Podcasts about Gomer

Big News! Fr. Mike Schmitz will be joining EKSB for the closing episode of the Parables, stay tuned! Dave and Gomer read audience emails, reflect on this season of the Parables and share what the next season will look like! We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

What does it mean to be a good and faithful servant? Dave catches a key detail in the Parable of the Talents: God doesn't give us all the same amount of talents. God will never give us more than we can handle, while at the same time, God sees something more in us than anyone else ever can, including ourselves! Our goal is to use our talents to glorify the Lord so that we can hear at the end of our lives, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Hosea 3:1–3Hosea Redeems His Wife[1] And the LORD said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, even as the LORD loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love cakes of raisins.” [2] So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethech of barley. [3] And I said to her, “You must dwell as mine for many days. You shall not play the whore, or belong to another man; so will I also be to you.” (ESV)

==============================================SUSCRIBETEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNpffyr-7_zP1x1lS89ByaQ?sub_confirmation=1==================================================== DEVOCIÓN MATUTINA PARA MUJERES 2025“AMANECER CON JESÚS”Narrado por: Sirley DelgadilloDesde: Bucaramanga, ColombiaUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist Church===================|| www.drministries.org ||===================06 de DiciembreUn esposo celoso«En aquel tiempo, dice Jehová, me llamarás Ishi, y nunca más me llamarás Baali. Porque quitaré de su boca los nombres de los baales, y nunca más se mencionarán sus nombres. En aquel tiempo haré en favor de ellos un pacto con las bestias del campo, con las aves del cielo y las serpientes de la tierra. Quitaré de la tierra el arco, la espada y la guerra, y te haré dormir segura» (Oseas 2: 16-18).Celos» es el sentimiento que experimenta una persona cuando sospecha que la persona que ama, siente amor, preferencia por una tercera persona. Mucho se ha hablado de que el género femenino tiende a experimentar con más frecuencia los «celos». Hoy estudiaremos a un Esposo celoso y descubriremos el motivo de su sentimiento.Mientras estuvieron cautivos, el pueblo amado por Dios había aprendido a adorar a otros dioses. La palabra «baal» era usada con normalidad para referirse a una persona con autoridad superior, al dueño de personas o animales y por lo general se les llamaba «baali» cuyo significado es «mi señor». El pueblo escogido usaba este término para referirse a Dios, pero también lo usaban con mucha liviandad para ofrecer su adoración a otros dioses, es decir, otros «Baalis». Desde el Éxodo, el Señor les había advertido que era «celoso». «No te inclinarás ante ningún otro dios, pues Jehová, cuyo nombre es Celoso, es un Dios celoso» (Éxodo 34: 14). ¿Sabías que este también es un nombre que Dios se atribuye?Es entonces cuando Dios les ofrece un trato, un nuevo casamiento, una nueva oportunidad. Tal como lo había hecho el profeta Oseas con Gomer, Dios estaba aceptando una vez más a la esposa infiel, pero había una condición en el trato. El Señor les dijo que nunca más debían referirse a él como «Baalí»» sino como «Ishí». Este término significa «mi esposo» y se relaciona con un concepto de servicio por amor. 153 Es decir, Dios tenía dos motivos para esta prohibición: no quería que sus labios pronunciaran más esa palabra que está relacionada con dioses extraños (Baalí) y quería que lo vieran como un único esposo amante (Ishí).Si estamos conscientes que Dios es el mismo ayer y hoy, debemos saber que sigue siendo tan celoso como en el pasado. Él desea que erradiquemos de nuestras vidas todo aquello que esté siendo un «baalí» (dueño, amo, señor). Si quizás tu relación con Dios se ha fracturado por tener aventuras con el enemigo de Dios, la buena noticia para hoy es que ese mismo Dios de ayer te hace la misma invitación a renovar tu pacto de amor con él y puedas llamarlo con tanto amor «Ishi» (mi esposo). 

