Podcasts about god himself

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Genesis 20-22; Luke 8 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode, Hunter guides us through Genesis 20–22 and Luke 8, continuing our one-year journey through the Bible. But this isn't just about reading Scripture—it's about letting the living Word transform us from the inside out. As we witness the faith and testing of Abraham, the miraculous provision of God, and the powerful teachings and healings of Jesus, we're invited to see the goodness and faithfulness of God in fresh ways. Hunter reflects deeply on Abraham's incredible journey—his obedience, trust, and understanding of God's unique character as a provider, not a demander of senseless sacrifice. We're reminded that God meets us in our darkest and most barren places, and He is not like the other gods of the world. Instead, He is a God of life, love, and redemption. The episode closes with heartfelt prayers, seeking God's guidance, provision, and peace for ourselves, our families, and the world. Join us as we open our hearts to be changed by the Word, walking together in faith, hope, and the knowledge that we are deeply loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Unthinkable. Something unthinkable is being asked of Abraham. He is being asked to offer his one and only son, the son that he loves, as a sacrifice on the mountain. It is a test of obedience that, at first glance, seems unimaginable. But perhaps, in Abraham's world, it was not altogether unthinkable. The cultures surrounding him, and indeed, cultures throughout history, have at times required the blood of a human to appease or manipulate their gods. Abraham would have known these stories and expectations. But he also knew something else—the God who called him, who promised him a son even in extreme old age, who reminded him of blessings as countless as the stars. This God who walked with Abraham in his darkest, most barren moments was not like any of the others. Abraham had learned to walk with and trust God, and he believed that this God was not bloodthirsty or capricious, nor distant or angry and waiting to pounce. Abraham believed God was good—the God who meets us in our need, our shame, our barren places, the God who provides. On that mountain, God makes Himself known as Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides. He is not a God who requires us to atone by our own blood, or by the blood of those we love. No, God has a different way. Instead, it is He who provides the offering. The Father does not kill His Son—instead, the Son offers Himself, and is killed by humanity. Through His offering, He overcomes evil, wins the victory for us, conquering sin and darkness, and making a way for us to live. Abraham reasoned that, even if Isaac died, God was able to revive him—because Abraham knew, at the core, that God is good and can be trusted with our very lives. That knowledge—the character of God—changes everything. God comes to us in our lowest, most hopeless places, and brings resurrection, new life. On Mount Moriah, and then on the cross, God Himself provides what we cannot. He gives us victory, healing, hope. My prayer today is that my eyes would open to see as Abraham saw: the character of our God who provides, who is trustworthy, who is good. That I would walk with Him and know the freedom, the life, and the joy of being loved and provided for by Him. And that is my prayer for my family—for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that is my prayer for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Maduro's capture: right or wrong? Praying with annoying people? Did any Jews expect Messiah to be God Himself? Does capitalism beget Communism? The predatory nature of Islam. Charlotte's new order bishop. Mamdani's "warmth of collectivism." Modernism, the synthesis of all heresies, cannot be "reformed." Our reasons for joy and gratitude! This episode was recorded on 1/6/2026. Our Links: http://linkwcb.com/ Please consider making a monetary donation to What Catholics Believe. Father Jenkins remembers all of our benefactors in general during his daily Mass, and he also offers one Mass on the first Sunday of every month specially for all supporters of What Catholics Believe. May God bless you for your generosity! https://www.wcbohio.com/donate Subscribe to our other YouTube channels: ‪@WCBHolyMassLivestream‬ ‪@WCBHighlights‬ May God bless you all!

Tuesday January 6, 2026Epiphany

Every human heart carries a hunger that no success, pleasure, or good work can ever fully satisfy. We chase after many things, hoping they will quiet that ache, yet they leave us restless still. This hunger is not a flaw in us; it is a clue placed there by God Himself. And when we come to Jesus Christ, we discover that He is not merely one answer among many, but the Answer our hearts have been seeking all along. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

What if eternity isn't escaping this world—but living in a resurrected one, fully renewed by Jesus? For many of us, our childhood picture of heaven looked more like floating on clouds than living in a place that feels real, physical, and gloriously renewed. But Scripture tells a far better story. In Revelation 21, we're given a vision of where everything is ultimately headed—a new heaven and a new earth where Jesus reigns, peace is complete, perfection is normal, and God Himself dwells personally with His people. In this message, we trace the arc from Christmas to eternity, from the birth of Jesus to His promised return. You'll learn what the Bible actually teaches about heaven, resurrection, and the future God has secured for those who trust in Jesus. No more fear. No more pain. No more distance between us and God. Just full joy, full presence, and full life forever.

As we step into a new year, this message from Genesis 22 asks a simple but powerful question: what do you really worship, and what do your everyday choices show you trust most? Through the story of Abraham and Isaac—and how it points to Jesus—we see that worship isn't just about singing, but about choosing trust over control and discovering that God Himself is the greatest gift.

The first reward of seeking and seeing God is not material things, but God Himself. Because God is Spirit, our relationship with Him is not casual or mechanical. When dealing with a spirit being, reverence and consistency is importance. Knowing that God is, determines how we approach Him. Our approach must be shaped by the quality of His essence. Reverence must never be absent when we come before Him.Christianity is not merely practiced outwardly; it is done in the Spirit and by the Spirit. Certain actions can encourage or attract spirit beingsFaith always operates within the will of God. You cannot separate true acts of faith from God's sovereignty and mercy. Faith is not forcing outcomes; faith is trusting God.Faith cannot exist outside the boundaries of God's will. It is not insisting against God's better judgment but resting in His wisdom. Therefore, faith confessions are not declarations of what we want, but declarations of what God has clearly revealed He wants for us.

In Unlocking the Psalms Part 1, Pastor Mike Jurek offers a foundational look at the Book of Psalms and why it plays such a vital role in the life of a believer. He encourages us to read the Psalms not as a routine task, but as a meaningful exchange with God Himself. Through passages like Psalm 1, Pastor Mike explains how meditating on God's Word day and night keeps us spiritually healthy, rooted, and growing.Pastor Mike also shares how the Psalms deepen both worship and prayer. Singing and praising God is shown as an expression of love that strengthens our relationship with Him, regardless of musical ability. In prayer, the Psalms help guide our hearts so that our thoughts and words remain aligned with God's presence. The message closes by reflecting on messianic Psalms that point to Jesus' sacrifice, reminding us that through Christ, we are invited into a restored relationship with God.#UnlockingThePsalms #PastorMikeJurek #GoodHopeChurch #Psalms #BiblicalTeaching #Prayer #Worship #JesusChrist #FaithSermon Notes: https://link.goodhope.ag/psalms-1-mjGiving Information: https://goodhope.ag/givingSTAY CONNECTEDYoutube: https://youtube.com/GoodHopeChurchInstagram: http://instagram.com/goodhopemnFacebook: http://fb.com/goodhopemn 

What if eternity isn't escaping this world—but living in a resurrected one, fully renewed by Jesus? For many of us, our childhood picture of heaven looked more like floating on clouds than living in a place that feels real, physical, and gloriously renewed. But Scripture tells a far better story. In Revelation 21, we're given a vision of where everything is ultimately headed—a new heaven and a new earth where Jesus reigns, peace is complete, perfection is normal, and God Himself dwells personally with His people. In this message, we trace the arc from Christmas to eternity, from the birth of Jesus to His promised return. You'll learn what the Bible actually teaches about heaven, resurrection, and the future God has secured for those who trust in Jesus. No more fear. No more pain. No more distance between us and God. Just full joy, full presence, and full life forever.

Do you want everything God has provided through His Son, Jesus Christ? Then it's time to make the decision to live by faith! In this series, Dr. Jerry Savelle teaches how to receive faith, where to apply it, and how to use it in your everyday life. Gain a deeper revelation of God's glory and understand what He expects from you and me. We pray that you will make the decision to live by faith, seek first the kingdom of God—not things, but God Himself—and yield to His wonderful will, receiving the blessing of God with open arms.

Do you want everything God has provided through His Son, Jesus Christ? Then it's time to make the decision to live by faith! In this series, Dr. Jerry Savelle teaches how to receive faith, where to apply it, and how to use it in your everyday life. Gain a deeper revelation of God's glory and understand what He expects from you and me. We pray that you will make the decision to live by faith, seek first the kingdom of God—not things, but God Himself—and yield to His wonderful will, receiving the blessing of God with open arms.

What we crave shapes the direction of our lives. In this sermon, we're challenged to examine where our deepest desires are aimed—toward temporary things or toward God Himself. Drawing from Scripture and everyday experiences, the message highlights how easily the world can distract us from what truly satisfies our souls.Through the story of God's people and their struggle to trust His provision, we're reminded that God never changes, even when our circumstances do. This message calls us to hunger for God's presence, His Word, and His purpose, learning to find lasting fulfillment in Him rather than chasing what will never truly satisfy.

The Glories of Salvation (1 Peter 1:1-5)For the bulletin in PDF form, click here. Message SlidessThe Purpose of 1 Peter - Karen JobesStrange Religion - Nijay GuptaStrange Religion Expanded - Nijay GuptaThe Trinity and Salvation - SwindollPeter: Upon this Rock - Brian LitfinINTRODUCTION: παρεπίδημος - Strangers, Sojourners, Aliens (1:1)“living as a long-term resident in a land where you do not have citizenshipand you still live by the laws and culture of your true homeland.”Chosen by God(The Trinitarian Foundation of Salvation)• Chosen by God: Salvation begins with God's choice (1:2a).• Sanctified by the Spirit: Salvation progresses by the work of the Spirit (1:2b).• Redeemed by Jesus Christ: Salvation is accomplished by and for Jesus (1:2c).A Living Hope(The Past, Present & Future of Salvation)• Worship: The right response to the glories of salvation is praise (1:3a).• New Birth: Salvation is a new identity, a new family, and a new start (1:3b).• Living Hope: The hope of salvation is the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1:3b).• Imperishable Inheritance: The full possession of salvation is in heaven (1:4).• Future Salvation: Final Salvation is guaranteed by the power of God (1:5).The glories of salvation are based in the work of the Trinity,secure as a future inheritance of Christ-like resurrection and,assured by God's power to be fully possessed in heaven.Home Church QuestionsIntroduction: Strangers, Sojourners, Aliens (1:1)1. In what ways do you currently feel like an alien or outsider in the world (e.g., culturally, morally, relationally)? How does knowing you are “chosen by God” reshape that feeling?2. If this world is not our ultimate home, how should that truth affect the priorities and investments we make day-to-day (time, money, relationships, ambitions)?Chosen by God: The Trinitarian Foundation of Salvation (1:2)3. The text says we are chosen “for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood.” How does understanding election (being chosen by God) motivate obedience?4. Sanctification by the Spirit is an ongoing process. Where have you seen evidence of the Spirit's sanctifying work in your life recently?Where do you sense resistance or need for greater surrender?A Living Hope: The Past, Present & Future of Salvation (1:3–5)5. How does Christ's resurrection give your hope a quality that is different from mere optimism or positive thinking?6. How does meditating on this heavenly inheritance free you from fear, envy, or over-attachment here and now?7. What does it mean to you that God Himself is actively protecting your faith and future salvation? How does this truth bring comfort when you feel spiritually vulnerable or when faith feels weak?8. Peter begins by focusing on the glories of salvation rather than their suffering. Why do you think he does this?UPG FOCUS: The Deaf in Pakistan The Deaf live with significant isolation due to communication barriers. Few people know Pakistan Sign Language, limiting education, work, and relationships. Most are Muslim with almost no access to Scripture or gospel resources they can understand. Pray for God to reveal Christ to the Deaf of Pakistan through dreams, visions, and clear communication. Ask for sign-language Scripture efforts to advance and for workers to love and serve this unreached community.FinancesWeekly Budget 34,615Giving For 12/21 30,280Giving For 12/28 23,342YTD Budget 900,000Giving 850,872 OVER/(UNDER) (49,128) Fellowship 101New to Fellowship? We invite you to join us on Sunday, January 11th, at 9 AM in the conference room (first floor) to hear about our mission, values, and ministries. During this time, you will meet some of our ministry leaders and get to ask questions. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register. This is an important step in getting connected at Fellowship. New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Men's Fellowship BreakfastJoin us on Wednesday, January 14, at 6:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Atrium for a great morning of food, fellowship, and encouragement. No sign-up is required—just bring your Bible and come ready to enjoy breakfast, connect with other men, and start your day with prayer and Biblical insight. Questions? Contact Michael at mharrison@fellowshipconway.org.Fellowship Women's Hebrews Bible StudyThis February, join us for Jesus Is Greater—an eight-week Bible study through the book of Hebrews created to deepen your faith, renew your hope, and connect you with other women pursuing Jesus. Led by Rebecca Carter and Heather Harrison, we'll meet on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m., beginning February 3rd at Fellowship. Free childcare, text Shanna at 501-336-0332 by January 28th. Register at fellowshipconway.org/women.Father/Daughter Dance: 50s Sock HopDads, give your daughter a night to remember! Take your daughter on a dinner date, then swing by Renewal Ranch for our 50s Sock Hop on January 31st, 7:30-9:30 pm. We'll have root beer floats, oldies, and plenty of chances to make memories she'll cherish forever. Dust off those dancing shoes, daddy-o! Suggested ages: 3rd thru 12th gradeLadies Precept Study on James: Genuine Faith and the Good Works It Produces. This 10-week study will begin on Tuesday, February 17, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. The study book costs $25 and is due at the time of registration. The final deadline to sign up is January 25. Childcare is available; please text Shanna at (501) 336-0332 by February 10 to arrange care. For additional information, go to fellowshipconway.org/register or contact Mindy Chouinard at (501) 472-1248 or email andyandmindy@gmail.com. Fellowship Kids Baptism Is your child asking questions about faith or has already chosen to follow Christ? Join us for our Baptism Class, where we'll explore the character of God, sin, salvation, baptism, and what comes next. Classes will meet on February 1, 8, 15, and 22 during second service in Room 2110. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register. For more information, contact Ashley Overstreet at aoverstreet@fellowshipconway.org.

By Mark Welch - The Bible reveals that mankind's ultimate purpose in life is to become a member of the God family for all eternity. The Bible reveals that mankind's destiny and purpose is to actually become Spirit, to be rid of this flesh and become Spirit, not as the angels are spirit, but as God Himself is Spirit

Friends of the Rosary,Today, January 3, the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. And the month of January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus.Whenever we pronounce it, we should bow our heads, for the very name reminds us of the greatest favor we have ever received, salvation.The name of Jesus, which means Savior, was revealed to Our Lady at the annunciation by the angel Gabriel: "You shall call His name Jesus."To St. Joseph, the Angel not merely showed the name but explained its meaning: "You shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins."His name was called Jesus, which was called by the Angel before He was conceived in the womb." Luke 2:21.The name of Jesus is a name of infinite mercy, hope, and love. It comforts us and gives us hope for every grace. "If you ask the Father anything in My name, He will give it to you."Persons who played prominent roles in the history of salvation often received their names from God Himself. Adam — man of the earth; Eve — mother of all the living; Abraham — father of many nations; Peter — the rock.The sacred name of the Redeemer, given by God Himself, expressed His mission and the purpose of His existence: to save the human race.The mention of the Holy Name has a kind of sacramental power: it conveys the grace which enables men to think, speak, love, sacrifice, and act like Him.Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠January 3, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Revelation 21 John sees a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth have passed away. The holy city, the new Jerusalem, comes down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride for her husband. A loud voice declares that God now dwells with His people. He will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. God declares, “I am making everything new.” He promises the water of life to the thirsty and an inheritance to the faithful. The cowardly and wicked will face the second death. An angel shows John the radiant beauty of the new Jerusalem, with its gates, foundations, and streets of gold. God's presence fills the city, and the Lamb is the lamp that illuminates all things.   God reveals a future filled with beauty, peace, and unshakable hope. The new heaven and new earth will be free from death, sorrow, pain, and tears. God Himself will live among His people, restoring perfect fellowship. This promise is not only a future hope but a present call to live with purpose. We are to seek holiness, love truth, and walk in faithfulness. Jesus is the one who makes all things new and offers the water of life to the thirsty. Our identity, hope, and future are found in Him. While the world around us may fade, His promises remain. Let us live as people of the new creation, trusting God's word and preparing our hearts for eternity in His presence.  Exalted God, we praise You for the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, where You will dwell with Your people forever. Thank You for wiping away every tear and ending pain, sorrow, and death. Help us live with hope and holiness as we look forward to that day. We thank You for Christ, the Lamb who made this future possible through His sacrifice. He is our light and our life. Keep our hearts focused on what is eternal. Teach us to live each day in joyful anticipation, faithful to Your call and free from destructive sinfulness.  Thought Questions: Whether the New Jerusalem is the present church or the eternal heaven, what kind of people will never be allowed into it? If you want to be the bride of the Lamb in the glorious city, what are the moral and faithful choices you need to be making today? What do you imagine it will be like to live in a place where the illuminated Lamb replaces the sun? How can such images motivate you to faith?

Here St. Isaac does not define virtues as behaviors but as states of being before God. He strips away external markers and leaves the soul alone with truth. What he offers is not a ladder of accomplishments but a geography of the heart. A stranger, he says, is not one who has left a place, but one whose mind has been estranged from all things of life. This is the quiet violence of the Gospel: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (Jn 17:16). Estrangement here is not contempt for creation but freedom from possession. Abba Arsenius fled Rome, but what he truly fled was the tyranny of relevance. To become a stranger is to consent to being unnecessary. It is to let the world continue without you and discover that God remains. The mourner is not a melancholic soul but a hungry one. He lives, Isaac says, in hunger and thirst for the sake of his hope in good things to come. This is the blessed mourning of the Beatitudes, the ache that refuses consolation because it has tasted something eternal. St. John Climacus calls mourning “a sorrow that is glad,” because it is oriented toward the Kingdom. It is grief baptized by hope. Such a soul does not despise joy; it waits for the only joy that cannot be taken away. Then Isaac dares to say what a monk truly is. Not one who has taken vows, not one who wears a habit, but one who remains outside the world and is ever supplicating God to receive future blessings. The monk stands at the edge of time and begs. His posture is eschatological. He lives as though the promises are real. This is why the monk's wealth is not visible. It is the comfort that comes of mourning and the joy that comes of faith, shining secretly in the mind's hidden chambers. Christ Himself names this hiddenness when He says, “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Mt 6:6). The true treasure does not announce itself. It warms quietly. Mercy, too, is redefined. A merciful man is not one who performs selective kindness but one who has lost the ability to divide the world mentally into worthy and unworthy. This is the mercy of God Himself, who “makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good” (Mt 5:45). St. Isaac elsewhere says that a merciful heart burns for all creation: for humans, animals, demons, even for the enemies of God. Such mercy is not sentimental. It is cruciform. It is the heart stretched until it resembles Christ's own. And then Isaac turns to chastity, and again he refuses reduction. Virginity is not merely bodily restraint but an interior reverence. One who feels shame before himself even when alone. This is a startling phrase. It speaks of a soul that lives before God even when no one is watching. Shame here is not self-loathing but awe. It is the trembling awareness that one's thoughts are already prayers, or blasphemies, before the face of God. Therefore Isaac is unsparing: chastity cannot survive without reading and prolonged prayer. Without immersion in the Word, the imagination becomes a wilderness of unguarded images. Without prayer, the heart has no shelter. Abba Evagrius taught that thoughts are not defeated by force but by replacement—by filling the mind with divine fire. The Jesus Prayer, Scripture read slowly, the psalms murmured in weakness, these do not merely resist impurity; they transfigure desire itself. What unites all these sayings is this: St. Isaac is describing a soul that has accepted vulnerability. God has permitted the soul to be susceptible to accidents: not as punishment, but as mercy. Weakness becomes the doorway. Hunger becomes the guide. Shame becomes watchfulness. Mourning becomes wealth. Nothing here is safe, and nothing here is superficial. This is not an ethic for the strong. It is a path for those who have consented to be poor before God. In the end, St. Isaac is teaching us how to stand unarmed in the presence of the Kingdom; estranged from the world, aching for God, clothed in quiet prayer, and guarded not by our strength but by grace that shines unseen in the depths of the heart. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:04:33 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 170 paragraph 7 Homily Six 00:04:45 Angela Bellamy: What is the book titled please? 00:04:56 Angela Bellamy: Reacted to "What is the book tit..." with

"How should we understand John's vision in Revelation 21—what's new about the new creation, and how does it fulfill God's promises from the Old Testament? The climax of the vision is that God dwells with His people—‘they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them'. Why is this significant? Revelation 22 describes the river of life and the tree of life, which takes us back to Genesis. What's the significance of these images, and how do they show God's plan to fully reverse the curse? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Cassidy Webber, about the final two chapters of the Bible, Revelation 21-22. In this final Year of the Word episode, Emma and Cassidy discuss how the end of Revelation ties to the very beginning of the BIble and reflect on how the Bible is one big story of God's love and redemption for mankind. Additional References: Genesis 1-2; John 1; Psalm 23 You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"

Our Election in Christ (1) (audio) David Eells 12/31/25 I'm going to talk to you today about our election in Christ. There is much false teaching and many misconceptions in Christianity about the doctrine of predestination, which includes calling and election, yet it's actually been a general power in my life to understand it. It's given me more faith in the Lord and more fear of the Lord. Much of the church, especially in America, rejects and even fights against it. Predestination is opposed by the Armenian doctrine or the “freewillers,” as they are called, but when you look around, you don't see the free will that people say that they have because everybody is serving something. Jesus said in (Mat.12:30) He that is not with me is against me, and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. So you are either serving Him or you are serving the devil. (Psa.51:5 KJV) Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Someone who is bound in sin is not free to make a godly choice; the ability to do that comes from God Himself and it's a gift. (Joh.15:16) Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. Although experientially it does seem to us that we chose Him, that just lets you know how easy it is for God to put His will in you. (Joh.15:19) If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. You see, not only did He choose us, but in effect, He didn't choose someone else. Out of the whole world, He chose us. Several years ago, I heard something that has really stayed with me. I was listening to a lady talking to her adopted son, and she was trying to explain this to him. She said, “Most moms and dads don't have much of a choice. They just have to settle for what they get. But we chose you; out of all that we knew, we chose you.” That's the way it is between God and us. He didn't just settle for what came along. God knows how this universe goes on the way it does, and He foreknows the end of it. He's the God (Rom.4:17) … who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were. And He tells us, (Isa.46:9) … for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; (10) declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure. He chose us and He put His will in us. He chose us for what we will be; He chose us for what we will become by the grace of God. It was not the will of man that caused us to come to Jesus, it was the will of God. Paul writes (Php.2:13) … it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. And He's been doing that since before our Christian beginning. (Joh.1:12) But as many as received him, to them gave he the right (The Greek word there is exousia and it means “authority.”) to become children of God, [even] to them that believe on his name. You need to have authority to become a child of God, and only God gives authority to everyone who believes on His name because faith is a gift of God. (Joh.1:13) Who were born, not of blood (Our new birth is not like the Israelites, who had to be born into a family who made them a part of the Covenant.), nor of the will of the flesh.... Now, nothing in our flesh causes us to come to God. (Rom.8:7) Because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be. Our flesh is the enemy of God, and you would never choose to come to God, especially when you were totally bound in sin. The only One who could set you free is Jesus. (Joh.8:36) If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Back to (Joh.1:13) Who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. This choice to come to God was no part of man; it came from God. God put a holy choice in an unholy person. If we had gone on doing our own will, our will would have always led to sin and to never serving anyone else but ourselves. It was God who reached in from the outside and put a will in us to come to Him. Romans 9 is one of the most avoided chapters in the Bible because of all the false teaching coming from the pulpits. People read Romans 9 with their preconceived ideas from their religion, so they can't understand it. If you drop all that and just read what it says, you will be able to understand it. (Rom.9:6) But [it is] not as though the word of God hath come to nought. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel (The same thing can be said about the Church.): (7) neither, because they are Abraham's seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. (8) That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed. (Rom.9:9) For this is a word of promise, According to this season will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. (10) And not only so; but Rebecca also having conceived by one, [even] by our father Isaac– (11) for [the children] being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, (12) it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. (13) Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. Before any of their works Jacob was chosen. The doctrine of Arminianism says that God foreknows the future, and He predestines according to what He foreknows is going to happen or what we will do in the future. This is ridiculous when you think about it. If it was foreknown to happen anyway, why would He have to predestine it? “Predestine” or “foreordain” are two translations of the same Greek word proorizo, which means “to decide the destiny before it comes; to ordain the destiny before it comes to pass.” It doesn't mean that God looked ahead and saw what was going to happen and who would do good. Salvation would have been by works. Truly, God already knows what's going to happen because He does not dwell in time. Jacob didn't always do good but God chose him for what He would make out of him. Remember, God speaks the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). (Rom.8:29) For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained (or “predestined”) [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. That means those whom He knew before the creation, He ordained at that point, so it's not because of their works. It's not based on whether they had done anything good or bad as we just saw. I did a diligent search when I first discovered this in the Scriptures. I decided I was going to be open-minded, and I was going to see what the Bible really had to say about the subject. I wanted to see why God chose me. So I searched and I searched for the reason why God chose me above someone else and I found out, (Eph.2:3) Among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. You see, there is no reason, physically speaking, why God would choose one person over another. I discovered that one “dirt” is just as good as the next “dirt.” It's not the dirt that counts; it's what you are sowing in it. God is interested in creating the spiritual man, which has nothing to do with your old life. The new life is born-again from above and that's the spiritual man. The spiritual man, who is created in the likeness of Christ, is born of the Word. He's born from above and has nothing to do with the old nature. I was looking for a reason why God would choose me above someone else and found there is no reason. (Rom.9:21) Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? God claims the right to make whatever vessel He wants out of this same lump of clay. That means there was no difference in our natural life that caused God to choose us above anybody else. (Rom.9:14) What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. (15) For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. (16) So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that hath mercy. After we are born again, I think God spends a lot of time teaching us that it's not by our willpower. We try to save ourselves by our willpower and it doesn't work. We eventually learn that we are to walk by faith, or we won't receive what we're looking for. Some people think grace starts after you choose God, but it starts before you choose God. Otherwise, you wouldn't choose God. (Eph.2:8) For by grace (This is the Greek word charis and it means “unmerited [or unearned] favor.”) have ye been saved.... It's not that you are saved but that you have been saved. The ancient manuscripts and the Numeric text both say this, but the KJV says, “are saved.” No, you were saved, and it was by grace. (Eph.2:8) For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God. So, since we were saved by grace and it's a gift of God, that doesn't give us a reason to look down on anyone else, does it? And it doesn't give us a reason to condemn anyone in the world. It's strictly a gift from God and this gift is given to us (Eph.2:5) Even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.... When Christ was resurrected is when He “made us alive together with Christ.” (5) … (by grace have ye been saved), (6) and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly [places,] in Christ Jesus: (7) that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (And now, we are the benefactors of this grace that was given in Christ 2,000 years ago. The people who were saved, were saved 2,000 years ago. People who are manifesting salvation now were saved then.): (8) For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; (9) not of works, that no man should glory. Nobody will be able to brag about this salvation. We are depending upon God now as much as we were then. We have to cry out to God to give us grace to be obedient and to serve Him. He says in (Joh.15:4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing. (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. God prepared the works of His Chosen. God wrote your name in the Book of Life from before the foundation of the world (Psalm 69:28; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 20:12). Manifestly, it's being written in the Book of Life when you come to God, but your name was written from before the foundation of the world, just as God “chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” (Eph.1:4) Even as he chose (This is the Greek verb eklego of the noun eklektos and it means “I pick out for myself, choose, elect, select.”) us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love. God chose us in Him and that means He didn't choose all. Some of you are probably asking, “But what about the ‘calling'?” I was told that God's call goes out to the whole earth to bring people to Christ. Well, that's just not true. I looked up every verse in the New Testament about “calling,” and that word is not used that way at all. (2Ti.1:9) Who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal. Notice it says here, “who saved us, and called us.” According to the doctrines of most religions, we are called and then saved; however, this invitation is to Christians only. The Greek word for “called” here is kaleo and it means “invitation.” We see in the parables of Jesus that only His people are kaleo, or “invited,” to partake of the Marriage Feast (Matthew 22:1-14; Revelation 19:9). Every place in the Bible where the word kaleo is used, everyone who was called came to Christ. They were already a Christian. When we go out and call (or invite) people through the Gospel to come to Christ, some accept and some don't, and we're finding out that those who accept are those who have His calling and the others do not. (Eph.1:18) Having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. So He saved us, then He called us and we're going to see that all the called are not necessarily going to be chosen, but all the elect will be chosen. (Mat.22:14) For many are called, but few chosen. The word “chosen” there is the same Greek word used above; it's the word eklektos, and it means “elect.” The difference between the called and the elect is that all of the elect are called, but not all of the called are the elect. Those who are saved have an invitation to partake of all of Jesus. As Christians, we are called to partake of His body and blood, which is His nature, His character and His power. The world cannot partake of that invitation; it's not even extended to them because this invitation is a Covenant offering. (Rom.10:20) And Isaiah is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I became manifest unto them that asked not of me. That shows the power of God because we did not seek Him. That shows we were not seeking Him when we found Him. It was Jesus Who came for His lost sheep. (Luk.19:10) For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost. We were the lost sheep. Think about the conversion of Apostle Paul on the Damascus road (Acts 9:1-30), You say, “God can save anybody!” God went to extremes in order to make Paul His child and His emissary to the world. Truly, God can save anybody He wants to, and He will. We didn't seek Him and the Gentiles didn't seek Him. (1Co.4:6) Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not [to go] beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other. (7) For who maketh thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? but if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it? Why should we be puffed up about our salvation? What do we have that we didn't receive? Nothing. We think that we chose Christ. Some people look upon the lost and wonder why they cannot understand what's being said. They're thinking, “Why won't the lost be reasonable?” In a way, they're condemning the lost because they don't realize that only by the grace and mercy of God did they receive what they have. When you understand that you can't convert anybody by your works, you know to first go to God. By your works, you can fill up churches, but you can't convert anybody that way. Salvation is a gift from God. (Rom.11:35) Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? Everything comes from Him. There is nothing that God is ever going to owe anybody. (36) For of him, and through him, and unto him, are all things. To him [be] the glory for ever. Amen. Everything came from Him and everything is going back to Him. It didn't come from us and this takes away all room for pride. The first choice we made for God, the first desire we had for God, didn't come from us. It came from Him, and He can put that in anyone. This takes away all reason for pride because it's totally, 100% by God's grace. A good example is (Psa.65:4) Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach [unto thee,] That he may dwell in thy courts.... The choice comes from God first. He causes us to approach unto Him and dwell in His courts. Salvation from the curse in every form has already been given to us by faith. We need to pray to God to give us the grace to be what we need to be. (Joh.10:16) And other sheep I have which are not of this fold: them also I must bring (Notice that Jesus is talking about doing this in the future. These sheep weren't saved yet because He said, “I must bring.”), and they shall hear my voice: and they shall become one flock, one shepherd. In the days ahead, we are going to see that one flock and one shepherd, but when we study Ezekiel 34, we find that the Lord talks about how His flock was spoiled by shepherds who were doing their own will. (Eze.34:2) Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel (a type of the Church), prophesy, and say unto them, even to the shepherds, Thus saith the Lord God: Woe unto the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the sheep? (3) Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill the fatlings; but ye feed not the sheep. (4) The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought back that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with rigor have ye ruled over them. The Lord says that He is going to take all those fruitless shepherds away, and He, Himself, has promised to personally be the Shepherd of His flock. (Eze.34:11) For thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I myself, even I, will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. (12) As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered abroad, so will I seek out my sheep; and I will deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. (13) And I will bring them out from the peoples, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them upon the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited places of the country. (14) I will feed them with good pasture; and upon the mountains of the height of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie down in a good fold; and on fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. (15) I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. (16) I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in justice. So, the Lord is going to have physical shepherds to do this. They will be men who are vessels through whom the Spirit of the Lord is going to flow, and they will not be doing their own will. In that way, God is going to have one flock and one shepherd. But the point I want you to see here is that when Jesus says, “Other sheep I have which are not of this fold,” these are people in the future who are going to come because they were given to Him back then; you belonged to Jesus back then. (2Ti.1:9) Who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal. Some people think, “Okay, I'm predestined and there's nothing I have to worry about. I can just sit back and take it easy.” They are justifying their doctrine of “once saved, always saved.” They don't understand that God has methods to predestine. He uses those methods to predestine, and if you ignore His methods, you will not be predestined. Calvin and Luther, the people who made predestination famous, were accused of believing “once saved, always saved,” but that's not what they believed. They taught God's methods of predestination and here's one of them: Jesus said, (Joh.10:26) But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep. The people who didn't believe Jesus were not His sheep. (27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.... Jesus' sheep have ears to hear. They hear and they follow, and the rest do not. If you teach only what Jesus taught, you will be able to recognize those who are His sheep and those who are not. Those who do not hear are the self-willed. They're going to be like the son of perdition who sits in the temple of God. (2Th.2:3) Let no man beguile you in any wise: for [it will not be,] except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, (4) he that opposeth and exalteth himself against all that is called God or that is worshipped; so that he sitteth in the temple of God, setting himself forth as God. He is his own God for he does his own will. We've seen that here with the Unleavened Bread Bible Studies. Some people have their own ideas and as long as we adhered to the Scriptures, they just left, which needed to happen. If it wasn't that way, a little leaven would leaven the whole lump (1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9). Jesus said, (Luk.12:51) Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division. And the way He came to bring division was to use the Word like a sword. (Eph.6:17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And so He says, (Joh.10:27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (28) and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. You probably recognize that verse the “once saved, always saved” crowd uses to justify their doctrine, but Jesus is talking about His sheep. “No one shall snatch them out of my hand” and no one can snatch them out of His hand. These are the elect; they are the chosen of God. It's not possible for them to be snatched out His hand because they hear and they follow. (Jas.1:18) Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. By His will, not our will, He brought us forth by the Word of truth. His method is to give you the gift of ears to hear the Word of truth (Deuteronomy 29:4; Matthew 13:15; Romans 11:8; etc.) In the latter days of Israel, having ears to hear is what separated those Israelites who were going into the New Testament from those who would not. And in these latter days of the Gentile Church, having ears to hear is once again separating between those who are going to go on with God and those who do not belong to God. Those who are not part of the elect are going to be drawn aside. (Joh.8:31) Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him ... (43) Why do ye not understand my speech? It's amazing to me how sometimes people just can't understand you when you are saying something very simple, but if they have ears to hear, they understand, and if they don't have ears to hear, they can't understand. Now, sometimes, because of someone's age in the Lord, their understanding may not be very deep; however, anyone who knows God should be able to understand the basic principles. (Joh.8:43) Why do ye not understand my speech? [Even] because ye cannot hear my word. They didn't have the gift of ears to hear. (44) Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do.... I've learned that most people have a blockage for why they don't hear. I know because it's happened to me when I was young and had a false doctrine. To the extent that someone clings to a pet doctrine, to that extent they won't hear and they won't believe anything that challenges their doctrine. Then also there can be a bigger blockage. (47) He that is of God heareth the words of God: for this cause ye hear [them] not, because ye are not of God. That's how God divides between the sheep. People who don't hear the Word of God, people who don't put the Word of God before their own thinking and their own religion, they are not of God. That's how Jesus discovered who was of God, and it's still the same today. Jesus says in (Joh.13:17) If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them. (18) I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen (This is again the Greek eklego, which is the verb of the noun eklektos, and it means “I pick out for myself; choose, elect.”): but that the scripture may be fulfilled: He that eateth my bread lifted up his heel against me. Jesus knew whom He had chosen, and He knew Judas was going to fall away. Judas was “called,” kaleo, but he was not “elect,” eklektos. (Joh.6:70) Jesus answered them, Did not I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil? (71) Now he spake of Judas [the son] of Simon Iscariot, for he it was that should betray him, [being] one of the twelve. Jesus understood that Judas was a son of the devil, yet He chose him to walk among the 12. (Joh.13:18) I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen.... He went on to explain that He was not speaking of Judas, who never had ears to hear. (Joh.6:63) It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life. (64) But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who it was that should betray him. (65) And he said, For this cause have I said unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it be given unto him of the Father. Let me point out to you that it's not who receives the call and starts out with you who is chosen; it's who is still with you at the end. (2Jn.7) For many deceivers are gone forth into the world.... John is talking about leaving Christianity. (1Jn.2:18) Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour. (19) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us: but [they went out,] that they might be made manifest that they all are not of us. “They” here is referring to antichrists. The Beast is antichrist in the world, but antichrist in the Church is this son of perdition. (2Jn.7) For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, [even] they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. (8) Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward. (9) Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son. So it's not “he who began with you” who is chosen; it's “he that abideth in the teaching.” Some people say they love the Word and seem very eager to study the Word, but there comes a point where they decide not to go any deeper, usually because it comes against their flesh. You know, lost people like knowledge. They like knowing things that other people don't know because it gives them a reason to be puffed up. The son of perdition likes knowledge, but when it comes to knowledge that demands a change in their life, that's where those people start filtering out, as the Bible says: (1Jn.2:19) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us: but [they went out,] that they might be made manifest that they all are not of us. (2Jn.9) Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son. “He that abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God.” This is saying you have to be obedient to have the Father and the Son. Antichrist are those who go out from among you and are denying the Father and the Son because they are not obedient to the Word. Remember that Jesus said, (Joh.14:15) If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments. (23) Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. That's not a promise to those who are disobedient or to those who start out and don't finish the course. That's a promise to those who endure until the end. (Mat.24:13) But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. (1Co.1:23) But we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness; (24) but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. People who are called understand the wisdom of the Gospel, but to the rest, it's foolishness and a stumblingblock. You may preach the Gospel to somebody today, and they won't come, but they might come later on because the right foundation was finally laid and the right timing has finally come. Just because someone doesn't accept the Gospel today doesn't mean that they're forever lost but only the called are going to come. Only the called have salvation. A good example of that is, (26) For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called:].... It's not many who are called to begin with. The calling is not to all. The calling is internal; the calling is a gift from God to those who are saved. The Bible never says all are called. Everything in this world was created for the purpose of manifesting sons of God and everything that Paul did was toward that purpose. He said in (2Ti.2:10) Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. God called His Son out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1), but then He tried Him in the wilderness to find out who was going to go on to the Promised Land. Those who went on into the Promised Land were God's elect. His whole purpose was for the elect, not for those who fell away in the wilderness. You see, God's grace has been given to all those who are called, but it's the elect among the called who are going to take advantage of it and that's the difference. Paul dealt with many, but everything he did was for the few, the elect. God used Paul to fulfill His purpose. (Joh.6:37) All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. You will know those who the Father gave to Jesus because they shall come to Jesus. This is very interesting because the phrase “come to me” is used many places in Scripture. Jesus told the Jews in (Joh.5:39) Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me; (40) and ye will not come to me, that ye may have life. That was obvious about most of the Jews then, who totally rejected everything that Jesus said. And it's obvious about those people today who reject everything that Jesus said, but did you know that some of those people who walked with Jesus, even as disciples, wouldn't come to Him? (Joh.6:66) Upon this many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Notice: 666. Only Father can cause a person to come to Jesus: (Joh.6:39) And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. (40) For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (44) No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day. It's not possible for anyone to come unto Jesus, except the Father draws them. It is possible for them to come to church and to believe many doctrines. They can go to an altar and accept Jesus as their Savior, even though we don't see anything in the Scriptures about that. But people will not come unto Jesus unless they are drawn by God.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT) We don’t know what the new year will bring. We don’t know what problems we will encounter or what changes will come our way. We don’t even know what blessings the Lord has in store for us. God knows, of course. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). Wherever His plans take us, one thing is guaranteed. We have no reason to be afraid. No matter what the new year brings our way, Jesus Christ will be with us and for us. Corrie ten Boom, a wonderful woman of God, said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” She was speaking from experience. As a Holocaust survivor, she faced uncertainties about her future that few of us will ever experience. Yet she refused to give in to fear or despair because she knew God. She had read about how He provided for His people in Scripture. She was aware of His potential to work miracles. She had experienced His love and protection in some of the most horrific conditions imaginable. The psalmist wrote, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him” (Psalm 24:1 NLT). Nothing is beyond the Creator’s power. Proverbs 19:21 says, “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail” (NLT). The apostle Paul wrote, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT). And in Isaiah 41:10, God Himself says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (NLT). There’s a sense of relief in acknowledging that God is in control of our future. We don’t have to take on the burden of control ourselves. Instead, we can focus on following His direction, obeying His instructions, and prioritizing His will. God stands ready to bless us in this coming year. But we must be ready to walk with Him, worship Him, and obey Him. We can’t expect the Lord to bless someone who is in opposition to His law and His love. As we wrap up the year, it’s only natural that we do a little reflection. As you look back on 2025, was it a year in which you progressed spiritually? Was it a year in which you found yourself becoming more like Jesus Christ? Or was there some kind of spiritual breakdown? If so, now is a good time to make a change. Now is the time to resolve to grow closer to Jesus Christ. Reflection question: What would trusting God with your future look like in 2026? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Face to face with God- Gideon had no confidence in himself to deliver Israel, but his faith was strengthened when he realized that the one who stood before him and called him was God Himself. Acting in obedience will not make us very popular in a Godless culture.

Pastor Lance explains why praise must be continual in the life of a believer, based on the character and provision of God Himself. For more messages and resources, visit us at www.ccc-online.org.

This Christmas Eve, Brian explores the deep, lasting joy found not in things, but in the face and presence of God. Drawing from Psalm 16 and Isaiah 9, this message reveals how our deepest longings are fulfilled in Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Prince of Peace, whose joy has passed through the manger and the cross and now invites us into life with God Himself.

When we trust the Savior, God Himself makes His home in us.  And to bear fruit for His kingdom, we must continually choose to make our home in Him, remaining in intimate dependence.

Merry Christmas! The Christmas story from Luke 2 may be a story that is new to some of us and to others it may be very familiar. We are going to look at the part of the story that is about the shepherds. Luke 2:8-9 we read, "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified." Did you know that being a shepherd in Jesus' day was one of the lowliest jobs one could have? They were in the fields all the time, they smelled like sheep and were treated like sheep. But isn't it interesting that they are the first ones to hear the announcement that the Savior has come! What was their first reaction to the first Christmas?  FEAR!  Luke 2:10-11 go on to tells us, "But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." What we see happen is that the shepherds absolute fear is turned to overwhelming JOY! But let's not stop there. Let's look at what the angel says, "I bring you good news (Gospel!) that will cause great joy for all people!" And today when the GOSPEL breaks into a person's life it brings JOY!  Because Jesus would go to the cross and rise from the grave, He brings JOY!   Gospel Joy centers around one person. In vs 11 we read that a Savior has been born; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This good news brings the news of a Savior. The Old Testament is very clear about who the Savior is:     ⁃    Isaiah 43:11 "I, even I, am the Lord and apart from me there is no savior."     ⁃    Hosea 13:4 "You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me." The Savior is none other than God Himself! Messiah, Savior, Lord!  God has come down to earth exactly as the Old Testament prophets predicted and what the New Testament declares. The One who created the universe took on human flesh. The Living Word of God dwelt among us.  He saved us by offering Himself as the sacrifice for our rebellion. He did it because we were helpless and bound to sin and destined to judgement.  But HE is the Savior, the Lord, and He comes for ALL people. He wants all to be saved!  That's the good news! THAT'S THE GOSPEL MESSAGE!   And thus, how great our joy!  1 Peter 1:8-9 says, "… you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." The Christmas story is about far more than peace on earth. The Christmas story is about the fact that God has stepped in and He offers to all of us, who repent and believe, forgiveness and life forever. THAT'S the Gospel story, that's the story of Christmas, that's the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ! May each and everyone of us experience that Gospel Joy this Christmas and forever! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

In Romans 8:33-39, we encounter one of the most powerful declarations in all of Scripture: nothing can separate us from God's love. This message takes us into the spiritual courtroom where we stand accused, yet remarkably justified. Through the vivid account of Joshua the high priest in Zechariah 3, we witness a profound picture of redemption—standing before God in filthy garments, with Satan as our accuser hurling true accusations, yet God Himself rebukes the enemy and clothes us in pure vestments. We learn that we have four key figures in our spiritual reality: a Judge who justifies rather than condemns, an Accuser who speaks truth about our failures, an Intercessor in the Holy Spirit who prays what we cannot articulate, and a Redeemer who exchanges His righteousness for our filth. The message challenges us to recognize that God's love isn't dependent on our circumstances—whether we face tribulation, distress, persecution, or any other trial. Paul's declaration that we are 'more than conquerors' isn't empty optimism but a theological reality grounded in Christ's finished work. The story of Darlene Dibler Rose in a Japanese concentration camp illustrates how God's presence remains tangible even in our darkest moments. As we move into a new year, we're reminded that our hope transcends temporary suffering because this world isn't our final destination—we have an eternal reunion awaiting us with both our Savior and our loved ones.**Sermon Notes:**1. **Introduction:**  - Overview of Romans 1-8, focusing on living in Christ.  - Today's focus: Romans 8:33-39, a pinnacle passage.2. **Key Scriptural Insights:**  - **Romans 8:33-39:**   - Assurance that no charges can stand against God's elect as God justifies.   - Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.  - **Zechariah 3:1-10 Vision:**   - Joshua the high priest accused by Satan.   - God's intervention to cleanse and justify.3. **Spiritual Warfare Context:**  - The presence of a judge, an accuser, an intercessor, and a redeemer.  - Satan's accusations are true but overshadowed by God's justification.4. **God's Justification and Love:**  - Our righteousness in Christ replaces our polluted garments.  - In Christ, we are clothed with salvation and righteousness.5. **Role of the Redeemer:**  - Redemption detailed through the story of the prodigal son.  - We are brought back as sons and daughters, not slaves.6. **Inseparable Love in Trials:**  - Paul's resilience through tribulations as evidence of God's steadfast love.  - Testimony of Darlene Dibler Rose's faith in adversity.7. **Living as Conquerors:**  - We are more than conquerors through Christ—empowered to overcome worldly challenges.**Practical Applications:**1. **Strengthen Faith in Trials:**  - Regularly remind yourself of God's inseparable love during hardships.  2. **Embrace Your Identity in Christ:**  - Reflect on being justified and clothed in righteousness; live out this new identity.3. **Exhibit Christ's Love Daily:**  - Let the love of God shine in your interactions, especially in trying situations.4. **Practice Solitude and Prayer:**  - Set aside noise to deepen your relationship with God and hear His voice.**Discussion Questions:**1. What does it mean to you that God justifies rather than condemns?2. How can we better remember our identity in Christ when faced with accusations or self-doubt?3. In what ways have you experienced the inseparable love of God in your life?4. Reflecting on Darlene Dibler Rose's story, how do you sustain faith in times of adversity?5. How can you express being "more than a conqueror" in your daily life?These condensed notes and applications, along with the questions, are designed to encourage deeper reflection, discussion, and application of the message shared in the sermon.

Deut. 11:18–23 Isa. 51:4–8 Luke 17:5–10 Gal. 5:1–6 Sanctification is the glorious teaching that God Himself works powerfully within us to make us more like Christ. Do we do good works? Of course. And it God who works within us, causing the very same faith that received Christ in the first place to being "working in love" (Gal. 5:6).

Final LessonsIntroductionOur final lessons will be left as free of words as possible. We use them but at the beginning of our practicing, and only to remind us that we seek to go beyond them. Let us turn to Him Who leads the way and makes our footsteps sure. To Him we leave these lessons, as to Him we give our lives henceforth. For we would not return again to the belief in sin that made the world seem ugly and unsafe, attacking and destroying, dangerous in all its ways, and treacherous beyond the hope of trust and the escape from pain.His is the only way to find the peace that God has given us. It is His way that everyone must travel in the end, because it is this ending God Himself appointed. In the dream of time it seems to be far off. And yet, in truth, it is already here; already serving us as gracious guidance in the way to go. Let us together follow in the way that truth points out to us. And let us be the leaders of our many brothers who are seeking for the way, but find it not.And to this purpose let us dedicate our minds, directing all our thoughts to serve the function of salvation. Unto us the aim is given to forgive the world. It is the goal that God has given us. It is His ending to the dream we seek, and not our own. For all that we forgive we will not fail to recognize as part of God Himself. And thus His memory is given back, completely and complete.It is our function to remember Him on earth, as it is given us to be His Own completion in reality. So let us not forget our goal is shared, for it is that remembrance which contains the memory of God, and points the way to Him and to the Heaven of His peace. And shall we not forgive our brother, who can offer this to us? He is the way, the truth and life that shows the way to us. In him resides salvation, offered us through our forgiveness, given unto him.We will not end this year without the gift our Father promised to His holy Son. We are forgiven now. And we are saved from all the wrath we thought belonged to God, and found it was a dream. We are restored to sanity, in which we understand that anger is insane, attack is mad, and vengeance merely foolish fantasy. We have been saved from wrath because we learned we were mistaken. Nothing more than that. And is a father angry at his son because he failed to understand the truth?We come in honesty to God and say we did not understand, and ask Him to help us to learn His lessons, through the Voice of His Own Teacher. Would He hurt His Son? Or would He rush to answer him, and say, “This is My Son, and all I have is his”? Be certain He will answer thus, for these are His Own Words to you. And more than that can no one ever have, for in these Words is all there is, and all that there will be throughout all time and in eternity.LESSON 361This Holy Instant Would I Give To You.Be You In Charge. For I Would Follow You,Certain That Your Direction Gives Me Peace.And if I need a word to help me, He will give it to me. If I need a thought, that will He also give. And if I need but stillness and a tranquil, open mind, these are the gifts I will receive of Him. He is in charge by my request. And He will hear and answer me, because He speaks for God my Father and His holy Son.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

Final LessonsIntroductionOur final lessons will be left as free of words as possible. We use them but at the beginning of our practicing, and only to remind us that we seek to go beyond them. Let us turn to Him Who leads the way and makes our footsteps sure. To Him we leave these lessons, as to Him we give our lives henceforth. For we would not return again to the belief in sin that made the world seem ugly and unsafe, attacking and destroying, dangerous in all its ways, and treacherous beyond the hope of trust and the escape from pain.His is the only way to find the peace that God has given us. It is His way that everyone must travel in the end, because it is this ending God Himself appointed. In the dream of time it seems to be far off. And yet, in truth, it is already here; already serving us as gracious guidance in the way to go. Let us together follow in the way that truth points out to us. And let us be the leaders of our many brothers who are seeking for the way, but find it not.And to this purpose let us dedicate our minds, directing all our thoughts to serve the function of salvation. Unto us the aim is given to forgive the world. It is the goal that God has given us. It is His ending to the dream we seek, and not our own. For all that we forgive we will not fail to recognize as part of God Himself. And thus His memory is given back, completely and complete.It is our function to remember Him on earth, as it is given us to be His Own completion in reality. So let us not forget our goal is shared, for it is that remembrance which contains the memory of God, and points the way to Him and to the Heaven of His peace. And shall we not forgive our brother, who can offer this to us? He is the way, the truth and life that shows the way to us. In him resides salvation, offered us through our forgiveness, given unto him.We will not end this year without the gift our Father promised to His holy Son. We are forgiven now. And we are saved from all the wrath we thought belonged to God, and found it was a dream. We are restored to sanity, in which we understand that anger is insane, attack is mad, and vengeance merely foolish fantasy. We have been saved from wrath because we learned we were mistaken. Nothing more than that. And is a father angry at his son because he failed to understand the truth?We come in honesty to God and say we did not understand, and ask Him to help us to learn His lessons, through the Voice of His Own Teacher. Would He hurt His Son? Or would He rush to answer him, and say, “This is My Son, and all I have is his”? Be certain He will answer thus, for these are His Own Words to you. And more than that can no one ever have, for in these Words is all there is, and all that there will be throughout all time and in eternity.LESSON 361This Holy Instant Would I Give To You.Be You In Charge. For I Would Follow You,Certain That Your Direction Gives Me Peace.And if I need a word to help me, He will give it to me. If I need a thought, that will He also give. And if I need but stillness and a tranquil, open mind, these are the gifts I will receive of Him. He is in charge by my request. And He will hear and answer me, because He speaks for God my Father and His holy Son.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley continue their conversation about Martin Luther’s response to Erasmus about the condition of the human will. This episode focuses on why Martin Luther thinks this conversation is important. Righteousness according to moral efforts will always fall short, and God desires that we find our righteousness by having faith in Him. This sort of righteousness must be revealed by God Himself and is not found by our own vain quests for holiness. Beer Break Griffin Claw’s Macchiato.

You were handcrafted by God Himself, created with purpose and equipped to do the good He designed uniquely for you.

Christmas isn't just a holiday — it's fulfilled prophecy. The Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms all pointed to one moment in history when God Himself would step into time.  Today, on this Christmas episode of The Endtime Show, we're going to trace those ancient prophecies and see how Jesus fulfilled them all — proving once and for all that the Baby in the manger was the Messiah promised from the very beginning. ⭐️: True Gold Republic: Get The Endtime Show special on precious metals at https://www.endtimegold.com 📱: It's never been easier to understand. Stream Only Source Network and access exclusive content: https://watch.osn.tv/browse 📚: Check out Jerusalem Prophecy College Online for less than $60 per course: https://jerusalemprophecycollege.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hi, I'm John Sorensen, President of Evangelism Explosion International, and you're listening to Share Life Today. What an incredible day to celebrate—because at the center of it all is Jesus, God Himself, born as a tiny baby in Bethlehem. The moment I personally understood that Jesus came for me to be my Savior, everything shifted. My purpose, my future, my life—all transformed by the One who came to rescue me. And if you know Jesus as your Savior, then His coming has changed your life forever, too. And as we gather around the tree today and exchange gifts, we're really celebrating the greatest Gift ever given—eternal life through Christ. We worship the One who came to give us that gift in the first place. And just like the shepherds who heard the angels announce “a Savior has been born,” we can't help but tell others what we've seen and heard. Our changed lives are testimonies of God's grace. And today, as we dwell on this and celebrate Jesus' coming, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas. Visit our website at sharelife.today.

This Christmas, let's pause to reflect on the mystery and wonder of the incarnation. God is not far off; He is Emmanuel—God with us. Do you know Him? The King of Kings did not enter the world in a grand palace or with royal fanfare but was instead laid in a feeding trough, surrounded by animals and overlooked by the world. God Himself stepped into human history, took on flesh, and bridged the gap between heaven and earth, bringing His presence into the ordinary and inviting us into a relationship with Him. Jesus' humble arrival in Bethlehem reminds us that God's greatest work often happens in the most unexpected places, and His presence transforms even the simplest moments into something sacred. Celebrate this Christmas season with the holiest of moments by inviting Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.  

Send us a textWe ask a simple but searching question: is a date on the calendar quietly running your spiritual life? Together, we talk about the common habit of waiting for January 1st—or Monday, or the “right time”—to finally change, and how that delay slowly erodes peace, fuels numbing behaviors, and keeps us distant from God. We explore the hidden costs of postponement during the holidays: overeating that dulls awareness, scrolling that steals presence, spending that numbs grief, and the pressure that crashes down when the new year arrives. Anchored in Romans 12:2, Proverbs 3:5–6, and Psalm 95, we re-frame change as daily mind renewal and trust, not a performance-driven reset. Along the way, we share honest stories of striving, fear of failure, and the relief that comes when we let go of perfectionism and return to a daily walk with God.At the heart of the episode is Look and Learn, a simple two-part rhythm for resilient growth. First, we look with God at what actually happened—without judgment—asking questions like: Was I tired? Triggered? Believing something untrue? Then we learn by naming truth we can hold onto now and considering how we might respond differently next time. This practice turns setbacks into growth points and reminds us that every moment is an invitation to begin again. We close by remembering that the gospel calls us to reliance, not resolutions, and that Philippians 1:6 assures us God Himself is faithfully carrying the process forward. If you're tired of waiting for the perfect start, we invite you to take one surrendered step today.Class starts December 10thhttps://teamlifeisgood.com/goSupport the showLearn more about our Revelation Within Community: https://www.revelationwithin.org

LESSON 358No Call To God Can Be Unheard Nor Left Unanswered. And Of This I Can Be Sure;His Answer Is The One I Really Want.You Who remember what I really am alone remember what I really want. You speak for God, and so You speak for me. And what You give me comes from God Himself. Your Voice, my Father, then is mine as well, and all I want is what You offer me, in just the form You choose that it be mine. Let me remember all I do not know, and let my voice be still, remembering. But let me not forget Your Love and care, keeping Your promise to Your Son in my awareness always. Let me not forget myself is nothing, but my Self is all.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

This Sunday, Pastor Jon Tyson continued our Advent series, He Shall Be, with a teaching about the good news of Jesus as Savior. In a world marked by exhaustion, violence, and brokenness, the sentimentality of Christmas is not enough for our weary hearts. Scripture tells us that the world became so fractured that God Himself came to save us, out of His deep love for us. Jesus is the true leader our hearts long for—reshaping the world through dignity, mercy, and grace. Advent points us to a God who is truly with us, meeting our sin, shame, and weariness with restoration, hope, and the gift of salvation to all who receive Him.

In Philippians 2, Paul paints a powerful picture of Jesus' humility—God Himself taking on the form of a servant. This posture of downward movement, not upward grasping, is the model for every believer. Let this passage shape your thinking about leadership, love, and obedience in daily life.

Gospel Luke 1:46-56 Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. for he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.” Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home. Reflection There's something almost shocking about the ordinariness of the coming of God into the world. The Old Testament is filled with images of the divine residing in a place, and people in charge of doling out grace, acceptance. And now Mary is there to announce a new era, a new time when God Himself is going to come into the world. It is amazing this happened to a woman who had very little to do with the temple, very little to do with the organized religion, but was simply a woman who understood and who said yes. Closing Prayer Mary is our model. She is the human being who brought Christ into the world. Each of us are called to do something very much like that, to manifest the wisdom, the love, the forgiveness of Jesus to the world. Let us recognize her as our model, turn to her in our need. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monday December 22, 2025IV Week of Advent

The true Christmas story is far more powerful—and far more personal—than the version we often see wrapped in sentiment and tradition. Through Luke 2, Pastor Greg looks at how Christmas has been romanticized and even sidelined, yet the real story remains explosive: God stepped out of Heaven and into human history. Notes: Taking Christmas Back Luke 2 The real Christmas story is explosive. That’s because the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Christmas has been hijacked. Christmas has been emptied of its meaning. Portland, Oregon just had its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Christmas has perhaps been far too romanticized even by well-meaning Christians. The beauty of the true Christmas story has explosive power. The night when God Himself came to this earth. The first Christmas is when God stepped out of Heaven and entered history. Mary was living in Nazareth, a town known for its wickedness. Mary was a nobody in a nothing town in the middle of nowhere. The angel Gabriel had announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. Luke 1:28–30 (NLT) Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. "Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! Read Luke 2:1–7 Joseph is the unsung hero of the Christmas story. God’s selection of Joseph was just as significant as His selection of Mary. God, the Father in Heaven, chose Joseph to be a stepfather or father figure on earth for Jesus. Jesus grew up in many ways like any other child. We are in danger of becoming a fatherless society in America. That’s why Joseph matters. Hearing that Mary was pregnant, Joseph was willing to simply “put her away quietly,” to break the engagement. But the angel of the Lord came to Joseph, too. Matthew 1:20–21 (NKJV) But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Luke is very meticulous in his reporting. Luke was not an eyewitness to the life of Jesus. He carefully researched and had first-person interviews with the principal characters of the story. It was his desire to bring a historical and accurate record of the life of Jesus. These are not fairy tales or legends Luke invented. Luke 1:3 Caesar Augustus was the first real Roman emperor. His real name was Caius Octavius. The Roman Republic was now the Roman Empire. One inscription that was found called Augustus Caesar “the savior of the whole world.” Luke 2:11–12 (NKJV) "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." The angel was saying, “Augustus is not the savior of Rome, Jesus is.” In a time when man wanted to be God, God became a man. God incarnate born on the dirt floor of a filthy cave. God became a fetus. Deity in diapers. Babies are so amazing and so helpless. You have to cradle their heads. “It was clearly a leap down— as if the Son of God rose from his splendor, stood poised on the rim of the universe irradiating light, and dove headlong, speeding through the stars over the Milky Way to earth’s galaxy . . . where he plunged into a huddle of animals. Nothing could be lower.” — R. Kent Hughes This symbolized Jesus’s whole life on this earth, from the cradle to the cross. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. Luke 2:7 (NKJV) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. That phrase became emblematic of Jesus’s life and ministry on earth. Christ said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” We didn’t have any room for Him, but He has many rooms for us. We effectively lose Jesus at Christmas. We say things like, “I would like to go to church, but I’m just too busy.” When Mary and Joseph got back home, they realized Jesus was gone. This can happen to us, too. Not that we lose our salvation, but we can lose sight of Jesus. It’s not about Christmas presents but His Christmas presence. The message of Christmas is, “let us worship.” We need a savior because we are sinners. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The true Christmas story is far more powerful—and far more personal—than the version we often see wrapped in sentiment and tradition. Through Luke 2, Pastor Greg looks at how Christmas has been romanticized and even sidelined, yet the real story remains explosive: God stepped out of Heaven and into human history. Notes: Taking Christmas Back Luke 2 The real Christmas story is explosive. That’s because the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Christmas has been hijacked. Christmas has been emptied of its meaning. Portland, Oregon just had its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Christmas has perhaps been far too romanticized even by well-meaning Christians. The beauty of the true Christmas story has explosive power. The night when God Himself came to this earth. The first Christmas is when God stepped out of Heaven and entered history. Mary was living in Nazareth, a town known for its wickedness. Mary was a nobody in a nothing town in the middle of nowhere. The angel Gabriel had announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. Luke 1:28–30 (NLT) Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. "Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! Read Luke 2:1–7 Joseph is the unsung hero of the Christmas story. God’s selection of Joseph was just as significant as His selection of Mary. God, the Father in Heaven, chose Joseph to be a stepfather or father figure on earth for Jesus. Jesus grew up in many ways like any other child. We are in danger of becoming a fatherless society in America. That’s why Joseph matters. Hearing that Mary was pregnant, Joseph was willing to simply “put her away quietly,” to break the engagement. But the angel of the Lord came to Joseph, too. Matthew 1:20–21 (NKJV) But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Luke is very meticulous in his reporting. Luke was not an eyewitness to the life of Jesus. He carefully researched and had first-person interviews with the principal characters of the story. It was his desire to bring a historical and accurate record of the life of Jesus. These are not fairy tales or legends Luke invented. Luke 1:3 Caesar Augustus was the first real Roman emperor. His real name was Caius Octavius. The Roman Republic was now the Roman Empire. One inscription that was found called Augustus Caesar “the savior of the whole world.” Luke 2:11–12 (NKJV) "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." The angel was saying, “Augustus is not the savior of Rome, Jesus is.” In a time when man wanted to be God, God became a man. God incarnate born on the dirt floor of a filthy cave. God became a fetus. Deity in diapers. Babies are so amazing and so helpless. You have to cradle their heads. “It was clearly a leap down— as if the Son of God rose from his splendor, stood poised on the rim of the universe irradiating light, and dove headlong, speeding through the stars over the Milky Way to earth’s galaxy . . . where he plunged into a huddle of animals. Nothing could be lower.” — R. Kent Hughes This symbolized Jesus’s whole life on this earth, from the cradle to the cross. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. Luke 2:7 (NKJV) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. That phrase became emblematic of Jesus’s life and ministry on earth. Christ said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” We didn’t have any room for Him, but He has many rooms for us. We effectively lose Jesus at Christmas. We say things like, “I would like to go to church, but I’m just too busy.” When Mary and Joseph got back home, they realized Jesus was gone. This can happen to us, too. Not that we lose our salvation, but we can lose sight of Jesus. It’s not about Christmas presents but His Christmas presence. The message of Christmas is, “let us worship.” We need a savior because we are sinners. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christmas story never grows old. From an angel announcing to teenage Mary that she'd become pregnant with the Son of God to an angel telling Joseph he'd have a son but not by him, you're hooked. Then myriad angels announce Jesus' birth to minimum-wage shepherds, while great men travel 715 miles not just to see a baby, but to worship Him. The Gospels show the human perspective, but what about God's viewpoint? Hebrews 1 gives us exactly that. It was written to Jews who believed intellectually that Jesus was the promised Messiah, but needed final convincing that He wasn't just the human Messiah, but God Himself. The doctrine of the incarnation, which is a word from Latin meaning “becoming flesh,” teaches this. Jesus Christ is one person with two distinct natures, fully human and fully divine. He's not two people but one. He's the same person both before and after the incarnation. The difference is that before, He had one nature (divine); but after, He had two (divine and human). The one who sits on the throne of the universe today is God and man. The man who walked on earth in time is the God who is to be worshipped forever. When you see Jesus for who He really is, you discover God's complete message for you.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode, your host Hunter invites you to join him on December 20th, just ten days away from completing another year-long journey through the Scriptures. Together, we turn to the Gospel of John, reading chapters 7 and 8, and reflect on Jesus' bold declarations during the Festival of Shelters—the promise of "living water" that quenches our deepest thirsts. Hunter walks us through powerful moments, including Jesus' encounter with those questioning his identity, the mercy shown to the woman caught in adultery, and Jesus' profound invitation to come and drink from the fountain of salvation. Alongside readings and thoughtful insights, Hunter leads us in a time of prayer, lifting up our families, communities, and world. Stay tuned for encouragement, spiritual insight, and reminders of God's unconditional love. Make yourself comfortable, open your Bible, and prepare to drink deeply from God's Word together today. TODAY'S DEVOTION: The salvation the world is dying for has come. The "living waters" that Jesus spoke of, that salvation, isn't something confined to a religious ceremony or contained within a temple or an altar. It emerges from the heart of God Himself. The drought, the dryness, that our rebellion has brought on—it's over. The longing for life-giving water, for true hope and renewal, ends with the arrival of Jesus. He stands before us as the very source of life. It is not a ritual we must perform or a law we must perfectly uphold. It's a relationship, an invitation to come and drink deeply from what God is offering. We hear about the Festival of Shelters, with its beautiful and meaningful ceremony: the priest descending to the pool, retrieving water, and pouring it out as a sign of God's provision and promise. Scripture from Isaiah is recited, the anticipation and longing for Messiah fills the air. Then, at the highest point of the feast, Jesus steps forward and boldly declares: "Anyone who believes in me may come and drink, for the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow from his heart." In doing so, He upstages the festival, showing that He is the fulfillment of all these promises—the very fountain of salvation, the One Isaiah spoke of, the One for whom all creation has been waiting. This is the good news: it is not about striving or earning or endless searching. He is here, the source of life, and He simply asks us to come—to bring our thirst, our emptiness, our need—and to receive. The triune God, the very Creator, beckons us to draw near and to be filled. These rivers of living water are for everyone who believes. Let us never stop drinking, never stop receiving what He freely gives. That's the prayer for my own soul, that I will see it and receive it and drink deep. It's the prayer I carry for my family, my wife, my daughters, and my son. And it's the prayer that I hold for you. May we all recognize the invitation, may we drink deeply of Him, and may we find our life, our joy, and our hope, in the One who is the fountain of salvation. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

For many, Christmas is a time of family and joy—but for Rabbi Schneider, it's also a reminder of the ancient prophecies fulfilled when God Himself came into the world.

Do you wonder where Paul got his information about God? As you read his New Testament letters, you will be amazed at what Paul knew about God and His purpose for mankind. Watch Kenneth Copeland and Professor Greg Stephens on Believer's Voice of Victory as they discuss more about Paul's revelation about God's plan for mankind. Learn how Paul's understanding of God was developed not only by his studies, but also by revelation from God Himself. You can experience the same revelation by studying God's WORD and listening to the Holy Spirit.

What stage are you in right now? What stage is this in the story of you,in the story of your unfoldment?Can you kiss it, the way God is kissing you?Can you look at it, the way God sees it? You have to keep discriminating between the real and the unreal.This, that you find yourself in was not sent to hurt you.It was sent to heal you.It was sent to help 'you' find 'You'.Relax more. Soften, even more.That's how you kiss the stage.That's how you allow the stage to make room for the next.In this relaxation,in this step back, this step away from the one you thought you were,"right action arises by itself."*Miracles, find you. Hafiz says, "I don't want to step so quickly over this sacred place on God's body. That is right beneath your own foot."Slow down. Bow down. I Love YouI Am Younik Support the show:▶▶https://www.patreon.com/goodmornings__________________________________________Today's Quotes: *Lao Tzu "The deeper meaning of "name" is a reference to Cosmic Vibration (the Word, Aum, Amen. God as Spirit has no circumscribing name.Whether one refers to the Absolute as God or Iehovah or Brahman or Allah, that does not express Him. God the Creator and Father of all vibrates through nature as the eternal life, and that life has the sound of the great Amen or Aum. That name most accurately defines God."Those who believe on his name" means those who commune with that Aum sound, the voice of God in the Holy Ghost vibration. When one hears that name of God, that Cosmic Vibration, he is on his way to becoming a son of God, for in that sound his consciousness touches the immanent Christ Consciousness, which will introduce him to God, Cosmic Consciousness." - Yogananda, The Yoga of Jesus"A man sees a thing in one way through reasoning and in an altogether different way when God Himself shows it to him."-Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna"Discouragement is not from God." - St. Ignatius of Loyola"You don't criticize the moon for not shining the same each nightyou don'tlook up at it and sayyou're not trying hard enoughbecause the moon doesn't have to be full and brightevery night to be lovedand neither do you." -Ida Banks"Let the mess inside your head settle. breathe. it's going to be okay." -Shweta"A mind that is fast is sick. A mind that is slow is sound. A mind that is still is Divine." -Sri Meher Baba"I do notWant to step so quicklyOver this sacred place on God's bodyThat is right beneath yourOwn footAs IDance withPrecious lifeToday." - Hafiz (translated by Ladinski)"READ THE GOSPEL ATTENTIVELY AND YOU WILL SEE THAT JESUS SACRIFICED EVEN CHARITY FOR PRAYER. AND DO YOU KNOW WHY? TO TEACH US THAT, WITHOUT GOD, WE ARE TOO POOR TO HELP THE POOR.ST. TERESA OF CALCUTTA"There really was such a thing as sickness, then there would have to be a lot of fighting to become healed. But since sickness doesn't really exist, by giving this up, by surrendering this feeling, this thought that there is sickness or lack or limitation or anything else, the One Power, the One Perfection, the One God, the One Reality, the One Pure Awareness shines through, and takes over, and you are made Whole." - Robert Adams

Many of us say we want to follow hard after God—but Dr. Tony Evans asks an important question: are we seeking God Himself, or just a quick escape from trouble? Learn why pursuing His presence above all else leads to lasting spiritual fulfillment.

Many of us say we want to follow hard after God—but Dr. Tony Evans asks an important question: are we seeking God Himself, or just a quick escape from trouble? Learn why pursuing His presence above all else leads to lasting spiritual fulfillment.