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In this deeply personal episode, Bobby Bosler reflects on a recent moment when the pressures of pastoral ministry weighed heavily on his soul. Drawing encouragement from 1 Peter 5, he shares how the Lord—our Chief Shepherd—met him in his weakness and restored his joy. This message is not just for pastors, but for anyone who finds themselves burdened while trying to follow God.Topics DiscussedA fresh look at 1 Peter 5 from the perspective of a new pastorThe biblical call to “feed the flock of God”How leadership can lead to personal anxietyCasting your cares on Christ as an act of humility and faithA powerful moment of personal soul restorationEncouragement for teens to seek wisdom from those who've gone beforeThe universal need for dependence on the Chief ShepherdKey TakeawaysTrue spiritual leadership flows from a willing, humble heart—not from obligation or control.The weight of responsibility can become overwhelming—but it's not ours to carry alone.Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, not only cares for us, but actively lifts and restores our souls when we turn to Him.Whether leading or following, every believer is called to humble dependence on the Lord.Would you like me to include a blurb about your current sermon series or location in the summary, or keep the focus general for broader audience connection? If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.
Welcome to Faith in the Morning! God wants to help you so much, He sent the Divine Helper, the Holy Spirit, to live on the inside of you. His help is always exactly what you need and right on time. He even has comfort for you today that will help you process grief, heal, and move forward with your life! ----Pre-order your copy of the Rhythm of Rest today:https://www2.fccga.com/storeDownload The Empty Chair for free:https://a.co/d/0hYuw6vSubscribe to the Faith in the Morning Newsletter:https://www.kerrickbutler.com/subscribe
How did God intend female sexuality to work—and why does it matter?In this episode of the Strength & Weakness Podcast, Morgan and Ellen explore female sexuality through a biblical lens, revealing how science, personal experience, and Scripture all point to a Creator who made women's bodies and desires with intention and dignity.What you'll hear:God's Blueprint – Why female sexuality is broad and relational by His designFormed but Not Finished – How environment shapes us and how God redeems every storyHope & Wholeness – Finding security in God's unconditional love and purposeWhether you're a parent, ministry leader, or woman seeking clarity about your own story, this conversation will help you see female sexuality as a gift to steward for God's glory.How did God intend female sexuality to work—and why does it matter?In this episode of the Strength & Weakness Podcast, Morgan and Ellen explore female sexuality through a biblical lens, revealing how science, personal experience, and Scripture all point to a Creator who made women's bodies and desires with intention and dignity.What you'll hear:- God's Blueprint – Why female sexuality is broad and relational by His design- Formed but Not Finished – How environment shapes us and how God redeems every story- Hope & Wholeness – Finding security in God's unconditional love and purposeWhether you're a parent, ministry leader, or woman seeking clarity about your own story, this conversation will help you see female sexuality as a gift to steward for God's glory.“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” – Psalm 139:14
Following Jesus isn’t a one-time declaration—it’s a daily act of courage. In this powerful devotional, Heidi Vegh reminds us that discipleship is built in the quiet choices, the small sacrifices, and the surrendered moments where we say “yes” to Christ and “no” to our flesh. Whether you're facing conflict, battling pride, or resisting worldly pressures, this prayer equips you to walk boldly and consistently in God's truth.
Are we on the brink of WWIII? Is it already underway? Beyond what countless news sources are fixated on, and reporting, what do followers of Jesus do with this information, and this situation? Is this the end?---------------------Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS.Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church?----------------------Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis—a must-read guide for anyone longing to reach those who may never step foot in a church. Packed with real-world insights and practical strategies, this book could be the breakthrough you've been searching for.Don't wait—get your copy today!Click HERE to check it out on Amazon.For more information, go to: jesusinthesecularworld.com------------------------Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org, or send us a message on Instagram.Click HERE to receive news, thought-provoking articles, and stories directly in your inbox from Ben, David, Luke, and Chad!Click below to follow the regulars on Instagram!Ben PierceDavid PierceChad JohnsonLuke GreenwoodSend us a text
Join Charlette and David as they explore this week's Gospel reading from Luke 9: 51-62 alongside the Rev. Cindy Jones, Priest in Charge at St. Andrew's in Pacific Beach. Together, they unpack the restlessness of following Jesus and the ways we wrestle with ourselves instead of moving forward with Jesus. Tune in for fresh insights, meaningful reflections, and ways to live into the Gospel this week.PBS Documentary: Change Not Charity.https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/change-not-charity-americans-disabilities-act/#part01Additionally,The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a "direct final rule" that will eliminate a long-standing requirement of Section 504 which requires new buildings constructed with federal funds to be accessible to people with disabilities. Docket #1 - Go to DOE-HQ-2025-0015 and click "Comment": https://bit.ly/4kuX2R2Docket #2 - Go to DOE-HQ-2025-0024 and click “Comment” : https://bit.ly/4mGKgjYFaith to Go is a ministry of The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. Click here to learn more about EDSD's great work in our region and how you can support this ministry.Remember to get in contact with us!Email: faithtogo@edsd.orgInstagram: @faithtogo
God the Father is a Defender of all His children. Text the word DEFENDER to 332-334-7729 to receive a free 7-day devotional.
What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In this episode, Pastor Mark launches a new series called What Christians Do by addressing the trap of Christian nominalism, a faith that costs nothing and changes nothing. Drawing from Luke 14 and the teachings of John Wesley and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this message challenges believers to count the cost of discipleship and to embrace a faith that doesn't just inform our beliefs—but transforms our lives.Discover how Jesus' call to “come and die” isn't a call to burden, but an invitation to a deeper, fuller life rooted in love, sacrifice, and joy.Whether you're exploring Christianity or longing to grow deeper in your walk with God, this message invites you to go all in.
Listen as Associate Pastor Peter preaches from Acts 7.
POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP John 6.1-15 Dr. Gordon Dabbs John 6.2 (ESV) A large crowd was following Him, because they saw the signs that He was doing on the sick. Jesus had gone viral. But the people aren't coming to repent. They're coming to see what He'll do next. Then comes the problem: the crowd gets hungry. John 6.5 (ESV) “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” John 6.6 (ESV) He [Jesus] said this to test him [Philip], for He Himself knew what he would do. Jesus is going to test me… stretch me… If I'm too comfortable or too inflexible, I short-circuit the transformation Jesus brings. John 6.9 (ESV) There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many? Jesus invites us to bring what little we have and watch Him multiply it beyond imagination. John 6.15 (ESV) Perceiving then that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by Himself. They tried to hijack his mission — so He left. Want Jesus to step back? Start treating Him like a sidekick to your kingdom. He doesn't stick around for that. Four hungers: • I hunger to see as Jesus sees. • I hunger to feel as Jesus feels. • I hunger to give like Jesus gives. • I hunger to join the work that only Jesus can do. When you partner with Jesus, the results are always bigger than your effort. Trust Him to do what only He can do.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise
POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP John 6.1-15 Dr. Gordon Dabbs John 6.2 (ESV) A large crowd was following Him, because they saw the signs that He was doing on the sick. Jesus had gone viral. But the people aren't coming to repent. They're coming to see what He'll do next. Then comes the problem: the crowd gets hungry. John 6.5 (ESV) “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” John 6.6 (ESV) He [Jesus] said this to test him [Philip], for He Himself knew what he would do. Jesus is going to test me… stretch me… If I'm too comfortable or too inflexible, I short-circuit the transformation Jesus brings. John 6.9 (ESV) There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many? Jesus invites us to bring what little we have and watch Him multiply it beyond imagination. John 6.15 (ESV) Perceiving then that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by Himself. They tried to hijack his mission — so He left. Want Jesus to step back? Start treating Him like a sidekick to your kingdom. He doesn't stick around for that. Four hungers: • I hunger to see as Jesus sees. • I hunger to feel as Jesus feels. • I hunger to give like Jesus gives. • I hunger to join the work that only Jesus can do. When you partner with Jesus, the results are always bigger than your effort. Trust Him to do what only He can do.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise
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“A Fierce Storm & Faithless Men”Mark 4:35-41Having recently completed our series “None Like Jesus” let's continue to “Behold Him” by embarking on a new study through the Gospel of Mark. Mark's Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels and it is action-packed from start to finish – as evidenced by the word “immediately” used over 40 times. Mark wrote to believers, probably Roman believers, who were no strangers to persecution. And he wanted to disciple his readers to be strong in their faith by encouraging them to look to their Mighty Messiah, the Son of God, who remained steadfastly faithful even while becoming their Suffering Servant who died for them. Mark's Gospel is a call to all believers to fearlessly “Follow Jesus” because they can trust Him completely.
Pastor Mattie Kahn from Northbrook Church visits with a message from John 18:28-40, where Pilate and the crowd at Jesus's trial reveal common barriers to recognizing the reality of what God is doing and intends for us to experience in relationship with Him.
Click to viewPeter, we need the strong encouragement of God's blessing in our lives. When we know that we are born again to a living hope, we are not easily discouraged. “Fire-tested faithful”
Even when our best efforts to obey Jesus lead to failure and hardship, He is present with us, working out His purposes, and calling us to take courage and not give up
Even when our best efforts to obey Jesus lead to failure and hardship, He is present with us, working out His purposes, and calling us to take courage and not give up
Even when our best efforts to obey Jesus lead to failure and hardship, He is present with us, working out His purposes, and calling us to take courage and not give up
Pastor Harrison Conley sits down with his father, Pastor Bayless Conley, for an honest conversation about success in ministry, spiritual longevity, and following Jesus in a world at war with biblical truth. Whether in ministry or simply trying to live for Jesus, this episode will encourage you to run your race with grace, conviction, and purpose.Note: The Grow+ Podcast will be taking a break from uploading over the summer, but will return with fresh conversations soon. Look out for new episodes coming this fall!
Scott, Kyle & Craig continue the series on Hebrews. They dive into this amazing letter that helps us understand the greatness of Jesus and challenging us to keep going in our faith in him. Following Jesus means to:Connect personally with Jesus every dayGrow intentionally with othersServe in your Sweet SpotShow Notes:BibleProject ArticleBible Project Hebrews VideoMike Winger Hebrews SeriesPodcast WebsiteMission Church MessagesFollow Mission Church:MC InstagramMC FacebookMC Website
On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee
Following Jesus means laying down self-interest and picking up a cross—not just once, but every single day.
On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee
Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 20:1-8 as part of our sermon series through the book of Luke: Following Jesus. Jesus faced a challenge from religious leaders questioning his authority, which reveals two foundations of his power: his identity as God's Son and his obedience to Scripture. As Christians, we should live under the same dual authority - our relationship with God and the guidance of Scripture. Other sources of authority like science, culture, or personal preference ultimately fail because they ignore our divine design. When we struggle in our faith, it's often because we've fallen into selective obedience, choosing which parts of God's Word to follow while ignoring others. True flourishing comes when we fully embrace God's authority in every area of life.
We all want approval... and the question we ask and wonder about is this: Does God approve of me?
On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee
In this Trinity Sunday and Father's Day message, Pastor Mark explores how truth isn't just something we learn—it's someone we follow. Rooted in John 16:12–15, this sermon invites us to embrace humility, community, and truth as essential parts of the Christian journey. You'll hear a powerful story about healing through slow truth-telling, unpack the mystery of the Trinity, and learn why intellectual humility and deep Christian community are crucial in a world obsessed with certainty and self-reliance.Whether you're seeking direction, healing from your past, or simply trying to grow in your walk with Christ, this message offers a Spirit-led roadmap for following Jesus—one step at a time.Key Themes: – Why the truth sometimes comes in stages – How the Holy Spirit guides us into deeper understanding – The danger of certainty disguised as faith – Why we can't grow in truth alone – A special word of encouragement for fathers and men of faithReady to say yes to the journey of truth? Press play and take the next step.
Description:June 15, 2025 | John 11:1–16 | Christ Community Church
The Savior's Standard Dr. Jacob Hawk Human nature seeks the least required. We want the bottom line. It's easy to adopt that same mindset toward faith. Matthew 18 unveils “The Savior's Standard” of forgiveness. It stretches our understanding and challenges our commitment, but it builds relationships that soar. Key Verses: - Matthew 18:21-35 - Galatians 6:10 Matthew 18:21-35 NIV Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him.Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,' he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.'The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.'“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,' he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Galatians 6:10 NIV Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise
The Savior's Standard Dr. Jacob Hawk Human nature seeks the least required. We want the bottom line. It's easy to adopt that same mindset toward faith. Matthew 18 unveils “The Savior's Standard” of forgiveness. It stretches our understanding and challenges our commitment, but it builds relationships that soar. Key Verses: - Matthew 18:21-35 - Galatians 6:10 Matthew 18:21-35 NIV Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him.Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,' he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.'The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.'“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,' he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Galatians 6:10 NIV Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise
The sermon explored Jesus' response to those demanding a sign, emphasizing the importance of having an open heart towards God. We delved into the contrast between the hardened hearts of the Pharisees and the receptive attitudes of unlikely believers like the Ninevites and the Queen of Sheba. Most importantly, we discussed Jesus' ultimate sign - His resurrection - and its profound implications for our faith and lives.
The sermon explored Jesus' response to those demanding a sign, emphasizing the importance of having an open heart towards God. We delved into the contrast between the hardened hearts of the Pharisees and the receptive attitudes of unlikely believers like the Ninevites and the Queen of Sheba. Most importantly, we discussed Jesus' ultimate sign - His resurrection - and its profound implications for our faith and lives.
On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee
"God's Kingdom: Veiled and Vast"Mark 4:26-34Having recently completed our series “None Like Jesus” let's continue to “Behold Him” by embarking on a new study through the Gospel of Mark. Mark's Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels and it is action-packed from start to finish – as evidenced by the word “immediately” used over 40 times. Mark wrote to believers, probably Roman believers, who were no strangers to persecution. And he wanted to disciple his readers to be strong in their faith by encouraging them to look to their Mighty Messiah, the Son of God, who remained steadfastly faithful even while becoming their Suffering Servant who died for them. Mark's Gospel is a call to all believers to fearlessly “Follow Jesus” because they can trust Him completely.
How does culture's call to follow our dreams connect with Jesus's call to follow him? As we close out our dreaming series, we'll look at Jesus's own longing - God's Kingdom coming to earth. Does the narrow path of following Jesus have space for dreaming?- Series Description -What dreams do we have for our life? Are they God's dreams or our dreams? Both? Sometimes, we protect God from our own dreams, wondering if we gave into his ways and will if he would squelch our true desires. Other times, we give up on dreams understanding the call to discipleship to mean that dreams are for yesteryear. There is another way. Throughout the scriptures, God hints at what his true dream is and ways humans can partner with God with their own longings. This involves knowing God's heart, learning to wait, expecting opposition, and pairing our dreams with a call to obedience.
Pastor Kurt takes a deep dive in John 8:1–11, where a woman caught in adultery is undeniably guilty, yet instead of condemnation, Jesus extends grace—highlighting both the reality of guilt and the power of mercy.
Pastor Greg Laurie brings us wisdom gained over the course of his life—both before and after coming to faith. With his son Jonathan, he reflects on his traumatic upbringing, most difficult moments, and even the good, like finding God and living with Him by his side. See all the things an older Greg would tell a younger Greg if he could. Topics covered: Practical advice - Intro Knowing it’s going to be OK (childhood trauma) - 04:04 Putting God first & spiritual success - 17:31 Dealing with life’s worries - 30:44 Being thankful, even in hardship - 35:03 Not wasting pain (losing a child) - 41:50 Having integrity & practicing what we preach - 45:57 Handling hurt with forgiveness - 49:24 --- Become a Harvest Partner this month and receive Life Hacks, Pastor Greg Laurie’s thoughtful book in which he imparts years of wisdom gathered as a Christ-follower, pastor, evangelist, husband, and more.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pastor Greg Laurie brings us wisdom gained over the course of his life—both before and after coming to faith. With his son Jonathan, he reflects on his traumatic upbringing, most difficult moments, and even the good, like finding God and living with Him by his side. See all the things an older Greg would tell a younger Greg if he could. Topics covered: Practical advice - Intro, 00:00 Knowing it’s going to be OK (childhood trauma) - 04:05 Putting God first & spiritual success - 17:31 Dealing with life’s worries - 30:45 Being thankful, even in hardship - 35:04 Not wasting pain (losing a child) - 41:50 Having integrity & practicing what we preach - 45:58 Handling hurt with forgiveness - 49:24 --- Become a Harvest Partner this month and receive Life Hacks, Pastor Greg Laurie’s thoughtful book in which he imparts years of wisdom gathered as a Christ-follower, pastor, evangelist, husband, and more.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode Summary:Today is June 14, 2025, a day that will live in infamy. A sitting United States president is hosting a military-style parade in Washington D.C. that every crack-pot dictator from Adolf Hitler to Vladimir Putin would admire. Making matters worse, since re-gaining power in January, Trump's regime has dismantled democracy, extended the power of the presidency, suspended habeas corpus, and unlawfully detained and deported thousands of immigrants. Trump's manufactured chaos is designed to evoke a violent response. “Following the example of other authoritarians, Donald Trump wants us to burn cars. He wants us to throw rocks. He wants images of chaos — especially violence against police or National Guard troops — to flood the evening news,” writes In These Times. He wants blood in the streets. We can't give it to him or he wins. In response to Trump's daily attack on democracy and his disgusting display of military might, a coalition of over 200 progressive organizations—including the ACLU, Indivisible, and the American Federation of Teachers—has organized a nationwide protest movement called “No Kings.” Millions of Americans are expected to turn out today at over 1,800 locations across the country, deliberately avoiding Washington, D.C., to emphasize grassroots, nonviolent resistance.Speaking truth to power and resisting the principalities and rulers of this world is the faithful response to empire. As God's people, resistance is in our DNA. According to pastor Robin Meyers in his book Spiritual Defiance, “Our Gospel was birthed in resistance to the brutal normalcy of the Roman Empire.” The more things change, the more they stay the same. Like the founder of our faith, we find ourselves living under the boot of an evil empire. How do we respond? What forms of resistance are available to us? Is violence ever justified? Contrary to what many assume, nonviolent resistance isn't meekness in the face of evil. It is the courageous and oftentimes creative task of disarmament. Nonviolent resistance is a way to fight against injustice without using violence. It is using the transformative force of love to resist oppression. The first Christians understood nonviolence to be the sin qua non of discipleship. So much so that there wasn't even a word for pacifism during the first four centuries of Christianity. To call yourself Christian meant you were universally nonviolent. Following Jesus then and following Jesus now means we will find ourselves in opposition to empire. In the following weeks and months, the need to confront Trump's evil regime will continue. But how we resist is just as important as the resistance itself. As tempting as it will be, returning evil for evil will only result in greater oppression. To help us better understand the transformative power of nonviolence, I'm joined on the show today by Dr. Jesse Nickel. Jesse gives a clear and convincing argument that the gospels present Jesus as a nonviolent revolutionary. What can we learn from the way Jesus resisted and confronting the empire of his day? Unlike his prophetic movement, will we return evil for evil? Will we fall into the imperial trap of fight or flight? Or, will we learn how to tap into the ancient model of nonviolent resistance to topple Trump's regime?As you go out today with courage to confront Trumpism, take this episode along with you. Listen to the plea for nonviolent resistance. Understand the power of taking on suffering rather than inflicting suffering. And rest in the peace and power that God has been dismantling empires for over 6,000 years. Amen.Please Follow us on social media (use the buttons below) and help us get the word out! (Also, please don't hesitate to use any of these channels or email to contact us with any questions, concerns, or feedback.)If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and a review, or share on your socials
I'd love to hear from you. Send me a text! :)Have you ever thought to yourself…I'm following Jesus, so why does life still feel so hard?If so, you're not alone. Today, we're diving into a powerful truth: Jesus never promised ease, but He did promise joy. And if you've been missing that joy lately… this episode is for you.
Scott, Kyle & Craig continue the series on Hebrews. They dive into this amazing letter that helps us understand the greatness of Jesus and challenging us to keep going in our faith in him. Following Jesus means to:Connect personally with Jesus every dayGrow intentionally with othersServe in your Sweet SpotShow Notes:BibleProject ArticleBible Project Hebrews VideoMike Winger Hebrews SeriesPodcast WebsiteMission Church MessagesFollow Mission Church:MC InstagramMC FacebookMC Website
Jonathan Isaac is an NBA player, but more importantly he's a courageous follower of Jesus. While he lives in a culture that doesn't promote holiness, he chooses to live differently. We talk about difficult decisions he's had to make and how they have impacted his life!
Fr. Mike emphasizes that following Jesus as his disciples requires remarkable humility, faith, purity of heart, and courage. Today's readings are Mark 7-8 and Psalm 23. 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.