Podcasts about Good Friday

“Why don't we have Mass on Good Friday?” This question opens a discussion on the significance of this solemn day in the Catholic tradition. Other topics include the obligations of Jewish converts to Christianity, the participation of Protestant converts in Communion, and the appropriateness of saying Hallelujah during Lent. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:00 – Why don't we have mass on Good Friday? 10:12 – If a Jew converts to Christianity he has to believe Jesus is God but does he also have to follow the commandments of the Torah? 21:46 – If Protestant Converts have already been baptized and believe in Transubstantiation, why aren’t they allowed to fully participate in the fullness by receiving communion? 30:55 – If My husband and I are done having kids, how do we proceed without violating Catholic teaching? 43:58 – Can we say Hallelujah during Lent outside of Mass? 47:36 – I notice my Catholic friends’ religious views become political. What’s with the trend? What's with things like the Latin Mass? 52:25 – Is it mandatory to say “One God, forever and ever” at the end of the Collect? 54:25 – If major transformations are rooted in God, why would we need to become Catholic? 01:00 – The feast of Saint Joseph 11:39 – I'm not Catholic because I don’t understand purgatory and indulgences and how they relate to salvation. 29:03 – My father was one of 13 and all the boy's middle name was Joseph. 33:37 – I am Catholic but 3 women in my life are SSPX and are very convincing. Why should I not join? 45:44 – I'm an Anglo-Catholic. I'm not convinced of Papal Infallibility.

Week 4 | It Is Finished (2015)We're in a series of sermons from Darrell that correspond with Lent and the Easter season. It is called "The Theatre of Glory" and was delivered by Darrell in 2015 at First Baptist Church in Vancouver.In this message from John 19:17–37, Darrell carefully walks us through the scene of the crucifixion and the moment Jesus declares, “It is finished.” Drawing our attention to the details John records, Darrell helps us see how the cross fulfills the whole story of Scripture—revealing Jesus as the true King, the great High Priest, and the Passover Lamb. As he unpacks the text, we're invited to see the cross not simply as a tragic ending, but as the decisive moment where God's saving work is completed and a new world begins.We're also excited to share that a new book from Darrell is being released on March 20. The book is titled It Is Finished: Meditations on the Death of Jesus. This short collection of reflections offers rich perspectives on the cross and the meaning of Jesus' crucifixion. Our team has been working hard to have it ready in time for Good Friday, so it can be something you read and reflect on as you consider Christ's death and what it means for us today. If you'd like, you can enter the giveaway to win a copy below. __⁠2026 Laing Lectures at Regent CollegeRegent College⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—Enter to win a copy of "It Is Finished: Meditations on the Death of Jesus"⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—Give to the Ministry of Darrell Johnson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Darrell's Books⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Darrell's Mailing List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

As Jesus heads toward the cross, human failure is everywhere in the form betrayal, self-interest, and fear. But instead of hiding or resisting, Jesus steps forward. This week, as we head towards Good Friday and Easter, we'll see both the seriousness of our sin and the hope found in the One who came to deal with it.