Many are called but few are chosen. Gomer and Dave discuss the Parable of the Wedding Feast and invite us to reflect on these important questions: Am I in the kingdom? And if so, am I wearing the right garments? We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dan shared his personal journey of growth, emphasizing stewardship—leaving people and places better than we found them—as a guiding principle for life and real estate. He highlighted three pillars for success in business: resourcefulness, resilience, and responsibility, encouraging agents to take initiative, leverage available tools and community support, and believe in their ability to solve problems.Through stories from his time as a teacher and later as an agent, Dan illustrated how resilience builds with practice, and how positive routines, mindset shifts, and personal responsibility can transform stress into strength. He reminded attendees that improving ourselves helps elevate those around us—and ultimately, the world.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12, God's will is not framed around finding the right job, city, or spouse, but around becoming holy - set apart in love. The passage reveals both definitive sanctification (already chosen and made holy in Christ) and progressive sanctification (growing more and more into that holiness), and then presses that identity into two intensely practical arenas: sex and work. In a Greco-Roman culture where adultery, prostitution, and cultic sex were normal, believers are called to a radically different sexual ethic that springs from their God-given value and the costly love of Christ displayed at the cross and pictured in Hosea's relentless love for Gomer. At the same time, in a community tempted to idleness and “busybody” living while waiting for Jesus' return, they are called back to quiet, faithful labor that refuses to burden others and instead reflects the God who never stops working for His glory and their good. Underneath both areas is the same heartbeat: those who are “loved by God and chosen” are to live out that love in their bodies and their jobs so that the watching world sees what kind of Lover and Master they belong to.

Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on the theme of the Bridegroom from Hosea 3:1-6, as a part of our Advent sermon series, "The Prophets Foretold."   The prophet Hosea's marriage to Gomer serves as a powerful illustration of God's unfailing love for His people. Despite Israel's spiritual adultery through idolatry, God demonstrates His redemptive heart by commanding Hosea to buy back his unfaithful wife from slavery. This costly act of redemption points to the coming Messiah who would pay the ultimate price for our freedom. God doesn't just forgive our sins but offers complete restoration - freedom, dignity, identity, and a place to belong. As we experience the depth of God's love, we learn to desire Him more than the temporary pleasures of sin. Perfect love casts out fear and transforms our hearts to respond with faithful devotion.  

Have you torn the heart of God because He wouldn't give you the easy, comfortable life you desire? Listen as Pastor Ray calls us as Hosea called Gomer.

The direct context of Hosea 3 teaches us that God will one day redeem Israel. The extended application connects well to the Church's redemption. Most literally, however, the example of Hosea and Gomer teaches us important things about being a husband. We speak about those this evening.

How did God describe Israel and His relationship?

Want to get the inside scoop on what it was (and is) like to live in the Carey household? This is the episode for you! Christina stops by to chat all things Carey, her job in social work, and throw shade at a certain sibling who did not show up for the recording. Which sibling? Only one way to find out. Enjoy!

Think your actions don't matter? Don't be fooled; the Gospel is made up of small acts with great faith. Gomer and Dave remind us that this world is not our home. Our aim should be Heaven and our hearts should always be set on the Lord. How are you living for Heaven today? We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

The account of Hosea and Gomer serves to teach us that God still has a plan for the nation of Israel, but it also serves a much more personal metaphor of redemption. In our time together, we consider the connection between the redemption of Gomer in Hosea 3, and our own redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ.

How can you lift your eyes towards God and soften your heart for your neighbor today? Gomer is back and tells his story of surgery and recovery! Continuing through the Parables, Gomer and Dave explore the importance of avoiding gossip, forgiving generously and loving our neighbor. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

We come to the conclusion of the narrative surrounding Hosea and Gomer, where we find Hosea purchase his wife's redemption. God uses this act of sacrificial love as a prophetic promise of Israel's future. We connect those dots in our time together today.

In this week's POSC podcast, Pastor Putnam brings a tender but urgent message on a theme woven through all of Scripture: the grace of God—how sweet it is. Drawing from Ephesians 2, Pastor Putnam reminds us that we were dead in our trespasses, unable to save ourselves, yet God—rich in mercy and overflowing with love—made us alive through Christ. Grace isn't God ignoring our sin; it's God overcoming our sin. It's not weakness or permission—it's power. Power to rise. Power to return. Power to become who God already declared we can be. Through the stories of Jonah, Hosea and Gomer, the prodigal son, Peter, and even Noah, Pastor Putnam paints a vivid picture of a God who doesn't give up on His people. A God who chases, restores, and runs toward the broken long before they ever take a step toward Him. A God who meets us in storms, in pigpens, in fish bellies, in our denials, in our wandering—and calls us by name. But this message isn't just about grace given—it's about grace responded to. Grace opens a door, but we must walk through it. Grace creates a space—a space to repent, to forgive, to come home, to obey—but that space won't stay open forever. Just as in the days of Noah, salvation is found in responding while the door is open. If you've ever felt too far gone, too messed up, too inconsistent, too wounded, or too ashamed—this episode is a reminder that you are still within the reach of God's grace. Your failure isn't final. Your story isn't over. And the Father is running toward you. Today is your moment. Step into the space of grace. To hear more about what God is doing in Sheboygan County and beyond, visit us at posc.church!

In this week's POSC podcast, Pastor Putnam brings a tender but urgent message on a theme woven through all of Scripture: the grace of God—how sweet it is. Drawing from Ephesians 2, Pastor Putnam reminds us that we were dead in our trespasses, unable to save ourselves, yet God—rich in mercy and overflowing with love—made us alive through Christ. Grace isn't God ignoring our sin; it's God overcoming our sin. It's not weakness or permission—it's power. Power to rise. Power to return. Power to become who God already declared we can be. Through the stories of Jonah, Hosea and Gomer, the prodigal son, Peter, and even Noah, Pastor Putnam paints a vivid picture of a God who doesn't give up on His people. A God who chases, restores, and runs toward the broken long before they ever take a step toward Him. A God who meets us in storms, in pigpens, in fish bellies, in our denials, in our wandering—and calls us by name. But this message isn't just about grace given—it's about grace responded to. Grace opens a door, but we must walk through it. Grace creates a space—a space to repent, to forgive, to come home, to obey—but that space won't stay open forever. Just as in the days of Noah, salvation is found in responding while the door is open. If you've ever felt too far gone, too messed up, too inconsistent, too wounded, or too ashamed—this episode is a reminder that you are still within the reach of God's grace. Your failure isn't final. Your story isn't over. And the Father is running toward you. Today is your moment. Step into the space of grace. To hear more about what God is doing in Sheboygan County and beyond, visit us at posc.church!

“The abortion industry and the prochoice movement, so much of it is about destroying beauty.” Dave talks with artist, Caitlin Solan, who's using her creative gifts to champion the pro-life cause. Caitlin shares about her miscarriage ministry and they reflect on the beauty of life, and the tragedy of abortion. Find out more about Cailtin Solan and her ministry: https://beholdyourchild.com/ We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

In this week's message from our Ascent: Walking up the Pilgrims' Pathway series, Pastor Nate takes us deep into the heart of two of the most intimate Songs of Ascent, Psalm 130 and Psalm 131 , to show us how we ascend in our pilgrimage through waiting for God's mercy with quiet trust.Psalm 130 begins “Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord,” painting a picture of the pit of sin—a place of helplessness where no one can save themselves. But there, in the darkness, we find the beauty of God's character: forgiveness, steadfast love (hesed), and plentiful redemption. Through the cross of Christ, these are not abstract ideas, they're living realities. Like Hosea's faithful love for Gomer, God's hesed runs deeper than our failures and stronger than our rebellion.We are called to pray and wait. Waiting isn't passive, it's an act of hope and longing that just as the watchman waits for dawn, the light of God's mercy will rise. We hope on His Word—trusting His promises—and we hope for His Word—expecting His Spirit to speak and lead. Psalm 131 moves from crying out to calming down, from desperation to quiet trust. David models humility before God, resisting Satan's attacks on the heart, eyes, and mind. Instead of arrogance, pride, and restless speculation, he quiets his soul “like a weaned child with its mother.” Pastor Nate contrasts childish faith, which demands and fears, with childlike faith, which rests and trusts.As pilgrims, we can be sure of this: The Lord Himself will redeem us from all our iniquities. So, we keep praying, keep waiting, and keep trusting, until we see His mercy rise like the morning light.

Do you get flustered with personal attacks? Are you looking for ways to defend the faith with truth, love and maybe even humor? Dave talks with Marie Mazzanti, a Catholic mom of 5, about her media presence and mission to evangelize online. She reflects on her relationship with Christ, responding to haters with love and using humor to bring the Gospel to life. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Gomer lives! As does the deep dive into Aristotle's Poetics. This time, it's Beauty and the Beast. Enjoy! Thank you to Saint Kolbe Studios (https://saintkolbestudios.com/) for producing this episode of Catching Foxes!

