Podcasts about from paul

Paul is in prison — but who really put him there? In this introduction to the final four chapters of Acts, Dr. John explores how God's providence works through injustice, inconvenience, and interrupted plans. From Paul's unjust imprisonment in Caesarea to Luther translating the Bible in a castle basement, discover how our greatest setbacks can become our greatest assignments — and what it means to call yourself a prisoner of Christ Jesus.Jesus Goes Global: A Prisoner of Christ: When we read the book of Acts, we tend to give primary attention to the formation and growth of the Church in the early chapters. We then highlight the three mission trips of Paul. But some of the most profound lessons lie in the final chapters of Acts 25-28. Dr. John will show God extending His Kingdom through the personal struggle and imprisonment of Paul. The world's worst cannot impede God's best.

“Living in the Green” isn't about waiting for perfect clarity — it's about moving when God has already spoken.In this message, we see how God works through motion, not passivity. From Paul and Barnabas stepping out without full instructions, to Isaac sowing in the middle of famine, to Jesus teaching that we are the seed planted in the earth — Scripture shows us the same truth again and again: God blesses obedience in motion.Many believers are not stuck because God is silent — they are stuck because they are waiting for details instead of acting on what they already know.This teaching confronts the idea that we must have every answer before we move. Instead, it reveals that direction often comes after obedience, not before it. When we live inside the boundaries of what God has already said, we are “in the green” — free to act, grow, build, and produce.You'll be challenged to stop circling the same place and start putting your hand to something again — trusting that God will redirect you if needed, but will always move when you move in faith.You were planted to produce. You were built to move. And God is waiting for you to step forward. Support the show

What is the gospel — and why does it still matter? In this week's message, Pastor Lawrence opens a powerful new series through the book of Romans, beginning in Romans 1:1-17. From Paul's dramatic transformation to the unifying power of the gospel, this message lays the foundation for an awakening in your life and community.In This EpisodeWhat the gospel actually is (and why it's different from religion)Paul's dramatic transformation from Saul the Pharisee to Paul the servantWhy the gospel is the most inclusive message in historyHow the gospel breaks down "us vs. them" thinkingWhy Paul says he is "not ashamed of the gospel" — and why you shouldn't be eitherKey ScripturesRomans 1:1-17 (ESV) | 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (NIV) | John 3:16-18 (ESV) | 2 Peter 3:14-16 (NIV)Key Quote"The gospel covers your past, alleviates your fears, and empowers you with courage to do something bold for God."Next StepsRead Romans 1:1-17 this week and note what stands out to you.Reflect: Is your faith driven by religious performance or by the gospel? What would it look like to shift that?Consider joining a Gospel 101 group to go deeper with others.Share this episode with someone who needs to hear the gospel today.Connect with Grand Point Church

Sermon Series: Dear Church, The Epistles: Letters From Paul To The Church What does it really mean to walk in the Spirit? In this message, we explore the “School of the Spirit”—where knowledge isn't enough, and true transformation comes through revelation, alignment, and intimacy with Jesus. From Paul's dramatic encounter to his lifelong pursuit of God, this teaching challenges us to move beyond information and learn to live in step with the Spirit. #SchoolOfTheSpirit #WalkInTheSpirit #Galatians #HolySpirit #FaithAndPractice #Revelation ____ Partner with New Tribe: Give | https://newtribe.church/give/ ____ Connect with New Tribe: Website | https://newtribe.church/comeexperience/ Instagram / @newtribechurch Facebook / @newtribechurch YouTube / @newtribechurch

In Joy That Grows, Pastor Shane shares how true joy is not based on circumstances but on our relationship with Christ. From Paul's opening words in Philippians, we see that joy grows through partnership in the gospel, confidence in God's faithful work in us, and love that increases in wisdom and understanding. Even in difficult seasons, we can trust that God is continuing the good work He began, shaping us to be fruitful and faithful until the day of Christ.

In today's world, many people only hear part of God's Word, but God has given us the full picture. Why do pastors choose to preach through the entire Bible? Because every part of Scripture is important for our faith and growth. In this episode, Pastor Jeff explores why it's so vital to teach the whole Bible. From Paul's example of faithfully teaching "the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27) to Ezra's careful reading and explaining of Scripture (Nehemiah 8:8), we learn that a healthy church is built on all of God's truth, not just parts of it. We'll see how the early church grew strong by focusing on the Bible in its entirety (Acts 2:42, 6:4) and how all of Scripture—both the Old and New Testaments—helps us understand God's plan and reveals Jesus to us (Romans 3:21-22, Hebrews 1:1-2). When pastors skip parts of Scripture, believers can become weak in their faith. But when we embrace all of God's Word, it teaches, strengthens, and protects us (Psalm 19:7-8, 1 Peter 1:23-25). If you want to grow in your faith and have a deeper understanding of God's Word, this episode will encourage you to embrace the whole Bible. It's time for the church to hear the full counsel of God. __________________________________________________________________________________ The Biblical Counseling Academy We train Christians to counsel with Scripture so they can help hurting people find hope in Christ. Many believers want to help others but feel unprepared to counsel biblically. The Biblical Counseling Academy gives you clear and practical training rooted in God's Word. In as little as 12 months, with just 5 hours per week, you'll be equipped and certified to counsel with confidence and clarity. Your next step starts with a conversation. Call (828) 707-9034 __________________________________________________________________________________ Support the podcast with a financial gift: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online 

Why are so many people burned out, checked out, or just coasting? In this compelling message, Pastor Ben Young traces the deep ache behind our cultural drift and personal struggles—what he calls "the lost why." From Paul's final words to Timothy to the perseverance of Joseph, this message will help you rediscover your God-given purpose and keep running when life hits hard.

In today's key passage, Paul writes to a young church that had only existed for a few weeks before persecution began. Yet, even in the middle of opposition, this church remained strong and continued to grow. One of the themes that floats through these opening verses is “the church God loves.” I want to be part of a church that God loves. From Paul's writing, we see several key characteristics of a church that God loves.

At Bethany, We are God's People who are: Gathered! Connected! Sent!We want to connect with you through this Podcast! Leave us a comment! Tell us where you are at! Leave a Review to help our audience grow!--January 18, 2026 -- Pr. John Alwood -- "All in All -- All You Need!" -- 1 Cor. 1:1-91 From Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and from Sosthenes, our brother in the Christian faith. 2 To God's church that was made holy by Christ Jesus and called to be God's holy people in the city of Corinth and to people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Good will [a] and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are yours! 4 I always thank God for you because Christ Jesus has shown you God's good will. 5 Through Christ Jesus you have become rich in every way—in speech and knowledge of every kind. 6 Our message about Christ has been verified among you. 7 Therefore, you don't lack any gift as you wait eagerly for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will continue to give you strength until the end so that no one can accuse you of anything on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God faithfully keeps his promises. He called you to be partners with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.http://www.bethanylutheran.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/Bethany.Long.Beach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/c/BethanyLutheranLongBeach

Title: The Disciple Maker's Dream Text: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 FCF: We often struggle continuing to grow in the cardinal graces of faith, love, and hope. Prop: Because the church thrives when we continue to grow spiritually, so we must continue to grow in faith, love and hope. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 1 Thessalonians chapter 3. Put your finger or a book mark there, and flip back a page or two to chapter 1 verse 3. In a moment we'll read both these passages from the Legacy Standard Bible. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last week we saw Paul express his godly pastoral concern for the Thessalonian believers by relaying to them the circumstances that led to Timothy coming to visit. Paul says that he couldn't take it any longer and had to hear about their faith and whether or not they were holding up under the affliction that they were appointed by God to endure. This week Paul moves the timeline forward to the very moment that he writes the letter and he expresses his deepest relief at the report from Timothy. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Gracious Father, You have given Your church as the light of the world. We are here to shine the gospel light to those who persist in unbelief. And one real way we draw men to give you glory and see Your majesty is by our being conformed progressively more and more to the image of Your Son. In this, You give us grace through the indwelling of Your Spirit to advance in the cardinal graces of faith, love, and hope as we are refined in the fire of Your will for our lives. May You use this text to spur Your people to continue to grow in these graces and thus enable the church – our church – to thrive. We ask this in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “We discern the growth of grace as the growth of plants, which we perceive rather to have grown than to grow.” John Flavel “God would have us not merely take a stand, He would have us walk. Too many have taken a stand and are still standing; for years they have made no progress. “ Vance Havner “Spiritual growth consists most in the growth of the root, which is out of sight.” Matthew Henry “Happy is he who makes daily progress and who considers not what he did yesterday but what advance he can make today.” Jerome “The growth of grace is the best evidence of the truth of it; things that have no life will not grow.” Thomas Watson Let these thoughts find a place to rest in your mind as we proceed to look at the text this morning. I.) Disciple Makers thrive when their disciples stand in the cardinal Christian graces, so we must continue to grow in faith, love and hope. (6-8) a. [Slide 3] 6 - But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always remember us kindly, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, i. Timothy has recently returned to Paul and Silas in Corinth with news from the church in Thessalonica. ii. All the godly and pastoral concern that Paul had for the Thessalonian church is gloriously assuaged by the news Timothy brings. iii. It is so good of news, that Paul uses the same word he uses in other contexts to refer to the gospel. The Good News. iv. What news could rival the gospel? v. The Thessalonian church is… healthy! vi. It seems that all the propaganda that the unbelieving Thessalonians had been trying to sew into the hearts and minds of the church there about Paul and his companions, has come to nothing after all. vii. Of course we knew this already from chapter 1. viii. Still, it is good for us to hear Paul's relief at the Thessalonians' steadfastness in their faith in Christ and the promises of God and their love for Him and one another. ix. Furthermore, their love for God and others is evident in that they remember the evangelists, and by extension their message, kindly and even long to see them in the same way that they long to see the Thessalonians. x. This was not always true of the places Paul had been. xi. The Corinthians despised Paul for a time before they repented and made it right. xii. So it would not be unheard of or completely out of the realm of possibility that the Thessalonians could have grown to despise the evangelists. xiii. And I can tell you as a pastor, that there are some who I have taught, preached to, poured my life into, helped, edified, and gave myself for - who now despise me and have cut me and Kadie out of their lives. xiv. I don't say this to garner pity. I say this as a warning. The life of ministry (which all Christians should be engaged in) is often rewarded with disdain. xv. I can also say that it is MOST encouraging to hear and know that those who you care for are standing strong in faith, love, and hope. xvi. Keen observers will note that although Paul mentions hope in chapter 1 and verse 3 as one of the three cardinal graces of a growing believer, here it seems he has omitted this third cardinal grace. xvii. However, before this point is done, when we read between the lines, we will see the cardinal grace of hope come shining through. xviii. The point is that disciple makers survive by trusting the Lord. But they THRIVE when those they disciple stand fast in faith, love, and hope. b. [Slide 4] 7 - for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; i. Disciple Makers and spiritually mature people also suffer distress and affliction. ii. I know that may seem like obvious information, but I can tell you after spending 16 years in ministry, that sometimes that is forgotten by spiritually immature believers. iii. Spiritually immature believers tend to focus on themselves. This isn't surprising. One of the reasons they are immature is because they are consumed with themselves. So, you can hardly fault them for it. They need to grow out of it. iv. But because they are so consumed with themselves, they often wonder why disciple makers are tired, forget to call or text them, or don't spend more time with them. v. Disciple Makers have their own distresses and afflictions that they are enduring. Just because they are spiritually mature does not mean they have grown beyond these things. It simply means that more often than not, they are able to navigate these things with the help of the Lord and His grace alone. vi. But Paul reveals where disciple makers find great relief and encouragement amid distress and affliction. vii. It is when those they are pouring their lives into… stand strong in their faith, love, and hope. viii. When they can leave them in difficult situations and they hold fast and endure and even serve others. ix. In this, there is a reciprocity of encouragement. Just as Paul sent Timothy to establish and encourage them… hearing news that they are established and strong in these cardinal graces is… an encouragement to the evangelists. x. Once again, we see that the church… needs each other. No matter how spiritually mature we are – there is a mutual dependance on each other that cannot be ignored or scorned without great catastrophe. xi. Paul and his companions have heard back from Timothy that these Thessalonians are enduring in faith, love and hope, even though they have been absent from them for months. xii. And Paul confesses that it is a great comfort and blessing, while they themselves endure their own distress and affliction in Corinth. xiii. Indeed, the evangelists are so comforted that Paul says… c. [Slide 5] 8 - for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. i. The word “really” has been added by the LSB here. ii. I'm not sure I agree with the insertion. iii. It seems like it muddies the waters of what exactly is happening here. iv. Paul expresses that he and his companions now live because the Thessalonian church has stood firm in the Lord. v. Obviously, Paul doesn't speak of spiritual life… in the sense that the Thessalonians' steadfastness is what regenerated their hearts. Nor is he speaking to physical life as though they were dead and have been resurrected because they are standing firm in their faith. vi. Paul is obviously using hyperbole. vii. The uncertainty of knowing that they left the Thessalonians at a critical time and facing certain affliction, may have felt like death. When you are on your deathbed, everything in life stops. Nothing really matters. Similarly, to the evangelists, until they heard how the Thessalonians were doing – all stopped. viii. But now that they know that their faith is solid and that their love is still burning and that their hope is steadfast… they have been given new life. Like a breath of fresh air. ix. Here we see the third cardinal grace make its entry. In chapter 1:3, the steadfastness in the Lord was inspired by or rooted in… hope. And so the grace triad is complete. x. Again – disciple makers THRIVE when those in their charge stand strong in faith, love, and hope. d. [Slide 6] Summary of the Point: Paul's point here, after expressing his godly pastoral concern in the previous thought, is to bring the letter up to the present time and inform the Thessalonians that he and his companions are greatly encouraged and comforted by the fact that they have stood fast in the cardinal Christian graces of faith, love, and hope. In spite of facing their own distresses and afflictions, the news that Timothy brought to them reignited their zeal and passion for the Lord. Indeed, this is true of all disciple makers. When those they disciple hold fast in the cardinal Christian graces, in spite of facing opposition, disciple makers thrive. Since disciple makers thrive in this way, those being discipled should continue to grow in faith, love, and hope. Transition: [Slide 7(blank)] But disciple makers do not merely thrive when their disciples don't go backward in their spiritual maturity. In fact, they truly thrive when those they disciple spiritually progress. Let's look at verse 9. II.) Disciple Makers thrive when spiritual progress continues, so we must continue to grow in faith, love, and hope. (9-10) a. [Slide 8] 9 - For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God because of you, i. Just like last week, Paul concludes his thought here with an introspecting question directed at the Thessalonians. ii. Unlike last week, which posed several questions, this is only 1 question with many parts. iii. He begins by asking what thanks they can return or render to God iv. Paul isn't asking what kind of thanks they can offer. He is asking, what amount of thanks could they offer to God that would be enough for the joy that has come to them because of the Thessalonians' spiritual success. v. Their joy is so great before God that they are not able to thank Him enough for the continued spiritual strength of these believers. vi. Notice that Paul – AGAIN – praises GOD for the spiritual success of the Thessalonians. vii. This is essentially what Augustine said when he prayed, “give what You command and then command what You will.” viii. Nothing we have of spiritual value and worth is engineered or sprung up from us naturally. All that is good and godly in us is raised up and given by God Himself. This is why Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians' spiritual success. Not them. ix. Notice, that Paul begins this question with For, this indicates that all that he has said so far, probably as far back as chapter 2, is in consideration. x. Because of everything that has been reported, and the comfort it brought, and how they feel alive now in hearing it… Paul wonders what amount of thanks would be enough to thank the Lord for the joy they have because of the spiritual strength of the Thessalonian church. xi. But his question is not complete just yet. xii. He will go on to describe the rest of the content of their prayers to God. xiii. Not merely expressing thanks and rejoicing…. b. [Slide 9] 10 - as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith? i. Their prayers also have requests. ii. Not just thanksgiving and joy at what has been up until the present, but also earnest and spiritual desires for the future. iii. A disciple maker's job is truly never done. iv. Until we all reach the finish line and meet the Lord together, the responsibility of a disciple maker continues. v. And because it does – Paul concludes his question. vi. He has asked what level of thanks to God in prayer could ever be enough to match the joy they have because of the Thessalonians, as they are CONSTANTLY (night and day) continuously praying most earnestly to see them again face to face in order that they may fully equip them to handle everything they may face against their faith both in doctrine and practice. vii. Paul's question is – not a question at all. It is a statement. viii. They know that their job is not done. They know that they have more to teach the Thessalonians. They know that they must get back to them to help them… ix. But they are overjoyed that the Thessalonians are holding fast to their faith and strong in the Lord in spite of the evangelists not being with them. x. This means that the disciple makers can start right where they left off and keep moving them forward. xi. This is how disciple makers thrive. xii. And of course the first step in moving the Thessalonian church forward, is this letter. xiii. Paul isn't going to wrap up the letter here. Instead, there are two more chapters to go where Paul will attempt to complete some of what is lacking in their faith. xiv. And of course, after that he writes another letter, which we'll get to should the Lord allow. In that letter he seeks to complete a little more of what is lacking in their faith. xv. But more on that in due time. c. [Slide 10] Summary of the Point: Paul can't help but look to the future. Indeed, he began doing this with the previous two paragraphs expressing his desire to once again see them. As a disciple maker it is not enough to merely hear that the cardinal graces of his disciples are holding fast. For Paul yearns for the fellowship and the advancement of the spiritual maturity of his disciples as well. This is what really causes a disciple maker to thrive. When they see spiritual growth progressing. Since this is true, we must feed into this thriving and this reciprocal relationship, and continue to grow in the cardinal Christian graces of faith, love, and hope. Conclusion: So CBC, what have we learned today that corrects and instructs our faith and shapes and guides our practice? Broad concepts of Faith and Practice: [Slide 11] The danger of saying something like “Disciple Makers thrive” in the application of a sermon, is that it can communicate that the text and the sermon is only speaking to a certain group of people. But the scriptures cannot be painted too tightly into the corner of any particular people group. Since the Word of God is living and active, it ALWAYS requires God's people to take heed to what is preached and think or live differently. Just because Paul puts forward the fact that spiritually leaders such as himself thrive when those they lead hold fast and progress in spiritual maturity, does not mean that this text only applies to spiritual leaders. That is one of the main reasons I did not say Spiritual leaders but did say disciple makers. Because according to the teachings of the New Testament, who in the church are to be disciple makers? Everyone. And who in the church remains a disciple until they enter Christ's presence? Everyone. And so we see significant overlap of anything in the scriptures related to disciple makers and those being discipled. Because that is really the sum total of everyone who is truly a believer. And so, whatever is true of Paul and his companions is true of us. And so, if it is true that disciple makers thrive when those they disciple stand firm and progress in the cardinal Christian graces of faith, love, and hope – then we must encourage these in those we disciple and grow in these as a disciple of someone else. But let me get a bit more detailed in the application this morning. 1.) [Slide 12] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that disciple makers thrive when those they disciple stand firm and grow in the cardinal Chrsitian graces of faith, love, and hope. a. When we couple the godly pastoral concern of Paul from last week's message with the comfort that comes from Timothy's report, we get this lesson clearly presented. b. Paul and his companions, while they lived in uncertainty and fear that the Thessalonians' faith had failed, now they are alive because of the news that their faith, love, and hope stood firm. c. Bearing out my heart a bit in this message, I will confess that when those I have discipled, mentored, and poured into, experience genuine growth in grace and come to breakthroughs where they understand and obey the Lord more, love the Lord and others more, or trust the Lord's promises and anticipate His coming more… there is no greater feeling, no greater shot to my personal faith, love, and hope, than to hear of the progress of a disciple. d. In the same vein, and what seems to happen more often, is when I hear of a disciple who has walked away from the faith, has discarded God's law, has begun to despise the church, or generally has departed from trusting God in anything… it is perhaps the most gut-wrenching news you could hear. e. But you don't have to be a pastor for this to be true. You don't even have to be a spiritual leader for this to be true. f. All of God's church is to make disciples. It was the final marching orders of Christ to His disciples, which consisted of more than merely the 12. It was actually a gathering of about 70 people. g. Therefore, this thriving and this godly concern that Paul speaks of, should be a far more universal experience among believers. h. God has made it so if you are a parent, you have a natural built in discipleship program. For 18 years or more, you get to pray for, teach, admonish, weep for, rejoice with, have godly concern over and thanksgiving to God for the little ones the Lord has given you. i. But even if you are not a parent – or if that time has come to a close for you – you still must make disciples. And if you must make disciples, there is nothing greater than seeing someone you disciple… grow in the graces of faith, love, and hope. 2.) [Slide 13] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that spiritual maturity means having grown beyond the need of the church. a. Paul and his companions were comforted by and even came alive because of the spiritual success of the Thessalonian church. b. This shows, of course, that even though Paul and his companions were disciple makers… they were not above needing encouragement and comfort. c. Even though we have all been called to be disciple makers, this does not mean that we ever really leave the stage of being a disciple. d. Why is that? e. Because no one ever “arrives” in the Christian walk. f. None of us ever achieve the status of discipled (past tense). The race finishes when we are with Christ… and not a moment before. g. Therefore, we all must see ourselves as both disciples and disciple makers at the same time. h. Because of this, we will never outgrow our need for mutual love, discipleship, rebuke, challenge, edification, and encouragement that only the church can provide. 3.) [Slide 14] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must continue to grow in the cardinal Chrsitian graces of faith, love, and hope. a. First of all, and by way of review, we should answer the question, why are they called cardinal Christian graces? i. The terms cardinal and Christian are almost self-explanatory. ii. Christian tells us that these graces are characteristics of all true believers. iii. Cardinal means that they are of highest importance or value. We only assign this title to these graces because they are mentioned often in the scriptures as virtues all Christians must have and grow in. iv. But why do we call them graces? v. Grace, as we know, is God's empowering to do something that we could not do on our own. vi. The New Testament reveals to us that each of these virtues or characteristics in a Christian's life are not inherently found within us. Nor are they given generally by God to all people. Instead, God gives and continues to give these graces to genuine Christians so that they may grow in them. vii. Thus, we can refer to them as graces. The grace of faith. The grace of love. The grace of hope. viii. As is always true, just because God gives these things, does not mean we do not have a human responsibility to seek more and grow in them. ix. Perhaps Paul's prayer illustrates the tension best when we realize that he thanked God, not the Thessalonians, for their steadfastness and growth in these graces. b. Our next question then must be, what exactly are the graces of faith, love, and hope? i. The grace of faith is primarily the ability to understand and believe what God has said. 1. Because understanding and believing what God says logically requires a person to obey what God has said, obedience must also be laced to the grace of faith as well. 2. This is not just a logical conclusion though. We see this throughout the New Testament as faith and obedience are often linked together as two sides of the same coin. 3. Never that obedience leads to or earns salvation… but that salvation by grace through faith leads to obedience. ii. The grace of love is the ability to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, to love all mankind generally as you love yourself and to love other believers as Christ loved you. 1. Again, because loving God and others logically requires a person to obey what God has said concerning His worship, His law, and how we treat others, obedience must also be connected to this grace too. 2. Jesus Himself says that if you love Him you will keep His commands. 3. And loving others is called “the law of Christ” in the scriptures. iii. The grace of hope is the ability to trust God's promises that have yet to be fulfilled and hope in them despite distress and afflictions that may come. 1. This grace is particularly rooted to the future return of Christ and the consummation of His Kingdom. 2. Although the New testament never overtly connects hope and obedience, there are certainly aspects of obedience that are necessary if one is to truly hope in the future coming of Christ. c. But why must we grow in these graces though? What is our motivation? i. First, and foremost, our motivation is to bring glory to God. 1. All men bring glory to God. Wicked men will bring glory to God when He judges them and justly condemns them to eternal torment in the lake which burns with fire. 2. But God's people, His elect, His predestined, are also predestined for good works. 3. We live our lives to do as God has instructed to bring Him glory and to cause others who observe us to glorify God too. 4. We act as mirrors, reflecting the glory of God to others by living in such a way that is pleasing to Him. ii. Second, we grow in these graces for our own sake. 1. As followers of Christ with the Spirit of God in us, there is never really a time that we are more joyful, content, or at peace, than when we are walking with God and growing in these graces He provides. 2. On the other hand, there is never a more defeated, despairing, unfulfilling, and tumultuous time in a believer's life than when he stagnates or goes backward. 3. Growing in these graces provides assurance of our salvation to ourselves and others, but lacking in them removes such assurance. iii. Finally, and as we saw in this text, growing in these graces is a great encouragement to those who pray for us and strive to disciple us. 1. Since there is a reciprocal encouragement in the church, when we grow we help others grow. 2. When we trust we help others trust. 3. When we obey we help others obey. 4. When we love we help others love. 5. And when we do all this we give joy and comfort to those who have been pouring into our lives for many years. 6. Knowing this, we should strive to grow in these graces to bless those who have been a blessing to us. d. But how then do we grow in these graces? i. Obviously, God is the source of these graces. And because that is true – it shouldn't be a shock to us that seeking God in the various forms which He reveals Himself to us in a special way… is the path to our growth in these graces. ii. God's Word, washing over our minds, enables us to see areas of our life where our faith, our love, or our hope are deficient or sick. iii. Prayer also tunes our hearts to God's and brings us in humility before His throne, reestablishing our priorities before Him. iv. Fellowship with other believers around the truths of scripture also hones these graces. v. Sitting under sound biblical preaching continues to sharpen and focus these graces in our lives. vi. Attending and participating in the Lord's Supper and Baptism continue to turn our eyes toward Christ both in His first advent, work, and imminent return. vii. In short, everything the early church devoted themselves to in Acts 2:42 helps each individual believer to grow in these graces. viii. Are you really that surprised?

Death is not the end—it's a doorway to eternity for those in Christ. In this four-week series, we will explore what Scripture teaches about life, death and the hope that anchors our souls beyond the grave. From Paul's bold confidence in the face of death to the promise of resurrection and reunion, we will learn how to live and grieve with unshakable faith.Series: After Life | Date: January 4th 2025

Death is not the end—it's a doorway to eternity for those in Christ. In this four-week series, we will explore what Scripture teaches about life, death and the hope that anchors our souls beyond the grave.From Paul's bold confidence in the face of death to the promise of resurrection and reunion, over the next four weeks we will learn how to live and grieve with unshakable faith.Series: After Life | Date: January 11th 2025

The Law of Revelation: Spiritual growth is measured by the divine illumination you receive and apply, transforming information into living truth. From Paul's Damascus encounter to Peter's confession "You are the Christ" revelation births identity, purpose, and stability. Without it, zeal produces activity but no fruit. God's Word becomes a lamp to your feet only when it booms alive in your spirit. Seek the Spirit of wisdom and revelation; one moment of divine light outweighs years of study, unveiling your calling, inheritance, and destiny. All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others 01.)What is the Law of Revelation? 02.)How is spiritual growth measured? 03.)What's the difference between information and revelation? 04.)Why did Paul change after the Damascus road? 05.)What did Jesus build His church on? 06.)Why do some Christians have zeal but no fruit? 07.)How should we read the Bible? 08.)What did Paul pray for the Ephesian church? 09.)What are the three levels of learning? 10.)What are the three things revelation brings?

Pastor Dan opened 1 Corinthians by confronting a church that had stalled in spiritual growth, reminding believers that those who belong to God are called to live differently than the world around them. From Paul's greeting, he emphasized that salvation means being set apart for God's purposes, serving others, and living daily in the grace God supplies. The clear takeaway was simple and direct: if we belong to Christ, it's time to grow up and start living like it. #TimeToGrowUp #1Corinthians #BelongToGod #CalledToServe #GraceAndPeace #SpiritualMaturity #LiveLikeChrist #CalvaryTilton

What if the most life-changing ministry starts with a simple, honest conversation? We take a fresh look at Acts 2 and discover how a church becomes truly life-giving when devotion to teaching, fellowship, shared meals, prayer, and generosity move from a service plan to a shared way of life. Along the way, we talk about why Gen Z and Gen Alpha, flooded by algorithms and “for you” feeds, still lean in when someone shows up with authenticity. A small question on a long bus ride turns into trust, and trust opens the door for invitations that many people are waiting to accept.We unpack the math that reshapes disciple-making: a few hours inside the building, a whole week outside it. That shift reframes mission as something that happens at work, at school, at the dinner table, and on the sidelines. From Paul's charge to Timothy to the daily rhythm of the early church, multiplication thrives where people open their homes, share their lives, and give freely to meet needs. The result isn't hype; it's health—joyful hearts, humble service, and favor with people who notice the difference.To anchor this vision, we draw a surprising parallel to Apollo 11. One small step captured the world, but hundreds of thousands made the mission possible. In the same way, the kingdom advances through many quiet acts of faithfulness: a ride to church, a shared meal, a patient answer, a prayer in a hard moment. We celebrate a year of baptisms, growing engagement across ages, and new outreach partnerships, not as trophies, but as signs that God adds to a people who keep Christ at the center and keep showing up for one another. If this resonates, share the episode with a friend, subscribe for more gospel-centered conversations, and leave a review to help others find the show. Who will you invite this week?

Do you need to understand the culture in order to effectively share the truth? In this episode, apologist Tim Barnett examines the apostle Paul's culturally thoughtful engagement in Acts 17 and explores what it can teach Christians today. From Paul's interaction with the philosophers in Athens to his ability to connect timeless truth with the beliefs, values, and questions of his audience, Tim draws practical parallels to the cultural landscape worldwide.   Listeners will be challenged to think more carefully about how faith is communicated in a pluralistic society—and how cultural awareness, when grounded in truth, can strengthen Christian witness rather than compromise it. Send us your feedback and questions to: podcast@summit.org! 

Christmas is around the corner… and today we're diving into a question most people wouldn't dare ask out loud: Did Jesus really exist?In this explosive episode of Truth Be Told, Tony sits down with historian and author Dr. Richard Carrier — one of the world's leading experts on the origins of Christianity — to explore the evidence, the myths, and the centuries-old assumptions that shaped Western belief.From Paul's mysterious letters, to the surprising celestial worldview of the ancient world, to how Christianity may have evolved without a historical Jesus at all… nothing is off-limits.Dr. Carrier breaks down the scholarship, the controversies, the misconceptions, and what modern people should take away from the earliest Christian writings.We also dig into:✨ Why so many cultures invent gods✨ How ancient people imagined the “heavens”✨ Why Christianity today looks nothing like the teachings of Jesus✨ What evidence would convince him a historical Jesus existed✨ And how secular humanism reframes morality and meaningWhether you're a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge your assumptions and push you to rethink what you thought you knew about history, faith, and truth.

This week at Venture, Pastor Brandon continues our Journey Through Ephesians series with a powerful message from Ephesians 4 — a chapter filled with practical instructions for how believers should live as part of God's family. Using the illustration of “family rules,” Pastor Brandon teaches that when we become followers of Jesus, we're adopted into God's household — and with that comes a new identity, a new way of living, and new expectations. We are no longer who we used to be. We represent Jesus. We represent our church. And the Gospel should transform the way we think, speak, work, and respond to others. From Paul's call to “live a life worthy of your calling” to practical warnings against lying, anger, bitterness, unwholesome talk, and idleness, this message challenges us to live differently — because we are different. If you want to grow in spiritual maturity and understand what it means to truly reflect Christ in your daily life, this message will encourage and challenge you. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Online Campus welcome00:12 – Welcome from Pastor Brandon00:44 – Parenting stories and family expectations01:49 – “In our house, we do hard things”02:14 – We don't quit — teaching perseverance03:12 – Following through with commitments03:34 – Working hard and having jobs growing up04:10 – College expectations and values05:48 – “Our family goes to church”06:43 – You represent your family07:20 – Transition to Ephesians 408:08 – Live a life worthy of your calling08:57 – Old Testament vs. New Testament obedience09:24 – Expectations for believers, not seekers10:01 – “Don't live like the Gentiles do”10:31 – Who you were vs. who you are now11:23 – Hardened hearts and transformation12:08 – We represent Jesus in everything we do12:40 – “We are Venture”13:13 – Making Jesus famous14:01 – Grace should change how we live14:43 – Putting off your old self15:14 – The symbolism of baptism15:42 – New mind, new life, new identity16:25 – Faith should change your values and worldview17:12 – Chapters 1–3 vs. chapters 4–617:40 – “Take off your grave clothes”18:50 – Expectations for God's family19:26 – Five things we don't do in God's house20:11 – #1 We don't lie21:12 – Truth-telling vs. the enemy's lies22:14 – Speaking the truth in love23:21 – Accountability and honesty in the church24:11 – #2 We control our anger25:28 – How anger becomes sin26:57 – Don't let anger smolder27:27 – The danger of wrath and malice27:52 – #3 We don't steal — we work28:36 – The expectation that believers work29:53 – Psychological benefits of working31:06 – Pastor Brandon's upbringing and work ethic32:09 – First job stories32:16 – #4 Think before you speak32:54 – No unwholesome or corrupt talk33:21 – How Jesus changed our speech34:08 – Gossip, slander, corrupt communication34:40 – #5 We don't let bitterness control us35:19 – Bitterness grieves the Holy Spirit35:59 – The danger of harboring bitterness36:49 – The journey of transformation37:16 – We represent our Father37:40 – Summing it up: Be kind, compassionate, forgiving38:11 – Closing prayer39:12 – Service close and announcements

Send us a textWhat if the will of God isn't a tiny bullseye but a wide-open horizon you can't help but hit when your heart is surrendered? We unpack a freeing approach to guidance that replaces fear and perfectionism with trust, movement, and the confidence that the Holy Spirit both opens doors and blocks wrong turns.We start with the fear that keeps so many of us stuck—wanting to please God yet terrified of choosing “wrong.” Through Psalms 139 and 37, we reframe God's guidance as relational and robust: He hems us in, lays His hand on us, and orders our steps. From Paul's “effectual door” to the Spirit's redirection in Acts, we explore how to sense direction without demanding details. You'll hear practical tools for big choices about dating, jobs, and where to live, including how to make a prayerful pros-and-cons list and then actually decide. We also talk about “holy misses”—closed doors and near wins that still expand faith and prepare you for what's next.We challenge the habit of handing God our script and invite a posture of surrender that can receive unexpected answers. You'll hear how open-handed faith leads to better relationships and more aligned opportunities, plus a candid look at disappointment, cynicism, and what to do when hope runs low. God as Restorer is central here: even real mistakes don't end the story. Think of Israel's demand for a king and how the lineage of David became the path for the Messiah—proof that grace is not fragile.By the end, you'll have a simple, repeatable way to move forward: seek first the kingdom, aim your life toward righteousness, acknowledge God in every step, and walk through the doors that open. If a door shuts, let it. If your heart is surrendered, God is a hard target to miss. If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who's stuck at a crossroads, and leave a review telling us the next step you're taking.Support the show

What can the past teach believers about how God continues to move today? Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar walk through the story of the church, showing how each era reflects God's ongoing work beyond the book of Acts. From Paul's conversion to the Council of Nicea and the compassion of Basil, the guys highlight moments where faith inspired action and truth triumphed over compromise. They warn how the fall of Rome and the rise of worldly influence pushed the church toward roles it was never meant to hold, reminding believers that Scripture alone remains the foundation of truth. As they explore the Protestant Reformation, the guys point to Martin Luther's bold stand for Scripture, faith, and grace, which restored the heart of Christianity. Through these pivotal events, they encourage believers to see history as a reminder of God's faithfulness and a call to live out the gospel with renewed conviction today.Send us a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

Suffering happens to everyone. Phil navigates for us a deeper, counter-cultural way of understanding suffering—not as something to frantically escape, but as a sacred place where the life like Christ's is quietly born. From Paul's hard-won wisdom, Jesus at Gethsemane, to the everyday pain carried in our bodies, this message explores the mysterious truth that carrying the death of Jesus is what unleashes His life in us. This truth from scripture will show us a path toward more freedom, less fear, and a love that grows even in the dark. We can learn to suffer with grace, to trust with courage, and to discover hope in the very places we normally would avoid.

What time is it? Pastor Heath gives a stirring message on the period of time, the point of time, and the preparation for the time we live. From Paul's challenge in Romans 13, we are called to put off things and put on Jesus because He is coming soon. Are we awake and ready?

My Grace is Sufficient MESSAGE SUMMARY: All of us face difficulties in our lives, but how we respond to our difficulties determines the blessedness of the life that we enjoy. Paul, in Corinthians 12:7b-10, tells us that he is stricken with a “thorn in the flesh. A messenger from Satan to harass me”. Paul pleaded with God to remove this “thorn” and life difficulty from his life. However, God's response to Paul, and to us is: “a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in {your} weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.". God's Grace is enough; it is all we need for our lives' difficulties. However, this teaching from 2 Corinthians 12 is “counter worldly”, and it flies in the face of everything that we have ever been taught outside of the Gospel. This teaching from Paul is like exercising with weights – when we begin to face our muscle “burn” in our exercise, we can either stop our exercise and gain nothing; or we can push through the difficulty of the “burn” to benefit from our exercise. As the workout slogan summarizes Paul in 2 Corinthians 12: ”No pain; no gain!”. In other words, when we encounter our life's difficulty, we push through the pain and rely on the God's Grace to make us even stronger in our faith and to realize God's power, which is manifest in us and through us. We can not live a spiritual life only in our own strength. Paul, throughout his Epistles, illustrated the Kingdom of God through God's focus on human weakness to use His power to create strength. For example in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, Paul describes God's manifestation of His power through earthly weakness: “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”. From Paul's teaching and from the way he lived his life, we learn that we should accept and own our limitations; however, we should and can push through these limitations and constraints because the Grace and power of God empower us to greater heights than what our capabilities, without God, permit us. We need to repent and change our way of thinking and to become, like Paul, completely yielded to the Lord. Paul turned every one of his Life's difficulties into a manifestation of God's power and glory. Paul was a servant of God 100% of the time! When you are weak, God is strong in you because, as God told Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in {your} weakness.”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.  Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. (John 1:12f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 2 Corinthians 10:2-12; 2 Corinthians 11:4 -13; 2 Corinthians 11:23-33; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; 1 Corinthians 1:17-25; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4:7-11; Philippians 4:13. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Do You Struggle with Your “Prayer Life”? Find a Quiet Place for Your Personal Relationship with God and Pray to the Universe's Creator”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

In this message, Pastor Bill Francavilla reminds us that God's family was never meant to look the same. Each of us has unique gifts, callings, and personalities. But all serve one purpose: to glorify God.From Paul's bold ministry to Ananias' quiet obedience, we see that greatness in the Kingdom isn't measured by fame but by faithfulness. Whether you're a Paul preaching to the nations or an Ananias reaching one person at a time, your obedience matters.Let's stop comparing and start obeying, because one act of obedience can change a life.#Faith #Obedience #LivingHopeChurch #TheRockSeries #DifferentGiftsOneBodyWelcome to Living Hope Church! These podcasts are our weekly Sunday sermons. We hope you enjoy them.