The Blessing of Suffering Well(1 Peter 4:1-6) For the bulletin in PDF form, click here. Message SlidesStanding Out in the Crowd - SwindollThe Liberty of Salvation - Edmund ClowneyApplication: 1 Peter 4:1-6 - Scot McKnightINTRODUCTION: Patterns for Preaching in Peter and PaulFollow this ExampleBe willing to suffer rather than sin.• Example: The suffering of Christ is the supreme example (4:1a).• Commitment: Be ready and willing to suffer instead of sinning. (4:1b).• Submission: Be ready and willing to suffer to live for the will of God (4:2).Do Not Follow This ExampleLeave your past life behind.• Out of Time: Your pre-conversion life is in your past (4:3a).• Out of Control: Your pre-conversion life was out of control (4:3b).• Out of Sync: Your post-conversion is strange to others (4:4).• Out of Appeals: Everyone will eventually give an account (4:5).• Out of Excuses: Everyone will be judged fairly (4:6).Choosing to follow in the footsteps of Christ's sufferingmay alienate you from the world as you avoid sinful livingbut provides you with the satisfaction of identification with Christ.‘Make the Application“Read the Scriptures, not as one who goes to a wardrobeto take an inventory of clothes, but as one who goes thereto find something to wear.” John DonneHome Church Questions1. Read Philippians 2:1-11. This parallel passage to Peter's teaching in 1 Peter 4:1-2 expands on the truth found there. Both passages encourage us to follow the example of Christ. How does Philippians 2:1-11 give you additional hope, confidence, and courage for your own suffering?2. In the Bible Belt, how do you resist the pull of the American Dream while still accepting that suffering is often part of God's will for us? How do you pursue faithfulness to Christ when the surrounding culture constantly pressures you to seek comfort, success, and security—especially when Scripture teaches that hardship and self-denial are frequently God's will for believers?3. In the most practical way you can, articulate what it means to “arm yourself” with the same attitude Christ had when He suffered? Can you give any examples of when you have done this?4. Jesus, far beyond any of us, suffered when He did not deserve it. How does this frame our response when we recognize that our suffering is also undeserved? Are we entitled to a life of blessing?5. Have you ever experienced rejection by a past community because you chose to live according to your Christian convictions? Have you ever remained quiet about your Christian practices in order to avoid this?6. What about your current way of living as a believer and faithful follower of Christ is seen by unbelievers as, in the words of Nijay Gupta's book, “Strange Religion?”UPG FOCUS: Pray for the Tai Do in LaosThe Tai Do are a small ethnic group living primarily in central Laos, with a few communities in Vietnam. They follow traditional animistic beliefs, seeking to appease spirits for protection and blessing. Only a small number of believers are known among them, and Scripture translation has just begun. Pray that the growing number of Tai Do Christians would remain strong in faith, that the gospel would spread to every village, and that many would come to know Jesus as Lord.FinancesWeekly Budget 34,615Giving For 03/01 22,132Giving For 03/08 48,141 YTD Budget 1,246,154Giving 1,588,461 OVER/(UNDER) 342,307Fellowship Men's MusterMen's Muster is April 17-19, 2026. Senior Teaching Pastor, Chris Moore, will be our speaker, and the weekend promises to be great for growing spiritually and connecting deeply with other men. Cost is $135 or $85 for a college/High School student. If money is an issue, please check the “contact me” button. We will reach out to see what you are able to pay. Register at fellowshipconway.org/men .New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Fellowship 101 - April 12 | 9:00 a.m Whether you've been visiting Fellowship Conway for a few weeks or a few months, we'd love to invite you to take the next step in getting connected. Come hear our heart as a church — who we are, what we do, and why we're passionate about it. It's also a welcoming space to ask questions, meet others, and discover how you might grow and serve alongside us. Please register at fellowshipconway.org/register so we can plan well and keep you updated with reminders or any details about the class. If you have questions or would like more information, feel free to reach out to Michael Harrison at mharrison@fellowshipconway.org — we'd love to help you get connected.Holy Week on Hogan StreetPastors from several churches along Hogan Lane have come together to host a special Holy Week gathering, March 30–April 3. Participating pastors include Herschel Richardson of Grace Methodist, Larry White of Woodland Heights, Chase Moser of Cornerstone Bible, Jim Hays of Grace Presbyterian, along with Chris Moore and Ken Wilson from Fellowship Bible Church. You're invited to gather each weekday of Holy Week from 12:00–1:00 pm at Grace Methodist for a brief time of worship, a devotional message from one of the pastors, and a shared meal. Donations will be accepted and directed towards local missions. Crucifixion DinnerYou are invited to join us on Good Friday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. for a meaningful evening of reflection as we remember Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Together, we will share a simple dinner of broth and bread, setting aside time to consider the depth of His love and the hope made possible through His suffering. Childcare is available for children ages six and under by texting Shanna at 501-336-0332. Please be sure children are fed before being dropped off. Let us gather with grateful hearts as we reflect on the great price that was paid for us. Join the Worhip Tech TeamHelp create a space where people can encounter the Lord through worship. Our Sunday morning Tech Team is looking for a few more volunteers to serve behind the scenes with audio, visuals, and livestream. No experience is needed—we'll provide all the training and support you need. If you'd like to be part of the team and are college age or older, contact Jordan Mays at jmays@fellowshipconway.org.Prayer During ServiceWe love praying for one another. After the message, members of our prayer team will be at the front of the Auditorium under the Hope and Love signs, ready to pray with you. During the first worship song following the message, please feel free to come forward if you would like prayer or encouragement.

A top CPAC leader sparked outrage this week after defending the bombing of Iranian schoolgirls. During a heated debate on Piers Morgan's show, American Conservative Union chairman Matt Schlapp suggested the girls might be "better off dead" than growing up under Iran's oppressive regime—an argument that left the panel stunned and raised disturbing questions about how far some are willing to go to justify war. Elsewhere in the episode: Utah lawmakers turn Good Friday into a state holiday (in a state that barely observes it), a quiet new Utah education bill pushes religion into the teaching of America's founding, and a disturbing wave of Christian pundits celebrating war because they think it will trigger the End Times. We also look at Pete Hegseth's biblical war rhetoric and the growing overlap between nationalism, Christianity, and foreign policy. Then in the final segment, we zoom out to examine the darker side of apocalyptic belief—and why some believers seem genuinely excited about the possibility of global catastrophe.

Friends of the Rosary,Good Friday is three weeks away. As the third Week of Lent draws to an end, the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders intensifies.The answer given by Lord — love of God and love of neighbor — shows that the conflict with the Pharisees grows sharper.In today's Gospel (Mark 12:28-34), Jesus is asked by one of the scribes which is the first of all the commandments."The Lord our God is Lord alone!You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.""The second is this:You shall love your neighbor as yourself.There is no other commandment greater than these."These two commandments are tightly linked because Christ is the God-man, the one in whose person divinity and humanity meet. It is impossible to love him as God without loving the humanity that he has embraced.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠March 13, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, we revisit a conversation centered on the writings of Richard Rohr and the meaning of Good Friday.As the church moves through the season of Lent, Matt and John reflect on Rohr's insights about scapegoating, the human tendency to blame and condemn others, and the deeper meaning of the cross. Rather than viewing the crucifixion only through the lens of punishment or substitution, this conversation explores the idea of solidarity—a God who does not stand apart from human suffering but enters into it with us.Together they wrestle with questions that sit at the heart of Christian theology:Why is it called Good Friday? What does the cross reveal about human violence and scapegoating? And what does it mean to believe that even the darkest places of human experience are not God-forsaken?This episode is both thoughtful and honest, moving between theology, humor, and personal reflection as the hosts explore the paradox of death and hope at the center of the Christian story.

Join us on Texas Values Report with special guest Rep. Steve Toth , Texas State Representative, District 15, and host Jonathan Saenz, President & Attorney for Texas Values as they discuss Rep. Toth's victory vs Congressman Dan Crenshaw in the Primary Elections. Follow Representative Steve Toth on X https://x.com/Toth_4_Texas Senator Cornyn responds “All in” to Jonathan Saenz on X regarding banning the use of Mifepristone https://x.com/JohnCornyn/status/2032096791336722732?s=20 ICYMI Texas Values Action Report with Republican Party of Texas Chairman Abraham George https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18SccVeKuK/ Join us for Texas Values & Texas Values Action Fort Worth Benefit Dinner Saturday, May 16 at City Club of Fort Worth. Register today! https://txvalues.org/events **keynote speaker and special guests to be announced soon Read more on the update on Good Friday at Austin ISD: https://txvalues.org/not-good-austin-isd-still-refuses-to-acknowledge-good-friday/ Christianity Put Back into Focus at the SBOE, Sharia Social Studies Put to an End for Now https://txvalues.org/christianity-put-back-into-focus-at-the-sboe-sharia-social-studies-put-to-an-end-for-now/ Breaking! Texas Attorney General Tells Austin ISD, “Stop Allowing Male in Female Restroom” https://txvalues.org/breaking-texas-attorney-general-tells-austin-isd-stop-allowing-male-in-female-restroom/ Get your Free Voters Guide for the May 26th Primary Runoff Elections https://freevotersguide.com/ Register to vote in the Primary Runoff Elections before Monday, April 27th https://www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/update-voter-registration.html Check your polling place before you vote: https://goelect.txelections.civixapps.com/ivis-mvp-ui/#/login Sign up for text alerts by texting the word TXVALUES to 797979 Download our app today! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/texas-values/id6444873207 Help us build our channel so we can maintain a culture of Faith, Family, & Freedom in Texas by interacting with us; like, comment, share, subscribe! For more about Texas Values see: Txvalues.org To support our work, go to donate.txvalues.org/GivetoTexasValues

