Podcasts about every christmas

It's better than ol' Mamma Donaldson's roasties, I'll give it that - PeteAbroadInJapanPodcast@gmail.com - use this email to get your story or question on the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every Christmas, we like to share a favorite poem. This year it's 'Priest' by Knut Ødegård.We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 8th. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every Christmas, a short story makes its return—one without a known author, but with a lasting impact. The Man and the Birds was famously shared each holiday season by Paul Harvey on the radio, and for years, it's become an annual tradition on 7 Minute Stories. In this special holiday episode, Aaron revisits the quiet, timeless parable about belief, humility, and what it means to truly see one another. Recorded live during Night Stories Live! this retelling invites listeners to slow down, listen closely, and carry a simple truth with them into Christmas. A story passed hand to hand, voice to voice—now shared once again.

Every Christmas season, A Christmas Carol returns to our screens and pages as a story of generosity, redemption, and hope. But beneath the familiar narrative, Charles Dickens was also making a powerful argument—one that challenges how society views the poor, children, and human worth itself.In today's Christmas episode of Faith & Finance, we sat down with Jerry Bowyer, our resident economist and president of Bowyer Research, to explore the deeper economic and theological message Dickens embedded in this classic tale.The Meaning Behind “Surplus Population”One of the most disturbing lines in A Christmas Carol comes from Ebenezer Scrooge, who suggests that the poor might be better off dying to reduce the “surplus population.”Jerry explained that this phrase wasn't casual or poetic—it was loaded with meaning in Dickens' day. It reflected the influence of Thomas Malthus, an economist whose ideas shaped early 19th-century thinking. Malthus believed population growth would always outpace food and resources, making widespread poverty inevitable. His conclusion? Society should discourage the poor from having children.Dickens deliberately places this language in the mouth of his villain. Scrooge isn't just cruel—he's the embodiment of a philosophy that treats people as economic problems rather than human beings made in God's image.Jerry noted that Dickens was, in effect, writing A Christmas Carol as a rebuttal to Malthus.By the time Dickens wrote the story, Britain was entering what economists now call the Great Takeoff—a period of unprecedented growth in productivity, trade, and human flourishing. Malthus had predicted catastrophe just before abundance exploded.Dickens highlights this abundance through scenes overflowing with food, trade goods, and celebration. The message is clear: people don't merely consume resources—they create them.Scarcity, Trauma, and Scrooge's PastDickens doesn't excuse Scrooge's cruelty, but he does explain it. Through the Ghost of Christmas Past, we see a lonely boy shaped by hunger, cold, and deprivation.Jerry pointed out that Scrooge's scarcity mindset is rooted in trauma. His fear of lack leads him to believe that God—if He exists at all—is stingy. That fear shapes his economics, his relationships, and his resistance to generosity.The turning point comes when Scrooge encounters the Ghost of Christmas Present. When told the spirit has over 1,800 brothers—each representing a Christmas—Scrooge responds, “What a large family to provide for.”It's another glimpse of his scarcity thinking. And it draws sharp rebuke.Jerry emphasized that Dickens is confronting the idea that more people mean less provision. In contrast, Scripture reveals a God who is generous, creative, and abundant—and who commands humanity to fill the earth, not fear it.No One Is DisposableBy the end of the story, Scrooge is transformed. He becomes generous, relational, and deeply concerned for others—especially children like Tiny Tim.Jerry observed that in a Malthusian worldview, Tiny Tim is expendable. But Dickens—and the gospel—say otherwise. There are no surplus people.Even Jesus Himself, Jerry noted, would have been classified as “surplus population” by such a system—born poor, dependent, and unwanted by the powerful.The language may have changed, but the ideas persist. Whenever society treats children as burdens, the poor as problems, or human life as expendable in the name of efficiency or sustainability, we are hearing echoes of Scrooge before his redemption.Dickens reminds us that economics is always moral—and theology always shapes how we view people.Watching With New EyesAs Jerry put it, A Christmas Carol isn't just a holiday story. It's a challenge to scarcity, fear, and dehumanization—and an invitation to generosity rooted in trust.As families watch this story together, it becomes a powerful opportunity to talk with our children about God's abundance, human dignity, and what it truly means to love our neighbor.Because the real miracle of Christmas isn't simply changed behavior—it's a changed heart.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a substantial amount of savings sitting in the bank and want to protect it from inflation. I live primarily on Social Security, have no debt or investments, and need to keep some funds available for emergencies. What's a wise way to invest the rest?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)The Life of Our Lord: Written for His Children During the Years 1846 to 1849 by Charles DickensA Christmas Carol by Charles DickensThe Sound Mind Investing Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Your Money From a Biblical Perspective by Austin Pryor with Mark BillerThe Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics by Jerry BowyerWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every Christmas morning since 1864 (with only one modern break), a hardy band of swimmers has plunged into the icy Serpentine in Hyde Park for a 100-yard dash that has become London's most extraordinary yuletide tradition. Born from Victorian bravado, crowned with the Peter Pan Cup, and often surrounded by ice and applause, this event is part challenge, part spectacle and utterly festive – a cold-water ritual that defines Christmas in the capital.

Every Christmas season, pop stars far and wide throw their Santa hats into the ring to see who has the next "All I Want for Christmas Is You," and this year is no exception. It's a yearly tradition on Switched On Pop to explore the deluge of holiday hits, and 2025 sees formidable entries to the canon from folks like Kylie Minogue, Leon Bridges, and Willie Nelson. Links: ⁠Newsletter⁠, ⁠YouTube Songs discussed: Ariana Grande – Santa Tell Me Kelly Clarkson – Underneath the Tree Cher – Christmas Is Here Cher – Believe Kylie Minogue – Hot in December Zach Top – For You For Christmas Willie Nelson – Christmas Love Song Mickey Guyton – Sugar Cookie Meghan Trainor – Gifts For Me The Ronettes – Sleigh Ride Gwen Stefani – Hot Cocoa Train – Let's Stay in Tonight Brenda Lee – Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree Leon Bridges, Norah Jones – This Christmas I'm Coming Home Elysia Biro – The Christmas Song Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode, Mike Renner and former NFL QB Ben DiNucci recap the Monday Night Football matchup between the 49ers and Colts. They also go through the current playoff picture, play fact or fiction and preview EVERY Christmas Day game! (00:00) Intro (00:52) MNF Recap (7:15) Updated Playoff Bracket (10:33) Bucs New Coach Next Season? (14:14) Most Surprising Team This Season? (16:50) NFC West Champ Will Win Super Bowl? (19:25) Tyler Shough OROY? (23:17) Malik Willis Top Free Agent QB? (28:08) Curt Cignetti To The NFL? (30:37) Netflix Exec Will Be Fired? (32:20) Christmas Day Preview Pushing the Pile is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pushingthepile Download and Follow Pushing the Pile on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2RFkEgdbFxbPBDU5F5xEjJ?si=1062d40c04e24fd5 Follow our PTP team on Twitter: @mikerenner_, @Ky1eLong, @acosta32_jp, @pushingthepile Sign up for the Pick Six Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters For more NFL coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos. You can listen to Pushing the Pile on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time for the annua Christmas Sessions here on The 46 of 46 Podcast.Every Christmas we put an Adirondack spin on an old Christmas classic. This year we'll hear the story of Van Hoevy the Snowman of Marcy Dam. A friend to everyone in the Adirondack High PeaksI've also added the other Christmas specials to this episode so you can enjoy the entire series which includes:- Marlowe the Blue Antlered Moose- How Crank the Adirondack Hermit Stole Christmas- The Night Before Christmas in the Adirondack MountainsMerry Christmas everyone!Tired of physically struggling on your hikes? Looking for help to improve your your fitness for hiking? Here are 2 ways I can help you do that:1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for better hiking adventures, along with the nutrition and daily habits needed to support long term transformation. Book a call with James to see if it's the right fit for you HEREwww.seektodomore.com 2.) Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE Team training programA 6-week online fitness program to help you imporve your strength and endurance for hiking mountains. Train alongside a likeminded team of fellow hikers who will give you the support, guidance, and accountability you need to succeed.Over 200 hikers worldwide have joined the Great Range Athlete team program with great sucesss from first time hikers to multi-round Adirondack 46'ers and everywhere inbetween. Plus, enjoy an Adirondack group hike at the end of the program with your coach and teammatesJoin the next team HEREwww.GreatRangeAthlete.comFollow on Instagram & Facebook:@46of46podcast@jamesappleton46Get my Adirondack hiking books:1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line3.) Pick up my digital eBook "From 1-to-46" instantly HEREVisit my websites:www.46OUTDOORS.comwww.46OF46.com

Every Christmas is an opportunity to celebrate that God made a way where there was no way. God sent Jesus to save those that are lost and o bring them home, and because of this, the world can have great joy! Pastor Brandon reminds us that the manger held a baby that was born to die so that we may live. Drawing inspiration from the shepherds in the advent of Jesus, we are shown what it means to love others... and that is to tell others what we know. Ultimately showing that if we know the Way, we should show the Way. - Key Verses // Luke 2:10-18 - For Sermon Notes, the Connect Card, and our other online resources: https://linktr.ee/Celebrationchurchlive

Every night, join Father Joseph Matlak as he ends the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, and using the Douay-Rheims psalter for his reflections, Father Matlak guides you in prayer and shares a brief reflection and a thorough examination of conscience providing you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. ________________

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Join us this week as we go from Secret Santa turning way more dramatic than planned, to unhinged Christmas opinions and Would You Rather questions that fully derailed the episode. There were tears (don't ask), questionable Christmas food takes, family pressure chat, and at least one moment where we definitely overshared. We talk regifting crimes, awkward Christmas questions, festive flirting, naughty vs nice behaviour, and why Christmas dinner is basically a high-stress endurance sport. All wrapped up in pyjamas, and classic Sisters chaos.

Send us a textOn this episode, Tom and Bert select, review and discuss their Honorable Mentions and their TOP 10 + 1 Greatest Holiday Song Favorites of all time!It's the "SONG" that makes the criteria for their selections then theor favorite/best renditions by their favorites singers complete their lists.Some are the traditional Classics and some are newer originals with a few surprise sleeper hits that make up their lists.Some highlights:"Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer" (9:21) by Dean Martin"Merry Christmas Baby" (13:35) by the Carpenters"Happy Holidays/Holiday Season" (21:03) by Andy Williams"Feliz Navidad" (23:30) by Jose Feliciano"Every Year, Every Christmas" (25:52) by Luther Vandross"The Christmas Song" (27:24) by Nat King Cole"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (32:03) by Frank Sinatra"Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" (38:45) by Burl Ives"Peace on Earth"/"Little Drummer Boy" (41:30) by Bing Crosby and David Bowie"Gloria" (51:06) by Michael W. Smith"Santa Baby" (53:45) by Eartha Kitt"Baby It's Cold Outside" (1h 01m) by Dean Martin"Same Old Lang Syne" (1h 12m) by Dan Fogelberg"All I want for Christmas is You" (1h 15m) by Mariah CareyHave a Great Holiday Season and we wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year.Enjoy the Show!You can email us at reeldealzmoviesandmusic@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page, Reel Dealz Podcast: Movies & Music Thru The Decades to leave comments and/or TEXT us at 843-855-1704 as well.

Every Christmas is an opportunity to celebrate that God made a way where there was no way. God sent Jesus to save those that are lost and o bring them home, and because of this, the world can have great joy! Pastor Brandon reminds us that the manger held a baby that was born to die so that we may live. Drawing inspiration from the shepherds in the advent of Jesus, we are shown what it means to love others... and that is to tell others what we know. Ultimately showing that if we know the Way, we should show the Way. - Key Verses // Luke 2:10-18 - For Sermon Notes, the Connect Card, and our other online resources: https://linktr.ee/Celebrationchurchlive

Every Christmas, Christians sing a nativity story shaped as much by hymnody as by the Gospels themselves. In this Christmas special, Helen and Lloyd take a closer look at four of their favourite Christmas carols to ask the question: how do their depictions of Jesus' birth compare with the gospel accounts?For the first time ever, you will also be able to watch the Biblical Time Machine on YouTube. Subscribe to the Biblical Time Machine channel for upcoming content and conversations, including this conversation between Helen and Lloyd. For more on the 'Plygain' Christmas tradition, see here. SUPPORT BIBLICAL TIME MACHINEIf you enjoy the podcast, please (pretty please!) consider supporting the show through the Time Travellers Club, our Patreon. We are an independent, listener-supported show (no ads!), so please help us continue to showcase high-quality biblical scholarship with a monthly subscription.DOWNLOAD OUR STUDY GUIDE: MARK AS ANCIENT BIOGRAPHYCheck out our 4-part audio study guide called "The Gospel of Mark as an Ancient Biography." While you're there, get yourself a Biblical Time Machine mug or a cool sticker for your water bottle.Support the showTheme music written and performed by Dave Roos, creator of Biblical Time Machine. Season 4 produced by John Nelson.

In this vAuto podcast, Jeremiah Mowry, operations director at Atlanta Auto Brokers, details how a drive-to-school conversation with his daughter in 2017 helped him find his “happy place”—giving away Christmas trees and gifts every December to families in his local community. Hear how Jeremiah and his team turned an idea for a cash-making side hustle into a popular holiday-giving tradition; partner with local schools, a church, a women's shelter and area businesses to develop wish lists for needy families; reinvest cash/credit card donations for trees to fund gift-giving; and build goodwill and trust that helps drive future business at the dealership.

Every Christmas, we send and receive invitations.  Parties, dinners, fruit cake exchanges (yuck). But what if this season, God had an invitation for you?  Long before Jesus was born, God was already extending the invite through prophets, angels, and promises of hope. Join us as we discover what happens when we RSVP “yes” to God's invitation.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: CLICK HEREABOUT FEARLESS CHURCHFearless Church is here to help you live boldly for Jesus. Wherever you are in your faith journey, we'll walk with you as you grow, take your next step, and make a difference. Let's pursue a movement of faith together that changes lives—starting with yours! LOCATION & TIMES2601 E. Alex Bell Road, Dayton, OH 45459 Sundays - On-campus: 9:30 & 11 AM | Online: Facebook & YouTube at 11 AM. Get more info about us at befearless.org.FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FearlessChurchOhioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearlesschurchohio/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FearlessChurchOhio

Every Christmas, we celebrate by giving gifts. Some say the tradition began with the Wise Men, who brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn King. Others point to the story of St. Nicholas, known for quietly giving gifts to children. But long before either of those stories, the true tradition of Christmas giving began with God Himself. Christmas started with a gift from heaven — when God gave His only Son. Tomorrow, “The Way in a Manger” series continues as we pause and look again at the gift that started it all. Not just a gift wrapped in paper and ribbon, but a gift wrapped in love, sacrifice, and purpose. It challenges us to rethink what makes a gift truly great. Is it the size? The price? The presentation? Or is it the heart behind it? In the message, we will explore why Jesus is called “The Gift of Gifts” — and why no other gift, past or present, can ever compare. This message will be an encouragement for all of us as we enter this Christmas week. If your friends can't join you on Christmas Eve next Wednesday at 4:00 or 6:00 PM, tomorrow would be a great day to invite them as well.

As a little kid, I always slept terribly on Christmas eve. I'd try and go to bed early. I'd tell myself that the sooner I went to sleep, the sooner I'd wake on Christmas morning. But sure as anything I'd be up all night, listening for any sound of activity on the roof. Together with my three little brothers and sisters, we'd be desperate for mum and dad to throw open our bedroom doors at first light, and we'd scramble down to our spindly-and-slightly-off-centred Christmas tree to see if Dad's old football socks had been attended to by Santa. I suspect this Christmas eve will be another poor sleep. Not because I'll be excitedly listening for the sound of shuffling reindeer on corrugated iron, but because it's my first Christmas morning with our ten-month-old son. We're taking both our boys to their cousins' place. Five kids. Average age: four-and-a-half. Our eldest is already fizzing. Our baby will have absolutely no idea what's going on but will sure as anything wake up a minimum of three times in the night to demand cuddles and a feed. Christmas is a kind of touchstone for our family. Like many Kiwi families, it's the one time of year when all of us (or at least as many of us as possible) are in one place at the same time. Weddings, funerals and Christmas are the only occasions we're all together. And Christmas is the only regular date. As a child you never think of this stuff, but as you grow older you are gently confronted by the reality that for better or worse, the numbers in the room change. The grandparents whom I shared Christmas day with as a little boy are no longer with us, no longer sitting on the couch, sipping their coffees and wryly commentating as the kids tear into the wrapping paper. Granny was a very active woman. Every Christmas morning after we'd stuffed ourselves with chocolates and junk, she'd lead a brisk stroll through the neighbourhood as we worked up an appetite for lunch. Dad and my grandad would stay at home and race through a cryptic crossword. Now it's different. For the kids it's more or less the same. All magic. A whirlwind. A blur. But for the rest of us, a new baby just reinforces our awareness of having stepped up a generation. Where once I was struggling to sleep through the night on Christmas Eve, now it's my boys and their cousins. My parents have become the grandparents sitting on the couch, sipping their coffees, wryly commentating proceedings. My siblings have become the parents, the aunts and uncles. People who once were there, are not. New, excited little bodies have taken their place. There's sadness in it. But there's something quite beautiful about it too, placing yourself in a generational context like that. It's a circle of life thing. It's funny that it comes at Christmas. Other cultures and religions probably have many more of these moments. But we're a bit short on touchstone traditions. For me at least, Christmas is a short little window every year where the busy lives in my family are about as aligned as they're going to be. It's a touchstone where if you want to, you can step back and observe what's changed in the family. My son's first Christmas will mean seeing myself in a slightly different light… not as a kid, or a gift-giver, or someone setting stocking sunder the tree, but as a bridge between different generations of the same family, hoping the spirit of these traditions will continue for many years to come. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family Worship brings the church service to you, on air Sundays at 9am and 7:30pm and now on demand, wherever you get your podcasts. Every week a special guest pastor will bring a message that will speak to your head and heart. Every Christmas we're almost guaranteed to receive three gifts - socks, jocks and a book, right? Grant Cunningham is the senior pastor of Champions Church in Thornlands, and in this message he looks at three gifts that we have received from the manger - three gifts that can ultimately, change our lives. Links You Should Click OnChampions Church's Website96five's WebsiteFollow us on Instagram & FacebookSupport the show: https://www.96five.com/donate/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Lifeday folks. Every Christmas we record a watchalong of something holiday related; this year we chose The Star Wars Holiday Special. Josh somehow "forgot" we were recording this and missed the experience that is the holiday special and so it's just Ren and Sara. If you want to watch along you'll find the video we watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxtSX1lg8rE&t=47sWishing you a Merry Frelling Christmas and a Drad Holiday Season from all your friends at Muppets, Sex, & TraumaGuest:Ren (she/they)Creator: Ren the Barbarianhttps://www.youtube.com/c/RenTheBarbarian/featuredhttps://www.instagram.com/renthebarbarian/https://www.tumblr.com/victorian-sexstachehttps://bsky.app/profile/renthebarbarian.bsky.socialPodcast socialshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-9cHDhut44XA-hQ-RMw6Qhttps://www.patreon.com/muppetssexandtraumahttps://muppetsexandtrauma@gmail.comhttps://www.facebook.com/Muppets-Sex-and-Trauma-a-Farscape-Podcast-114029207450715Discord:https://discord.com/invite/CqnhYFVRzXOur vital info:Sara Ezzat (she /her)Creator: The Fat Culture Critichttps://www.youtube.com/c/TheCostumeCodexhttps://bsky.app/profile/saraezzat.bsky.socialJosh Gosdin (he/him)Nerd and lover of all things Star Trekhttps://www.instagram.com/joshgosdin/

Pastor Jack Graham concludes the series “The Christ of Every Christmas” with the message “The Christ of Christmas Future.” He reminds us that Jesus' appearances are as Prophet, or Christmas Past; as Priest, or Christmas Present; and as King, or Christmas Future. Jesus was King before He was born, He was King at His birth, and He is forever King To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29?v=20251111

It was a heartbreaking weekend as word of the murder of Rob and Michele Reiner broke over the weekend. Jeff and Sean remember Rob's Hollywood legacy, the impact of his incredible movies and what made them iconic. New Movies this Week Ella McCay Directed by James L. Brooks Starring Emma Mackey, Albert Brooks, Jamie Lee Curtis At 34 years old, Ella McCay becomes the governor of the state she was born and raised in. However, navigating relationships with her husband, father and brother may just be her biggest challenge yet. Silent Night Deadly Night Directed by Mike P. Nelson Starring Rohan Campbell, Ruby Modine When Billy witnesses his parents' grisly murder at the hands of Santa, it ignites a lifelong mission to spread holiday fear. Every Christmas, he dons the red suit and embarks on a blood-soaked massacre to feed his twisted sense of justice. Classic Silent Night Deadly Night 1 & 2 Silent Night Deadly Night 1 and 2 are sleezy, gross, disgusting movies that are so bad they are kind of good. Not genuinely good, but ironically good. We talk about all of the Silent Night Deadly Night movies in the end.

Through the series, “The Christ of Every Christmas,” Pastor Jack Graham continues our study in the book of Hebrews with the message “The Christ of Christmas Present.” Pastor Graham teaches that Christ is always near; He's always dear; He's perpetually present. He's given us His Spirit, the Holy Spirit within us. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29?v=20251111

Every Christmas, we send and receive invitations.  Parties, dinners, fruit cake exchanges (yuck). But what if this season, God had an invitation for you?  Long before Jesus was born, God was already extending the invite through prophets, angels, and promises of hope. Join us as we discover what happens when we RSVP “yes” to God's invitation.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: CLICK HEREABOUT FEARLESS CHURCHFearless Church is here to help you live boldly for Jesus. Wherever you are in your faith journey, we'll walk with you as you grow, take your next step, and make a difference. Let's pursue a movement of faith together that changes lives—starting with yours! LOCATION & TIMES2601 E. Alex Bell Road, Dayton, OH 45459 Sundays - On-campus: 9:30 & 11 AM | Online: Facebook & YouTube at 11 AM. Get more info about us at befearless.org.FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FearlessChurchOhioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearlesschurchohio/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FearlessChurchOhio

Every Christmas, well-meaning advice gets thrown around like confetti. Swap wine for gin. Skip meals so you can enjoy later. But this advice isn't helping. In fact, it's the reason so many women stay stuck in the same December–January cycle year after year. In this episode, I talk about the advice I will never give over Christmas — and why quick fixes, swaps, and control-based thinking don't work long term. We'll look at how diet culture sneaks in during the festive season, why all-or-nothing thinking ramps up, and what actually helps you stay steady, grounded, and well. This isn't about being perfect over Christmas. It's about breaking patterns, staying connected to yourself, and moving through the season without losing your footing. If you've ever thought, “I'll just get back on track in January,” this episode is for you. Click play and let's dive in.

Two centuries ago, a desperate young servant girl buried a piece of amber in the frozen Nova Scotia earth and summoned something with rows of gleaming teeth and an ungodly stench. Every Christmas Eve since, it returns to collect its payment — in flesh.STORY AND MUSIC CREDITS/SOURCES…“Mary Culhane and the Dead Man”: http://bit.ly/2PbAYPa“The Stench of Christmas” by Lea Story: https://amzn.to/3487uWMAll music used with permission of the artists. Spooky Santa theme by Midnight Syndicate (http://amzn.to/2BYCoXZ). All other music by Nicolas Gasparini (http://bit.ly/2LykK0g).I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use. If I somehow overlooked doing that for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I'll rectify it the show notes as quickly as possible.***Spooky Santa™ and Weird Darkness® are creations and trademarks of Marlar House Productions and Weird Darkness, LLC. Copyright © Weird Darkness, 2025."I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46https://weirddarkness.com/spookysanta1214Originally aired: December, 2019EPISODE PAGE (includes sources): https://weirddarkness.com/SpookySanta1214Weird Darkness and Spooky Santa can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.#SpookySanta #WeirdDarkness #ChristmasHorror #ScaryStories #HolidayHorror #CreepyChristmas #FamilyCurse #TrueScaryStories #CreatureFeature #DarkChristmas #HorrorStories

Today on PowerPoint, Pastor Jack Graham begins a three-part series from the book of Hebrews titled, “The Christ of Every Christmas.” With his message “The Christ of Christmas Past,” he teaches that although much has changed since the birth of Christ, He is the Savior for all seasons “the same yesterday, today and forever!” To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29?v=20251111

Based on the 1984 horror classic of the same name, SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT tells the story of Billy Chapman (Rohan Campbell), a young man who witnessed the brutal murder of his parents a on Christmas Eve s a child. Understandably traumatized by the experience, the now adult Billy is transformed into a Killer Santa who takes his naughty list extremely seriously. Every Christmas season, Billy's mission becomes one of retribution to bad people in the neighbourhood. But, this year, something's different. Having fallen for a young woman who makes him re-examine his inner darkness, Billy is finally forced to ask himself what it means to be naughty and nice. In this 1on1, we speak to Nelson about our love of holiday horror and what makes an 'evil person'.SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT is available in theatres on December 12th, 2025.

Every Christmas we celebrate the coming of” the Light” into the world—candles glow, streets shine, and hearts lift with hope. Yet long before shepherds stood under Bethlehem's dark sky, the promise of that “Light”  was already spoken. Isaiah 9:2 declares, “The people who walk in darkness shall see a great Light—a Light that will shine on all those who live in the land of the shadow of death.”  This ancient prophecy forms one of the clearest bridges between the Old Testament and the Christmas story. Isaiah first spoke these words into a world marked by political fear, military threat, and spiritual confusion. Israel was surrounded by powerful enemies, its future uncertain, and its faith often fragile. Darkness, in every sense, defined their experience. Yet into that bleak reality God promised “Light” —not merely survival, but renewal; not just relief, but redemption. The people walking in despair would not be left there. God Himself would act! Centuries later, Matthew's Gospel explicitly connects this prophecy to the birth and early ministry of Jesus.  Matthew writes that this happened “to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah” (Matthew 4:14–16). In other words, Christmas is not an isolated miracle; it is the long-anticipated fulfillment of God's promise to bring “Light” to a darkened world. Christmas celebrates the moment when that promised “Light” took on flesh. The baby in the manger was not simply a symbol of hope; He was hope embodied. The “Light” Isaiah foretold was not an idea or a political reform, but a Person. Jesus steps into human darkness—sin, fear, suffering, and death—and illuminates a new way forward. His birth declares that darkness does not have the final word. I'm praying that you're making plans now to join us every Sunday in the month of December for our Christmas Teaching Series: CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. I'm also praying that the “Light” of our LORD JESUS will bring brightness and healing into your life this Christmas, and I'm hopeful you'll be inviting folks to join you as we gather every Sunday this month and celebrate the Birth of KING JESUS, the “Light” of the World! Pastor Joe Still

Every Christmas, Christian parents face the same question: How should we handle Santa? In today's episode, Elizabeth Urbanowicz takes a thoughtful, biblical look at this cultural tradition and explores what Scripture has to say as we seek to shepherd our children well.Whether your family already has established Christmas rhythms or you're still deciding how to approach the season, this episode will equip you to think wisely, intentionally, and biblically about Santa, and how to keep your family's focus rooted in the true hope of Christmas.Join us for a gentle, Scripture-anchored conversation designed to help you make the best decision for your home this season.

Every Christmas, believers have a unique opportunity to share about the JOY of Christmas. Even if you don't feel "qualified" to do that, know that you can! See how as Tom Pounder shares from Luke 1-2 today. 00:00 - Introduction01:02 - One of the things I love about Christmas03:55 - Luke 105:58 - Luke 209:42 - ConclusionShare your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

Today in 1970, the release of the Donny Hathaway song "This Christmas." It's become a holiday classic, even if it took a couple decades to get there. Plus: in the Czech Republic you can get an Advent calendar that's made of salami. Donny Hathaway's "This Christmas" (Chicago Sun-Times via Archive.org) Salami Advent Calendar, Czech Republic (Present & Correct via Bluesky) Get to know our show better as a backer on Patreon

Every Christmas, believers have a unique opportunity to share about the JOY of Christmas. Even if you don't feel "qualified" to do that, know that you can! See how as Tom Pounder shares from Luke 1-2 today. 00:00 - Introduction01:02 - One of the things I love about Christmas03:55 - Luke 105:58 - Luke 209:42 - ConclusionShare your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

Welcome back to The Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., where we empower women to step into strength, resilience, and purpose — body, mind, and spirit. Today, we're celebrating one of the most beloved holiday films of all time with someone who lived it from the inside out. Jimmy Hawkins — who played Tommy Bailey, the youngest son of George and Mary Bailey — joins us to share the heart, history, humor, and humanity behind It's a Wonderful Life. Now, nearly 80 years after its release, Jimmy has gathered decades of interviews, rare photos, cast and crew insights, and untold behind-the-scenes stories in his brand-new book, The Heart of It's a Wonderful Life, releasing September 23rd. Jimmy opens up about what Frank Capra poured into the film, how Jimmy Stewart used the emotional scars of World War II to shape his performance, and why the message — one life touches so many others — is more important now than ever. Whether you've watched the film a hundred times or you're seeing it for the first time this season, this conversation will remind you that you matter, your life has meaning, and you make a difference. Key Themes The universal message that every life has value Why viewers in today's world need that reminder more than ever How the film teaches us that ordinary acts have extraordinary impact Jimmy's story about showing the film in Attica Prison Inmates recognizing themselves in George Bailey's journey How the movie inspires personal change in unexpected places Capra refused the studio system so he could make the film his way Why the movie originally failed — and how TV saved it in 1974 The idea that "God had a plan" for when the world would discover the film How his experience in WWII shaped the raw intensity of George Bailey Why Stewart said he could not perform certain scenes twice Capra's sensitive direction and deep understanding of trauma How being part of the cast shaped his purpose The journey behind writing his new book Why the story continues to guide him personally and professionally "One Life Makes a Difference" — The Core Message The film teaches us: You matter. Your life has purpose. You are impacting others in ways you may never know. Questions Asked What has kept the message of "It's a Wonderful Life" so relevant for nearly 80 years? Why does the film resonate so deeply with generation after generation? What inspired your new book, and what did you want readers to experience? How did Frank Capra's independent vision shape the final film? What mattered most to Frank Capra in creating this story? Can you share more about Jimmy Stewart's emotional preparation and depth? How has being part of this film shaped your life? Why do you think the movie failed at release but exploded decades later? Quotes: "The movie never changed — the people changed. They need that message now more than ever." — Jimmy Hawkins "George Bailey didn't think he did anything for anyone. And look what he did." "You were born to do something in this life. Maybe you haven't done it yet — but you will." "Frank Capra didn't believe in the committee way of making movies. He wanted to make his film his way." "God had a plan. The pieces weren't there in 1946 — but they were in 1974." "This movie tells everybody: you're important. Go get your dream." "We don't think we're making a difference. But we are. What you do does matter." — Linda Mitchell Jimmy Hawkins & Book Links Book — The Heart of It's a Wonderful Life by Jimmy Hawkins — available for preorder/release: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400255104  Book (audiobook / digital) on Google Play Books / Audiobooks — https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/AQAAAEAqmWHZWM  Information & Announcement about the Book Release (2025) — https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250729801695/en/Its-a-Wonderful-Life-Actor-Jimmy-Hawkins-to-Release-His-New-Book  Where to Stream "It's a Wonderful Life" As of now, "It's a Wonderful Life" is available on: Amazon Prime Video — stream or rent the film  Xumo Play, Plex, Hoopla, and other free-with-ads platforms — depending on your region. 

Every Christmas, we send and receive invitations.  Parties, dinners, fruit cake exchanges (yuck). But what if this season, God had an invitation for you?  Long before Jesus was born, God was already extending the invite through prophets, angels, and promises of hope. Join us as we discover what happens when we RSVP “yes” to God's invitation.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: CLICK HEREABOUT FEARLESS CHURCHFearless Church is here to help you live boldly for Jesus. Wherever you are in your faith journey, we'll walk with you as you grow, take your next step, and make a difference. Let's pursue a movement of faith together that changes lives—starting with yours! LOCATION & TIMES2601 E. Alex Bell Road, Dayton, OH 45459 Sundays - On-campus: 9:30 & 11 AM | Online: Facebook & YouTube at 11 AM. Get more info about us at befearless.org.FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FearlessChurchOhioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearlesschurchohio/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FearlessChurchOhio

Every Christmas it is a time of celebration and joy! See how you can celebrate and be joyful while also sharing the good news of great joy to others as Tom Pounder shares. 00:00 - Introduction01:11 - Luke 203:05 - Some practical ways you can share08:53 - ConclusionShare your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

Every Christmas it is a time of celebration and joy! See how you can celebrate and be joyful while also sharing the good news of great joy to others as Tom Pounder shares. 00:00 - Introduction01:11 - Luke 203:05 - Some practical ways you can share08:53 - ConclusionShare your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

Every Christmas, we hear about the “nice list.” But have you ever looked at the first Christmas list? It's full of broken promises, messy stories, and people you'd never expect to make the cut. This week, discover how God built the story of Christmas through the most unexpected names ... and what that means for yours.

A Maine man allegedly squeezed through a bathroom window, carefully unwrapped all of a family's Christmas gifts a full month early, then fell asleep on their couch — and when confronted, couldn't explain why.READ or SHARE: https://weirddarkness.com/maine-grinch-unwraps-christmas-presentsWeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.#WeirdDarkness #TrueCrime #MaineCrime #ChristmasGrinch #BizarreCrime #HolidayCrime #StrangeNews #RealLifeGrinch #WeirdNews #CrimeStories

Every Christmas, for no apparent reason, there's something that your kids will really want. These kinds of fads happen all the time in the digital age, but before the world wide web, Cabbage Patch Kids became a huge craze around the festive season.Joining Seán to discuss is Greg McKevitt, Journalist with The BBC.Image: Cabbage Patch Kids

Every Christmas, for no apparent reason, there's something that your kids will really want. These kinds of fads happen all the time in the digital age, but before the world wide web, Cabbage Patch Kids became a huge craze around the festive season.Joining Seán to discuss is Greg McKevitt, Journalist with The BBC.Image: Cabbage Patch Kids

Introduction: Philippians 2:3-7 – Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 3 Reasons I Want to Fight for Unity (1 Corinthians 1:10-17) Because I Am RESPONSIBLE for the Church's REPUTATION. (1 Cor 1:11) John 13:35 – By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 17:20–21 – I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Because FIGHTING is FOOLISH. (1 Cor 1:12–13) Because DISUNITY DISTRACTS from the Mission. (1 Cor 1:14–17) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 1:10-17What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What are some specific doctrines church members must agree on (1 Cor 1:10)? What are some doctrines that are okay to not all agree on? What makes the difference?What are some ways people overly attach themselves to certain preachers today (1 Cor 1:12)? Why do you think many Christians do this?Why was Paul thankful that he didn't baptize the Corinthians (1 Cor 1:14)? Is Paul saying baptism isn't important? Why or why not?How exactly do “words of eloquent wisdom” end up “emptying the cross of its power” (1 Cor 1:17)? What does this say about how we should evaluate a sermon?BreakoutPray for one another. Pray for unity at HBC among elders, staff, ministry leaders, and members. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Open up those Bibles.The first Corinthians in chapter 1.But as we turn to God's Word, I'm going to ask,we just pause for a second and please pray for meto faithfully communicate what God has said in His Word,and I will pray for you to have a heart open to receivewhat it is that the Lord wants to teach us from His Word today.Alright, let's pray.Father, just now we're turning to Your Word,and I pray that our minds and hearts would be just so focusedon what You said,and that we are eager to obey what it is You've laid out for usin Your Word.We pray in Jesus' name.And all of God's people said,"Amen."The first Corinthians, chapter 1.You know, every so often at harvest Bible chapel,we do a Q&A day where we take questions from the congregationand answer them,and I think it was the last Q&A day.We had a very - a question that kind of threw me for a loop.I was wondering who asked it and why.But the question was, do the leaders of the church like each other?Well, you know, we're working on seeking the Lordon building a church building on a piece of propertyup in New Sewickley.And there is wind of opposition to building,which probably means building is of the Lord,because that's what happens, right?Read the book of Nehemiah.But in our staff meeting,in my office around the conference tables,we were in a staff meeting,and our children's director, Missy Howes,I got permission to tell this story, by the way.But our children's director was telling us aboutone of the individuals who is sort of against us buildinga building on that property.And then Missy capped off her updateby turning to Pastor Rich,and she said, "Yeah, she's really going after you people."And I said, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.You people."I said, "Well, at what point, Melissa,did you go from staff memberof the biggest demographic of our churchto now it's you people?"And we have been laughing about that ever since.And if you know Missy, it's even funnier.But how quickly some people actually seriouslydetached themselves from the church?How quickly people detach themselves,and they don't see themselves as part of the body,don't see themselves as wanting what's actually bestfor the body as a whole.How many people show of handshave ever been involved in a churchwhere there's been fighting?Raise your hand.All right?How many people have ever been involved in a churchwhere there was a split?Raise your hand.Way too many of you.All right? Way too many.But listen, it's nothing new.It's been happening from the very beginning of the church.And it just seems common nowbecause there's more churchesand there's easier ways to communicate in our day.But it happens.Fighting and divisions in the churchis unfortunately one of the sinsthat the church has been dealing with since day one.Last week as we started 1 Corinthians,the Apostle Paul told the Corinthian church,look, the foundation for unityhas to be in knowing your salvation.That has to be the foundation.You have to know the grace of Godby which you're saved.You have to know that He has gifted you to serve.You have to know that you are guiltlessin the day of Christ Jesus.He will sustain you.That's how Paul starts the letter.In Jesus Christ.Now, act like it.And that's the theme of the whole book of 1 Corinthians.You know, the Corinthian church,they had a lot of problems.Have you read this book?They had a lot of problems.They had a lot of problems concerning sexualityand marriage and libertyand worship and spiritual giftsand the resurrection of Jesusand money.And Paul wrote this book.He wrote them this letter to correcttheir sinful problems.But you know,Paul must have thoughtthat their biggest problemwas disunity.The fighting.Because this is what he addresses firstin the letter.Look at verse 10.And really, verse 10 could have beenthe only thing he wrote in the whole book.And this is like the point.He says, "I appeal to you brothersby the name of our Lord Jesus Christthat all of you agreeand that there be no divisions among youbut that you be united in the same mindand the same judgment."Now, verse 10 obviously flows from verse 9.And verse 9, he tells the church that they,by extension, we are called into the fellowshipof His Son.And that's a foundation herefor the Corinthian church and for Harvest Bible Chapel.This is not my church.This is not Pastor Taylor's church.Corinth was not Paul's churchor Apollos' church.Harvest Bible Chapel,it's not your church.Whose church is it?It's God's church.And you're like, "Man Pastor Jeff,if only there was a way that you could remind us of thaton the regular."What do you think this is?Do you know what this is?It's an arrow.That's all it is.It's a fancy arrow.But that's, people ask me,"What's this symbol mean?"It's just an arrow.And this is to remind us why we're here.We're here for God.We're here to exalt His Son.We're here to proclaim His Word.That's all that is.It's a constant reminder.It's not about me.It's about Him.So Paul says he's appealing that what?He says that all of you agree.Like, "All right, agree."Agree on what?Agree on politics.Agree on who is the best football team.Agree on who makes the best pizza.What are we agreeing on?Well, there's two things, church,that we have to absolutely agree on.And number one is doctrine.We should all agree on what we believe.Now listen, we might have different viewson things like an eschatological timelineor the doctrine of election or whatever, whatever.But on the major points of doctrine, we must agree.If you're like, "I'm not sure if I should agree on thisor if I should fight about this."Well, there's things that there are hills to die on.Things like the authority of God's Word.That's something we should all agree on.Things like the person and work of Jesus Christ.We should all agree on that.He is God who became man, who died to take away sin,who rose from the dead to give eternal life,who is coming again.We should all agree on that.Speaking of, we should all agree on salvation.How does somebody get saved?It's through faith in Jesus Christ.It's receiving the gift of eternal lifethat God has given through Jesus.We should all agree on that.All the stuff we talked about last week,we should all agree that is how a person gets saved.We should all agree on the mission of the church.We're not here to scratch itchy ears.We're not here to make a nice social club.We are here to make disciples.Those are things we should agree on.And that's what Paul goes on to say,that there will be no divisions among you.Literally, divisions in the Greekcan be translated no difference of opinion.Paul says, you should not have a difference of opinion.We should all have the same opinion.And you're like, what? Jeff, yours?No.We should all have God's opinion.See, that should be the mindset of this church.It's like, well, what do you think about abortion?What does God think about abortion?What do you think about marriage?What does God think about marriage?That should be our opinion too.What do you think about work?What does God say about work?What should share His opinion?What do you think about parenting?You got any opinions about parenting?Yeah, I do got opinions about parenting.It's God's opinion about parenting.What does the Bible say?We should all be agreeing on doctrine.And another thing we should all be agreeing on is submission.Look at verse 10.He says that you be united in the same mindand the same judgments.You see, doctrine speaks to what we believe.Submission speaks to how we act.In other words, unity - listen, unity will occur naturallywhen we agree on doctrine and live in submission to one another.Now, I hesitated to even bark up this treebut I felt like we had tobecause this could be a whole other sermon series.But look at what Paul told the Philippian church.What is the attitude that we're supposed to have,this attitude of submissionthat's going to result in unity?He tells the Philippians,he says, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit,but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.Each of you look not only to his own interestsbut also to the interests of others.Have this mind among yourselveswhich is yours in Christ Jesus.Though he was in the form of God,did not count equality with God, a thing to be grasped.He got emptied himself by taking the form of a servantbeing born in the likeness of man."That's saying a lot.There's a couple of things I want to highlight from that.Regarding submission that unifies us,unity is destroyed when we start thinking,"It's all about me.My ideas are the best.My ideas are the smartest.Everyone should do what I want in the churchand the church will be good."He says, "Each of us, we have to humble ourselvesthat we consider others more important than you.That you walk in the doors and you're like,"Everybody here is more important than me."Unity comes when we all share that mindset.How do we do that?Well, he tells us in Philippians,"We have to have the mind of Christ."He says a lot like I said.We've preached on this a couple of times in past time.Look at that next to last statement.That's the one that really jumps out to me.Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, took the form of a servant.This is where the attitude of submission comes.When you walk in the doors, not to say,"Okay, things need to happen my way.I'm going to set everything straight.You need to walk in the doors and say,"I'm here to serve.I'm a servant."If God was willing to make Himself a servant,as an example, I should have the same mindset, right?So are you?Are you a servant?Well, we'll know when somebody treats you like one,whether you are or not.We'll know when you don't get your own wayif you really see yourself as a servant.Really, Paul could have stopped it.Verse 10 says so much here in 1 Corinthians 1.He could have stopped there.But he goes on to lay out three reasons whywe should each do our part for unity.So on your outline, I want you to jot some things down.Three reasons I want to fight for unity.Like, you want to fight about something?You want to fight? Okay.Let's fight for unity.Let's fight for that.You're like, "Well, why do I want to do that?"Well, Paul tells us, number one,because I am responsible for the church's reputation.Because I am responsible for the church's reputation.Look at verse 11.He says, "For it has been reported to me by Chloe's peoplethat there is quarreling among you, my brothers."There are Chloe's people.Do you know what we call them today?Whistleblowers. Right?Do you know what we called them when I was a kid?Do you know what we called whistleblowers when I was a kid?A "nark."How many people remember "nark"?Okay, somebody tattles to the teacher on you."You nark."They weren't getting. They weren't being narks.They weren't being narks. No.I don't know who Chloe's people are.The Bible doesn't really tell us.But here's what we do know.They were so concerned over the fighting that was happening in the churchthat they had to get a message to Paul.And it would have been a lot harder in that day.They couldn't have just posted something on Instaor sent Paul a text. Right?So Chloe's people were concerned.And Paul's like, "This is the reputation that's getting back to me."Chloe's people says, "All you do is fight."Not good.I heard a commercial just the other dayfor a product that I didn't even know existed.It's called the Reputation Defender.How many people have heard of the Reputation Defender?Okay, Randy. Okay, me and Randy.Okay, so only a few of us heard that commercial.All right? The Reputation Defender.Do you know what this is? I had to look it up online.I was so intrigued by the commercial, Randy.I had to look it up online.Since 2006, a leader in online reputation management.What they do is they - and again, this is from their website -they fix online search results and remove personal information.Meaning, if there's bad stuff about you on the Internet, they erase it.If somebody, you know, whether you're applying for a jobor you just want to sort of clean up your reputation,it's just, whoop, it's erased from the Internet.It's gone. Like, that part of you no longer exists.It's just, whoop, gone.And I heard that commercial.And I'm like, man, I wish we had this for other things.You know what I mean?You know what I mean? Like, I do something stupid at homeand I upset Aaron.I wish that I could just be like, whoop, gone.Or, have you ever been like at a partyand you meet somebody and you say something really awkwardand stupid and you're like, why did I say that?Wouldn't it be nice to just be like, whoop, now nobody remembers that?Right?Or you got ejected from the church softball gamebecause you lost your temper.Whoop.Well, you know, there is no such service for the church.I think with the church more than probably just about any organization on the planet,the reputation sticks.For better or for worse, the reputation sticks.And if you're like, well, I really don't care what people think about me.Okay, do you care what people think about Jesus?Because this unity doesn't just affect the church's reputation.It reflects on Jesus himself.Look at John 13.35 here. We're going to have it on the screen.Jesus said, by this all people will know that you are my disciplesif you have love for one another.Now, you know what I want to think Jesus said here?My mind wants to make it say that Jesus was like,the world is going to know that you love the worldby the way that you love the world.That's not what he said.He said the world is going to know that we are disciples of Jesus,not by how we love them,but by how we love each other.Our reputation for unity, according to our Lord,confirms our discipleship to the world,and it also directly affects our witness.Jesus, again, you jump over to John 17.Jesus praying specifically for us, for Harvest Bible Chapel.You see it right here. Jesus is praying.I do not ask for these only,but also for those who will believe in me through their Word.That's us.We believe through the Word.He says that they may all be one,just as you, Father, are in me and I and you,that they also may be in us.Why does Jesus want us to be one?Here's a reason.He says so that the world may believe that you have sent me.Our witness church is directly affected by our oneness.I mean, that just makes sense, doesn't it?I mean, it just follows.I mean, if you're talking to your neighbor about churchand you say things like,"Well, you know what at Harvest Bible Chapel,our worship leader can't stand our children's director."I mean, our children's director is constantly throwing fire at staff meetings,and the worship leader just has had enough.And then you tell your neighbor,"Oh, he is way too aggressive with people."And you're like, "Well, how's the youth group?"And they say, "How's the youth group?"You're like, "Well, youth group is nice, but you know what those youth group moms,all they do is fight."That's all they do.They're just constantly fighting and arguing and bickering about everything.And then you turn to your neighbor and say,"Hey, would you like to come to our church sometime?"And they're like,"Not a chance.Why would I want to walk into that circus?"Our witness is affected by our reputation.Jesus prayed that we would be one.He died so that we would be one.So our reputation that we should have is that we are one.So, nix the clicks.Alright?Nix the clicks.Why?Because you're responsible for our reputation.You're responsible for our reputation.Number two, why I want to fight for unity?Why I want to nix the clicks?Number two, because fighting is foolish.Fighting is foolish.Look at verses 12 and 13.Paul is calling them out on their foolish immaturity.He says, "What I mean is that each one of you says,'I follow Paul,' or 'I follow Apollos,' or 'I follow Cephas,'that's Peter, or 'I follow Christ.'"Is Christ divided?Was Paul crucified for you?Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?See what he's doing?He's pointing out how stupid this is.Why are you fighting about this stuff?Verse 12, he says, "Each one of you,each one of you, you should have that underlined."Why?Because when there's this unity, who do we blame?Everybody else, right?Paul's like, "This is not an everybody else problem.This is a you problem."Stop blaming everybody else.What are you doing for unity at the church?And you see, they were boasting about which ministerthey identified with.Some people were like, "I follow Paul."I mean, Paul was pretty great, huh?Like, what an awesome missionary, right?Apostle to the Gentiles and endured so much hardshipand was so faithful in his ministry.And it's easy to see why there were people that loved Paul.But some maybe overly attached to him, right?But then you have the people that were like, "Paul, okay."Paul's okay.But you know who really is the best minister is Apollos.Apollos was known for his eloquence.Apollos was a fantastic speaker.We learned about that in the book of Acts.And I'm sure that there were people here that were like,"You know what? Paul might have good theology,but there ain't nobody that preaches a sermonas beautifully as Apollos.He is the best preacher I've ever heard."And then you had people that are like,"You both are whack."Paul?Apollos?No, no, no, no, no, no.Cephas.That's Peter, right?Like, how can we even be arguing about this?Peter!OG!Peter!Right?Like, he wasn't just like one of the disciples.He was like one of Jesus' besties.And he was there for all of it.And he had some ups and downs.And look at what, look at like Pentecost.And Peter is the man.And then you had people that just had the Jesus Duke, everybody,that are like, "Oh, you like human ministers?"Well, I follow Christ.Doesn't that just sound so pious?I follow Christ.You see what the Corinthian church was doing?It was the adult version, the church version,of, "My dad can beat up your dad."Right?It's, "My pastor cannot preach your pastor."Aren't all four of these men preaching the same gospel?Oh, by the way, the last group there, I follow Christ.You're like, "Wait, wait, wait.Isn't that who we want to follow?"Yes.Jesus.Obviously.But somehow they turned even thatinto an occasion for fighting.And you're like, "Well, how in the world could somebody pull that off?"Well, people still do it today.People still do that today.Like, what do you mean?You heard these people that are like,"Oh, I don't need to go to churchbecause I have a relationship with Jesus.So I don't need church."You can't defend that biblically.There is no such thing as a Christian detached from a church body.There is no such thing.Several years ago, there was the whole short-lived15 minutes of fame of the whole,"I love Jesus but hate the church."You remember that?"I love Jesus but I hate the church."Doesn't that just sound so pious?It sounds so obnoxious."I love Jesus but I hate the church."Bad idea.You know what the church is?The church is the bride of Christ.And if you came to me and you said,"I love you, Pastor Jeff, but I hate your wife,"we're going to have some problems.I think that's what was going on here.That there were people that were like,"Oh, I don't need churches and preachersbecause I have Jesus."And look, there are some things,as we said earlier, that are worth fighting for.There are some things I will fight to the death for.Things like preaching the Word of God.Things like biblical music.Things like confronting unrepentant sin.Those are the things that the church should be fighting for.But sadly, when there's fighting in the church,those aren't usually the kinds of thingsthat people are fighting over.Honestly, church, we find weird things to divide over,just like the Corinthians.We just come up with all kinds of stupid things to fight about.You want to hear some examples of some of the stupidest things?I don't have time to give all of them.But over the years, I've heard so many stupid thingsthat people fight about.Here's one.I had a friend that attended a church.And I'm like, "Hey, how things are going at your church?"And he goes, "Oh, Jeff, we're really in a bad spot right now.Everybody's fighting."Like, what's the problem?People are really upset with each otherand people are not talking to each other.And it's gotten really ugly.I'm like, "What are we fighting about at this church?"He says, "Well, when you walk in the entryway,there's a bulletin board.And they're fighting about how to divide it up among the ministries.Because the Sunday school thought they were getting all of it,and they were told they can get half,and they wanted to divide it this way.But no, no, no, the mission department wanted to divide it this way, blah, blah, blah."And he goes, "It is nasty."I'm like, "Are you serious?"He's like, "Yeah."He goes, "What do you think we should do?"I said, "I think you should rip that bulletin board off the walland throw it in the garbage.That's what I think you should do."He's like, "Well, that's evangelism."I said, "No, it's not.The only people are seeing itare the people who are walking in the door."I said, "If it's causing that much division, trash it."Isn't that dumb?Here's another one.My old church, there was a familythat had four daughters at the timethey were early adolescents to teenage years.And there were people at the churchthat were upset with this family.They said, "Those girls are a clique.Those girls are a clique.Those girls are sisters."And now we're demonizing thembecause they like each other?There were people angry at thembecause they got along.Isn't that stupid?This might be the stupidestthat I have a pastor friend.He was a pastor for a church up in Canada.Every Christmas they had a tradition.Like, for years,at the end of the Christmas service,this is true, and I can't say without laughing,but this is true,at the end of the Christmas service every year,they sang "Feliz Navidad."You know that horrible song?You know the one I'm talking about?"Feliz Navidad.""Feliz Navidad."Oh, that's so cringe.Well, this new pastor cameand he's like, "You know what?There's not really spiritual contentin that song,and let's really focus our attentionof worship towards, I don't know, Jesus."So let's not sing that song this year.It caused a church split.And my pastor friend said,"I've never seen people so angry."Over one of the worst songs ever written.Isn't that dumb?We find such weird things to divide over.That was the Corinthians.They had their dumb thing too.He was the best preacher.That's why in verse 13,Paul gives some questions that we can unify here, right?Because these questions require us allto give the same answer.Right? Let's try it.Let's see if we get the same answer.Question number one.I'm going to ask the question,you shout out the answer.Is Christ divided?No. Obviously not, right?Christ is not divided.Alright, question two.And now they get harder.Was Paul crucified for you?No.Alright, final question.Were you baptized in the name of Paul?No.Meatballs.Alright, look.I want you to hear me very closely here.There is nothing wrong with having a favorite preacher.I do.There's a preacher who's podcast I listen to all the time.There is nothing wrong with that.Okay? We clear on that.There's nothing wrong with that.I encourage you to do that.But can we at the same time admitthat some people get strangely attachedto preachers and messengers?Like go back a generation to the Bill Gawthard people.Look, I used to go to Bill Gawthard conferences all the time.And you know what I saw there?There were people that were very strangely attached to him.They were like the "I follow Apollo's" people.Alright?And there were people that are like that with John Piper.There were people that are like that with Jack Hibbs.That we attach to these people so much so that we saythe gospel isn't the gospel unless you gospel their way.And when we do that,we're just as foolish as the Corinthians.So these men that you're attached to on what basis are you attached?Right? Paul would say,"Was Jack Hibbs crucified for you?"Were you baptized in the name of John Piper?No.Our union is in Jesus and with Jesus.So Nick's the Clicks.Paul shows us fighting is foolish.Fighting is foolish.And finally, number three.Why do I want to fight for unity?Because this unity distracts from the mission.This unity distracts from the mission.Look at verse 14.Paul says,"I thank God that I baptize none of you,except Christmas and Gaius,so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name."I did baptize also the household of Staphanos.Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.Listen, Paul is not diminishing baptism.Paul's not saying baptism isn't important.This is all Paul is saying.Corinthians, if you're going to fight about this stuff,I am so glad I didn't baptize more of you.If you're going to act like childrenbecause of who baptized you,I'll thank you God that I didn't baptize more of you.In verse 17, he says,"For Christ did not send me to baptizeto preach the gospel and not with words of eloquent wisdom,lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."Paul is saying, "I was sent to preach to make men one in Christ,not baptize to make teams."When you praise the messenger,you miss the message.When you praise the missionary,you miss the mission.And harvest Satan would want anything,anything to distract us from the mission of making disciples.Nothing's changed.Read the book of Acts.In the book of Acts, the church is born.Satan tried to destroy the church from the outsidethrough Acts chapter 4.From the outside attacks.What happened to the churchwhen Satan tried to attack from the outside?What happened?It got bigger and stronger.Kind of like the Charlie Kirk thing that happened recently.The outside attack resulted in getting bigger and stronger.But do you know Acts chapter 5, Acts chapter 6,Satan changes his strategy.Instead of attacking the church from the outside,he attacks the church from the inside,and he found out to be so much more effectiveto distract the church from the mission.And Satan will do that to us.You see, if Satan can get us dividedand fighting with each other,then we're distracted from doing what we're supposed to be doing.The gospel of Jesus Christhas to be the core of everything that we do here.It has to be the cause of everything that we do here.It has to be the motivation of everything that this church does.A pure focus on a pure gospel.Not with words of eloquent wisdom.In other words, we're not sugarcoating it.We're not dressing it up.We're not making it a performance.The power is in the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.So next the clicks.Why?Because disunity distracts from the mission.Our worship team will make their way forward.I'd like you to just buy your heads for a moment.Excuse me.I'd like you to just buy your heads.As we said at the onset,when there's any kind of disunity,when there's any kind of fighting,it's so easy to blame the other guy.God's Word tells us that we need to look at ourselves first.I just want you to buy your heads.I just want you to do a little self-examination.I want you to consider your role in this church,your interactions with people in this church.And I want you to ask yourself,am I an agent of unity or disunity in this church?Am I trying to bring people together?Or am I dividing people?Oh, another question that goes with that.Ask yourself this.If everyone in the church acted like I do,what kind of church would this be?And then finally ask yourself this.Am I committed to the pure doctrine of the gospeland submission to our Lord and to one another?Or have I really made lesser things my focus?Father in heaven,you have called us to unity.Father, it's real easy for us to sit in this roomand sort of laugh at the foolishnessthat was happening in the Corinthian church,bragging about which preacher is the best.It just seems so silly to us,but Father, we fight about thingsthat are much more silly than that.Father, I just pray for the unity in this church.We believe, Father, that Christ died to make us one.And I pray, Father, that we would do everything we canon our part to strive for unity in the body of Christ.Father, if there's any complaining,negative, divisive attitude within any of us,Father, I pray that you would grant repentanceand bring us to the place that we care moreabout your reputation and the ministryto reach the lost and to build up the saved.I pray that we would be so focusedon what you've called us to,that we're not distracted with personal preferences.So thank you, God.Thank you, God, for what you've clearly laid outfor us in your Word.Have us faithful to do it, Father.We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Have you ever had a divine encounter with someone who came into your life at just the right time, and you knew it was a “God thing”?I heard about a family that had a flat tire at Christmastime. They pulled into the closest repair shop they could find. The technician who came out to help them was named “Emmanuel.” He agreed to fix the flat even though the shop had just closed. Every Christmas, this family tells their “Emmanuel” story as a reminder that God is always with us.God orchestrates every meeting you have with someone for a purpose. Sometimes, that purpose is life-changing; other times, not so much. But they are all divine appointments.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Every Christmas, Kristen's family does a scavenger hunt to reveal a family gift or trip. This past year they decided to give the gift early, and we got to follow along on her Facebook page. We loved the idea so much we wanted to bring her on the podcast to tell us all about it. … Continue reading Episode 535: Kristen’s Family Scavenger Hunt →

Every Christmas, we like to share a favorite poem. This year it's 'Snowy Night' by Mary Oliver.We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 9th. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every Christmas dinner with extended family inevitably involves the timeless question, “So, what are you doing for work these days?” or “What do you do, again?” This can be a daunting challenge when your job description sounds like a cryptic corporate riddle that would require a PowerPoint presentation and therapy hand puppets to explain. In this episode, Ross and Natalie vividly portray their family holiday experiences, accurately predicting the chaos that awaits each other's households. They engage in a role-playing scenario where Natalie attempts to explain her job to her Grandpa Jack. Additionally, they offer valuable tips on how to effectively communicate your esoteric corporate role to your family in a manner they can comprehend, or at least sufficiently to deter follow-up questions. Prepare yourself for a fresh wave of holiday party confessions, including an intern who vomits on the CEO's wife, a showdown between a “work husband” and a real husband, and a heartfelt tribute to Melvin, a disgruntled manager who purposefully drove his car into the company building. Stay tuned for hazy recollections of SantaCon, childhood encounters with the terrifying mall Santa, and the enigma that is the Elf on the Shelf. Get up to 50% off Masterclass by going to https://masterclass.com/demoted Email contact@demotedpodcast.com with your Corporate Confessions and Dear Demoted advice requests. Or use the anonymous submission form on our website, https://www.demotedpodcast.com. Now accepting voice memos!

Every Christmas we try to do a call in show to talk to listners about the holiday, the year, next year, their history and relationship with waterbeds, and much, much more. Take us on your next long run.   We'll keep you company and make you laugh.  I promise. Sign up for the races here: https://www.tenjunkmilesracing.com   Support the show via Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/tenjunkmiles   Website: http://www.tenjunkmiles.com/   Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tenjunkmiles   Twitter: https://twitter.com/tenjunkmiles   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenjunkmiles/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TenJunkMiles/  

Every Christmas, we celebrate the greatest gift ever given—Jesus. But Christmas isn't just about receiving; it's about exchanging gifts with the King. Discover the deeper meaning behind the gifts of the wise men—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—and how they symbolize the gifts we can give to Jesus: our obedience, worship, and even our sin. Let God exchange your stress, fear, and shame for His peace, freedom, and hope. Don't miss this powerful message of purpose and generosity.