2 Chronicles 34 tells of Josiah coming to the throne of Judah at the age of 8 years old (BC 641). Verse 2 gives a wonderful testimony to his steadfastness. When he was 16 years old he commences his reforms with the destruction of the idols and the burning of the bones of the false prophets that had been prophesied 300 years earlier to Jeroboam 1, the first king of Israel, once they had split the kingdom at the time of Rehoboam (son of Solomon - see 1 Kings 13verses1-2). Verses 8-21 speak of the discovery, in the temple, of the scroll of Deuteronomy (possibly even the original in Moses own writing). This causes great concern when they read of the curses that would be sent upon them for their disobedience to God's laws. They were also at this time receiving the people's donations, which money was faithfully used in the repairing of the temple. Hilkiah, the high priest, and other officials went to the prophetess Huldah to ask what they could expect from Yahweh as punishment for their sins. Huldah's response was that judgment was coming, but would be postponed from Josiah's times until after his death, because king Josiah had been wholehearted in his worship of God.Hosea 2 tells us that because of the unfaithful behaviour of Gomer (as a type of the nation of Israel) Israel was no longer God's wife and the children would not be His people, nor would they receive mercy. When Gomer's lovers would no longer want to be with her she would seek the LORD her God, who would after disciplining her, receive her again, as God would the nation, whose typical example Gomer would follow. Yahweh in His kindness would allure her back to Himself, and once again woo her. Eventually Gomer would become a faithful wife - as too will Israel - and as a consequence blessings would flow. The land would be sown with the seeds of fruitfulness. Israel would once more receive mercy from the hand of their Maker and Husband. And the nation would become the people of God once more (see Romans 9verses20; 11verses13-16, 25-27). This of course a great parable about Yahweh's loving kindness and His restoration of His people to their LORD in faithfulness and truth in Messiah's kingdom