John 15:1-17 - Abiding in Jesus  |  Series: Not Alone - Easter 2026  | Upper Room Discourse |  Sam Holm, Lead Pastor |  Preached 3-08-26 10:45am  Tag: Easter, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Fasting, Prayer, Last Supper, Jesus, Disciples, Teaching, Upper Room, Abide, Stay Connected, Change, Joy, Fruit, Plug, Electricity, Vine, Branches, Lamp

John 15:1-17 - Abiding in Jesus  |  Series: Not Alone - Easter 2026  | Upper Room Discourse |  Sam Holm, Lead Pastor |  Preached 3-08-26 10:45am  Tag: Easter, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Fasting, Prayer, Last Supper, Jesus, Disciples, Teaching, Upper Room, Abide, Stay Connected, Change, Joy, Fruit, Plug, Electricity, Vine, Branches, Lamp

We sit down with YMCA association chaplain, Tim Hallman, to trace his journey from two decades in pastoral ministry to building a chaplaincy that thrives on presence, not programs. Tim opens the door on what the “C” in YMCA really means today—rooted in George Williams's 1844 vision of caring friendship on a factory floor—and how that legacy shows up in Fort Wayne through everyday listening, prayerful support, and a welcome space for all. The conversation widens to a global lens as Tim shares friendships with YMCAs in Jerusalem, Jericho, Gaza, and Nazareth. When war broke out during a planned visit, his team became chaplains to stranded travelers—no quick fixes, just a steady presence, quiet prayer, and the safe space of the Y. Coming home sharpened his conviction that grief can deepen love, and that proximity changes lives. We close by inviting churches and neighbors into concrete next steps—from worshiping in branch spaces to volunteering as chaplains to joining the Good Friday breakfast—as Fort Wayne moves toward a top 10 healthy city vision that treats body, mind, and spirit as one.This is an encouraging, intimate, and honest conversation that you don't want to miss!

This Sunday, we begin a hard series of stories from John's gospel that would ordinarily be read on Good Friday. Peter, who has vowed to follow Jesus anywhere, disavows even knowing Jesus. Not once. Three times. How can Peter be such a hypocrite? How indeed. Rev. Lewicki, preaching. 

What Did Jesus Actually Finish? And Why Does It Change Everything About You? Discussion Questions: What are the two greatest events in history? Why? React to the envelope analogy. In what ways has the church left it sealed and guessed at its contents? What is the significance of Day 1 (Friday)? What did it accomplish? What does Day 2 (Saturday) represent? Hint: Think in terms of your old self. Why is Day 3 the most important of all? What happened to us because of Day 3? React to this statement: Christ is your life, your everything. How does this message help you enter this season (Good Friday and Easter Sunday) with a richer understanding of what we celebrate?

You'll never look at Good Friday - or the Stations of the Cross - in the same way. Here are the notes for today's message: https://www.ourladyoftheisle.com/post/03-08-26-mass-homily

Christ Also Suffered1 Peter 3:18-22Message SlidesWho Are the Sons of God in Genesis 6?- Cook For the bulletin in PDF form, click here. We can be confident in suffering because Christ also suffered. We can be confident in suffering because of Christ's victory. We can be confident in suffering because it is the path to glory.Home Church Questions1. What is an example of a time in your life when you have experienced suffering? Why does suffering often shock us and knock us down?2. One reason we can be confident in God in our suffering is that Christ also suffered (1 Peter 3:18). Why should it encourage us in our suffering to know that Christ also suffered? 3. What are some examples of ways that our suffering is like His suffering? Read 1 Peter 3:18 and highlight some ways Jesus' suffering is different from our suffering? 4. Have you ever considered walking away from the faith because of suffering you have experienced? What encouragement would you give to someone who was wrestling with this?5. While we might not be able to answer all the questions we have about this passage, one clear point is that we should be encouraged in our suffering because of Christ's victory (1 Peter 3:22). Since God is in control in our suffering, we can learn some valuable lessons. What are some lessons God wants us to learn in our suffering? What are some lessons you have learned?6. Another reason we can be confident in our suffering is that it is the path to glory. Christ's suffering led to glory, and we are called to follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21). One way we follow Him is by getting baptized (1 Peter 3:21). Share with the group about your baptism experience and your understanding of what it means.7. We experienced communion this past Sunday, and we said baptism and the Lord's Supper are related. What are some similarities between baptism and the Lord's Supper? How should our experience of baptism and the Lord's Supper encourage us when we are suffering? Pray for the Unreached: The Deha in IndiaThe Deha are a small Hindu people group in northern India who speak Hindi as well as their own community language. Traditionally known for weaving winnowing fans, many now sell cloth and work in small trades. They worship Hindu deities such as Kali and rely on their own religious specialists for ceremonies. Though the Bible and gospel resources exist in Hindi, there are no known believers among them. Pray for spiritual openness, growing literacy, and for the Deha to discover lasting hope in Christ.FinancesWeekly Budget 34,615Giving For 02/22 30,796Giving For 03/01 22,132YTD Budget 1,211,538Giving 1,540,050 OVER/(UNDER) 328,512 Fellowship Youth & College Silent Auction | TONIGHT | 4 pm - 6pmJoin us tonight for a fun and meaningful evening as we support our mission trips to Arlington, TX, and the Czech Republic! Don't miss the chance to bid on delicious baked goods, service certificates, gift baskets, overnight stays, and more—all for a great cause. Light refreshments will be provided as you browse and bid. Childcare is available for ages 6 and under by request (contact Shanna at 501-336-0332).New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Fellowship Men's Breakfast - March 11 | 6:00 a.m.Join us for a great breakfast, fellowship around the table, and time of prayer with other men from our body. As men, we are called to know, love, and serve God, and this is just one opportunity to gather with other believers to live out that calling. Please RSVP to Michael at 501-339-4222 if you are able to attend. Hope to see you on Wednesday, March 11th! Fellowship 101 - April 12 | 9:00 a.m Whether you've been visiting Fellowship Conway for a few weeks or a few months, we'd love to invite you to take the next step in getting connected. Come hear our heart as a church — who we are, what we do, and why we're passionate about it. It's also a welcoming space to ask questions, meet others, and discover how you might grow and serve alongside us. Please register at fellowshipconway.org/register so we can plan well and keep you updated with reminders or any details about the class. If you have questions or would like more information, feel free to reach out to Michael Harrison at mharrison@fellowshipconway.org — we'd love to help you get connected.Fellowship Men's MusterMen's Muster is April 17-19, 2026. Senior Teaching Pastor, Chris Moore, will be our speaker, and the weekend promises to be great for growing spiritually and connecting deeply with other men. Cost is $135 or $85 for a college/High School student. If money is an issue, please check the “contact me” button. We will reach out to see what you are able to pay. Register at fellowshipconway.org/men Holy Week on Hogan StreetPastors from several churches along Hogan Lane have come together to host a special Holy Week gathering, March 30–April 3. Participating pastors include Herschel Richardson of Grace Methodist, Larry White of Woodland Heights, Chase Moser of Cornerstone Bible, Jim Hays of Grace Presbyterian, along with Chris Moore and Ken Wilson from Fellowship Bible Church. You're invited to gather each weekday of Holy Week from 12:00–1:00 pm at Grace Methodist for a brief time of worship, a devotional message from one of the pastors, and a shared meal. Donations will be accepted and directed towards local missions. Crucifixion DinnerYou are invited to join us on Good Friday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. for a meaningful evening of reflection as we remember Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Together, we will share a simple Crucifixion Dinner of broth and bread, setting aside time to consider the depth of His love and the hope made possible through His suffering. Childcare is available for children ages six and under by texting Shanna at 501-336-0332. Please be sure children are fed before being dropped off. Let us gather with grateful hearts as we reflect on the great price that was paid for us.

This episode is part 50 in a study of the gospel of Luke. Jesus is crucified, dies, and is buried on Good Friday. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this part one episode, Kevin and Jennifer Gordon share their remarkable journey through years of infertility, miscarriage, IVF, and adoption—and how, after decades of trusting God through disappointment and unexpected blessings, they now find themselves stepping into an unbelievable new chapter: a pregnancy at 52.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--Kevin and Jennifer Gordon join Tracy and Bryan on the Family Podcast to share the shocking news that Jennifer is pregnant at 52 years old—and how that moment is the latest chapter in a decades-long journey of infertility, grief, faith, and surrender. They rewind to their early marriage dreams of having 2–3 kids, a heartbreaking miscarriage, and years of “nothing, nothing, nothing,” followed by difficult decisions about fertility treatments they didn't fully understand and even feared might be “playing God.” Through prayer, unexpected open doors, and wise counsel from a godly mentor, they eventually pursued IVF—while God was also softening their hearts toward adoption.Their story takes a dramatic turn as God redirects them to adopt their daughter from China, then later leads them back to their frozen embryos—resulting in the birth of their son Eli through IVF and another surprise: a natural pregnancy that brought their third child, Ethan. With three kids and years passing, they left remaining embryos frozen, assuming they'd “deal with it later,” even as a quiet conviction lingered. In recent years, new cultural conversations about embryos reignited the issue, and Jennifer sensed God stirring again. The episode ends at a powerful Good Friday service where she realizes she's been holding a hidden “no” toward God—and she fully surrenders, open to whatever God asks next, even if it means something unimaginable in their 50s.

Daniel Craig returns as the world-renowned detective Benoit Blanc for a case that takes a notably darker, more "Gothic" turn than his previous adventures.The story moves the action to a fictional, insular community in upstate New York. The mystery centers on the death of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), a polarizing and iron-fisted Catholic priest who is killed during a Good Friday service in what appears to be a "perfectly impossible" locked-room murder.   Chad-Medium              Jordan-Medium        Jordan-Medium  

Friends of the Rosary,During Lent, we prepare ourselves for the central events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday.Because of the sins and disobedience of the human race, Christ, the Son of God in human nature, decided to pay for our redemption with his blood.Through his infinite mercy and love for us, he set us free from the slavery of Satan and of sin.God the Father glorified him with the resurrection.The lesson for humans was clear: if we follow Christ, the new Head of humanity, faithfully in these virtues, joys, and sufferings, we will all be offered a share in an eternal life of glory.The victory of Christ over the power of Satan, proclaimed by the Church, should be ours also. Our strength is His. In our weakness, we are strong. The Lord delights in our effort and grants us the most important thing on earth: His grace!Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠March 4, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

March 4, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 7:1-23Daily Lectionary: Genesis 22:1-19; Mark 7:1-23“And he said, ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles him.'” (Mark 7:20)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The topic of food can get complicated these days with all of the diets out there: keto, carnivore, Mediterranean, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc. In Jesus' day, food was a controversial topic. Lines were drawn in the sand. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. There was a food fight going on, so to speak. Certain foods were deemed “clean” and therefore okay to consume, while other foods were considered defiled and dirtied, leaving a person ritually unclean and unable to worship at the Temple. Jesus stops the food fight when He says, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” (Mark 7:14b-15) The disciples have a tough time with this. It's not what their Jewish mothers taught them. They would've been well aware of the clean/unclean categories. Jesus rocks their world when He tells them that food can't defile anyone. Every bite passes the heart and is expelled. Jesus declares all foods clean! So then what makes a person defiled and dirty?Food isn't the real problem since the heart of the problem is the human heart! And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (Mark 7:20-23) No one gets away guilt-free from that list! Ouch! Leaves us all realizing that we have had thoughts, words, and actions that defile and dirty us. We're all in the same boat. We confess together, “I, a poor, miserable sinner!” Dirty and defiled, we deserve damnation! Thanks be to God, we get what we don't deserve! Grace upon grace! Jesus is the One who defiles and dirties Himself! He touches the unclean leper, lifts up the unclean dead, eats and drinks with unclean sinners and tax collectors. He takes upon Himself the dirt and defilement that damns! He bears our sins to die our death! Yes, He cries out those words of abandonment that we'll never have to speak: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). The Temple curtain is torn from top to bottom. The way to the Father is open to all through that godforsaken death on Good Friday. His blood cleanses us from all sin. “Take, drink, this is My blood shed for you for the forgiveness of all your sins.” There is food that sprinkles our hearts clean. Take, drink!       In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Mine is the sin, but Thine the righteousness; Mine is the guilt, but Thine the cleansing blood; Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace: Thy blood, Thy righteousness, O Lord my God. (LSB 631:5)Rev. Aaron Schian is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.We wander through life looking for freedom, only to realize we have listened to the devil's call to serve our selves, our pleasures, and our lusts. Instead of freedom we find ourselves enslaved to sin. We wonder if we have sinned too often, too deep to ever be welcomed back to the Father's home, back into His loving embrace. Have we lost our inheritance as children of God?In this short book, author Bryan Wolfmueller digs into the popular parable of the Prodigal Son to bring hope and aid to our hurting conscience. Wolfmueller proclaims the freedom-giving Gospel that through Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection, our place in the Father's house is secure, and forgiveness and welcome are ours in His outstretched arms. Fully Free, now available from CPH.

