Podcasts about godly

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.” John 17:20–21Mama, being a Godly friend is one of the greatest gifts you could ever give one another. Join us on the podcast for day 28 of our BRAND NEW 30-day audio devotional: Living a Lifestyle of Prayer. 

Welcome to the Podcast of Southwest Bible Fellowship in Tempe, Arizona. WHO ARE WE? • We are a group of people who are committed to living the grace life as set forth by the apostle of the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul. • We come together to study our Bibles, and yes, we believe we have God's perfect Word in the King James Bible. It and it alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice! • We do not come together and study our Bibles for the intent of being smarter than others. We understand that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is purely vain and serves no Godly purpose. • We do come together and study our Bibles for the intent of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. (Philippians 3:10) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that we have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless we live; yet not us, but Christ liveth in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. (Galatians 2:20) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that because Jesus Christ shed His blood for us and we should not live for ourselves but for Him, who died for us and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15) • We do not claim to have attained to these lofty goals, but we press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) You can donate to this ministry through www.butnow.org and the PayPal button on the homepage.

Welcome fellow Joy Riders to the Masculine Journey Joyride Podcast! On this podcast you can expect to laugh and smile with Godly men who love the Lord and want nothing more than to honor and glorify God. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the Joy Ride.  This week, the guys discuss what it means to be at home with Jesus now and in Heaven. The clip is from "The Cuppycake Song."  Be sure to check out our other podcasts, Masculine Journey and Masculine Journey After Hours for more great content!

Darkness Radio presents Supernatural News/Parashare: Alien Bets and Godly Threats Edition w/Mallie Fox ! This Week, Well, it had to happen... Avi Loeb has accepted a skeptic's $1,000 wager over alien visitation by 2030! The World's Smartest Man says he knows the chilling truth behind what happens when we die... A forbidden book omitted from the Bible reveals that Jesus wasn't such a good kid, in fact, he was quite vengeful!  We have details! And, A Little House on the Prairie cast member talks about how she helped Jim Morrison flee police! Dan Farah claims that US Nuclear testing was a secret attempt to disable UFO's ! Watch his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience here:  https://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/news/392546/dan-farah-us-nuclear-testing-was-secret-attempt-to-disable-ufos# The Vampire Squid from Hell has Arrived!! See what it looks like here: https://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/news/392603/scientists-sequence-genome-of-the-elusive-vampire-squid-from-hell# Become part of a once in a lifetime movement... Join the paranormal community, along with Jason Hawes in helping Andrea Perron preserve the "Conjuring House" from the auction block and potentially falling into a developer's hands, or the hands of someone who won't appreciate it's history.  To read more about their history, their goals, and to donate to the cause, click on the GoFundMe link:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-conjuring-house Check out all things Mallie here:  https://www.paranormalgirl.com/ Mallie has been spreading her wings and featured as a researcher and talking head on Strange Evidence on the Science Channel!  You can stream it on demand on Discovery + or on Max!  Get Max here:   https://bit.ly/469lcZH Make sure you update your Darkness Radio Apple Apps! and subscribe to the Darkness Radio You Tube page:  https://www.youtube.com/@DRTimDennis There are new and different (and really cool) items all the time in the Darkness Radio Online store at our website! . check out the Darkness Radio Store!   https://www.darknessradioshow.com/store/ #paranormal  #supernatural  #paranormalpodcasts  #darknessradio  #timdennis #malliefox #paranormalgirl #strangeevidence #supernaturalnews  #parashare  #ghosts  #spirits   #hauntings #hauntedhouses #haunteddolls #demons #supernaturalsex #deliverances #exorcisms #paranormalinvestigation #ghosthunters  #Psychics  #tarot  #ouija    #Aliens  #UFO #UAP #Extraterrestrials #alienhumanhybrid #alienabduction #alienimplant #Alienspaceships  #disclosure #shadowpeople #AATIP #DIA #Cryptids #Cryptozoology #bigfoot #sasquatch #yeti  #abominablesnowman #ogopogo #lochnessmonster #chupacabra #beastofbrayroad #mothman  #artificialintelligence #AI  #NASA  #CIA #FBI #conspiracytheory #neardeatheexperience 

Sometimes the phrase “change is good” is not accurate. But Godly change is always good — one is always better because of Godly change.

Darkness Radio presents Supernatural News/Parashare: Alien Bets and Godly Threats Edition w/Mallie Fox ! This Week, Well, it had to happen... Avi Loeb has accepted a skeptic's $1,000 wager over alien visitation by 2030! The World's Smartest Man says he knows the chilling truth behind what happens when we die... A forbidden book omitted from the Bible reveals that Jesus wasn't such a good kid, in fact, he was quite vengeful!  We have details! And, A Little House on the Prairie cast member talks about how she helped Jim Morrison flee police! Dan Farah claims that US Nuclear testing was a secret attempt to disable UFO's ! Watch his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience here:  https://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/news/392546/dan-farah-us-nuclear-testing-was-secret-attempt-to-disable-ufos# The Vampire Squid from Hell has Arrived!! See what it looks like here: https://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/news/392603/scientists-sequence-genome-of-the-elusive-vampire-squid-from-hell# Become part of a once in a lifetime movement... Join the paranormal community, along with Jason Hawes in helping Andrea Perron preserve the "Conjuring House" from the auction block and potentially falling into a developer's hands, or the hands of someone who won't appreciate it's history.  To read more about their history, their goals, and to donate to the cause, click on the GoFundMe link:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-conjuring-house Check out all things Mallie here:  https://www.paranormalgirl.com/ Mallie has been spreading her wings and featured as a researcher and talking head on Strange Evidence on the Science Channel!  You can stream it on demand on Discovery + or on Max!  Get Max here:   https://bit.ly/469lcZH Make sure you update your Darkness Radio Apple Apps! and subscribe to the Darkness Radio You Tube page:  https://www.youtube.com/@DRTimDennis There are new and different (and really cool) items all the time in the Darkness Radio Online store at our website! . check out the Darkness Radio Store!   https://www.darknessradioshow.com/store/ #paranormal  #supernatural  #paranormalpodcasts  #darknessradio  #timdennis #malliefox #paranormalgirl #strangeevidence #supernaturalnews  #parashare  #ghosts  #spirits   #hauntings #hauntedhouses #haunteddolls #demons #supernaturalsex #deliverances #exorcisms #paranormalinvestigation #ghosthunters  #Psychics  #tarot  #ouija    #Aliens  #UFO #UAP #Extraterrestrials #alienhumanhybrid #alienabduction #alienimplant #Alienspaceships  #disclosure #shadowpeople #AATIP #DIA #Cryptids #Cryptozoology #bigfoot #sasquatch #yeti  #abominablesnowman #ogopogo #lochnessmonster #chupacabra #beastofbrayroad #mothman  #artificialintelligence #AI  #NASA  #CIA #FBI #conspiracytheory #neardeatheexperience 

What does it mean to be a godly man today? In this episode of Michael Easley inContext, Dr. Michael Easley sits down with Dr. Robert Brent, author of Recapturing Godly Masculinity, to discuss the crisis of manhood in our culture and how Scripture calls men to a better standard. Together, they explore: -Why culture confuses dominance with leadership -How humility and responsibility shape godly strength -The role of mentorship, purity, and accountability -What Christlike leadership looks like at home and in the church Join the conversation: What's one way you've seen biblical manhood modeled well? Comment below — we'd love to hear your thoughts. Resources Mentioned: Recapturing Godly Masculinity by Dr. Robert Brent Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:12 – Why Masculinity Is in Crisis 05:43 – What Is Godly Manhood? 12:20 – Strength Under Control: The Example of Christ 18:56 – The Role of Mentorship and Accountability 25:15 – Raising Sons to Be Men of God 32:48 – Purity, Boundaries, and Integrity 38:20 – Final Encouragements from Dr. Brent Follow on Instagram and Facebook Click here for more information on Dr. Michael Easley and Ask Dr. E

God Blesses You in Your Obedience, but God Leaves You to the Consequences of Your Sin in Your Disobedience MESSAGE SUMMARY: Your relationship with God is only between you and God. God desires relationships with each of us, individually, even though you may have been fortunate enough to have a Godly mother, father, siblings, and/or a spouse. God has given us covenants upon which to build His relationship with you, as Paul tells us in Romans 8:34-35: “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?". The people of the Old Testament found that living apart from God's covenant relationship brought disaster. God is a covenant God; He will bless you if you obey Him. If you disobey God, God leaves you to the consequences of your sins.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, you know how difficult it is for me to be in silence before you. At times it feels almost impossible, given the demands, distractions, and noise all around me. I invite you to lead me to a quiet, silent place before you — to a place where I can hear you as Elijah did. In Jesus' name, amen.     Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 123). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Self-Centeredness. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Love. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  1 Corinthians 11:25-26; Leviticus 26:9-12; Nehemiah 9:32; Psalms 135a:1-11. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Day Is Coming – Part 1”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Todaywill continue to look at Ephesians 4:7-11. These verses are about the Spiritualgifts that God gives “to each one of us” for unity in the church.These gifts can either be used to build us up or used to tear us down. God hasalready given us the Gift of the Holy Spirit at the moment of our salvation. Atthat time, we were baptized into the body of Christ, and the Holy Spirit cameto dwell within us. This great truth is taught throughout the Epistles in theNew Testament.  Butalong with the Gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit,also imparted Spiritual gifts into our life. These gifts are many and you willfind them listed in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-14 and also in Ephesians 4. Weneed to also understand that these Spiritual gifts are not the naturalabilities that we're born with, such as mechanical ability, musical ability,athletic ability, or artistic ability. No, those are natural abilities anddifferent people have different natural abilities.  Butthese are Spiritual gifts and this gifting is very important for us tounderstand as believers. I'm convinced, we will not find real fulfillment,satisfaction, and real contentment in our lives unless we're fulfilling thepurpose for which God created us. Remember in Ephesians 2:8-10 we learned that Godsaved us by His grace, not just so we could go to heaven when we died, butbecause, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, whichGod prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” He saves us to do “goodworks” for Him through the abilities we have from our Spiritual gifts.  Godknew exactly what gifts the body needed in that particular local church and He “preparedbeforehand” and gifted every believer that became a part of that localchurch with specific spiritual gifts to build up that body of Jesus Christwhich builds up the whole body of Christ around the world. So these arepowerful verses to understand and make sure we begin to comprehend and apply to“each” of our lives as we see in verse 7: “But to each one of us,grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift”.  Paulsaid something similar in Romans 12:4-6: "For aswe have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the samefunction. So we being many are one body in Christ and individually members ofone another." Having then gifts differing according to the grace that isgiven to us, let us use them”. We should make sure we're exercising thosespiritual gifts that God has given us. Thenin verses 8-10, we read something very interesting. These are wonderful versesreminding us that Jesus Christ first descended that He might ascend. And He ledcaptivity captive. I believe the meaning of this is that just as we werecaptive to Satan by sin before salvation, Jesus Christ because He wasvictorious over death and sin and hell and the grave, He now takes us captivefor His glory, and gives the Spiritual gifts that we need to serve Him. “Jesusdescended that He might ascend”. He descended in obedience to “death of thecross and for that God has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name that isabove every name…” (Philippians 2:8-11).  Jesus“descended to the lower parts of the earth”. I believe that this couldmean that Jesus took there those in paradise previous to the cross and He ledthem up to the third heaven. And Jesus also delivered us from our captivity tosin and Satan and made us His captives to be free to live holy and Godly livesand gave us the Spiritual gifts to serve Him.  Ohmy friend, aren't you so thankful that Jesus “though He was rich, He becamepoor that we through His poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Wehave the riches of Christ, and the Spiritual gifts that He's given “toeach one of us”, the wealth of Christ Himself living within “eachone of us” today.  Doyou know your Spiritual gifts? Are you using them for the glory of God and thebuilding up of the body of Jesus Christ?

The Day of the Lord 3 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. 3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming' he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.[a] 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[b] That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faith-love-trust--3493635/support.