Israel's Future in Bible Prophecy:  A Biblical Exposition   Introduction: The Setting from Luke 21 As we open our Bibles to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 21, we find Jesus standing on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the city of Jerusalem. His disciples marvel at the temple's grandeur, but the Lord turns their attention to far greater matters—the signs of the end times and the destiny of His people.    In Luke 21:20-24, Jesus declares: "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.”   Here, the Lord Jesus foretells the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, a tragic fulfillment of judgment on unbelieving Israel.    Yet, notice the phrase "until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." This points beyond that historical event to a future restoration. The "times of the Gentiles" refer to the period when Gentile powers dominate Jerusalem, but it has an end. From this vantage, Jesus shifts in verses 25-28 to cosmic signs and His return:   "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”   Luke 21 sets the stage for our study: Israel's past rebellion, present trials, and glorious future under the Messiah's reign. God's Word promises that though Israel has stumbled, He will lift them up. Let us trace this thread through Scripture, seeing God's unchanging faithfulness to His covenant people. Israel's Past: From Abraham's Call to Repeated Rejection To understand Israel's future, we must first look back to her origins. God did not find Israel as a nation; He created her. In Genesis 12:1-3, the Lord calls Abram, a Gentile idol-worshiper from Ur of the Chaldees:   "Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”   Abram—later Abraham—became the father of the Jewish nation through Isaac and Jacob, whom God renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28). This was no accident of history; it was divine election. God promised Abraham an everlasting covenant in Genesis 17:7-8:   "And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”   This covenant is unconditional—based on God's promise, not Israel's performance. It includes land, seed, and blessing, and it stands today. God reiterated it to Isaac (Genesis 26:3-4) and Jacob (Genesis 28:13-15), forming the twelve tribes of Israel.   Yet, from the exodus onward, Israel repeatedly rejected her Creator. In the wilderness, they murmured against Moses and God (Exodus 17:3; Numbers 14:1-4). Entering the land, they turned to idols (Judges 2:11-13).    The kings, from Saul to the divided kingdom, led them into idolatry, culminating in Assyrian and Babylonian captivities (2 Kings 17:7-18; 2 Kings 25). Prophets like Jeremiah warned of judgment for covenant unfaithfulness (Jeremiah 3:6-10).   This pattern peaked in the rejection of the Messiah Himself. The Jewish leaders knew the Scriptures foretold His coming. Psalm 22:16-18 vividly describes His crucifixion:  "For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.”   Isaiah 53:3-6, 9-12 paints the suffering Servant: "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. ... And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”   Micah 5:2 pinpointed His birthplace in Bethlehem. Zechariah 9:9 described His humble entry on a donkey. The religious elite studied these texts daily. Yet, when Jesus fulfilled them—born in Bethlehem, riding into Jerusalem on a colt, bearing our sins on Calvary—they rejected Him defiantly, not blindly.   In John 1:11, we read: "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." They expected a conquering general to smash Rome, not a suffering Savior (Acts 1:6). But they knew. In Matthew 27:22-25, Pilate asks, "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?" The crowd cries, "Let him be crucified." When warned of innocent blood, they shout, "His blood be on us, and on our children." This was open defiance. Peter charges in Acts 2:23: "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain."    And in Acts 7:51-52, Stephen indicts: "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers.”   Israel's history is one of gracious election met with stubborn rebellion. Yet God, in mercy, preserved a remnant through exile and diaspora, never forsaking His word.   Israel Today: A Tiny Nation Amid Global Hatred and Fleeting Peace Fast-forward to our day. Ethnic Israel—the Jewish people descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—numbers about 9.6 million worldwide, with roughly 7.3 million living in the modern State of Israel. This political entity, reestablished in 1948, occupies a land about 8,500 square miles—roughly seven times the size of Rhode Island, yet smaller than many U.S. states, squeezed between vast hostile neighbors. It's a miracle of survival: a people scattered for nearly 2,000 years, regathered to their ancient homeland against all odds.   But today, antisemitism surges like a tidal wave, especially in the United States. Reports show a 21% global rise in incidents in July 2025 alone, with the U.S. seeing nearly 70% of religion-based hate crimes targeting Jews. ADL surveys reveal antisemitism has woven into daily American Jewish life—on campuses, streets, and workplaces—spiking since recent Middle East conflicts. Why this hatred? Scripture unveils the roots.   First, it's divine judgment for rejecting the Messiah. In Matthew 27:25, their cry of "His blood be on us, and on our children" echoes through generations, as Jesus warned in Luke 19:41-44: "And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.”   This "visitation" was Christ, spurned. Zechariah 12:2-3 prophesies nations gathering against Jerusalem like a "burdensome stone," a future reality foreshadowed today.   Second, Satan fuels this enmity. As the father of lies (John 8:44), he hates Israel because through her seed comes the woman's offspring who crushes his head (Genesis 3:15). Revelation 12:13 depicts the dragon (Satan) pursuing the woman (Israel):    "And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child." Satan knows Israel's role in God's redemptive plan—birthplace of the Church, guardian of Scripture, and future throne for Messiah.   Why does God allow this? To humble His people, drive them to repentance, and fulfill prophecy. Deuteronomy 28:15, 64 warns of curses for disobedience:  "But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD 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. ... And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone.”   Yet, this scattering has an end. God uses hatred to refine Israel, as Hosea 5:15 states: "I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.”   Amid this, Israel boasts more peace initiatives than any nation. The Abraham Accords under President Trump in 2020 normalized ties with Arab states, and in 2025, Trump unveiled a bold 20-point Gaza peace plan, signed in its first phase, aiming for enduring prosperity without forced displacements.    Trump's "peace through strength" approach—bolstered by U.S. resolve—has invitations from leaders like Egypt's el-Sisi for regional summits. Noble as these are, Scripture warns they are fragile. Daniel 9:27 foretells a future "prince that shall come" (the Antichrist) who "shall confirm the covenant with many for one week"—a seven-year peace deal with Israel, only to break it midway: "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”   No human accord can thwart God's timeline. These deals set the stage for the ultimate betrayal.     We must distinguish: Ethnic Israel is God's covenant people, the physical descendants of Abraham (Romans 9:4-5).    Political Israel is the modern state—a vessel for prophecy, but not the full spiritual fulfillment yet.  God preserves the nation, but salvation comes to individuals who repent.   God Is Not Done with Israel: Insights from Romans 9-10 Turn to Romans 9-10, where Paul, a Jew of Jews, wrestles with his people's unbelief. He affirms God's irrevocable gifts in Romans 11:29: "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." But chapters 9-10 explain the tension.   In Romans 9:1-5, Paul's anguish pours out: "I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.”   Israel has every advantage—covenants, law, promises—yet many reject Christ. Paul explains in Romans 9:30-33: "What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”   Their zeal without knowledge (Romans 10:2) led to defiance.    Yet God hardens whom He will (Romans 9:18), not arbitrarily, but to fulfill mercy on both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 11:11-12, 25-27): "I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? ... For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.”   "All Israel shall be saved"—a national turning to Messiah at His return. Paul quotes Isaiah 59:20-21 and 27:9, confirming future restoration.     Beware of replacement theology, the dangerous error claiming the Church has permanently supplanted Israel in God's plan. It twists Romans 11 to say the "olive tree" is only the Church, erasing Israel's distinct promises. This denies the land covenant (Genesis 15:18), ignores prophecies like Ezekiel 37's dry bones reviving as a nation, and contradicts Paul's plea in Romans 10:1: "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved."    This desire points future, not past. God has two programs: one for the Church (the body of Christ, Jew and Gentile in one, Ephesians 2:14-16), and one for national Israel. To merge them robs God of His faithfulness and fuels antisemitism by devaluing the Jewish people. Though Israel has defied Him—from golden calf to crucifying the King—God loves His covenant people. Jeremiah 31:3 whispers: "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."    He cannot break covenant; Numbers 23:19 assures: "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”   Israel's Future: Tribulation, Invasion, and Glorious Restoration The road ahead is stormy, but victory dawns. Zechariah 12:10 promises: "And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”   The Great Tribulation: Judgment and Awakening The Tribulation—a seven-year period of Jacob's trouble (Jeremiah 30:7)—brings global wrath, but especially on Israel. Why? First, to judge unbelieving Jews and the world for sin. Revelation 6-19 details seals, trumpets, and bowls of judgment. Second, to break Israel's defiance, as Zechariah 13:8-9 foretells:  "And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.”   Third, to prepare earth for Christ's return in Revelation 19:11-16, where He treads the winepress of wrath: "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. ... And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”   During this horror, Israel becomes a focal point—and unwilling host to the world. Revelation 12:6 describes: "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." Multitudes flee to Israel seeking refuge, only to face Antichrist's fury. Yet, salvation breaks through. God seals 144,000 Jewish evangelists from the tribes (Revelation 7:4-8)—12,000 from each—to proclaim the Gospel worldwide.    Two witnesses in Jerusalem, empowered, most likely Moses and Elijah, prophesy for 1,260 days, calling fire from heaven and striking with plagues (Revelation 11:3-6): "And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. ... And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.” Their ministry awakens thousands. When slain, God resurrects them before a watching world (Revelation 11:7-12). Many Jews repent, fulfilling Romans 11:26. As Antichrist's abomination desecrates the temple (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15), believing Jews flee to Petra (Bozrah), the rose-red city of Edom. Jesus urged in Matthew 24:15-21:  "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: ... For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”   God supernaturally protects them there for 1,260 days (Revelation 12:14), as Micah 2:12 gathers a remnant to "Mizpah"—a stronghold.   The Ezekiel 38-39 Invasion: Gog's Futile Assault Before or early in the Tribulation, a massive coalition attacks a seemingly secure Israel. Ezekiel 38:1-6, 8-9, 14-16 describes: "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee. ... After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them. Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee. ... Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it? And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.”   Gog (a title, perhaps Russia's leader) leads Magog (Russia), Persia (Iran), Ethiopia, Libya, Gomer (Turkey), and Togarmah. They invade for spoil, when Israel dwells "safely"—perhaps post-peace deal. God allows it to reveal His holiness (Ezekiel 38:16, 23).  But He intervenes supernaturally in Ezekiel 38:18-23; 39:1-6: "And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face. For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel; So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother. And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD. ... Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel: And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand. Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD. And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD.”   Birds and beasts feast on the dead (Ezekiel 39:17-20), and it takes seven months to bury them (39:12).  God uses this to turn Israel to Him (39:21-22, 29): "And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them. So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward. ... Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.”   The Antichrist's Treachery and Christ's Victorious Return The Antichrist emerges as a false peace-broker, confirming that seven-year covenant (Daniel 9:27). But midway, he betrays: halting sacrifices, setting up his image in the temple (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4): "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”   He persecutes Jews savagely (Daniel 7:25: "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High"), demanding worship (Revelation 13:15).   But Christ returns! In Revelation 19:19-21: "And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.”   He binds Satan (Revelation 20:1-3) and crushes Israel's foes at Armageddon (Zechariah 14:1-4, 9): "Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. ... And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.”   The Millennial Restoration: Blessing Beyond Eden With enemies vanquished, Christ establishes His 1,000-year kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6). Israel, at last, fulfills her calling as head of nations (Isaiah 2:2-3). Zechariah 8:1-3, 7-8, 12-13 paints the joy: "Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury. Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain. ... Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness. ... For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.”   The desert blooms (Isaiah 35:1-2: "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing").    En-Gedi's shores overflow with fish (Ezekiel 47:8-10): "Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh. And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.”   Israel becomes the world's economic powerhouse, exporting blessings (Zechariah 8:13). Nations stream to Jerusalem for instruction (Micah 4:1-2). The wolf dwells with the lamb (Isaiah 11:6-9), pre-Edenic harmony restored.   Beyond the Millennium, after final rebellion and judgment (Revelation 20:7-15), God creates new heavens and earth (Revelation 21:1-4; Isaiah 65:17; 66:22). No more curse—eternal joy, with redeemed Israel and Church worshiping the Lamb forever.   Beloved, Israel's story is God's story: rebellion met with grace. Though they defied Him, He pursues with everlasting love. As Luke 21 urges, when signs unfold, "look up"—redemption draws near. May we, like Paul, pray for Israel's salvation, standing firm on God's unbreakable Word. Amen.

How can I have tough conversations with my family during the holidays? Dave reminds us the importance of building trust and getting to know someone before you try to evangelize them; even your own family, can have wounds they are hiding. Listen to them, pray for them, fast for them, respond with love. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Hosea writes this week about the adultery of his wife Gomer through the perspective of a message unto his 3 children. Through this we learn several lessons, culminating in a call to remember the God from whom all blessings flow.

October 26, 2025 Speaker: Pastor Spencer Peterson http://www.hiawathachurch.com

“The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” Mike and Dave explore the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, reminding us that a humble heart is key to truly following the Lord. Pause and ask yourself: what fruit are you producing today? We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Listen now as Pastor Tyler Johnson shows us the story of Hosea and Gomer and how Jesus is calling us to love people with the same overflowing compassion He first showed us. To stay connected to what's happening at Mission Church, follow us on any of the following platforms. Instagram instagram.com/missionchurchca Podcast missionchurchca.com/watch Newsletter missionchurchca.com/updates Website missionchurchca.com

The Season 1 Gomers are halfway to the Half Marathon! Here's some highlights from Episode 8: See you next week in the present! Subscribe to the Bonus Disc, our second podcast, for up to four bonus episodes per month: www.patreon.com/twogomers All things Two Gomers : linktr.ee/twogomers

“But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?'” Mike and Dave break down the Parable of the Good Samaritan, explain why this story is so important and expand on the radical love Jesus calls us to. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Luke and Gomer spend an hour and a half explaining the nuances of The Little Mermaid, covering what separates a well-written villain from a bad one. It's educational and, at times, entertaining. Enjoy! Thank you to Saint Kolbe Studios (https://saintkolbestudios.com/) for producing this episode of Catching Foxes!

Dan emphasized that burnout exists on a spectrum and is more about internal dialogue than external stressors. He explained that stress often comes from unmet expectations, and entrepreneurs must learn to shift their relationship with stress rather than eliminate it. Building resilience involves mindset, efficiency, and constant reprioritization, supported by tools like assistants or AI. He also highlighted the importance of responsibility and acceptance, noting that growth begins when individuals take ownership of their circumstances. Dan encouraged creating space for reflection, making decisions from a calm state, and setting realistic expectations. By focusing on resilience, resourcefulness, and clarity, entrepreneurs can better manage stress, avoid burnout, and move forward with purpose.

Do you struggle to humble yourself when you make a mistake? Mike and Dave discuss the parable of the Prodigal Son and explain the personal and Eucharistic themes found in this parable. They also share the importance of doing pro-life work in the midst of a pro-death culture. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

In our faith journey, we often encounter moments that challenge our understanding of God's ways. Today, we delve into the fascinating realm of 'holy weirdness' – those instances in Scripture where God calls His prophets to perform strange, even shocking acts. We explore examples like Ezekiel's symbolic siege, Hosea's marriage to Gomer, and Isaiah's naked prophecy. These accounts remind us that God's methods can be unpredictable and uncomfortable, stretching us beyond our comfort zones. As we approach the end times, we may witness more of these perplexing spiritual manifestations. The key lesson here is to cultivate discernment, humility, and an open heart. We're encouraged to slow down our judgments, seek the Lord's guidance, and remember that while God is not the author of confusion, He may use the unconventional to grab our attention and convey profound truths. This episode of Mavericks & Misfits challenges us to examine our own spiritual boxes and preconceptions, inviting us to embrace a faith that's alive, dynamic, and sometimes wonderfully weird.

Are you blind to the needs of your neighbor? Mike and Dave unpack “The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus”, breaking down this story, line by line. They remind us that Jesus repeatedly warns us about the dangers of wealth and that service, worship of God and loving our neighbor is how we truly love God. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dan delivered a motivational session focused on personal transformation through the “3 Rs”: Resiliency, Resourcefulness, and Responsibility. He shared inspiring stories — including one of a team member overcoming incredible hardships — to demonstrate how resilience comes from mindset, relationships, and self-care. He emphasized that mental and emotional strength begins with controlling our thoughts and energy.Dan also stressed that success isn't about waiting for someone to save you — it's about being resourceful with what's available and taking full responsibility for your actions and outcomes. His core message: when you stop playing the victim and start owning your choices, you gain true power to change your life and positively impact others.

