Podcasts about god himself

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.

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122125.cfmFather Chris, MIC leads us into the hidden strength and obedience of Saint Joseph—a man whose silence speaks louder than words. While Mary's fiat is rightly celebrated, salvation history also depended on Joseph's quiet “yes.” Without it, Jesus would not have had the legal lineage of David, nor the protection and provision of a faithful earthly father.Joseph stands as the head of the Holy Family, chosen by God to guard what was most sacred. Though sinless perfection belonged only to Mary, the Church has long taught that Joseph was sanctified for his mission. Astonishingly, God Himself chose to live in obedience to Mary and Joseph, revealing the dignity of family life and the authority entrusted to fathers.Matthew's Gospel shows us the Nativity through Joseph's eyes. Faced with confusion and fear, Joseph chose charity over judgment. Only after he resolved to act mercifully did God send clarity through an angelic dream. Scripture reminds us that God's guidance often follows—not precedes—acts of trust. “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid” (Mt 1:20; NABRE).Saint Joseph models humility, courage, chastity, and obedience to God's will. As patron of the family and the Church—two realities most fiercely attacked—his role is more urgent than ever. His life teaches us that holiness is often hidden, obedience is rarely loud, and faith is proven in action.Saint Joseph, patron of a happy death, pray for us. ★ Support this podcast ★

How Can I Have Comfort When I Still Feel Guilty? | Christ For YouText: Isaiah 40:1–8 | Fourth Sunday in AdventAdvent says, “Get ready. The Lord is coming.” But what happens when you don't feel ready? What happens when your conscience starts shaking because you know you're guilty? And what do you do when guilt won't shut up and you start to fear that God is angry with you?In this sermon from Isaiah 40, God speaks to a trembling conscience with a verdict, not advice: “Comfort, comfort My people… her warfare is ended… her iniquity is pardoned.” This is not sentimental comfort. It's courtroom comfort. The war between God and sinners ends because God Himself comes near to pardon the guilty.Learn why comfort is not first a feeling but God's objective Word of forgiveness, why your conscience can lag behind the Gospel, and how God anchors your peace outside of you in what does not wither or fade: His enduring Word, delivered to you in Baptism and the Lord's Supper.Subscribe & Share:Apple Podcasts: Christ For YouSpotify: Christ For YouWebsite: ZionWG.orgContact:PastorRojas@ZionWG.org

How can a baby be an "Everlasting Father?" In this message, Lead Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares about this name given to our Savior before His birth. The name Jesus in Hebrew is Yeshua (Joshua). Yeshua in Greek is Iēsoûs. Translated from Greek to English, it becomes Jesus.Joshua, Yeshua, Iēsoûs, and Jesus are the same name in different languages, all meaning "Yahweh is salvation.""Christ" comes from the Greek word Christos, meaning "anointed one." Christ is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Mashiach or "Messiah." It's not Jesus' last name—it's His title. In the end, it doesn't matter which language you use to call on the Savior; what matters is that you call on Him.Isaiah 9:6 tells us that His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.In Hebrew culture, names don't just identify a person; they declare purpose, describe ability, and reveal character. So why is a baby—who grows into a man with no natural-born children—called Everlasting Father?Everlasting means "from here on out." From this point forward, Jesus is the perfect and final representation of God the Father.Jesus made this clear in John 14: "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." He wasn't just a prophet bringing God's message—He was bringing God Himself to us.He said, "The Father and I are one" (John 10).Scripture declares that Christ is "the visible image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15) and "the exact imprint of his nature" (Hebrews 1:3).Five ways Jesus displayed the Father to us:A father protects. When danger came, Jesus stepped forward so His disciples could go free (John 18). Protection is love in action.A father provides. God meets your needs through your relationship with the Son (Philippians 4:19). Jesus didn't just preach to the 5,000—He fed them.A father is approachable. We come boldly to God's throne to receive mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16). In Christ, the throne room isn't a courtroom—it's a living room.A father disciplines. God's correction is proof that we belong to Him (Hebrews 12). Discipline is formative, not punitive—it's about who you are becoming.A father loves unconditionally. God loved us first and sent His Son because He is love (1 John 4).You may not have had a father in the home, but you have a Father in heaven who wants to be the Father of your heart.Humanity misunderstood God's heart, so God didn't shout louder from heaven—He translated Himself into flesh.Jesus is God, translated into our language.At Christmas, God didn't just send a message—He sent us one of us.Some of us believe in Jesus but still relate to God through fear or distance. Let God translate Himself through the Son. Receive Jesus as your Everlasting Father.Are you letting Jesus be your Everlasting Father? 

Explore the concept of 'praying without ceasing' as explained through 1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing.” This insightful video delves into the idea of regular, heartfelt prayer and how it connects us to a divine 'live stream' from heaven. Discover the joy and power of prayer as more than a duty, but a delightful interaction with God's presence, supported by biblical references and historical anecdotes. God Himself is the initiator of prayer. Prayer begins in God and we are all just joining in the Live Stream of prayer that Heaven is already making available. All we have to do is to join it and be carried along with the Stream of Prayer that is flowing from Him. ‘Without ceasing' means REGULARLY, without any unnecessary gaps, as often as required. The word 'adialeiptos' (translated ‘without ceasing') was used to describe a tickling cough. A tickling cough is not one where you cough non-stop. It means that you cough without long gaps between coughs! *I. Let's move from RARE PRAYER to REGULAR PRAYER. Regular prayer doesn't mean that we are praying 24/7, but that we are in a constant flow of prayer. We are constantly accessing Heaven's Live Stream of prayer, which catches us up into God's Presence to walk with Him. “Praying at ALL TIMES (in every opportunity) with all kinds of prayer IN the SPIRIT (Ephesians 6:18). This is the key to joining Heaven's Live Stream of Prayer. We struggle to join it with our head! Our head is too limited. That's why we have the Holy Spirit living within our spirits, who makes us able to join that Live Stream. He helps us to tune into the bandwidth of Heaven and join in with what's flowing from God's Throne. We need to PRAY in the SPIRIT. Praying in tongues is one way we can pray in the Spirit, and join Heaven's Live Stream, but it is not the only way. Praying in the Spirit is praying from the Spirit within us, depending on the Spirit to lead and empower us in prayer. It is a way in which we pray, and a place from which we pray, more than it is a kind of prayer. *II. Let's move from HEAD to HEART. We will never be able to pray without ceasing, if we pray only from our HEAD. We have to go from prayer that only comes out of our HEADS to praying from our HEARTS, prayer in which we bring up from the core of our being, expressing God's life & heart of God within us. It's praying from our HEART. Martin Luther: “Prayer is climbing up into the heart of God.” God invites us to pray from His heart - praying from His lap, from His Father heart. We hear His heartbeat, as we put our head to His heart, like the beloved disciple (John) at the Last Supper, who laid his head on Jesus' chest (John 13:23). We can hear His heartbeat and pray His heart. The Holy Spirit will give us the right word to return to the Father in prayer. Prayer is joining God's Live Stream, so what pours out of Heaven through His Word & Spirit enters into us, and through prayer we offer it back to Him in Heaven. Then He responds in the Earth with answers: “So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 54:11). Man was never designed to live only from his HEAD. Man was designed to live from his HEART, from the core of his being. And so, let us PRAY from there. *III. Let's move from DUTY to DELIGHT. God wants us to take us from the DUTY of prayer to the DELIGHT of prayer. For many people, prayer is a CHORE, or worse a BORE, when it is so much MORE! Prayer is a DELIGHT. In Matthew 21:13, Jesus quoted from Isaiah 56:7: “I will make them JOYFUL in My House of PRAYER.” There is JOY in the House of PRAYER. Have we found joy in prayer? If not, let's get into Prayer's Live Stream. God's Live Stream will carry you on and carry you up! Psalm 34:5: “They looked to Him (in prayer) and their faces were light (radiant with joy).” When we look to God in prayer, rather than looking to ourselves and our own resources, we go beyond the DUTY and the DISCIPLINE of prayer, and get caught up in the DELIGHT (joy) of prayer. 1Thess 5:17 is the meat in the sandwich: “pray without ceasing.” 1Thess 5:16 & 18 are the bread. These 3 verses are a triptych of simple exhortations: “(1) REJOICE always, (2) PRAY without ceasing, (3) in everything GIVE THANKS” (1Thess 5:16-18). God doesn't want us in the DRUDGERY of prayer! He wants us to discover the DELIGHT of prayer. So, let us join Heaven's Live Stream of Prayer that God has made available to us.

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.

This Church Plus, Tim explores the carol O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and shows why Jesus is the greatest Christmas gift of all. Emmanuel means “God with us,” and Tim explains how Jesus didn't just arrive as a symbol, but as God Himself, coming to open the way back to God for us. What may seem small or insignificant at first turns out to be the most valuable gift imaginable — God with us, here to save, restore, and invite us into relationship with Him. This Christmas, the greatest gift isn't found under the tree, but in unwrapping and trusting Jesus.

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.

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 St Isaac exposes here is not a technique but a diagnosis. He is ruthless because the sickness is deep. The soul is meant to be good soil but soil is not neutral ground. It either receives the seed with vigilance or it becomes choked. Remembrance of God is not a poetic feeling but a sustained pressure on the heart a vigilance that does not sleep. When this remembrance is alive the soul becomes a place where God Himself shades and illumines. There is no romance here. Light appears inside darkness not because the darkness is denied but because the soul has chosen to stand watch within it. St Isaac refuses to let us spiritualize our way around the body. The belly is not incidental. What enters the mouth reaches the heart. He speaks bluntly because self deception thrives in vagueness. Excess dulls perception. Pleasure thickens the air of the soul. Wisdom is not stolen from us by demons alone but smothered by our own indulgence. A full belly does not merely weaken resolve it fuels lust because the body has been trained to demand satisfaction. This is not moralism. It is anthropology. The knowledge of God does not coexist with a body that has been enthroned. Here asceticism is revealed as truth telling. It strips away the lie that discipline is punishment. Labor is not opposed to grace. Labor is the ground where grace becomes intelligible. St Isaac compares it to labor pains because knowledge of God is not an idea grasped but a life brought forth. Without toil there is no birth only fantasy. Sloth does not simply delay holiness it gives birth to shame because the soul knows it has avoided the cost of truth. This is where the inner disposition becomes decisive. Asceticism without remembrance hardens into pride. Asceticism without humility becomes violence against the self. But remembrance without discipline dissolves into sentimentality. St Isaac holds them together because life demands it. The question is not how much one fasts or how little one sleeps but whether the heart is consenting to be trained. Discipline embraced with resentment breeds bitterness. Discipline embraced with attention becomes wisdom. In an age starved of living elders this teaching cuts even deeper. We are tempted either to abandon asceticism entirely or to turn it into a private project shaped by personality and preference. St Isaac offers neither comfort. He places responsibility back into the hands of the one who desires God. The absence of elders does not absolve us. It makes inner honesty more urgent. The body becomes the first elder. Hunger teaches restraint. Fatigue teaches humility. Failure teaches mercy. If these are ignored no amount of reading will save us. Christ's closeness to the mouth of the one who endures hardship is not sentimental reassurance. It is promise and warning. He draws near to the body that has consented to the Cross. Not to the body pampered under the language of balance or self care. The care Christ offers is not the removal of hardship but His presence within it. Asceticism then is not heroic excess but fidelity to reality. It is the refusal to live divided. Priceless indeed is labor wrought with wisdom because it produces not control but clarity. The soul begins to see. And once it sees it can no longer pretend. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:01:50 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 170 paragraph 5 00:06:54 susan: how is lori hatari? 00:14:30 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 170 paragraph 5 00:27:40 Eleana Urrego: the brain register emotional and physical pain in the same way. 00:29:59 Jessica McHale: A question about ascetic disciplines of the body: I discerned monastic life with an order of nuns that wouldn't let me fast.(3 times a week was all I was asking) and wouldn't allow me to exercise more than a contemplative walk (which is not exercise to me). I feel very much called to fast for spiritual reasons and called to bodily stewardship as well. It's very personal. I coudl never understand how monastic nuns could discourage this and encourage--in my opinion--indulging in food too much. 00:31:48 Una's iPhone: Reacted to "A question about asc…" with

A Course in MiraclesLesson 352Judgment and love are opposites. From one come all the sorrows of the world. But from the other comes the peace of God Himself. 

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

“I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” — John 10:9 Jesus, the great I AM, is the entrance into the true church, and the way of access to God Himself. He gives to the man who comes to […]

Today's Promise: Matthew 1:22 At the very center of the Christian faith stands one astonishing truth: the virgin birth of Jesus. This doctrine is far more than a Christmas detail; it is a cornerstone of who Jesus is and why He came. In this episode, we explore four powerful reasons the virgin birth matters so deeply.   First, it reveals the absolute uniqueness of Jesus. Born of an earthly mother, yet conceived by God Himself, Jesus is unlike anyone who has ever lived.   Second, the virgin birth points to His sinless perfection. He did not inherit Adam's fallen nature, making Him the spotless Savior.   Third, it marks the breaking of sin's grip on humanity. Just as sin entered the world through Adam, righteousness entered through Christ.   Finally, the virgin birth is the perfect revelation of God. If you want to know what God is truly like, look at Jesus. This episode will strengthen your faith and deepen your worship.

Who was Jesus? Jesus was no ordinary child. The book of Hebrews says He was Divinity. He was God Himself, Immanuel—God with us. In this Christmas message, Jill Briscoe discusses the miraculous birth of Jesus, who Jesus was, and what that means for us.Jill reads her poem “Divinity Wrapped in a Blanket.” To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29?v=20251111

What Am I?I am God's Son, complete and healed and whole, shining in the reflection of His Love. In me is His creation sanctified and guaranteed eternal life. In me is love perfected, fear impossible, and joy established without opposite. I am the holy home of God Himself. I am the Heaven where His Love resides. I am His holy Sinlessness Itself, for in my purity abides His Own.Our use for words is almost over now. Yet in the final days of this one year we gave to God together, you and I, we found a single purpose that we shared. And thus you joined with me, so what I am are you as well. The truth of what we are is not for words to speak of nor describe. Yet we can realize our function here, and words can speak of this and teach it, too, if we exemplify the words in us.We are the bringers of salvation. We accept our part as saviors of the world, which through our joint forgiveness is redeemed. And this, our gift, is therefore given us. We look on everyone as brother, and perceive all things as kindly and as good. We do not seek a function that is past the gate of Heaven. Knowledge will return when we have done our part. We are concerned only with giving welcome to the truth.Ours are the eyes through which Christ's vision sees a world redeemed from every thought of sin. Ours are the ears that hear the Voice for God proclaim the world as sinless. Ours the minds that join together as we bless the world. And from the oneness that we have attained we call to all our brothers, asking them to share our peace and consummate our joy.We are the holy messengers of God who speak for Him, and carrying His Word to everyone whom He has sent to us, we learn that it is written on our hearts. And thus our minds are changed about the aim for which we came, and which we seek to serve. We bring glad tidings to the Son of God, who thought he suffered. Now is he redeemed. And as he sees the gate of Heaven stand open before him, he will enter in and disappear into the Heart of God.LESSON 351My Sinless Brother Is My Guide To Peace.My Sinful Brother Is My Guide To Pain.And Which I Choose To See I Will Behold.Who is my brother but Your holy Son? And if I see him sinful I proclaim myself a sinner, not a Son of God; alone and friendless in a fearful world. Yet this perception is a choice I make, and can relinquish. I can also see my brother sinless, as Your holy Son. And with this choice I see my sinlessness, my everlasting Comforter and Friend beside me, and my way secure and clear. Choose, then, for me, my Father, through Your Voice. For He alone gives judgment in Your Name.- Jesus Christ in ACIm

At our Premium Worship & Prayer Service, Pastor Colins Nwosu led the church in a powerful exhortation centred on the unmatched potency of God's Word. Drawing from Hebrews 4:12, we were reminded that the Word of God is alive, sharp, active, and effective - not mere letters, but divine substance with the ability to penetrate, transform, and prevail. Through scriptures in John 1 and Matthew 24, we saw that the Word is eternal, unchanging, and inseparable from God Himself. What God has spoken cannot fail, fade, or fall to the ground; heaven and earth may pass away, but His Word remains forever settled. The message further established that God has magnified His Word even above His Name, and that His Word provides direction, illumination, strength, and victory for the believer. We learnt that the Word is both weapon and defence; a hammer that breaks resistance, fire that consumes opposition, and armour that enables us to stand firm. As we prayed, faith was stirred to embrace our identity in Christ: fortified, established, visible, and victorious. We close with the following Confessions: I am a fortified city ‎‎I am an iron pillar. ‎I am a city set on a hill ‎I shall not be hidden ‎My words are like fire ‎My words are like hammer ‎I am a child of God.

Well, our theme for tonight's study is one of rebelliousness, and we're going to see that there's a group of individuals, and they are a very significant group. First of all, there were 250 of them, and they were men of reputation. Some Bibles will say men of renown. And what we see here is that they were not just simple individuals, but they represented the leaders of Israel, and they were being rebellious against the order that God Himself had set up. To donate please visit us at:https://loveisrael.org/donate/Checks may be sent to:LoveIsrael.org

Have you ever wondered what it looks like for a life to finish well? Deuteronomy chapter 34 gives us one of the most beautiful conclusions to a story in all of Scripture. Moses, the servant of the Lord, reaches the end of his journey, and God Himself brings him to the top of Mount Nebo to see the Promised Land that lay before Israel. Moses had led faithfully, prayed boldly, interceded passionately, and walked closely with God. And at the end of his life, God honored him in a way that belongs only to those who know Him deeply. This chapter reminds us that the true measure of a life is not what we accomplish but how well we walk with God. It shows us the compassion of a God who stays with His people to the very end and the faithfulness of a servant who finished the work God gave him. Join us in this episode of the Woman at the Well Ministries podcast as we explore the life, legacy, and final moments of Moses and focus on Deuteronomy 34:10, which says, “There arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.” Let's discover together what it means to finish well, to walk closely with God, and to trust Him in every season of life. Did you enjoy this podcast? Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can listen to us on all major podcasting platforms like Apple Podcasts,  Spotify,  Google Podcasts,  YouTube, and Podbean. Check out Kim's latest Bible Bit book on Amazon! Do you want to bring Kim Miller to your church, upcoming retreat, or conference? Contact us! This podcast is brought to you by Woman at the Well Ministries and is supported by our faithful listeners. To support this podcast, please visit our support page. 

Episode Description:In this powerful exposition of John 1:6-13, Pastor Ben Smith unpacks the profound truth that salvation is through faith alone in Jesus Christ—a faith that is itself a gift from God. Continuing through the prologue of John's Gospel, this sermon reveals how God has graciously provided both the testimony to and the way of salvation.In this message, you'll discover:God Provides for Salvation Through a Preceding Witness (vv. 6-8) Pastor Ben examines the God-ordained ministry of John the Baptist, the final Old Testament prophet sent to bear witness to the coming light of Christ. This section traces the faithful line of witnesses God provided throughout redemptive history—from the promise given to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, through Abraham, David, and the prophets—all testifying to the coming Messiah. The sermon emphasizes that these witnesses were both a gift of God and a ministry to mankind, graciously preparing hearts to believe in Jesus.God Provides for Salvation Through the Revelation of Truth (vv. 9-11) This section reveals Jesus as the true light—not merely a reflection or testimony, but the full revelation of God Himself. Pastor Ben addresses the sobering reality that the world did not recognize or receive the light when He came. Drawing on 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Luke 4:17-18, the message explains spiritual blindness and why proximity to the light does not equal saving faith. Only in Jesus, the true light, is salvation and eternal life found.God Provides for Salvation Through the Work of Jesus (vv. 12-13) The sermon reaches its climax with the glorious truth that God gives the right to become children of God to all who receive and believe in Jesus. Pastor Ben carefully unpacks verse 13's three negative statements—denying salvation by blood, by the will of the flesh, or by the will of man—followed by the definitive declaration: salvation is "of God" alone. This section powerfully demonstrates that regeneration and saving faith come by God's sovereign authority and power, not human effort or religious achievement.Key Theological Themes:- Salvation by grace alone through faith alone- The role of John the Baptist as witness- Jesus as the true light and full revelation of God- Spiritual blindness and the need for divine intervention- God's sovereignty in salvation and election- The new birth as a work of God's power- The danger of substituting human effort for genuine faithMemorable Illustration: Pastor Ben concludes with a compelling historical illustration from Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia, where the French army's tin buttons—a cheap substitute for authentic materials—disintegrated in the brutal cold, leaving soldiers exposed to deadly temperatures. This vivid analogy powerfully demonstrates how substitutes for genuine, God-given faith may appear sufficient temporarily but will ultimately fail under the weight of eternity.Who Should Listen: This sermon is essential for anyone seeking to understand the biblical doctrine of salvation, the nature of saving faith, and God's sovereign grace. It's particularly valuable for those struggling with assurance of salvation, anyone tempted to rely on religious performance or heritage, and believers who need to be reminded that salvation is God's work from beginning to end. Perfect for personal devotion, small group discussion, or theological study.Scripture References Include: John 1:6-13, Genesis 3:15, Genesis 12, 2 Samuel 7, Luke 16:16, Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:17-18, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Isaiah 9:2, Ephesians 1:4, 2 Timothy 1:9, John 6:37, Romans 3:23Whether you're a new Christian or a seasoned believer, this message will deepen your understanding of God's gracious provision for salvation and strengthen your confidence that salvation rests entirely on God's faithful work, not your own efforts.

Well, our theme for tonight's study is one of rebelliousness, and we're going to see that there's a group of individuals, and they are a very significant group. First of all, there were 250 of them, and they were men of reputation. Some Bibles will say men of renown. And what we see here is that they were not just simple individuals, but they represented the leaders of Israel, and they were being rebellious against the order that God Himself had set up.To donate please visit us at:https://loveisrael.org/donate/Checks may be sent to:LoveIsrael.org

In this episode of G220 Radio, we explore one of the most clear and powerful statements in Scripture concerning God's will for His people: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Many believers wrestle with discerning God's will for their lives, but the apostle Paul leaves no uncertainty—God wills that His people be holy, set apart, and conformed to the image of Christ. Join us as we walk through what sanctification is, how Scripture defines it, and how the Holy Spirit works in the life of every true believer. We'll discuss the difference between definitive and progressive sanctification, examine the marks of genuine spiritual growth, and highlight the ordinary means God uses to transform His people—His Word, prayer, fellowship, and even trials. This episode aims to equip believers to understand this vital doctrine more deeply, to find encouragement in God's ongoing work within them, and to pursue holiness with confidence, knowing that God Himself is the One who sanctifies. Tune in as we open the Word of God and apply this foundational truth to the Christian life.

The greatest artist in history is none other than the Lord of all Creation, God Himself. But throughout the ages, He has gifted human artists with the talent to tell His story. For the next week or so, Ron will take us to four scenes in the Bible, and to four artistic renderings that serve as visual commentaries to those passages of Scripture. It's all part of his teaching series, “The Art of Christmas,” and it starts right now. 

Send us a textWhen faith is tested past the breaking point, do we cling to ideas about God or to God Himself? Our conversation walks with Job through days without comfort and nights without rest, and we ask the questions most of us are afraid to say out loud: What if the pain doesn't lift? What if even sleep brings no relief? We wrestle with Job 7:15 and the line between honest lament and enduring trust, showing how a believer can long for release without surrendering to despair, and how God can use even dreams to shape the soul.We also get practical about sovereignty and limits. The enemy may prowl, but he does not own the children of God. That truth reframes how we interpret trials, judge our brothers and sisters, and ground our hope. Instead of quick fixes, we return to Jesus' command to seek first the kingdom—trusting God for provision while loosening our grip on control. Refinement is not instant. God burns off dross over time, forming in us a faith that can carry weight, a peace that does not need perfect conditions, and a courage that speaks when silence would be safer.The conversation turns sharp where it needs to: on allegiances that dilute the gospel. We talk frankly about pastors chasing political favor, the confusion around modern Israel, and why true Israel is defined by faith in Christ, not geography or ethnicity. Scripture warns against aiding those who hate the Lord, and we take that warning seriously. Our aim isn't outrage; it's clarity. The church doesn't need permission from power blocs to preach a crucified and risen King. We need open Bibles, clean hands, brave hearts, and a willingness to be misunderstood.If your soul feels thin or your convictions feel costly, this one is for you. We call you to stand firm, study deeply, love boldly, and use today's platforms to tell the truth with a steady voice. The King has already paid the ransom, He reigns now, and He will return to set things right. If this resonates, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show—then tell us: where is God asking you to stand with courage this week?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Your generosity is building something. In Week 3 of our Everyday Altar series, we're learning that worship is so much bigger than singing, serving, or even showing up. Worship is the way you live. It's the way you love. It's the way you give. Paul tells us in Philippians that generosity isn't just kindness — it's a “sweet-smelling sacrifice” rising to God Himself. That means your giving is not just kindness; it's worship. This week we're choosing to give like God is our provider, our source, and our reward.

In Revelation 12, Scripture presents a woman “clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Rev 12:1). As Fr. Chris explains, this image points unmistakably to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her heavenly glory reveals the one chosen by God to bear Christ, the King who “is to rule all the nations” (Rev 12:5). Yet confusion arises when the passage speaks of her crying out in pain. These are not physical labor pains from the birth of Jesus. According to the Church's tradition, Mary's true labor pains were spiritual—suffered at the foot of the Cross, when she gave birth to the Church itself (cf. Jn 19:26–27).This mystery comes alive in the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Standing before the sun, upon the moon, and clothed with stars, Mary reveals that she is not a goddess but a mother who leads souls to the one true God. Her image spoke directly to the Aztec world, proclaiming that human sacrifice was over. No longer would hearts and blood be offered to false gods. Instead, God Himself would offer His own Heart and Blood to feed His people in the Holy Eucharist. “I am the living bread that came down from heaven” (Jn 6:51).Mary's message still resounds today. She unites what was divided, drawing every people and culture into communion with Christ. As Mother of the Church, she continues her mission: to bring us always to her Son, Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist.To deepen your understanding of the Eucharist and the other Sacraments, explore Understanding the Sacraments at ShopMercy.org. ★ Support this podcast ★

In a world marked by anxiety, unrest, and brokenness at every level—personal, familial, national, and global—peace feels increasingly elusive. Yet on the night before His crucifixion, Jesus speaks words of comfort and assurance to His troubled disciples, offering something the world cannot give: His peace.In John 14, Jesus addresses fearful hearts with a promise rooted not in circumstances, but in His own nature, His finished work, and the sovereign purposes of God. This message explores the contrast between the fragile, fleeting peace offered by the world and the lasting, supernatural peace found in Christ alone. As Jesus prepares to leave the upper room and walk toward the cross, He bequeaths a gift without which His followers could not endure—a peace secured through His sacrifice, sustained by trust, and guarded by God Himself.Key Verse: John 14:27-31Key Points: 1. The Promise of Peace 2. The Provision of Peace 3. A Prerequisite to Peace 4. The Pursuit of Peace 5. Prohibitors of PeaceThis sermon calls us to consider where true peace is found, how it is received, and what threatens to rob us of it, inviting believers to live under the ruling peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

Psalm 34 resulted from a shocking origin story, in which David pretended to be insane to escape life-threatening danger. From David's humiliation and desperation comes one of the most beautiful psalms ever written, Psalm 34.Psalm 34 explains how God lifted David from his fear and failure and protected and delivered him from certain death in Gath. David learned that safety doesn't come from control, power, or reputation, but in taking refuge in God Himself.Psalm 34 reminds us that David was broken and crushed. But when he was most afraid, humiliated, and exhausted, God's nearness was at its strongest, steadiest, and most sustaining.Psalm 34 serves as a reminder that God may not remove our fear instantly, but he will walk through it with us. David's song still speaks to our fears, brokenness, and struggles today.SUBSCRIBE to our channel / @binmin_org JOIN the NEWSLETTER at https://binmin.org/newsletter/SUPPORT Binmin with a tax-deductible gift HERE - https://binmin.org/donate0:00 - OPENING HOOK & DAVID'S ESCAPE0:39 - EPISODE INTRODUCTION & THEME1:21 - DAVID'S FEAR & THE GATH ENCOUNTER2:03 - DAVID FEIGNS MADNESS2:39 - “I SOUGHT THE LORD” & DELIVERANCE3:11 - GOD NEAR TO THE BROKENHEARTED3:50 - JONI TADA & SUFFERING TRANSFORMED4:50 - WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES SHIFT5:14 - WAITING, TRUST, AND FAITH5:29 - CHALLENGE & PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS5:50 - CLOSING & CALL TO ACTIONJOIN the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ NEWSLETTER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. SUPPORT Binmin with a tax-deductible gift⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CONNECT WITH BINMIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Binmin.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Questions?: info@binmin.orgPODCAST RESOURCES: More from Binmin:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Binmin.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEAVE A REVIEW on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Speaker: Rob BerrethScripture: Matthew 1:18-25Episode Overview:Matthew's account of Jesus' birth introduces us to two names that reveal the heart of the gospel: Jesus and Immanuel. In this sermon, we see that the child born of the virgin is both the Savior who rescues His people from their sins and the God who draws near to dwell with them. Matthew 1:18–25 declares that our deepest problem is not merely circumstantial but spiritual—and that God Himself has acted decisively to save and restore us through the incarnation of His Son.Key Highlights:• Why Jesus' name matters: He saves His people from their sins, addressing our greatest need• A biblical understanding of sin as relational rebellion against a holy Creator• The wonder of the incarnation: God becoming man without ceasing to be God• The meaning of Immanuel: God's abiding presence with His people now and forever• Living between Christ's first coming and His promised return with confidence in His nearnessCall to Action:This passage invites us to respond not with self-reliance, but with trust. Consider where you may be tempted to manage life apart from God's grace. Receive Jesus anew as both your Savior from sin and your present help in weakness. Like Joseph, believe what God has spoken—and make room in your life for the God who is with you.Redeemer Church211 Northshore Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226www.redeemernw.org

Luke 2:8-21. In this message we turn up one of the most iconic songs of all time—the angels' “Gloria in excelsis Deo.” Before it became a lyric we stretch out in “Angels We Have Heard on High,” it was heaven's announcement that God Himself had stepped into our world. We explore how the angels' song reveals the true purpose of Christmas and the result of Christmas. As we revisit the shepherds, the manger, and the miracle, we'll rediscover the wonder we often lose in the routine of the season. Slow down, receive His peace, and learn how to carry it into a world desperate for the hope only Jesus brings.For upcoming events and important announcements at Skyline, visit our Facebook page for the latest details!If you'd like to check out more resources, get to know Skyline Church, or donate to our ministry and missions please visit www.skylineofallon.com. Don't forget to leave us a review and subscribe to have our Sunday message downloaded straight to your phone each week!

The story of Christ’s birth is filled with divine reversals—moments where God chose humility over grandeur and simplicity over splendor. Instead of being born in a palace fit for a king, Jesus entered the world in a lowly manger among livestock, revealing a Savior who draws near to the humble. The Magi, guided by God’s star and later by His Spirit, demonstrate how no one finds Jesus on their own—He leads us to Himself. This season, we are invited to return to the manger with hearts open to wonder, worship, and the profound meaning of Christ’s humble arrival. Main Takeaways You’ll learn why Jesus’ humble birthplace reveals God’s upside-down kingdom and His heart for the lowly. Discover how the Magi’s journey shows that God Himself leads people to Christ. Understand the prophetic connections between Isaiah 53, Luke 2, and Matthew 2. Reflect on how the Holy Spirit guides believers today to continually rediscover Christ. Be encouraged to seek Jesus wholeheartedly and worship Him with the same joy and reverence as the Magi. Bible Verse References Luke 2:7 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/2-7.html Isaiah 53:2 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/53-2.html Matthew 2:1–2 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/passage/?q=matthew+2:1-2 Matthew 2:3–6 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/passage/?q=matthew+2:3-6 Matthew 2:7–8 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/passage/?q=matthew+2:7-8 Matthew 2:9–12 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/passage/?q=matthew+2:9-12 Your Daily Prayer Dear Father,As we enter this Christmas season, lead our hearts to the manger—to Jesus. Open our eyes to the wonder of His humble birth and the beauty of Your plan. Help us seek Him wholeheartedly, like the Magi, and worship Him with joy, awe, and reverence. Soften our hearts to lay our treasures before Him and guide us by Your Holy Spirit to know Him more deeply and to lead others to Him.In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily devotionals delivered straight to your favorite podcast app. Leave a rating or review to help others discover biblical encouragement. Visit LifeAudio.com to explore more faith-building podcasts. Read more Christmas devotionals and Bible studies at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Christmas devotionals, Bible studies, and spiritual reflections:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Scripture study tools for today’s passages:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/2-7.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There are way too many lies being told about Christmas, and in this study we begin chipping away at all of them. Christmas is not founded in paganism, nor is it a late cultural invention. It began in the mind of God Himself. Long before Bethlehem, the LORD made a promise in the Garden that redemption would come through a coming Seed. In this first study of The Wonder of Christmas, we go back to Genesis 3 to see where Christmas truly began and why the birth of Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God's original promise to redeem mankind.

Sermon Summary – Joshua Session 9 This message teaches that God's people are heirs of a greater inheritance, and that earthly possessions are temporary compared to what God gives through relationship with Him. 1. The Division of the Promised Land Joshua 13 describes Israel dividing the land after years of warfare. Some tribes receive territory, while the tribe of Levi receives no land. Instead, God Himself is their inheritance. This becomes the central spiritual lesson of the sermon. 2. God Owns Everything The pastor emphasizes that no one truly owns land or possessions—everything belongs to God. Israel's inheritance is a foreshadowing of a greater, eternal inheritance promised to believers. 3. A Warning Against Living for This World Many believers, especially in prosperous cultures, are tempted to build their lives around comfort, security, and material success. The sermon warns against “building tents and pitching altars,” instead of pitching tents and building altars—investing more in eternity than in temporary things. 4. Believers Are Kings and Priests Connecting Joshua to Revelation, the pastor explains that believers today are like the Levites: We may not receive everything we want on earth But God Himself is our inheritance Through Christ, we are made kings and priests who will reign with Him This shifts the focus from what we gain now to who we are becoming. 5. Suffering Has Purpose Battles, opposition, and hardship are part of the journey. Being in a fight does not mean failure—it means engagement. God uses suffering to prepare believers for eternal responsibility. 6. More Than Conquerors Through Christ's sacrifice, believers are declared “more than conquerors.” Jesus fought the battle we could never win, and we now share in His victory, inheritance, and future reign. 7. Final Encouragement This world is not our home God is shaping eternal sons and daughters Our calling is endurance, faith, and obedience If God is for us, nothing can separate us from His love Key Theme: God has not shortchanged His people—He has given us Himself. Our inheritance is eternal, and our victory is already secured in Christ.

The Son Who Climbed The Mountain Speaker: Michael Shockley, ReCreate Church Scripture: Genesis 22 Episode Summary In part 2 of our Christmas 2025 series, Pastor Michael tells the story of Isaac - the original "Son Who Climbed The Mountain" - and reveals how it points directly to Jesus. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his promised son on Mount Moriah foreshadows God's sacrifice of His own Son on the same mountain centuries later. This isn't just an Old Testament story - it's a Christmas story about faith, provision, and the ultimate Substitute. Key Points - Abraham waited 25 years for the promised son Isaac, learning to trust God's timing - God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac, but was teaching that He provides the sacrifice - Abraham believed God could raise Isaac from the dead to keep both the command and the promise - Mount Moriah, where Isaac was spared, is the same location where Jesus died centuries later - Isaac lived because a ram died in his place; we live forever because Jesus died in our place Main Takeaway Faith climbs the mountain before it sees the miracle. Abraham trusted God enough to take the first step up Mount Moriah, and God provided a substitute sacrifice. We trust Jesus before we understand every detail, and then we receive the miracle of forgiveness, freedom, and new life. Memorable Quotes - "Faith climbs the mountain before it sees the miracle." - "God will show up in your life. Often when you aren't looking for Him, and rarely when it's convenient." - "God doesn't want to take Abraham's son; He wants to give His Own Son." - "Abraham answered with a line that echoes through the centuries: 'My son, God Himself will provide the lamb.'" - "Before the Manger, there was the Mountain. Before the swaddling clothes, there was sacrificial wood on a son's back." - "God wasn't teaching Abraham to sacrifice his son; He was teaching that HE Provides The Sacrifice." - "Isaac lived because a ram died in his place. We can live forever because Jesus died in our place." Reflection Question What mountain is God asking you to climb in faith before you see the miracle? Tune in to hear the powerful parallel between Isaac and Jesus, why Die Hard is definitely a Christmas movie, and how a 99-year-old man's laughter became the name of the promised son. Connect & Give Learn more about ReCreate Church at www.recreatechurch.org Give online easily and securely through Tithe.ly

During this Advent season, we've paused our study of the Gospel of Mark to reflect on the profound truths of Christ's coming. Two weeks ago, we explored the hope of resurrection from Mark 12, and last week, we looked at the peace we find in Christ. These are not basic, mundane truths; we benefit when we remember who our God is and rekindle our passion for Christ's gospel. In Christ, we have perfect reconciliation with God and complete righteousness before the Father. As Christmas approaches, let's focus on these magnificent realities, resting and rejoicing in our hearts. Joy is our theme this third Sunday of Advent. The angels announced good news of great joy for all people at Jesus' birth, and we will explore how to cultivate joy as the Spirit's fruit, mainly from John 15:1-11. We will explain the Christian's joy, distinguishing it from mere happiness, and see how joy is commanded by God, endures through sorrow, flows from God Himself, and grows as we abide in Christ—trusting in Him. Abiding in Christ nurtures the fruit of joy, because our joy comes from Jesus' own joy, transforming even our hardships into reasons for rejoicing. I. Joy & Happiness Overlap But Are Not the Same - (Jeremiah 33:11, Proverbs 23:24-25, Proverbs 27:9) II. Joy & Rejoicing Are Commanded By God - (Rom. 12:15; Phil 3:1; 4:4; 1 Thess. 5:16) III. Joy Can Still Be Present In Sorrow - (Habakkuk 3:17-18, 2 Corinthians 6:9-10) IV. True Joy Is In God & From God - (John 15:11, Isaiah 42:1) V. Joy Is A Fruit That Grows As We Cultivate it - (John 15:1-11)

As we continue our Advent journey through hope, peace, and love, this message confronts a foundational question: Is God truly who He says He is? Scripture reveals that these Advent themes are not merely virtues we strive for, but attributes of God Himself—fruits of the Spirit produced in us as He imparts His life within us.This sermon focuses on joy—not fleeting happiness, but the complete, enduring joy Jesus promises in John 15. A joy rooted in love, obedience, and relationship. A joy that is not self-generated, but received. And most importantly, a joy that is not meant to be experienced alone.From the angels' proclamation in Luke 2 to Paul's letters and the prophetic vision of Isaiah, Scripture consistently presents joy as communal before it is individual—sung together, shared together, celebrated together. Jesus' joy is for all people, deeply inclusive, and fully realized in shared faith, shared life, shared encouragement, and shared salvation.This message challenges the modern pursuit of isolated happiness and reframes joy as a divine system for unity—where “my joy” becomes “our joy.” Ultimately, we see a picture of embodied joy: God rejoicing over His people with singing, while His people respond in worship and praise.If you've ever felt joy fall short when experienced alone, this message invites you to rediscover the joy of Jesus—complete, enduring, and alive in community.

The most potent reality of the Christmas Holiday is that God Himself, became human and chose to dwell with us. Rather than distance Himself from the sin of humanity, He chose to become like us and redeem us from within. When we celebrate Christmas, we're celebrating more than a baby in a manger, we're celebrating the King of Kings veiling Himself in human flesh, to rescue us all...

By Ken Loucks - Acts 10 is often misunderstood—and in this study, we slow down and let Scripture explain itself. Follow Peter from a rooftop vision he doesn't understand, to a Gentile household he never expected to enter, and watch how God Himself shatters centuries of separation without changing His law. This

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.

Wherever we find beauty in this world, we see creation bearing witness to the beauty of God Himself. Today, R.C. Sproul reflects on the spiritual significance of the beautiful. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/the-beauty-of-god-displayed/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT) In all your preparations for the holiday season, make sure you don’t miss the point of celebrating Christmas. Missing the profound meaning and implications of Jesus’ coming is surprisingly easy to do. The innkeeper in Bethlehem could have been an eyewitness to God’s arrival on earth. He could have been immortalized in nativity scenes, along with the shepherds and wise men. But Luke 2:7 says, “She [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them” (NLT). The innkeeper missed Jesus because he gave priority to others. King Herod could have accompanied the wise men in their search for the One born King of the Jews. He could have offered his own crown as a gift to Jesus, as a sign of humility, obedience, and worship. But Herod missed Jesus because he couldn’t accept the idea of someone supplanting him as ruler. Matthew 2:16 tells us how far he went to keep it from happening: “Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance” (NLT). Most of the Jewish people who were alive when the Incarnation occurred missed Jesus because they ignored the truth of God’s Word. They interpreted Old Testament prophecy to fit their own agenda instead of trying to understand God’s agenda. Citizens of the Roman Empire missed Jesus because they were too busy worshipping other gods. They opted for false idols instead of God Himself. Let’s not make the same mistake. Let’s keep our priorities straight. This is the season of busyness. There are a lot of things vying for our attention—many of them important. But none is nearly as important as the gift of God’s only Son. Let’s approach the Lord with a sense of humility and obedience. The genocidal cruelty of Herod sets him apart from most people. But his refusal to hand the reins of power to anyone else is all too familiar. Giving our lives to Christ and submitting to His will can be a challenge. There are times when we want to pursue our own preferences and pleasures. But if we give in to those urges, we miss what the Lord has in store for us. Let’s prioritize God’s Word. In it, we find the secrets of wisdom, trail markers for discovering God’s will, instructions for living in a Christlike way, and glimpses into our future. The Bible is the gift that keeps giving. Let’s remove the false idols—the distractions that keep us from worshipping God wholeheartedly—from our lives. Let’s resolve not to miss Jesus this Christmas. Reflection question: What steps can you take to keep your focus on Jesus this Christmas? 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.

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.

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” (Isaiah 9:6–7 NLT) As we look at our world today, it becomes apparent that part of the promise of Isaiah 9:6–7 has not yet been fulfilled. The Child has been born. The Son has been given. But He has not yet taken the government upon His shoulders. We do not yet have peace with fairness and justice. The good news is that the day is coming. Christ will return. He will establish His kingdom on this earth. And it will be the righteous rule of God Himself. Before Jesus could take the government upon His shoulder, He had to take the cross upon His shoulder. Before He could wear the crown of glory as King of kings, He had to wear the shameful crown of thorns and give His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. The first time He came, a star marked His arrival. The next time He comes, the heavens will roll back like a scroll, stars will fall from the sky, and He Himself will light the universe. This season, we celebrate the Incarnation and what it means to us. God came near to us so that we can come near to Him. He came to give our lives purpose and meaning, to forgive us of our sins, and to give us the hope of Heaven beyond the grave. Christmas is not about tinsel or shopping or even spending time with family. Christmas is not about the gifts under the tree. Rather, Christmas is about the gift that was given on the tree—when Christ died on a wooden cross for our sins and gave us the gift of eternal life. He also gave us the hope of His return. In Luke 21:25–28, Jesus said, “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” (NLT). So, as we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s do so with an eye toward the Lord’s return. Let’s remember that one day our hope will be fulfilled, and our joy will be complete. Reflection question: How does Jesus give your life meaning and purpose as you await His return? 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.