Podcasts about faith in jesus

Before he was martyred for his steadfast faith in Jesus, an African minister whose name has not been preserved penned “A Martyr’s Prayer.” This profound message from another era has become known as “The Fellowship of the Unashamed.” This pastor’s words present a challenge to all believers in Jesus—a challenge that echoes the words of the apostle Paul, who wrote in his letter to his young friend Timothy: “Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord” (2 Timothy 1:8) because the Holy Spirit gives us “power, love and self-discipline” (v. 7). Here, in part, is what that faithful African pastor wrote: “I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of [Jesus] and I won’t back up, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. . . . I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by the Holy Spirit’s power.” Both Timothy and that pastor faced difficulties we may never experience, but their words challenge us to stand strong when our faith is tested. We can remain unashamed because God “is able to guard what [we] have entrusted to him” (v. 12)—our lives and our future.

Welcome to Inside the Epicenter with Joel and Lynn Rosenberg, brought to you by the Joshua Fund. In this episode, Joel reveals one of the most incredible, yet often untold, stories in the Middle East: more Jews and Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus today than at any point in history. Together, Joel and Lynn unpack astonishing new data, share inspiring real-life stories, and explore biblical promises that demonstrate God's powerful movement—even in challenging times. Tune in to hear how this spiritual transformation is unfolding behind the headlines, and what it means for believers today. (00:02) Middle East's Faith Shift(05:56) Rising Messianic Belief Among Jews(07:10) Unexpected Evangelical Beliefs Among Jews(10:47) "Surge in Jewish Believers in Jesus"(13:42) Jewish Converts to Christianity, 1940(18:22) Jewish Millennials: 21% Believe Jesus's Divinity(22:35) "Iran's Billy Graham: Hormoz Shariat"(23:23) "Christian Revival Amid Persecution"(28:43) Muslims, Jews Embrace Jesus: Podcast Insights Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.comMake a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua FundStock Media provided by DimmySad / Pond5 Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know Praying that Jewish people in Israel and around the World will encounter their Messiah, Jesus. Pray also that Muslims around the globe will receive dreams and visions and Gospel witness that leads them to Christ. Pray for strength, courage, and provision for the ministries that are sharing the gospel throughout the epicenter. Related Episodes:Dr. Hormoz Shariat - Inside Iran: Conflict, Revival, and Bible Prophecy Unpacked #298Arab Pastor’s Life-Altering Mission Among Israelis and Palestinians #230Reaching Muslims Through Love and the Gospel #177Former Muslim Brings Entire Iranian Family to Christ #90What do Muslims Believe About Jesus, and Is This Changing? #56 Donate a generous monthly gift to The Joshua Fund to bless Israel and Her Neighbors now and for the long haul. Become an Epicenter Ally today! 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

How good are you at solving problems? Most of us can figure out everyday challenges pretty well. But there's one problem we can't fix on our own: we are broken people, weighed down by the reality of sin. No matter how hard we try to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, we can't escape it in our own strength.The good news is that God didn't leave us there. Out of love, He sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the debt we could never pay and to offer us new life. Through faith in Jesus, we find redemption and the only way to the Father. And that's an invitation extended to you. Message Delivered: 9/7/25

In this message, we explore the universal struggle with emotions like anger, fear, and anxiety through the lens of the movie Inside Out 2. While the movie is great at showing what's broken, it offers a poor guide for our lives, suggesting we can fix ourselves by trying to be a "good person". The truth is, we are incapable of solving what is truly broken inside of us. Jesus did not come to make bad people good; He came to bring dead people to life. The good news of the gospel is that salvation is not by our works, but is a gift from God, by grace through faith in Jesus. If you're tired of trying to fix yourself and are ready to admit you need a Savior, this message is for you. To learn more about 12Stone Church, visit our website at 12Stone.com and follow us on social media at @12StoneChurch.

Victoria shares her powerful journey from working in an OnlyFans agency to finding faith in Jesus. She exposes the dark side of the adult industry, discussing the false sense of intimacy created by OnlyFans and the struggles many women face in that world. After a radical encounter with Jesus, she left the industry, emphasizing the importance of healing, vulnerability, and the need for men to pursue integrity. Victoria's story serves as an inspiration for those struggling with addiction and seeking redemption.   DCIC Always – Join The Brotherhood (and get coached by Sathiya) For Less Than $2/day   Want to know more about Victoria:  Follow Victoria on Instagram   Follow Victoria on TikTok Join Victoria on Youtube   Know more about Sathiya's work: Submit Your Questions (Anonymously) To Be Answered On The Podcast TLR Always – Get A Free Copy of The Last Relapse, Your Blueprint For Recovery Watch Sathiya on Youtube For More Content Like This   Chapters: (00:00) Welcome & Guest Intro (00:55) From OF Agency Manager to Jesus Follower (02:10) First Exposure to Porn at 25 (05:15) How OnlyFans Agencies Really Work (07:50) The “Girlfriend Experience” Training (10:25) Pay-Per-View, Custom Requests & The Vault (13:20) Why Younger Looking = More Money (15:55) Are Underage Users on OnlyFans? (18:05) The Subtle Escalation Strategy for Creators (21:00) Married Men on OF: 89% Statistic (23:15) The Industry Is Consuming You (26:40) Targeting Men's Weaknesses with Social Media (31:35) Why Married Men Keep Coming Back (36:05) The Illusion of OF Riches for Women (45:10) Mental Health Costs & Long-Term Consequences (50:15) When the Job Turned Heavy (56:30) Radical Encounter with Jesus (1:04:40) Quitting the Industry in 5 Days (1:07:20) Sober & Baptized in 8 Weeks (1:12:15) Backlash from the OF World

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.

We want to show and receive God's love to those around us, and we live that out practically everyday. We strive to bring hope by meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of everyone we come in contact with. We love fiercely—like a family, because everyone is included and our Father loves us all. We're building biblical community by seeking God's Word, believing in His promises, and applying what we learn everyday. Our hope is that you and your family find a home with us where you can learn, grow, live, and thrive in Christ Jesus. We're a multi-generational church with something to offer everyone in your family. Join us for an online or on-campus Sunday morning worship service, and take the next step in your journey with us!

This week we continue our series through the book of John with a message by Pastor Jonathan. In this message, Pastor Jonathan helps us answer the question: what is the victory that we have in overcoming the world? As he tackles this question, we learn the importance of the testimony of who Jesus is and why faith in Jesus is the only way to win in this life.