This week on The Sharing Grace Podcast, Pastor Brandon sits down with Pastor Mark and CAV CFO Cliff Miller to unpack the core church value of Generosity. From Paul's advice to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6, they explore how contentment, godliness, and trust in God's provision shape our giving, and why generosity reflects the heart of God.They also share practical tips for stewarding resources well, avoiding modern traps of wealth, and experiencing the joy of giving in everyday life.Books & Resources Mentioned:

This week on The Sharing Grace Podcast, Pastor Brandon sits down with Pastor Mark and CAV CFO Cliff Miller to unpack the core church value of Generosity. From Paul's advice to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6, they explore how contentment, godliness, and trust in God's provision shape our giving, and why generosity reflects the heart of God.They also share practical tips for stewarding resources well, avoiding modern traps of wealth, and experiencing the joy of giving in everyday life.Books & Resources Mentioned:

In this message, Pastor Bill Francavilla reminds us that God's family was never meant to look the same. Each of us has unique gifts, callings, and personalities — but all serve one purpose: to glorify God.From Paul's bold ministry to Ananias' quiet obedience, we see that greatness in the Kingdom isn't measured by fame but by faithfulness. Whether you're a Paul preaching to the nations or an Ananias reaching one person at a time, your obedience matters.Let's stop comparing and start obeying — because one act of obedience can change a life.#Faith #Obedience #LivingHopeChurch #TheRockSeries #DifferentGiftsOneBodyWelcome to Living Hope Church! These podcasts are our weekly Sunday sermons. We hope you enjoy them.

This week's episode turns up the heat for Halloween 2025 with a seductive mix of dance pop and electronic energy. From Paul van Dyk's soaring “In Your Arms (For An Angel)” to Purple Disco Machine's “Bad Company” and Kylie Minogue's electrified “Tension,” every track pulses with irresistible rhythm. Deep basslines, soulful hooks, and classic throwbacks like “100% Pure Love” and “Where's Your Head At” make this the perfect late-night ride for your Halloween month. And my favorite this week? The new remix from SIDEPIECE of “Cry For You”, a fresh spin on a timeless dance anthem that hits just right. Tracklist In Your Arms (For An Angel) - Paul van Dyk, Robin Schulz, Nico Santos, Topic Cry For You - SIDEPIECE Afterglow - Carneyval Tension - Kylie Minogue, Shadow Child Bad Company - Purple Disco Machine 100% Pure Love - Crystal Waters, Years & Years I Got The Soul - The Deepshakerz Sweet Nothing (2025 Edit) - Calvin Harris, D.O.D Where's Your Head At - Basement Jaxx, Martin Ikin You Are A God - Mark Knight, Cari Golden, James Hurr Edge of Seventeen - Wuki

Two thousand years ago, Jesus lived, died, rose again, and sent His Spirit to embolden His followers. Two thousand years later, the same Spirit still empowers His people — and Echo Church is part of that story. This message, Ambassadors, calls us to rediscover what it means to live with courage and conviction in a culture of compromise. We are not spectators of faith — we are participants, proclaimers, and ambassadors of Christ. The Apostle Paul, even while chained in prison, prayed for the courage to speak boldly as he must — not as he might. That same calling is ours today: to live the Word, love the world, and lead others with Spirit-led boldness. Pastor Andy Cass Supporting Scriptures: Ephesians 6:19–20; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Acts 1–2; Romans 10:14–15; Matthew 4:4 NOTES: Big Bold Idea: Echo Church exists today because someone before us loved and lived the Bible boldly — and was led by His Spirit. We are called to be bold — not reckless, but Spirit-led; not arrogant, but anchored in truth. The same power that filled the early church fuels us today. Boldness is not optional for ambassadors of Christ — it's essential. We are called to be Builders, Bearers, and Beacons: A city on a hill cannot be hidden — we shine for a purpose. BOLD is not just a FONT: F – Fad → Boldness isn't a fad; it's a lifestyle. O – Opinion → Boldness isn't arrogance or pride; it's rooted in truth and humility, not just feelings or ideas. N – Noise → Boldness isn't noise-making; it's Spirit-led, strategic words and actions. T - Tyranny — not an attempt to control, not a weapon, not a way to secure our own safety. Boldness is love in action. Closing Reflection For eighty generations, followers of Jesus have carried the Gospel forward. From Paul's prison cell to Martin Luther's reformation, bold believers have risked everything so that we might hold the Word of God in our hands today. There are over six billion Bibles in print — may yours not sit silent on a shelf, but speak boldly through your life. Stay Connected: Give: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/giving Online Service: Sundays 9 AM (YouTube & Facebook Live) Connect: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/people/forms/113001 Instagram: @wearetheechochurch #EchoChurch #MadeToGarden #ChristianSermon #FaithGrowth #BibleTeaching

Northwest Bible Church – Oct. 12, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the Meek Intro A. MEANING OF MEEKNESS. 1. World's false impression.   2. Grk. Lexicon – “not being overly impressed by a sense of one's self-importance; gentle, humble, considerate.”         3. Submission to God.     4. Humility toward others. a. Humble, non-aggression, gentleness.   Mt. 5:39, 41 b. Opposite of violence and retaliation.  Heb. 10:34; Jam. 5:6 B. EXAMPLES OF MEEKNESS. 1. Abraham with Lot.  Gen. 13:8-9.    2. Moses.  Num. 12:3; Ex. 4:10; Num. 11:29  3. David.   2 Sam. 16:11-12 4. Christ the greatest example.  Mt. 11:29; 12:20; 21:5.  5. Paul.  2 Cor. 10:1 C. EXHORTATIONS TO MEEKNESS. 1. From Paul.    Tit. 3:2; Gal. 5:23; Col. 3:12; Eph. 4:2; 2 Tim. 2:25; Gal. 6:1 2. From Peter.   1 Pet. 3:15 3. From James. Jam. 3:13 D. REWARD OF MEEKNESS: INHERIT THE EARTH. Conclusion

At Bethany, We are God's People who are: Gathered! Connected! Sent!We want to connect with you through this Podcast! Leave us a comment! Tell us where you are at! Leave a Review to help our audience grow!--October 5, 2025 -- Pr. John Alwood -- "Gathered, gather!" -- 2 Timothy 1:1-15(1) From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will—a will that contains Christ Jesus' promise of life. 2 To Timothy, my dear child. Good will, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord! 3 I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day when I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did. 4 I remember your tears and want to see you so that I can be filled with happiness. 5 I'm reminded of how sincere your faith is. That faith first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice. I'm convinced that it also lives in you. 6 You received a gift from God when I placed my hands on you ⌞to ordain you⌟. Now I'm reminding you to fan that gift into flames. 7 God didn't give us a cowardly spirit but a spirit of power, love, and good judgment. 8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord or be ashamed of me, his prisoner. Instead, by God's power, join me in suffering for the sake of the Good News. 9 God saved us and called us to be holy, not because of what we had done, but because of his own plan and kindness.[b] Before the world began, God planned that Christ Jesus would show us God's kindness. 10 Now with the coming of our Savior Christ Jesus, he has revealed it. Christ has destroyed death, and through the Good News he has brought eternal life into full view. 11 I was appointed to be a messenger of this Good News, an apostle, and a teacher. 12 For this reason I suffer as I do. However, I'm not ashamed. I know whom I trust. I'm convinced that he is able to protect what he had entrusted to me until that day. 13 With faith and love for Christ Jesus, consider what you heard me say to be the pattern of accurate teachings. 14 With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us, protect the Good News that has been entrusted to you. 15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.http://www.bethanylutheran.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/Bethany.Long.Beach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/c/BethanyLutheranLongBeach

Send us a textWhat if the most powerful works are the ones no one sees? We open the door to a deep, honest look at the fruit of the Spirit and why love, joy, peace, and self-control outlast any checklist. From Paul's challenge in Galatians 5 to the wisdom of James and Hebrews, we unpack the difference between faith that performs and faith that produces. Along the way, we confront performative generosity, explore the quiet dignity of secret obedience, and ask a hard question: are we chasing applause or transformation?Our conversation makes a sharp turn at the crossroads of circumcision and crucifixion. The early church wrestled with adding badges of belonging to the gospel; Paul answers by pointing to the cross that kills the old self and raises a new life in the Spirit. That insight reframes everything. Obedience isn't a burden to earn favor; it's the desire of a heart already adopted, led by the Spirit, and disciplined like a true disciple. We share practical tools for daily dying—recognizing temptation early, praying Scripture, phoning a friend, taking a walk, fasting with purpose—and anchor the fight with simple, sturdy truths: resist the devil and he will flee; the Lord delivers the righteous from all their afflictions.You'll hear stories that contrast hollow spectacle with humble faithfulness, and you'll get a roadmap for navigating anger, cravings, and discouragement without turning grace into an excuse. Faith is not a fog; it's substance and evidence that holds when feelings waver. If you're longing for a life that is less about managing appearances and more about real inner change, this one will meet you where you are and walk with you toward freedom.If this resonates, follow and share it with someone who needs encouragement today—and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Your support helps this conversation reach more hearts hungry for the real thing.Support the show

In this hilarious episode of Bone to Pick Podcast, Robert Kelly and Paul Virzi go off the rails with a wild mix of word confusion, food etiquette, and fan-submitted grievances that turn into full-blown comedy bits. From Paul's failed attempt to say “habitual” (landing on “provitual”) to a deep debate about why people cover their mouths while eating, the episode spirals into pure comic chaos. The duo riff on everything from cheap socks and broken binders to calling your mother-in-law “Mom,” while Mike chimes in with perfectly timed fan “bones.” The conversation hits moments of pure absurdity and surprising heart—especially when Bobby recalls his rough school years and the ritual of signing big deals with a $350 Montblanc pen. Join the Patreon at www.patreon.com/bonetopickcast

Have you ever been told that if you just had more faith, you'd be healed? This harmful message has left many believers struggling with guilt and shame, wondering if their faith is somehow “not enough.” In this episode of Affirming Truths, Christian Mental Health Coach Carla Arges unpacks what Scripture actually says about healing and faith. From Paul's unanswered prayer in 2 Corinthians 12 to the “heroes of faith” in Hebrews 11—many of whom never received their miracles on earth—we see that God's grace, not the size of our faith, is the foundation of our healing. Carla also explores how healing takes many forms: spiritual, emotional, and practical, often involving tools like therapy, medication, and community support. This episode is a powerful reminder that your healing journey does not disqualify your faith—it reveals God's ongoing grace in your life. Did you know that Carla is a Christian Mental Health coach? See if working with her is what you need in your current season.  Book a discovery call today! Join Carla's Substack: https://substack.com/@carlaarges  GET YOUR FREE RENEWING YOUR MIND WORKBOOK HERE Connect With Carla: Book a Discovery call with me https://calendly.com/cmsarges/discoverycall  Come hangout on IG with me @carla.arges Check out my blog and more at www.carlaarges.com   Resources: 5 Steps to Building Resiliency Rahab Bible Study Guide 5 Tips for Overcoming a Negative Body Image Who You Say I Am Biblical Affirmation Cards  

Guest speaker Marty Anderson shares a message surrounding the idea; do we take lightly the riches of God's kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4)? He, dives deep into the unstoppable, grace-upon-grace power of God—its priority in Scripture, Jesus as its endless source, its purpose to bless and make us a blessing, a real-life example that chisels our flaws into beauty, and an encouragement to let it abound in every corner of your "all."From Paul's prison plea in 2 Timothy 2:1—"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus"—we unpack why grace trumps vision, doctrine, family, or any other strength. It's God's relentless favor through Jesus, pouring out like Peter's prayer in 2 Peter 1:2: "Grace be multiplied to you!" We'll trace it from John's eyewitness awe in John 1:14-16 (Jesus, full of grace and truth, giving us grace upon grace), through Paul's everything-by-grace testimony (calling, ministry, sufferings—you name it), to Genesis 12's covenant promise: God shows, makes, blesses... so you be a blessing. Grace isn't hoarded; it's reflected in forgiving words, gracious speech (Ephesians 4:29), and seeing others as "beautiful gifts of God's favor." Remember that flawed marble block Michelangelo turned into David? That's you—fractured, rejected, but sculpted by the Master's hand into His poem (Ephesians 2:10). And here's the mic-drop: The Bible's very last words? Not "Come, Lord Jesus" (that's second-to-last)—but "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all" (Revelation 22:21). All your ups, downs, battles, joys—covered. As 2 Corinthians 9:8 declares, God makes all grace abound so you have abundance for every good work. If life's grit has you weary, this is your pillow of perseverance.

Romans 9 opens with Paul's heart breaking for his people, the Israelites. Even though they had received incredible blessings from God, so many missed that Jesus is the Messiah. His grief shows us what it means to love people who are far from God with compassion, humility, and urgency.In this message, Pastor Jamie unpacks what it means to have a heart that breaks for what breaks God's heart. From Paul's sorrow in Romans 9, to the warnings of grieving the Holy Spirit in Isaiah 63 and Ephesians 4, we're reminded that rebellion and disobedience don't just break rules, they wound the very heart of God.Key takeaways from this sermon: • A broken heart for the lost | Like Paul, do we ache for our neighbors, family, and friends who don't know Christ? • God's promises never fail | Belonging to God is not about pedigree, background, or performance, but about His promise fulfilled in Christ. • Grieving the Holy Spirit | Our choices, attitudes, and words can bring sorrow to God's Spirit when we resist His work in us. • Everyone has a story, but all need Jesus | Our past, religion, or morality can't save us. Only Christ can.This is a call to pray, to weep, and to witness with urgency. If Paul could weep for Israel, and Christ could die for the world, then surely we can let God break our hearts for the people right in front of us.Follow us!WEBSITE: https://www.compassiondickson.church/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/compassiondicksonINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/compassionchurchdickson?igsh=eXp3Mm9ubG81aTQx&utm_source=qrSunday Extended Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRTsMFJ4TR5xa0PahwBjfzWK772IOi9G8&si=lsIu5iqaQwl79Jwj

Spring is a beautiful reminder of new life, new seasons, and the joy of being one body in Christ. The theme of our annual Spring Celebration is “This is Hatfield!” – a multigenerational, multilingual, and multicultural gathering that reflects the heart of our church family. From Paul's short yet powerful letter to Philemon, Pastor Louis helps us discover how the Gospel redefines status, relationships, and culture, and how each of us is called to be a fellow worker in God's Kingdom.

Think biblical teaching is just for pastors and missionaries? Pastor Mike Fabarez reveals why every believer is called to study and share God's word. From Paul's example in Acts to insights from Romans and Daniel, we'll realize how ordinary Christians can turn others toward righteousness through biblical truth.

In this second episode on Paul's letters to the Corinthians, we dive into specific passages and themes that continue to shape our understanding of Christian life today. From Paul's call for unity to his teaching on spiritual gifts, love, and the resurrection, these words reveal both the challenges and the hope of living as Christ's people in a broken world. Join us as we explore how the timeless truths of Corinthians speak directly to the church and the believer today.

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

In this powerful message, Pastor John reminds us that life is filled with moments when we feel like saying, “I can't” or “I won't.” Whether it's the weight of hurts, habits, or hang-ups, we often hit the limits of our own strength. But Scripture points us to a greater truth. “But God.”Through humor, storytelling, and biblical insight, John explores how God meets us in weakness and turns our “but I” excuses into “but God” testimonies. From Paul's struggles in Romans to Joseph's long journey of betrayal and redemption, we see how God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in our weakness.This episode will encourage you to stop striving in your own strength and instead embrace the transforming power of God's presence. If you've ever wrestled with doubt, discouragement, or the feeling that you don't have what it takes, this message will remind you that hope and victory come not from ourselves, but from the God who redeems, restores, and sustains.

What holds revival together? According to guest speaker and long-time friend of The Roads Church, Lee Grady, it's not just miracles, healings, or signs and wonders—it's love and relationships. In this powerful message, Bonds of Steel, Lee shows us from the life of the Apostle Paul how the Holy Spirit builds unshakable relationships that strengthen the church and advance the Kingdom. From Paul's mentoring of Timothy, to his partnership with Barnabas, to his divine connection with Luke, we see how God uses relationships to change history. Lee challenges us to pursue the three types of relationships every Christian needs: A Paul (mentor) A Barnabas (friend) A Timothy (disciple) He also shares practical steps for overcoming hurt, letting go of fear, and investing in others so that our lives reflect the love of Jesus. If you've ever struggled with loneliness, church hurt, or feeling disconnected, this message will remind you that Christianity is not “just me and Jesus”—it's about walking in fellowship, unity, and love. The Roads Church - https://theroads.church

In this powerful message from Avenue Community Church, we journey through Romans 15 as Paul ties together theology and real-world ministry. Pastor Tim unpacks how the gospel is more than words—it's a living network that transforms people, builds communities, and spreads across borders. From Paul's missionary journeys to the call for us today, we're reminded that the gospel is meant to go. It's not just about hearing the good news, but carrying it—to our neighbors, our cities, and the nations. Along the way, we reflect on planting, partnering, and praying as the heartbeat of gospel advancement, and how each of us has a personal role in this mission. If you've ever wondered how to live out your faith with clarity, courage, and purpose, this episode will encourage and equip you to testify to Christ in everything you say and do.

Why would Paul suffer beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, imprisonment—and still keep going? Because he was convinced the Scriptures came from God. In this episode, we explore what the Bible says about its own origin and how it was passed down through revelation, inspiration, and canonization. From Paul's letters to Timothy to Peter's eyewitness account of Christ's glory, this message walks through how we got the Bible—and why it's completely reliable.You'll hear:- Why Paul invited Timothy into a life of suffering for Scripture- What it means that “all Scripture is God-breathed”- How eyewitness testimony, manuscript evidence, and early church history affirm the Bible's trustworthiness- Why “this book is made in heaven, not made up” is more than a catchy phrase—it's a call to live by itWhether you're skeptical, curious, or already convinced, this episode will strengthen your confidence in the Word and challenge you to live a life shaped by it.

At Bethany, We are God's People who are: Gathered! Connected! Sent!We want to connect with you through this Podcast! Leave us a comment! Tell us where you are at! Leave a Review to help our audience grow!--July 13, 2025 -- Pr. Seth Moorman -- "Sinking Down Roots" -- Col. 1: 1-141 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, and from our brother Timothy. 2 To God's holy and faithful people, our brothers and sisters who are united with Christ in the city of Colossae. Good will  and peace from God our Father are yours! 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in our prayers for you. 4 We thank God because we have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God's people. 5 You have these because of the hope which is kept safe for you in heaven. Some time ago you heard about this hope in the Good News which is the message of truth. 6 This Good News is present with you now. It is producing results and spreading all over the world as it did among you from the first day you heard it. At that time you came to know what God's kindness [b] truly means. 7 You learned about this Good News from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant. He is taking your place here as a trustworthy deacon for Christ 8 and has told us about the love that the Spirit has given you. 9 For this reason we have not stopped praying for you since the day we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through every kind of spiritual wisdom and insight. 10 We ask this so that you will live the kind of lives that prove you belong to the Lord. Then you will want to please him in every way as you grow in producing every kind of good work by this knowledge about God. 11 We ask him to strengthen you by his glorious might with all the power you need to patiently endure everything with joy. 12 You will also thank the Father, who has made you able to share the light, which is what God's people inherit. 13 God has rescued us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of his Son, whom he loves. 14 His Son paid the price to free us, which means that our sins are forgiven. --GWhttp://www.bethanylutheran.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/Bethany.Long.Beach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/c/BethanyLutheranLongBeach

Have you ever felt like life has knocked the wind out of you? That no matter how many prayers you've cried out, the pain won't leave, the heartbreak won't heal, and the storm refuses to stop? This message is for you. For the one barely hanging on. For the one walking through fire. For the one carrying a thorn so deep it feels like it'll never come out. In this raw and powerful sermon, Pastor Travis Hearn opens the floodgates of his personal testimony—sharing his journey through a life-altering stroke, tragic family loss, his mother's battle with cancer, and unrelenting physical pain. But through every sucker punch from the enemy, he stands to declare: My weakness is my weapon. With 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 as his anchor, Pastor Travis unpacks the truth that our greatest strength is not found in our perfection, but in our pain. From Paul's thorn to Jacob's limp, from Moses' stutter to David's sling—God has always turned weakness into divine weaponry. Because what the enemy meant to destroy you, God is using to develop you. This isn't just a sermon. It's a battle cry. A call to stop hiding your scars and start wielding them as your testimony. Because the thorn that torments you is the very place God wants to show off. And the limp you're ashamed of? It's proof that Heaven met you in the fire—and you didn't let go. So lift your hands, lift your head, and declare it over your life: My limp leads to my legacy. My weakness is my weapon.

Got a question? Let us know!Is control just an illusion? In this final week of What Our World Needs Now, we dive into why real self-control doesn't come from trying harder—it comes from surrendering. From Paul's battle with sin in Romans to a fresh look at walls as protective boundaries, this episode explores how trusting Jesus changes everything. We even break down Greek myths, worship songs, and why willpower alone isn't enough.#SelfControl #Faith #Romans7 #MadeForMondays #ChristianPodcast #MentalHealth #ParentingAndFaith #FruitOfTheSpiritStay Connected Website: https://believerschurch.org/ Believers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believerschurch.va/ Believers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believers_church/

[From] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God's holy people in Ephesus. . . . — Ephesians 1:1 What do you usually think of when you hear the word saint? Most of us think of some revered religious person. But what about the person you see in the mirror? Though most of us don't see ourselves as saints, that is what we are when we believe in Jesus. Because of his work, we are being sanctified, made holy, as we live out our lives serving the Lord—and that means we are saints. Because of Jesus, I am not what I or others will often perceive me to be. Instead, I am who God declares me to be. Through Jesus' sacrifice for my sake, I am now declared righteous and holy. Paul understood that we are profoundly transformed in God's sight when we come to faith in Jesus. That's why Paul begins his letter to the Ephesian believers by addressing them as “God's holy people.” Literally, he refers to them as “the saints in Ephesus.” Despite being new to the faith and still having a long way to go in their spiritual development, Paul recognizes them as saints. A saint is someone consecrated to God and set apart for God's service. Through baptism, believers are marked as God's treasured possession, set apart for his divine purposes. Just as it would be foolish to build only a doghouse on the foundation of a skyscraper, it would be foolish to build anything less than a sanctified life on the foundation Jesus established for us. Lord God, thank you for making us holy in Jesus. Help us to live into our new identity as saints each day. Amen.

In this revealing episode of the Underground Lounge, NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce and podcast co-host Azar Farideh pull up for an unfiltered conversation that hits deep—and takes wild turns. Hosted by Lou Williams and Spank Horton, the episode kicks off with Paul reflecting on his championship legacy with the Celtics, the rise of the Big Three, and his genuine brotherhood with Tony Allen and Kevin Garnett. But it quickly goes beyond basketball.Paul opens up about his post-retirement struggles—mental health battles, therapy, and adjusting to “real life” after the spotlight. He shares hard truths about fame, fatherhood, divorce, and navigating public controversy. Azar brings vulnerability and humor to the mix, recounting her powerful weight loss journey after surviving a traumatic robbery and deep depression. Together, they share how their friendship—and now co-hosting their podcast Truth After Dark, was born from transparency and shared healing.From Paul addressing the “wheelchair game” conspiracy to Azar explaining why love doesn't need paperwork, the energy is raw, hilarious, and unexpectedly emotional. The group dives into marriage, masculinity, growth, and even gross habits they'd make socially acceptable.With plenty of jokes, shots, and a few heartfelt “f**k yous” to wrap it all up, this episode is more than entertainment, it's therapy disguised as comedy.And this is just Part 1. Catch the continuation of this wild and unfiltered conversation with Paul Pierce in the next After Hours episode of the Underground Lounge.

Paul was given a directive from the church leaders in Jerusalem: Remember the poor there. It was a directive of care that he took seriously. From Paul's example and his words, we learn practical lessons about how to care for people one at a time. (Romans 15:23-33) Speaker: Carl Kuhl