Who do you take counsel from? Who do you spend the majority of your time with? WHO are you most comfortable rubbing shoulders with? Who do you call your friends? Godly people who fear the Lord? Or the ungodly of this world that scorn God's ordained authority in their lives?

Jesus defined the purpose of the Holy Spirit when He said He must leave for the Holy Spirit to come and give comfort, counsel and be an advocate for His followers. Therefore, I believe the purpose of the Holy Spirit is for whatever we need to live a Godly life. The purposes of the Holy Spirit are unlimited.To listen to more podcasts and information on books: davidcfriendauthor.comTo subscribe to podcasts: cpnshows.com

Advent hope doesn't require us to ignore the reality of our brokenness. We must see it to grasp the hope of Jesus' return. Pastor Darrell looks at Luke 22 and 2 Corinthians 7:10 as we consider godly sorrow as seen in Peter as well as worldly sorrow as seen in Judas. This leads us to see our need for Christ.

What if the most life-changing word Jesus ever spoke isn't one we pray, but one we've forgotten how to say? When Jesus called God Abba, He wasn't just using another name—He was revealing the very heart of God. In Week 7 of Stand Firm & Act Like Men, we look at how Jesus' relationship with the Father shapes our own identity as sons and our calling as dads. What would change in your life if you truly knew God as Abba?

Have you ever experienced the pain of longing, praying, and hoping for something, only to have it slip through your fingers? In this message, Pastor Caleb unpacks Luke 1:5-25, exploring the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, a couple who were righteous and faithful, yet suffered decades of silent longing and unanswered prayers. Discover the powerful truth that God hears your prayers even when He seems silent, and how His loving discipline is an invitation back to belief. In this sermon, you'll learn: - The Nature of True Faith: Zechariah and Elizabeth were described as blameless and righteous before God. This meant they had inward integrity and were the same person in private as they were in public. - The Tension of the Christian Life: You can be Godly and disappointed, righteous and barren, or blameless and brokenhearted. Faithfulness does not exempt you from heartache. - Two Temptations in the Waiting Room: When you're trying to live faithfully but suffering silently, be careful not to fall into feeling defeated (thinking your pain is payback for sin) or entitled (treating God like a transactional rewards program). - God's Silence is Not His Absence: Even when we feel like He doesn't, God hears our prayers. God broke the personal silence for Zechariah and Elizabeth and the prophetical silence for His people. - The Danger of Unbelief and Discipline as Grace: Zechariah's doubt (unbelief) prompted a loving discipline: nine months of silence. For a genuine follower of Jesus, discipline is not punishment (which was finished on the cross) but a form of grace—an invitation to step back into love and obedience. - The Ultimate Joy of Christmas: The greatest joy Zechariah and Elizabeth found was not in having a child, but in God remembering His people and finally sending His Savior, Jesus Christ. Key Topics Covered: - The Messengers Series: Kicking off the Christmas series by looking at the first messengers of Christmas, specifically the angel Gabriel. - A Personal Story of Loss and Hope: Pastor Caleb's story of naming his stillborn son Gabriel, "God's Messenger of Hope," after the angel. - The Spiritually Dry Season: Zechariah and Elizabeth lived during a 400-year gap where God did not send a prophet or a fresh word. - The Parallel with Elijah: Gabriel's message announced that Zechariah's son, John, would come in the spirit and power of Elijah, paving the way for the long-awaited Savior. - The Consequences of Doubt: Zechariah's questioning, "HOW shall I know this?", revealed a heart full of cynicism, in contrast to Mary's heart of faith. - Discipline and Discipleship: God uses discipline (like a job loss or a hard marriage season) to form us into the image of His Son, teaching us humility and perseverance. - If you are currently feeling stuck in a "waiting room" of life, struggling with doubt, or experiencing a season of discipline, this message will encourage you to trust God's loving heart and respond to the message of hope in Jesus. - Would you like me to share one of the specific application points from the sermon on how to respond to God's voice in a season of discipline or unbelief?

Welcome to the Podcast of Southwest Bible Fellowship in Tempe, Arizona. WHO ARE WE? • We are a group of people who are committed to living the grace life as set forth by the apostle of the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul. • We come together to study our Bibles, and yes, we believe we have God's perfect Word in the King James Bible. It and it alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice! • We do not come together and study our Bibles for the intent of being smarter than others. We understand that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is purely vain and serves no Godly purpose. • We do come together and study our Bibles for the intent of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. (Philippians 3:10) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that we have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless we live; yet not us, but Christ liveth in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. (Galatians 2:20) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that because Jesus Christ shed His blood for us and we should not live for ourselves but for Him, who died for us and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15) • We do not claim to have attained to these lofty goals, but we press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) You can donate to this ministry through www.butnow.org and the PayPal button on the homepage.

Welcome to the Podcast of Southwest Bible Fellowship in Tempe, Arizona. WHO ARE WE? • We are a group of people who are committed to living the grace life as set forth by the apostle of the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul. • We come together to study our Bibles, and yes, we believe we have God's perfect Word in the King James Bible. It and it alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice! • We do not come together and study our Bibles for the intent of being smarter than others. We understand that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is purely vain and serves no Godly purpose. • We do come together and study our Bibles for the intent of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. (Philippians 3:10) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that we have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless we live; yet not us, but Christ liveth in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. (Galatians 2:20) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that because Jesus Christ shed His blood for us and we should not live for ourselves but for Him, who died for us and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15) • We do not claim to have attained to these lofty goals, but we press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) You can donate to this ministry through www.butnow.org and the PayPal button on the homepage.

Full Gospel Center's Pastor Rick Leonardi preaching the message "Raising Godly Children" on 11/30/2025 referencing Proverbs 22:6.

Human Sin leads to conflict, Gospel Grace leads to peace. How to CAUSE conflict like Nabal: be greedy and selfish How to CAUSE conflict like David: be prideful and angry How to RESOLVE conflict like Abigail: be wise and humble For more information, please visit us at mercyhouse365.org

Advent is the season in our church calendar in which we celebrate the birth of Christ and anticipate His return. The Christmas season reminds us that God came to dwell among us and His plan of salvation goes through Jesus of Nazareth. Join us for this year's advent series as we explore Jesus' presence throughout the Old Testament and how God's plan was always Jesus "From the Beginning."PRAYERText (904) 770-3037 if you would like a member of our prayer team to pray with or for you.NEXT STEPSAre you ready to learn more about what it means to walk with Christ, get baptized, or get connected within the church body? Click here to complete our digital connect card: https://fathom.churchcenter.com/people/forms/31883GOT QUESTIONS?Learn more about Fathom Church at http://fathom.church/WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!If you are looking for more encouragement and biblical teaching throughout the week, we hope you'll follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or download the Churchcenter app: https://churchcenter.com/setupMORE WAYS TO LISTEN:Fathom Beyond Sunday Podcast - Conversations with a biblical worldview and real life application - listen in on an engaging chat between leaders at Fathom discussing faith, life, and how we can carry the truth of the word taught on Sunday into our week Monday through Saturday.Fathom Family Podcast - Real talk on how to build a Godly marriage that is in it for the long haul while leading your kids toward their God-given potential and purpose in Christ.See all the ways to listen here: http://fathom.church/category/listen/

Difference between the Animal and Godly soul

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Where do we as Followers of Jesus get our advise? Do we seek God's wisdom? Or do we seek the wisdom of the World?

824 Peace on Earth, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 2:13-15 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.  You can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tense or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation KJV 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. ESV 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest,     and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." Reflection on Scripture: Jesus is the source of Peace on Earth. Peace to all people with whom the Lord is pleased and the Lord is pleased with those who receive Him. There can be peace in your life as you please the Lord. Through His love and Grace you please Him. Abide in that love. Live in that Love. Do everything you do in the name of that Love, the Godly agape love that causes the Lord to be pleased with us. Every thought should be moderated by that undying love that causes the Peace of the Lord to descend on us. I cannot imagine the thrill that these shepherds experienced. As they had a message of God's glory both preached but also shown unto them. When they heard this and saw the glory of the heavenly hosts, the wanted to share it. When we are loved in such a profound and deep way that transforms us, we should equally want to share that love. Do we receive of God's abundant love and then turn to the world in spite and disinterest? Do we hold grudges? Do we hate? Or are we inspired by the Love of God that brings peace to our lives to be able to let those human weaknesses go? At a time of year when people gather together, undoubtedly there are good and bad memories remembered but also created. My hope is that God's message of love breaks through our human experience and fills us with peace, and that this peace is poured out to everyone we know. Jesus said people could know his followers by their fruits ye shall know them. Do we live in the fruit of God's grace?  Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jared@christianmeditationpodcast.com Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod  

2024-08-12 - Godly Worship ⧸ Servants ： Exodus 20_18-21_11 [7FpgKA3OSlQ] by Salvador Flores III

2023-05-15 - Hannah, A Godly Mother： 1 Samuel 1&2 [7D3N1H0-GyA] by Salvador Flores III

Hey Friend, Welcome to the “Start That Business” podcast, where I help Christian moms working a corporate job launch their first coaching or consulting business from scratch without quitting their jobs yet. In today's episode, I share how my client created a professional customer experience and officially launched her coaching business all in just 30 days. We built her onboarding process, crafted her client welcome flow, and planned a simple but powerful launch that helped her start serving clients confidently. If you're ready to stop dreaming and finally launch your business, even while keeping your full-time job, this episode will show you the exact steps to do it successfully and sustainably. I pray this blesses you. . .

A child's view of a flash...

