Podcasts about faith in jesus

This week we’ve studied what our lives looks like without the Holy Spirit. Without God’s influence, without God’s direction over our life, we naturally drift toward dysfunction, selfishness, broken relationships, and sin. Left to ourselves, our sinful nature becomes the driving force behind our decisions, our attitudes, and our actions. That’s exactly what Paul describes in Galatians 5. He paints an honest picture of what life looks like when the flesh is in control. It’s not a list meant to shame us – it’s a mirror showing us what every one of us is capable of apart from God. But thank God, we’re not left there. The good news is that God didn’t simply save us from our sin; He gave us His very presence. When we place our faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. We are no longer left to navigate this life in our own strength. We have a Helper, a Guide, a Teacher, and the very power of God at work in us. So before we can understand the fruit of the Spirit, we have to understand the Spirit Himself. Who is the Holy Spirit? Why did God give Him to us? What is His purpose in our lives? And what does it actually look like to live under His influence every day? The fruit of the Spirit isn’t about trying harder to become a better person. It’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. I spent many years not understanding who the Holy Spirit is and what it mean to have this influence in my life. Maybe you’re in that place. This doesn’t quite make sense to you. It can be a little confusing, so lets slow down to understand. Quite simply, the Holy Spirit is God HIMSELF. God reveals himself to us in 3 ways which we call the trinity. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – all God. Think of it this way, the Father loved us, the Son saved us, the Spirit changes us. The Holy Spirit is God’s very own presence dwelling within us. Before Jesus returned to Heaven after his crucifixion, he made an incredible promise. In John 14: 16-17, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. You will know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” In verse 23, Jesus says, “We will come and make our home in each one who loves me.” Jesus had been walking with his disciples. He had been living with them, teaching them, guiding them. In flesh, he was there with them. Now, before he returns to Heaven, he is promising for everyone who loves him, they will be given ANOTHER who will actually live in you and never leave you. The Greek, word translated “another” means another of the same kind. So we have been given someone exactly like Jesus in nature and purpose to live inside of us. That’s the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit makes God’s presence permanent in everyone who believes in him. As real as Jesus walked this earth as God in human form, God now lives within us in Spirit form. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live like Jesus. So this isn’t about trying harder and harder, this is about allowing God to live through us. In the Old Testament, God’s Spirit dwelt in the tabernacle and later in the temple. Occasionally his Spirit would come upon specific people for specific purposes. Through the cleansing power of Jesus to make us holy and righteous, God Spirit is now available to each of us and we become his temple. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19, “Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God.” For real, God now lives within us! My mind can’t comprehend that, but by faith I choose to believe it. Do you? Let’s look at 3 things the Holy Spirit does: He teaches us, empowers us and transforms us. The Holy Spirit teaches us. When you read the Bible and actually understand it, that’s the work of the Holy Spirit. When you listen to this podcast or a sermon and it hits just right, that’s the work of the Holy Spirit. When you’re living your regular life and you remember what God said about it, that’s the work of the Holy Spirit. What a lot of people describe as a “gut feeling” is actually the prompting of the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit empowers us. Acts 1:8, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” Have you ever been stronger than you ever thought you could be? Girl, that was the Holy Spirit. Have you ever had the power to do things you never thought you could do? That’s the power from the Holy Spirit. We’re so quick to think we’re weak and incapable, but as a believer, remember who is living within you. God himself is inside of you! His power is in you! So yes, you do have the strength for this through the Holy Spirit. Yes, you are good enough. Yes, you are capable. Remember what’s in you! And ultimately what the Holy Spirit does within us is he transforms us. That’s where the Fruit of the Spirit comes in in Galatians 5. WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, we are changed naturally. This change isn’t something we have to force and will, it’s a change that grows in us and makes us more like Jesus. That’s the goal of the Holy Spirit, to make us more and more like Jesus. As we move to the right side of our list and begin to see what it looks like to live under the influence of the Holy Spirit, rather than without him, think of it like this: If you are under the influence of alcohol, you think different, you talk different, you walk different, you have different emotions, and you make different decisions. Why? Because you’re under the influence of that alcohol so you operate different. Now, think of the influence of the Holy Spirit in your life. It changes everything. You think different under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The way you see things changes. The way you see people changes. Your thought process is changed. You talk different under the influence of the Holy Spirit. You don’t even want to be in the conversations you were once in. You walk different with different emotions, making different decisions. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, your desires are literally changed. Your heart begins to align with God’s heart and you begin to pursue the things he created you for. And what happens when there’s a different life within us – FRUIT! Fruit is evidence of life. An apple tree doesn’t struggle to tape apples to its branches to look more like an apple tree. An apple tree just naturally produces apples. When the Holy Spirit lives within us, we don’t have to struggle and strive, we just surrender and then we naturally produce the Fruit of the Spirit. This is what makes us more and more like Jesus. Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

