Podcasts about faith in jesus

 Embrace your status – your faith in Jesus has made you justified by God and made free! . "Free indeed" indicates true, genuine freedom, being liberated from guilt, fear, and the power of sin. This “free indeed” state allows you to live a life of purpose, righteousness, and connection with God, rather than being a slave to sin. Live it out!  Happy 2026!

0:00 Intro / Mark E. Shaw1:12 2025 Year in Review16:00 Wrap upNahum in Addiction CounselingCOUNSEL — https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.com/Credits for song, "Twelve Days of Christmas: 12 Steps Edition," Mark Shaw, Mary Shaw, Seth Singleton: LyricsSeth Singleton: Vocals, guitar

Rejoice in the Father who gives the greatest gift – changing us from slaves to sons graciously through faith in Jesus.

Daily Dose of Hope December 30, 2025   Scripture – Acts 27   Prayer:  Holy God, We come before you today rejoicing in your powerful name.  Thank you for who you are and all you do.  Thank you for loving us.  Help us gather our scattered thoughts, help us set aside distractions, and truly focus on you right now.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, we want to hear your voice...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading.  We have been on an incredible journey of reading through the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we are walking through Acts 27.   Paul's journey continues. This time, he is on his way to Rome. They hit very severe weather, which threatens to kill all those on board. It must have been quite dire, as they throw their cargo overboard to lighten up the ship. It sounds like weeks and weeks of hunger and misery. They finally see land. By this point, there isn't much left of the ship.   The soldiers want to kill the prisoners but the centurion stops them, as he wanted to ensure that Paul was spared. It seems that the situation was a bit of a free for all; those who could swim, swam to shore. Others grabbed pieces of floating debris and yet all managed to get to shore safely.   This is such an interesting passage to me. The Scripture says there were 276 men on board that ship. They must have all been praying in whatever way they were accustomed to do so. I can't help but think that Paul was praying boldly and witnessing to all the men on board. In such a situation, it seems highly likely people would be very open to hearing about the eternal life offered through faith in Jesus. I wonder if that is why the centurion was so intent on saving Paul's life. Had he become a follower of Jesus?   Throughout the book of Acts, we see people boldly witnessing for Jesus.  First, Peter and John and then Paul.  Their focus on Jesus is so central to all they do that nothing else matters.  What about you?  While we live in a different time and place, we still have lots of people around us who need to hear about Jesus.  How bold are you?  Is Jesus central to everything you do?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

In this episode Pastor Jason Polk dives into John Chapter 4, verses 43 to 54, exploring the profound themes of true faith and belief. The discussion contrasts the Galileans' desire for signs and wonders with the Samaritans' faith in Jesus' word. We also examine the story of a royal official whose faith is tested as he seeks healing for his son. Join us as we uncover the power and kindness of Jesus and the essence of true faith that emerges from real-life needs.

Today’s Bible Verse – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When we place our faith in Jesus, we’re not just improved—we’re made new. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul reminds believers of their brand-new identity in Christ. The past no longer defines you. This verse is a powerful promise of transformation, forgiveness, and fresh beginnings through God’s grace. If you’re in Christ, the old is gone—and your new life has begun.

Guiding Question How can Christians face doubt, maintain assurance in their faith, and grow spiritually through intentional community and perseverance? Summary This message addresses the natural experience of doubt among Christians and emphasizes that doubt itself is not wrong. What matters is how one deals with doubt—whether one faces it, seeks answers, and allows it to strengthen faith or lets it weaken assurance. Drawing on the example of Francis Schaeffer, the speaker shows that even radical doubters can emerge with a radical faith when they confront their questions head-on. The message exhorts believers to “draw near to God” and “hold fast” to the hope and promises of the Christian faith, especially amid the pressures and challenges of everyday life. It warns against a lukewarm, half-assured faith that holds back full commitment. The speaker highlights the vital role of Christian community in this process. True spiritual growth happens not just in isolated worship but in regular gatherings where believers encourage, stimulate, challenge, and hold one another accountable. The Christian assembly is characterized by consideration, stimulation (even irritation), and encouragement, all aimed at producing love and good deeds. Without this intimate fellowship, spiritual life becomes impaired, and the subtlety of sin can harden the heart. Finally, the message calls listeners to examine their lives, seek assurance through Christ, and commit to both a personal and communal expression of their faith. Outline Acknowledging Doubt in the Christian Life Doubts are normal and common Importance of addressing doubts rather than ignoring them Example of Francis Schaeffer's journey through doubt to assurance Assurance of Faith and Holding Fast The necessity of full assurance to live confidently in faith The promises of God and the pressures of the world The call to “draw near” and “hold fast” to God and His promises Christian Community: Meeting to Minister The purpose of Christian assemblies: consideration, stimulation, encouragement The dangers of isolated faith and superficial meetings The role of accountability, intimacy, and mutual challenge The balance between loving encouragement and necessary correction Application and Challenge Are you meeting regularly in meaningful fellowship? Are you allowing others to stimulate and encourage you? Reflect on your assurance and relationship with God Invitation to accept Christ and enter confidently into God's presence Key Takeaways Doubt is natural, but must be confronted to avoid spiritual stagnation or erosion of faith. Full assurance in God's promises is crucial to living a confident and committed Christian life. Christianity is either true and effective or it is not; believers must test their faith honestly. Holding fast means tenaciously clinging to God's promises despite worldly pressures. Regular, intimate Christian fellowship is essential for spiritual health, accountability, and growth. Christian meetings are not just routine gatherings, but opportunities to stimulate and encourage each other toward love and good deeds. Spiritual growth requires both encouragement and challenge within community, not just passive attendance. If you haven't accepted Christ or feel unsure, the way to assurance is through faith in Jesus' work on the cross. Scriptural References Hebrews 10:22-25 (drawing near to God, holding fast the confession of hope, meeting together to encourage) Psalm (implied reference to worship in nature) Various references to the promises of God (forgiveness, power, new purpose) Hebrews 3:13 (encouragement to encourage one another daily, lest any be hardened by sin) Recorded 12/07/80

0:00 Intro / Mark E. Shaw1:12 Rescheduling THC: Why The World Loves Drugs (Current Events)10:00 Wrap upNahum in Addiction CounselingCOUNSEL — https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.com/Credits for song, "Twelve Days of Christmas: 12 Steps Edition," Mark Shaw, Mary Shaw, Seth Singleton: LyricsSeth Singleton: Vocals, guitar

It is our prayer that today's word would encourage and challenge to walk out your faith in Jesus, shine brightly in darkness and experience Kingdom impact in all you do! Stay connected with Belmont Church on our Facebook page, website or on the Church Center App.

Join us for an inspiring message from Evangelist Jesse Cornejo as he delves into the profound truth of Jesus being the way, the truth, and the life. Evangelist Jesse shares his experiences of spreading the gospel across nations, emphasizing the transformative power of faith in Jesus. This sermon is a call to action for believers to rise up, speak boldly, and live out their faith with conviction. Discover how the name of Jesus can bring healing, deliverance, and hope to every corner of the world.Evangelist Jesse Cornejo | December 28, 2025The Fountain Apostolic Churchone_ (2025)Learn more at tfachurch.com/plus

A Christmas Message MESSAGE SUMMARY: The real meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ – the Messiah, who is the Savior of the World. Christians emphasize Christmas and Jesus' birth because His birth: 1) fulfills many Biblical prophesies, especially n terms of the time and location of Jesus' birth; 2) points the fact that Jesus was more than just a man; 3) and life saw Jesus claim the right to forgive sins; 4) led Jesus to call God His “Father”, which indicated that Jesus was God; 5) resulted in Jesus' Resurrection, which validated Jesus' claims and made Him different; and 6) was God, through Jesus' birth, still trying to get our attention. God, through His Grace and through the birth of Jesus, did for us what we could not do for ourselves – save ourselves from our sins and our death that would result from our sins. God, through the birth of Jesus -- the God-Man, entered into our earthly mess to save us because, after God's Grace and Jesus' birth, all our sin now resides on Jesus. God's Grace through the birth of Jesus, demonstrates God's love for us. God wants us to know that Jesus was born for us out of His love for us. Therefore, we need to consider that God, the Creator of the Universe, entered the world, through the baby Jesus for us so that we might have a personal relationship with Him. Have you yielded to God so that your mind's consideration of God's Grace, love, and Jesus' birth can move from your mind into a commitment of both your mind and your heart to your faith in Jesus as your Savior and into God's service? Until we yield to God's lordship over our lives, we are saying to God that “we don't need your love”. Is Jesus your Lord and, therefore, your Savior? God has given you the greatest Christmas gift that you will ever receive. Have you accepted His Gift and opened His gift into your life? If not, then why not? With your hands open, you can accept God's Christmas gift by saying: “I am sorry; thank you; and please”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 2:9-11; Matthew 1:21; Isaiah 53:4-6; Colossians 1:15-19; Hebrews 1-3; John 1:4; John10:30; John 14:8-11; John 3:16-17. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Our Relationship with God Is Based Solely on Our Relationship with God, and He Desires to Have a Relationship with Each of Us”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

When we come to faith in Jesus, Our Story meets God’s Story to create a New Story. Telling that new story to others is a great way to share Jesus. Join us this Sunday, in-person or online at www.youtube.com/fabicchurch/live at 10:25 a.m., as we conclude our BLESS series and learn another way to bless our […]

The Final Exam, 1 of 1 from December 28, 2025“Our true beliefs are seen in how we live.”2 Corinthians 13 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon concludes a year-long study of 2 Corinthians with chapter 13, where Paul urges the Corinthians to assess their faith's authenticity. It stresses that true Christian faith is shown through actions, not just words. Paul addresses the impact of manipulative teachers, defending his authority and the believers' genuine faith in Jesus. The sermon encourages testing one's faith, questioning trust in Jesus for both eternal salvation and daily living. It ends with a call for restoration, community affection, and the realization that Christ's power is evident in our weakness and reliance on Him.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

0:00 Intro / Mark E. Shaw1:12 10:00 Wrap upNahum in Addiction CounselingCOUNSEL — https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.com/Credits for song, "Twelve Days of Christmas: 12 Steps Edition," Mark Shaw, Mary Shaw, Seth Singleton: LyricsSeth Singleton: Vocals, guitar

John 11:26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" Never dies! Faith in Jesus is the difference between eternal life and eternal death. Martha was asked if she believed in Him. Jesus might as well be asking the question of everyone who reads these words. Is He asking if we believe Jesus existed? Is He asking if we believe He was the best man that ever walked on earth? Do you believe that without Him, you don't live? According to Jesus, if you don't believe in Him, you are the walking dead. Everything done has the curse and stench of death on it. But if you believe in Jesus, everything done in Him has the blessing and aroma of life everlasting. Who do you believe Jesus is?

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

There is plenty of evidence indicating that men and women suffer differently when they are persecuted for their faith in Jesus. In this episode of Closer to the Fire, podcast host Greg Musselman is joined by Emma, the director of an organization that is dedicated to addressing gender-specific religious freedom issues. (Due to the nature of her work, Emma's last name is not publicly disclosed.) During the interview, this valued ministry partner of VOMC discusses the various ways in which gender-specific persecution affects the church, the devastating consequences that occur when these realities are overlooked, and how the body of Christ can respond with greater understanding, wisdom and compassion. Most importantly, she highlights the hope and healing that Jesus is bringing to the lives of persecuted believers in the midst of suffering. Length: 56 minutes Episode Notes The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

A question on the mind of many is how good they must be to get to heaven. Many people have the idea that if they do enough good things, or their good things outweigh their bad things, then they will be saved eternally. One error in this thinking is the failure to understand the absolute standard of God's goodness. He is perfectly good and therefore cannot tolerate any imperfection in His presence. Another mistake people make is thinking that their behavior is good enough to get to heaven. But they fail to understand that if they resort to performance such as keeping the law, they must have a perfect record or they fall under the curse of failure. It is also a mistake to think that behavior alone can be good enough to get into heaven. Our problem is not sins, per se, but sinfulness. We are sinners who need to have the root of the problem taken care of, and it is sin. The good news is that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live the perfect life we could not live, and to pay the penalty of our sins, which we could not pay. So we conclude that we can get to heaven based on what Jesus did, not on what we do. Charlie challenges all who see this episode to trust in Christ's righteousness alone in order to get to heaven. That's a message worth hearing and sharing. We trust you will share this, like it, and leave a comment, especially if you place your faith in Jesus as your Savior. #FreeGracegospel#Savedbygrace#Howtogetto heaven#faithnotworks$simplybygrace

0:00 Intro / Mark E. Shaw1:12 12th step of Christmas4:00 Wrap upCredits for song, "Twelve Days of Christmas: 12 Steps Edition," Mark Shaw, Mary Shaw, Seth Singleton: LyricsSeth Singleton: Vocals, guitar

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Here is encouragement for you to have faith in Jesus and follow Him daily. Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

How does Faith in Jesus make your life significant? When you made Jesus your LORD, your spirit was made righteous by Jesus' sacrifice, and you were given a position in Christ as a joint heir. Join Kenneth Copeland and Professor Greg Stephens on Believer's Voice of Victory as they emphasize the truth for every believer—sin has been remitted and totally wiped away. Learn that when God is associated with your life, you become significant in His kingdom.

How does Faith in Jesus make your life significant? When you made Jesus your LORD, your spirit was made righteous by Jesus' sacrifice, and you were given a position in Christ as a joint heir. Join Kenneth Copeland and Professor Greg Stephens on Believer's Voice of Victory as they emphasize the truth for every believer—sin has been remitted and totally wiped away. Learn that when God is associated with your life, you become significant in His kingdom.

0:00 Intro / Mark E. Shaw1:12 11th step of Christmas4:00 Wrap upCredits for song, "Twelve Days of Christmas: 12 Steps Edition," Mark Shaw, Mary Shaw, Seth Singleton: LyricsSeth Singleton: Vocals, guitar

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Revelation 14 John sees the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with 144,000 who have His name and the Father's name on their foreheads. They sing a new song before the throne that only they can learn, because they are faithful and pure. Three angels follow with messages: the first proclaims the eternal gospel to every nation, calling everyone to worship the Creator; the second announces the fall of Babylon; the third warns that those who worship the beast and receive its mark will face God's wrath. This calls for patient endurance among the saints. John then sees one like the Son of Man with a crown and a sickle, reaping the earth. Another angel gathers grapes into the winepress of God's wrath. The chapter depicts judgment, hope, and the victory of the faithful. Our almighty God calls us to live with faithfulness, purity, and endurance, just like the 144,000 who followed the Lamb wherever He went. We are sealed as His people, and our lives should reflect His name and character. The messages of the angels remind us that the gospel is for all people and that judgment is certain. False powers like Babylon will fall, and those who reject God will face the consequences. We are called to worship the Creator, stand firm in truth, and not be swayed by fear or deception. The harvest images show that God sees every life and action. We must live each day in devotion to Him, trusting His justice and rejoicing in His promised victory.  Glorious Father, You are worthy of all worship and honor. You reign over every nation, and Your truth reaches the ends of the earth. Help us to follow the Lamb with faithfulness and purity, keeping Your name written on our hearts. Strengthen us to resist the lies of this world and to stand firm in every trial. Let our lives proclaim the eternal gospel with boldness and joy. Teach us to live with reverence, knowing You see all things and will judge rightly. Keep us close to You, filled with hope, faithful to the end, and protected from Your wrath.  Thought Questions: What does it mean to follow the Lamb wherever He goes, and do you believe God marks those who do so as His now and forever? God calls His people to fear and worship Him, no matter how loudly worldly powers demand attention. What does that choice look like? The perseverance of the saints is to keep the commandments of God and faith in Jesus. How does your daily routine help you accomplish this?

The first announcement of Jesus’ birth wasn’t delivered to kings or crowds—it was given to shepherds under a night sky filled with glory. Luke 2:9–12 reveals a powerful invitation to come and see the newborn Savior, reminding us that the Good News of Christmas is meant to be received personally and shared boldly. Highlights God chose ordinary shepherds to receive an extraordinary invitation. Heaven’s announcement of Jesus’ birth was marked by joy, peace, and glory. The shepherds responded immediately—moving from fear to action. Encountering Jesus naturally led them to tell others what they had seen. The Christmas story begins with an invitation and continues through sharing. Bold faith has always been central to spreading the message of Christ. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: The Shepherds’ Invitation: Come and See By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” - Luke 2:9-12 What a terrifying, yet amazing, birth announcement, to be awoken in the middle of the night, greeted with a host of heavenly angels filling and illuminating the dark sky to tell the shepherds the Good News of Jesus’ birth, inviting them to come and see the newborn King. As written in Luke 2:13-14, “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’” If that isn’t a royal, over-the-top, fanfare invitation, then what is? Even though the invitation startled the shepherds awake, once they recovered, they willingly accepted God’s gracious heavenly invitation to see the newborn King. As Luke 2:15-16 describes, “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” Spreading the Word: Inviting Everyone to Come and See After coming and seeing, Luke 2:17-18 describes what happened next, “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” Accepting the angels’ invitation to come and see Jesus led the shepherds to spread the word by inviting everyone they met to go and see Him, too. It was a divine response from their hearts. As well, once we see Jesus for ourselves, our hearts are moved to invite others to come and see Him, too. Jesus Invites Everyone Jesus entered the world with an invitation, and He left us with one, too. Some of Jesus’ last words on earth are found in Mark 16:15, where He said to His followers, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” The shepherds on that first Christmas night did just that, spreading the word of His birth and coming to the earth. They also told others how to find Him, and as they did, so are we all called to tell others, too. In school, I knew Jesus, but I didn’t tell anyone, so sadly, I didn’t lead anyone around me to faith in Him. Yet, my future husband made sure to tell everyone he met about Jesus at school, to the point that some other students who had heard about him avoided him. Even so, he still led more people to faith in Jesus than his preaching scared them away. Dr. D. James Kennedy, the late and great senior pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and founder of Evangelism Explosion, was known for his tremendous boldness and fearless sharing of the Gospel with everyone he met. He didn’t even second-guess sharing his faith with individuals of other religious beliefs, or let people in high-profile positions in life keep him from sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with them. Because of Dr. Kennedy’s fearlessness, countless souls have been invited to meet Jesus as their Savior, and countless numbers continue to be saved through his ministries, teaching others to be bold in sharing the Gospel with those around them. Intersecting Faith & Life: As Christians, are we inviting individuals to come and see Jesus, our newborn King, at Christmastime and all year round? Or, are we hesitating, not wanting to offend, or have people shy away from us? Are we like the shepherds so many years ago, willing to boldly tell others because we know it is the Good News of Christmas? Further Reading:The First Time Shepherds Heard about Jesus Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you placed your faith in Jesus, we are celebrating with you!Click below to fill in your information so we can connect with you!New to Church: https://churchalivenj.churchcenter.com/people/forms/631827I've Decided to Follow Jesus: https://churchalivenj.churchcenter.com/people/forms/631829Subscribe to Our Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEHNDPb5XMkf1LyqoTU30vg Help Support and Grow our Ministry to reach people around our community and spread the love of Jesus: https://churchalivenj.churchcenter.com/giving Stay connected with us through our:Church Alive Website: https://churchalive.tvInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchalivenj/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChurchAliveNJ/Plan your next in-person visit. We are located at:Rutherford Location- The Williams Center9AM, 11AM, 1PM 15 Sylvan St, Rutherford NJLyndhurst Location- 10AM, 12PM525 Riverside Ave, Lyndhurst NJ

When my friend Maritza took a job that required traveling to many different cities by herself, she often felt lonely. But over dinner one night, she leaned in and told me, “Jen, I prayed and asked God to send me His people.” She went on to say it wasn’t long before she’d begun to meet other believers in Jesus on a regular basis. Once, she met three in one day! When we encounter others who have faith in Jesus, we share a spiritual connection. In a hard-to-explain way, this lights a spark within us. We have the most important thing in common because we believe what the Bible says about Christ and how it’s possible to have a relationship with God through Him (Romans 10:9). Most importantly, the Spirit of God lives in each believer, knitting us together so powerfully that the Bible compares us to the interconnected parts of the human body. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “We were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body”—the body of Christ. God often works in our lives through others who love Him, whether they’re near or far, known, or new acquaintances. In our loneliest times, we can ask Him to send His people—even as we offer ourselves to be used by Him to encourage others.

What if real certainty in life is actually possible? In this message from 1 John, we uncover how truly knowing God brings confidence, clarity, and assurance even in an uncertain world. Discover why faith in Jesus offers something far deeper than a false sense of security.