Holiness by Fear of the Lord (1) (audio) David Eells – 11/26/25 There is NO Ego in the Body of Christ Eve Brast - 10/22/2016 (David's notes in red) While everyone was sharing last night, Father brought a scripture to mind: 1Pe.4:18 And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator. I thought that this was a very weighty and impactful statement, and it makes me tremble with Godly fear at its implications. And then I thought about the next verse, 19, that when we are bitter and unforgiving, critical or judgmental, we are actually being unwilling to “suffer according to the will of God”. Later, I thought about what Jesus said in Joh.13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, a servant is not greater than his lord; neither one that is sent greater than he that sent him. Jesus suffered injustice and wrongful treatment at the hands of evil people His whole public life: “A man of many sorrows and acquainted with grief”. Should we expect, as His disciples, not to endure the same? I pray for myself and us all that Father will fill us with the same grace to endure the suffering according to His will and recognize that ultimately it comes from Him. If we fight against it, we only delay our progress. While driving to that Friday night meeting, I asked Father to give me confirmation during our meeting if I was to share the word He gave me on Thursday, 10/20/16. So while David was speaking to us about pride and humbling ourselves, he used the term “ego,” which seemed to be the main theme of the Word Father had given me. I knew then that it was the confirmation that I had asked for, and I knew He wanted me to share it with the brethren. So here is that word: “You were created for My purposes and Mine alone. You were created to serve Me, My Kingdom, and your fellow servants. Your sole purpose is to glorify the Name in all you think or do. The body is one. There is no ego in the body (which is His body), no separateness, no fleshly individualism, which is factious and divisive, no independence. There is one Spirit and all who abide in Me and My Son will have the same Spirit. They will have My desire for the life I've given them and for others. There is only one personality, one character in the Body. Ego and individualism are rebellion and Jezebel. (Unforgiveness, offense, anger, self-justification, faction, criticism, slander, backbiting, railing, are all part of this witchcraft spirit.) The life I gave you is not your own. I ransomed you. You belong to Me. Your allegiance is to Me, not to man and the flesh. Serve Me with unwavering loyalty. Understand that this is your sole purpose. There is no other life or reason to exist. Those who live for themselves don't consider My will and they are choosing death. They are choosing separateness, individualism, and separation from Me”. (And, I would say, separation from His character [and his true body].) I posted a word from Father: “Let My Spirit have free course in you”. In which He said, “Get rid of the “I's” and let there be only Me”. Here it is: (I've been hearing this phrase for about two weeks now: “Let My Spirit have free course in you”. So on Wednesday, I asked Father what He wanted to share about this. I really felt the heart of His Spirit pouring out to me while He spoke. I hope it will bless y'all, too. :0) He said, “Come away with Me, My love! Come away with Me, My Bride. I desire to be your only love. I desire to be the only one reflected back to Me in the eyes of My dove. Let My Spirit have free course in you. Surrender to Me. Yield your control to Me. Be still and hear the voice of My Spirit. Let My Holy Spirit lead and guide you into all obedience. I long to be in sweet communion with you, undistracted and unhindered”. “Do you trust Me, My love? Do you truly trust Me? Allow Me to have free course in you. Trust Me to live and move through you as a vessel of honor for My people and My Kingdom. For this purpose, I created you. Get rid of the “I's” and let there be only Me! There is no other fulfillment; no other satisfaction; no other completion outside of sweet communion with Me”. I looked up the word Ego and this was one of the things that was mentioned: Ego is the Latin word for “I”. So if a person seems to begin every sentence with “I”, it's sometimes a sign of a big ego. Thank you, Father, for giving us Your grace and Your humility. Help us to rid ourselves of pride and ego, self-centeredness, or self-importance. By faith, we believe that You are perfecting Christ's character in us. Help us to have the desire and strength to commit ourselves to You and to well-doing, in Jesus' name. Amen. Love to you all, Eve.   Pride, Independence and Egotism is not of the Body David Eells (Notes in red) Proud and independent people do not control their tongue so they destroy the unity of the body and are not part of the body. Jas.3:5 So the tongue also is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire: the world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the wheel of nature, and is set on fire by hell. Those whose tongues do not conform to the confines of scripture destroy the body of Christ and are guilty of its blood. 7 For every kind of beasts and birds, of creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed by mankind. 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is a restless evil, it is full of deadly poison. Which comes from the evil heart: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh”. 9 Therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made after the likeness of God: 10 out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth the fountain send forth from the same opening sweet water and bitter? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? Neither can salt water yield sweet. 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. Faction always lies because it is a demon spirit and speaks in order to deceive and take captive even the innocent. Faction is causing division for selfish ambition to make disciples, so there is lying and jealousy involved. Faction is separation and independence from the body and its leadership. 15 This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed. Every vile deed describes well the independence from the body that the faction has and creates in others. Unforgiveness, offense, anger, self-justification, faction, criticism, slander, backbiting, railing, lying, theft, deception, witchcraft, graft, extortion, lust, fornication, perversion, are all brought in by the faction spirit. On the other side of this Beast, the election has revealed this same nature in our government. Ever wonder why they can justify killing Christians all over the world and are ready to do it here? So don't feed on that, or you can receive that spirit. Those Christians who receive this spirit also murder the brethren through slander, introducing them to faction unawares. I have seen faction demons take over brethren who had a lust to rule over the body. I have seen them side with and even become homosexuals under this spirit several times. I have seen brethren taken over by lust after receiving this spirit. I have seen them try to bring convicted unrepentant pedophiles and womanizers into the church and get angry and leave when I forbade it. I have seen them go into grand theft many times. One man stole 300 silver coins that were to be given to the poor brethren, and then a sound system from the church. Another stole a commercial lawnmower. Another stole tractor equipment. I have seen them steal money from the brethren many times when this spirit comes upon them. One man who was hiding his sin among us had spent many years in federal prison for theft, and when he came to us, he was sued because he forged a check sent to his ex-wife for around $22,000, and the judge threw him in jail until he would give the money back to his ex-wife. His new wife told me he still had the money, so I convinced him to give up his stolen money to get out of jail. When faction totally consumed him, he told everyone that I stole the money from him. This is the kind of perversion these spirits do. And these cannot be convicted of any sin. They are no longer moved or constrained by scriptures. I have seen them join religions that were not Christian or go under the law as a Jew to try to be justified because they never have faith for grace anymore when that spirit enters them. As David Wilkerson witnessed, their main target is the true leadership of the church, just like Satan. None of these people would have considered these “vile deeds” before receiving the faction spirit. They were turned over to this because they were hiding a sin or had one of the forms of unforgiveness. So, fear God and avoid like the plague anyone who wants to whisper in your ear against others. These people have lost many years that they could have been bearing fruit, and some are lost eternally. As one man told us when he partially repented and came to us, “The Lord told me that this is my last chance”, and even knowing this, he didn't take it. I pray for all of these people that, like Nebuchadnezzar, they would be granted grace to snap out of this demon possession. Continuing with our James 3 text: 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace. Jas.4:1 Whence come wars and whence come fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your pleasures that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and covet, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war; ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may spend it in your pleasures. 4 Ye adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God. 5 Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying? Envy and jealousy come from ego. The Bible codes say, “Ego IS the antichrist”.) 6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore the scripture saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 7 Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you. 11 Speak not one against another, brethren. He that speaketh against a brother (Slander and blaspheme mean to speak against another.), or judgeth his brother, speaketh against the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judgest the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 One only is the lawgiver and judge, even he who is able to save and to destroy: but who art thou that judgest thy neighbor? The independent are proud, unforgiving, and judgmental. They are their own God. Mat.6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. The unforgiving person is under the curse of Deuteronomy 28 because they are not forgiven. The independent person does not have to “obey them that have the rule over you”, for they make themselves elders, prophets, pastors, apostles, etc. They judge others unworthy of grace and therefore have no grace from God to avoid judgment. Mat.18:34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due. 35 So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts. The tormenting demons then take this person to show them what it is to have God's unforgiveness with no grace and if they still do not repent, they are reprobated.) Jas.2:7 Do not they blaspheme the honorable name by which ye are called? 8 Howbeit if ye fulfil the royal law, according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: 9 but if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is become guilty of all. 11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou dost not commit adultery, but killest, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak ye, and so do, as men that are to be judged by a law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to him that hath showed no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment. We will be judged by grace if we give grace; we will be judged by the law if we judge others according to law. Mat.7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. If you are being judged, you are likely judging others. This judging is manifested in separation, unforgiveness, anger, wrath, etc. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you. As much as you judge, is how much you will be judged. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me cast out the mote out of thine eye; and lo, the beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Rom.2:1 Wherefore thou art without excuse, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judges another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest dost practise the same things. (When a person has demons, they are the grossest hypocrites, for they accuse others of doing exactly what they do and get judged for it.) 2 And we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against them that practise such things. 3 And reckonest thou this, O man, who judgest them that practise such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Rom.14:4 Who art thou that judgest the servant of another? to his own lord he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be made to stand; for the Lord hath power to make him stand.... (This is where our faith must be: that God will save them through their afflictions.) 10 But thou, why dost thou judge thy brother? or thou again, why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of God. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, to me every knee shall bow, And every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge ye this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock in his brother's way, or an occasion of falling. Rom.12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. Mat.12:36 And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (So, if you are an impulsive person saying things that are not right it will come back to bite you with out repentance and confession.)   Holiness Protects from the Curse B. A. - 12/24/2013 (David's notes in red) I dreamed that I was having a dream, and in this dream, I woke up and I was surrounded by tiny black particles (representing the curse). Deu.11:26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse: 27 the blessing, if ye shall hearken unto the commandments of Jehovah your God, which I command you this day; 28 and the curse, if ye shall not hearken unto the commandments of Jehovah your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known. (Only the true people of God with “spiritual eyes” [renewed by the Word of God] can see the curse around them.) I got up out of bed and went outside, and these black particles were everywhere. I began to fan my right hand up in the air, and I watched as these black particles just moved about. Then I turned my hand palm-side up, and I watched as these black particles hovered just a few inches from my hand. It was amazing. These particles could not touch me in any way. I began to walk around, and I watched as these black particles just moved out of my way. (If we are abiding in Jesus Christ, we have a blood covering and we are protected from the black curse.) (Scientists have proven in Quantum Physics the smallest particles are everywhere and called the quanta. They take on no physical attributes until you believe something. Then they become that, whether good or bad, as in white or BLACK. A black particle is something to avoid with you renewed mind. Jesus affirmed this in Mark 11:24 … All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received (Greek) them, and ye shall have them. Also, Pro 23:7 For as he thinketh within himself, so is he…. (It is not the word of religious leaders that causes us to abide in Jesus, but the Word we received in the beginning. If we abide in this Word, we abide in Jesus. Joh.1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. White particles were all around Jesus. 1Jn.2:24 As for you, let that abide in you which ye heard from the beginning. If that which ye heard from the beginning abide in you, ye also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father. Jesus, the Word, which was given in the beginning, is the secret place that we hide from the black curse. When we believe the white word of promise we get it. Psa.91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I asked the Father this question: “Father, what are these black particles?” He replied, “You know what they are”. I said, “I do?” And the Father said, “Yes, you do; just think about it”. So I did. I stood there looking at these black particles, when I got the revelation that these black particles are the curse. I said to the Father, “I know what these tiny black particles are! They are the curse, and they are all around us. But if we are abiding in Jesus Christ, they can't even touch us! Wow, Father! This is awesome!” 2Co.5:21 Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him. Gal.3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 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. 1Jn.2:24 As for you, let that abide in you which ye heard from the beginning. If that which ye heard from the beginning abide in you, ye also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father. Just then, the Father showed me an hourglass, and He asked me this question: “Daughter, what do you see?” I said, “I see grains of sand at the bottom of an hourglass”. Isa.10:22 For though thy people, Israel, be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them shall return: a destruction is determined, overflowing with righteousness. Isa.44:3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and streams upon the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: 4 and they shall spring up among the grass, as willows by the watercourses. Isa.56:5 Unto them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.) There appeared to be only about 1/8 of the sand left in the hourglass. (I believe these particular grains of sand represent God's elect, and the Father was showing me that these particular grains of sand (or His elect) are those who are coming into the image of Jesus to be sons and daughters, as we are drawing near to the end of days.) I asked the Father, “Father, does this mean that time is running out?” And He replied, “Yes. I only created so much time in the beginning, and when it's gone, it is finished.” Gen.6:3 And Jehovah said, My spirit shall not strive with man for ever, for that he also is flesh: yet shall his days be a hundred and twenty years. (Time is running out to get into the secret place of Jesus because the curse is coming to devour the whole earth, as Isaiah and Revelation show. Isa.24:5 The earth also is polluted [Radiation in the Pacific, oil in the Gulf and Atlantic, biologicals in the atmosphere, poisons from chemtrails in the air, earth and water, our food sources, solar, volcanic, earthquakes, comets, asteroids, meteors, etc.] under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. 6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are found guilty: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. Deuteronomy 28 is a long list of the curses, a sample of all the curses seen around us that Jesus, the Word, delivers us from. The cause of these curses is in: Deu.28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of Jehovah thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day, that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee. What a curse it is to not read the New Testament to know how to avoid this. I say “a sample” because we are also told that if it's not listed here, God will also put that on you for your disobedience. 61 Also every sickness, and every plague [Does not mean disease. Hebrew meaning “a blow; to smite”.], which is not written in the book of this law, them will Jehovah bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed. Jesus came to bear the curse for we who believe by “working in us to will and to work for His good pleasure”, [Philippians 2:13] meaning He puts the gift of obedience in us when we believe the good news that He took away our sins and the curse.)   Walk in the Infamous Place of Holiness K. H. - 10/23/2008 (David's notes in red) In a dream, I was with a group of students headed toward a convention center when all of the people we encountered along the way tried to discourage us from going there because they said it was in a bad part of town and was very dirty there. No matter what was said, we still kept on walking toward the convention center. When we got there, we all went through the doors, and as soon as I walked through the glass doors, I saw how nice it looked inside. I didn't see that it was dirty like the people had said it was going to be. (The Convention Center is where the students are going to truly learn of God. Apostates have always believed such a place is unclean. The Pharisees thought that Jesus was a false teacher and His students were deceived.) All the other students filed into the auditorium, but I needed to go to the bathroom, and at this point, I felt the need to take off my shoes. I initially began to recall what the people along the way were saying about how dirty a place it was and started to become concerned about where I was about to walk, but I cast that imagination down and just said to the Lord, “I trust you”. I started to head for the bathroom and began to feel how clean the tile and carpet felt under my feet and once I got to the bathroom, I was even more amazed. When I walked into the bathroom, it was the most pristine and cleanest bathroom I think I have ever seen. I knew now without a doubt there was nothing dirty about this place, and began to feel the peace of the Lord about being barefoot. (This training center is holy and clean.) After I was finished in the bathroom, I left to find my seat with my parents in the auditorium for our meal that we were going to have together. I was so filled with joy and peace that I didn't even notice that I didn't have my shoes on when I went into the auditorium. (The spiritual food served here is holy and clean.) When I woke up, I was reminded that I had taken my shoes off my feet in the dream. It was then brought to my attention that when in the presence of God, Moses had to remove his shoes so that he would not be separated from the holiness of God. (Our feet are not to be separated from holy or clean ground, meaning we are to walk in a place of holiness with God.) From what the Lord showed me, I know that this is why I felt led to take my shoes off as well, because I was entering into the holiness of God. The Lord also revealed to me that the students in this dream represented the students of His Word. As students of His Word, we will have many come against our walk with the Lord, but we have to hold fast the confession of our faith that it waver not and walk in spirit and in truth. No matter what the flesh tries to tell us, we have to lean not on our own understanding but just trust in the Lord. This life that we live is not our own, but it is Christ's to live in us; He is our hope of glory. When I didn't notice that I didn't have my shoes on, I believe that it signified walking in His holiness and in His rest; the flesh had been crucified. Thank you Jesus!   Walk Before Me in Fear and Trembling  Debbie Fenske 11/2/25 I would like to share this word that the Lord began speaking to me at 4:45 this morning. He actually woke me at 2:30, and I was in much prayer, for myself, doing much confessing before the Lord, and praying for all of my family, for our body here, and all our families, for David and Michael, and all of UBM, and for all the Elect of the Lord. Then I heard the Lord say, “I want to speak to you, My Beloved.” So, I quickly got out of bed and went and grabbed my notebook and pen. And the Lord began to continue speaking this. “I speak to you, My Beloved, the Elect of God whom I have drawn unto Myself. Yes, you who are My Elect, who I have drawn to Myself with My everlasting love. I say to you, who My eyes have beheld as My Bride from before the foundation of the world; let not this calling negate the fact that you must walk always before Me in fear and trembling. Though I have drawn you to Myself, and have allowed My grace to abound unto you, fear Me, My Bride. Walk before Me in holy fear, and be holy in all your ways, in all your manner of speech, all your days. It has long been the time that you have basked in Me through the love and truth of My Word that enables you to walk with Me, and in Me with a perfect heart. My Beloved, My Bride, I have poured out upon you the anointing of My Spirit, that you will shine forth My beauty, My glory, in all My truth. I have chosen you to be My glory upon this earth, as also many more whom I am perfecting. But you must remember to walk, to live in holiness before Me, in fear and trembling. Yes, My beloved ones, there is always this one condition, holiness, with total and complete surrender. Seek Me about this holy surrender. It is what My Bride must be; wholly surrendered unto Me in all things, understanding that I am your all in all, your Everything. I am your life, your breath, the Giver of TRUE life, sustaining you in all your ways. All the many ways known only in Me, your provider and your complete sustenance, and your righteousness. I will be opening doors before you, and you will enter. There will no longer be anything of this world holding you back. Only a walk of holy fear and trembling before Me will keep your garments shining brightly, reflecting to all your beauty, your anointing, reflecting the brightness, even the glory of My very presence, life, and character before the world. What will this do? It will draw all men unto Me. All whom I have called and ultimately chosen. Remember, “Fear and trembling.” This is your daily, your hourly, and your minute-by-minute assignment. Will you remember? For I will reveal My will to you in ways you have never considered. And I will certainly lead you down paths you have not yet walked. You will know it is I leading you. You will not doubt. For walking before Me with fear and trembling will cause you to know that, “This is the way. Walk ye in it.” It will require much self-denial, so much more than you have known. This is what a walk with fear and trembling before Me will do. And this is how My perfection will be seen in and through you, and will draw many unto Me, completing your part in bringing many into the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice that in all of these things I have chosen you. Rejoice in Me, My Bride, My holy companions, walking step-by-step with Me, in Me. Oh, rejoice, My Beloved! Again, I say rejoice! Let your rejoicing in Me lead you on. Even through all the times when you will not know what lies ahead, I will lead you on. Down every path, and every crooked turn, I will help you to say, “Yes, Lord!” After I finished writing this down, I wanted to see what my word for the day was. I was excited because I felt really compelled to look at it right then. It is always a chapter a day. I thought it was amazing and very timely, that when I opened it up, the chapter to read was Ruth Chapter 1. I took this as confirmation. Thank You, Father. I pray You let this word speak to our hearts and move us on in our walk in You with holy fear and trembling, and with knowledge and understanding of all things You would have us to let go of, thoughts we think, and things we do that will otherwise keep us from having a holy fear of You, Lord, and not allow Your glory to shine forth from us in Your fullness. We need Your help, Father. So help us, Lord. Lead us on! Amen!

Tuesday, November 25, 2025 In the second hour, Kerby dives deeper into those headlines, bringing us a Godly perspective. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and on Twitter @PointofViewRTS with your opinions or comments. Looking for just the Highlights? Follow us on Spotify at Point of View Highlights and get weekly highlights from some […]

What happened to Ahab's family? Come Bible Study WITH ME through 2 Kings 10 and ask all the questions!

In a world overflowing with technological wonders, why do we still feel a void of gratitude? Pastor Steve Gray and Zion embark on a riveting exploration of historical revolutions and their spiritual undercurrents, shedding light on a brewing revolution that mirrors the Bolshevik upheaval. This episode isn't about political sides; it's about a spiritual awakening. The conversation moves beyond the surface, challenging our perspectives on societal dissatisfaction despite material abundance. We uncover how a heart filled with gratitude transforms not only personal prayers but also our roles within families and communities, offering a pathway to navigate life's complexities.Key Takeaways:The episode explores historical parallels, notably the Bolshevik Revolution, and its relevance to today's socialist movements in the U.S.Pastor Steve Gray stresses that attempting to create equality through political ideology is doomed to fail without a strong spiritual foundation.The narrative of the Book of Esther is used to illustrate the danger of complacency in times of moral and societal challenges.Pastor Steve and Zion underscore the need for a spiritual revival as a response to societal disgruntlement, emphasizing faith over fairness.The duo encourages believers to become advocates for Godly principles, promoting a balance of faith and spiritual transformation in society.

Brother Curtis gives the third sermon in our sermon series about families. He explains the roles, traits, and impact of a Godly mother.

Brother Steve ends our sermon series on the family by discussing how to raise children to love God and love others, which is the ultimate goal of a Godly family.

The Church With A Godly Heart - PART 2 by Sterchi Hills

Athletics as ministry offers a great “classroom” with many teachable moments, as you will hear in this episode with guest Phil Price, MBU faculty member and assistant basketball coach. He claims to have had a “front-row seat,” spending all but seven years of his life on a Christian campus. Growing up shadowing his coaching father and later playing in multiple sports, he treasures having been mentored by Godly men. Among various topics, he and host Dr. Matt Davis review his sports involvement, the “relationship of math as a discipline and the concept of truth as a reality,” lessons of grace learned from a bicuspid aortic valve, and transition to the role of “old guy” and mentor to a younger generation.

Special Patreon Release: Janelle Rupp Conversations with your Teen About Sex Puberty and Identity   *DISCLAIMER* This episode contains adult themes and is not intended for little ears.   "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)   *Transcript Below*   Questions We Discuss: Perhaps one of the most asked questions by Christian singles is, "How far is too far?" How do you respond to that question? Knowing the importance of educating ourselves as adults, what is the most popular sexual behavior among teens? What are some wise and age-appropriate guidelines recommend for teaching our kids about sex and sexuality?   Janelle Rupp is a Christ-follower, wife & mom of three (in that order).  Upon graduating from Cedarville University with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and a Minor in Biblical Studies, she worked nine years as a Pediatric ICU nurse before transitioning into nine years of nursing education for the Empower Life Center of Peoria, Illinois. There she specialized in Sexual Health with an emphasis on Sexual-Risk Avoidance. After moving to the Atlanta, Georgia area, Janelle developed a Biblically-based, Christian & Home school curriculum entitled “Remember Whose You Are: Rooting Human Sexuality in Gospel Identity." Using an expositional study of Genesis 1-3 alongside evidence-based scientific research, the four-unit program builds on itself to establish how gospel identity determines holy & healthy & holy sexuality. With a passion for both science & Scripture, Janelle is currently teaching the curriculum at North Cobb Christian School while watching the Lord grow the program at schools nation-wide.  She can be reached at jrupp.rememberwhoseyouare@gmail.com.   Recommended website for Parents: axis.org   Thank you to our sponsor: Daisy Kings Use code SAVVY to Save!   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook, Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”   Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”   Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”   Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”   John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcript*   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:09 - 1:31) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here. Today's message is not intended for little ears.   We'll be discussing some adult themes, and I want you to be aware before you listen to this message.   Thank you to Daisy King's, a skincare brand that meets simplicity. Their tallow-based products are made with wholesome, God-given ingredients to deeply nourish, restore, and protect your skin.   There are no toxins, no fillers, just pure, effective skincare. Visit DaisyKings.com to nourish, restore, and glow.   Janelle Rupp is my guest today, and she packed so much knowledge and inspiration into this time by educating us on a healthy view of sex, sharing God's holy and awe-inspiring design of our bodies, and ways that all of this points to Him.   She also is going to include meaningful conversations to have with our children throughout the years that they're in our home. Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Janelle.   Janelle Rupp: (1:32 - 1:35) Thanks so much, Laura. I'm so glad to be with you today.   Laura Dugger: (1:35 - 1:42) Will you just get us started by telling us a little bit about your faith journey and where it's brought you to today?   Janelle Rupp: (1:43 - 4:51) Sure. I was raised in a Christian home. I remember from a young age actually being struck with the realization that God loved me so much that He sent His own son for me.   But it really was probably more in my teenage years that I realized the depth of my sin, that it was great, and that Jesus was that bridge between who God was and who I was. Also, early on in my life, I knew I wanted to be a nurse, which is actually kind of interesting because there was no one in my family who was a nurse or in healthcare. But I had watched my mom care well for others in her family who had a myriad of mental and physical health problems.   So, I do think that the compassion that God put in my heart at a young age did find its place in a healthcare setting just over time and experiences I watched her. I really felt like my dream job would be to work in preventative healthcare, specifically with teenagers. And I had a heart for girls in really tough situations like teenage pregnancy.   It's a very marginalized group of humanity. And so, after college, I ended up in the pediatric intensive care unit at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis for about seven years. And during that time, I met my husband.   We got married. We had our first child. And then while pregnant with our second, we decided to move closer to my extended family back in Illinois.   And a few years after I had our second child, I actually ended up landing that dream job that I felt like the Lord had laid on my heart way back in college. And so, I started the Empower Life Center in Peoria, Illinois in 2008. And I worked there for nearly 10 years as a nurse educator, teaching parenting and newborn classes.   But my primary role was a sexual risk avoidance educator, specializing in sexually transmitted disease and infections. And I would teach in public schools and private schools and charter schools. It's a junior high and high school level and also a guest lecturer at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.   And I always tell people that no one grows up and hopes to be a sex teacher one day. I did not envision that God would put me in that area of education, but he did. And so, after 10 years of doing that, when our family then transitioned down to Atlanta, Georgia for a job transfer for my husband, we had chosen to put our kids, now three kids at that point, in Christian education.   And within months, the middle school principal had heard about my background and approached me to create a curriculum for their fifth through eighth graders that was centered on a biblical view of sex and sexuality. So, I spent a series of months developing that curriculum. I then decided to go ahead and accept a teaching job to teach that curriculum.   And it's entitled Remember Whose You Are. And it's designed as a four unit developmentally appropriate program for Christian schools or homeschool environments. And currently we're in the beginning stages of equipping and training other schools to implement it at their school as well.   Laura Dugger: (4:52 - 5:17) Wow, that is so interesting to hear how you got interested in teaching others this healthy view of God and sex. And at the foundation of your teaching, you begin with a theology of God. So, I'd love to zero in on just one of your points that God is a relational God.   Will you elaborate on that and share how it ties into this topic we're discussing today?   Janelle Rupp: (5:18 - 7:13) For sure. One of my goals in teaching this is just to help my students see God for who he is, fall in love with who he is. And God being relational is one of the places where I always notice that beginning to take shape.   I find evidence for that in Genesis 1:26, where it says, “and God said, let us make man in our image after our likeness.” The definition of the word relational means a desire to pursue relationship or connection with another. And before we think of God pursuing relationship with us, it's actually really critical to look at that verse and note that God is already relational within himself. So, we see evidence in that verse that he's referring to himself in a plural sense.   And when we take that alongside other areas of Scripture as well, we see God existing as Trinity, Father, Son and Spirit, three in one, indicating that God does not need humanity for relationship. He only desires humanity for relationship. And one day, actually, when I was teaching that to a group of fifth grade boys last year, I said, God does not need you, but he wants you.   One of the fifth grade boys, in all complete sincerity, said, “Aww.” And it was one of the sweetest things I had ever heard because it was this very honest verbal expression of what it felt like to know that we are wanted by the God of the universe. I tell my students, “You know, someone only wants relationship with you when they love you.”   And so, while 1 John 4:8 tells us, “that God is love.” It's pretty amazing that way back in the first chapter of Genesis, as we find God creating man and creating woman, He's still incredibly loving that He even desired to create it in the first place. So, I think God being relational is such an important aspect to the who and the why of who He is.   Laura Dugger: (7:14 - 7:28) Absolutely. And I really envision this chat being a time when parents can listen alongside their teen or their tween or whenever it's age appropriate. So, will you just give us a glimpse of what you do teach in schools?   Janelle Rupp: (7:29 - 13:04) I would be happy too. The very first unit is just the who and the why of God. We focus on 10 characteristics of God, and then we transition to the who and the why of humanity.   What do all humans have in common? And we highlight eight characteristics that we all share in common. And then unit two, it's centered on the who and the why of me.   And specifically looking at Genesis 1:27, identity means that we're made in the image of God and that we are made male and female. So, Genesis 1:27 says, “So God made man in his own image, in the image of God, he made them male and female, he created them.” So, here we really want to introduce what does it mean to be made in the image of God as a social being, emotional being, a spiritual being, an intellectual being?   But also, what does it mean to be made with this physical body, male or female? And so, we introduced the reproductive system with an emphasis on puberty and human growth and development. And within that introduction, in that unit, I do something that's historically not been done in Christian settings, which is that I am teaching both the male and the female reproductive system to both genders.   And this next sentence may sound a little odd to some of your listeners. I know my students sometimes giggle when I say it, but I see the glory of God when I study the anatomy of both the male and the female reproductive systems and the intricacies of the design in order to see how they both work perfectly together. To me, it's awe-inspiring.   And so, I believe females have every right to see and begin to grasp the design of a male reproductive system. We use really basic anatomical diagrams for that. And then males equally have every right to see and begin to understand the basics of the female reproductive system using a diagram.   And my approach to that is clinical and scientific. It's definitely from an anatomy perspective. But I also make sure to take the time to point out some of, again, the beauty of the design.   For example, females, when they are born, are born with all the eggs that they will ever, ever have in their ovaries. And this design is super perfect because it means that you and I are not going to be 70 years old and find out that we're unexpectedly pregnant. Eventually, those eggs will run out about in our mid-40s.   And I always thank God for that design. It is a good design. Another one is just the female cervix.   The female cervix doesn't reach full maturity and protection until our early to mid-20s, where it then provides this wonderful protective barrier between the external and internal anatomy of the female reproductive system. When you explain things like that, I literally watch the kids have what I call light bulb moments, where they begin to see the why behind the design. And it's so important.   They've never taken the time to look at that and to hear it. In fact, I often call the reproductive system the forgotten body system. Christian kids in particular, they will get through a whole unit on the body having never talked about the reproductive system.   And if they are, then usually they're taught just about their own gender and they're missing that overarching beauty of what God designed. So, I think it's really important to highlight that reproductive system and for both genders. But in Unit 3, we move from the foundation of just gospel identity as made in His image and male and female into then specifically human sexuality.   And we use mostly Genesis 2 as we look through this about how God designed marriage and God designed sex, which is super clear in Genesis 2:24 and says, “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and take hold of his wife and they will become one flesh.” And so, God's design for marriage and sex is clear that it's between a man and a woman. And also that that man and woman should follow the order of this verse.   First, that they leave and leaving might be dating. It might be courting. It might be pursuing a relationship.   However, we set those boundaries for our kids. And then second, that they would take hold and experience the intimacy and blessing of marriage, referencing that connection that God put Adam and Eve in through marriage. And third and last in that order, but that they become one flesh, which is referencing sex.   And so, after explaining that very good design, we transition into Genesis 3. And honestly, I love how Moses starts off the chapter here, Genesis 3, by saying, “Now the serpent.” And I always tell the kids that I hear that music in my head of dun, dun, dun. Like you just know that everything is going to change.   This good design is going to change and it's not changing for the better. And so, we start then looking at all the distortions that sin has caused within the overall topic of sex. And that means not just looking at premarital sex, but also adultery, pornography, sexting, gender identity, sexual identity.   And honestly, that list just keeps on growing every year that I teach. And so, then unit four, that last unit, is what I call the now what unit. In light of taking everything that we know now about gospel identity and human sexuality, I really encourage the kids to start really thinking about how they practically should be living in relationships with someone that they're attracted to and that they want to pursue.   And we use the entire Bible to help us answer that question. We actually end that unit with the question and answer panel discussion, using questions that the students have come up with through the course of that week. And it's always a sweet time of conversation focused on, again, gospel identity and human sexuality.   Laura Dugger: (13:06 - 13:19) Oh my goodness, that is so amazing and comprehensive. If parents are listening and they're wondering just about that diagram, what age do you recommend showing something like that? How would you respond to that question?   Janelle Rupp: (13:20 - 14:08) That's an excellent question. So, we're doing that in sixth grade. You know, it always depends on what your child's exposure and experience is, what their environment is, and their curiosity.   I think each child is so different. But in general, sixth grade would be age 11, 12, I think that's 10 to 12 for sure. But even you could probably push it as you're talking about puberty, which is where we interject it, just because it gives reference to what is a period for a girl?   Or what are the changes as a male that I'm having inside my body right now? Where's that coming from? So, I think starting as young as eight or nine to 10.   No later really than 12, I think would be really, really important.   Laura Dugger: (14:09 - 14:16) Thank you. That is helpful. I'm assuming that you're everybody's favorite teacher and that this is their favorite course to take.   Janelle Rupp: (14:17 - 14:48) We have a lot of fun. And I love when the kids buy into it. You know, sometimes I'll find that kids come in and they're a little hesitant to talk about this or they feel awkward by it.   But I think, you know, coming at it from both a clinical perspective, but also a biblical perspective, doing my best to keep them at ease and have fun as we have these conversations. Eventually, they loosen up over time. And it ends up being a really sweet time to talk about stuff that really, really matters in life.   Laura Dugger: (14:48 - 15:05) It does. And you're sharing so much truth. And it is the truth that sets us free.   And I can see where that would overcome so much confusion. So, let's even get really practical. When you're teaching these young people about sex, how do you define it?   Janelle Rupp: (15:06 - 19:12) This is such a great question. No one's ever actually asked me this. And I think it's so, so important.   The CDC definition of sex, it is very complete in its definition. It does a really good job covering what I believe are really important distinctives within that definition. And so, that definition is, quote, “Sex is defined as any part of your body and or specifically your reproductive area coming into contact with another person's body and or specifically their reproductive area.”   And one of the key points that I want to point out from this definition includes this phrase, reproductive area. I find my students have no reference for that, and even adults often don't. But simply put, the reproductive area is anything on the outside of the body that covers the reproductive system organs on the inside of the body.   So, this area actually extends from the belly button down to the genitals. A lot of times we only reference those genitals, but it actually extends belly button down to the genitals. And so, again, people are often surprised by that.   But at the same time, you know, whether it's called the reproductive area or maybe a private area, people do commonly recognize the importance of keeping that area safe and private. I often stick with that phrase, reproductive area, to reference the importance of trust when it comes to keeping things safe and private as a jumping off point to just help the kids see that a person is trustworthy if they keep you safe and if they keep things private. And again, such an important thing that we need to teach our children is that if someone pushes past what feels safe for us or pushes past areas on our body that are private, our children need to know, and we need to know those are not trustworthy people.   And furthermore, we should then give our children permission to tell someone that they do trust, hopefully us, but somebody that they do trust, somebody that keeps things safe and private about any person whose words or actions don't prove trustworthy. And as a side note, giving kids appropriate anatomical names is so important for this as well. But if you aren't using those terms and they don't understand it, we're speaking a language that they can't understand and maybe aren't able to convey.   And so, I think additionally, as children get older and you continue to reference that reproductive area as an area you keep private, I think it's super important to keep going back to theology and to Scripture. And in Genesis 1 and 2, we don't see anything having to be kept private because there was nothing that needed to be private. And in fact, the end of Genesis 2 says in verse 25, “And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.” My students giggle when we get to that verse because that sounds so foreign to them.   But reminding them that again, God's design was so good that there was nothing to be held back. They were fully intimately known by God and fully intimately known by each other and also without sin. But then when sin enters in Genesis 3, as Eve is tempted and enticed by the serpent, Adam is tempted, and enticed by Eve.   We see in that instant that sin changes every single thing because it causes Adam and Eve to then feel ashamed before God. They want to hide from God. It causes them to feel ashamed between each other.   They want to blame each other and it causes them to lose their sense of identity and purpose. And this is what happens to us, too, when sex and sin become entwined. It causes shame.   It causes us to hide. It makes us want to blame others. It causes us to question our identity and question our purpose.   