Faith can sometimes feel difficult to hold onto, especially during seasons when God’s presence feels distant or circumstances seem overwhelming. Yet Scripture reminds us that God remains our refuge and strength, even when we struggle to recognize His work in our lives. Doubt does not mean God has abandoned us. Many believers experience moments of uncertainty, questioning, or spiritual exhaustion. In those seasons, God invites us to return to Him through prayer, Scripture, and a deeper understanding of His character. He is not only present in the moments when we feel strong in faith—He is faithful when we feel weak. Highlights: Seasons of doubt can become opportunities to rediscover God’s faithfulness God remains present even when His work is difficult to see Our faith is rooted in Jesus, not in the actions or failures of others Prayer and Scripture help rebuild trust in God’s character and promises God is our refuge and strength when life feels uncertain or overwhelming Join the Conversation: Have you ever experienced a season where your faith felt distant or difficult to hold onto? What helped you remember that God was still present and faithful? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Finding Faith AgainBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 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” (Psalm 46:1-3). Most of us have had times when we doubt our faith. We doubt if we are truly saved or if anything we do truly matters. While I have never doubted God’s existence, I have doubted His goodness and provision. In retrospect, I can now see God has provided for me even in the darkest of times. However, during trying times, it can be hard to see God. We automatically blame God and reason that He is why we are going through challenging times. Since God is ultimately in control, we question why He is not bringing us deliverance. As someone who has been in this place many times, I can attest to just how much God is present when we think He is not. God is always with us, even if we do not realize it. A particularly tough time for me was when I was in England. I was serving on a mission trip, and there was only one other person and me. I struggled as this was my first time away from home, and I missed my family. I struggle with social anxiety, and it was challenging to be around people I didn't know very well. The host families I stayed with were all supportive, but a few profoundly changed my life. They helped me to know that I matter and that God has plans for my life, even if I could not see them right away. Although my faith struggled at times during this mission trip, I left England with a stronger faith than I had before. I knew God would be with me through everything, even if I had doubted Him. An Ever-Present Help in Trouble The Bible tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 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” (Psalm 46:1-3). While many people believe only David wrote the Psalms, others wrote them as well. Another writer was the Sons of Korah, who wrote Psalm 46. The Sons of Korah lived during a time of exile. They longed to return to Israel and yearned for the day when God would deliver His people. Despite what they saw each day, they knew God was their refuge, strength, and an ever-present help in trouble. By studying Psalm 46:1-3 and applying it to our lives, we will slowly begin to trust God again. We will realize that He is also our refuge, strength, and ever-present help in trouble. Although the earth may give way and the mountains will fall into the sea, we will not fear because God is with us. He is our mighty protector, and He will keep us safe from all harm. If you need to find your faith again, start talking with the Lord in prayer today. Read the Bible and study what it has to say for yourself. Rather than relying on other Christians or a church, seek out matters for yourself. Sadly, many of us struggle with our faith because of a negative experience with a Christian or a church. Try to remember at these times that our faith is in Jesus, not in other Christians or a church. These individuals will fail us and might even cause us much harm, but the Lord never will. He will always fight for us and be on our side. Even as everything else in our lives falls apart, Jesus will stand by our side (Hebrews 13:5-6). We can have faith in Jesus because He is our mighty Savior and the One who has redeemed our souls. Praise God for such a wonderful blessing in the Lord. Intersecting Faith & Life: Have you ever struggled with your faith in Jesus? What did this look like? Why do you think most Christians struggle with their faith at times? How might Jesus help you in the journey of finding your faith again? Further Reading: Psalm 23:1-6 Exodus 14:14 2 Timothy 4:18 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover the profound journey of a man born blind who receives not only physical sight but also spiritual vision through an encounter with Jesus, challenging the misconceptions of the religious leaders.In this episode, Jesus heals a man born blind, revealing the power of faith and the transformation that comes from divine intervention. As the man gains his sight, he faces skepticism and hostility from the religious leaders, but ultimately finds true vision and faith in Jesus.Today's Bible verse is John 9:25, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this message we tackled a big question: What happens to people who never hear about Jesus? Walking through Romans, we were reminded that God has made Himself known through creation. Yet all of us have rejected Him, fallen short of His glory, and stand in need of a Savior. The bad news is that everyone is guilty. The good news is that everyone can be saved. Not by good works. Not by religion. Not by trying harder. We are justified by grace through faith in Jesus alone. But the message doesn't stop there. Romans 10 reminds us that everyone who has put their faith in Jesus has been given a mission: make Him known. We are called to bring the hope of the gospel to the people around us. This week's challenge was simple: Find someone who is spiritually lost. Invite them into your life. Build a genuine relationship. Ask them about their faith. The gospel is too good to keep to ourselves.

Join us to witness the miraculous healing of ten lepers by Jesus and the profound lesson on faith and gratitude taught through the actions of a grateful Samaritan.In this episode, Jesus heals ten lepers, showcasing the power of faith and gratitude. As the lepers are miraculously cleansed, only one, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks, highlighting the transformative power of gratitude and faith in Jesus.Today's Bible verse is Luke 17:19, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you placed your faith in Jesus, we are celebrating with you!Subscribe 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://transformchurch.com/giving/ Stay connected with us through our:Transform Church Website: https://transformchurch.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformchurchnj/Plan your next in-person visit. We are located at:Rutherford Location- The Williams Center8:30AM, 10:15AM, 12PM, 1:45PM15 Sylvan St, Rutherford NJLyndhurst Location- 10AM, 12PM525 Riverside Ave, Lyndhurst NJ

Join Pastor Jeff today as we learn that faith in Jesus means finding true rest for our hearts by trusting that Jesus has already done everything needed to save us. Romans 5:1-2  Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  

If you placed your faith in Jesus, we are celebrating with you!Subscribe 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://transformchurch.com/giving/ Stay connected with us through our:Transform Church Website: https://transformchurch.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformchurchnj/Plan your next in-person visit. We are located at:Rutherford Location- The Williams Center8:30AM, 10:15AM, 12PM, 1:45PM15 Sylvan St, Rutherford NJLyndhurst Location- 10AM, 12PM525 Riverside Ave, Lyndhurst NJ

We are asked to trust Jesus' words. He said sustaining Life is Him. In Him. By Him. Because of Him. Do we trust Him? On the tree of death He gave His physical life. As the source of all life, the Tree of Life, we are invited to eat and be filled. Let us delight ourselves in Him, in His presence with us, in the eternal life we have even now. Because of His act of faith that Father God would keep His word and give us life because we have faith in Jesus' name.Daylight Meditations is a daily podcast from CFO North America. Please visit CFONorthAmerica.org to learn more about our retreats, and online courses. If you are encouraged by this podcast, please consider supporting us. Contributors: Michelle DeChant, Adam Maddock, Joy Peyton and Phil Reaser

0:00 Intro2:00 Mark E. Shaw28:00 End/Final ThoughtsStream the video library for the addiction counselor.COUNSEL — https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.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.

Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch provide an active parable for Christians today. The eunuch was a man whose life was full of barriers and exclusion, but now he's been brought into transformed life. And Philip helps the eunuch to understand his position and the text of Isaiah. Today, the marks of the church include pursuing the Lord in His Word, responding obedience, and witnessing our faith in Jesus.

The Book of James: Faith and WorksDid your parents ever tell you: do as I say, not as I do? It's definitely not the best message to send - because the fundamental premise is: belief and action don't have to go together. But, when it comes to faith in Jesus, belief must show up in our behavior. Join us as we learn, from the Book of James, how to do what we say we believe.

Listen to a message from Josh Hurst from our sermon series in the book of Mark on June 21, 2026.

The Apostle Paul wrote 1st Thessalonians to help the 1st century church keep their faith in Jesus, hold on to their hope for the future, and live in light of God's love in the present, even as they faced factors fiercely opposed to them doing so. Join us at Faith Covenant Church as we discover how what Paul wrote to the church then, is just as relevant and helpful to us as the church now.

Episode Notes A divine exchange took place when we declared our faith in Jesus. Our unworthiness was replaced by God's righteousness! Let's find out more today— For all the Hank's Place video blogs, click:
https://www.comealive.org/index.php/category/hanks-place/ Hank's Place is an outreach of Come Alive Ministries, www.comealive.org This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this moving Father's Day message from CityRise Church, Pastor Ben Hays dives into Luke 23:32-43 to examine the powerful interaction between Jesus and the two criminals crucified alongside Him. While one criminal mocked Jesus, the other showed true repentance and humility, uttering the dying plea: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus' immediate response—"Today you will be with me in Paradise"—reveals transformative theological truths about the hope of heaven, the power of deathbed conversions, and the boundlessness of God's grace. Whether you have walked with God for a lifetime or are considering turning to Him for the very first time, this sermon challenges us all to answer one fundamental question: On which side of the cross are you standing today? If you need prayer, want to talk about placing your faith in Jesus, or would like to connect with our community, please leave a comment below or reach out to us at CityRise Church.

John 16:9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; The apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, “Whatever is not of faith is sin.” Do you believe this? The world doesn't. Jesus commanded in John 14:1, “If you believe in God, believe also in Me.” To obey Jesus' command is to believe that Jesus is God in the flesh, and that He is the way, truth, and the life, and is the only way to the Father that God has provided for mankind. Those who believe in Jesus, realize and therefore believe that Jesus is life and the source of all that is life. Everything they do that isn't connected to Him or doesn't come through His life in them, they believe to be sin. Why? Because the standard is the glory of God. If the words and work are not from and through Jesus, then God doesn't get the glory, and their words and works fall short of the glory of God. Falling short of the glory of God is another way to define sin. Paul also wrote to the Romans, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (3:23). Look how convicting this is to the world concerning sin! Jesus said that we can do nothing apart from Him. So we conclude that apart from faith in Jesus, all is sin. Since the world has no connection to Jesus, everything they do is sinful. That's convicting! We should not be surprised if they hate us as we live to love with Jesus, because holiness exposes sin and unbelief. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

This Father's Day weekend, meet Austin Holmes. Follow his journey from Special Ops Navy EOD Operator to entrepreneur and finally to his favorite role, "Dad." Hear how Austin's faith in Jesus helps him redefine success around work, parenting, and life!

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260619dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:2-5 Perseverance For those who treasure their connection with Jesus, it is a bitter reality that there are many who want nothing to do with the Savior. There are accounts about Christians in some places in the world who are brutally treated and even ruthlessly murdered for their faith. As followers of Jesus, we may never suffer opposition to that extent, but we do experience people’s indifference, ridicule, and rejection as we live and share our faith. Keep in mind that God has an eternal plan for you. He chose you to be his own, even before he created all things. He sent Jesus to accomplish your salvation. The Holy Spirit used the power of the gospel to work saving faith in your heart. You know that Jesus lived and died to free you from the guilt of sin and thrill you with the certainty of heaven. Jesus redeemed you with his precious blood—he bought you back from the power of Satan and brought you into his family of believers. In the face of opposition, rest assured that “the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” The devil and all those who ally with him cannot separate you from the love of God in Jesus Christ. It is important to “direct your hearts into God’s love.” Keep your attention on the biblical truth that you are saved from death and hell completely by God’s love through faith in Jesus. Then you will not be led astray by false teaching or dissuaded from following Jesus by those who oppose him. Through his Word, the Lord strengthens you so that you can follow the example of Jesus’ perseverance. Prayer: Lord, teach me to depend upon your strength. Assure me with your promises that you are always with me. When I face opposition for following you, protect me from harm and preserve me in faith. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260619dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:2-5 Perseverance For those who treasure their connection with Jesus, it is a bitter reality that there are many who want nothing to do with the Savior. There are accounts about Christians in some places in the world who are brutally treated and even ruthlessly murdered for their faith. As followers of Jesus, we may never suffer opposition to that extent, but we do experience people’s indifference, ridicule, and rejection as we live and share our faith. Keep in mind that God has an eternal plan for you. He chose you to be his own, even before he created all things. He sent Jesus to accomplish your salvation. The Holy Spirit used the power of the gospel to work saving faith in your heart. You know that Jesus lived and died to free you from the guilt of sin and thrill you with the certainty of heaven. Jesus redeemed you with his precious blood—he bought you back from the power of Satan and brought you into his family of believers. In the face of opposition, rest assured that “the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” The devil and all those who ally with him cannot separate you from the love of God in Jesus Christ. It is important to “direct your hearts into God’s love.” Keep your attention on the biblical truth that you are saved from death and hell completely by God’s love through faith in Jesus. Then you will not be led astray by false teaching or dissuaded from following Jesus by those who oppose him. Through his Word, the Lord strengthens you so that you can follow the example of Jesus’ perseverance. Prayer: Lord, teach me to depend upon your strength. Assure me with your promises that you are always with me. When I face opposition for following you, protect me from harm and preserve me in faith. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Did you know receiving things from God becomes really easy? In this episode, Rick reveals how faith is founded in your relationship with Jesus, not in striving for outcomes. Brace yourself for life-changing insights!

Watch the Devotion Based on Matthew 10:32-33 Forgiven Fathers Since this Sunday is Father's Day, I'd like to say happy Father's Day to the men who have the privilege of serving the vocations of both father and war fighter. Happy Father's Day also to those men who serve as the supportive spouse to their wives who serve in our nation's military.   And since it's Father's Day, I'd like to share a little bit about my father. At his confirmation he was given Matthew 10:32-33 as his confirmation verse. Here Jesus says, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). I have to say that my father embodies those words from Jesus. He is not shy when it comes to sharing Jesus with complete strangers and often ends the conversation with an invitation to church.   But then Jesus follows up by saying, “Whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:33). I can also say this about my father: he hasn't always been faithful in carrying out the will of his Father in heaven. He is a sinner. As a father of five children, I know that I have not always been the faithful father. My dad, and my wife and kiddos could point out where I have failed as a father. I know that I am a sinner, too.   How often have we as fathers failed to say the loving thing even when it hurts, to point out sinful attitudes of our spouse or children, so that they repent, confess and admit their sin, and then hear Jesus' absolution from our lips, “You are forgiven!” That doesn't happen often enough in our home. What about yours? Yes, fathers are imperfect – your father, this father, and those of you who serve in the vocation of father.    But what Jesus says about me and my dad to his Father in heaven is this: “These two, Paul and Fritz, they belong here with us, the Father and the Son.” He says that about you, too, fathers. And you sons and daughters, say this to your fathers this Father's Day, “You belong to Jesus and to his Father.” For God loved the world in this way: he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.   This Father's Day, point your father to Jesus, the one who obeyed his Father's will perfectly for your father. And for you, fathers, know and believe that Jesus acknowledges you before his Father in heaven as one who is forgiven, as one who is a son of the Father in heaven, adopted into his family through the waters of holy baptism.    Go and be a faithful, forgiven, father. Go and forgive fathers, just as your Father has forgiven and loved you.    Prayer: Gracious God our Father, grant people everywhere the blessing of a loving father at home. In homes where fathers have neglected their duties or have been absent, help the children to persevere and to find in your Word their ideal for parenthood. Direct us to honor, love and respect our earthly fathers. Keep your children in the one true faith in Jesus so that families may spend eternity together in heaven. In your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen. Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260618dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 The Power of the Gospel Paul appealed to the believers of Thessalonica to pray. His concern was “that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored.” The apostle knew the difficulties involved in proclaiming the good news about Jesus. Just before Paul went to Thessalonica, he was jailed at Philippi for preaching God’s word. Before that, he was stoned at Lystra. Just after leaving Thessalonica, he debated with some philosophers at Athens, and they scoffed at his message and rejected it. Nevertheless, Paul’s enthusiasm for sharing the saving message of the gospel never faded. He sought to spread the word of life wherever and whenever he could. He recognized the urgency of telling people about Jesus and how the Savior rescued them from sin and hell. He asked, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14). It is vitally important for people to hear about Jesus so that the Holy Spirit can work in their hearts. Therefore, include in your prayers the plea that God will cause the good news of salvation through Jesus to spread rapidly so that many people may hear the message of free forgiveness and eternal life. And pray that the word of God be honored by those who hear it—that through the power of the gospel, the Holy Spirit turn people from damning unbelief to saving faith in Jesus. Prayer: Holy Spirit, use the message of salvation to call many more people out of the darkness of unbelief to the marvelous light of faith in Jesus Christ. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Today on the Daily Nugget, Mike explores Galatians 3:19–22 and the purpose of the law in God's redemptive plan. While the law reveals our sin and our need for a Savior, it was never intended to be the source of life. Paul reminds us that righteousness and life come through faith in Jesus Christ, not through our ability to keep God's commands. True life is found in a relationship with Christ, who came that we might have life and have it abundantly. Join us as we discover why faith in Jesus—not striving under the law—is the pathway to the freedom, joy, and abundant life God desires for His people.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260618dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 The Power of the Gospel Paul appealed to the believers of Thessalonica to pray. His concern was “that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored.” The apostle knew the difficulties involved in proclaiming the good news about Jesus. Just before Paul went to Thessalonica, he was jailed at Philippi for preaching God’s word. Before that, he was stoned at Lystra. Just after leaving Thessalonica, he debated with some philosophers at Athens, and they scoffed at his message and rejected it. Nevertheless, Paul’s enthusiasm for sharing the saving message of the gospel never faded. He sought to spread the word of life wherever and whenever he could. He recognized the urgency of telling people about Jesus and how the Savior rescued them from sin and hell. He asked, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14). It is vitally important for people to hear about Jesus so that the Holy Spirit can work in their hearts. Therefore, include in your prayers the plea that God will cause the good news of salvation through Jesus to spread rapidly so that many people may hear the message of free forgiveness and eternal life. And pray that the word of God be honored by those who hear it—that through the power of the gospel, the Holy Spirit turn people from damning unbelief to saving faith in Jesus. Prayer: Holy Spirit, use the message of salvation to call many more people out of the darkness of unbelief to the marvelous light of faith in Jesus Christ. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Thought to share? Send me a text...What if someone followed you around for a day—would they be able to tell that your faith in Jesus is real?Many believers affirm the right things about God, attend church, and identify as Christians, yet struggle to see their faith reflected in everyday decisions, relationships, and priorities. In this episode, we explore James 2 and his challenging question: If faith has truly transformed us, shouldn't that transformation be visible in the way we live? Discover the difference between simply believing facts about God and possessing a living faith that transforms your life.  Learn why good works don't earn salvation but serve as evidence that genuine faith is already at work within you.  Gain practical insight into identifying areas where your actions may not yet align with what you say you believe and how to take your next step of obedience. Listen now to learn how real faith moves beyond words and beliefs to produce a life that visibly reflects the transforming work of Jesus.New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday mornings.To connect with Betsy for speaking, resources, or curriculum head to https://betsymarvin.com/contact-me/For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head tohttps://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/A Christian podcast centered on Jesus, the Bible, and God explores faith through the Old Testament and New Testament, sharing Bible stories and Bible explained insights to help women of faith and Jesus followers grow in faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and know God more deeply through Bible study, women Bible study, and practical Christianity, all while encouraging spiritual growth, understanding identity in Christ, and learning to understand Bible teachings to become closer to God.