Hope for Hard Days ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | September 7, 2025 Esther Series, Part 9: Esther 9, 10 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY In the final episode of the Esther series, Michael Shockley explores how God works through our worst days to bring about His greatest victories. Through the creative story of Hayden and Morty (paralleling Haman and Mordecai), discover how what appears to be a day of destruction becomes a day of deliverance for God's people. As Esther chapters 9-10 unfold, watch the ironic reversal where the enemies of the Jews are defeated, leading to the establishment of the holiday Purim. From the cafeteria catastrophe to the Persian Empire's transformation, learn how God's unseen hand can flip any story - even turning the worst day in history (the Crucifixion) into humanity's brightest hope. This message reminds us that God doesn't cause our worst days, but He absolutely redeems them. Core Message: God works through our worst days. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED The Hayden and Morty Story Introduction - Creative allegory of middle school cafeteria drama - Hayden's quest for revenge against his spelling bee nemesis Morty - The setup for disaster with gravy, creamed asparagus, and chocolate milk - Parallel to the Haman and Mordecai conflict in the Book of Esther - Cliffhanger moment showing how quickly situations can change The Historical Context of Esther 9-10 - Recap of the escalated grudge that led to genocidal decree - Haman's plot against the Jews and his subsequent downfall - The irreversible nature of Persian law requiring a counter-decree - Nine months between the plot's discovery and the day of execution - The choice given to potential attackers to change sides The Day of Reversal (Esther 9:1-5) - The 13th of Adar: from planned destruction to actual deliverance - "The opposite occurred" - complete reversal of expectations - Fear of Mordecai and the Jews falling upon their enemies - Government officials helping the Jews due to Mordecai's prominence - The Jews defeating their enemies throughout the 127 provinces The Spiritual Parallel to God's Law - The Law of Righteousness exposing all people as condemned - God's refusal to lower His standards of perfection - The Law of Grace through faith in Jesus as the "second decree" - Substitution: Jesus taking our punishment on the Cross - Imputation: Christ's righteousness credited to our account The Battle Results and Aftermath - 500 enemies killed in the capital city of Shushan - 75,000 total defeated throughout the Persian Empire - The death of Haman's ten sons (grown men who supported the decree) - The Jews refusing to take spoils - focused on defense, not wealth - Two days of battle followed by peace and celebration The Establishment of Purim - Mordecai's letters establishing an annual holiday - The 14th and 15th of Adar becoming days of celebration - Feasting, joy, gift-giving to family and the needy - The meaning of "Purim" - referring to the lots (Pur) Haman cast - God directing even the roll of dice to accomplish His purposes The Unseen Hand of God - God's fingerprints everywhere despite His name never being mentioned - From orphan and intended victim to champions of peace - The transformation of superstition into recognition of divine favor - How apparent coincidences reveal providence in hindsight The Conclusion of Hayden and Morty - The backpack tear held together by failing duct tape - The pencil on the floor causing Hayden's spectacular fall - The complete reversal: Hayden covered in food, Morty triumphant - "You got served" - divine justice with a sense of humor - From cafeteria catastrophe to unexpected hero status God's Redemption of Our Worst Days - How God doesn't cause our worst days but redeems them - The parallel between Esther's story and the Cross - Turning the day of Crucifixion into humanity's brightest hope - Personal application for loss, failure, betrayal, and current struggles - The invitation to trust Jesus with all we dread ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "God works through our worst days." "The Unseen Hand of God turned the day of destruction into the day of deliverance." "He is our Substitute when it comes to the punishment, and His Righteousness is Imputed to us. Which is to say, He suffered through the test, and we got the passing grade." "Even the naming of the holiday shows that God directed even the roll of the dice to choose the day." "God's Name is never spoken, but God's fingerprints are everywhere." "God never wastes our pain. He doesn't cause our worst days, but He redeems them." "If God could turn the horrible day of Crucifixion into the brightest hope in history, He can redeem your story, too." "You got served." (Lunch Lady Loretta) "Got milk?" (Morty) ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 9:1-5, Chapters 9-10 complete - Key Theme: Divine reversal and redemption through apparent defeat - Historical Context: The 13th of Adar and the establishment of Purim - Theological Concepts: Substitution and imputation through Christ - Gospel Connection: How God redeems our worst days through the Cross - Literary Note: God's providence shown without direct divine mentions ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You're Experiencing Your Worst Day Right Now: - Remember that God specializes in flipping stories and reversing outcomes - Trust that what feels like destruction may be setting up deliverance - Know that God's unseen hand is working even when you can't see it - Understand that apparent coincidences often reveal divine providence If You're Dealing with Past Failures and Regrets: - Recognize that God doesn't waste pain but redeems it for purpose - Remember that your worst moments don't define your final story - Trust that the same God who redeemed the Cross can redeem your past - Allow time and perspective to reveal how God was working all along If You Feel Condemned by Your Imperfections: - Understand that God's law reveals our need, not our hopelessness - Know that perfection is required, but Christ provides it for us - Trust in substitution: Jesus took your punishment on the Cross - Believe in imputation: Christ's righteousness is credited to your account If You're Waiting for Justice: - Remember that God's timing often involves longer processes than we expect - Trust that divine justice is more complete than human revenge - Know that God can turn your enemies' attacks into your strengthening - Understand that true victory often looks different than expected If You Haven't Trusted Jesus Yet: - Consider how the Cross transformed history's worst day into its best news - Understand that salvation comes through faith, not perfect performance - Know that God can flip your story no matter how bad it seems - Trust Jesus with all you dread and receive His redemption today ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION Maybe you're living through what feels like your worst day. Loss, failure, betrayal, diagnosis, job loss, or consequences from past mistakes. Perhaps you feel like Morty, about to be destroyed by forces beyond your control. Or maybe you feel like Hayden, watching your carefully laid plans collapse in spectacular failure. The good news of Esther - and the even greater news of the Gospel - is that God works through our worst days. He doesn't cause them, but He redeems them. The same God who turned a day of destruction into deliverance for the Jews, who turned the horror of Crucifixion into the hope of salvation, can flip your story too. Trust Him with all you dread. Trust Jesus for salvation. Your worst day may be setting up God's greatest work in your life. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- What worst day in your life needs God's redemptive touch? Are you trusting in your own ability to fix things, or surrendering to the God who specializes in impossible reversals? God works through our worst days - let Him work through yours.

Today we start a new series called “Kingdom Life”, with Pastor Ira teaching on “There is a Kingdom and there is a King”. God is King over all creation. When we enter His kingdom through faith in Jesus, as God's adopted children, we inherit every blessing His kingdom offers... not just when Jesus returns, but now! Yet so many don't walk in this reality. Learn what it is to live in the "Kingdom of His dear Son" in our everyday lives. Key Scriptures:Mat 4:23, Acts 1:3, Mark 1:14-15, Rev 4:11, John 18:36, Col 1:13

Are you a believer? Every good thing God does starts when you believe on His Son for salvation. To have faith in Jesus means more than giving mental ascent to Him. Biblical faith can be described as a definite dependence on Christ. Keep Studying  Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. 

Every believer who's come to faith in Jesus, was brought into God's family because someone shared the gospel with them. Jesus has called us to share his good news, but sometimes we don't know where to start. Ed Stetzer talks with Jonathan Dodson about his book, Witness: Loving Your Church by Sharing the Gospel and how we can proclaim the gospel, speaking into the lives of the people we meet. In doing this, we can enjoy the privilege as the church in sharing God's amazing news on Ed Stetzer Live. Ed Stetzer Live is a listener supported program. To donate, click here. To learn more about Ed Stetzer, click here. To learn more about Ed Stetzer Live, click here.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/edstetzerliveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the podcast:- Jason McCourty is a former NFL defensive back who won a Super Bowl with his twin brother Devin in 2018 as a member of the Patriots. Jason played 12 NFL seasons and is now an NFL analyst with CBS Sports. Topics include:- Excitement for the 2025 NFL season (02:54)- What NFL storyline is Jason McCourty most interested in? (03:53)- Being selected in the 6th round of the NFL Draft as a motivator (05:45)- The brotherly connection with twin brother Devin (12:18)- Stewarding his time in retirement from the NFL (23:04)- The grieving process of his NFL career ending (28:50)- Sharing his testimony of faith in Jesus (34:15)- The pruning process as a Christian (40:22)- What Bible verse impacts him the most (44:27)- How can we be praying for Jason McCourty? (46:39)Special thanks to our partnership with the Courage for Life Study Bible. Learn more by going to ⁠⁠CourageforLifeBibles.com.Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.comWATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:https://www.youtube.com/SportsSpectrumMagazineSign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/

In this episode of Bible Reading and Coffee Drinking, we dive into Romans 5, where Paul shows us the incredible blessings we receive through faith in Jesus. We're no longer at odds with God—we have peace, grace, and hope because of what Christ has done on the cross. Paul also contrasts Adam's sin with Jesus' gift of righteousness, reminding us that where sin increased, grace abounded even more. Grab your Bible and coffee, and let's celebrate the unshakable hope we have in Christ.Also, use the code "Podcast20" to get 20% off our entire store. This is a special code specifically for our podcast listeners! See all our our hoodies, t-shirts, caps and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.livingchristian.org/store.html⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Check out this podcast and all previous episodes on Spotify, iTunes, Google more! - https://www.livingchristian.org/podcast.htmlMY BIBLE: Every Man's Bible: New Living Translation - Find it here: https://amzn.to/3MuDAUSCHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE BELOW FOR CHRISTIAN APPAREL, PRODUCTS, BLOGS, BIBLE VERSES AND MORE:Website | https://www.livingchristian.orgStore | https://www.livingchristian.org/store.htmlPodcast | https://www.livingchristian.org/podcast.htmlFOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/living_christian/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/livechristian1 Twitter | https://twitter.com/livechristian1Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/living_christian/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@livingchristianABOUT US:Living Christian believes that our Christian faith isn't just for Sunday mornings in Church. Our faith impacts every aspect of our lives and the challenges we face every day of the week. We want to connect to people who are seeking to determine what Living Christian means in their own day-to-day lives. We are focused on providing resources and products to a community of believers. We provide daily biblical inspiration, motivation and guidance through social posts, blogs and Christian apparel and products.This work contains Music Track The 126ers - Winds of Spring that is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license. Source: https://directory.audio/free-music/pop/5092-the-126ers-winds-of-springAuthor: The 126ers#christ #christian #christianity #christianblog #christianblogger #verses #bible #bibleinspiration #bibletime #jesusistheway #biblestudy #dailybible #newtestament #oldtestament #thebible #christ #jesuschrist #holybible #lukewarm #christians #christianpodcast #christmas

The Christian life starts with faith in Jesus. From there, we must grow in the knowledge of God's word and God's ways. However, Peter provides us with a crucial step necessary to gain true knowledge: moral excellence. This step cannot be neglected. The Bible is a spiritual book, and God must reveal His true knowledge to us. Moral excellence springing from faith is an essential foundation for gaining that knowledge.Join me for Today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more.Scripture Used in Today's Message2 Peter 1:2-4James 1:211 Peter 2:1-2Philippians 4:81 Peter 2:9If you've not read my book, Takin' it to Their Turf. request a copy on my website, www.CampusAmerica.com.You'll be inspired, encouraged, and learn plenty about evangelism and spiritual warfare through the 70+ stories I share of my campus evangelism experiences.We send a copy to anyone who donates to our ministry, but if you can't do so, simply request a copy by sending us an email. Who do you know that needs to hear today's message? Go ahead and forward this to them, along with a prayer that God will use it in their life.To find Tom on Instagram, Facebook, TiKTok, and elsewhere, go to linktr.ee/tomthepreacher To support Tom Short Campus Ministries, click herehttps://www.tomthepreacher.com/support************ Do you want to have all your sins forgiven and know God personally? *********Check out my video "The Bridge Diagram" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0Kjwrlind8&t=1sCheck out my website, www.CampusAmerica.com, to learn more about my ministry and sign up for my daily email. And make sure to request a copy of my book, Takin' it to Their Turf, when you visit my website.Check out my videos on this channel to learn how to answer tough questions challenging our faith.

Boone, North Carolina is the home of Bald Guy Brew Coffee. A year ago, it was at the center of hurricane Helene. For any small business in that area, the past year has been wrought with challenges. Don reminds of of the power of Faith in Jesus, the biblical root of joy and the demands that God puts on us to follow our calling. God will provide even in the midst of a storm.  #BardsFM_Morning #WhatsInYourCup #JoyInTheMorning Bards Nation Health Store: https://www.bardsnationhealth.com MYPillow promo code: BARDS Go to https://www.mypillow.com/bards and use the promo code BARDS or... Call 1-800-975-2939.  Founders Bible 20% discount code: BARDS >>> https://thefoundersbible.com/#ordernow Mission Darkness Faraday Bags and RF Shielding. Promo code BARDS: Click here EMPShield protect your vehicles and home. Promo code BARDS: Click here EMF Solutions to keep your home safe: https://www.emfsol.com/?aff=bards Treadlite Broadforks...best garden tool EVER. Promo code BARDS: Click here Natural Skin Products by No Knot Today: Click here Product Store, Ambitious Faith: Click here Health, Nutrition and Detox Consulting: HealthIsLocal.com Destination Real Food Book on Amazon: click here Images In Bloom Soaps and Things: ImagesInBloom.com Angeline Design: click here DONATE: Click here Mailing Address: Xpedition Cafe, LLC Attn. Scott Kesterson 591 E Central Ave, #740 Sutherlin, OR  97479

This past week we had the chance to host Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman, Levi Drake Rodriguez at our studio to hang out for a while and talk about a bunch of different topics. Levi is an extremely passionate and focused individual that brings the energy in all things he does. We talk about some incredible stories from his time in college, including climbing up the ranks as an unranked player who didn't receive a lot of early attention. He shares what that journey was like and how he has been able to stay hungry. He relates his athletic career to his love for the outdoors and all types of hunting and we hear about how hunting becomes a mental reset for Levi. Through it all, his unwavering faith in Jesus guides his every move. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!   New Waterfowl Film out now! Flooded Timber Duck Hunting in Arkansas Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU (Code: Flyways) Stop saying "Huh?" with better hearing protection: Soundgear Real American Light Beer: Outlaw Beer Live Free: Turtlebox Add motion to your spread: Flashback Better Merch: /SHOP

There is no truth more fundamental in all of God's Word than this truth. God is for us. God is not against us. God is not neutral towards us. Because of Jesus Christ, once and for all, the question is settled. God is for us.Main Points:1. Paul's question is, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” In other words, who can really fight against us, who can defeat us, if God is on our side?2. Name the enemies of the people of God. Can the devil stand against us? No, because he has been defeated. Can the world stand against us? No, because Jesus has overcome the world. Can the flesh destroy us? No, because in Jesus Christ we overcome the temptations of the flesh. So, today, let's be secure in our victory! Who dares to stand against us if God is for us?3. No matter what Satan, our accuser, says, no matter the circumstances we face, nothing can come against the love God has for us and win. We may be mocked, beaten, bruised, or even killed for our faith in Jesus. Even if we face the worst of circumstances, we are loved and accepted by our Heavenly Father because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross.Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 8:31 - “If God is for us, who can be against us?”Psalm 23:4 - “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Matthew 28:20 - “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age”. Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook GroupLoren Hicks on Instagram

In this segment, John illustrates what it is like to place your faith in Jesus and Sunder describes how this relates to receiving what Jesus did for us on the cross. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/701/29

Dr. Stanley explores how the Spirit works in unbelievers' hearts by revealing any unbelief and pointing directly to the need for faith in Jesus.

In this episode, Marcia Montenegro shares her journey from the New Age and occult practices to a life transformed by Christ. Marcia describes her years immersed in astrology, New Age teachings, and even teaching these practices, and how she witnessed the growing influence of New Age ideas in mainstream culture—from mindfulness and Reiki in hospitals to elements creeping into therapy and mental health modalities. She highlights the subtle ways these practices appear helpful or harmless, while often being spiritually dangerous. Marcia also reflects on cultural phenomena like the Twilight series, explaining how dark themes are glamorized and attract young people through curiosity, rebellion, or the allure of secret knowledge and community. Her own conversion story is compelling: despite being skeptical of a personal God, Marcia felt a profound encounter with God's love during a church service. This led her to give up astrology, explore the Bible, and ultimately recognize Jesus Christ as her Savior. She emphasizes God's grace, the power of prayer (including others praying for her before she even knew), and the life-changing simplicity of faith in Jesus. Takeaways: New Age practices like astrology, Reiki, and mindfulness have infiltrated mainstream culture, often appearing harmless. Dark themes in popular media, such as Twilight, attract young people through rebellion, curiosity, and the lure of secret knowledge. New Age and occult communities often draw people by offering belonging and empowerment. Some therapeutic practices, even Christian inner healing, can unknowingly incorporate New Age techniques like visualization. LINKS MENTIONED: Marcia's Website Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

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

On this episode, John Stoll shares his family’s unique journey, marked by adoptions and profound losses, including his grandson Asher and son Zane. He discusses navigating grief and the traumatic murder of Zane, emphasizing his powerful decision to forgive the perpetrators. John highlights his faith in Jesus as his source of peace and strength Sponsors:...

God Sees a Jesus Follower as Being “In Christ”; Therefore, God Sees a Jesus Follower as His Son or Daughter MESSAGE SUMMARY: As Followers of Jesus, you are "In Christ" -- God looks at you, as a Jesus Follower, and He sees Jesus in you. Throughout the Epistles we find: "In Christ" or "In Him". In Galatians 3:14, Paul tells you that your faith in Jesus makes you “In Christ” and a recipient of God's Covenant with Abraham: “so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.". Also, Paul goes even further, in Galatians 3:25-28, to tell you that, through your faith in Jesus, you no longer need any kind of intermediary because you are “In Christ” and you have a personal relationship with God, the Creator of the Universe: “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”. When God sees you, “In Christ" as a Jesus Follower, He sees Jesus, the Son. Therefore, God sees you as His son or daughter.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Self-Centeredness. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Love. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Romans 3:21-26; Romans 6:5-11; Romans 6:22-23; Psalms 63:1-11. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Crumbs From The Table”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Faith is not just a noun or just a verb.  They are both.  You may ask how can they be both?  You see you can't have faith without works but works are a result of your faith.  Faith in Jesus, not your works.  Works done for your glory or the glory of man will only lead to religious piety.  Works as a result of our faith in Jesus because we love Him and people, will have reward but the reward is inconsequential.  We do because of who we belong to.  We do because it is who we are.  We don't find our identity in what we do but because of who we are and who He is in us we, do.  We work.  We believe.  We have faith and we do faith!

Faith is not just a noun or just a verb.  They are both.  You may ask how can they be both?  You see you can't have faith without works but works are a result of your faith.  Faith in Jesus, not your works.  Works done for your glory or the glory of man will only lead to religious piety.  Works as a result of our faith in Jesus because we love Him and people, will have reward but the reward is inconsequential.  We do because of who we belong to.  We do because it is who we are.  We don't find our identity in what we do but because of who we are and who He is in us we, do.  We work.  We believe.  We have faith and we do faith!

Dr. Stanley explores how the Spirit works in unbelievers' hearts by revealing any unbelief and pointing directly to the need for faith in Jesus.

Dr. Stanley explores how the Spirit works in unbelievers' hearts by revealing any unbelief and pointing directly to the need for faith in Jesus.

Religious appearance cannot save you; only humble repentance and faith in Jesus can.

Send us a textForrest Frank's viral song “Your Way's Better” is catchy, AND its lyrics point us to a deeper truth worth slowing down to consider: God's way truly is better. From Paul's letter to the Romans to Israel's wilderness experiences, Scripture shows us over and over again the futility of choosing our own way over God's way. This week on More Than a Song, we'll explore Romans 10 and discover how clinging to our own efforts can keep us from the righteousness that only comes through Christ.Key PointsThe lyrics highlight a clear contrast between the ways of sin and the ways of God.Romans 10:1–4 reveals the Jews' “misdirected zeal” as they cling to their own way instead of embracing God's way through Christ.God's way of making us right with Himself is not through law-keeping, but through faith in Jesus.The warnings of misdirected zeal, misunderstanding, and clinging to self-effort apply just as much to us today as they did to the Jews of Paul's day.Studying larger sections of Scripture (like Romans 9–11) helps us grasp the full context of Paul's arguments and God's redemptive plan.Scripture ReferencesRomans 10:1–4 – God's way of making people right with Himself through Christ.Romans 9:4–5, 20 – Israel's privileges and Paul's reminder of God's sovereignty.Exodus 15 – God sets forth His way in contrast to Egypt and Canaan.Matthew 16:23–24 – Jesus rebukes Peter and calls His followers to walk in His way.Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs)Study larger chunks of Scripture – read Romans 9–11 for context.Read in context – expand to the chapter before and after your focus passage (this is a loose rule...I explain more on the episode)Compare translations – notice how different versions phrase “God's way” vs. “their own way.”Use section headings – gain bearings in a familiar text by scanning how thoughts are grouped.Consider opposites – clarify what God's way is by identifying what it is not.Additional ResourcesDownload the free Episode GuideLyrics for Your Way's Better by Forrest Frank – NewReleaseToday.comEpisode 519 – Looking at how God reigns with wisdom, power, and love.Episode 518 – Jesus rebukes Peter for having in mind the things of man instead of the things of God, then teaches how to follow Him.Episode 515 – Israel's early wilderness experiences in Exodus 15, contrasting God's way with the ways of Egypt and Canaan.This Week's ChallengeRead Romans 9-11. I recommend reading it several times in various translations. For example, the phrasing “God's way” vs. “their own way” is found in the New Living Translation, and I may have missed it in the ESV or CSB, which I often read and study. Look closely at the characteristics of the people and God's ways. Consider big picture ideas here and how you might be able to identify the same errors in your Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

Listen to Pastor Gawel's sermon for August 31, 2025, taken from Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16. The post Faith in Jesus Enables Great Things – Sermon for August 31, 2025 appeared first on St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

Welcome to the Two Words Series from Palm Harvest Church in Costa Mesa, CA! In this powerful episode, recorded on August 31, 2025, Lead Pastor Dr. Mike Decker delivers a transformative sermon titled "Defeating Sin." Drawing from Romans 3:9-30 and Romans 7:15-30, he opens with the hard truth: we are all under the influence of sin. But the message quickly turns to hope—through faith in Jesus, we can overcome and live victoriously! Dr. Decker explores three sabotaging sins that can derail relationships and spiritual growth: deceptive speech (gossip and untruths), destructive actions (harmful behaviors), and a self-righteous heart (judging others while ignoring our own flaws). With biblical wisdom and practical insights, he challenges listeners to acknowledge their struggles, seek Jesus' forgiveness, and rely on His strength to live differently. This episode is a call to action—embrace empathy, speak truth, and break free from sin's grip with God's help. Perfect for anyone seeking spiritual renewal or a deeper connection with faith. Tune in, reflect, and let this message inspire your journey. For more, visit www.PalmHarvest.com

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.

In this message, Pastor J.R. highlights that our hope does not rest in the strength of our love for Jesus, but in the unbreakable strength of His love for us. Pastor J.R. emphasizes that Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life,” meaning resurrection is not just an event but a person to trust in. He points out that faith in Jesus is not just about a future hope but about present strength and the power to restore broken hearts and lives. Ultimately, Pastor J.R. stresses that Jesus calls people by name from death to life, offering forgiveness and transformation no matter how lost or broken they feel.

At some point, Faith in Jesus replaces religion. Sermon 18:32

We will either spend our days trying to justify ourselves or we will receive God's justification of us in Jesus. So don't waste another minute of your life trying to justify yourself. Receive (and live out of) the gift of being justified by faith in Jesus

This Sunday Pastor Jeff walked us through what it means to be set free by Jesus. How when we put our faith in Jesus we abide by His word, we are set free from our sin and we reflect the Heavenly Father to the people around us.

A Sermon for the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 & St. Luke 18:9-14 by William Klock “Two men went up to the temple to pray,” Jesus said.  The temple was the place where heaven and earth met.  The place where men and women could go to be in the presence of God.  Twice a day the priests would lead the people in prayers, at nine in the morning and at three in the afternoon, but people could go any time to pray. On this day, two men climbed the steps to the temple courts to pray.  “One,” Jesus said, “was a Pharisee.”  A Jew could pray anywhere—at home, wherever.  But if anyone was going to go out of their way to pray at the temple, it was going to be a Pharisee.  The temple was everything to them.  They weren't priests, but they lived their lives as if they were.  So it was natural for a Pharisee to go to the temple to pray. But there were two men this day, Jesus said, who went up to the temple.  “The other was a tax collector.”  If there was a polar opposite of the Pharisee, it was the tax collector.  The Pharisees were devoted to God's covenant and to his law.  They kept every last jot and tittle of it.  But the tax collectors.  When Jesus mentioned a tax collector, his whole audience recoiled.  They were the worst of the worst.  There were “sinners”—that means Jews who made lifestyle that rejected God's covenant with them—but then there were tax collectors.  They were a special kind of sinner.  The scum of the earth.  They got rich sucking up to the gentile dogs while swindling their own people. I expect that as Jesus described these two men, everyone had a similar mental picture.  The Pharisee, dignified, wearing his fine clothes, making his way confidently up the steps to the temple complex, and striding just as confidently through the outer courts.  Everyone knew him, everyone he passed greeted him respectfully as he made his way through the various gates and colonnades, further and further into the temple complex.  But then the tax collector.  Maybe it took him three times to make it up those steps, because twice he turned around, overwhelmed by guilt and shame.  And on the far side of the court of the Gentiles, the soreg, the low wall that marked the boundary between the pure and impure, made him pause.  He didn't belong on the other side.  But he'd already spent weeks tracking down the people he'd fleeced and making restitution to them.  There was no going back.  So he steeled himself and passed through, head down, trying to look unobtrusive, because he knew—he just knew—that everyone recognised him.  And he went to one of the men selling lambs.  And he picked one out, paid for it, took it in his arms—he wasn't used to handling animals—and he got in line in the courtyard outside the sanctuary, waiting for a priest as the lamb struggled.  And finally, a priest motioned him toward the altar.  He presented the lamb, his sin offering, and as the priest held it, the tax collector laid his hands on it and slit its throat.  And the priest collected the blood and poured it out at the base of the altar, then butchered the little lamb and burned its fat.  Now he was pure.  But there was still more to do.  The tax collector went back out to the outer court and this time he bought a ram for a guilt offering.  And a servant helped him with the ram as he, again, went back to stand in line for a priest.  And, again, he placed his hands on the ram as the priest held it.  And he killed it, and as with the lamb, the blood was poured out and the fat was burned.  And his guilt was expiated.  And now he could go and pray.  And there he saw the Pharisee.  The Pharisee had seen him, too.  The Pharisee had seen him all along.  As he'd chatted with a friend, the Pharisee had seen the tax collector buy his lamb.  And he'd seem him again as he bought his ram.  As he stood there praying, he'd seen the sacrifice.  God may have forgiven the tax collector, but the Pharisee sure didn't see him that way.  He took a smug look back at the tax collector and, Jesus says, “he prayed in this way to himself, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: greedy, unjust, immoral, or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week.  I give tithes of all that I get.'” And the tax collector.  Jesus says he “stood a long way off, not even wanting to lift his eyes to heaven.  He beat his breast and said, ‘God, be merciful to me, sinner that I am.'”  He'd gone through the formal actions of forgiveness, but he knew that mere formalism would never see him reconciled to God.  And so, after offering his sacrifices, he knelt humbly and prayed the words of Psalm 51: “Have mercy on me, O God—the psalm goes on—according to your steadfast love, according to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions.”  He knew.  God isn't a vending machine.  Offering a lamb isn't like pushing B4 and absolution drops into the slot for you to take.  He knew the words of the psalm.  David went on to sing, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”  And so the tax collector knelt—and without any presumption—threw himself on the grace of God.  And, as Jesus has said elsewhere, all of heaven rejoiced over this repentant sinner—even as the Pharisee scowled at him. And Jesus said to the people, “Let me tell you, he—the tax collector—was the one who went back to his home vindicated by God, not the other.”  That had to make some people angry.  It was one thing to grant—even if a little grudgingly—that there was something good about a repentant tax collector.  Okay, he offered his lamb and his ram and his contrition was obviously real.  But dissing the Pharisee?  That was too much.  But you see, this is exactly why Jesus told this story.  Luke introduces this episode saying, “Jesus told this next parable against those who trusted in their own righteous standing and despised others.”  And so Jesus explains: “Don't you see?  People who exalt themselves will be humbled, and people who humble themselves will be exalted.” Going to the temple, standing before the Lord, and singing out a litany of your own pious greatness—that's not pleasing to the Lord.  That's a good way to find yourself humbled on the last day.  And having this in mind that makes this bigger than the Pharisees.  Maybe they were the worst offenders, but Jesus gets to the heart of Israel's problem and exposes it.  They knew they were “in”.  They knew that when the Day of the Lord came, judgement would fall on everyone else and that they would be vindicated and go on to live in his presence in the age to come, they knew this because they faithfully bore all the markers of God's covenant.  They were circumcised, they kept the sabbath, and they ate the right foods—they kept God's law.  That meant they were righteous…or so they thought.  But Jesus sort of asks here: “Where is your heart?” This is what the prophets had been asking Israel—and warning her about—for centuries.  Reminding the people that formalism doesn't cut it.  Yes, God required sacrifices.  He'd given them a law.  But obedience was supposed flow from a humble heart overflowing with gratitude for God's grace.  It was supposed to be rooted in faith—faith in a God who had called a childless pagan named Abram and blessed him beyond anything he deserved; faith in a God who called a sorry and miserable group of slaves out of Egypt and blessed them beyond anything they deserved.  But Israel got complacent, and comfortable, and forgot the source of her blessings.  Instead of trusting God, she trusted in horses and chariots and kings—and even foreign gods.  She thought mere formalism would satisfy God's requirement for holiness.  And her heart became hard, idolatrous, and self-righteous.  So for all their love of torah, the hearts of the Pharisees were far from God—and in that, they represented most of the people in Israel.  They exalted themselves and presumed upon God, when they should have been humble before him, thanking him for his grace.  When judgement day came, they were ready to sing that litany of their righteousness: We're not like other people.  We fast and we tithe.  We're circumcised and we keep the sabbath.  And God would high-five them and the invite them along to go smite the sinners and tax collectors and gentiles.  Their hearts will filled with pride, not faith. Habakkuk was one of those prophets that had warned Israel in the days before the exile.  “Look at the proud!” he said, “His spirit is presumptuous and is not right, but the righteous shall live by faith.”  Pride and faith, Brothers and Sisters, are polar opposites. Habakkuk looked around him lamented to the Lord: O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted. (Habakkuk 1:1-4) Wickedness, idolatry, injustice—pride.  Judah no longer trusted in the Lord and it showed.  The heart of the people was far from God and those who were humble, who did lean on his grace were trampled under foot.  And Habakkuk knew it couldn't go on like this forever.  He knew the Lord's judgement on a wicked and faithless and proud people had to come soon.  And so he cried out to the Lord and the Lord assured him: “The righteous shall live by faith.”  In other words, the righteous will live the way they always do, regardless of circumstances: by faith in the grace and mercy and goodness of God—not in pride, but by faith.   Pride is insidious.  It can take any form in order to push out faith.  The Pharisees were, in most ways, so close—but in them pride twisted faith itself.  I wonder what Habakkuk would think of our world.  We now have a whole season devoted to pride.  At first it was a month, but now it just seems to go on and on: Pridetide, the unholy parody of Trinitytide.  At least the Pharisees were prideful for their good works.  Today, the wicked and perverted announce their sins with pride and their “ally” lackies signal their virtue as loudly as possible.  And the wealthy and the powerful, governments and corporation and businesses big and small join in the litany of pride and woe to anyone who dares to dissent and on whom the scorn and wrath of the Pride Pharisees falls.  The more things change, the more they stay the same.  The proud are always convinced of their own righteousness and standing before God. And yet Jesus told so many stories in which the proud—so sure of their righteous standing—ended up finding themselves in the outer darkness, weeping and gnashing their teeth, while the tax collectors and sinners—having discovered the mercy and grace of God, having repented in faith—found themselves welcomed into the feast.  Again, pride and faith are polar opposites, mutually exclusive. And I think this is why the church, for the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity, has coupled this Gospel about the Pharisee and the tax collector with St. Paul's affirmation of faith at the beginning of 1 Corinthians 15.  He begins with the gospel, with the good news about Jesus.  He writes: “Let me remind you, Brother [and Sisters], about the good news which I announced to you.”  I love the way it works in Greek.  Paul talks about the gospel that he gospelled to them.  The gospel is the best news ever.  It's the news that changes everything.  It's the news that dispels—or, at any rate, it should dispel—any ideas we have about being proud of ourselves.  Because Paul goes on and says, “You received this good news, and you're standing firm on it, and you are saved through it, if you hold fast the message I announced—I gospelled—to you.  Unless it was for nothing that you believed.” These were men and women who had stood on all sorts of things.  Some of them were Jews and once they had stood on that: on their circumcision, on their sabbath keeping, on their general keeping of torah.  Some of them were Gentiles.  They'd stood on their pagan gods, or on the emperor, or on their philosophies.  But then Paul came and he gospelled the gospel.  He announced the good news and it changed everything.  Or, at least it did for a time.  And then pride started creeping back in.  It's insidious.  And as pride crept in, it pushed faith in the good news out.  And Paul says of that good news: “What I handed on to you at the beginning, you see, was what I received, namely this: The Messiah died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, he was buried, he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, he was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve, then he was seen by over five hundred brothers and sisters all at once, most of whom are still with us, though some fell asleep, then he was seen by James, then by all the apostles.” The good news is that Jesus died and Jesus was raised and that it happened just as God had promised in the scriptures.  Jesus led his people in a new exodus and in that exodus he revealed God's mercy and grace and God's power and might and glory.  He revealed God's faithfulness to his promises.  In Jesus' death sins are forgiven and in his resurrection the life of God, his new creation began.  If the exodus from Egypt and all it revealed about God and its annual remembrance every year in the Passover could dispel Israel's pride and fill the people with faith in their God, how much more should this new exodus from sin and death dispel our pride and bring us humbly in faith to God through Jesus?  If we will only believe and trust. That was Paul's problem.  He was filled with pride.  He refused and refused and refused.  He persecuted the church.  But as a testimony to the patient grace of God, Paul goes on.  He writes, “And last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared even to me.”  It's hard to say exactly what he means here when he says “untimely born”.  The word in question is only used this one time in the New Testament, but it refers to a premature birth.  It could be a miscarriage or premature birth where the baby lives, but it could also refer to a child monstrously deformed by having been born premature.  It may be that some people in Corinth who didn't like Paul called him a monster because of his appearance and Paul is humble owning the accusation.  But the key thing, what Paul's getting at is the risen Jesus—not just a vision of Jesus but the real, live living Jesus—appeared to him last of all and Paul wants to stress that he didn't deserve it.  “I'm the least of the apostles,” he writes.  “In fact, I don't really deserve to be called ‘apostle' at all, because I persecuted God's church.  But I am what I am because of God's grace, and his grace to me wasn't wasted.” Paul has been the epitome of the proud Pharisee.  And then he met Jesus on the road to Damascus and every last bit of his pride came crashing down around him.  Seeing Jesus alive was the proof that the gospel was true and if the gospel was true, none of the things in which Paul had prided himself mattered any more.  The only thing that mattered was faith—faith in Jesus the Messiah who died and rose again.  Paul knew he didn't deserve that vision of Jesus.  He didn't deserve the grace of God.  But there it was.  God had given his son to die, so that Paul, the proud Pharisee could live.  And ditto for everyone in the church in Corinth.  God gave his son to die so that those other Jews there could live.  He gave his son to die so that soldier proud of his devotion to Caesar or the prostitute proud of her devotion Aphrodite or the witch proud of her magic or the philosopher proud of his philosophy could live.  Each one of them, confronted with the gospel had their pride dispelled and that same gospel filled them with faith in the living God and his son who died and rose again.  And forever after they came to him in humility to fall on his grace and to praise him for his merciful lovingkindness.  Even Paul, after all he accomplished as a missionary apostle, writes to them: “I am what I am because of the grace of God, and his grace to me wasn't wasted.  On the contrary, I worked harder than all of them—though it wasn't me, but God's grace which was within me.  So whether it was me or them, that was the way we announced it, and that was the way you believed.”  Paul won't even take credit for what had happened in Corinth as a result of the gospel being preached.  It wasn't Paul's skill or his reasoning or his apologetics.  It was the grace of God. Brothers and Sisters, be captivated by the grace of God on display at the cross.  There God displayed his glory and that glory ought to dispel every last bit of pride we have—whatever it is we take pride in.  The gospel shines so brightly, it exposes the things in which we take pride as filthy rags in comparison.  And when pride is gone, then the gospel—this good news of God's saving grace, this good news about the God who humbled himself to take our form and to die for us so that we, his enemies can be his friends again, good news of the god who gave his own life to forgive our sins, that good news ought to fill us with faith overflowing.  So Brothers and Sisters, hear the good news about Jesus this morning.  How he died and rose again for you.  Not because you are so great, but because he loves you—his precious creation so much—hear that good news in the scriptures and in the liturgy and when you come to his Table.  Let it dispel all pride; be humbled by the gospel, and be filled instead with faith.  In the midst of a broken word, faith in the living God will begin to set things to rights, not pride in ourselves.  Faith in the living God, not pride in ourselves, is our real and lasting source of hope. Let's pray: Lord God, you declare your almighty power most chiefly in showing mercy and pity: mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace, that we, running the way of your commandments, may receive your gracious promises, and be made partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Today on the podcast:- Dabo Swinney joins Matt on the podcast to share his unique journey from a young boy in Alabama to the head coach of the Clemson Tigers. He also shares about how he got the name "Dabo" as well as the importance of his faith in Jesus and how God has uniquely positioned him as a football coach. Coach Dabo also previews the upcoming 2025 season and the home opener against LSU on August 31. Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.comWATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:https://www.youtube.com/SportsSpectrumMagazineSign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/Have you heard our other Sports Spectrum podcasts?Sports Spectrum's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠What's Up Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠with Annabelle Hasselbeck - https://open.spotify.com/show/7CvX5oXnEuKIYI5GCVT7Hi?si=9c61982675f1413dSports Spectrum's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get in the Game Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with Scott Linebrink -https://open.spotify.com/show/7CFPZVet3TcsSJMZqRHndI?si=d6599c85917146a7

Spiritual codependency isn't some quirky personality glitch. It's a soul-sucking vampire that drains the joy right out of your faith in Jesus. But Jesus revealed that God is a good Father who is neither abusive, insecure, moody, or schizophrenic. To break a negative mindset about God and to rest in the finished work of the Cross is to flop down at the party table and heave a sigh of relief, trusting that Jesus is more than enough to sustain, save, carry, and hold you, me, and the whole wobbly universe together.

In this episode, Will and Cam cover a wide range of sports and life topics. They dive into Arch Manning's outlook for the upcoming season, what Bill Belichick might look like on a college sideline, and Cam's NASCAR road trip that led to an unexpected encounter with Joe Gibbs—and maybe even convinced Will to give stock cars a chance. Beyond sports, Cam opens up about how meeting Gibbs helped renew his faith in Jesus and how following Christ can change the lives of young men facing real struggles. The guys close with their picks for who could take home the CFP National Championship.

Christians in Somalia encounter life-threatening persecution not only from the militant Islamic group al-Shabab, but also from hostile members of their families and local communities. In particular, those who have left Islam to follow Jesus risk harassment, intimidation and even the threat of death. According to the World Watch List from Open Doors (an annual ranking of the top 50 countries where Christians encounter the most extreme persecution), Somalia remains the second most dangerous region in the world for followers of Jesus. Despite the intense opposition, this East African nation is home to one of the fastest growing church movements in the world. VOMC's Closer to the Fire host, Greg Musselman, is joined by Dr. Aweis Ali from the Somali Bible Society to discuss the many dangers facing the country's Christians, why the church is experiencing remarkable growth, and the exciting efforts of ministry workers who are reaching out to Somalis with the Gospel message. During his conversation with Greg, Dr. Aweis also shares the story of how he personally came to faith in Jesus – and the price he and other Muslim-background believers have paid for choosing to follow Christ in this restricted nation. Length: 43 minutes To watch the interview with Dr. Aweis https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-so-2025-05-06.htm Episode Notes Somali Bible Society: www.somalibiblesociety.org The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

Christians in Somalia encounter life-threatening persecution not only from the militant Islamic group al-Shabab, but also from hostile members of their families and local communities. In particular, those who have left Islam to follow Jesus risk harassment, intimidation and even the threat of death. According to the World Watch List from Open Doors (an annual ranking of the top 50 countries where Christians encounter the most extreme persecution), Somalia remains the second most dangerous region in the world for followers of Jesus. Despite the intense opposition, this East African nation is home to one of the fastest growing church movements in the world. VOMC's Closer to the Fire host, Greg Musselman, is joined by Dr. Aweis Ali from the Somali Bible Society to discuss the many dangers facing the country's Christians, why the church is experiencing remarkable growth, and the exciting efforts of ministry workers who are reaching out to Somalis with the Gospel message. During his conversation with Greg, Dr. Aweis also shares the story of how he personally came to faith in Jesus – and the price he and other Muslim-background believers have paid for choosing to follow Christ in this restricted nation. Length: 43 minutes To watch the interview with Dr. Aweis https://vomcanada.com/cttf-videos/video/cttf-so-2025-05-06.htm Episode Notes Somali Bible Society: www.somalibiblesociety.org The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: www.vomcanada.com

Years ago a major art gallery sponsored a competition for painters. They were offering prizes for the best painting on the subject of "Peace." As the attenders browsed through the entries, most had decided that one certain painting was almost sure to win. It portrayed this lush green pasture under a vivid blue sky, with the cows grazing lazily and a little boy walking through the grass with his fishing pole over his shoulder. It really made you feel all peaceful. But it came in second. The painting that won was a big surprise. The scene was the ocean in a violent storm. The sky was ominous, the lightning was cutting across the sky, and the waves were crashing into the rock walls of the cliffs by the shore. No peace. But you had to look twice to understand what was going on. There, about halfway up the cliff was a birds' nest, tucked into a tiny hollow in the rock. A mother bird was sitting on that nest with her little babies, tucked underneath her, sleeping soundly. That was peace! I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Peace in the Midst of the Storm." Now, that was the title of the prize-winning painting - and rightly so, because peace is not just the absence of a storm. It's peace in the middle of the storm. The kind of peace many of us could use right now; the kind of peace maybe you could have right now if you're resting where you ought to be. As our headlines have become more dominated with new dangers, as so many hearts have been struggling with new anxieties and new fears, I think we're ready for the incredible peace offered in Psalm 46. I call it "Good News for Troubled Times." It's our word for today from the Word of God. Maybe it should be our word for every day right now! "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." So, the more troubled things are, the more present God makes Himself. The psalmist then says, "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." Everything's collapsing here - things that have always been there for us. But no fear. Why? "God is our refuge and strength." This psalm continues: "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where The Most High dwells." Where does God live today? Well, it's in those who belong to Him through faith in Jesus. So this might be about you. "God is within her, and she will not fall...Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall...the Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Then as everything seems to be melting down, God says, "Be still, and know that I am God." OK, turn off the news, leave those other voices, and get where you can just be with God. And realize that as long as you're in His hands, there's no such thing as out of control. He is still God and you are still His! And if you have never given yourself to Jesus, the Man who died for you to pay for your sin, I'd say there's never been a better time than this. With so much uncertainty, it's so great to know that you're safe forever in a relationship with Him. I wonder if there's ever been a time when you began your personal relationship with Jesus. Not just have a religion about Jesus or agree with Jesus, but when you've pinned all your hopes on Him as the man who died for your sin and rose from the grave to give you eternal life. If you want that security, if you want that anchor, if you want that forgiveness, that rock to stand on, tell Him that today. Say, "Jesus, I want to belong to You. I'm giving myself to You because You gave yourself for me." I'd love to have you go to our website today because there is help to be sure that you are anchored to Jesus Christ from this day on and forever. It's called ANewStory.com. Would you check it out? When you are nesting in the care of the Lord Jesus Christ, you can rest through any storm, because you belong to the One who can give you peace in the middle of the storm.

Pastor Ray Bentley says, Jesus wants us to come to him by faith. I want you to know that first we put our faith in Jesus and confess him, and then he gives us the wonderful confirmation of experience. Now, quite honestly, if God wanted to, he could just have sent Jesus burning and dazzling seven times like the sun and everybody go, well, obviously he's the Messiah.

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

Daily Study: I want to talk about something that is common but rarely preached about, which is what to do when you doubt your faith in Jesus. Faith in Jesus is not consistent among many believers. We believe when things are good. But sometimes, we wonder if God is real when the pressures of life are beating us down. Let's address this issue and discuss how to handle it. Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com                  

Send us a textGalatians 2The apostle Paul visits Jerusalem, where he meets with church leaders to confirm his gospel message to the Gentiles. Peter and James affirm his ministry through their personal testimony and the scriptures, agreeing with him, only reiterating that he should care for the poor. Later, in Antioch, Paul confronts Peter about his hypocrisy—eating with Gentiles but withdrawing when Jewish believers arrived. Paul rebukes him, reminding him that justification comes through faith in Christ, not Moses's Law. He explains that believers are crucified with Christ and now live by faith in Him. Paul declares that righteousness cannot come through the Law; otherwise, Christ's death would be meaningless. This chapter emphasizes the significance of unified faith in Jesus, who loves His people and died to save them by God's grace.  False brethren attempted to bring Christians under the control of their sectarian rules, but salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by meeting human expectations. We must remain fully committed to Him. Just as Paul confronted Peter, we should examine our own lives for hypocrisy—do we live consistently with the gospel, or do we change based on who is watching? This chapter challenges us to stand firm in truth, even when it's difficult. Our old self was crucified with Christ, and now we live by faith in Him. Rather than justification by works, we should live in God's grace and extend it to others. Living with integrity and pointing others to Jesus reflects the true gospel daily. Gracious Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Help us to live in the freedom of Your grace, trusting in Your power to save us. Give us courage to stand firm in the truth, even when faced with opposition. Reveal any hypocrisy in our hearts and guide us to live with integrity, reflecting Your love to others. Remind us daily that we have been crucified with Christ and that now we live by faith in Him. Teach us to live this more noticeably. May people learn more about Jesus when they are near us. Thought Questions: -       Are you consistent with Jesus' teachings, or do you sometimes change in different environments? What helps you be faithful in all places? -       Jewish teachers sought righteousness through law keeping instead of faith in Christ. How do you avoid making this same mistake? -       Paul confronted Peter due to his hypocrisy. Are there times when you must do this with others? Are you open to believers doing so with you?