Podcasts about Gethsemane

Sometimes it seems the Bible gives us conflicting guidance. For example, in Philippians 4:4 the Apostle Paul exhorts us to rejoice in the Lord always, and in case we didn't hear him the first time, he repeats, again I say rejoice. Christ-followers should be rejoicing people. That would seem to say we should always be positive, have smiles on our faces, and never feel sad. But then in Romans, the same Apostle Paul tells us to weep with those who weep. King David in the Psalms repeatedly poured out his rawest grief and deepest questions to God. Over half of the Psalms are called Psalms of lament. Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion (Psalm 77:7-9)? That doesn't sound much like rejoicing in the Lord always. In fact, it is a lament—a prayer of pain, a raw, honest expression of grief and sorrow. Think of how Jesus lamented in the Garden of Gethsemane when he confessed My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. And on the cross, he cried out with a loud voice, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? And there's an entire book in the Old Testament called Lamentations! Even a brief survey of Scripture confirms those who follow Christ will have times of lament in their lives. Somehow, we've often overlooked that biblical practice so many Christians feel guilty when they lament. But honest lament is not only permitted, it is encouraged in God's Word. Could it be you need to learn to lament? Please understand I'm not talking about throwing a pity party every time your feelings are hurt! But feeling sorrow and pain and hurt when life throws unexpected bad news or difficult dark days our way should lead us to honest and candid prayers of lament. The Bible gives us some guidance on expressing our laments—laments which lead to acceptance or deliverance or guidance and eventually to joy, whatever your need may be.

Your Will - Jesus in Gethsemane! "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21 In the shadowy grove of Gethsemane, Jesus fell to the ground in anguished prayer, His heart heavy with the weight of our sins. As He faced imminent suffering, His spirit wrestled with the bitter cup prepared for Him — yet with unwavering faith, He beautifully proclaimed, "Not my will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). This moment reminds us of the profound power in surrendering our preferences, embracing God's divine purpose with open hearts. Jesus teaches us that true transformation begins when we yield our will to the Father. Proverbs 19:21 tells us, “Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.” Like Jesus in Gethsemane, we must humbly seek His will over our own. Remember, "When we release our burdens to the divine, we open our hearts to a grace so vast, it transforms our struggle into peace." In other words, in surrendering, we discover the boundless grace that flows from a heart aligned with God's desires. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." As Jesus found strength in His moment of despair, we too can lean into our struggles, saying, “Your Will is My Way.” The heartache of yielding can be daunting, yet it is in that very obedience that we find healing and hope. “Yielded lives move freely,” and when we submit to God, we are liberated from the chains of our own ambitions. Let us embrace the surrender that Jesus exemplified, reminding ourselves of Psalm 40:8, where the psalmist declares, “I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Let His will shape our lives, bursting forth with love and truth as we walk in His presence. Our journey of faith thrives when our desires align with His glorious plan. Amen. Psalm 143:10 says, "Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground." Amen. Prayer for the Day!Heavenly Father, I thank You for the example of Jesus in Gethsemane. May Your will be my guiding light through every dark hour. Strengthen my resolve to surrender my plans and trust in Your purpose. May my life be a testament to Your love and grace. Lord, help me proclaim with unwavering faith, 'Not my will, but Yours be done in me.' In Jesus name. Amen.https://maglife.org

SUMMER BREAK | Week 3 “My Way or YAHWEH” - Matthew 26:36–46The greatest battles are often won or lost in the place of surrender.In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "Not My will, but Yours be done." He didn't ask the Father to adjust His plans. He surrendered Himself to the Father's perfect will.How often do we pray, hoping God will bless our agenda, instead of asking Him to shape our hearts for His?God is not asking us to convince Him to bless our plans.He is inviting us to participate in His.This Sunday, we'll discover that true freedom isn't found in getting our way; it's found in trusting Yahweh.Because the best life isn't built on my way... it's lived YAHWEH's way.#SummerBreak #MyWayOrYAHWEH #Matthew26 #NotMyWill #TrustGod #Surrender #GodsWill#aHeartthatbeatsforJesusbeatsforOthers#itisaONEBEATFamdayFundaySonday! (Credits to the original artists and owners of the media used. No copyright infringement or any illegal means intended.)

In Luke 22:49–51, one of the most unexpected moments in Scripture unfolds as Jesus is betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. As soldiers arrive to arrest Him, Peter reacts the way many of us would—drawing his sword and striking one of the men, cutting off his ear. Determined to defend Jesus, Peter believed the battle would be won through force. But Jesus stopped him, picked up the severed ear, healed the very man who came to arrest Him, and revealed a completely different way to respond. While Peter answered betrayal with an attack, Jesus answered it with forgiveness. This message explores the power of pressing pause before we react, showing how God's greatest victories often come not through retaliation, but through grace, mercy, and obedience. If you've ever struggled with anger, offense, or the urge to fight back, this sermon will challenge you to respond the way Jesus did.

Mark 14:39-42 (Part 5)

Jesus prays at Gethsemane and is arrested, and has 2 of His 6 trials.

This sermon examines James 4:13-17 to contrast arrogant self-reliance with humble submission to God's sovereignty over the future. The preacher illustrates the brevity of life and the uncertainty of tomorrow through biblical analogies such as the Tower of Babel and the parable of the rich fool, emphasizing that human plans are subject to divine will. By citing examples like Nebuchadnezzar and Jesus in Gethsemane, the message urges believers to replace boastful declarations with the phrase "if the Lord wills." The teaching concludes by defining the sin of omission, challenging listeners to identify and obey the right actions they currently neglect in the present moment.

Prayer is a learned discipline that requires intentionality, not just recitation. Rev. Joseph Baah Obeng uses Luke 11 and Jesus' example to emphasize the necessity of seeking solitude to connect with God effectively. True prayer involves total dependence on God, persisting through unanswered prayers, and aligning with His will through His Word.

The post Luke 22:39-52 Gethsemane — Rockdale appeared first on Grace City Church.

Psalm 145 declares that God is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works. That truth is easy to affirm in stories of victory but much harder in seasons of suffering. Yet Scripture calls believers to yield like clay in the Potter's hands, trusting that the same God who rules over creation also lovingly shapes every circumstance. Jesus modeled this perfect surrender in Gethsemane, praying, “Not my will, but yours be done.” God's righteousness cannot be accepted only when it is comfortable. The same righteous God who saves, justifies, forgives, and restores also works through trials for His purposes. His righteousness is always joined with His kindness, meeting weakness with grace and sustaining His people through every hardship. Like Paul, believers can endure with hope, confident that God's strength is made perfect in weakness and that He remains faithful in both the mountains and the valleys.

The world can be a scary place – so many things that strike fear in our hearts. And yet over and over again, God says "Do Not be Afraid." What does that mean? How does that work?   Spiders and Snakes I don't know about you but as I look around, it seems to me that the world can be a scary place. Take spiders and snakes – I mean, depending on where you live in this world, they are either dangerous or they're not. Here in Australia we are seriously over represented in the world's "top ten" list of most venomous creatures, so when I was growing up as a child I had good reason to be afraid of them. And still today, the idea of a spider crawling into my bed … ! It's one of the scariest thoughts I can come up with. Let me tell you a funny story. One of the most venomous snakes on the planet is the death adder – great name isn't it? When I was in the Army training to be an officer at the Royal Military College Duntroon, we were one day out doing some grenade practice and that meant you had to sit in bunkers and the person who was throwing the grenade would go out and throw their grenade. Now we had New Zealanders as well as Australians at the Royal Military College and in New Zealand there are no venomous animals at all, so when the Kiwis come across the ditch to Australia, they are petrified of our snakes and our spiders. Well one Kiwi, we'll call him Rock – I've got to tell you this death adder story. He went out of the bunker to go and throw his grenade and we had a dead death adder. So we positioned it in the bunker so he had to sit down right next to it when he came in. Well he came in and he sat down and he looked at it and I've got to tell you, his legs were going before his backside was up off the log and he was running out. We can laugh about it now but the world can be a scary place, especially with friends like me. In my defence I was a young man at the time. So this week we are starting a new series on the programme, it's called "Do Not be Afraid". There is a reason for that – there are lots of people in this world who spend much of their lives living in fear. Sometimes it's because they are living in a war zone – I mean there are plenty of people listening to this programme today who know that only too well. People in the Democratic Republic of Congo for instance, where there is war raging in parts right now – some of those people are sitting in their homes listening to this programme today wondering whether they will see tomorrow or next week or next year. Other times there are different life threatening things that happen. We can have a health scare. The morning I sat down to prepare this message was the morning of the funeral of a friend of mine. Now, he was just a couple of years older than me and he died suddenly of a heart attack. It's easy to be afraid – and it rocks our confidence. And yet other people, they just live lives with a real sense of dread. There is always something there for us to be afraid of or to dread. There is always something lurking out there. For me honestly, if I allowed it, I could be afraid of quite a few things. I mean, I have some things in my life right now that could cause me to experience fear – and that's the thing. It doesn't matter who we are or where we live or … whatever, we all go through times of fear. And that fear can rob us of life itself but time and time and time again, you read in God's Word, these words from God to His people. He says, "Do not be afraid." And He speaks them right at the time when the people He is talking to have every reason to be afraid. They have got people and circumstances coming against them and conspiring against them and they're experiencing fear and yet God wades in and says, "Do not be afraid." Now if God doesn't want me to be afraid when I have every reason to be afraid, you know something? I want to have a piece of His brand of confidence. Don't you think? I mean, think about it! What's the point of God saying, "Do not be afraid", when we have no reason to fear? It's right in the middle of our fear that we need His confidence. I definitely want that – how about you? Well, how can we have that confidence? That's a good question – that's what today's programme is about – that's what this whole four week series is about … "Do not be afraid." So I invite you to come on a journey with me. We are going to start that journey with an account of a time when God's chosen people, Israel, had every reason to be afraid. They were in exile – they had been living in the Promised Land for about five hundred years and yet they had struggled with God. They had worshipped idols and other gods and eventually the Lord their God lost His patience. So in around 586BC, the Babylonians, who were the dominant world power of the day, invaded Jerusalem. They destroyed the place – they destroyed the temple, the place where God's presence dwelt and they took this remnant of God's people back to Babylon as slaves. Talk about a crisis of confidence! Think about it – God made all these promises to Abraham and to Isaac and Jacob and then when Israel was enslaved in Egypt, He sent Moses and did amazing miracles and the whole Red Sea thing and the exodus and the manna from heaven … everything that got them to the Promised Land. And when they got there, with Joshua as their leader, they fought battle after battle against nation after nation that was bigger and stronger than Israel itself and yet God was with His chosen people and they took the land that God had promised them. And now … now Babylon wins! God's own temple is destroyed! Where is God? What happened? Are the Babylonian gods stronger than our God? They have a loss of confidence – it's a big thing. I mean we hear people talking about shareholder confidence and consumer confidence and that feeling when you go to sleep at night, you know, you get that falling sensation and you wake up in a panic, grabbing onto the bed. Confidence is the trust that the earth beneath our feet won't move. It's the trust that the stock market won't fall; it's the trust that the plane we are flying in won't fall off the sky; it's the trust that our governments will do the right thing – it's about trusting, whatever. And then, it's like the rug gets pulled out from under your feet and you lose confidence and panic and fear set in. Why? Because we no longer feel safe – we are no longer able to trust in the things that we have always trusted in. That's where Israel was – there was a complete loss of confidence in their God. Now He was punishing them but they couldn't quite see that. It was like they were flying in a plane at thirty two thousand feet above the ground and all of a sudden, all the engines are silent – panic, fear! And fair enough too! So what does God say to them right in the middle of their fear and panic ... what does God have to say? We are going to take a look at that next.   I am Your God So here is Israel in this scary, fearful place. They have in slavery, exiled in Babylon for the best part of three generations – that's a long time – so only a handful of Israel's elders who can even remember Jerusalem in its heyday. So what does God have to say to these people of His who are cowering in fear under the yoke of slavery? If you have got a Bible, grab it and open it up at Isaiah chapter 41, beginning at verse 8 – he says this: But you Israel, My servant Jacob whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, My friend; you whom I took from the ends of the earth and called from its farthest corner, saying to you, "You are My servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off. Do not fear for I am with you. Do not be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My victorious right hand. See, the first thing that God does is He reminds them of His promises to Abraham. When Abraham stood in that Promised Land, centuries before, this is what God promised him – just flick back to Genesis chapter 15, verse 18: On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abraham, saying, "To your descendants I give this land; from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates, the land of the Kenites and the Kenizzites and the Kadmonites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Rephaim and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Girgashites and the Jebusites. See, God's promise is that God had chosen them; God had chosen Abraham, their ancestor, God had promised this land and God said, "I will do this." Notice it is all about God! Do not fear, I am with you; I am your God; I will strengthen you. I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand. The whole thing that God relies on here in talking to His people in their fear and in their despair, is not who they are or how strong they are or how clever they are, or how well they have done because they haven't, they are there being punished. No, He is saying to them, "Look who I am, My promise, I am your God, I am with you," but how does that help them? Isn't He the God who failed them seventy years earlier? Okay, so He sends them some prophet, Isaiah, to tell them this – BIG DEAL! And that may well be what you are going through right now. You look at your circumstances – they are so fearful! Okay, so God sends you some joker on the radio with a smooth voice who says "Do not be afraid", but how can you put your confidence in that? It was exactly the same problem that the Israelites had. Their circumstances, the Babylonians, looked so much bigger than their God. I mean, you think about it in your head and you know God is bigger than the things that we are confronting but in your heart, it's so hard to believe in your heart – the fear is destroying any confidence that you might have in God. God knew that – that's why He also said this to them: have a listen to this … this is powerful stuff! So let's pick it up in Isaiah chapter 40 – this is the chapter before the one we have been looking at, verse 18. Have a listen to what God says about Himself: To whom then were you likening God or what likeness compare with Him, an idol? A workman casts it and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains. As a gift one chooses mulberry wood – wood that will not rot – then seeks out a skilled artisan to set up an image that will not topple. Haven't you known? Haven't you heard? Hasn't it been told to you from the beginning? Haven't you understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He who sits above the circle of the earth and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches the heavens out like a curtain and spreads them like a tent to live in; who brings princes to nothing and makes rulers of the earth as nothing. Scarcely are they planted, scarcely are they sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when He blows upon them and they wither and the tempest carries them off like stubble. "To whom then will you compare Me, or who is My equal?" says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them by name, because He is great in strength and mighty in power, not one of them is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the Lord and my right is disregarded by my God?" Haven't you known? Haven't you heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint and grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable." Do you see how powerful this is? God is saying, "Look, I am God. I created the whole shooting match. See those trillions of stars up there – lift up your eyes, have a look, who do you reckon put them there? I know the Babylonians worship them but I created them. They are out there every night because I tell them to march out there. This is Me who is talking to you – not some crummy idol like the stuff that Babylonians worship – I am bigger than your circumstances. It makes absolute sense to put your confidence in Me.' See, God is speaking this stuff into the hearts of His people when they are afraid; when they have no hope and no future, God comes along and says, "Do not be afraid. Not because of who you are; not because of your circumstances, no, do not be afraid because of who I am. I will come to help you; I will fight your battles for you; I will be your God; I will keep My promises to you."   A Part for God to Play The hardest thing I think in overcoming fear in life is actually getting to the point where we have a high level of confidence in God; in who God is, what He has done – His might and His power and His sovereignty. That all sounds great in theory but what about the practice; what about when the rubber hits the road, then what? See, I used to think it was up to me and I guess in part it is, but not completely. That's just as well because you and I, we're human. We can't conjure up confidence; we can't take this theory about who God is and let the theory somehow wipe away the fear because fear is real. Now, I need something more than that; I need something more than promises on paper and fortunately, that's exactly what God had planned too. He didn't want to leave it all up to us – He wants us to actually experience His peace – not our strength – but a "peace" and a "strength" that come from Him and Him alone. Let's pick up the rest of this story in Isaiah chapter 40, beginning at verse 28. This is what it says: Haven't you known? Haven't you heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. Great, there was the theory again! But now, watch for what comes next! Verse 29: He gives power to the faint and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Do you see the point? The power and the strength, where do they come from – do you or I conjure them up? No, they come from God. He gives those things to us, why? Even youths will faint and be weary and the young and the strong will fall exhausted, but….." And here's the 'but' – the glorious, wondrous, powerful 'but,' "but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not grow faint." You know what it means to wait? It does not mean to wait with a bad attitude; it does not mean to wait with grumbling in our hearts and on our lips; it doesn't mean to stand there paralysed by fear either. No, it means to wait expectantly; to wait on God with the expectation that He is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He is going to do. To wait, right in the middle of our fear – boy that's hard – with our emotions on a rollercoaster; with our enemies around us; with our hearts cast down but with an expectation, never the less, that somewhere deep inside, that God is going to act. Who knows – will God give us victory over our enemies today? I don't know! I mean there were more Christians martyred in the twentieth century than in the whole two thousand years before that, combined. We all die sometimes – is He going to heal this cancer or let it take its course? I don't know! But this one thing I do know, that: those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. God is saying, indeed He is commanding us through His Word today, "Do not be afraid" instead, wait on Him. You know, when we are waiting in fear and when we are waiting in pain and when we are waiting and it is uncomfortable and unpleasant, we want to grumble and whinge and complain and blame everyone else and have bad stuff coming out of our mouths and have grumbling in our hearts … isn't that what we want to do? We don't like being uncomfortable; we don't like being afraid, we just want it all to finish – "God what are You doing? Come on, move along, let's get over this." But those who wait….who wait expectantly for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. See, come what may, if I am diagnosed tomorrow with terminal cancer, I still am going to put my confidence in God who has given me a life eternal with Him. Because Jesus said to His disciples when they were afraid…..listen to this, John chapter 14, verse 27: Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I don't give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not let them be afraid. And yet, so far as we know, each of these disciples, other than Judas, went on to do mighty things for God and then … then they died for their faith. So often, we are focused on the here and now but God's plan for my life and for your life is a life eternal. God's perspective is an eternal perspective and that … that my friend is why you and I can put our confidence in Him. When we are afraid ... when we are in this place that is so scary, we can go to His Word and say, "You know what it says – it says here that 'those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength'." You know, you never feel big; you never feel strong when you are waiting for God. When we are afraid we feel so small – you know, I think God means it to be that way. When we humble ourselves and we just come before God and say, "God, I can't do this. I don't know. I'm afraid; I don't know what to do next. I'm just going to wait on You. I'm just going to wait for You – I don't know what You are going to do – I don't know if You are going to show up, I don't know if You are going to talk, I don't know. I am going to put my faith in You and I am going to wait on You and I know my emotions are going to go up and down. I know it is going to be hard but I'm just going to wait for my God." That's an eternal perspective – that's a God perspective. Jesus had to put His faith in God. Jesus lay all His glory aside and He was there in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before He was crucified – struggling – He was afraid and He was hurting and He just put His trust in God. Do not be afraid. God gives us His peace; that's what this passage from Isaiah says: "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength," the strength comes from God. The "mounting up with eagles" doesn't come because we flap a lot; it comes because we waited on God. The 'running and not being weary' comes from God. "Do not be afraid" – take God's peace from Him – go and wait ... just go and wait before Him and let Him pour His love and His peace into your life. It doesn't matter how big or bad or ugly the enemy is. It doesn't matter how fearful we are. It doesn't matter how dire the consequences of this particular situation might be. Why? Because God is the God who created the whole shooting match – every star in the sky, every part of creation -–God created it. God has an eternal perspective and when we wait on Him, He gives us His peace. That's the promise my friend! "Do not be afraid." Let your confidence rest in God Himself and then, let Him do the rest. Wait on the Lord and you shall renew your strength. Wait on the Lord and you shall mount up with wings like an eagle. That's the promise – it's a God thing!

Mark 14:39-42 (part 4)

Jesus Followers' Personal Relationship with Jesus Comes from Humility as Sinners Through Seeking God's Mercy in Prayer MESSAGE SUMMARY:  We do not deserve it; but we able to come to God, in a Personal Relationship with Him, because of His Mercy. We are all sinners. As Paul tells us in Romans 9:18: “So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.". With God's Justice without His Mercy and His resulting Grace, you would face only eternal death as Justice for your sins. We can never enter God's presence for prayer when we are in our pride with our focus on ourselves. Also, Paul reminds us, in 1 Corinthians 1:30-31, that, in your Salvation through God's Grace, Jesus makes us “boast” only in the Grace provided us by God: “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'”. We can only enter God's presence when we humble ourselves in Jesus. Humility and penitence before God invite His presence – here I am, Lord; just as I am; have mercy on me a sinner.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.     Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Evil Ways. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Goodness. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 18:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:29-31; Isaiah 19:22; Psalms 44a:1-13. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “And They Asked Jesus to Leave” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Send us Fan MailIn John 18:1–2, Jesus crosses the Kidron Valley on His way to Gethsemane, a detail that is far more significant than it first appears. In this episode, we explore how the Kidron became a place associated with the removal of idols and uncleanness throughout the Old Testament, making Jesus' crossing a powerful picture of the One who would carry away the sin of the world. We also consider the simple but profound statement that Jesus “had often met there with His disciples,” challenging us to ask: What is your Kidron Crossing? Where is the place you consistently meet with the Father before life's darkest valleys come?

Can a Christian struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges and still have strong faith?In this episode of The 412 Christian Podcast, Eli, Keeton, and returning guest Garyson Campbell (psychology graduate and master's student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling) have an honest conversation about mental health through a biblical lens.Together they discuss:✝️ What the Bible says about anxiety and depression

Presented by Lauren Stibgen How do we lament? I guess we should start with understanding what lamenting truly is. Lament is expressing sorrow, mourning, or regret—crying out in grief. As followers of Jesus, we are called to lament! We are made in the image of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And, throughout the Bible we see examples of the trinity lamenting. Early in the Bible, God lamented the wickedness of man. The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth and it grieved him to his heart (Genesis 6:5-6). Immediately following this regret and grief, God sent the flood. He blotted out everyone but Noah and his family. In Isaiah 63:10, the word says, but they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. This verse is referencing Israel's rebellion after being led by Moses out of Egypt. And we see examples of Jesus lamenting. It's an often quoted and the shortest verse in the Bible found in John 11:35, Jesus wept. His dear friend Lazarus had died, and he was overcome with grief. Jesus not only expressed this sorrow, but he gave us a true picture of lament in the Garden of Gethsemane. His lament to the Father was so deep his sweat was as drops of blood falling from his body. Jesus tells his disciples his soul is very sorrowful, even to death (Matthew 26:38). He then fell on his face, and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Taking these examples from the Father, Holy Spirit, and Jesus, how do we lament? We will look at the life of David and how he modeled lament. And we will consider why this is so important within the context of work.

This week we conclude our special series on Disputing with God with the story of Jesus praying with his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane as told in Mark 14:32-42. We notice at least two disputes in this text, the first between Jesus, who is praying in anguish, and his disciples, who keep falling asleep. We ponder the human propensity toward avoidance in moments of impending crisis, whether by napping or by binge-watching Netflix, and we contrast it with Jesus' command to “Stay awake!,” both here in the garden and as we await the inbreaking of the Kingdom of Heaven. The second conflict is more complicated, with Jesus protesting against the fate that God has set for him, asking God to “take this cup away from me.” We are comforted a bit that even Jesus faces moments of doubt when the times are daunting yet inspired by his commitment to following God's will to face the dangers that lay ahead. Stay awake, y'all! This is a good one.

Lesson 16 - The King's Mission Accomplished, His Commission DeliveredMatthew 27:1—28:20. The promised Messiah stood silent before His accusers. The Suffering Servant fully drained the cup He'd accepted in Gethsemane; and on Calvary's cross, the true Passover Lamb yielded up His Spirit. Three days later He rose as the Promised King, victorious over death. Then He told His disciples to take everything He had taught them into the world and make disciples everywhere. His authority would empower them, and His presence would sustain them. His mission was accomplished - theirs had just begun.To learn more about Michele or to support this international ministry please visit https://intheword.com

Mark 14:39-42 (Part 3)

Today's Fear-Laden Events and “Noise” Will Not Matter If You Practice the Presence of God as You Live Your Life MESSAGE SUMMARY: You cannot practice the presence of God when you practice the presence of fear. You may be inclined to fear for the future of our country or fear about your personal finances or family or health issues. If you practice the presence of God, you will have peace in amidst your life-storm and trauma. The “Presence of Jesus” in your life begins with persistent prayer to the end that you constantly and consistently seek to include Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, in all aspects of your life. “Practicing the Presence of Jesus” in your life will prove to be life changing a rewarding. Jesus provides comfort for your anxieties in Mathew 6:33-34: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.". Also, in Mathew 11:28-30, Jesus makes it clear to you that He wants to walk with you in your times of trouble and fear so that you can offload to Him, the Creator of the Universe, some of those issues that drive your fears: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.". If you practice the presence of God, it will not matter what this world or the devil throws your way.     TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.     Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Resentment. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Compassion. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 3:16-17; 1 John 5:1-5; Psalms 37:41-50. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “You Are Personally Responsible and Accountable, to God, for All He Entrusts to You ” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

What You'll Hear in This Episode✨ Recap of Last Week's EpisodeA brief reflection on When Praying Feels Hard, exploring how to pray when you're angry, hurt, or numb and how God meets you in emotional honesty.✨ How Mental Health Impacts Your Life and FaithKeana explains how anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional overwhelm affect your mind, body, relationships, and spiritual connection. You'll learn why mental health struggles can make God feel distant even when He's close.✨ Insights From Psychologists on Faith & Mental HealthThis episode includes research‑based insights from experts like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Lisa Miller, and Dr. Kristin Neff, showing how trauma affects the brain, how spirituality strengthens resilience, and why compassion is essential for healing.✨ Myths About Mental Health in the ChurchKeana addresses harmful beliefs such as “If you had more faith, you wouldn't feel this way” or “Prayer alone should fix everything,” and replaces them with biblical truth and emotional clarity.✨ Why Getting Help Is BiblicalYou'll hear why therapy, counseling, and mental health support are not signs of weak faith — they are acts of wisdom and stewardship. Scriptures like Proverbs 11:14, Psalm 34:18, and Matthew 11:28 remind us that God uses both prayer and practical support to bring healing.✨ Biblical Examples of Emotional StruggleFrom Elijah's depression to David's anxiety, Hannah's grief, Job's anguish, and Jesus' sorrow in Gethsemane, this episode shows how God met His people in their emotional pain — and how He meets you today.✨ How God Supports You in Your Mental Health JourneyKeana shares how God brings peace, strength, and comfort through His presence, His Word, community, therapy, rest, and spiritual practices that ground your mind and spirit.Episode TakeawayYou can love God and still struggle with your mental health. You can trust God and still need therapy. You can be a believer and still feel anxious, overwhelmed, or numb. None of these things separate you from God's love. He is near, He is compassionate, and He walks with you through every emotional valley.Connect with KeanaIf this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who may be struggling silently.Send in your questions for next week's episode, and stay connected for more faith‑centered conversations on healing, mental health, and spiritual growth.

Send us Fan MailIn this fifth episode of our Loud Longings, Holy God series, we talk honestly about why surrender can feel so difficult, especially when we're letting go of the very things we've relied on for comfort. We begin with a breath prayer from Psalm 73—“You are the strength of my heart... and my portion forever”—and explore how stress, grief, and uncertainty can drive us toward emotional eating, control, perfectionism, busyness, scrolling, or other attempts to find quick relief. Together, we discuss why surrender often involves loss and why acknowledging that grief is an important part of the journey.Looking at Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, we see that surrender isn't about pretending everything is fine—it's about bringing our deepest struggles into relationship with the Father. We encourage listeners to choose connection with Jesus before reaching for immediate relief and share a simple practice to help pause and respond differently when urges arise. If surrender has ever felt overwhelming, we hope this conversation reminds you that you don't have to walk that path alone.If this helped you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Support the showLearn more about our Revelation Within Community: https://www.revelationwithin.org

SHOWNOTES Have you ever stood at a crossroads where you knew what God was calling you to, but everything in you wanted to retreat to the safer, more comfortable path? Candace and Jason Jackson Jr. open the episode answering a listener question from Ashley, a newer Christian working her way through the Bible. Jason describes how he started reading from the perspective of the sinner rather than the savior, putting himself in the shoes of the people Jesus is speaking to instead of in Jesus' shoes. That way, he says, the message comes through and not just the miracle. The episode picks up Jason's story where last week left off. From being woken up at 9 years old to provide a clean drug test for family members, to choosing at 11 to move in with friends so his mom would have one less mouth to feed, to walking away from an NFL career at 21 years old, Jason traces a path shaped by one conviction: a job is what you get paid to do, and work is what you were created to do. Ministry, he says, is work. Jason then talks about the Kidron Valley, the Valley of Decisions, the space between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He talks through what it means to be caught between peace and pressure, and why he believes the response in that valley is prayer. The episode also includes a second listener question from Gracie, who just turned 18 and asks for one piece of advice as a new adult. Jason tells her to serve as many people as she can, and Candace encourages her to stay honest, with herself, with others, and with God. Sign up for updates and get access to Jason's exclusive video series, Unfiltered Faith, at candace.com/together. Find Candace's email list and more at candace.com. Life is like a rollercoaster, but it's better when we go through it together. Connect with Candace Bure and Jason Jackson Jr. Candace on Instagram @candacecbure  Follow the Podcast on Instagram @candacecameronburepodcast  Follow the Podcast on TikTok @ccbpodcast Jason on IG/ TIKTOK: @thejasonjacksonjr Jason on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@JasonJacksonJr. Sponsors For This Episode Candace.com/tour  Crowdhealth joincrowdhealth.com code CANDACE IFCJ ifcj.com  GCU gcu.edu 316 Financial https://bank316.com/candace-cameron-bure PHD myphdweightloss.com and call #864-644-1900 and mention CANDACE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 2894 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2894 – “The Ultimate Close Encounter”  based on Luke 9:28-36 Putnam Church Message – 05/31/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “The Ultimate Close Encounter.”   Last week's message was “A Shocking Agenda,” in which we learned to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus, which is not the way to lose our life.  According to Jesus, that is the only way to truly find it. Today, we continue with our twenty-sixth message from Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: “The Ultimate Close Encounter.” Our core passage today is Luke 9:28--36, on page 1609 of your pew Bibles. The Transfiguration 28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure,[a] which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving>Jesus, / Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) 34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen. Opening Prayer Father, we come before You today with grateful hearts. We confess that we often see only what is right in front of us — our problems, our pain, our schedules, our fears, our disappointments. But Your Word reminds us that there is more than what we can see with our eyes. There is glory beyond suffering, resurrection beyond death, and a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. Lord Jesus, as we look today at Your transfiguration, open our hearts to see You more clearly. Strengthen our faith. Quiet our fears. Teach us to listen to You. Help us follow You not only when the road is easy, but also when the road leads through sacrifice and suffering. May we leave this place with renewed confidence that Your will, Your way, all the way, is always best. Amen. Introduction: Our Hunger for Something More We live in an interesting age. I think we live in the most exciting age ever. That is why I would love to live another 70 years. We are at the threshold of major breakthroughs in all areas of life. Not everyone agrees with me. On one hand, skepticism is loud. Many people claim that nothing exists beyond what can be measured, tested, touched, or explained by science. They say the material universe is all there is. And yet, at the very same time, interest in the supernatural continues to grow. People watch shows about UFO sightings. They read books about near-death experiences. They watch movies about unseen worlds, spiritual forces, mysterious signs, angels, ghosts, and life beyond death. Even people who say they do not believe in God often feel that there must be something more. Why? Because deep inside the human soul is a longing to know that we are not alone. We want to know that our lives matter. We want to know that suffering is not meaningless. We want to know that death is not the end. We want to know that beyond the visible world lies a greater reality. That longing is not new. It goes back as far as humanity itself. Every culture in every age has looked beyond itself, searching the heavens for someone or something greater. In today's passage, three disciples receive what we might call the ultimate close encounter. Peter, John, and James are allowed to see behind the curtain. For a brief moment, the veil between earth and heaven is pulled back. They see Jesus in glory. They see Moses and Elijah alive. They hear the voice of God the Father. And they learn something they desperately needed to know. In the previous message, “A Shocking Agenda,” Jesus told His disciples that He must suffer, be rejected, be killed, and be raised on the third day. Then He said that anyone who wants to follow Him must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Him. / That was not what they expected. They expected the Messiah to march into Jerusalem, overthrow Rome, and restore Israel's glory. Instead, Jesus spoke of suffering, rejection, death, and surrender. So now, about eight days later, Jesus takes three of them up a mountain to pray. There, He gives them a glimpse of the glory on the other side of the cross. The message is clear: The road of Jesus may pass through suffering, but it ends in glory. Let's look at four truths that will explain this in our bulletin insert. Main Point 1: Jesus Reveals His Glory in the Place of Prayer Luke tells us that about eight days after Jesus said these things, He took Peter, John, and James up on a mountain to pray. That detail matters. Luke has repeatedly shown us that Jesus prayed at key moments. He prayed at His baptism. He withdrew often to lonely places to pray. He prayed before choosing the Twelve. He will pray in Gethsemane before the cross. Here again, Jesus goes up the mountain to pray. In Scripture, mountains often become places of divine encounter. Moses met God on Mount Sinai. Elijah heard the gentle whisper of God on Mount Horeb. Later, Jesus would teach on mountains, pray on mountains, and eventually be crucified near Jerusalem on a hill called Golgotha. So, when Luke tells us Jesus goes up a mountain to pray, we should lean in. Something important is about to happen. / As Jesus is praying, His appearance changes. Matthew says His face shines like the sun. Mark says His clothing becomes dazzling white, whiter than anyone on earth could bleach it. Luke says the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white.  This is not stage lighting. / This is not imagination. / This is not the sun hitting His robe at just the right angle. / The glory that had always belonged to Jesus begins to shine through His humanity. For most of His earthly life, the glory of the eternal Son of God was veiled. People saw a real man from Nazareth. They saw Him tired. Hungry. Weeping. Sleeping in a boat. Walking dusty roads. Sitting at tables. Touching lepers. Holding children. Teaching crowds. / But on the mountain, for a few moments, the veil is pulled back. The disciples see that the One they follow is not merely a teacher. Not merely a prophet. Not merely a miracle worker. Not merely a wise rabbi. / He is the glorious Son of God. Object Lesson: The Covered Lamp Imagine a lamp covered with a thick cloth. The lamp is shining, but the cloth hides most of the light. You may see a little glow around the edges, but not the full brightness. / Now remove the covering. / The light floods the room. That is a simple picture of what happens on the mountain. Jesus does not become glorious for the first time. His glory is revealed. John later writes that the Word became flesh and lived among us, and “we have seen his glory.” Peter later writes that he was an eyewitness of Christ's majesty. / This moment stayed with them. Ancient Context For Jewish disciples, shining glory would immediately connect with the presence of God. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai after speaking with God, his face shone so brightly that the people were afraid to come near him. / But Moses reflected glory.  / Jesus reveals glory. Moses came down from the mountain with God's law. Jesus stands on the mountain as God's Son. / That distinction matters. Jesus is greater than Moses. Greater than Elijah. Greater than every prophet,...

Walk Where Jesus Walked: The Holy Land Tour That Will Transform Your Faith Have you ever wanted to walk where Jesus walked? In this episode, Rob sits down with longtime minister and Bible teacher Mike Fontenau from Perth, Australia, to discuss an unforgettable opportunity—a guided Holy Land tour planned for October 2027. With more than twenty years of experience leading biblical tours through Israel, Mike shares how visiting the places you've only read about can completely transform your understanding of Scripture. From the Sea of Galilee and Capernaum to Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, Jericho, Bethlehem, Caesarea, Mount Carmel, and beyond, every stop includes a Bible lesson that connects the location with God's story. Mike also explains how the tour is organized, what is included, safety considerations, and why this may be his final Holy Land tour. In this episode you'll discover: • Why visiting Israel brings the Bible to life • The major biblical sites included on the tour • Lessons taught where biblical events actually happened • Why Galilee and Jerusalem offer two very different experiences • What makes this tour different from a typical vacation • The current plans for the October 2027 trip • Tour costs and what is included • Thoughts on safety and travel in Israel • Why this may be Mike Fontenau's final Holy Land tour Whether you've dreamed of visiting Israel for years or simply want to deepen your understanding of Scripture, this conversation will inspire your faith and help you picture the Bible in an entirely new way. To learn more about future opportunities, stay connected through RobSkinner.com. My goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Dr. Bridget Trammell is a Christian counselor, speaker, and bestselling author of Trigger Warning: A Faith-Based Playbook for Healing from Trauma, Control, and the Lies that Broke You. Drawing from her personal journey through religious trauma, domestic violence, and emotional abuse, along with years of clinical experience, she helps individuals understand trauma, reclaim their identity, and find healing through faith and practical tools.Bridget is passionate about creating safe spaces for people to process pain, break unhealthy cycles, and walk in freedom. With clinical techniques led by a Biblical approach, she builds the bridge between therapy and theology.Bridget is married to Josh who serves as Lead Pastor of Take Heart Church. They have two daughters Hallie and Haven.Dale & Joseph sit down with Bridget for a candid conversation about how trauma forms, how it shows up in ministry leadership, and why church culture often suppresses pain instead of supporting healing. Bridget shares parts of her personal story—including escaping an abusive marriage marked by addiction and violence—and explains why victims often struggle to leave unsafe situations.The conversation explores religious trauma and “high-control” church environments, including how shame-based purity culture can distort sexuality, create secrecy, and amplify abuse. Bridget outlines practical frameworks for understanding trauma responses (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn), what “trigger warnings” really indicate, and why unresolved trauma layers over time—often driving burnout, control, addiction, and emotional reactivity in leaders.The episode ends with a direct call to pastors and leaders who feel like “silent weepers”: healing requires honesty about wounds, safe relationships, wise counsel, and spiritual community that can carry burdens together—following the model of Jesus, who showed real humanity in the Garden of Gethsemane.Show Link: https://95network.org/95podcast-344-summary-trigger-warning-trauma-healing-for-pastors-church-leaders-w-bridget-trammell-episode-344/Support the show

John 18:1-11 We live in an age obsessed with comfort and the avoidance of pain. But Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, faced the most bitter cup imaginable—and chose to drink it. Pastor Chuck Swindoll walks through John 18:1–11, the scene of Jesus' arrest, to examine the cup the Father gave His Son to drink. In Christ's submission lies the model for every believer who must choose obedience when the cost is high. Learn from your Savior's example. Embrace the path of obedience—even when it hurts—and find the strength that comes from trusting God.

Pastor Joshua Yasuda walks through the Lord's Prayer phrase “Your kingdom come, your will be done” and shows how it confronts our default setting of “my kingdom, my will.”Looking at the story of the King in Matthew, he traces how Jesus is revealed as the promised Son of David and Son of Abraham who brings God's kingdom in an unexpected, upside-down way—through humility, service, the cross, and the resurrection. From there, Josh explains the substance of these petitions: when we pray “Your kingdom come, Your will be done,” we are asking God to rule in hearts and communities, to spread the gospel to all peoples, and to make our relationships, churches, and everyday lives reflect the values of the Sermon on the Mount. This prayer is expansive (global in scope), exciting (it moves us into God's mission), and expectant (it looks ahead to Christ's return and the final renewal of all things).Finally, he presses into the state of our hearts: real prayer requires surrender. Drawing on Jesus' own prayer in Gethsemane—“not my will, but Yours be done”—Josh calls us to trust the King, lay down our own kingdoms, and ask God both to accomplish His will in the world and to give us the grace and power to obey it. 00:00 - Introduction – A family moment with the Lord's Prayer reveals how easily our hearts drift toward “our kingdom come, our will be done,” setting up the need for Jesus' pattern of prayer.  10:57 - The story of the King – A fast walk through Matthew highlights Jesus as the promised King who brings God's kingdom through His ministry, cross, and resurrection.  18:47 - The substance of these petitions – Unpacking what it really means to ask for God's kingdom and will: global, missionary-minded, everyday-life prayers that seek changed hearts and kingdom-shaped communities.  36:24 - The state of our hearts – Learning from Jesus in Gethsemane, we see that praying “Your will be done” is an act of surrender, trust, and obedience that reorients our lives around the true King.**HOW TO FIND US*** SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YouTube CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@IronwoodChurchAZFACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/ironwoodchurchaz/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/ironwood.church/WEBSITE https://www.ironwoodchurch.org/

We live in an age obsessed with comfort and the avoidance of pain. But Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, faced the most bitter cup imaginable—and chose to drink it. Pastor Chuck Swindoll walks through John 18:1–11, the scene of Jesus' arrest, to examine the cup the Father gave His Son to drink. In Christ's submission lies the model for every believer who must choose obedience when the cost is high.Learn from your Saviour's example. Embrace the path of obedience—even when it hurts—and find the strength that comes from trusting God!

Full Text of Readings The Saint of the day is Saints Peter and Paul Saints Peter and Paul's Story Peter (d. 64?) Saint Mark ends the first half of his Gospel with a triumphant climax. He has recorded doubt, misunderstanding, and the opposition of many to Jesus. Now Peter makes his great confession of faith: “You are the Messiah” (Mark 8:29b). It was one of the many glorious moments in Peter's life, beginning with the day he was called from his nets along the Sea of Galilee to become a fisher of men for Jesus. The New Testament clearly shows Peter as the leader of the apostles, chosen by Jesus to have a special relationship with him. With James and John he was privileged to witness the Transfiguration, the raising of a dead child to life, and the agony in Gethsemane. His mother-in-law was cured by Jesus. He was sent with John to prepare for the last Passover before Jesus' death. His name is first on every list of apostles. And to Peter only did Jesus say, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:17b-19). But the Gospels prove their own trustworthiness by the unflattering details they include about Peter. He clearly had no public relations person. It is a great comfort for ordinary mortals to know that Peter also has his human weakness, even in the presence of Jesus. He generously gave up all things, yet he can ask in childish self-regard, “What are we going to get for all this?” (see Matthew 19:27). He receives the full force of Christ's anger when he objects to the idea of a suffering Messiah: “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (Matthew 16:23b). Peter is willing to accept Jesus' doctrine of forgiveness, but suggests a limit of seven times. He walks on the water in faith, but sinks in doubt. He refuses to let Jesus wash his feet, then wants his whole body cleansed. He swears at the Last Supper that he will never deny Jesus, and then swears to a servant maid that he has never known the man. He loyally resists the first attempt to arrest Jesus by cutting off Malchus' ear, but in the end he runs away with the others. In the depth of his sorrow, Jesus looks on him and forgives him, and he goes out and sheds bitter tears. The Risen Jesus told Peter to feed his lambs and his sheep (John 21:15-17). Paul (d. 64?) If the most well-known preacher today suddenly began preaching that the United States should adopt Marxism and not rely on the Constitution, the angry reaction would help us understand Paul's life when he started preaching that Christ alone can save us. He had been the most pharisaic of Pharisees, the most legalistic of Mosaic lawyers. Now he suddenly appears to other Jews as a heretical welcomer of Gentiles, a traitor and apostate. Paul's central conviction was simple and absolute: Only God can save humanity. No human effort—even the most scrupulous observance of law—can create a human good which we can bring to God as reparation for sin and payment for grace. To be saved from itself, from sin, from the devil, and from death, humanity must open itself completely to the saving power of Jesus. Paul never lost his love for his Jewish family, though he carried on a lifelong debate with them about the uselessness of the Law without Christ. He reminded the Gentiles that they were grafted on the parent stock of the Jews, who were still God's chosen people, the children of the promise. Reflection We would probably go to confession to Peter sooner than to any of the other apostles. He is perhaps a more striking example of the simple fact of holiness. Jesus says to us as he said, in effect, to Peter: “It is not you who have chosen me, but I who have chosen you. Peter, it is not human wisdom that makes it possible for you to believe, but my Father's revelation. I, not you, build my Church.” Paul's experience of the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus was the driving force that made him one of the most zealous, dynamic, and courageous ambassadors of Christ the Church has ever had. But persecution, humiliation, and weakness became his day-by-day carrying of the cross, material for further transformation. The dying Christ was in him; the living Christ was his life.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Welcome Graham fam! We are so glad you could watch Sunday morning online with us. Please Subscribe to our Youtube Channel! http://www.youtube.com/@GrahamChapel Introduction In week five of our series, we shift our focus from Matthew 4 to examine the reality that Jesus’ temptations extended far beyond the wilderness. Because Jesus faced all the same testings we do, He was tempted to abandon God’s will for His life. As we look at His final hours, we see that Jesus was not being tempted by worldly things or pride, but rather faced the ultimate temptation to choose what He wanted over the will of God. Scripture * Luke 4:13 * Hebrews 4:15 * Mark 14:32-41 * Matthew 16:22-23 * Galatians 5:16-17 * Matthew 27:39-44 Sermon Points * Jesus did not want to suffer and die! * The Flesh and the Spirit were at war! * Satan came after His identity to the very end! Closing Wherever you are today, maybe you need to spend some time in prayer. The good news is that you do not have to be alone. You have a church family here who will pray with you and who are fighting their own temptations too. Just as Jesus came to the altar in Gethsemane, the altar is open this morning if you need to come and pray. Watch past services: https://www.gcwesleyan.org/teaching/ Subscribe to Graham Chapel Youth: https://is.gd/grahamyouth Give to Graham Chapel: https://www.gcwesleyan.org/give/ Graham Chapel Wesleyan Church is in Mayo, SC near Cowpens and Chesnee in Spartanburg County. We'd love to have you join us in person on Sundays or Wednesdays for youth! Visit our website to learn more.

Lesson 15 - The End Draws NearMatthew 25:14—26:75. Matthew records many final moments in these last chapters. Final words about Christ's coming and final calls to faithfulness, a final act of loving devotion, the final Passover meal. He recounts the betrayal of one disciple, the public failure of another and the scattering of all the rest. And for the Lord Himself, there is the final surrender in Gethsemane, accepting the cup of suffering that would result in His death for all mankind. Everything has been made ready. The end truly is in sight.To learn more about Michele or to support this international ministry please visit https://intheword.com

Why do bad things happen to good people?It's one of the hardest questions anyone can ask—and one that every Christian will wrestle with at some point.In this episode, we're joined by Tucker Wallace as we discuss what Scripture says about suffering, free will, God's goodness, and why pain exists in a broken world. Together, we explore stories from Job, Adam and Eve, Jesus in Gethsemane, and more, while offering biblical encouragement for anyone walking through a difficult season.If you've ever asked, "Where is God when life hurts?" or "Why would God allow this to happen?" this conversation is for you.

Mark 14:39-42

John 18:1-11 We live in an age obsessed with comfort and the avoidance of pain. But Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, faced the most bitter cup imaginable—and chose to drink it. Pastor Chuck Swindoll walks through John 18:1–11, the scene of Jesus' arrest, to examine the cup the Father gave His Son to drink. In Christ's submission lies the model for every believer who must choose obedience when the cost is high. Learn from your Savior's example. Embrace the path of obedience—even when it hurts—and find the strength that comes from trusting God.

He took the cup- The significance of the last Passover meal Jesus celebrated with His disciples must have escaped them. What new covenant was Jesus talking about? After literally taking the cup of Passover, Jesus made His way to the garden at Gethsemane where He prepared to accept the cup of God's wrath for all of mankind.

We live in an age obsessed with comfort and the avoidance of pain. But Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, faced the most bitter cup imaginable—and chose to drink it. Pastor Chuck Swindoll walks through John 18:1–11, the scene of Jesus' arrest, to examine the cup the Father gave His Son to drink. In Christ's submission lies the model for every believer who must choose obedience when the cost is high.Learn from your Saviour's example. Embrace the path of obedience—even when it hurts—and find the strength that comes from trusting God!

John 18:1-11 We live in an age obsessed with comfort and the avoidance of pain. But Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, faced the most bitter cup imaginable—and chose to drink it. Pastor Chuck Swindoll walks through John 18:1–11, the scene of Jesus' arrest, to examine the cup the Father gave His Son to drink. In Christ's submission lies the model for every believer who must choose obedience when the cost is high. Learn from your Savior's example. Embrace the path of obedience—even when it hurts—and find the strength that comes from trusting God.

We live in an age obsessed with comfort and the avoidance of pain. But Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, faced the most bitter cup imaginable—and chose to drink it. Pastor Chuck Swindoll walks through John 18:1–11, the scene of Jesus' arrest, to examine the cup the Father gave His Son to drink. In Christ's submission lies the model for every believer who must choose obedience when the cost is high.Learn from your Saviour's example. Embrace the path of obedience—even when it hurts—and find the strength that comes from trusting God!

The Answer to Cancel Culture? Jesus Followers Must Lead a New Culture of “Grace and Kindness” Respecting the Ideas of Others MESSAGE SUMMARY: Following Jesus the Christ produces a culture of grace, mercy, and kindness is an environment in which there is no griping or murmuring; no putting people down – just respect for the words and ideas of others. Paul relates, in Galatians 5:22-26, and defines the outcomes or “Fruits of the Spirit” and how they relate to a “Culture of Grace”: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.". This culture of grace, mercy, and kindness gives people the benefit of the doubt; and it provides a visible demonstration of how you value other people and their views and perspectives. By providing a culture of Grace and mercy, along with respect for others, you create an atmosphere that is filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Also, leading discussions in an environment of Grace and kindness lets others see Jesus in you.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.      Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I will serve others (Philippians 2:3f). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:1-11; Psalms 51:1-2; Psalms 34b: 12-22. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Be Strong & Courageous”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

When someone insults or slanders us, our natural instinct is to reply and criticize that person in return. But just because you have that ability doesn't mean that you should use it. Join John as he reflects on a lesser-known moment from the Garden of Gethsemane to help us understand this difficult lesson.

What do you do when you have a need, a prayer, or a situation you desperately want God to change? This Sunday, Sara explored the story of Bartimaeus and Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, challenging us to consider two questions: What do you want God to do? and Can you trust Him with the outcome? As we learn to bring our requests honestly and specifically before God, we're also invited to surrender our plans, desires, and timelines to His will. What if true freedom isn't found in getting exactly what we want, but in trusting the One who knows what's best?---Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM.Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decidedStay Connected!Website: http://localchurchgr.orgFacebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgrInstagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgrWeekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLCVisit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expectEvents: http://my.localchurchgr.org/eventsIf you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/giveNeed prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

In this Father's Day message, Pastor Morgan Ervin unpacks one of the most overlooked gifts the Spirit ever placed inside a believer: self-control. Far from the joyless, white-knuckled restraint we imagine, the Greek word egkrateia means "power within" — inner strength, dominion over yourself. But this strength can't be manufactured by self-effort. It's a fruit of the Spirit, and fruit only grows from a root. That root is the fear of the Lord — not a slave's terror, but a son's awe of a Father he adores. Drawing on his own story of a broken first picture of "father" and the good man who later adopted him, Pastor Morgan shows how a wounded view of fatherhood shapes the way we relate to God, leaving us stuck as either the Performer who tries to earn love or the Rebel who storms out of the house. Both are orphans. The way home is sonship — letting the Father reorder our disordered loves until we actually want what's good. From the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus' greatest act of self-control began with the word "Abba," to four practical handles for living like a son on an ordinary Tuesday, this message is an invitation to stop striving and start trusting the Father who is already in the room — already running toward you.

Some of us have spent years seeking the will of the Father. We've pursued it, discerned it and even caught glimpses of what God wants to do in and through our lives. But too often we've tried to accomplish a heavenly calling in our earthly strength. And the weight of disappointment, delay, grief and unanswered questions has left us spiritually exhausted. Like the disciples in Gethsemane, we're still awake—but our souls have fallen asleep. We're going through the motions while overlooking the very place where strength is found.The distance between where we are right now and where the Father is leading us is not measured by our talent, our determination or our grind. It's measured by one word: Nevertheless.

In Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day, a former nun clutches a crucifix, prays the words Jesus prayed the night before the cross, and then lets it fall to the floor.EPISODE PAGE (Includes Sources and Transcript): https://weirddarkness.com/cotu-disclosuredayLISTEN ON PODCAST APPS: Look for this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and other podcast apps. Get a list of free listening apps here for Weird Darkness: https://pod.link/1078714736. For Church of the Undead episodes specifically, you can find a list of apps here: https://pod.link/1651062114.*No AI Voices Are Used In The Narration Of This Podcast*WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2026, Weird Darkness.Originally aired: June 14, 2026

What does it mean to truly follow Jesus in a culture that feels increasingly corrupted and confusing? Today we wrap up our series on the Lord's Prayer by looking at the final and perhaps most complex petition: Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Join Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and our favorite special guest Seth Erre as we navigate the tension between the joy of summer break and the heavy realities of the world around us. We start the show with some lighthearted updates about Seth's summer school, an upcoming trip to Kings Island, and a surprise for a friend. However, the conversation quickly turns to the importance of creating counter-narratives in a world that often devalues life and marginalized communities.In the second half of the episode, we dive deep into the Greek word peirasmos to understand the nuance between being tested and being tempted. We explore how Jesus re-enacted the story of Israel by succeeding in the wilderness where they failed, and how his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane provides the ultimate model for our own spiritual lives. It is a deep dive into moving from a posture of entitlement to one of gratitude while staying awake to the subversive work of the Kingdom.Chapters0:00 Intro and Summer Break Updates3:15 Kings Island and Band Surprises6:42 Mike's Pickleball Injury and Seth's Kindness9:55 Navigating Political and Cultural Turmoil14:10 Muscular Christianity and Energy Drinks17:30 Counter-Narratives and Down Syndrome Joy21:45 Women in Ministry and Active Peacemaking26:20 Winning vs. Faithfulness in Following Jesus30:45 The Final Petition: Lead Us Not Into Temptation34:10 Testing vs. Temptation in the Bible39:05 Jesus in the Wilderness and the Exodus Story43:20 The Garden of Gethsemane and the Cup of Suffering48:50 Embodying the Lord's Prayer53:15 Modern Testing: Entitlement vs. Gratitude57:40 Staying Awake in Community59:50 Outro and How to Support UsAs always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.Our Merch Store! EtsyLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.Part I (00:14 – 10:43)The Decline of Reading and Knowledge: Student Test Scores Reveal that Decrease in Academic Performance is Correlated with Far More Than Just the PandemicTeens' reading and math scores have stagnated, US test results show by Associated Press (Annie Ma and Sharon Lurye)Part II (10:43 – 16:09)De-Incentivizing Work For Teenagers: Our Economic Conditions Incentivize Building College Application Resumes Instead of the Work Ethic for TeenagersWhy Teenagers Stopped Working in the Summer by The Wall Street Journal (Roland Fryer)Part III (16:09 – 18:48)A Move Towards Clarity and Biblical Fidelity at the SBC Annual Meeting: Messengers Voted Overwhelming in Support the Truth and Unity AmendmentPart IV (18:48 – 22:35)Why Has the Issue of Women Preaching in the Pulpit Become Such a Divisive Issue? — Dr. Mohler Responds to Letters From Listeners of The BriefingPart V (22:35 – 26:10)How Did Matthew Know What Jesus Prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane? — Dr. Mohler Responds to a Letter from a 13-Year Old Listener of the BriefingSign up to receive The Briefing in your inbox every weekday morning.Follow Dr. Mohler:X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFor more information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to sbts.edu.For more information on Boyce College, just go to BoyceCollege.com.To write Dr. Mohler or submit a question for The Mailbox, go here.

Fr. Mike guides us through Jesus' warning of persecution to the people of Israel as we near the end of Mark's Gospel. He also touches on how Jesus' behavior in the Garden of Gethsemane should serve as an example to us, and explains why Judas' betrayal was so heartbreaking. Today's readings are Mark 13-14 and Psalm 68.For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The kingdom of God stands in direct opposition to a world consumed by personal ambition. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explore what it truly means to live with a kingdom mindset and why selfishness is one of the greatest obstacles to faithful Christian living. They explain that kingdom-mindedness means living under God's rule, reign, and authority rather than building a personal kingdom centered on recognition or control. True freedom comes when believers stop striving to make a name for themselves and instead focus on the glory of God and the good of His kingdom. The cross itself represents a complete transfer of allegiance, with every area of life falling under the authority of Christ.The guys point to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane as the perfect example of surrender to the Father's will. Even in anguish, Jesus submitted Himself completely, showing that suffering and obedience are not incompatible. They also reflect on David's life, whose continual repentance and worship revealed a heart shaped by the kingdom of God. Kingdom-mindedness produces humility, worship, and a desire to be searched and refined by the Lord. The guys emphasize that believers often become distracted by earthly concerns, preventing them from simply resting in God's presence and delighting in Him.The conversation then turns to how kingdom living shapes daily priorities and relationships. The kingdom of God is marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, fostering a new disposition toward sin, obedience, and community. The guys explain that Christians are not meant to live in isolation but in fellowship, learning from those who have walked faithfully before them. God has given His people resources, wisdom, and testimonies of His faithfulness to strengthen them through every season. Kingdom-minded believers recognize that their lives are not their own and that every opportunity exists for God's glory.Finally, the guys discuss the importance of resting in God's kingdom rather than being consumed by the world's noise and anxiety. Modern life is full of distractions that constantly pull attention away from God, making silence and stillness increasingly rare. The guys encourage believers to slow down, seek God first, and recognize His care in both Scripture and creation. Kingdom-mindedness means fully trusting the King, knowing that He provides, sustains, and rules with perfect goodness. In the end, believers are reminded that their ultimate inheritance is not found in earthly success but in belonging to Christ and awaiting the King's return.Send us Fan MailThanks 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