September 28, 2025 🧡 Message Overview We all love a good love story — from fictional classics like Romeo and Juliet to blockbuster romances like Titanic. But the Bible's love story between Hosea and Gomer is no fairy tale — it's raw, heartbreaking, and profoundly real. In it, God uses Hosea's marriage to a prostitute … Continue reading "A Bride Named Gomer"

We start off today learning aboiut a soon to be dad that went all out for the gender reveal party, Bad Bunny is playing the Super Bowl, where does Beyonce keep the rest of Destiny's Child, did Tayor Swift turn down the Super Bowl Half Time Show.  Snoop doing the winter olympics, and somehow Don Knotts crept into the conversation.  LINKS:Gender reveal party dad sank 10 pints, snorted cocaine and stabbed bouncer - The MirrorBad Bunny revealed as Super Bowl half-time show performerSnoop Dogg returning to NBC Olympics coverage at Milan Cortina Winter GamesReport: Taylor Swift walks away from Super Bowl LX halftime showThe Treehouse Show is a Dallas based comedy podcast. Leave your worries outside and join Dan O'Malley, Trey Trenholm, Raj Sharma, and their guests for laughs about funny news, viral stories, and hilarious commentary.The Treehouse WebsiteGet MORE from the Treehouse Show on PatreonGet a FREE roof inspection from the best company in DFW:Cook DFW Roofing & Restoration For the BEST haunted house in DFW:Best Haunted House in DFWCLICK HERE TO DONATE:The RMS Treehouse Listeners Foundation

How do we make sense of parables that seem confusing at first? What does Jesus mean when He says to “make friends with dishonest wealth”? Gomer unpacks The Parable of the Dishonest Steward and shows why it's essential to consider the context - the time, place, and people - when we try to understand the deeper meaning of Christ's parables. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

This episode offers everything you've ever wanted to know about The Lion King and then some. It's basically a free Shakespeare class. Plus, why music makes you feel certain ways and the Mary Sue character in the new Star Wars movies. Enjoy!

How do I make sense of the seed, soil, rocky ground, and thorns? Dave explains the Parable of the Sower and shares how it can be applied to our lives. He also gives advice as to how we can plant seeds on good soil and how we can bear fruit in our own lives. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

In a week filled with tragedy and noise, we pause to ask a deeper question: Who are we becoming? The prophets remind us that God's concern is not just with our actions, but with the kind of people we are being formed into. Hosea's marriage to Gomer—a story of unfaithfulness met with relentless love—stands as a living parable of God's covenant with His people. Though we often place our hope in politics, wealth, or personal success, God calls us back to Himself, offering restoration and a new identity. This message invites us to reflect: Is our life a demonstration of the world's values, or of divine love? And if we continue on the path we're walking today, what kind of person are we becoming for eternity?

Why does Jesus conceal his teachings through parables rather than speaking straight forward? Mike and Dave kick off their new topic discussion on the parables and explain how the parables invite you into a mystery and teach you to slow down. Mike and Dave invite you to join them into the mystery of unpacking the parables and give tips to understand the parables better. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Mike Gormley and Dave VanVickle conclude their series on Pope Leo XIV, exploring themes of idolatry, key Biblical lessons, and how his papacy compares with those of earlier popes. They also give a sneak peek into their upcoming season on the parables! We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Anthony D'Ambrosio of Triumph of the Heart stops by the show to talk about the process of bringing Saint Maximilian Kolbe's story to life. Get the inside scoop on what it takes to make a Catholic movie that doesn't actually suck. Enjoy!

Today's Scripture passages are 2 Kings 16:10-20 | Isaiah 17 | 2 Chronicles 28:16-27 | 2 Kings 15:30-31 | 2 Kings 17:1-2 | 2 Kings 18:1-8 | Hosea 1 - 2:1 | Philemon 1:1-7.(Please note Isaiah 17:13 should read, "Though these people make an uproar as loud as the roaring of powerful waves, when he shouts at them, they will flee to a distant land, driven before the wind like dead weeds on the hills, or like dead thistles before a strong gale."2 Chronicles 28:23 should read, "He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus whom he thought had defeated him. He reasoned, 'Since the gods of the kings of Syria helped them, I will sacrifice to them so they will help me.' But they caused him and all Israel to stumble.")Read by Ekemini Uwan.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Do you just read the Bible or do you let God speak to you through His word? Mike Gormley and Dave Vanvickle finish up their reflections on Pope Leo XIV's general audiences and applaud the pope for his hyper focus on breaking down the Gospel. We're reminded it's not about just reading Scripture, but about slowing down and letting God transform our hearts and minds. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Has our world gotten flatter? Are all the edges of culture rounded out and mass produced to the lowest common denominator? Luke and Gomer discuss how movies have lost their soul and houses have gotten gray and boring (and badly made). Take a shot anytime two men in their 40s discuss interior design on this episode (maybe don't listen to this one in the car). Enjoy!

Is there an area of your life you want healed? Mike Gormley continues his reflection on Pope Leo's general audiences and explains what to do with your sickness and brokeness. He reminds us that no matter what is paralyzing you, God can bring you out of any situation. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow