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Join my Patreon community to listen my Extra Innings where I respond to egalitarian critiques from Dr. Beth Allison Barr and more! Preston's book From Genesis to Junia: An Honest Search for What the Bible Really Says about Women in Leadership has been out for 3 months and has received many positive reviews--but also some critical ones. In this episode, Preston responds to some of the critiques he's received, focusing largely on John Whittaker's critical response. Preston has responded to John's review on his blog.Learn more about the NLT hereRead John Whittakers Blog hereRead Preston's Response hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Preston's book From Genesis to Junia: An Honest Search for What the Bible Really Says about Women in Leadership has been out for 3 months and has recieved many positive reviews--but also some critical ones. In this episode, Preston responds to some of the critiques he's recived, focusing largely on Tom Schreiner's critical review. Preston has also written a response to Tom Schreiner's review.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What if the stars were never meant to tell you your future?In this episode, Joel explores the mysterious Biblical concept of the Mazzaroth—the Hebrew zodiac mentioned in the Book of Job—and examines whether the constellations were originally intended to declare God's plan of redemption rather than serve as tools of divination. From Genesis and Enoch to Psalm 19 and Revelation, we follow an ancient celestial narrative that many believe was corrupted after Babel and transformed into modern astrology.Along the way, we investigate the Watchers' connection to astrology in the Book of Enoch, the Biblical condemnation of divination, the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve signs of the Mazzaroth, and the controversial "Gospel in the Stars" theory.Are the heavens simply beautiful creations of God, or do they contain a message that has been hidden in plain sight since the beginning?Merchandise: https://freetherabbits.myshopify.comBuy Me A Coffee: DonateFollow: Website | Instagram | X | FacebookWatch: YouTube | RumbleMusic: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music Films: https://merkelfilms.com Email: freetherabbitspodcast@gmail.comDistributed by: merkel.mediaIntro Music:Joel Thomas – Free The RabbitsYouTube | Spotify | Apple MusicOutro Music:Joel Thomas – GreyYouTube | Spotify | Apple MusicTopics Discussed:Mazzaroth, Biblical Zodiac, Job 38:32, Gospel in the Stars, Psalm 19, Genesis 3:15, The Seed of the Woman, The Lion of Judah, Twelve Tribes of Israel, Twelve Signs of the Zodiac, Hebrew Constellations, Astronomy vs Astrology, Astrology in the Bible, Divination, Isaiah 47, Deuteronomy 18, Jeremiah 10, 1 Enoch Chapter 8, Watchers, Fallen Angels, Tower of Babel, Ancient Mesopotamia, Orion, Pleiades, Arcturus, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Sacred Geometry, Merkaba, Tetrahedron, Celestial Signs, Biblical Cosmology, End Times Prophecy, Revelation, Psalm 8, Psalm 97, Numbers 24, The Star of Jacob, Ancient Astronomy, Joseph Seiss, E.W. Bullinger
Send us Fan MailBefore we dive into the Psalms, we need to understand how the original audience viewed Scripture.The Bible was written in a different language, in a different land, during a different time period. Every time we open its pages, we are stepping into another culture. While God's Word speaks to us today, understanding its original context helps us hear it more clearly.In this episode, we explore what the Bible is: a historical theological narrative. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture tells one unified story about God working through real people, real places, and real events to reveal who He is and what He is doing in the world.We also examine how Jesus and the Jewish people organized and understood the Scriptures through the Tanakh—the Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). By looking at the structure of the Hebrew Bible, we discover how these three sections work together to tell one cohesive story and how that arrangement can deepen our understanding of books like Psalms.Finally, we take a fast-paced journey through the Old Testament story. From creation and covenant, to the Exodus, the kingdom, exile, and the promises of restoration, we trace the unfolding story of the God of Israel and His commitment to dwell among His people. Along the way, we see why Israel longed for the coming Messiah and how the Writings—including Psalms—help God's people wrestle with suffering, faithfulness, wisdom, worship, and hope while waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled.This episode lays the foundation for our Psalms series by helping us read Scripture as one unified story centered on God. Understanding that larger story will help us better understand where the Psalms fit, what questions they are addressing, and how they continue to shape the faith of God's people today.Parents: As you listen, consider asking your children, "What do you think the Bible is about?" Their answer may open the door to conversations about how all of Scripture points to God's faithfulness and His desire to dwell with His peopleJoin us for a summer of Psalms. If you want the FREE hand outs that go along with this series, sign up for our newsletter at our website. Our website is The Context and Color of the BibleWe are on Facebook - The Context and Color of the Bible | FacebookWe are on Instagram - @contextandcolorofthebibleWe are on YouTube - The Context and Color of the Bible - YouTubeMusic: Tabuk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4453-tabukLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Adults and Kids have spent the week learning who our great God is by EXPLORING HIS NATURE! *God is our Creator*God knows everything and is our safe place*God is love*God is forever.**From Genesis to Revelation, we surved the whole of Bible to explore the nature of God and what that means for us in our everyday. We see in the beginning how God is the only one who can create from nothing. Each of us has been created in His image reflecting the artistry of our amazing **Creator** God. In the Psalms we learned an incredible truths; **God knows every single thing about us and that we are safe in His presence and promises.** When Jesus came to earth He fulfilled so many promises and demonstrated the power of God's love for His creation. **God's love is more powerful than anything!** We see in Revelation that God's Kingdom, love, and promises will never end. **God's presence is everlasting and He will be the Shepherd of His people forever**. ------------------------Celebrate with us these truths that are for all ages and stages of life. From children to adults, we all can rest on the unchanging, amazing nature of God! Let us give thanks and praise to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever!------------------------Prepare for this week's teaching by reading **Psalm 103, 139, 136, and 115**
In This Episode:In this continuing series on Spiritual Authority, Terry and Reneé Mize go back to the beginning and examine God's original plan for mankind. From Genesis 1:26, we discover that authority, dominion, and stewardship were part of God's design from the very start.Many believers see themselves as victims of circumstances, but Scripture reveals something very different. God created man with purpose, authority, and responsibility in the earth. Understanding this foundational truth changes how we approach faith, prayer, spiritual warfare, and daily life.In this episode you'll discover:• Why dominion originated with God• What authority was given to mankind in Genesis• The difference between God's power and delegated authority• Why understanding dominion affects every area of life• How believers can walk confidently in God's original purposeIf you've ever wondered why spiritual authority matters or what God's plan for mankind really was, this teaching will strengthen your faith and deepen your understanding of Scripture.
The biggest topic of discussion in Episode 15 is the difference between the “birthright” and the “blessing,” and how they are both shadows of Messiah's administration and fulfillment.Much of modern theology today treats “birthright” and “blessing” as if they are interchangeable terms and ideas, and while they are related, they are also presented in Scripture with distinct roles with different purposes and functions. By tracing these themes from the patriarchs through the prophets, we examine how the birthright relates to inheritance and the expansion of the covenant family, while the blessing relates to rulership, covenant authority, and kingship. Joseph receives the birthright, while Judah receives the scepter. The birthright belongs to inheritance, and the blessing belongs to rulership. Throughout Israel's history, these roles remain distinct until they are ultimately fulfilled and united in Messiah.This episode will shed a whole new light on “I did not come to abolish the torah, but to fulfill it...”Joseph Receives the Birthright:Joseph's life foreshadows Yahusha: rejected by his brothers, sold for silver, suffered unjustly, and later exalted to preserve life. His birthright inheritance points forward to Messiah, the true firstborn heir. The author of Hebrews declares that Yahusha is "heir of all things" and the "firstborn among many brethren." Understanding His inheritance is essential to understanding our inheritance in Him.The birthright given through Joseph (and Ephraim) reveals something much larger than we think. Ephraim's blessing of fruitfulness and branches extending “beyond their borders” points forward to the expansion of the covenant family itself. We will cover that in the next episode, Yah willing. The promise that Ephraim's seed would become a multitude of nations finds its fulfillment in Messiah, who restores scattered Israel and gathers both natural and wild branches into one covenant family.Messiah does not erase Israel's promises or redefine them or “spiritualize them” to the “church.” He fulfills them. And through Him, the inheritance promised in Scripture expands exactly as the prophets foretold.Blessing to Abraham, carried through Judah, confirmed in David, fulfilled in Messiah—the promised “Seed”:This episode will also discuss the blessing given through Abraham, carried through Judah, confirmed in David, and fulfilled in Yahusha. Scripture reveals a covenant promise that we have covered in detail so far: a coming “Seed” who would inherit the throne forever, bless all families, and rule the nations. This is the blessing fulfilled in Messiah's kingship.From Genesis 49's prophecy of Shiloh to the Davidic Covenant, from Zion and Shiloh to the restoration of the fallen Tabernacle of David, my hope is that we can more clearly trace the prophetic thread that points to the One who would bring together what had been divided. There is so much more I want to say about the significance of this episode. The birthright belongs to Joseph/Ephraim. The kingship belongs to Judah. The priesthood belongs to Levi.No single tribe could lawfully hold all three positions. That is why Messiah ministers according to the order of Melchizedek.As King, Priest, and Heir, Yahusha alone fulfills the birthright, the blessing, and the priesthood without abolishing or redefining ANY of them. Through Him, inheritance, covenant, and priestly service are united under a higher administration. This is how believers inherit through Messiah without replacing Israel. In this study, we examine how these shadows/patterns reveal the gospel, magnify the promises made to Abraham, and help us understand what it means to be part of the assembly of the true Firstborn (Hebrews 12:22-23). Yah bless you and your studies. Visit my website: www.promise-perspective.comFollow on Instagram: @the_promise_perspective Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/promiseperspective Donate on Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/stephanie-green0611Donate on PayPal: http://paypal.me/stephaniegreentppDonate on Patreon: http://patreon.com/thepromiseperspective Your support is greatly appreciated ❤️Contact me: stephanie@promise-perspective.comSupport the show
What if the greatest battle you're facing right now isn't happening around you… but inside you?In this powerful Christian message, Mike Stone breaks down the real war for your mind — how the enemy twists truth through fear, accusation, distraction, anxiety, shame, and spiritual deception.From Genesis to the words of Jesus, Scripture reveals that spiritual warfare often begins with a thought: “Did God really say?”If you've been struggling with:overthinkingfearspiritual exhaustionanxietycondemnationmental battlesdistractionintrusive thoughtsfeeling distant from God…this video is for you.In this episode of Truth Behind the Mike, we explore:✔ How Satan distorts truth✔ The difference between conviction and accusation✔ Why so many Christians feel spiritually drained✔ How strongholds form in the mind✔ What the Bible says about spiritual warfare✔ Practical biblical ways to fight backThe enemy wants agreement with lies.But Jesus offers freedom through truth.“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32If this video encouraged you, share it with someone fighting silent battles right now.Subscribe for more biblical truth, Christian encouragement, spiritual warfare teaching, apologetics, faith-based commentary, and hope-filled conversations.#Christian #SpiritualWarfare #BibleTeaching #Faith #Jesus #TruthBehindTheMikeSend us Fan MailSupport the showWatch these podcasts on YouTube!Follow Us!YouTube: @behindthemikepodcastInstagram: @behindthemikepodcastTikTok: @behind_the_mike_podcastFacebook: @behindthemikepodcast
Friendship in Marriage | Song of Solomon 5:10–16Marriage is more than romance, responsibility, or commitment. At its best, marriage is friendship — the kind of friendship that helps each person become more like Jesus.In this message, Pastor CJ and Nicole Witkoe bring together key themes from the friendship series and apply them to marriage. Looking at Song of Solomon 5:16, where the bride describes her beloved as both “my lover” and “my friend,” this message explores how friendship strengthens marriage through companionship, investment, encouragement, and shared mission.Marriage was designed by God to bring out the best in one another. But because of sin, companionship can become competition. Instead of championing each other, couples can drift into comparison, control, criticism, and distance. This message invites husbands and wives to rediscover what it means to stand side by side, celebrate each other's strengths, walk through grief together, and build the Kingdom as a team.From Genesis 2 to Proverbs 18, from Jesus' circles of intimacy to the example of Priscilla and Aquila, this sermon shows that deep friendship in marriage does not happen by accident. It takes time, attention, reassurance, celebration, mission, and the willingness to keep choosing the person beside you.The goal is not simply to have a better date night. The goal is to build a marriage where your spouse is not just your partner, but your beloved friend.In this message: Why who you are with shapes where you are going How marriage was designed for side-by-side companionship Why sin turns companionship into competition What it means to champion your spouse instead of compete with them Why deep friendship requires intentional investment How to celebrate the mountains and grieve in the gardens together What Priscilla and Aquila teach us about marriage on mission Why friendship with your spouse points to friendship with God Whether you are married, preparing for marriage, or hoping to grow in your understanding of godly relationships, this message is an invitation to see marriage as a place where love, friendship, discipleship, and mission come together.Scripture: Song of Solomon 5:10–16 Message Title: Friendship in Marriage Speakers: Pastor CJ Witkoe and Nicole Witkoe Core theme: Marriage is about championing the person beside you.
What is the Kingdom of God, and why does it matter for professionals, leaders, and culture-shapers today? In this inaugural installment of Kingdom Kultural Konversations, Bishop Michael Blue is joined by Bishop Marcus Benjamin for a thought-provoking discussion on the Kingdom of God as the governing reality behind all of life. Together, they explore how a Kingdom worldview transforms the way we see ourselves, our purpose, leadership, business, discipleship, and culture. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture presents the Kingdom of God not as a religious trend or popular phrase, but as God's eternal design for humanity. Discover why Jesus centered His ministry on the Kingdom, what biblical dominion truly means, and how discipleship reshapes the lens through which we interpret reality. If you desire to lead effectively, serve faithfully, and understand your calling through God's perspective, this conversation will challenge and equip you.
From Genesis to the resurrection, Scripture reveals something powerful about women in the Kingdom of God.In this message, Lisa Schwarz unpacks God's original design for women, the spiritual hostility aimed against them, and the liberation Jesus brought through the Gospel. From Eve in Eden to Mary at the tomb, we see a consistent pattern: Jesus honored, restored, empowered, and commissioned women.This isn't about culture wars or feminism. It's about returning to God's original intent.Religion may have pushed women to the sidelines, but Jesus continually brought them back into the room.If you've ever questioned your value, your voice, your calling, or your place in the Kingdom — this message is for you.It's time for women to arise. It's time to be unshackled.Women in Ministry YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaMLikcR9YvZFXZ5mRpKnQsHL5ejPsecO&si=Z1r63a_xQlCdU2n6 Stay connected: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/buFNYvv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Seminary Update and Book Reviews: Women in Leadership, Political Exile, and Healing or Harm from Misused Scripture Diana shares an update on her seminary studies toward a Master of Divinity to become a hospital chaplain. She explains why she has not republished older episodes and then recommends three books: Preston Sprinkle's From Genesis to Junia, which she is midway through and says is readable yet scholarly on what the Bible says about women in leadership, highlighting many biblical women and themes of servant leadership; Sprinkle's Exiles, on Christians' identity as foreigners whose allegiance is to King Jesus rather than partisan politics; and Dr. Steven Tracy's To Heal Or Harm, focused on how misused scripture can wound abuse survivors and how to apply the Bible redemptively. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:33 Life Update and School 06:09 Colorado Conference Plug 07:12 Making Time to Read 08:26 Book Review Genesis to Junia 12:18 Women Leaders in Scripture 22:49 Book Review Exiles 28:04 Book Review To Heal Or Harm 34:22 Mending the Soul Mission 36:43 Wrap Up and Resources 38:57 Closing and Subscribe
Welcome to Day 2871 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Welcome to Day 2866 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Interacting with the Spirit: Discernment and Devotion. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2871 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2871 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website theologyinfive.com. Today's lesson is titled: Does “Be Not Afraid” Really Appear 365 Times in the Bible? Upon closer examination, this claim falls apart. While the Bible certainly emphasizes trust in God and regularly urges believers not to be afraid, the specific phrase count does not match the poetic number. The truth is more nuanced and perhaps even more meaningful than the myth. Our first segment is: What the Text Actually Says When we examine the biblical text across multiple translations, the number of occurrences is far lower than 365. Although the Bible consistently calls God's people to trust Him, the phrase “be not afraid,” along with its close equivalents such as “fear not” or “do not be afraid,” shows up far less frequently than the popular claim suggests. New International Version (NIV): Fewer than 100 English Standard Version (ESV): Around 80 New King James Version (NKJV): Slightly over 70 These variations come from differences in translation philosophy, sentence structure, and idiomatic rendering. But across the board, none of them even come close to the fabled 365. Even when generously including all possible rephrasings and scattered verses that convey the idea indirectly, the number still does not reach that mark. Our second segment is: How the Myth Spread The origin of the 365-phrase myth is difficult to pin down, but it likely arose from a sincere desire to encourage. The number fits neatly into our calendar, and the message aligns with central biblical themes of faith, courage, and divine reassurance. In sermons, devotionals, or motivational talks, it serves as a tidy and memorable way to inspire trust in God's daily presence. But what begins as a poetic summary often becomes misunderstood as fact. Over time, the statement was repeated so often that many assumed it was grounded in textual reality. The emotional impact of the claim allowed it to bypass the usual filters of verification. It became popular because it felt true, not because it was true. Our Third Segment is: Why Accuracy Still Matters Some might argue that the exact number does not matter as long as the message is uplifting. But in matters of faith, accuracy is not a luxury. It is a responsibility. When a believer discovers that a frequently repeated claim is false or exaggerated, it can lead to disappointment, confusion, or even doubt. Trust in Scripture should not be built on clever slogans or numerical myths, but on the richness of what the text actually says. The deeper danger is not the mistake itself but the habit it encourages. Repeating unverified claims, even with good intentions, trains people to depend on secondhand summaries instead of firsthand study. It makes them more susceptible to emotional appeals and less equipped to test what they hear. Truth may not always be as poetic, but it is always more powerful. Our fourth segment is: What the Bible Really Emphasizes The beauty of Scripture is that it does not need embellishment. Even though the phrase “be not afraid” does not appear 365 times, the theme of divine reassurance is woven throughout the entire narrative. From Genesis to Revelation, God tells His people not to fear. Not because trouble will not come, but because He is with them in the midst of it. Abraham is told not to fear because God is his shield. Moses is told not to fear Pharaoh. Joshua is told not to fear the enemies in Canaan. The prophets speak words of courage to a nation in exile. Jesus tells His disciples not to be afraid of those who kill the body. And the final chapters of Revelation show a people who overcome fear through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. The command not to fear is not a one-time sentiment. It is a constant posture of faith in the face of a broken world. And while it may not be repeated every single day in exact words, it is echoed on nearly every page. In Conclusion The claim that the Bible says “be not afraid” 365 times may sound nice, but it simply is not true. That does not mean the message is wrong, only that it should not rely on a false statistic. The call to trust God and live without fear is one of the Bible's most persistent and powerful themes. Rather than grounding our confidence in a feel-good myth, we are invited into something more enduring. A life shaped by real engagement with the Word, where faith grows through truth and not through repetition.bWhat God has actually said is more than enough. For further study, consider these Discussion Questions How does learning the true frequency of “be not afraid” in Scripture impact your view of the phrase's importance? Why do you think people are so drawn to neat or poetic claims like “365 times for 365 days”? Can sincere but inaccurate statements weaken a person's trust in biblical teaching? Why or why not? What are some ways we can guard against spreading misinformation while still encouraging others? How does personal study of the Bible help believers grow in both truth and discernment? Join us next Theology Thursday to learn Progressive Christianity and the Northern Kingdom: A Repeated Rebellion. If you found this podcast insightful, please subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.' Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal. As we take this Trek of life together, let us always: Liv Abundantly. Love Unconditionally. Listen Intentionally. Learn Continuously. Lend to others Generously. Lead with Integrity. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day. I am Guthrie Chamberlain, reminding you to, “Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy your journey, and create a great day, every day! Join me next time for more daily wisdom!
The Covenant Necessity of Judgment in Scripture | KIB 532 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Description What does the Bible REALLY teach about judgment? In Episode 531 of the Kingdom Intelligence Briefing, Dr. Michael and Mary Lou Lake explore a critical truth that much of the modern Church avoids: judgment is not separate from covenant — it is part of covenant. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals that God's judgments are not contradictions of His love, but manifestations of His covenant faithfulness, holiness, and justice. Dr. Lake takes a deep theological dive into the covenantal necessity of judgment, exposing how modern Christianity has embraced blessing without accountability, grace without holiness, and power without purification. Mary Lou shares a powerful word on God as our Sustainer — the One who preserves, nourishes, strengthens, and carries His remnant through every trial. Together, they discuss spiritual warfare, covenant fidelity, holiness, discernment, the coming purification of the Church, and the urgent need for the remnant to prepare for the days ahead. This is a sobering but hope-filled message for believers seeking truth, discernment, and covenant alignment with the Kingdom of God. In this episode: • The covenantal nature of divine judgment • Why grace does NOT remove accountability • How covenant and judgment work together in Scripture • The role of holiness in the last days • Why judgment begins in the house of God • The purification of the remnant • Spiritual warfare and covenant fidelity • The danger of counterfeit Christianity • God's sustaining power in difficult seasons • Revelation, Babylon, and covenant lawsuit theology • Why purification must precede power The remnant is being prepared. Now is the time to walk in truth, holiness, discernment, and covenant obedience.
What really happened on Pentecost—and why does it still matter today? In this powerful Pentecost Sunday sermon, we explore the “Promise of the Father” and what it means to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. From Genesis to Acts, this message shows how God's plan always included empowering believers with His Spirit. Jesus said it was better that He go away so the Holy Spirit could come. Why? Because the Holy Spirit doesn't just live within us—He empowers us with “dunamis” (explosive, miracle-working power) to live boldly and be witnesses for Christ. In this message, you'll discover: - What the Bible really teaches about the Holy Spirit - The difference between salvation and Spirit baptism - Why the Day of Pentecost changed everything - The purpose of speaking in tongues - How to receive the Holy Spirit today “Life is better with the Holy Spirit—and ministry explodes with the Holy Spirit.” 🙏 At the end of this message, there is a time of prayer for those who want to receive or be refreshed in the Holy Spirit. 📖 Key Scriptures: Genesis 15, Genesis 22 Galatians 3:13–14 Acts 1–2, Acts 8, Acts 19 1 Corinthians 14 Luke 11:13
In 1 Peter 5:8–9, Peter closes his letter with a serious warning for suffering Christians: be sober-minded and watchful because the devil is real. Writing to believers facing persecution across the Roman world, Peter reminds them that they are not only enduring earthly opposition but are living in the middle of a spiritual battle. Scripture consistently reveals Satan as a deceiver, accuser, tempter, and enemy who opposes God's truth, attacks God's people, and seeks to destroy faith. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible shows the reality of this adversary and his ongoing war against the people of God. At the same time, this passage points believers to hope and confidence in Christ. Christians are called to resist the devil by standing firm in the faith, remembering they are not alone in their suffering. The enemy may prowl like a roaring lion, but he does not have the ultimate say. Jesus Christ is the sovereign, victorious Savior who came to destroy the works of the devil through His death and resurrection. Our refuge, deliverer, and eternal victory are found in Christ alone, the Lamb of God who rescues His people and secures their future forever. ________________________________________ Links to Sermon Notes & Answers: ➤Sermon Notes (Blank): https://www.sheridanhills.org/_files/ugd/30fec2_0e442a7b762846a48a034a4f59d58185.pdf ➤Sermon Notes (Answers): https://www.sheridanhills.org/_files/ugd/30fec2_0d696b9c9c5f43b1be0567aa8103841c.pdf ________________________________________ In this video: Review of previous sermons in series Main Points Application ________________________________________ Subscribe to this channel to catch weekly expositional sermons from the Bible. ________________________________________ Explore more sermons and information: https://www.sheridanhills.org/watch-new ________________________________________ Follow us: ➤Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheridanhills/ ➤Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheridanhills01 ➤Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheridanhills/
What can the life of Abraham teach us about God's promises, Israel, and the future of mankind? In this episode of the Bible and Theology Matters series on biblical characters study, Dr. Paul Weaver welcomes Christopher Katulka and Steve Herzig for an in-depth discussion on Abraham, the father of the Jewish people.Together, they unpack the historical and spiritual significance of the Abrahamic Covenant, exploring why God chose Abraham, the meaning of the land promises, the unconditional nature of God's covenant, and how Israel remains central to God's prophetic plan. From Genesis 12 and Genesis 15 to the binding of Isaac in Genesis 22, this conversation highlights themes of faith, obedience, salvation, and God's unwavering faithfulness.The episode also connects to previous discussions on Israel, Jewish history, and biblical prophecy, helping listeners understand why the nation of Israel remains vital in Scripture and God's redemptive story.Whether you're studying Bible prophecy, Old Testament theology, or the connection between Israel and the Church, this episode offers rich biblical insight and practical encouragement for believers today.Sources & ReferencesFriends of Israel Gospel MinistryFaith Affirming FindingsImage Citation: Wikimedia Commons Image SourceSupport the Ministry TripHelp support this ministry trip and the ongoing mission of sharing biblical truth and gospel-centered teaching around the world. Your generosity makes future ministry opportunities and outreach possible.❤️ Give here: https://www.fim.org/give/weaver
Send us Fan MailIn Episode 8 of the Ask A Pastor Podcast, we tackle one of the most talked-about—and most misunderstood—topics in today's culture: sex.What does the Bible actually say about sex, purity, lust, pornography, marriage, singleness, and sexual brokenness? Is Christianity just about rules and restriction, or is there something deeper behind God's design?In a world that treats sex as casual, Scripture reveals that sex is sacred, powerful, and deeply connected to covenant, intimacy, and worship. From Genesis to the words of Jesus, this episode explores how God created sex not to shame us, but to protect us, connect us, and point us toward something greater.We discuss:• Why sex was God's idea from the beginning• Why the Bible places sex inside marriage• How lust and pornography shape the heart• The spiritual and emotional impact of sexual sin• God's grace for people carrying shame, regret, addiction, or brokenness• Practical encouragement for both married couples and single ChristiansNo matter your past, your struggle, or your questions, this conversation is centered on both truth and grace. Because Jesus doesn't just expose brokenness—He restores people.God's design for sex isn't about restriction—it's about redemption, protection, and covenant love.Support the show
This week we wrapped up our “Big Picture” series by turning to the final two chapters of the Bible — Revelation 21–22. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture tells one unified story: creation, fall, rescue, redemption, and restoration. Pastor Russ explores how the Bible ends where it began — with God dwelling among His people in a renewed creation. Along the way, we look at the connection between Eden and the New Heavens and New Earth, the symbolism of Revelation, and the hope Christians have in the resurrection and restoration of all things through Jesus. This message reminds us that the story of Scripture is not ultimately about fear or speculation, but about hope: in the end, God wins.
Darryl unpacks the life of Abraham and the beautiful truth that God calls us His friends. From Genesis 15, we're reminded to come out of our tents, lift our eyes, and trust God's promises even in seasons of fear, loss, uncertainty, and unanswered questions. For up-to-date info, follow our socials: https://www.instagram.com/freedomchurchbenoni/https://www.facebook.com/FreedomChurchBenoniMore episodes on all podcast platforms and our YouTube channel:Follow the link below, or search "freedom church Benoni" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music, or YouTube Music!https://www.youtube.com/@freedomchurchbenoni/podcasts#freedomchurchbenoni #sundayfunday
The word “trees” shows up more than 200 times in the Bible. Discover why it may not just be “the heavens that declare the glory of God” but also trees.Receive The Bible mentions trees more than 200 times throughout the Old and New Testament. From Genesis to Psalms to Matthew and into Revelation, it seems as though many significant theological events in the Bible are marked by a tree. As we consider the significance behind many of the trees included throughout Scripture, may we discover that not only do the heavens declare the glory of God, but so do trees. As we ponder the crucial role trees play in how the story of the Bible is told, let's look for God's fingerprints wherever we see a tree or a branch or a bush or a root or some kind of fruit mentioned in a passage. And as we notice the trees in our world a little more, may they help point us to God. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Genesis 18:1 Genesis 21:33 Deuteronomy 16:21–22 Judges 9:8–15 1 Kings 19:4–5a Isaiah 11:1 Jeremiah 1:11 Ezekiel 17:24 Daniel 4:10–12 John 1:48–50 In Genesis 2:4–9 and Genesis 2:16–17 we read about the tree of knowledge. Why did God want to protect Adam and Eve from this one tree? How do Psalm 1:3, Psalm 52:8, Psalm 92:12, and Proverbs 15:4 describe what it looks like to be flourishing in our Christian life? What can we learn from the warning we read in Matthew 7:15–20? How do Acts 5:30, Romans 11:17–18, and Galatians 3:13 point to Jesus redeeming us from our sin? How do the mentions of the tree of life found in Revelation 2:7 and Revelation 22:1–2 encourage you? Based on Psalm 1:3, Matthew 7:15–20, Luke 6:43–45, and James 3:12, what are some of the signs of a good tree vs. a bad tree? Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Dear God, thank You for telling us of Your goodness and glory even through trees. Help me to think of Your lovingkindness, provision, and protection when I read about the beautiful array of trees in Scripture and see the trees You have placed along my path. Help me to join the heavens and trees in declaring Your glory!” Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: Reclaim Today: Prayers for Ordinary Moments The Hidden Life of Trees Listen: The Orchard The Connected Life Read: Wonder How Firm a Foundation Watch: How Nature Makes God Visible Becoming The Tree God Intends Us To Be
Text us your questions!We talk with Preston Sprinkle about his book From Genesis to Junia and the long road from a John MacArthur shaped complementarian framework to an egalitarian view that affirms women teaching, preaching, and leading in the church.We dig into the passages that always show up in this debate (especially 1 Timothy 2, along with Paul's wider world), but we keep pulling the camera back to ask harder questions about biblical interpretation and hermeneutics. Is the Bible a blank slate on gender roles, or does it carry the fingerprints of patriarchal ancient contexts even while pushing against them? What do we do with the fact that sincere Christians read the same Greek and Hebrew texts differently, and that those conclusions affect real people's lives and callings?Then we press into methodology and authority. Preston lays out why he treats Scripture as the ultimate authority for Christian theology, and Kyle challenges what that claim means when canon, interpretation, and experience are always in the mix. Randy brings the pastoral angle, asking how we deal with morally troubling texts and why “the Bible says it” is rarely the whole story. We also touch the “slippery slope” fear that egalitarianism automatically leads to affirming views on sexuality and why Preston thinks that framing misses the mark.If you're just done with engaging with conservative, Bible-based approaches to these kinds of questions, we get it. But if you care how folks with a voice in that world are talking about women pastors, egalitarianism vs complementarianism, biblical authority, deconstruction, or church power, this one will interest you.=====Want to support us?The best way is to subscribe to our Patreon. Annual memberships are available for a 10% discount.If you'd rather make a one-time donation, you can contribute through our PayPal.Other important info:Rate & review us on Apple & SpotifyFollow us on social media at @PPWBPodcastWatch & comment on YouTubeEmail us at pastorandphilosopher@gmail.comCheers!
Send us Fan MailStephanie takes the lead on this week's conversation as we discuss the fastest way to burnout: a life full of “good” yeses. We sit down with a question many Christian women quietly carry: how do I know whether I'm serving in God's will, or saying yes out of pressure, people pleasing, or a worn-out identity that can't stop producing? Using the Martha and Mary tension as a mirror, we talk about why it feels safer to pick a single label for ourselves, and why real maturity looks like letting God lead us into both action and stillness.We walk through a faith-based litmus test for discernment that is simpler than we'd like: the Word of God. From Genesis to the Gospels, God models work followed by rest and reflection, and Jesus repeatedly steps away from crowds to be with the Father, even when the need is endless. We also bring nervous system regulation down to earth with practical Christian wellness habits that matter: sleep, food, mindful eating, quiet time in creation, and leaving real white space in a schedule instead of stuffing it with one more task.Midlife gets a spotlight, too. Perimenopause and menopause can change stress resilience, exposing patterns that estrogen once helped us power through. We talk body signals, stewardship of the “temple,” and how tools like an Oura Ring or other health trackers can help you reconnect to cues you've been trained to ignore. If you're serving with a sincere heart but feel chronically depleted, we offer questions to guide you back to peace, boundaries, and communion with God.Listen, share this with a friend who needs permission to rest, and then subscribe, leave a review, and join the conversation with your biggest takeaway. We're so glad you're here. In this quick pause, Melissa shares why Heart & Soul Elevation exists, how Stephanie's and Melissa's coaching work together beautifully, and what you can expect along the way. From time to time, we'll pop in to invite you into things we're creating - always as an invitation, never a sales pitch. Thanks for listening. You belong here. Support the showConnect with Melissa: Lemon Balm Coaching or Women Connected FB CommunityConnect with Stephanie: SJP Health and Wellness or Be the BOSS, Be Well FB CommunityMusic by Adipsia
Pastor Colins Nwosu led the church in a deeply interactive session titled The Woman's Desire & The Man's Rule. The teaching and contributions explored God's original design for relationships, marriage, companionship, and responsibility before and after the fall of man. From Genesis 2:18, we were reminded that God created woman as a suitable helper and companion, establishing partnership and mutual purpose from the beginning. However, Genesis 3 revealed how sin distorted harmony, introducing struggle, tension, and conflict into relationships that were originally designed to reflect unity and order. The message also brought balance through Ephesians 5, emphasising that biblical leadership is not domination but sacrificial love, responsibility, and care. While wives are called to honour and respect their husbands, husbands are equally commanded to love, protect, nourish, and cherish their wives as Christ loves the Church. The session encouraged both men and women to understand God's design beyond culture, pride, or personal bias, and to build relationships rooted in love, honour, wisdom, and mutual submission to God's principles. Confession: Lord, help me to reflect Your wisdom, love, and purpose in every relationship. Teach me to walk in humility, honour, responsibility, and genuine care for others according to Your design
May 10, 2026: May God's words be spoken, may God's words be heard. Amen. Happy Mother's Day, and many good wishes to those celebrating. It is a joyous occasion for most – offering a time to appreciate the love of their moms with maybe flowers, a visit or a call, or some other way to thank them. For others, this is also a difficult day, or one that brings about mixed feelings at least. For they are those whose mother's have died, or those whose mothers are absent – in whatever way that may mean – or those mothers who have lost a child, or those women who could not have one. For these people Mother's Day can be troubling, awkward, or even painful. And if that is you, know that we, your parish family, are holding you in prayer. And so, as I say each year, that is that is why I like to think of today as less about Mothers specifically, and more about women – mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, nieces, aunts, and friends. Women who have been a part of our lives – nurturing, mentoring, loving, caring. That is what we really celebrate today – the journey of women – us, if we are women, and those women who have been a part of our lives. And there was a woman listening to St. Paul in the passage we heard today from the Acts of the Apostles, but you wouldn't know it based on the reading for this morning. As the story we heard goes, St. Paul was speaking before the Areopagus. What we didn't hear was why. See, while he was waiting for his preaching buds Silas and Tim to arrive in Athens (why is a whole other story), Paul had been walking around town seeing among the bustling city lots of monuments to various Gods, even an altar that, as he would later note, was inscribed with this: “to an unknown God.” As Paul does, he taught people in the synagogues and the streets about Jesus. Now, this is where the previous verses get funny, and why I think they should be included. It goes like this: “…some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers debated with him. Some said, “What does this pretentious babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign divinities.” … So they took him and brought him to the Areopagus and asked him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? It sounds rather strange to us, so we would like to know what it means.” Now all the Athenians and the foreigners living there would spend their time in nothing but telling or hearing something new.” That is part of what is missing from the story. The part we did hear was this… St. Paul then speaks before the council, mentions the bit about the “unknown God,” and in classic Paul style, uses their own poetry to counter the notion of such a thing. He quotes Aratus (a Cilician poet) in the phrase “For we also are his offspring,” and likely refers to Epimenides of Crete with the phrase “For in him we live and move and have our being” to counter the idea that any God would be unknown to their own creation. Socrates would have been proud of his use of their own words, and given that Paul was university educated, with excellence in rhetoric and debate which we see in his writings, it also isn't surprising. Then Paul told them about Jesus – about his life, death, and resurrection. For reasons that confound me, that is where the lectionary stops this reading. But on this day, when we celebrate the women in our lives, we need to hear, as the late Paul Harvey would say, “the rest of the story.” The text continues with this: “When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some scoffed, but others said, “We will hear you again about this.” At that point Paul left them. But some of them joined him and became believers, including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.” Now, there are are a few things to note about Damaris, especially on a day when we celebrate women. First, that she is mentioned at all by the author. In his book Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony, New Testament scholar Richard Bauckham argues that named individuals in the Gospels and Acts are not random, but rather were known to the early Christian communities as key witnesses, leaders, or teachers. This would be especially true of any women named. Second, some try to link Damaris by marriage to Dionysius, the other convert mentioned in this story. Nowhere does it say that, and the author of Luke-Acts, being a stickler as he was, would have done so if it had been the case. And third, is that she is standing there listening to St. Paul speak before the Areopagus in the first place. The Areopagus was a place for centuries where the learned, the most respected in that region, the most powerful, would listen to and debate ideas, pronounce judgements over serious criminal matters, and wrestle with larger questions of science, philosophy, & religion. Damaris would have had to have been wealthy, intellectually gifted, powerful, or all of the above. So, there is a lot for us in this larger story about St. Paul, a bunch of Greek philosophers and judges, and Dionysius and Damaris. And we need to hear it too, especially amidst all that is happening in the world today. For starters, there the inscription on the altar that Paul saw and spoke about. One wonders who constructed it, and why? As I was thinking about that, I was struck by this one part of the Psalm we heard today. The Psalmist speaks of God as one, “Who holds our souls in life.” Think of that for a moment. What does it mean that God is one that “holds your soul in life?” There is such a sense of care, of nurturing, of love in that imagery – and most of all – of knowing. That God knows us. The thing is, we hear this not only in that Psalm, but throughout the scriptures of our faith. We hear that same message, or something like it – over and over and over again in many different ways. From Genesis 1 to the final chapter of the Revelation to John, our scriptures remind us that, as those Greek poets Paul quoted made clear – God created us, and in God we have our very being – God holds our soul in life with great love. This is why at the Easter Vigil and in Lessons & Carols we get texts that span the entire bible – to tell the story of God's relationship with us through time as a reminder that our God didn't begin loving us when Jesus was born, but he was born to us because God has loved us from the beginning of time. That God does indeed hold our souls in life…or really, in love. And that type of relationship, the one God has with all of creation, rooted in unconditional love – means that God knows us – knows us deeply – even if God is unknown to us. All of which brings me back to whoever built that altar. The thing is – it wasn't built because they thought God doesn't exist. Why bother? No, it was built because they could sense God's presence – could sense that there was something larger than themselves – they just didn't know how to name what they were feeling. This was a seeker – something we all have been, and hopefully still are, or we wouldn't be here right now. We don't stop seeking just because we walk in the doors of a church and sit in the pew. Or I sure hope not. It is practically in the DNA of the Episcopal Church to seek, to question, to wrestle with what we think we know. And seeking is as much about what is sought as it is about the one who is searching. The spiritual seeker wants to understand the Creative force they can sense in the world, but learns as much about themselves when they do. Understanding is about knowing – about seeing and being seen. And the truth is that we not only seek God that we may know God, but also that we may feel seen and known ourselves. So many people in the world today yearn to be seen – not looked past, ignored, or pushed aside. They want to be listened to, not because they think they have all the answers, but because in listening, we see them a bit more. That is why it is so important to lift up Damaris in this story. So many women in scripture get ignored or go unnamed – and even our lectionary cuts them out. But the patriarchy rooted in sexism isn't just a part of faith traditions like ours. Women all across time have been left out of our history books – their inventions, courageous acts, writings, or leadership unacknowledged – their names unknown. If we are to ever know God the way God yearns to be known, we cannot ignore or abuse what God creates, especially those made in God's image – the women as well as the men. For when we do, when we ignore and abuse the very soul God holds in life – we willingly do the same to God. Which brings me back to Damaris. She was noted by the author of Luke-Acts, and we should not make the mistake so many do and take no notice of her. We will remember Damaris today. We will say her name and tell her story. But there is something else going on in this story – something missing from our world today (not to mention the lectionary). Paul was doing as evangelists are meant to do – all of us really – he was talking about his faith. That's a good thing! Yet, the lesson we most need now though does not come from Paul. It comes from the Athenians, and begins in the part left out from the passage, which I mentioned earlier. Sure, some thought he was a “pretentious babbler,” which, if you read a lot of Paul's writings you might agree with them. And yet, they didn't throw stuff at him, push him aside, or arrest him for saying things they didn't like or understand (as we know happened to Paul in other places). What did they do? Well, this is why this earlier part is so important, and why I cannot figure out why it was left out – I mean, how can you understand the full scripture of you don't hear it? Just a reminder, this is how they responded: They said to Paul “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? It sounds rather strange to us, so we would like to know what it means.” The text goes on to describe all of the people in that region, saying “Now all the Athenians and the foreigners living there would spend their time in nothing but telling or hearing something new.” And when they listened more to Paul in his speech before the Areopagus, they didn't throw him over a cliff for speaking about something they hadn't heard before – nor did most of them immediately accept what he said. In the final part of this story, again left out of the lectionary for today, they said instead “We will hear you again about this.” We should not be surprised by their response. Anyone who had to read Plato in school knows Socratic dialog, which originated in Ancient Greece long before Paul or Jesus were born. For that matter, anyone who reads some of the epistles of St. Paul see in them this method of question and answer to get to truth. Some scholars have pointed to striking similarities between Socrates in Athens and Paul in Athens – something the learned author of Luke-Acts may have been trying to bring to mind. But while interesting, especially if you enjoy trips down the philosophical rabbit hole, the most important part is in the invitation to dialog in the first place offered by the Athenians in the face of something they either did not know, or did not believe to be true. If only we today would do as these Athenians and the others in Athens at the time of Paul's travels are doing in this story. Instead, most people would just change the channel, walk away, yell and scream, or Gerry-mander them into silence. If you are in our government, you would arrest and indict them, or push to have them taken off the air. What would the world, or really – let's narrow that down…what might our country be like if we were to listen more to what we don't understand, invite those who offer different opinions to speak to us, or at the end of a contentious town hall say “We will hear you again about this.” If we think about it – listening is one of the ways we see others, one of the ways we say to them that they are known to us. One of the ways we become known to them too. And seeing someone, getting to know them a bit, is the first step toward loving them as we are called to do. It is also the first step toward knowing God. So as we leave here and head out into our own public squares – divided as they are – let us question as the Athenians what we hear from others, not to shut down, but so that we can better understand, see, and know – them, the truth, and the God who created it all. And let us hear of the resurrection of Christ and have our hearts moved in such a way as we become like Damaris – leaving this place to proclaim the good news in such a way that we cannot be pushed aside and be forgotten or ignored. For there are far too many yet for whom God is still unknown, who yearn to be known themselves, who dream of being seen and loved by One who would hold their soul in life. Amen. For the audio, click below, or subscribe to our iTunes Sermon Podcast by clicking here (also available on Audible): Sermon Podcast https://christchurchepiscopal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Sermon-May-10-2026-1.m4a The Rev. Diana L. Wilcox Christ Church in Bloomfield & Glen Ridge May 10, 2026 The Sixth Sunday of Easter 1st Reading – Acts 17:22-31 Psalm 66:7-18 2nd Reading – 1 Peter 3:13-22 Gospel – John 14:15-21
Pastor Josh preaches a message about Jacob and how if God can use Jacob for His mission, He can use any of us! From Genesis 29 and 30.
What if Genesis 1 is doing far more than describing creation? In this episode of Shadows to Substance, Pastor George Sayour reveals how the very first words of Scripture point directly to Jesus Christ and the miracle of salvation. The command, “Let there be light,” is not just about the creation of the world—it foreshadows the spiritual light Christ brings into dead hearts. From Genesis to John to the writings of Paul, the Bible tells one unified story: the God who created light is the same God who shines the light of salvation through Jesus Christ. In this episode, you’ll discover: • How Genesis 1 points to Christ • Why “light” is a salvation theme throughout Scripture • The connection between creation and new creation • How spiritual blindness is overcome through Christ alone • Why the Gospel is woven into the Bible from the very beginning This is the beauty of biblical theology: the shadows of the Old Testament find their substance in Christ.
What if Genesis 1 is doing far more than describing creation?In this episode of Shadows to Substance, Pastor George Sayour reveals how the very first words of Scripture point directly to Jesus Christ and the miracle of salvation. The command, “Let there be light,” is not just about the creation of the world—it foreshadows the spiritual light Christ brings into dead hearts.From Genesis to John to the writings of Paul, the Bible tells one unified story: the God who created light is the same God who shines the light of salvation through Jesus Christ.In this episode, you'll discover:• How Genesis 1 points to Christ• Why “light” is a salvation theme throughout Scripture• The connection between creation and new creation• How spiritual blindness is overcome through Christ alone• Why the Gospel is woven into the Bible from the very beginningThis is the beauty of biblical theology: the shadows of the Old Testament find their substance in Christ.Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere
What if Genesis 1 is doing far more than describing creation? In this episode of Shadows to Substance, Pastor George Sayour reveals how the very first words of Scripture point directly to Jesus Christ and the miracle of salvation. The command, “Let there be light,” is not just about the creation of the world—it foreshadows the spiritual light Christ brings into dead hearts. From Genesis to John to the writings of Paul, the Bible tells one unified story: the God who created light is the same God who shines the light of salvation through Jesus Christ. In this episode, you’ll discover: • How Genesis 1 points to Christ • Why “light” is a salvation theme throughout Scripture • The connection between creation and new creation • How spiritual blindness is overcome through Christ alone • Why the Gospel is woven into the Bible from the very beginning This is the beauty of biblical theology: the shadows of the Old Testament find their substance in Christ.
Marriage was never meant to be hidden. In this episode, we explore how marriage is more than personal happiness—it's a public witness of the Gospel and a platform for Kingdom mission. From Genesis to the Great Commission, discover how God designed marriage to reflect His love, strengthen others, and multiply influence for His glory.
What does the sun have to do with leadership? In this episode of The Magistrate, Josh Howard and James Baird uncover a biblical pattern most people overlook: God didn’t just give commands about authority—He built it into creation itself. From Genesis to the Psalms, the sun is portrayed as a ruler of the day, and that imagery reveals how authority is meant to function. This episode explores how true leadership is designed to give life, establish order, and operate within God-given limits—not dominate or distort. If you want a clearer, biblical vision for authority in the home, church, and civil sphere, this framework changes how you see it. Topics include: - Why the sun is called a “ruler” in Scripture - The purpose and limits of authority - How leadership reflects God’s design in creation - What happens when authority is distorted Subscribe for more episodes from The Magistrate and the EM Network.
What does the sun have to do with leadership? In this episode of The Magistrate, Josh Howard and James Baird uncover a biblical pattern most people overlook: God didn’t just give commands about authority—He built it into creation itself. From Genesis to the Psalms, the sun is portrayed as a ruler of the day, and that imagery reveals how authority is meant to function. This episode explores how true leadership is designed to give life, establish order, and operate within God-given limits—not dominate or distort. If you want a clearer, biblical vision for authority in the home, church, and civil sphere, this framework changes how you see it. Topics include: - Why the sun is called a “ruler” in Scripture - The purpose and limits of authority - How leadership reflects God’s design in creation - What happens when authority is distorted Subscribe for more episodes from The Magistrate and the EM Network.
In this episode of The Leader's Notebook (Ep. 311), I explore the power and persistence of the dreams God places within us. From Genesis 37, we see Joseph's dreams challenged, misunderstood, and opposed—even by family—yet God's plan moved forward in His timing. Dreams from God are not for sale; they are gifts to nurture, share, and hold fast to, even when life takes us through pits, prisons, or unexpected detours. I share personal stories from my own journey, from schooldays to university leadership, and the impact of encouragers who helped dreams flourish. This message will inspire you to trust God's timing, hold tightly to your vision, and embrace the adventure of seeing God bring your dreams to life in ways beyond imagination. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Joseph's Dreams Are Not For Sale(00:04:03) - Dr. Martin Luther King's Dream(00:08:50) - Dreams of the United Methodist Church(00:13:36) - The Greatest Dream Encourager of All Time(00:19:06) - Dreams of Others(00:23:14) - God speaks to us in dreams(00:28:21) - Dreams of Mine(00:32:42) - The scar on a girl's face(00:37:55) - God Prays for Strugg(00:41:36) - Leader's Notebook
In the third week of the Church Unbranded series, Lead Pastor Jason Britt explores one of the most intimate and enduring metaphors for the church found in Scripture: The Bride of Christ. In a culture defined by noise, division, and "hollow philosophies," the church is called to be a people who are deeply united. This message pushes us past our Western consumer mindset—where we "go to" or "attend" church like a gym or a grocery store—and invites us into a love story where we are the beloved people Jesus gave His life for.
There's a version of your life you can see just across the river — but you're still standing on the wrong side. Maybe it's a relationship, a career, a habit you can't shake, or just the feeling that you've been stuck in the same place way too long. In this message from illuminate church in Kissimmee, Florida, we walk through the story of Abraham — a man who left everything he'd ever known based on nothing more than a promise.What we find in his story isn't a blueprint for how to get your life together; it's a reminder that the breakthroughs you're looking for don't start with your ability. They start with God's. The ancient word for Hebrew literally means "one who crosses over" — and that's exactly what God is inviting you into today. From Genesis 12 to the New Covenant sealed in Jesus, this message traces one unbroken thread: God's faithfulness moves forward when our doubt gets out of the way. If fear, doubt, or comfort has been keeping you stuck, this one's for you.CONNECT WITH US:→ Request Prayer: https://bit.ly/3zMyf5E→ Request Care: https://bit.ly/3fBTX5G→ Share a Testimony: https://bit.ly/3Jo7Ped→ Find Events and More: https://bit.ly/3TcrkcR→ Leave us a Review on Google: https://bit.ly/47925jP→ Plan a Visit in Person: https://bit.ly/3sfQdg7FOLLOW US:→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illuminatec...→ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@illuminate_ch...→ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illuminatech...WE HELP PEOPLE FIND ABUNDANT LIFE IN JESUS!
Is children’s church biblical—or is it a modern invention that’s reshaped the church in ways Scripture never intended? In this episode of The Magistrate, we examine the rise of age-segregated ministry and ask whether it aligns with the biblical pattern of worship. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture consistently presents families worshiping together—fathers, mothers, and children gathered under the Word. Yet today, many churches separate children into age-based programs shaped more by modern pragmatism and public education models than by Scripture. We explore the historical roots of children’s church, its connection to youth ministry movements, and the unintended consequences it may be producing—fragmented families, shallow discipleship, and a generation that often leaves the church after graduation. Then we make the case for a return to family-integrated worship and offer practical guidance for parents seeking to disciple their children in the life of the local church.
Is children's church biblical—or is it a modern invention that's reshaped the church in ways Scripture never intended?In this episode of The Magistrate, we examine the rise of age-segregated ministry and ask whether it aligns with the biblical pattern of worship.From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture consistently presents families worshiping together—fathers, mothers, and children gathered under the Word.Yet today, many churches separate children into age-based programs shaped more by modern pragmatism and public education models than by Scripture.We explore the historical roots of children's church, its connection to youth ministry movements, and the unintended consequences it may be producing—fragmented families, shallow discipleship, and a generation that often leaves the church after graduation.Then we make the case for a return to family-integrated worship and offer practical guidance for parents seeking to disciple their children in the life of the local church.Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere
Is children’s church biblical—or is it a modern invention that’s reshaped the church in ways Scripture never intended? In this episode of The Magistrate, we examine the rise of age-segregated ministry and ask whether it aligns with the biblical pattern of worship. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture consistently presents families worshiping together—fathers, mothers, and children gathered under the Word. Yet today, many churches separate children into age-based programs shaped more by modern pragmatism and public education models than by Scripture. We explore the historical roots of children’s church, its connection to youth ministry movements, and the unintended consequences it may be producing—fragmented families, shallow discipleship, and a generation that often leaves the church after graduation. Then we make the case for a return to family-integrated worship and offer practical guidance for parents seeking to disciple their children in the life of the local church.
Where Dave, Whitney, and Justin dive into honest conversation about the soul's seasons during times of transition. They discuss the gift and challenges of sabbatical in ministry, explore Revelation's rich symbolism of clouds as God's presence, and reframe prophecy as God's powerful declaration rather than mere prediction. The conversation touches on practical spiritual rhythms—praying before conversations, family mealtime liturgies, and the transformative practice of Friday forgiveness. Justin shares insights about rest when your work is people, while they all wrestle with grief, gratitude, and growth. This episode invites us into the mess and beauty of intentional spiritual formation, honest processing, and the power of regular rhythms that shape us and our families toward Christ. Books mentioned: From Genesis to Junia, God's Homecoming
What if Eden wasn't just a garden… but the first temple?In this episode, Dr. T. Michael W. Halcomb explores a powerful biblical pattern hiding in plain sight. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture tells a unified story—not just about sin and forgiveness, but about God dwelling with humanity.You'll discover:- Why Eden functions like a temple from the very beginning- The meaning behind God “walking” in the garden- How Adam's role connects to priesthood- Why cherubim and eastward exile matter- How the tabernacle, temple, Jesus, and the Church all continue this patternOnce you see it, you can't unsee it.The Bible isn't just telling isolated stories—it's revealing a single, unfolding reality: God restoring His dwelling place with humanity.
The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast: Lead Like Never Before
Preston Sprinkle studied the full biblical narrative on women in ministry inductively, without an agenda. From Genesis to Paul, we discuss what he found and where it led him. We also tackle what faithfulness to scripture looks like, and how opening your mind and changing your view can make you more biblically faithful rather than less.
Welcome to Day 2846 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – The Covenant and the Messiah: How Israel and the Nations Find Salvation in Yahweh. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2846 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2846 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website theologyinfive.com. Today's lesson is titled: The Covenant and the Messiah: How Israel and the Nations Find Salvation in Yahweh. The God who spoke to Abraham is the same God who walked among men as Jesus of Nazareth. There has never been a shift in divine identity. From Genesis to Revelation, Yahweh is the name revealed to Israel, and Jesus is shown to be Yahweh incarnate. This continuity is critical. If Jesus is not Yahweh in the flesh, then His claims have no weight, and the cross is powerless. But if He is, then the covenants He made before His incarnation still hold, and the standard for faithfulness has not changed. The first segment is: The Abrahamic Covenant Still Stands God's promise to Abraham was everlasting. That covenant included a land, a people, and a mission to bless the nations. It was not conditioned on perfect obedience but on God's own faithfulness. While Israel at times fell under judgment due to breaking the later Mosaic covenant, the Abrahamic covenant was never revoked. Paul reaffirms this in Romans and Galatians, explaining that the promise to Abraham came first and was fulfilled in Christ, who is both the seed of Abraham and the true Israelite. That means Israel still has a place in God's plan, not by ethnicity alone, but through covenant loyalty to Yahweh, now fully revealed in Christ. The Sinai covenant, given after Israel's redemption from Egypt, was never a means of salvation. Yahweh had already saved His people. The Law was given to shape them into a holy nation, to guard them from corruption, and to point forward to the Messiah. Paul makes clear that the Law, which came centuries after Abraham, did not annul the promise. Salvation was always grounded in believing loyalty to Yahweh, not in legal observance, but the Law served as a guardian until Christ came. The second segment is: Jesus Is Yahweh in the Flesh Jesus was not a new deity or a created being sent by another god. He was and is the visible image of the invisible God. When He spoke, He used phrases that only Yahweh had used. When He forgave sins, calmed seas, and raised the dead, He did so with divine authority. His role was not to replace the God of the Old Testament, but to make Him known fully. This is what Israel had been waiting for, even if many could not recognize it at the time. The third segment is: Covenant Loyalty Before Full Revelation Before Christ came in the flesh, salvation was still possible. Those who followed Yahweh in faithful loyalty, trusting in His mercy and living in obedience to what had been revealed, were counted as righteous. This is why Abraham, Moses, and David are not outside of salvation even though they lived before the Incarnation. They were not saved by their works, but by their loyalty to the God who would ultimately fulfill the covenant through the Messiah. The fourth segment is: God's Justice Toward the Unevangelized Gentile The Bible acknowledges the reality that not every Gentile hears the good news in their lifetime. Yet it also shows that Yahweh is perfectly just in dealing with them. His judgment is not limited to external circumstances, but penetrates the heart and its inclinations. Jesus said that if His miracles had been performed in Tyre, Sidon, or even Sodom, those cities would have repented. This shows that God knows not only what people actually did but what they would have done under different circumstances. Likewise, when David asked God about Saul's pursuit at Keilah, God revealed what would happen if David stayed, even though David's choice altered the outcome. These passages reveal that Yahweh's knowledge includes both actual history and potential history. Gentiles who never heard the name of Christ are not outside this justice. Paul explained that their consciences bear witness to the law written on their hearts, and that God will judge the secrets of all through Christ Jesus (Romans 2:14–16). This means Yahweh knows the full posture of a person's heart toward Him, even in the absence of explicit revelation. God does not strip anyone of free will. But He knows perfectly how each person leans, what possibilities they considered, and what their response would have been if given more light. No one who would have been loyal is condemned unfairly. Whether through providence, as with Cornelius who was sent Peter, or through His perfect judgment at the end of the age, Yahweh ensures His justice is true. These examples also remind us that Tyre, Sidon, and even Sodom were not completely ignorant of Yahweh. Through Israel's presence in the land, trade, conflict, and even alliances, His name was known. The difference was that they never experienced Yahweh physically walking among them, healing the sick and proclaiming the kingdom. Jesus's comparison drives home the weight of rejecting greater revelation: the outsiders with limited knowledge would have repented if given more, while those with full access to God's presence in Christ still turned away. The fifth segment is: Jews and Gentiles Are Both Accountable Once the Messiah came, the truth was revealed to all, Jew and Gentile alike. This did not erase Israel's story or uniqueness, but it clarified the path of salvation. The same Jesus who fulfilled the Law and the Prophets also opened the door for Gentiles to be grafted in. However, that same door still swings on the hinge of loyalty to Yahweh, who is now revealed as Jesus. Salvation was never about merely belonging to a group. Many Israelites perished in the wilderness despite being covenant members by birth, because their hearts were not loyal. The prophets consistently warned that outward signs like circumcision meant nothing without inner faithfulness. In the same way, Gentiles cannot assume that church membership or moral standing alone secures salvation. What God has always required is believing loyalty, faith expressed in trust, obedience, and allegiance to Him. For Israelites, covenant loyalty to Yahweh has always been the basis of salvation. Now that Yahweh has revealed Himself in the person of Jesus, rejecting Christ is no different from rejecting Yahweh. Yet the prophets also foresaw a day when Israel would recognize Him at last. Zechariah declared that they will look on the one they pierced and mourn for Him, and Revelation affirms that this moment will come on the day of the Lord. This shows that God has not abandoned His people. Many who do not yet see clearly will one day weep in repentance when their Messiah is revealed. The sixth segment is: There Are Not Two Paths, But One Fulfillment This is not about supersessionism, which teaches that the Church replaced Israel. It is also not pluralism, which claims that all faiths lead to God. Nor is it Marcionism, which pits the God of the Old Testament against the God of the New. Instead, it is a biblical unity that affirms Jesus as the fulfillment of what God always promised. Salvation has always come through faithful trust in Yahweh. Now that He has come in the flesh, that faith must include recognition of Jesus as Lord. The seventh segment is: The Danger of Getting This Wrong To deny that Jesus is Yahweh is to reject the gospel. To claim that Jews can be saved apart from Christ is to invent a second way of salvation. To pretend that the Church has replaced Israel is to ignore the promises of God. Each of these errors leads to a distortion of the gospel, whether it's by undermining the covenants, corrupting the character of God, or redefining salvation. The goal is not to create separate categories of who is in and who is out, but to proclaim the one true God, revealed in Christ, to all people. The eighth segment is: A Difficult and Divisive Topic The relationship between Israel, the Church, and salvation is one of the most debated subjects in Christian theology. Over the centuries, believers have held different perspectives, with some stressing replacement, others continuity, and still others proposing parallel covenants. At times these debates have been clouded by political concerns or even...
What does the Bible actually say about women in church leadership—and are we asking the wrong questions? In this episode, Dru Johnson sits down with biblical scholar Preston Sprinkle to explore the complex, often misunderstood topic of gender roles in Scripture. Drawing from his book From Genesis to Junia, Sprinkle shares his “exegetical journey,” a multi-year study that avoids predetermined conclusions and instead carefully examines key biblical texts. Together, they challenge modern assumptions often imposed on Scripture, including Western ideas about equality, hierarchy, and leadership. The conversation highlights how women are portrayed throughout the Bible—from influential figures in the Old Testament to faithful disciples in the Gospels—and why these narratives matter for interpreting passages like 1 Timothy 2. They also unpack how leadership functioned in the early church, revealing a more fluid and diverse structure than many assume today. Rather than offering simplistic answers, this episode invites listeners to wrestle with the full biblical witness, appreciate its complexity, and approach the conversation with humility, patience, and deeper study. Whether you're complementarian, egalitarian, or still exploring, this discussion offers fresh insight into one of the church's most debated topics. You can buy Dr. Preston Sprinkle's latest book here: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780830785803_from-genesis-to-junia? We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 The Journey of Understanding Women in Leadership 02:58 Cultural Context and Biblical Interpretation 13:04 Women in the Old Testament vs. New Testament 18:11 Exegetical Challenges and Practical Applications 23:42 The Complexity of Prescriptive and Descriptive Narratives 25:50 Theological Rationale in Creation Order 27:39 Desire and Headship: A Deeper Look 28:09 Authority and Epistemic Roles in Relationships 29:37 Leadership Dynamics in the Early Church 32:43 Paul's Perspective on Gender Roles 36:59 Women in Paul's Ministry: A Closer Examination 40:00 Cultural Context and Gender Stereotypes 41:50 Celebrating Gender Differences in Leadership
Send us Fan MailThe Bible Project Daily Podcast is a daily, in-depth study of the entire Bible, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. Episode Notes: Examples of God's Provision. (2 Kind 4: 1-44) Part 1.One of the great themes of Scripture is that God provides for His children. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells us that God sees, God knows, and God supplies. But what does that actually look like? What kinds of needs does He meet? And how does He meet them? The Old Testament is full of examples, and the New Testament builds on those promises. But in 2 Kings 4, we're given three very specific, very practical stories of God stepping into real human need. And each one shows us something about how God provides for us today…Support the showFollow and support me on Patreon.Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | PatreonTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | SubstackCheck out my other Podcasts.The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHistory of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comThe L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.comThe Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891The Classic Literature Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update
Send us Fan MailA rainbow can feel like a quick, pretty moment after a storm. We take it seriously as Scripture does: a visible sign of an unbreakable promise. From Genesis 9:8–17, we walk through God's covenant with Noah and his descendants and even with the animals, and we ask what it means that God binds himself unilaterally and unconditionally to never again destroy all flesh with a worldwide flood. That single promise turns the sky into a reminder that God is faithful even when we are not. We also tackle a thoughtful Bible question: how could Moses write with such detail about events far outside his lifetime, even recording conversations between God and Noah? We point to the doctrine of divine revelation and the Holy Spirit's role in Scripture, grounding our confidence that Genesis is not speculation but God's message to his people. Along the way, we contrast conditional covenants with Israel and the cost of disobedience, so the bigger biblical storyline comes into focus. Then we bring it home with providence and evangelism. God's covenant includes living creatures, and we share a striking mission-trip story from the Yucatán that raises the question of how animals sense danger ahead of time. Finally, we connect the rainbow to Revelation 10, where a rainbow appears again, pointing us to Jesus, his first coming in humility, and his return in glory and judgment. If you want clear Bible teaching on the meaning of the rainbow, Noah's covenant, and how to share the gospel with your kids and friends, this devotional is for you. Subscribe, share, and leave a review, and tell us: what do you think of when you see a rainbow?Support the showhttps://www.jacksonfamilyministry.comhttps://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/
In this episode, Sathiya sits down with Preston Sprinkle to explore the complex intersections of faith, gender, and sexuality within today's cultural landscape. They examine themes from Preston's book From Genesis to Junia, particularly the role of women in church leadership and how historical Christian ethics inform modern perspectives. The conversation highlights Preston's personal journey from a complementarian viewpoint to a more nuanced understanding of gender roles, as well as his thoughtful engagement with challenging biblical texts. They also discuss broader issues surrounding sexuality, dignity, and the importance of humility and compassion in theological dialogue. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to wrestle honestly with scripture, embrace personal growth, and pursue meaningful, grace-filled conversations within their communities. SATHIYA'S RESOURCES: Free Recovery Book (The Last Relapse) Join the brotherhood (DeepClean Inner Circle) Live Training To Quit Porn For Good PRESTON'S RESOURCES: Access Preston's Website From Genesis to Junia Book Follow Preston on Instagram Timestamps: 00:00 Passion Rooted in Study 06:25 Bible Study: Humble Patience 08:14 Reconsidering Women's Authority in Scripture 12:41 Contextual Analysis of Disruptive Speech 14:30 Reframing Views on Women 20:02 Reevaluating One-Flesh Union Theology 23:06 Marriage, Theology, and Attraction 25:29 Understanding Same-Sex Attraction 31:20 Navigating Attraction and Desire 34:00 Understanding Lust and Insecurity 38:39 Church Conversations on Same-Sex Attraction 43:28 Relational Barriers in LGBT Ministry 46:11 Sex, Marriage, and Procreation 53:48 Transformation Requires Readiness and Cost 55:02 Theology in Raw Resources
Strange headlines, government claims, and cultural shifts are raising serious spiritual questions. Could what the world calls “aliens” actually be something far older and far more dangerous? Scripture warns believers that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness. From Genesis 6 to the warnings of the end times, the Bible reveals how deception has always been part of Satan's strategy. As culture grows more hostile toward biblical truth, Christians must understand what spiritual warfare really looks like and how to stand firm in faith. This episode explores what Scripture says about demonic deception, persecution of believers, and why understanding spiritual warfare is more important now than ever. Hear biblical answers and clear spiritual guidance as Rick Burgess applies Scripture to help believers navigate the spiritual war happening around us in this episode of "Strange Encounters." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join Lisa Whittle for an honest look at the quiet ache many women in the church experience—an ache that often goes unnamed and unspoken. Lisa shares her own experiences and those of countless women who have felt their gifts, confidence, and leadership misunderstood or suppressed. She addresses the damaging misconception that women's competence is arrogance, and emphasizes how Scripture celebrates women who are decisive, courageous, and influential. Lisa encourages women to stand firm in their calling, to reject false guilt, and to trust in God's justice and timing. This episode calls the church to recognize and honor the full spectrum of women's gifts, fostering a culture of respect, safety, and unity. If you've ever felt the quiet ache of being marginalized in the church, this episode offers the clarity and encouragement you've been longing for. Listen in to learn more: (0:42) The quiet ache: what it is and what is isn't (3:38) Addressing bitterness, pride, arrogance or jealousy (4:53) Why women hesitate to speak out on this subject (9:17) The myth associated with women who are gifted (10:54) The importance of biblical discernment over assumptions or impressions (17:33) Biblical examples of courageous, influential women (Deborah & Priscilla) (19:38) How women learn unspoken rules to diminish their gifts or self-protect (21:35) The long-term impact on GenX, Millennial, GenZ, and GenAlpha (25:00) How the church can create an environment where women's gifts flourish (26:20) Practical steps for women and leadership to foster trust and respect (31:26) Trusting God's justice and timing in our calling and gifts (35:40) A 30-Day Challenge for gifted women who are feeling marginalized (36:46) A call for honest, courageous conversations to bring healing and unity in the church Mentioned in the episode: From Genesis to Junia: What the Bible Really Says About Women in Leadership: https://a.co/d/0dt6Crm4 Global Christian Relief: http://link.globalchristianrelief.org/lisa Body and Soul (Bible Study): https://www.lisawhittle.com/body God Knows (Book): https://www.lisawhittle.com/godknows Your God Knows (Bible Study): https://www.lisawhittle.com/yourgodknows Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial
In this episode we talk to author, Preston Sprinkle, about his new book “From Genesis to Junia”. Across denominations, there are varying perspectives on what the Bible says about gender roles. Through years of study, Preston gives us insight into what his perspective has become!