But even though sexual sin changes the heart of man, it does not change the heart of God. And so, if our heart's desire is to love God in return for the love He's shown us, then our heart's desire should be to orient our lives around His design for our lives. And I would say even especially orienting our lives around His design for marriage and sex.   Laura Dugger: (19:13 - 19:23) Perhaps one of the most asked questions by Christian Singles is, How far is too far? So, how do you respond to that question?   Janelle Rupp: (19:24 - 25:50) Yes, I mean, this is the question that inevitably somebody's going to ask in my classes every single year. And no doubt, I mean, I think everyone has asked that question at some point or another in their lives. I certainly did.   And I was told that that was the wrong question. And I want to explain why first and then tell you how I answer it. But the reason was because when we look at Scripture in terms of holiness, which is having our heart completely for God versus idolatry, which means having our heart turned to something else, we see over and over and over in Scripture that we can't serve two masters.   We can't serve both holiness and idolatry. Matthew 6:24 is a great example. It's talking about the idolatry of money.   But it does say that whenever our heart is going after two things, we will either end up being devoted to the one and hate the other or devoted to the other and thus hate the one. And so, in other words, as we apply it to this question, we actually can't just straddle the line of both holiness and idolatry. And a lot of times that's where this heart of motivation of how far is too far is like, what line is the line that I can get to and still be holy?   But we really can't try to find and live on that line, because healthy and holy sexuality and sexual immorality doesn't exist. It is one or it is the other. And so, that's an important truth of Scripture.   I'm always in complete agreement with everything that I just said. But I also recognize that the Bible is really, really clear on how to give us direction in terms of setting boundaries and learning how to escape and endure temptation rather than to be enticed by it. And so, I teach my students a method to answer this question using an acronym called GRAY, G-R-A-Y, just to help them think biblically and critically about this question.   And actually it can be applied to any what I call the gray areas of life where Scripture may not specifically be very black and white about what we can and can't do. For example, another easy gray area topic within this same kind of umbrella idea would be dating. We aren't specifically told if we're to encourage our kids towards dating or courting or maybe arrange marriages.   Right. And yet I believe that there's four specific steps that we can use to determine the heart of God for our lives when it comes to gray areas of life. And so, the G in gray stands for go to God and it refers to prayer.   James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom. It says, “He will give it generously to anyone who asks.” And I think praying for wisdom is such a foundational place to start on any topic, but specifically this one.   And then the R in the acronym stands for read the word. I always encourage my students and I would encourage parents as well, actively study the word of God, finding verses that give direction for decision making on this question. How far is too far?   One that I think jumped out at me is First Corinthians 10:23. As it's again, speaking of idolatry of the heart and it says, “all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful. I can do all things, but not all things are building up. And so, let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.”   So, when you apply that verse to this question of how far is too far, you begin to see that the question isn't so much is kissing OK, is anything done with our clothes on OK? But the question is more what behavior is helpful for me as I try to honor Christ with my body? What behavior builds up my desire to honor Christ with my life and or what behavior seeks to honor the person that I'm with?   And so, again, I think reading scripture can help us be able to know how to reframe that question and create boundaries. And then the A in gray stands for ask for advice. And here I encourage teens to seek out someone who is doing relationships well.   In other words, is there a couple that they admire, someone older than them that they admire, maybe a friend or sibling or a friend of a sibling, a teacher, a parent, a youth group leader? I found in my own life that God often gives wisdom through people like that. And actually, in the last 10 years, as I've been teaching this type of material, I found that asking couples that I respect this very same question.   How did you answer? How far is too far? It brings some of the best responses and encouragement that then I can share with my students to help them learn and grow.   So, I think asking for advice is a vital part of this. And then lastly, the Y stands for yield. It is the last step.   And yet it's such an important part of answering this question. Yield just simply means to wait. And you and I both know this generation does not like to wait.   Instinct gratification is their thing. And yet teaching them that there's so much value in yielding when we don't have clear answers to critical questions like this. So, I actually love to literally walk this out in front of the classroom.   I will demonstrate how, when I yield, I hold back on decisions such as how far is too far. I am always allowing myself room to continue to walk forward as I feel more certainty over the answer or I feel more led with the wisdom that God is continuing to give. However, if I walk forward without clarity, if I'm pushing boundaries that are perhaps lawful, I can.   But they're not to my benefit, not to my partner's benefit. Then it's very realistic that I am going to push farther than I am able to handle. It's going to bring harm to the relationship that I am in.   And I can't ever go back. The truth is that the line between being enticed by sin versus escaping and enduring the temptation to turn from sin. It's a thin line.   And so, helping teenagers with these four steps, I think just think more critically about where to set those boundaries is important. And then I do usually go on to encourage students to be really specific in writing out those boundaries. I'm a big fan that writing is remembering.   It stores in our long-term memory. And then to even share those boundaries in order to have accountability with them.   Laura Dugger: (25:51 - 27:47) And now a brief message from our sponsor. I would like to specifically address the ladies. Because let's talk skin care.   As moms, as women, we spend so much time caring for everyone else. But what about us? If you're tired of dull or dry skin and products filled with chemicals and fillers, it is time for something better.   God designed our skin to thrive with real nourishing ingredients. 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But I think this is really helpful having you share statistics.   So, what are some statistics you think we need to be aware of to educate us on sexuality and youth in America right now?   Janelle Rupp: (27:49 - 29:55) Yes, you know, this is constantly changing. And so, I do look for these on the regular. And so, the ones I'm currently kind of using as I educate this year, the average age of first pornography exposure is currently 11 years old.   And 1 out of every 10 visitors to porn sites are actually under the age of 10. And 22% of those are regular visitors to those sites. It's not that they're just there once.   They're regular visitors. When you talk about that next age group, 11 to 17-year-olds, 53% of them are accessing pornography. In addition, 1 out of every 14 are receiving sexually explicit material through social media, through texting.   And 1 out of every 17 are sending it, which is an interesting thing. I always tell my students that means that as people are receiving it, they're sending it to more than one person. And so, you know, somehow we could think that it's a conversation maybe staying between two people.   And almost in every case, that is not the reality. 41% of teens are engaging in sexual behavior and oral sex and vaginal sex and anal sex and what I call outer course. Every 11 minutes, CPS finds evidence of sexual abuse claims.   And 2 out of every 3 of those are age 12 to 17 years old. And then lastly, and this is kind of newer from a research study that is an important one, but identifying as LGBTQ+, has actually risen in teens on average by 4% in the last 5 years. Girls being higher than boys.   Girls averaging about 5% increase and boys at 3%. And I think, you know, you give those 9 quick statistics, and I'll be honest, you know, even every time I have to say them, I get that sinking feeling in my stomach. It takes a lot to shock me after 10 years of working with teens on this topic.   But it never feels good to say those out loud. I think it just reflects such brokenness on behalf of our culture's view of sex and sexuality.   Laura Dugger: (29:57 - 30:09) Wow, that is sobering. And if that reality feels alarming or overwhelming to a parent listening, then how would you advise them to educate their son or daughter?   Janelle Rupp: (30:10 - 33:09) Yeah, I think the scariest thing is when we allow those feelings that we're having to really just cripple us and our ability to parent our children through them. I had a mom come up last year, and she said, I'm just really exhausted by it all. I'm tired of checking up on my kid.   And, you know, as a mom of teenagers, I hear that. I resonate with that. But I think we need to fight through those feelings and encourage each other to fight through those feelings in order to parent with intention and godliness when it comes to these subjects.   I developed this Remember Who's You Are curriculum for students, but I 100% believe that parents are to be the first go-to for our kids on these topics, whether they feel like they have all the answers or not. It's really not the role of the school, nor of the church, nor of the youth pastor. It is primarily and foundationally the role of parents, with ideally then the school and the church, you know, locking arms with parents, coming alongside with a similar message.   And so, when it comes to equipping parents, which is something I feel strongly about as well, in order to have these ongoing conversations, I break down educating parents with three regular statements to help them kind of combat those feelings of overwhelmed or anxiousness when it comes to these topics. And the first regular statement would be to regularly educate yourself. We can't teach what we don't know.   And so, parents need to have answers to questions, and I'm going to give a series of questions here that I think need to be answered as examples, but there's certainly more. But questions like, what is God's design? Again, what is the reproductive area?   What does sexting mean? What does sending nudes mean? Because that's becoming actually a more popular phrase right now than using the phrase sexting.   Why is not porn good for our brains if it actually keeps us from not having sex outside of God's design? That's a question I've been asked. And a follow-up to that, what does the Bible say about masturbation?   How does a condom work? I've been asked that one. What is the most popular sexual behavior among teens?   Those are some toughies. You don't just kind of like pop out an answer to that without dedicating some time to researching those answers. I don't think that this needs to be an overwhelming amount of time.   In fact, I actually just encourage parents to set aside 15 to 20 minutes once a week, maybe even once every other week, but just put it on the calendar so that you really devote yourself to that time. You know, I think we dedicate ourselves as parents to things we care about. And I don't mean to say this harshly, but many moms spend much more time exercising than they do in their Bibles and figuring out answers to these questions and apologetic type answers.   And parents, you know, we spend a lot of time talking to our kids about sports and grades. And yet these are topics that have lasting relational impacts for their lives, not just in our family, but in their family to come. And so, we have to be diligent to set aside time and regularly educate ourselves.   Laura Dugger: (33:09 - 33:38) Janelle, I love all of this that you're saying. And I just want to pause on this first step of educating ourselves as the adults and as the parents. So, listening to something like this, hopefully people feel encouraged already doing a great job educating yourself.   And so, let's just answer a couple of those questions because it can be hard to know where do I go to find out these answers. I'm careful to Google this because something may pop up that I don't want to see.   Janelle Rupp: (33:38 - 33:38) Right.   Laura Dugger: (33:38 - 33:46) So, let's go with two of them. One of them you said is what is the most popular sexual behavior among teens right now?   Janelle Rupp: (33:47 - 34:46) Yeah, I think that this one is a little bit shocking for parents. And they often are unaware of where their teens are at as they are pushing boundaries on sexual behavior. You know, when I was growing up, oral sex became, and that's mouth to genitals, but that became a really popular sexual behavior.   And I remember hearing people say, well, that makes me feel a virgin because I now have not had vaginal sex. And so, again, just continuing to push these boundaries. So, now today's teenagers are past oral sex.   That's become just something that's normal and acceptable. And the most popular sexual behavior right now that you'll actually they will talk about and do would be anal sex right now, which is the anal area, which is obviously I always point this out, not actually the reproductive system, but in fact, the expiratory or the end of the digestive system. But that is the most popular sexual behavior among teens currently.   Laura Dugger: (34:47 - 35:14) That is really helpful to hear. And even years ago, when I was practicing as a marriage and family therapist, something that we learned was that the rise in pornography exposure was also corresponding or correlating with this rise in pressure for women to engage in anal sex. And that was a lot of times where it was coming from.   I'm assuming very similar with teens.   Janelle Rupp: (35:15 - 35:59) Yes, absolutely. And as our culture continues to kind of push the envelope on trying to get teenagers and adults to accept pornography is a natural part of human sexuality. I think we will just continue to see that behavior pushed more and more and more just among teens and relationships in general, which is really devastating.   I think of so many of these behaviors that are very degrading, particularly to women, but even to men. And again, that women, that girls would be thinking that that is considered an acceptable part of a relationship is such a tragedy, really. And again, just so reflective of the brokenness of our culture.   Laura Dugger: (36:00 - 36:19) And you bring up another question I want to follow up with, Ben, because porn is so destructive for a lifetime. But how do you answer that question if parents want to educate themselves of somebody making an argument of why not pornography if it keeps them from engaging in penetrative sex?   Janelle Rupp: (36:20 - 38:18) Yeah, so, there's some excellent websites that you can find that talk about the damaging effects of pornography. And I found, you know, good resources. Anyone's welcome to email me.   I'll include that later. But to get some of those resources. But it really does change and alter, actually, the connections that are created in the brain.   And one of the, I think, more interesting studies on pornography in the brain, as they looked at men who were watching and engaging in pornography, it would continually light up an area of the brain and stimulate it, which is an area of the brain that is usually lit and stimulated when a man would use power tools. And that's concerning on, I think, a couple of levels. One, that is degrading.   And again, this human made in the image of God to something that is to be just used. Right. And then second, anytime we engage in pornography, we are we're engaging more with a screen than a person.   And so, that intimacy level, that is something that's so precious about sex. You know, sex isn't just for making babies. It isn't just for this intimate connection.   It isn't just for pleasure. But it is to be wholly represented, all three of those when we look at God's design. But when we engage with pornography, we're completely reducing it down to one person's pleasure, one person's use.   And so, again, those connections that are supposed to exist between people now exist between a person and their screen. And you'll see across the board, these are people who easily get addicted. It's meant to be addicted, experience increased levels of depression, anxiety, suicide.   Grades go down for teenagers. They lose friends. So much research showing the devastating impact of pornography.   Laura Dugger: (38:19 - 38:32) That is really helpful. Thank you for sharing that. And back to that greater question. So, when you're advising parents to educate themselves, that's the first step. What's the next step in the process?   Janelle Rupp: (38:33 - 41:29) So, the second step that I recommend is to regularly to enter in. We aren't called to be our kids' best friends. We're called to step into their lives.   And that means stepping into friendships and relationships. It actually means stepping into their phone. You know, the amount of parents that tell me, I feel really bad because it's their phone.   And yet it's something that the parent is paying for, right? And so, that is a part of our lives, too. Theirs and ours.   But stepping into social media pages, their schools, their activities. And I think we don't have to be creepy about it. And that's what I think parents most, they're like, I don't want to creep my kid out or make them pull away.   I just think we have to be really intentional beforehand that we're developing this relationship of trust and communication. So, Josh McDowell has said rules without relationship equal rebellion. And so, the flip side of that is that when I have rules where I'm entering in and I have relationships where I'm entering in, that will equal trust.   And so, we need to keep entering in because we want to keep earning their trust. It goes both ways. We want that trust and communication.   So, entering in out of a desire for relationship, but also entering in with boundaries and rules for our kids in order to continue to build that trust between us. And then the third regularly statement is to regularly extend grace to yourself. Guilt and shame cannot go away without grace.   And a lot of us live with guilt and shame when it comes to these subjects. I often hear that that's one of the key reasons that parents will hesitate to talk to their child. They'll say to me, I don't want them to ask me about what I did.   And the only remedy for shame is grace. It's why God's plan to extend grace in sending Jesus. It's the best plan for our world because we're literally drowning in guilt and shame over these subjects.   And so, as parents, we first have to learn and work through accepting grace for ourselves. But for the purpose of extending it to others, it's very, very hard to extend grace when we haven't accepted it ourselves. And so, I think it starts with us.   And then again, it extends out to our kids. My husband and I were working through something that was happening with our teenagers this year. And I thought it was so profound.   As he said this statement, by God's grace, our kids will never get caught up in it. But it's also that same grace that will provide a way for our kids to get out of it. And so, we need to remember God's grace is greater than all of our sins.   And we can rest in that even if we don't do everything perfectly as a parent. Even if we forget to answer one of the questions. Even if our kids choose a path that is different than what we had taught them.   God's grace is greater than all of our sins.   Laura Dugger: (41:30 - 43:53) And I don't think we can hear that enough. So, thank you for that reminder.   Did you know that we are now accepting donations online through Venmo?   It's just one of our additional ways that you can give to support the work of the Savvy Sauce Charities and keep us on the air where we can keep providing this content for free. We pray that you'll consider partnering with us and generously donating before your end. Thanks for your support.   Well, Janelle, I think that you're so wise to teach parents that there's obviously no formula, and that's why it's so vitally important to keep in step with the spirit as we have these conversations with our children. But also, I'm sure that you've learned some wise and age-appropriate guidelines for teaching our kids about sex and sexuality.   So, will you share those with us for the different age ranges?   Janelle Rupp: (43:55 - 50:10) Yes, I think you're exactly right. There isn't a set formula because, again, as I mentioned before, every kid is different. Every experience and exposure is different.   But there are some general guidelines in order to, again, have these regular conversations with our kids. So, beginning ages kind of three to seven, I think focusing on what it means to be made in God's image, what it means to have a male part versus female part, how that kind of defines each gender. And understanding also what is private and safe within that is important.   So, one of the things that I did with my kids is very early on, as we were bathing in those ages, we would say, Thank you, God, for our fingers and our noses, and thank you, God, for our toes, and say, Thank you, God, for a penis because you're a boy, and thank you, God, for a vagina because you're a girl, and thank you for parts that we can't see inside of us. And I would name some of those parts as well, because I think it just helps them start recognizing, again, the beauty of what it means to be created by God. And also highlighting safe pictures and unsafe pictures, safe touch and unsafe touch, and stuff that I touched on before.   I think that's important as well. But then I personally believe this is one of the best ages to begin forming a framework on the sanctity of human life, that all life is created by God and for God in the image of God. And therefore, all life should be treated with dignity, respect, and love, regardless of size, regardless of gender, regardless of skin color, regardless of neediness or challenges.   It's a really natural and important tie-in to the subject at this age. And then when you get into that next age, age 8 to 10, I kind of think of it a little bit like preteen. Just continuing on with that conversation but bringing up this word puberty.   And kids always look terrified when I say that word. And I always tell them, then puberty is not a scary word. And I'm sorry that you have this vision that it is.   But puberty really is just human growth and development that make us male and make us female. And so, I think teaching our kids not to be even afraid of that word. There are parts that we need to keep private.   And yes, we don't need to talk about that with everybody. But these are not wrong or bad parts. They're parts that are created by God for God.   And God is a good God. And God is a sovereign God. And so, He created it for our good with us in mind.   And so, just continuing to engage and encourage our kids on those ideas at age 10. And then 10 to 12, and some educators would say sex should be introduced by age 10. I found that based on just, again, the exposure that my kids had, we had this type of a conversation as they headed into more age 11.   I think it for sure should be talked about before age 12. But at that point, you want to make sure you're including just a framework on what biblical sex and marriage is and what it's purposed for. Again, purpose for procreation, making babies, purpose for intimacy, even purpose for pleasure.   Listen, no 10 to 12-year-old is going to understand that part yet, which is fine because you're going to revisit it later when they're kids. This is a regular thing, right? But you want them to hear it from you.   You want them to hear it from you first so they understand that you are trustworthy. And so, they should be taught that sex is best seen in that context of marriage. One man, one woman that have left their father and mother, they've taken hold of each other in marriage.   And as a result, then a parent and actually ideally both parents, mom and dad, are able to help a child understand that framework and also recognize basic deviations outside of that framework. Not just that sex before marriage is outside, but also sex outside of marriage, the sexual and gender identity confusion. Anything that's falling outside of God's design for marriage and sex is a deviation from what he designed.   And then in that kind of 13 and older, recommendations that I make is always that you begin to establish a really good framework on how to have God-honoring relationships with someone of the opposite gender. I actually highly recommend Ephesians chapter 5 as you make this plan with your child. And a couple key points that it talks about within that chapter is that we treat those in the faith, those that share our common belief in Jesus Christ as brothers and sisters in Christ, in friendship and in a possible relationship, but one that has a lot of purpose and a plan in place.   But then we treat those who are not sharing our faith with love, but yet an understanding that those aren't relationships that I can pursue because I can't have an expectation that they are going to bring me closer to Christ, whereas the other should. And so, as parents within that, again, 13 and older category, you really need to start paying very much attention and entering in into those relationships that they have with their friends and their peers, because this is the second biggest impact maker on their decision-making next to you. Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with the wise will be wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”   I really believe in parents. If you need to change up their environment in order to help them form more God-honoring relationships in step with that Ephesians 5, we should not be afraid to do so. And again, continuing to expand on those other frameworks before, because regular conversations, but you're just getting into greater detail, more fine-tuning.   And I actually think at this age, too, you're digging deep into the truth of Scripture with your child. So, you let them come alongside you as you're learning how to answer these questions so that they can continue to refine who they are in Christ and to refine how to keep accountable with the Word of God and to refine how to set boundaries and how to navigate relationships in what I call purposeful dating versus purposeless dating. And purposeful dating, really just the overarching idea there is just that in the end, if it does end, that there may be sadness, but that there is also learning that comes so that I am lessening the brokenness and damage that may come as a result as well.   Laura Dugger: (50:11 - 50:30) And I love how also in your teaching, you lay out specific guidelines that don't fit within an age category, but they're more so for children who are at cell phone age or where they have unattended internet use. So, will you share some of those guidelines with us now, too?   Janelle Rupp: (50:31 - 54:54) Yes, for sure. You know, I always say when you introduce a cell phone to your child, especially one that has internet included with that phone, it does change a little of those guidelines that I just mentioned in that you need to increase the speed and the ages or decrease the ages, technically, in which you are discussing these things. Just because you're giving them a lot of access to things that will speak an opposite message from what you would be saying.   And so, when I encourage parents to look at a couple things as they're making the decisions about when to give a cell phone, I think you're specifically looking at does your child understand what it means to be indwelled by the Holy Spirit? And are they showing evidence of the fruits of his work in their lives? In other words, do I see evidence of the Spirit in the life of my child?   And so, that means does he or she recognize self-control? They know when they have it and they know when they don't. Do they recognize how to be a peacemaker?   Do they recognize how to be loving in what they say and what they do? Do they recognize and show faithfulness, kindness, gentleness, joy, patience, all of those fruits of the Spirit? And do they recognize and show that not just in person with someone, but even behind the screen when they don't see that person face to face?   And listen, no parent is going to say, oh, yeah, 100% of the time my kid is showing evidence of the fruits of the Spirit. But if I can honestly say yes, my child is showing that he is growing in evidence of that. And then you decide this is the age for him to have a phone.   Most educators, I'll just be super clear, most educators that work with teens, they recommend an age of anywhere from 13 to 15. But when you do give that, those same adults that work with those teens will also say the following, that a device should not be allowed in a private room or a private place. There should be a family charging place.   And we are on phones when we are around other people. And then that you should also have no phone zones for us. The dinner table is one of our very most important ones so that we are learning how to, again, continue to engage in conversation with one another without our phones, which is growing the relationship building that we want to grow.   And so, we hold to those boundaries. Understanding that an all access, unmonitored pass to the Internet does break down identity. It does work against.   And there's so much evidence to this. You know, even five years ago, I was less inclined to say hard and fast rules on the use of cell phones for teens. However, more and more and more and more, we continue to see research study after research study.   There's documentaries. Now there's reports about the dangers of the unlimited, unmonitored access to screens and how it hurts our kids emotionally, intellectually, socially, spiritually and even physically. I mean, I think of less sleep.   Right. Something that I've learned over these 10 years is that no kid stumbles into pornography with the use of their phone on purpose. So, so, so many times the first time is an accident and it happens again because that Internet use is unmonitored.   And so, here's another hard truth as well. It often also happens because someone else in the house or the family may be viewing pornography and it's in that browser history or it's in the logarithm of the device they're using. And so, understanding what drives that first use, but then the ramifications of that first look.   So, even if it's an inadvertent look, the hook to pornography is so addicting. And again, we talked about the damaging effects on our brains, our emotions and our relationship. So, I just think monitoring phones and Internet access is, yes, exhausting.   I mean, I feel it. But at the same time, the risk is so great that there's no way that we can stop while they are in our home. Because the worry and the regret of, oh, I should have done X, Y, Z, I think outweighs any type of temporary exhaustion for me in my day to have to check and monitor phone use.   Laura Dugger: (54:55 - 55:21) That's such a good point. It's going to cost us energy on one side or the other. But that is a wise choice to go with the hard choice first and hopefully more of an easier or more fruitful path.   When you reflect on our conversation so far, what hope do we all have for the gospel of grace impacting us specifically as it relates to our sexuality?   Janelle Rupp: (55:23 - 58:58) When I hear that question, I really love it. I instantly think shame is a result of sin, connecting that to the grace that is shown from our Creator and our Redeemer. And all of that, again, is really on display in Genesis 3.   And so, I want to take us there as I answer that question. I tell my students shame has two definitions. There is shame as a verb to shame someone.   And then there is shame as a noun to feel shame as a result of something that we have done wrong. Shame as a verb is something we never want to do. That's not a good thing, right?   But shame as a noun is actually a God-given gift that is meant to bring us back into relationship with God. And you look at how Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. It makes me chuckle, honestly, because as they feel the shame of their sin, their next step is to create garments to cover themselves.   And their shame was so great, but they went ahead and put these fig leaves on top of their bodies, these parts that now have to be private because of shame. And I just think to myself, those fig leaves had to have been so insufficient. We do this too, though.   We come up with ways to clothe ourselves to cover up the shame that we feel. It might be past sexual sin. It might be present sexual sin.   And we try our best to hide it. We try our best to make ourselves look presentable with our covering so that people won't see our sin and see our shame. I mean, all of that is that feeling that comes from that feeling of shame as a result of sin.   But what's beautiful when we look at Genesis 3, when Adam finally comes clean about his sin and shame. And I will say, listen, he doesn't do it perfectly because God has to literally say, where are you? Knowing where he is, but like basically saying, Adam, come out, come clean, right?   But as Adam does come clean about his sin and the shame that he's feeling, right? What does God do? God covers Adam and Eve with garments that He provides and He makes from the very first shedding of blood that we see recorded in Scripture.   And I'm doing it now. I weep every single time that I talk about this part, because God knows how to deal with shame so much better than we do. He knows how to deal with our shame in a way and cover us in a way that is a once for always.   And it's Genesis 3 is just a beautiful foreshadowing of how Christ is going to be sent. And there he comes in Matthew, right? To cover shame forever.   And so, as we remember that Jesus spilled his blood on a cross and then resurrected, conquering death and sin and the grave. We also get covered by that blood so that we no longer have to hide. We no longer have to feel that shame.   And we can stand, Romans 8 says, without condemnation. “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ,” because Christ has covered us with garments completely and perfectly for forever. And so, our hope in this for our own sin, our past sin, any present sin, any future sin, and our hope for any sin that may rise up out of the heart of our child.   It's in the gospel that the gracious and loving covering that God gives us through Jesus is complete, making us right before God for all time.   Laura Dugger: (58:58 - 1:00:05) I love that so much, Janelle. And it makes me think of, I can't remember the research study, but they tracked people's brains when they were feeling like shame or regret or guilt. And found that sometimes people who struggle with anxious thoughts, that they have an over-functioning part of their brain where they can have those feelings of shame, sometimes when they haven't done anything shameful.   So, there's almost like a real guilt or a false guilt. And all of this conversation brings me to 2 Corinthians 7:10, where God addressed that first, because in the Bible it says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” And so, if we're going like even a level deeper to tease out that shame, sometimes we've felt that before.   Maybe, let's say, if something was done to us, and that's not the same shame that requires repentance, which is the godly sorrow. So, does that make sense?   Janelle Rupp: (1:00:05 - 1:00:28) Yes, exactly. That's exactly my point. And getting the kids to understand the difference between those shames but then seeing shame as not something that I have to push against.   Because if it is that godly shame that comes after me making a wrong choice, that is that shame to bring me closer to God in and through repentance. And again, that's a beautiful thing.   Laura Dugger: (1:00:29 - 1:00:39) It is, and it leads to freedom, which we may not think of in the moment, but that confession and bringing something to the light, that that is the best way to live.   Janelle Rupp: (1:00:39 - 1:00:40) Exactly.   Laura Dugger: (1:00:40 - 1:00:48) Are there any other important takeaways that you want parents and their children to be aware of as it applies to sex and sexuality?   Janelle Rupp: (1:00:49 - 1:02:44) Yes, you know, I think of two things here. The first being that, you know, sexual sin is really just one of many sins that Christ covers that he died for. You know, the blood of Christ covers the adulterer just as much as it covers the gossiper.   It covers the pregnant teenager and her boyfriend just as much as it covers you and I. And I think in the past, the church has overemphasized this sin and underemphasized others. But yet on the flip side, I mean, I think we really can't deny these are sins.   And even when we look at Scripture, it doesn't deny this. These are sins that carry a greater consequence and potential for enticing us towards, again, more habitual, ongoing sin in ways that just affect us deeper than other sins, which is why 1 Corinthians 6:18 says “Flee from sexual immorality.” And I'm going to pause there for just a second, because the Greek word for sexual immorality is the word pornea.   And you and I can't hear the word pornea without immediately thinking of porn. And so, I think it's fascinating that the root word for pornography is literally translated as sexual immorality. It's really an important thing.   But 1 Corinthians 6:18, again, it starts saying “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside of the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” And this means that sexual sin at its root is a problem of identity, which is, again, why you have to link that human sexuality with gospel identity.   Our aim cannot be for our children to make it to marriage having never had sex or never getting pregnant. To me, that's a low fruit. That is a low aim.   Our aim needs to be raising children with a gospel identity that is rooted in the creative and redemptive work of Jesus Christ and seeing the outgrowth from there.   Laura Dugger: (1:02:44 - 1:02:56) Wow. Well said. And if we boil all of this down, what is just one action step that you first recommend for anyone who finishes this message today?   Janelle Rupp: (1:02:57 - 1:04:19) Yeah, I'm going to give you a three-in-one just tying back to those three key regularly statements. One of the primary resources that I love to recommend in terms of educating ourselves is for parents to go to axis.org. That is A-X-I-S dot org, and sign up to receive their free Culture Translator weekly newsletter. And that will be sent to your email on a weekly basis for free.   And it gives a whole rundown of what's been happening in teen culture for that week. And just by simply opening up your email, you're going to start educating yourself. And they also have a host of other excellent resources and podcasts and a ton of material on their website that I would recommend.   But that's just one little step. And then for the enter in, I would recommend scheduling a date now. Put it on your calendar.   Find a time to take your child on a shopping date, an ice cream date, so that you can begin to enter into their lives and keep building that relationship with them. And then lastly, between now and that date, just open up God's Word. Reflect on the grace of God.   Let it wash over your heart. Let it wash over your mind. Get engaged with worship.   All of those will equip you well to do that hard work of entering in with your child when you meet them for that date.   Laura Dugger: (1:04:20 - 1:04:29) I've loved this chat so much. And if anybody's wondering about

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 . . . and He also knows how to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.  Craig and Troy step back into 2 Peter, studying the arising of false prophets and our appropriate and bilblical reaction to them.  But what can we, as beleivers, expect from God's hand?

Bridging the gap between faith and career: Carrie Hayashida, CEO of Vision Resourcing Group and leader of Team 672, shares her journey from single mom to mobilizing the next generation for Business as Mission (BAM). Discover how her ministry is helping students find their "Godly design" and connect with kingdom-minded business opportunities, preventing them from being "lost for 20 years." Learn about the vision of Team 672—a concierge service connecting young adults to BAM—and the crucial need for mentorship and resources in the current educational system.Interested in finding your calling or getting involved with the Business as Mission movement? Visit visionresourcinggroup.com or connect with us on social media @team672 to learn more!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriehayashida/

Speaker: Rob BerrethScripture: Hebrews 13:7-19Episode Overview:In this sermon from Hebrews 13:7–19, we explore how God calls His people to relate to spiritual authority within the local church. Scripture paints a vision of leadership rooted in faithful teaching, Christlike character, and vigilant care for souls. At the same time, believers are invited to remember, imitate, obey, and pray for those who shepherd them. This passage offers a deeply biblical, countercultural picture of joyful leadership and joyful followership—one that flows from the grace and supremacy of Christ. Join us as we walk through three movements in the text: remembering and imitating godly pastors, obeying and yielding to spiritual leadership, and praying earnestly for those entrusted with watching over the church.Key Highlights:1. Remember and Imitate Your Pastors (Heb 13:7)• Godly leaders are marked first by speaking the Word of God faithfully.• Their way of life confirms the truth they teach as they strive to model mature Christian character.• Believers are called to consider and continually reflect on the outcome of their leaders' lives and to imitate their faith—not because leaders are perfect, but because they point to Christ.• Imitation is not blind allegiance; Christ alone is the One we follow.2. Obey and Submit to Your Leaders (Heb 13:17)• The command to obey is tied to being persuaded by biblical teaching, not to unquestioning compliance.• Submission describes a posture of willing cooperation rather than stubborn resistance.• Scripture provides limits to pastoral authority; leaders may only require what God Himself commands.• Healthy church life happens when pastors joyfully lead and believers joyfully respond.3. Pray Earnestly for Your Leaders (Heb 13:18–19)• Pastors “keep watch over souls” and will “give an account”—a weighty and joyful responsibility.• The church's prayers safeguard leaders from drifting into false teaching, strengthen their character, and support them in the demanding work of shepherding.• A praying church becomes a spiritually powerful church.Call to Action:This week, intentionally pray for the leaders God has placed in your life—that they would remain faithful to Scripture, walk with integrity, and lead with joy. At the same time, examine your own posture toward authority: ask the Lord to cultivate a heart that is humble, teachable, and eager to follow Him through the shepherds He has provided. Seek ways to encourage your spiritual leaders, and allow their example to spur you toward deeper faithfulness in your own walk with Christ.Redeemer Church211 Northshore Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226www.redeemernw.org

God ushers in a way of living together that shows us what genuine love looks like. Genuine love shows hospitality, cares for each other, and honors. Listen in as we learn more about Godly community. thebridgebluffton.com

On this week's edition of Le Show, Harry brings us regular features like News of A.I., News of Musk Love, The Entrepod, News of the Atom, News of Crypto-Winter, News of the Godly, The Apologies of the Week, The Side Effects of the Week, and News of Microplastics, plus great music and more.

Welcome to the Podcast of Southwest Bible Fellowship in Tempe, Arizona. WHO ARE WE? • We are a group of people who are committed to living the grace life as set forth by the apostle of the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul. • We come together to study our Bibles, and yes, we believe we have God's perfect Word in the King James Bible. It and it alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice! • We do not come together and study our Bibles for the intent of being smarter than others. We understand that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is purely vain and serves no Godly purpose. • We do come together and study our Bibles for the intent of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. (Philippians 3:10) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that we have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless we live; yet not us, but Christ liveth in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. (Galatians 2:20) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that because Jesus Christ shed His blood for us and we should not live for ourselves but for Him, who died for us and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15) • We do not claim to have attained to these lofty goals, but we press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) You can donate to this ministry through www.butnow.org and the PayPal button on the homepage.

Welcome to the Podcast of Southwest Bible Fellowship in Tempe, Arizona. WHO ARE WE? • We are a group of people who are committed to living the grace life as set forth by the apostle of the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul. • We come together to study our Bibles, and yes, we believe we have God's perfect Word in the King James Bible. It and it alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice! • We do not come together and study our Bibles for the intent of being smarter than others. We understand that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is purely vain and serves no Godly purpose. • We do come together and study our Bibles for the intent of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. (Philippians 3:10) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that we have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless we live; yet not us, but Christ liveth in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. (Galatians 2:20) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that because Jesus Christ shed His blood for us and we should not live for ourselves but for Him, who died for us and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15) • We do not claim to have attained to these lofty goals, but we press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) You can donate to this ministry through www.butnow.org and the PayPal button on the homepage.

By Craig Scott - The gospel of the coming kingdom of God is a message of how governance on earth (and presumably all creation) will be set right… “ When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.”

How Proverbs 21, Inchstones, and God-Centered Friendship Build Real Strength, Open Doors, and Transform Your LeadershipIn this episode, we break down Proverbs 21, godly friendship, and the Inchstones approach to daily wisdom, uncovering why the only way “in” is never through friendship itself—but by becoming the kind of friend God can use. These first two sentences are keyword-rich to help listeners searching for Proverbs 21 meaning, biblical leadership, Christian friendship, spiritual growth, and godly wisdom find exactly what they're looking for.I've learned this the hard way: when I tried to enter rooms through friendship, I was denied… but when I focused on becoming the right kind of friend, God opened every door I didn't even know to knock on. Relationships have torn down walls, shattered barriers, and moved mountains in my life—and maybe that's God's not-so-subtle way of keeping me grateful. Or maybe it's Him showing me—demanding of me—that true greatness is found in being the friend I'm so often searching for.Proverbs 21 flips the script:Stop hunting for the friend who will open doors.Become the friend whose motives please God… and watch Him handle the rest.In this episode, we unpack the traits Proverbs 21 tells us are non-negotiables for a great friend and a great leader:Give God your heart — right motives matter more than sacrifice.Let go of envy, pride, and ego — they don't work. Ever.Choose diligence and patience — they build unstoppable momentum.Speak life — it's an unfair advantage in a negative world.Pursue godly gain — it's more valuable than worldly success.Pay attention — awareness brings wisdom.Be generous — it saves you when you need it most.Do what's right — righteousness brings joy.Honor the future — wisdom sees beyond the moment.Love well — prosperity and honor follow those who lead with love.Strength comes from wisdom — not force.Listen fast, speak slow — the wise reverse the natural impulse.Prepare fully — but remember: the victory is always the Lord's.These traits transform friendships, leadership, business, family… your whole life. But Proverbs 21 closes with a warning: none of them work if you don't spend time with God.This episode will challenge you, stretch you, and give you practical Inchstones—small, quiet, daily moves—that build a life God can use and friendships that change the world.If you're ready to become the friend you've been searching for, this conversation will hit home.If this episode encouraged you, subscribe, review, and share the podcast to help spread the message.All links are right here: https://solo.to/kellycardenas

Are you sorry about your sin? Or are you sorry that you got caught? What does godly grief look like? In today's episode, Jensen shares how 2 Kings 22:8-20 encourages us to acknowledge our sin before God honestly. If you're listening on Spotify, tell us about yourself and where you're listening from! Read the Bible with us in 2025! This year, we're exploring the Historical Books—Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings. Download your reading plan now. Your support makes TMBT possible. Ten Minute Bible Talks is a crowd-funded project. Join the TMBTeam to reach more people with the Bible. Give now. Like this content? Make sure to leave us a rating and share it so that others can find it, too. Use #asktmbt to connect with us, ask questions, and suggest topics. We'd love to hear from you! To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @TenMinuteBibleTalks. Don't forget to subscribe to the TMBT Newsletter here. Passages: 2 Kings 22:8-20