Jesus prepares for a major section of teaching in His Sermon on the Mount by clarifying His relationship to the Scriptures. He has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. He will accomplish all that is written down to the smallest jot or tittle. Thus, none of Jesus' disciples are free to relax God's commandments in teaching or practice. Rather, Jesus calls His disciples to a righteousness that exceeds the righteousness that the Pharisees and scribes have. The righteousness of Jesus' disciples is greater because it is of a different kind—it is the gift of God to them through faith in Jesus.  Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 5:17-20.  To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit gracebrenham.org. “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Hosts Pastor Vincent Fernandez and Pastor Robert Baltodano Question Timestamps: Anonymous, email (1:29) - Should a woman take part in baptism? Bryson, SC (4:44) - How can God regret something He created, if He is a perfect being? Ed, NJ (9:33) - Do angels sleep? Christine, YouTube (12:31) - Can you explain the parables of the talents and five crowns? Theresa, Facebook (14:54) - Why do I feel guilty leaving the Roman Catholic Church? Brian, FL (17:00) - Why did the early church not emphasize that Jesus appeared as The Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament? Mary, email (24:39) - Does my depression mean that I haven't put enough faith in Jesus? Am I not saved? Anonymous, email (28:05) - What are the differences between the precepts, statutes, laws, judgments, and ways mentioned in Psalm 119? Ruby, CA (33:41) - Who will be performing signs and wonders in the end times? Anonymous, email (37:17) - The Presbyterian Church announced that clergy should be in monogamous relationships, is this an example of the falling away mentioned in the Bible? Is this normal for church history? Charles, NY (41:52) - Who will rise from the grave when the dead in Christ rise, if we are already with the Lord? Andy, email (45:05) - Why didn't God give me an answer to my prayers after I finished fasting? Anonymous, email (48:23) - What boundaries are healthy for a pastor to maintain when offering care or counseling to someone? Paul, SC (53:17) - Should priests stop people from taking Communion if they aren't Catholic? Ask Your Questions: Call: 888-712-7434 Email: Answers@bbtlive.org

Dr. Philip D. Derber

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260616dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 More Than Enough Today’s Bible passage provides the opportunity for you to give thanks for one of God's greatest blessings. He chose you to be saved! He rescued you from the curse of sin and the power of death. Salvation did not come about by your choice; it is completely the result of God's gracious choice. Your salvation is not a matter of chance; it is certain and true. For even before the creation of the world, in love God chose you to be his own. The Holy Spirit used the message of Jesus to turn you from unbelief to faith in Jesus as your Savior. And with that same gospel message, the Holy Spirit still preserves you in faith. Because of Jesus' perfect life and innocent death in your place, you stand before God as one of his holy people and are privileged to be an heir of eternal life. Believe what God has revealed to you in his Word. That’s the only true defense against the assaults to your faith. Keep going back to the Word of God because that’s where you meet Jesus. That’s where God tells you about his plans for you. He shows you his Son, Jesus, and how he saved you from hell. He uplifts you with his certain word that you will share in the glory of heaven—all because of Jesus. Indeed, this is more than enough reason to give thanks to God! Prayer: Dear God, I give you thanks for planning and carrying out my salvation through your Son, Jesus. Thank you for bringing me to faith in Jesus and leading me to trust him as my Savior from sin and death. Encourage me with your sure promise that the glory of heaven awaits me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

If you placed your faith in Jesus, we are celebrating with you!Subscribe 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://transformchurch.com/giving/ Stay connected with us through our:Transform Church Website: https://transformchurch.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformchurchnj/Plan your next in-person visit. We are located at:Rutherford Location- The Williams Center8:30AM, 10:15AM, 12PM, 1:45PM15 Sylvan St, Rutherford NJLyndhurst Location- 10AM, 12PM525 Riverside Ave, Lyndhurst NJ

Send us Fan MailThese special, condensed conversations were recorded at the 2026 U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce SWC Conference in OrlandoBen Fleet - Corporate Giving Manager for Crossroads Prison Ministries - shares his faith and his impactful work including growing up in a Christian home; putting his faith in Jesus at 14; how 9/11 brought  him closer to Jesus; having criminal justice “in his DNA”; switching over to the ministerial program; how he responded to the threat of pulling funding from his college education; a church plant in Montreal; Crossroads Prison Ministries; correspondence based ministry; bringing hope to their students (those incarcerated); how prison ministry reduces recidivism rates; how bringing hope reduces taxpayer money through prison ministries; and much more! https://cpministries.orgEpisode starts at the 20:47 markRobert & Kay Lee Fukui - Founders of i61 Business Development Network - takes us on their journey of faith, family, and how to help the two work in tandem including Kay Lee growing up in the church and Robert being a PK (preacher's kid); Robert growing up with a “rebellious” spirit; growing up with family as secondary to the ministry; Kay Lee being the catalyst to bring Robert back to church; how an unusually empty tourist stop at the Jordan River in Israel transformed their lives; how their respective upbringings led them to their marriage ministry;  how relationships are really all you have in the end; how the unexpected death of Robert's first wife brought clarity; prioritizing family activities on calendar; spiritual and practical applications to strengthen your marriage; and much more! https://marriedentrepreneur.co/Support the show

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260616dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 More Than Enough Today’s Bible passage provides the opportunity for you to give thanks for one of God's greatest blessings. He chose you to be saved! He rescued you from the curse of sin and the power of death. Salvation did not come about by your choice; it is completely the result of God's gracious choice. Your salvation is not a matter of chance; it is certain and true. For even before the creation of the world, in love God chose you to be his own. The Holy Spirit used the message of Jesus to turn you from unbelief to faith in Jesus as your Savior. And with that same gospel message, the Holy Spirit still preserves you in faith. Because of Jesus' perfect life and innocent death in your place, you stand before God as one of his holy people and are privileged to be an heir of eternal life. Believe what God has revealed to you in his Word. That’s the only true defense against the assaults to your faith. Keep going back to the Word of God because that’s where you meet Jesus. That’s where God tells you about his plans for you. He shows you his Son, Jesus, and how he saved you from hell. He uplifts you with his certain word that you will share in the glory of heaven—all because of Jesus. Indeed, this is more than enough reason to give thanks to God! Prayer: Dear God, I give you thanks for planning and carrying out my salvation through your Son, Jesus. Thank you for bringing me to faith in Jesus and leading me to trust him as my Savior from sin and death. Encourage me with your sure promise that the glory of heaven awaits me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Discover the profound faith and humanity of Martha of Bethany in this inspiring episode of Who's Who in the Bible. Join Fr. John Mathew, C.Ss.R., as he explores the life of this remarkable woman, shifting the focus from her famous reputation for being "distracted by many things" to her deep devotion and powerful confession of faith in Jesus.Through an insightful study of the Gospels, Fr. John highlights vital lessons on balancing work and prayer, the value of hospitality, and the importance of keeping Christ at the center of our lives. Are you caught up in the anxieties of daily life? Tune in to find peace and purpose. Watch the full series now to deepen your spiritual journey!

If you placed your faith in Jesus, we are celebrating with you!Subscribe 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://transformchurch.com/giving/ Stay connected with us through our:Transform Church Website: https://transformchurch.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformchurchnj/Plan your next in-person visit. We are located at:Rutherford Location- The Williams Center8:30AM, 10:15AM, 12PM, 1:45PM15 Sylvan St, Rutherford NJLyndhurst Location- 10AM, 12PM525 Riverside Ave, Lyndhurst NJ

Discover the surprising depth of one of the New Testament's most intriguing figures! In this episode of Who's Who in the Bible, Fr. Gerald Anand, C.Ss.R., dives into the life of the Roman Centurion. Move beyond the military title to explore his extraordinary character through four powerful themes: his counter-cultural compassion for his slave, his profound humility before the Lord, his honest confession of unworthiness, and his unwavering faith in Jesus's authority. This moving reflection challenges us to examine our own hearts and relationships in light of his example. Don't miss this enlightening series! Join Fr. Gerald to deepen your own spiritual journey—watch the full episode now and be inspired to live more Christ-like each day.

All eyes remain on the Middle East, especially Iran, as the conflict continues. On In The Market with Janet Parshall this week, Uncharted Ministries Tom Doyle and Hormoz Shariat of Iran Alive Ministries lengthened our prayer lists as they shared true stories of 7 Iranian pastors who are in jail for their faith in Jesus, the powerful story of Ahamad and how God brought the uncle who wanted him dead for his faith to the foot of the cross as well. We also heard about the massive spreading of the gospel in Iran and why estimates are that there may be up 5 million people there who are walking with Jesus. Once again Laurel Slade-Waggoner answered your questions about the most dangerous personality type including the difference between and overt and a covert narcissist. Apologist Justin Brierly explained that after decades of deception and confusion more people are turning away from atheistic & agnostic thinking to explain life and world and asking whether the God of the Bible really does have the answer to the mysteries of life. Believers are told to be winsome when sharing the gospel, but winsome does not mean weak or unprepared. Greg Kokul gave us practical strategies for creating productive gospel conversations including prompts to guide those talks and advice on dealing with criticism and personal fears. You are invited to another wide-ranging exploration of the headlines through the unflinching lens of God’s truth.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Jamie continues our series going through Acts, by looking at how the early church aligned their money with their faith in Jesus.

We were blessed to be able to start the service with 2 more baptisms and those are included on the podcast. Then Pastor Dustin Clegg picks up with our study, In View of His Mercies, and as we look at Romans 4:13-25 he gives us 3 observations from the text.1) God's promises are always bigger than we can understand when we hear them.2) Faith must be the horse that pulls the cart in the race of Christianity.3) Faith in Jesus is not about good or bad people being better. It's about dead things made alive.How does this apply to you?1) Everyone must be saved by grace through faith in Jesus.2) Anyone can be saved by grace through faith in Jesus.

God Sees Jesus Followers as “In 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” MESSAGE SUMMARY: As Followers of Jesus, we are "In Christ" -- God looks at us and sees Jesus in us. Throughout the Epistles we find: "In Christ" or "In Him". In Galatians 3:14, Paul tells us that our faith in Jesus makes us “In Christ” and recipients 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 us that, through our faith in Jesus, we no longer need any kind of intermediary because we are “In Christ” and we 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.”. The benefit our position "In Christ", as Christians, is that when God looks at us, He sees Jesus, the Son; therefore, He then sees us as His sons and daughters.   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: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Romans 3:21-26; Romans 6:5-11; Romans 6:22-23; Psalms 77a:1-10. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share, Publicly, Your Relationship with Jesus?” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB  

The Apostle Paul wrote 1st Thessalonians to help the 1st century church keep their faith in Jesus, hold on to their hope for the future, and live in light of God's love in the present, even as they faced factors fiercely opposed to them doing so. Join us at Faith Covenant Church as we discover how what Paul wrote to the church then, is just as relevant and helpful to us as the church now.

Pastor Joe shows us how we can only live "The Good Life" by having our faith in Jesus.

In the 1870s, Charles Taze Russell began leading Bible classes in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a small group that came to be known as Bible Students. In 1879, he began publishing a Bible journal later known asThe Watch Tower.Then, in 1884, he incorporated what became the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Through Russells publishing work, the movement spread beyond Pennsylvania and eventually laid the foundation for what later became Jehovahs Witnesses under Joseph Rutherford. Russell rejected several historic Christian doctrines, including eternal conscious punishment in hell and, most seriously, the doctrine of the Trinity. After Russell died in 1916, Rutherford became president of the Watch Tower Society in 1917. Under his leadership, the movement became more centralized and aggressive in its evangelism, and in 1931 the name Jehovahs Witnesses was adopted. The Watch Tower Society is not merely another Christian denomination. It is a cult that rejects essential doctrines of the Christian faith, including the Trinity and the full deity of Jesus Christ. To be clear, misunderstanding Revelation 7 or using poor hermeneutical principles does not automatically mean someone will develop a cult or reject the core tenets of the Christian faith as Russell, Rutherford, and the Jehovahs Witnesses have done. Many faithful Christians have differed over the meaning of the 144,000. But the Watch Tower Society shows us why careful interpretation matters. When Scripture is mishandled repeatedly and forced into a system, the results can be spiritually dangerous. Revelation 7 is one of the passages central to their teaching. Jehovahs Witnesses teach that the 144,000 in Revelation 7 and 14 are a literal number of anointed Christians who will be resurrected to heavenly life to reign with Christ as kings and priests. They also teach that the great multitude in Revelation 7:912 is a separate group with an earthly hopethose who survive Armageddon and live on a restored earth. I mention this because Revelation 7 shows us why context matters. When this chapter is separated from the question at the end of Revelation 6, it can be made to say things John is not saying. John is not trying to create two separate classes of Gods people. He is answering the question,Who can stand?So as we come to this passage, we need to pay careful attention to what John hears and sees, allowing Scripture itself to serve as our primary commentary before we look to any system to determine the meaning of the text. The People of the Lamb are Sealed by God (vv. 1-8) At the end of Revelation 6, with the opening of the sixth seal and the first description of the Day of the Lord, we are left with one of the books most haunting questions:for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?(Rev. 6:17). The kings of the earth cannot stand. The powerful cannot stand. The wealthy cannot stand. The strong cannot stand. Neither slave nor free can stand, as all hide among the rocks and mountains, begging creation to conceal them from the face of Him who is seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. So who can stand? Revelation 7 gives the answer. Before the seventh seal is opened, John is shown another vision, but do not think of this vision as occurring strictly after the sixth seal and before the opening of the seventh. Instead, if the seals were acts in a theatrical production, what happens in Revelation 7 shows us what is happening behind the curtain sometime during the sixth seal and before the seventh. Throughout Revelation, the visions often pause, circle back, or open a new window to help us understand more clearly what God is doing. In this case, Revelation 7 functions as an interlude between the sixth and seventh seals, answering the question raised at the end of chapter 6. John then sees four angels who arestanding at the four corners of the earth,each holdingback the four winds of the earth(v. 1). We are told they do this so that no wind blows on the earth, sea, or any tree. What John sees is not four angels manipulating the weather. Likewise, the four corners of the earth is not a description of the earths shape or design. As you are aware, the number four often points to the created order in Scripture. What you may not be aware of is that the four winds frequently symbolize judgment. Because Revelation is a picture book rather than a puzzle book, the image John sees is one of restraint. The message conveyed is that judgment is being held back. Listen, every day before the final Day is a day of mercy, a day of restraint, and a day for the Lamb to gather His people. What is being shown and communicated to us in these verses is that we are living in a time of divine restraint as we move closer to the Day of the Lord. The world is not free from judgment, but the final winds of judgment have not yet been unleashed. What judgment is being held back? The judgment described in the sixth seal. As to why it is being held back, we do not have to wait long for an answer, because in the very next verse we are told that a fifth angel, ascending from the rising of the sun, declares with a loud voice:Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads(v. 3). Do you now see why context is so important? The angels declaration answers the question,Who can stand?Those who can stand are those who belong to God. Before judgment is unleashed, God marks His people as His own. The earth, sea, and trees are not harmed until the servants of God are sealed. This does not mean Gods people will avoid all suffering, for we have already seen in the fifth seal the souls under the altar crying out in a loud voice,O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long...(Rev. 6:10). What it does mean is that the coming judgment will not sweep Gods people away under His wrath, for He knows who belongs to Him. The four winds of Gods judgment do not descend upon the earth in blind rage. When God executes justice, His wrath is holy, measured, and righteous. He does not fly off the handle. Before the wrath of the Lamb is poured out, the people of the Lamb are sealed by the God who embraces them as His children. This distinction is not new in Scripture. In Exodus 12, God distinguished His people from Egypt by the blood of the lamb. A stronger parallel appears in Ezekiel 9, where God marked those who grieved over Jerusalems sin before judgment fell on the nation. In both cases, God identified those who belonged to Him before judgment fell on the wicked. This is what is happening in Revelation 7. The seal on the foreheads of Gods servants is not a literal, physical mark. It signifies that they belong to the living God. This language appears throughout the New Testament. Paul wrote in Ephesians 1 that those who believe in Christ aresealed with the promised Holy Spirit(Eph. 1:13). This sealing is possible because of the blood Jesus shed on the cross as the Lamb of God, and it is received by faith (Eph. 2:19). The seal is Gods mark of ownership, assurance, and future inheritance. It is not first a statement about the strength of our faith in Him, but about the certainty of Gods possession. He promises never to let His redeemed go (John 10:2730). Those who belong to the Lamb are not hidden from God, forgotten by God, or abandoned in the day of trouble. They belong to God. This all seems clear enough, but the passage can become confusing when it says that those who are sealed are also numbered. Verse 4 says,And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel(v. 4). Here, we must not only pay careful attention to the context of Revelation 7 but also do what Revelation has already taught us to do: pay attention to what John hears and what John sees. What John hears isthe number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel(v. 4). Many have understood this as a literal number of ethnic Israelites, primarily because John goes on to name the tribes in a specific order. Some believe the 144,000 are a specific group of ethnic Jewish Christians who come to faith in Jesus during a future seven-year tribulation and serve as evangelists after the rapture. I understand why many read it that way, but there are some problems with that interpretation. First, Revelation 7 functions as an interludea symbolic pause within the visionrather than a chronological sequence following the great Day of the Lord described in 6:1217. Second, Revelation often follows a pattern in which what John sees clarifies what he first hears. So before we assume the 144,000 is a literal headcount, we need to pay attention to how numbers and images function in this book. Listen, the number twelve is associated with the people of Godthe twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The number one thousand signifies immensity, fullness, and completeness. This is why the psalmist describes Gods ownership by saying,For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills(Ps. 50:10). It is not that God only owns the cattle on one thousand hills and not hill number one thousand and one. The point is fullness. Everything belongs to Him. Likewise, when Moses speaks of Gods covenant faithfulness, he says,Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations... (Deut. 7:9). So, what do you get when you take the twelve tribes of Israel, multiply them by the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and then multiply that by the fullness of the covenant-keeping faithfulness of God (12x12x1000)? You get144,000. In other words, this is not about limiting the people of God. It is about showing us that every one of Gods people is known by God, sealed by God, and secure in God through the blood of the Lamb. This is also why the tribes John lists begin with Judah. Reuben was the firstborn, but Judah is listed first because the Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered. The people of God are numbered, sealed, and secure because they belong to the Lamb who came from Judah. Even the list itself urges us to read carefully. John is not simply giving us a standard tribal roll call; he is showing us the complete people of God through the imagery of Israels tribes. The People of the Lamb are Gathered by God (vv. 9-12) Now, if you miss what I am about to say next, you will miss the point of Revelation. John hears the number of the sealed people of God described as 144,000 from the tribes of Israel, but when he looks, he seesa great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages(v. 9). John hears of 144,000 sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel, but when he looks, he sees a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language. What John sees is not a different people from the 144,000; it is the reality of Gods promise to Adam and Eve, to Noah, to Abraham, to Isaac, to Jacob, to David, and to Mary. What John sees is the promise of God to every generation of His people coming into full bloom. The Lamb who was slain has purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, just as Revelation 5 declared. This should not surprise us, because the salvation of the nations was never Gods contingency plan. It was His purpose from the beginning. When God called Abraham, He promised thatall the families of the earthwould be blessed through him (Gen. 12:13). That blessing comes through Abrahams Seed, who is Christ (Gal. 3:2629). So Revelation 7 does not show us Israels replacement but the fulfillment of Gods promise through Israels Messiah, gathering Jews and Gentiles into one redeemed people before the throne. This is also where Revelation 5 helps us understand Revelation 7. In Revelation 5, the elders sing that the Lamb purchased people for God by His bloodfrom every tribe and language and people and nationand made thema kingdom and priests to our God(Rev. 5:910). In Revelation 7, John sees that kingdom of priests standingbefore the throne and the Lamb. What was promised in Genesis is now seen in glory:a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages(Rev. 7:9). So when John sees the nations gathered before the Lamb, he sees Israels hope fulfilled and expanded through Israels Messiah. The Lamb has gathered a people from the nations, and now they stand where no one in Revelation 6 could: before the throne and before the Lamb. Conclusion I want to leave you with the three As of Revelation 7, and here is why: eschatology does little good in the Christian life unless it affects your ethics. We are called to live each day in light of the Day that is coming. So, here are the three As: Assurance If you believe in Jesus Christ, confess Him as Lord, and desire to follow and obey Him, then you are sealed by God. Here is what the Bible says:if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved(Rom. 10:910). If this is true of you, then you are sealed by God, and if you are sealed by God, then 1 John 3:1 is for you:Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!(1 John 3:1, BSB). If you belong to the Lamb, then you are known by God, sealed by God, and secure in God. Allegiance If you call yourself a Christian, does your life show that you belong to the Lamb? If you are a Christian, your identity is now in and with the Lamb of God. To belong to Jesus means that you are not an acquaintance of Jesus, but an apprentice of Jesus. Jesus said to all who would seek to follow Him:If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple(Luke 14:2627). The seal is not merely about future security; it is about present identity. If you belong to the Lamb, your loyalty cannot ultimately belong to Babylon, comfort, approval, politics, money, or self-preservation. Action We have been saved and sealed, and now we are sent to join the mission of the Lamb as He gathers peoplefrom every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages(Rev. 7:9). The question is: Are we living on mission with the Lamb? We were purchased by the blood of the Lamb not to be passive about the nations, our neighbors, or the lost. Jesus did not suggest that we engage His mission; He commanded us to do so:Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age(Matt. 28:1920). Today is a day of mercy. Today is a day of restraint. Today is a day for the Lamb to gather His people. Today is the day of salvation! We are living in a time of divine restraint as we move closer to the Day of the Lord. So live in the confidence of your salvation, make sure your allegiance to the Lamb is clear, and commit your heart to action by dedicating your life to His mission.

The teenager stood her ground. While her high school group was visiting a home for people in rehab from addictions, Claire engaged in conversation with a twentysomething man who towered over her in size. They talked about faith. Claire clearly presented the gospel of Jesus. He countered with his spiritual views, which were very different. Back and forth they went in a friendly give-and-take way. Finally, the young man looked at Claire and said, “You got me. I can’t argue with what you’re saying.” Though he didn’t put his faith in Jesus, a seed had been planted. And while Claire would have loved for the young man to have received Christ, her disappointment was balanced by the reality that she’d done what God called her to do that day: “Be prepared to give an answer” (1 Peter 3:15). She had lovingly shared God’s plan of salvation. Claire wasn’t ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16). She was prepared to “give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). And she knew how to let her “conversation be . . . full of grace” so she would “know how to answer” (Colossians 4:6) the young man in the right spirit. What a privilege God gives us to make Christ known to others! Let’s be ready to share with others as He provides what we need.

We can never be more justified than when we came to faith in Jesus—nor any less—for it is Christ's righteousness and not our own that makes us right in God's sight. Today, Sinclair Ferguson displays the wonder of the gospel. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/god-justifies-the-ungodly/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

What happens when sinful humanity encounters a God who is perfectly holy, pure, and described in Scripture as a consuming fire? Who can stand before such awesome holiness? God's holiness is not merely a theological concept, but a reality that demands reverence. In Episode 11 of "The Fear of the Lord," Duane Sheriff teaches that we can only stand in God's presence by grace through faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ.For those who accept God's mercy, this same consuming fire becomes refreshing rather than tormenting. The Bible's imagery of the three Hebrew children thrown into the fiery furnace illustrates how God's fire burns away bondage while preserving those who trust in Him.This message also addresses sobering biblical truths about judgment, hell, salvation, and the wrath from which Jesus came to save us. Hell was never created for humanity, but God lovingly made a way through Christ so that no one would perish. Through repentance and faith in Jesus, we can receive eternal life and stand confidently in God's presence. Deepen your understanding of God's holiness, grace, and the transforming power of the Gospel.Click for FREE offer ➡️https://pastorduane.com/landing/the-fear-of-the-lord

When we pack for a vacation or trip to a different place, it’s important to bring the right kind of stuff. If you're going to Tahiti, you'll want to pack more shorts, light-colored clothes, and swim gear! If you’re going to the snowy mountains, then lots and lots of layers will fill your suitcase. But what about the place we'll all go if we trust in Jesus—what do we bring on our trip to Heaven? Tune in now to see how we should be preparing for Heaven. Notes: Luke 17 Heaven is every Christian’s eternal destination. Philippians 3:18–21 (NLT) Luke 17: 11–19 (NKJV) Pack Gratitude Gratitude matters to Jesus. The ten lepers were healed of the worst disease they ever could’ve contracted. All ten lepers were healed, but only one returned to Jesus to thank Him. When God answers our prayers, we need to come back and say, “Thank you, Lord, for what you did!” Gratitude is a spiritual discipline that keeps you oriented toward God, rather than toward what God gives you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NLT)Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is the will of God. We are told to be thankful in all circumstances. All miracles were created by God to point to the greatest miracle.2 Corinthians 5:20–21 (NLT)The greatest miracle is that Jesus, who never sinned, was the offering for our sin, so we could be made right with God. All the lepers had faith in Jesus to heal. Only one had faith that resulted in trust, gratitude, humility, love, praise, and worship. Luke 17:20–37 (NKJV) Pack Light Spiritually, we pick up all kinds of baggage that we don’t want to bring with us to heaven. The Pharisees failed to understand because they were spiritually blind. What are you willing to leave behind? Luke 17:32 (NKJV) Luke 17:33 (NKJV) You cannot hold onto your old life and your new life simultaneously.You have to decide which one you are actually living for. Those who are the most heavenly-minded do the most earthly good. The King of Heaven Himself came down and paid your way. Remember Lot’s wife.She almost made it.Don’t almost make it. The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.