorial of Saint Rita of Cascia, Religious Saint Rita, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3) Jose Pulido on his book: How to Evangelize Anyone 4) Christ never "dialogued" with people, He instructed them https://www.knightsrepublic.com/single-post/christ-never-dialogued-with-the-people-but-instructed-them
Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle talk about reviving the diaconate. They discuss how deacons are not just “married priests” but that they have different yet important roles. They also talk about the origin of the diaconate, how the role has evolved through the ages, and share their raw thoughts on the diaconate. Snippet from the Show “I'm grateful for the diaconate because I've always seen it as a part of the way the Church has ministered over the centuries, the way the Apostolic Church saw a need to fulfill and I think also the purpose of the Cross of Jesus Christ is to keep us in mind that our job is to be a sacrifice for other people.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
Send us a textI'm a little extra excited about this one. In part because we suggest some things about the working of God that may stretch our thinking and help us see more of what God is doing in our lives.BUT also... because my son Nic is in the episode! His most recent Wednesday night invitation is included in the middle of the episode. He did a really good job showing how God was active in Jonah's life and for what purpose. I hope you find it helpful. In the end, God is present and active in your life and mind. He can work with us as we conform to and fulfill His purpose, or He can work against us to wake us up to His right to be obeyed. Let's learn from Jonah and choose that first option!BRAND NEW BOOK—The Daily Bible Devotional Volume 2 (Acts—Ephesians) is now available on Amazon. We hope this becomes a great daily tool for engaging with the New Testament, one chapter at a time. Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Sponsors: Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com Phone: 205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide MortgageWebsites: https://statewidemortgage.com/https://tylercain.floify.com/Phone: 813-380-8487
Can someone be saved without hearing the Gospel? Here's what Scripture, the Church, and reason reveal.Morning Offering, May 19, 2025Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________
Thursday of the Third Week of Lent. Father Dave reflects on how we may feel that evangelizing is futile. He quotes Kent M. Keith's paradoxical commandments, which say to “do it anyway” and see how God can still bear fruit. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 3-27-25
What does it mean to be a priest today? In this episode, Gomer and Dave reflect on the beauty and burden of the priesthood—its spiritual power, real-world challenges, and the call to bold, Christ-centered leadership. With insights and wisdom from Pope Benedict, we explore how priests can renew their role as shepherds—and how we, as laypeople, can support them in their mission. Snippet from the Show If you're a priest and you learn and communicate the Faith, your parish is going to grow. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle discuss the importance of understanding priests; what their role is, how they should be set apart and how we should approach the priesthood. They also talk about the significance of sacrifice and the biblical roots of the priesthood. Snippet from the Show Jesus Christ is the high priest, he's the unique mediator. There is no priesthood without Jesus Christ. When you are baptized into Christ, you enter into the role of priest, prophet and king. So the whole community, every Christian man and woman participates in the baptismal priesthood of Christ. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
In addition to Christ's priestly office, lay people are called to participate in Christ's prophetic and kingly offices. They take part in Christ's prophetic office by evangelizing and proclaiming Christ by word and with the testimony of their lives. Fr. Mike explains that the laity participate in Christ's kingly office in their hearts. They do this when they rule themselves and conquer sin, acting as virtuous leaders in the Church and society. Fr. Mike also reminds us that lay people should strive to be guided by Christian conscience in all their actions in the Church and society. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 904-913. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Send us a textIn Acts 17:16-34, we see Paul's encounter in Athens at the Areopagus. This was a center of philosophical thought, higher learning, and judicial proceedings. It was a place to go to discuss ideas and to debate. Paul was invited to share about his God and his beliefs in front of an audience at the Areopagus. Within this chapter, we see Paul makes inroads and finds common ground with his audience. He follows the right "evangelical" course, yet some were disapproving and even mocked his message. Still, others wanted to listen and hear Paul out. Finally, some believed! We see the power of the Gospel through this event. From this Acts 17 account, there is much we can use in terms of our own witness and our need to boldly speak about Christ just as Paul did. Check out the new AS BOLD AS LIONS merch items: https://derekcharlesjohnson.com/store
It's our 100th episode! Hosts Susanne McNinch and Chez Filippini welcome Bishop Wack and Sharmane Adams to reminisce about Sharmane's vision for the podcast, some of their favorite moments, memorable road trips and future plans for the podcast.Kayley Robinson, the show's original producer, also joins the show to share her experiences setting up the studio and humorous moments during filming with Bishop Wack.Derek Diamond, the current producer, breaks the fourth wall to discuss his favorite episodes, funny behind the scenes moments and his appreciation for everyone involved with making the podcast a reality.
Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle are joined by cannon lawyer, Fr. Brian Austin. Together they discuss the origins of canon law, the difference between church and secular legal law, papal primacy, and discuss the role of the Catholic Church through the chaos of history. Snippet from the Show If you believe that God wants you to be happy then how does that change what law is? Well it goes from being the arbitrary, tyrannical, imposition of an authority over me, right? And the scariest thing is not the tyrant, the scariest thing is its arbitrariness. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
‘King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper' (Daniel 4:27).
Beyond Damascus: The show where encounter meets mission. On this podcast, Dan, Brad, and Aaron will give you practical tips on how to live out your faith every day. We'll get into actionable steps of what it means to have an abundant Christian life and share things that we've learned through our personal journey's about overcoming obstacles, pursuing joy, and living a meaningful life. Tune in each week!Check out Beyond Damascus on Spotify and Apple Podcasts at: https://open.spotify.com/show/3MMe7sJcCTSZwyYu4D8EF3?si=1e9fe39919bb43e9 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-damascus/id1587181752 Learn more about Damascus at https://damascus.netSpecial thanks to St. Gabriel Catholic Radio for their support in the production of Beyond Damascus. Learn more about St. Gabriel at https://stgabrielradio.com
Pope Francis (1936-25) was a Jesuit, a religious Order that sent Priests to North America on a mission to evangelize the natives. Hurons, Algonquins, and Mohawk Iroquois clashed in Northeastern North America during the 1630s. Check out the YouTube version of this episode at https://youtu.be/dTScCOAwuUo which has accompanying visuals including maps, charts, timelines, photos, illustrations, and diagrams. Black Robe novel by Brian Moore available at https://amzn.to/48d10Y2 Black Robe movie available at https://amzn.to/4alI8YD ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's HISTORICAL JESUS podcast is available at: https://parthenonpodcast.com/historical-jesus Mark's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkVinet_HNA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's Books: https://amzn.to/3k8 Podcaster Steve Guerra invited me on his show Beyond the Big Screen to discuss the movie BLACK ROBE, set in New France during the year 1634. (2E271)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 24th, 2025: Easter Thursday - You Need the Magisterium & the Sacraments to Evangelize; St Mary Magdalene Finally Sees Jesus; Easter is a Combat Stupendous; The Importance of the Church & Praying Together
Why does the Church need bishops? Dr. Michael Sirilla joins Mike Gormley and Dave Van Vickle to explore the role of bishops in the Church, referencing St. Thomas Aquinas' insights. They discuss the spiritual fatherhood, pastoral duties, and theological understanding of bishops. They also unpack the processes of selecting bishops and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the Church. Snippet from the Show "Bishops are more than administratros, they are spiritual fathers." We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle unpack Church history, explain papal theology, highlight the importance of Rome, and the importance of St. Peter. They also explain papal infallibility, what it is and what it is not. Snippet from the Show "So the Pope is supposed to be this thing of unity amongst the communion of the bishops, but he is not supposed to be the CEO of a bunch of franchises and that is an ugly way to view the Church." We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
Have you ever wondered why Peter was the first pope? Do you question the idea of a pope or of papal infallibility? Where does priestly authority come from? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle continue their season of exploring church leadership through the examination of the Old Testament, the New Testament, the priesthood and the role of St. Peter. Snippet from the Show If Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament as the Davidic King, he has a right hand man as it were the chief steward of the house, he has what we would call today the Prime Minister, and that person, that Joseph, is Peter. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
Are you ready for a new season of Every Knee Shall Bow? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle kick off their new season by addressing the topics they'll cover in upcoming episodes regarding church hierarchy, where it comes from, all the common problems people have and many other topics around church leadership. Snippet from the Show Even in the face of incredibly competent leaders, that aren't priests, that aren't bishops, that isn't the pope, Christ ordained and established that rule. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
Garth Heckman TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com The David Alliance What are the marks of a man in history? Across the globe, various cultures have developed unique and often intense rituals to mark a young male's transition into manhood. These rites of passage serve to test physical and mental fortitude, impart cultural knowledge, and solidify the individual's place within the community. Here are a few examples: Amazonian Tribes (e.g., Sateré-Mawé): A particularly grueling ritual involves the "bullet ant glove." Young men must wear gloves filled with hundreds of highly venomous bullet ants, enduring excruciating pain to demonstrate their strength and resilience. Ethiopian Tribes (e.g., Hamar): The "bull-jumping" ceremony requires young men to leap across the backs of several cattle, proving their agility and courage. Pacific Islands (e.g., Vanuatu): "Land diving" involves young men jumping from tall wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles, a dangerous feat that tests their bravery. Australian Aboriginal Cultures: "Walkabout" is a traditional journey where young men venture into the wilderness for extended periods, learning survival skills and cultural knowledge. Various African Cultures: Circumcision rituals are common, symbolizing the transition from boyhood to manhood. There are also many cultures that have rituals that include periods of isolation, where the young men are taught the traditional laws, and history of their people. Jewish Culture: The Bar Mitzvah, at age 13, marks a young man's religious coming-of-age, signifying his responsibility to observe Jewish law. These rituals often involve: Physical endurance: Tests of strength, pain tolerance, and survival skills. Spiritual or ceremonial elements: Rituals that connect the individual to their cultural heritage and beliefs. Community recognition: Public ceremonies that acknowledge the young man's new status within the group. Instruction and knowledge transfer: Older men imparting essential skills and cultural wisdom to the initiates. It's important to approach these cultural practices with respect and understanding, recognizing their significance within their respective communities. What are my three marks of a man in todays world? Here are the three I think are relevant for your society. Save your virginity until marriage Serve others as a lifestyle Evangelize the lost - tell others about Jesus Why these three? They do three things… Evangelism: It challenges you to learn. You must learn scripture, learn how to read people. Learn how to share the gospel with differing people, belief systems and environments. Learn how to answer questions that have a biblical backing, loving in nature and make God look good. And how to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. Servanthood. It challenges you to live outside your world and the worlds view (its all about me - its all about what my eyes want, my soul wants, my appetites want, what my pride wants… servanthood crushes that) One should monthly - and honestly more than once a month… but you should be serving in a capacity where you help others less fortunate than you. There are dozens of areas… food pantry, boys club, Prison ministry, Tutor kids, babysit for single parents, visit a nursing home, Go hand out sandwiches to the homeless, help your church in some serving role, houses for humanity, work at a pet shelter… And part of serving is giving your money and not just your time. They challenge you to learn discipline and reliance on the Holy Spirit to tame your most powerful, lustful and fleshly desires. If you can't tame your sex drive you will never fully be able to serve God with all your heart. It is the proving ground of truly wanting to be a man of God - more than evangelism and servanthood. If a girl/woman wants to marry a Christian man and he cannot handle is sex drive than he is simply confessing through his actions that his fleshly desires are more important than God and his word.
Gomer and Dave will return next week with a new season on Church hierarchy. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
How do you deal with pastor changes, church updates, and closing parishes? Are you trying to serve the church, but keep hitting roadblocks? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle explore what to do when you feel stuck in an unfortunate church situation and how to handle the chaos of change. Snippet from the Show It's important to let this be a reminder to us that we follow Jesus Christ and not a building or a certain pastor or something like that. We have to evangelize, we have to be a church that goes out and grows. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
Does the idea of apologetics intimidate you? Do you feel inadequate defending the Catholic faith, but want to build confidence in evangelizing? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle explain the gift of evangelization and how God wants us to participate in the good work He started. Snippet from the Show The sacraments are not our work to please God, it is God's work to save humanity. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
What is your plan for Lent? Is there anything you've been avoiding that the Lord is tugging at your heart to revisit? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle explain where our focus should be and how Lent is a time to become more disciplined, virtuous and free. Snippet from the Show “The purpose of Lent is a time of quickening, a time of intensity, it's a time of renewed focus. It is a time where we don't give up our sin… it's a time where we renounce good things.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
When you're facing suffering, it's very natural to ask why. However, if we suspend that question and instead ask ‘God, how can I love the most at this moment?', you'll get more answers than if you were to actually get the answer to your question. Today, Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle give tips how on how to suffer well and weather the storms of difficulties. Snippet from the Show Tips from Mike and Dave on How to Suffer Well: Remind yourself that everyone is fighting their own battle. Remembering that everyone is suffering in their own way can take your focus off yourself and shift your focus to others. Have a reason for your suffering. Offering up suffering keeps your focus strong and your faith big. Be bluntly honest with God. Bring your anger to the Lord and allow Him to change your heart. Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (Colossians 1:24) And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends; and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10) Quote from C.S. Lewis God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains. Quote from Fr. Jacques Philippe What really hurts is not so much suffering itself as the fear of suffering. If welcomed trustingly and peacefully, suffering makes us grow. It matures and trains us, purifies us, teaches us to love unselfishly, makes us poor in heart, humble, gentle, and compassionate toward our neighbor. Fear of suffering, on the other hand, hardens us in self-protective, defensive attitudes, and often leads us to make irrational choices with disastrous consequences. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow