Podcasts about following christ

Daily Dose of Hope June 24, 2025   Scripture - Matthew 16:13-28   Prayer:  Holy God, Thank you for this day and thank you for the ways you provide and care for us.  We rejoice in your powerful and mighty name.  As we read through the Scripture today and reflect on what it means for us, help us hear a new word from you.  Help us set aside the distractions of the day and really listen for your voice.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we are covering the second portion of Matthew 16.   Jesus has taken his disciples on a retreat of sorts, and they have traveled away from Judea, further north into Gentile territory.  Maybe it's to get away from the crowds, maybe it's so they can speak more freely.  Caesarea Philippi is pretty far north in Israel.  It was a quiet place at the headwaters of the Jordan River but also a place filled with idol worship and signs of Roman occupation everywhere.  And it's here that Jesus decides he is going to settle his identity with these men.  So he asks each of them, “Who do people say I am?”    Over the two years that the disciples had been with Jesus, people had all kinds of thoughts about who Jesus was.  Some thought he was the precursor to the Messiah, others (like King Herod) thought he was John the Baptist reincarnated, others thought he might be one of the prophets returned.  But Jesus presses them, “who do you say I am?”  Now, it doesn't matter what the others say – who is it you say I am?  That's really the question for all of us, isn't it.  It doesn't matter who others say Jesus is.  If I were to do a man on the street interview right now, I'm sure I'd get all kinds of answers to who is Jesus?  A teacher, a healer, a crazy person, Son of God, the Savior.  But it doesn't matter what others say, what matters is what you believe and what YOU say about Jesus.  And that's what Jesus is asking his disciples.  What do you say about me?  What are you willing to confess about me?  This was really a rubber meets the road question for them, as it is for us.  What are you willing to confess about me, to others, publicly?   Jesus asked all of them but it was Peter who spoke up.  And he says, “You are the Messiah, Son of the Living God.”  The word Messiah means anointed one or God's anointed.  And the term “Messiah” was the Hebrew word for God's anointed, the term “Christ” was the Greek word for it.  Messiah and Christ mean the same thing, different languages.  I know this might come as a surprise to some of us but Christ is not Jesus' last name.  It is a title.  And Peter is giving Jesus this title, you are the Messiah, the anointed one.   What's the big deal with being anointed?  In ancient Israel, when someone was given a position of authority, oil was poured on his head to signify his being set apart for God's service. I Samuel 10:1 is an example, Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul's head and kissed him, saying, "Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?  Kings, priests, and prophets were anointed in this way. Anointing was a symbolic act to indicate God's choosing.  Although the literal meaning of anointed refers to the application of oil, it can also refer to being chosen or set apart by God, even if oil is not literally used.  So, Peter is saying you are the anointed one, chosen, set apart by God, the Messiah.   But there is more to this.  Throughout the OT, there are many, many verses that point to the Messiah delivering the Hebrew people from captivity, from pagan kings.  The Jews expected the Messiah to deliver them from Roman occupation via military might.  That was the expectation.  The Christ, the Messiah is the one who God sent to deliver his people, to make things right for them – the one they had been waiting for hundreds of years.  So when Peter says this, you are the Messiah, he probably doesn't quite understand how Jesus is going to deliver them.  No one really got it that the Messiah would be the one to deliver people, not from the Roman occupiers, but from their own sin.    Peter says that Jesus is Messiah but then he says that Jesus is the Son of the living God.  Just to clarify something, in the OT, there are a number of men, particularly prophets, who are called a son of God.  That was not an uncommon title for a Godly man.  But that is not what Peter is saying, Peter says that Jesus is THE son of the living God.    Let's clarify something here because I think we can get confused - Jesus is not God's Son in the sense of a human father and a son. God did not get married and have a son. God did not mate with Mary and, together with her, produce a son. Jesus is God's Son in the sense that He is GOD in human form – John 1:1, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  Keep in mind, the term “Word” is referring to Jesus.  Jesus was there in the beginning.  Jesus was there with God in the beginning.  Jesus was there with God and Jesus is God.  Brain cramping yet?  Let's read v. 14, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.  So, the “Word”, Jesus, became human and lived among us.  Of course, that is the Christmas story, Jesus became a human being, was born to a woman named Mary, who became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.  When the angel comes to Mary in Luke and explains the situation, he tells her that this holy one you will give birth to will be called the Son of God.   This clearly separates Jesus from the prophets. He is not a son of God but the Son of the living God.  Jesus walks with a very distinct, specific authority.  I mean, look at his miracles.  He heals people with a word or touch.  He rebukes a storm and it listens to him.  He could read people's minds.  He raises Lazurus from the dead.  He doesn't argue with demons.  Think about it – when Jesus encounters a demon, they tremble.  Colossians 1, The son is the image of the invisible God…  He walks in a distinct, divine authority.  Because he is the Son of the living God – the second person of the Godhead.    So, Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, and he is Lord.  I didn't count this myself, but I read that Jesus is referred to as Lord almost 300 times in the New Testament.  Lord was the most common title for Jesus in the early church.  Why is that significant?  When the Hebrew Bible, what we call the OT, was translated from Hebrew to Greek, the term Yahweh (which was the Hebrew word for God) was translated to Lord in the NT.  That means, to say that Jesus is Lord is to say that Jesus is God.  It is saying that Jesus is divine – he is God – and Caesar is NOT, a claim that was quite dangerous at the time.    To say that Jesus is Lord means that Jesus has claim over all things; he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  He is LORD over all things – over the cosmos, over the whole earth, over all nations and their leaders, he is Lord over Vladimir Putin, he is Lord over Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, he is Lord over all the celebrities in Hollywood, he is Lord over Florida and Brandon, he is Lord over each of us.    Now, here is where I'm going to get kind of personal.  At least I'm giving a warning.  What I've found working in ministry is that people like the idea of Jesus as Savior.  Yes, I've said yes to Jesus as my Savior so I'm going to heaven.  That feels good and it should.  But man, do people struggle with this concept that Jesus is Lord.  Because saying Jesus is Lord is one step further.  It's saying that he is Lord over everything and he is Lord over my family and me.  That means, I defer to him in every area of my life.  I trust him with everything.  That means, before I make a decision, I ask Jesus for his will.  It means I have given my job over to him, my children and grandchildren over to him; it means I have given the words I speak, my actions, my thoughts over to Jesus.  My finances belong to him.  That means that tithing isn't an issue because, well, it all belongs to Jesus anyway.  I have no claim on my life.  I belong to Jesus.    I struggled with this for years.  In a culture that tells us that its all about us, how hard WE work, the fruits of our labor, its OUR money, OUR children, OUR lives.  Maybe it sounds weird, but turning over my money to Lord Jesus wasn't that difficult.  I made a decision.  We are supposed to tithe so we are going to do it and I had been around people who tithed for a long time.  What was hard for me was giving my marriage to Jesus, giving my kids to Jesus.  I might have had a bit of a control issue.  And if you have a control issue – teenagers will humble you.  And it was in the midst of some real struggles that I just turned it all over to him.  They are your kids first, Lord.  They were never mine to begin with.  If I make it sounds easy, it isn't but it's life changing.  It's a shift in perspective that really brings a tremendous amount of peace.  Alright, that was pretty important, but so is the next portion of text.  Jesus is beginning to reveal to the disciples that he will die; he will be leaving them.  They aren't quite getting it.  And when they do get a hint of where he is going, Peter isn't happy.  And the Scripture says that Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked him.  Here is where we miss something significant in English.  In the Greek, this word rebuke is much stronger.  Peter is really laying into Jesus here, saying “This is not the way it's going to be.  You are supposed to be the messiah who saves us from the Romans. This is not what we signed up for.”  And Jesus' response to him is interesting.  Jesus rebukes Peter right back, same word in the Greek, and says, “Get behind me, Satan!”  He tells him that he is setting his mind on human things, not on the things of God.  This is one of those moments in Scripture that highlights the vast distance between us and God. Though Jesus is God with us (he was God in human form), we cannot tame him or make him over into our image. We would like a savior who is a winner, and one who makes us winners, but Jesus insists on identifying with the lowliest of losers. He will allow himself to be judged and condemned as a blasphemer by Jewish religious leaders. He will allow himself to be mocked, tortured, and executed as a criminal by the Romans. And that's not all. Jesus actually expects his disciples to follow him on this path of suffering and death.  After telling them that they don't understand the mind of God, he says this very hard thing, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life[f] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.  We tend to think of taking up our cross as dealing with really annoying circumstances.  In Jesus' day, no one thought of beating one's cross as a persistent annoyance or burden. So bearing our cross does not mean we need to have patience with difficult neighbors or coworkers.  Furthermore, Jesus is not talking about the suffering that is part of living in a broken world, things like serious illnesses, broken relationships, and even natural disasters. That isn't what he is talking about.  Nor is he telling us to seek out suffering or martyrdom. We don't have to become monks and live in the desert.  Jesus did not go seeking suffering, although he ended up having to endure it for his mission.  To a person in the first century, the cross meant one thing and one thing only: death by crucifixion. And the Romans made the people who were about to be killed carry their own cross to the execution location.  It was humiliating and horribly painful and the condemned person had no choice but to submit. Bearing one's cross was and is a show of complete and utter submission. A call to bear one's cross as part of following Jesus, then, is a call to be as submitted to Christ as the condemned criminal was to his death.  When Jesus says this, he's claiming authority. Following Christ means disowning the self and giving allegiance to him instead. And it means giving him allegiance down to the very depths of our being.   Are you willing to surrender all to follow Jesus?  What needs to change in your life and thinking to be more consistent with the ways of Jesus Christ? Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

1 Peter 2:13-25 ESV Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

I heard a clever quip the other day about trying to take control from God's hands. God is writing the story of your life: so STOP TRYING TO GRAB THE PEN FROM HIS HAND! This applies to our work as well. Sometimes we think we are living God's plan for us in our work when we are actually just “taking Jesus with us”.  And only praying to Him to ask for blessings on what we are doing at work. How can we know when we've succeeded in FOLLOWING Christ in our work?  By changing our mindset to one of FOLLOWING, vs. LEADING.  Why not start your work day with a prayer like this: Father, today, I commit my hands to YOUR work. As you lead me, may YOUR will be done and may YOU be glorified in all I do. Amen.   

What does it mean to truly live out our faith? In this thoughtprovoking episode of the American Soul Podcast, Jesse Cope challenges us to examine what receives our time, attention, and energy each day.Do we claim God is our priority but fail to make time for prayer and Scripture? Do our spouses know they're valued, or do screens and entertainment push them aside? These piercing questions set the stage for a deeper exploration of faith in action versus empty religious observance.Through Benjamin Franklin's writings, Jesse reveals how this founding father—often mischaracterized as a deist—actually understood the biblical concept that works demonstrate but don't earn salvation. Franklin wrote that true religion isn't about "holiday keeping" or "sermon reading" but manifests in "works of kindness, charity, mercy and public spirit."The episode weaves through powerful historical accounts, including the persecution during the Inquisition and the moving story of James Otis, an early American patriot who suffered greatly for standing for liberty. These narratives illuminate why America's founders were concerned about preventing religious persecution while maintaining the central role of Christian principles in public life.Throughout the conversation, Jesse returns to a central theme: caring for widows, orphans, and the vulnerable isn't optional for believers—it's essential evidence of genuine faith. As he puts it, "If we look at the widow and the orphan and we don't do anything about it, we're not producing any fruit."Whether you're examining your own priorities or seeking to understand the deep connection between faith and America's founding principles, this episode offers both challenge and encouragement. As difficult times approach, Jesse reminds us of John Quincy Adams' wisdom: "Duty is ours, results are God's."Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

I. The Superficial Belief, V. 30II. The Sure Belief, VV31-32aIII. The Specific Benefits, VV 32b-36IV. The Significant Implications

On a February morning about three years ago, Valeriia Cherednychenko and her family woke up to explosions outside their home in Ukraine. When Valeriia looked out, she saw missiles exploding.  Valeriia and her husband immediately hid with their four daughters in an interior room of their home. Once there was a break in the missile attacks, they fled the country. Listen to this Easter podcast to hear Valeriia's moving story about how strangers helped meet her family's basic needs and get them to safety during the most threatening time of their lives. Learn to reflect on your life and recognize how God was at work even when you didn't realize it, too. Once in Nashville, Tennessee, Valeriia and her family received assistance from Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville, through their “New Americans” program. Following Christ's example, Catholic Charities recognizes the dignity of all people and serves our neighbors. Learn more at: https://cctenn.org.

Part 2 Of Ruben reacting to Jordan Peterson Debating Atheists while pretending he isn't one. Jordan can barely hide that he is grifting failing to identify that believing Jesus Christ died for your sins is the defining trait of christianity.

In our text today in Luke 14, we find Jesus being followed by a large group of people—many of whom were probably there to see Him perform miracles and provide them with free food. In John 6:26, Jesus said to another crowd of people: “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not…

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26) 1/ What following Christ involves . 2/ The incentives given - four scenarios .

The crowd is loud. Is it leading you closer to Christ or pulling you away? Why do so many Christians compartmentalize their faith—living one way at church and another at work, in politics, or even at home? Are you shaping your life around God's truth or letting the world set your standards? In this episode of "Courageous Christianity with Richard Mendelow," the message is clear: The mob is not your friend. Host, Colonel Richard J. Mendelow (Ret), and his wingman, Christy Mendelow, confront the real dangers of crowd thinking and what it costs when Christians trade clarity for comfort. How do you resist the pull? It starts with knowing your values, rooting yourself in Scripture, and choosing Jesus daily. Don't miss this critical conversation. Tune in now to this episode of "Courageous Christianity with Richard Mendelow" at CourageousChristianity.today or on select podcast platforms. If you'd like to learn more about or support Courageous Christianity with Richard Mendelow and help us equip Christian warriors for the spiritual battlefield, visit CourageousChristianity.today. Courageous Christianity is a public non-profit ministry with a mission to equip Christian men for the spiritual battlefield in order to glorify God and create godly change. We give voice to this mission through Courageous Christianity with Richard Mendelow—a weekly radio show and podcast that speaks to the intersection of our faith and the secular world. Here’s how you can stand with us:– Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help others find it.– Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.– Donate to help keep us on the air and support our mission to equip Christian warriors for the spiritual battlefield. Your support makes it possible for us to continue encouraging and equipping men to walk in truth, lead with strength, and impact the world for Christ. To listen to previous episodes, learn more, or give, visit CourageousChristianity.today. God bless and Semper Fi!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this sermon, Pastor Jason emphasizes the importance of unity and love within the church, particularly in the face of diversity and differing opinions. Drawing from Romans 14 and 15,  he discusses how to navigate conflicts and maintain a spirit of acceptance and understanding among believers. The message encourages listeners to prioritize the Word of God over cultural influences and to engage in ministry together, preparing for both challenges and opportunities in the church community. In this conversation, Pastor Jason emphasizes the importance of loving confrontation among Christians, highlighting that our first instinct should be to love and welcome others before pointing out their flaws. The discussion moves into the necessity of calibrating our conscience to align with God's standards, encouraging believers to engage in meaningful conversations about differences while maintaining love and acceptance. Pastor Jason stresses that the ultimate goal is to build each other up in faith, following Christ's example of love and service, and challenges listeners to love others in ways that resonate with their unique needs. 00:00 Opening Prayer and Heart for the Church 01:12 The Importance of Expositional Teaching 03:37 Preparing for Summer Ministry 05:35 Unity in Diversity: The Church's Challenge 09:53 The Influence of Culture on Christian Behavior 12:11 Adjusting Expectations in the Church 14:31 Love and Diversity of Opinion 17:51 The Greatest Commandments as Our Filter 19:12 Context of Romans: Addressing Conflict 27:28 Accepting One Another in Christ 29:24 Loving Confrontation: The Christian Approach 34:29 Calibrating Conscience: Understanding Right and Wrong 43:12 The Aim of Love: Building Each Other Up 47:01 Following Christ's Example: The Ultimate Model of Love

The passing of House Bill 1312 and the new regulations on child care facilities are evidence that Colorado is becoming increasingly hostile to Christians. I know, I know, Pastors who say that are being dramatic. The world has always been hostile to Christians right? Following Christ requires a willingness to bear social cost by being identified with Him. So another way to say it is that our culture in Denver is providing more and more opportunities to bear a cost by being identified with Christ. We aren't meant to hold fast to the truths of scripture alone. So let's take this time to practice holding fast to the truths of scripture together.

William Temple, a nineteenth-century English bishop, once concluded a sermon to Oxford students with the words of the hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” But he cautioned against taking the song lightly. “If you mean [the words] with all your hearts, sing them as loud as you can,” Temple said. “If you don’t mean them at all, keep silent. If you mean them even a little, and want to mean them more, sing them very softly.” The crowd went quiet as everyone eyed the lyrics. Slowly, thousands of voices began to sing in a whisper, mouthing the final lines with gravity: “Love so amazing, so divine / Demands my soul, my life, my all.” Those Oxford students understood the reality that believing in and following Jesus is a serious choice, because it means saying yes to a radical love that demands everything from us. Following Christ requires our entire life, our whole being. He plainly told His disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). No one should make this choice flippantly. Yet, following Jesus is also the way to our deepest joy. Life with Him, we’ll discover, is the life we truly desire. It appears a great paradox. However, if we respond to God’s love, believe in Christ, and relinquish our selfish, shortsighted demands, we’ll find the life our soul craves (v. 25).

Discover the difference between worldly peace and soul-deep peace in this powerful reflection from Father Brad.Morning Offering, May 20, 2025Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church on May 18, 2025. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   John 21:20-25   Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?" 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, "But Lord, what about this man?" 22 Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me." 23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?" 24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.   Theme: Comparison Is the Thief of Joy 1. God Gives a Variety of Blessings 2. True Joy Come from Following Christ

Why is it so challenging to do the simple things? As Christians we are followers and disciples of Christ. The call to follow Jesus is simple in its nature, yet quite challenging in what it requires.It's the space between desire, expectations, who we are, and the path God has for us.One of the biggest challenges or tensions in this is who we are listening to, what we partner with, and ultimately what we choose while we are navigating the different textures of life. God made us dynamic with brains, hearts, desires, emotions, which all play a part in how we navigate choices and the unknowns. One of the more intimate metaphors in the bible is when David writes about God being His shepherd. As a young boy David was a shepherd himself and he experienced what it was like to know, care for, and be responsible for his sheep. The 23rd Psalm comes out of personal experience as a shepherd and who David knew God to be. Psalm 23The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.Continuing in the shepherd theme, in John 10:14 Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”There is a unique relationship between the shepherd and the sheep: Sheep learn to trust a shepherd through recognizing his voice and scent, and understanding that he provides safety, food, and care. Later on in vs 27 Jesus goes even further and says “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”As His followers, may we be fast to recognize and hear His voice. To be able to give thanks for His provision, even when it's not what we were expecting or wanting. God is faithful and a Good Shepherd. We are His sheep and we are thankful for His presence, guidance, and restoration.For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley reflects on a powerful moment of restoration for Peter in the Gospel of John. After denying Jesus three times, Peter is confronted by the Savior at a charcoal fire—the same place of his denial. Jesus asks him three times, “Do you love me?” This isn't just a question of affection but a call to action: "Feed my lambs. Shepherd my sheep." Dr. Easley reminds us that love for God isn't only about words but is demonstrated through our actions. For Peter, it meant caring for God's people. For us, it's about investing in what God loves—His church and His mission. Jesus reaffirms Peter's calling, and in doing so, calls us all to serve, guide, and nurture those entrusted to us. Takeaways Peter's restoration exemplifies the depth of God's grace and forgiveness. Jesus' questions to Peter reveal the profound love He desires. Following Christ requires sacrifice and a life of obedience. God's grace overflows for those who turn back to Him in repentance. Our love for God should be evident in every part of our lives. Obedience to God reflects the sincerity of our love for Him. Life's challenges reveal the true strength of our commitment to Christ. The call to follow Jesus is personal, clear, and unshakable. To read the gospel of John, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

The price of true faith has always been steep. In this riveting exploration of Christian martyrdom, Jesse Cope takes listeners on a journey through the brutal deaths suffered by Christ's apostles—from Philip's scourging and crucifixion to James being stoned at 94 years old, and Mark being literally torn to pieces by an angry mob. These accounts aren't merely historical footnotes but powerful evidence for Christianity's truth. After all, why would these men willingly endure such horrific deaths for something they knew to be a lie?The episode opens with a challenging question that cuts to the heart of our priorities: "Have you made time for God today?" As Jesse observes, "Busy people make time for what matters to them because it matters to them." This simple yet profound insight forces us to examine what our schedules reveal about our true values. Through an examination of Matthew 12, we explore Jesus's revolutionary teaching that doing good always supersedes rigid rule-following—a message that remains as countercultural today as it was two thousand years ago.The connection between faith and liberty forms the backbone of this episode. Through readings from Mercy Otis Warren's history of the American Revolution and quotes from prominent scientists and journalists, Jesse builds a compelling case that America's founding principles are inseparably linked to Christian values. The nation's current struggles, he suggests, stem directly from our drift away from these foundations. "If a nation doesn't have people that follow the principles of Christ," Jesse observes, "she will fail." This observation isn't merely religious sentiment but a clear-eyed assessment of history and human nature—one that challenges listeners to consider their role in America's spiritual renewal.Whether you're a history buff, a person of faith, or simply someone searching for meaning in an increasingly chaotic world, this episode offers rich insights into how the sacrifices of the past illuminate our present challenges. Subscribe now to join a growing community of listeners committed to rediscovering America's soul.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

In our last podcast, we looked at the challenge that Jesus gave to the large crowds of people listening to Him. He challenged them to follow Him. And he told them what that meant as He discussed preferring Christ over all other people, denying ourselves, taking up our crosses daily… Following Christ requires a total commitment of your life to that end. He also talked about the narrow gate and the wide gate – both of them life choices that people make as they seek eternal life. In this podcast, we will take a look at these “gates” and the choices people make as well as why they make those choices.

God's commandment was not only for us to love one another, but to love as He loves. Now that is a tall order! It would be an impossible request if it weren't for the fact that His blood flows through you and His grace will enable you to love as He loves. What does that kind of love require? It requires faithfulness, mercy, and above all, sacrificial giving.  Join us in this program, Following Christ, as Kim Miller of Woman at the Well Ministries takes us through John 13:34, which says, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” Do you want to connect with Kim and Erika? Visit us on our website, on Facebook, or on Instagram.  Mentioned in this Episode John 13:34 ("A new commandment I give unto you...") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13%3A34&version=KJV Romans 8 (Nothing can separate us from the love of God) www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8&version=KJV 1 John 4:19 ("We love him, because he first loved us.") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A19&version=KJV 1 John 4:8 ("God is love.") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A8&version=KJV 1 John 1:9 ("If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive...") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1%3A9&version=KJV Did you enjoy this podcast? Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can listen to us on all major podcasting platforms like Apple Podcasts,  Spotify,  Google Podcasts,  YouTube, and Podbean. Check out Kim's latest Bible Bit book on Amazon! Do you want to bring Kim Miller to your church, upcoming retreat, or conference? Contact us! This podcast is brought to you by Woman at the Well Ministries and is supported by our faithful listeners. To support this podcast, please visit our support page. 

Daily Dose of Hope April 22, 2025 Day 2 of Week 4   Scripture – Mark 8:22-38   Prayer:  Holy and Merciful God, Thank you for a new day and thank you that your mercies are new every morning.  Help us, Lord, gather our scattered thoughts and focus on you and your Word.  In these next few moments of silence, help us be still and know that you are God...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope.  Today, we are finishing up Mark 8.  There is a lot to cover so I'm going to do my best to do this text justice.   The portion from yesterday that we didn't get to cover was the healing of the blind man, verses 22-26.  This is the only miracle that Jesus does in stages.  I think we need to start by saying that Jesus didn't fail to heal in the first part and needed to try again.  Jesus could have healed him instantaneously if he chose to do so.  He had done it many times before.  Why not now?    We could probably draw a lot of different conclusions.  But what makes the most sense to me is that physical and spiritual healings often don't happen all at once.  They can be multi-step, gradual processes.  Jesus is at work in every single part.  Answers to prayers are the same way.  Sometimes, they come quickly and other times, they are given a little bit at a time.  Regardless, we trust Jesus.   After this healing, there is a pretty big shift in the chapter.  Jesus takes his disciples on a retreat of sorts up in Caesarea Philippi, in the northern part of Israel.  Maybe it's to get away from the crowds, maybe it's so they can speak more freely.  It was a quiet place at the headwaters of the Jordan River but also a place filled with idol worship and signs of Roman occupation everywhere.  And it's here that Jesus decides he is going to settle his identity with these men.    Jesus asks each of them, “Who do people say I am?”  And they list a few things.  Then, he asks them, “Who do you say I am?”  And it's Peter that speaks up, we can assume he was speaking for the disciples, and he says, “You are the Messiah, Son of the Living God.”  The term “Messiah” was the Hebrew word for God's anointed, it was a title.  Peter is saying you are the anointed one, chosen, set apart by God, the Messiah.    Throughout the Old Testament, there are many, many verses that point to the Messiah delivering the Hebrew people from captivity, from pagan kings.  The Jews expected the Messiah to deliver them from Roman occupation via military might.  That was the expectation.  The Christ, the Messiah is the one who God sent to deliver his people, to make things right for them – the one they had been waiting for hundreds of years.  When Peter says this, you are the Messiah, he doesn't quite understand how Jesus is going to deliver them.  No one really got it that the Messiah would be the one to deliver people, not from the Roman occupiers, but from their own sin.  When Peter calls Jesus the Messiah, he gets the title right.  But we soon find out, he got the meaning wrong.  He wanted Messiah to mean what he wanted it to mean.  At this point, the disciples still think this is going to be a very earthly kingdom and they will be sitting on 12 thrones.  And then we have Jesus saying that actually, I am going to Jerusalem and I will be rejected by the chief priests.  I am going to killed there and will rise again in three days.  And the Scripture says that Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked him.  Here is where we miss something significant in English.  In the Greek, this word rebuke is much stronger.  Peter is really laying into Jesus here, saying “This is not the way it's going to be.  This is not what we signed up for.”  Jesus doesn't miss a beat.  He rebukes Peter and makes that very famous statement, “Get behind me Satan.”  Peter doesn't understand that the ways of the world are not like the ways of God.  As much as I try to understand this, I think I'm definitely still learning. Jesus goes on to talk about what it means to really follow him.  (This is what I'm preaching on this Sunday so you are getting a sneak peek.)  Jesus actually expects his disciples to follow him on this path of suffering and death.  After telling them that they don't understand the mind of God, he says this very hard thing, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.  Jesus is not asking for a small thing – he is asking for self-denial and cross-bearing.  What does this mean?  Basically, self-denial means our primary focus is not ourself and our own needs, our own pleasure, our own ambitions, our own desires, you get it.  Our primary focus becomes JESUS and his values, his Kingdom, what brings Jesus glory.  Bearing one's cross was and is a show of complete and utter submission. It was the condemned person in the Roman world that had to carry their cross before their own execution.  Thus, a call to bear one's cross as part of following Jesus is a call to be as submitted to Christ as the condemned criminal was to his death.  When Jesus says this, he's claiming authority. Following Christ means disowning the self and giving allegiance to him instead. And it means giving him allegiance down to the very depths of our being.   Some of you might think this doesn't sound very appealing.  The irony here is that the more we surrender to Jesus, the more of ourselves we yield to him, the more free and peaceful we become.  We are not our own.  We belong to Jesus and ultimately, that leads to hope, love, and freedom like no other.  How have you experienced this?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Following Christ means doing what he did. What does it really mean to follow Christ? Jesus tells us many times that there will be suffering, shame, persecution, and possibly death. He says, if they hate you, they hated me first. Being a true Christian means that you are willing and wanting to follow Jesus. Jesus says following Him means doing what He… The post The Scandalous Offence of the Cross, Part 1 | What it Means to Follow Christ appeared first on Pillar of Truth Radio.

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day. Today, we are taking a short break this week to celebrate Easter with some special devotionals aimed at preparing our hearts for this week in history. Our text today is John 12:12-13 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” — John 12:12-13 The Moment Everything Changed Every great story has a moment where everything shifts—a decision, a revelation, or an event that changes the course of history. For all of humanity, that moment was the week Jesus entered Jerusalem. Imagine the scene. Crowds flood the streets, waving palm branches, shouting, “Hosanna!” They believe their long-awaited Messiah has come to overthrow Rome and establish His kingdom. They expect a warrior on a warhorse. But instead, they see a man riding a donkey—a symbol of peace. This was God's plan unfolding, but not in the way anyone expected. The people wanted a political savior; Jesus came as the Lamb of God, destined for a cross. They shouted for a king, but in a matter of days, those same voices would cry, “Crucify Him!” This wasn't just a parade. It was a collision of expectations and reality, a moment that revealed who Jesus truly was. The Unexpected King Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem wasn't just fulfillment of prophecy (Zechariah 9:9)—it was a defining moment. It forced the world to make a decision: Would they follow Jesus for who He truly was, or reject Him because He wasn't what they wanted? We face the same choice today. We love a Jesus who blesses us, who comforts us, who answers our prayers the way we want. But what happens when He challenges us? What happens when His plan doesn't match our expectations? True faith doesn't follow Jesus because of what He might do—it follows Him because of who He is. Is Jesus Lord of My Life? The crowd cheered for Jesus when it was popular—but they turned on Him when it became inconvenient. Many today do the same. It's easy to praise Jesus when He aligns with our desires, but what about when He calls us to surrender, to trust, to follow at a cost? Following Christ means letting go of our version of the story and trusting His. He is not just a king; He is THE King—the one who rules with righteousness, grace, and truth. If you've never made the decision to follow Jesus, today is your moment. He's not just a good teacher or a historical figure—He is the Savior who gave His life for you. Just like the crowds in Jerusalem, we all have a choice. Will we embrace Him as Lord, or will we turn away when His plan challenges us? Jesus came not to meet our expectations, but to meet our greatest need—forgiveness and new life. He died on the cross for our sins and rose again, proving He is the way, the truth, and the life. If you're ready to surrender and trust Him fully, pray this: "Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I confess my sin and my need for You. I surrender my life to You as my Lord and Savior. Lead me, and help me follow You with all my heart. Amen." If you prayed that, let someone know! Don't walk this journey alone. Find a Bible-believing church, dive into God's Word with me right here every day, and keep growing in faith. #EasterDevotional, #JesusIsKing, #PalmSunday ASK THIS: How do my expectations of Jesus compare to who He really is? Am I following Jesus for blessings or because He is Lord? How do I respond when Jesus' plan challenges my desires? What does it mean for me to surrender my life to Jesus fully? DO THIS: Surrender your expectations and fully trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior today. PRAY THIS: Jesus, I surrender my expectations and trust in You as my King. Help me follow You fully, even when Your plan challenges my own. Amen. PLAY THIS: Hosanna.

Once we are FOLLOWING Christ and CHANGED by Christ, what's next? What do we do with this change of heart that we have been given?

On the next Treasured Truth, Pastor Ford will continue to look at Christ’s responses during the crucifixion. Following Christ’s example of what to do when you feel abandoned by God, Pastor Ford will encourage us to do this when we feel abandoned—go to the Word of God and commit ourselves to the revelation of all of God’s promises that we find in His Word. To learn more about what to do when you feel abandoned by God, make sure to join us for the next Treasured Truth. Treasured Truth is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here. To learn more about Pastor James Ford, Jr., click here. To learn more about Treasured Truth, click here. Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/treasuredtruthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Schulzetenberg to explore the powerful impact of Catholic philanthropy. From direct service to advocacy and financial support, Tom shares how faith-based giving is a force for good in communities worldwide. We dive into how Catholic social teaching shapes charitable work, how we can live out philanthropy in our daily lives, and the role of selfless giving, especially during the season of LentLike what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow! Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ 

In the book of Revelation, we're presented with two paths: • The glorious New Jerusalem or the ruins of Babylon • Our name in the Book of Life or judged by our deeds • Following Christ or following the world There is no middle ground. No sitting on the fence. Which city will you choose for eternity?

Fr Mike Chitwood

Kingdom of God - seek it and righteousness; Common themes of Old and New testament; Jacob vs Israel?; Loins out of joint?; Making Israel stink; Praying with supplication; Gen 10:16; Amorites; Bondage of Egypt; "Corvee"; Bible about government; Sloth leads to tribute; Consent; Socialism vs capitalism; Morality?; Repentance; Removing delusion; Learning to be Israel; Denominational Jews?; Hiding and fleeing from God; Identity; What are you missing?; Understanding "leaven"; Gen 50:1; Relationship of Family; Roman revolution; Republic; Volunteerism; Governments of Cain, Nimrod, Sumer, Egypt…; Strengthening by persecution; Importance of Family; "biet-kuf-hey" (Wept); Sphinx?; Joseph's request of Pharoah; Wrestling with God; "Elders"; Corporation of God; Mourning Jacob; "Threshing floor"; Getting the basics; Gen 13:2; Classes of citizens; Corruption; Saul: first king in Israel; Recognizing congregationalism vs kingdom; Vengeance; Freewill offerings; Jacob's command to Joseph; Forgiveness; Knowing yourself; Coming together as families; Christ's alternative system; Loving our enemy; Juries; Early Rome mimicking Israel; Excusing immorality; Death of Joseph; Land of Israel; Property tax?; Abraham's altars; "licking" blood; Modern vs Early Church; Religion; Doctrines; Covetousness; "One purse"; Social safety net?; What do you really own?; Moral bondage?; Electing new Sauls; Legal charity; Coming to the aid of your neighbor; Early Church ministers; "Not of this world"; Christ's system = charity alone; World system = force; Following Christ's way; Your daily bread; Lacking knowledge; Living altars; 1 Sam 8; Social Security; Christ's commands; Charity = Love, The truth shall set you free.

► Gather with us live online and in person every Sunday at 9:30a and 11:00a: https://live.fbcw.org/► Watch/listen to our services: https://fbcw.org/worship-with-us/► Give to help our mission: https://fbcw.org/give/

Send us a textThank you for listening to City Lights Dubai. If you have any questions or if you would like to get in touch, please visit our website citylightsdubai.org

Service from Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park, Illinois. Pastor: Steve Hall

As followers of Christ, we teach and testify of Jesus Christ, our Perfect Role Model. So let us follow Him by forgoing contention.

With declining church attendance and shifting values, there's no denying that our culture's posture toward Christianity has changed. Some say America is now “post-Christian,” but author Aaron Renn believes it is downright “anti-Christian.” In a recent NY Times profile, Renn explains why he thinks Christianity now occupies a “negative world,” and why the winsome approach of leaders like Tim Keller should be abandoned for more aggressive tactics. Then, Phil talks with legendary musician, songwriter, and producer Charlie Peacock about his new memoir, “Roots in Rhythm: A Life in Music.” Also this week, a leaked memo reveals the real impact of Trump's foreign aid cuts and immigration policy, and what exhibits would you add to the Museum of Failure?   Holy Post Plus: Bonus Interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/124128840/   Ad-free Version of this episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/124154267/ 0:00 - Show Starts   2:35 - Theme Song   2:00 - Sponsor - World Relief - Visit https://worldrelief.org/STAND to join The Path to support vulnerable communities around the world!   3:10 - Sponsor - Bushnell University - Equip yourself to be transformative in your community! Go to https://www.bushnell.edu   5:10 - Museum of Failure   10:35 - Trump Cutting Funding—to the US?   24:30 - Negative World   32:57 - Crotch Christianity?   53:00 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order   54:10 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month   55:20 - Interview   1:06:00 - Personal Spirituality and the Music Industry   1:14:22 - Death on the Mountaintop   1:31:30 - End Credits   Links from News Segment: Museum of Failure: https://abc7news.com/post/museum-failure-look-legal-challenges-surrounding-what-could-san-franciscos-newest-attraction/15955141/   Article on Aaren Renn by Ruth Graham and Madeleine Hordinski: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/us/aaron-renn-christianity-conservative-negative-world.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=c&pvid=37FBD019-9B01-4CB8-B85C-587FBFCB4794#   Other Resources: Roots and Rhythm by Charlie Peacock: A Life in Music: https://a.co/d/2lwSYE2   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying  purchases.  

In this deeply personal episode of The Weekly Transit, Scott Tejerian welcomes Jennifer Palo, whose journey weaves through childhood trauma, spiritual exploration, and healing. From her formative years in Germany to her path through faith and recovery, Jennifer shares how early experiences shaped her openness to different cultures and perspectives.Jennifer courageously reveals her childhood trauma, including a violent assault that remained buried until flashbacks emerged in 2019, followed by a serious health crisis requiring surgery. She discusses how EMDR therapy helped her process these memories, including the realization that an angelic presence had protected her during her darkest moment.Scott and Jennifer explore the spiritual dimensions of trauma and healing, with Jennifer explaining how her faith evolved beyond institutional religion to a personal relationship with the divine. As a follower of Christ who embraces diverse spiritual practices, Jennifer reflects on finding her own authority after experiencing spiritual abuse within church settings and learning that forgiveness and trust are separate processes.This episode offers a profound exploration of resilience, faith, and the journey toward wholeness, reminding listeners that our wounds can become pathways to deeper connection.(00:03:27) Meeting Through Instagram – Jennifer shares how she connected with Scott through photography before his transition to astrology.(00:11:12) Early Life in Germany – How living in Germany as a child shaped Jennifer's cultural openness and appreciation for diversity.(00:15:39) Emergence of Trauma – Jennifer explains how childhood trauma surfaced through flashbacks in 2019 after decades of being suppressed.(00:20:07) Healing Through EMDR – The therapeutic approach that helped process traumatic memories and discover an angelic presence during her trauma.(00:28:26) From Victim to Growth – Jennifer's reflections on how suffering led to personal growth and resilience despite early victimization.(00:32:10) Confronting Spiritual Abuse – Her painful experience with toxic relationships within church settings and the difficult decision to step away.(00:35:48) Forgiveness Without Trust – The important distinction Jennifer learned between forgiving someone and continuing to trust them.(00:43:58) Finding Spiritual Authority – How Jennifer moved beyond institutional religion to develop her own relationship with the divine.(00:47:50) Family's Geographic Journey – Jennifer's path through Minnesota, Washington, Oregon, and eventually to California with her husband and children.(00:51:52) Body Holding Trauma – The connection between Jennifer's childhood trauma and adult health crises requiring hospitalization and surgery.(00:56:56) Intuitive Gifts Emerge – Jennifer's work as an intuitive and medium, and her writing platform "The Healers Are Rising."(01:04:15) True Faith Beyond Religion – Jennifer's perspective on Jesus's identification with the vulnerable and how true spirituality is measured by how we treat others.(01:20:46) Astrology's Biblical Roots – Jennifer points out the role of astrologers (the Magi) in the nativity story and the compatibility of different spiritual languages.(01:30:05) From Open Wounds to Scars – The difference between wounds that keep reopening versus those that heal into scars while still telling our story.(01:42:31) Community Involvement & Contact – Jennifer's work with NAACP, her admiration for the Black church, and where to find her work online.The Healers Are Rising: thehealersarerising.substack.comInstagram: @jenniferannpalohttps://www.theweeklytransit.com/

I know a number of caregivers or spouses who are going through some really hard changes right now. Maybe that's you; maybe it's someone you love. You're exhausted, sad, angry, or just numb.You're coming to terms with a new diagnosis, a deteriorating condition, hard changes in a relationship, a difficult move or adjusting to the loss of someone central in your life, someone you love very much. I'm amazed by the number of friends I have who are caring for parents whose lives have changed in hard ways.What does God's word say about the idea of change in the lives of his people? It didn't take me five minutes to come up with a list of 100 verses about a heavenly perspective on change. God has a lot to say about it. In invite you to think on these things.God is unchanging. Let him be your anchor.Malachi 3:6 – “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”Following Christ involves a continual process of change, where we grow in holiness and leave behind our old ways.Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”Life is full of transitions, but God is sovereign over them all.Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” When facing change, we're called to trust in God's guidance rather than their own understanding.Isaiah 43:19 – “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Even when change feels overwhelming, God is faithful to complete the work He has begun in us.Philippians 1:6 – “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” According to the Bible, change is inevitable, but we are assured that God is in control and that His purposes will be fulfilled.Today I'm encouraging you to believe God is with you and he goes ahead of you wherever life is changing…in the positive changes and in the hard changes. Especially when change is hard, lean into the people and the places that will remind you of this. Guard what goes in your ears and your eyes. All of that affects your spirit and your outlook. Look for his hand. Trust his provision and his good plans for you. That's a focus on gratitude. Sending you love and light today. I hope you can feel it, and I hope you share it, even as seasons change, as sunlight comes and goes, and you reflect on the blessings in your mess.Resources:My website: www.lorischlosser.comMy Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lorischlosserspeaksMy Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/lorischlosserspeaks/Blessed in This Mess can be accessed on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

Speaker: Pastor William McDowell - The weekly podcast of Deeper Fellowship Church, led by Pastor William McDowell

Speaker: Pastor William McDowell - The weekly podcast of Deeper Fellowship Church, led by Pastor William McDowell

Jesus has been talking to religious leaders and great multitudes of people, and He gives a severe call to discipleship, telling the full price a disciple would pay up front. And as we look at the well known parable of The Prodigal Son, it is good to keep this cost of discipleship in mind. Jesus is really talking about priorities. Following Christ comes first.  To purchase Pastor Steve's newest book Understanding Romans: Life-Changing Lessons from Paul's Greatest Letter, visit Amazon.  Also check out our website at lifelessonspublishing.com for additional resources for pastors and leaders. We have recorded classes and other materials offered at no charge. 

It's a conversation Chris Fabry has prayed would happen—and you're going to hear again from Colleen Chao. Colleen joined Chris in 2022 and talked about her terminal diagnosis. Since then, listeners have called and emailed, wondering how Colleen is doing. You're going to find out and hear about a new project she's working on. Don't miss the encouragement from Colleen Chao on Chris Fabry Live. Resources mentioned:Chris Fabry Live interview with Colleen, 4/19/22Chris Fabry Live interview with Colleen, 10/20/22Chris Fabry Live interview with Colleen, 11/1/23Book: In the Hands of a Fiercely Tender GodBook: Out of the Shadow World For more information about the work of Care Net, click here. Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To run the race set before us as believers, we need to throw off anything that slows us down. Following Christ wholeheartedly requires laying aside lukewarmness and committing to a lifelong journey of being fully committed disciples of Jesus. Join us as we go behind the scenes, unpack the message, and dive even deeper into the conversation.

On this weeks episode of Inklings, we discuss the talk by Dallin H. Oaks: Following Christ.

Fr, Mike compares the story of the rich young man to the story of Zacchaeus, highlighting the difference in their willingness to follow Christ with their whole hearts. Looking at the stories of these young men, Fr. Mike invites us to reflect on our willingness to follow Christ with all that we are and all that we have. Today we read Luke 17-19 and Proverbs 26:13-16. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.