Today is day 61 and we are in the section on the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed on Jesus Christ the Son of God. Today we are on the seventh line: “He suffered under Pontius Pilate” and studying question 61. 61. How do Jesus' sufferings help you? Jesus has experienced our sufferings, understands our sorrows, and is able to sympathize with our weakness. Therefore, I should bear my sufferings with perseverance and hope, for my Savior is with me in them, and through them I will come to know him more fully. (Job 9:32–35; Psalm 22:22–26; Isaiah 53:4–7; Luke 4:1–13; Hebrews 4:14–5:10) We will conclude today with The Collect for Good Friday found on page 608 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

John 14:15-31 - Empowered Like Jesus  |  Series: Not Alone - Easter 2026  | Upper Room Discourse |  Ben Purvis, Groups Minister |  Preached 3-01-26 10:45am  Tag: Easter, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Fasting, Prayer, Last Supper, Jesus, Disciples, Teaching, Upper Room, Holy Spirit, Orphan, Represented, Home, Love, Rise, Secure, Strength, Hearts

In Luke 23, Jesus speaks His first words from the cross: “Father, forgive them.” Instead of anger or revenge, He responds to His enemies with mercy. These words reveal why forgiveness is at the center of the Gospel.

John 14:15-31 - Empowered Like Jesus  |  Series: Not Alone - Easter 2026  | Upper Room Discourse |  Ben Purvis, Groups Minister |  Preached 3-01-26 10:45am  Tag: Easter, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Fasting, Prayer, Last Supper, Jesus, Disciples, Teaching, Upper Room, Holy Spirit, Orphan, Represented, Home, Love, Rise, Secure, Strength, Hearts

Set to the Irish air ‘Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore,' this song captures the lament of the Psalm while adding a drive and energy that brings to light the hope offered at its conclusion. This Psalm typically accompanies reflections on Good Friday, though it is an important accompaniment to any time in which we struggle with a sense of forsakenness.Get your accompanying journal, which includes further questions for reflection and some invitations to prayer and practicePaid subscribers receive a free journal PDF, or you can purchase a paperback versionVisit the Celtic Psalms website for scores/books, mp3s, CDs, and videos for My God, My God Find out more about the Habits for the Spirit course: an 8-week online course exploring habits and daily spiritual practices to promote wellbeing in body, mind, and spiritFollow Kiran's monthly reflections on Bless My FeetPsalms for the Spirit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers).  Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Essentials Part 6– A Peculiar People” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Join us today as we kickoff our new series called The Way of The Cross. Over the next six weeks we will trace Jesus' journey toward his death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday! This Sunday, Zach W. Lambert is preaching about Jesus' Baptism.We are here live-streaming every Sunday at 9:30am CT. If you'd like to connect with Restore, go to www.restoreaustin.org/connect.Resources Referenced:Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament by Christopher J.H. WrightThe Wilderness by Lana Van EssenThe Gospel of Luke by Joel B. Green

This was a Fourth of July where there would be no fireworks. Just a lot of tears. It was raining when the campers went to sleep that night. But no one knew that the Guadalupe River would turn into a raging flood while they slept. The girls at Mystic Camp were awakened by that flood smashing into their cabins. Some were able to escape. Twenty-four could not. A few days ago, the President recalled that awful night. In the middle of his State of the Union address. He told the story of one of the Mystic Camp girls. Her name, Milly Cate. Eleven years old. In the midst of the surging flood, she prayed for God to save her. And a man who seemed to come out of nowhere, did. I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about "Hope When The Water Is Rising." He was Scott Ruskan. Coast Guard rescue swimmer. You know those guys who come down from a chopper to rescue people from oceans and housetops. Now Scott had gone to college to major in accounting. But Somewhere along the way, he decided his calling was to rescue. But this was his first mission. And he was the answer to Milly Cate's prayer. We know that because the President of the United States told us told the story. He said, "As the waters threatened to sweep her away, 11-year-old Milly Cate McClymond closed her eyes and prayed to God she thought she was going to die. Those prayers were answered when Coast Guard rescuer Scott Ruskan descended from a helicopter above." You know Milly Cate was one of 164 people that he rescued that awful night. He was the only first responder around. The President introduced him and then honored him on the spot with the prestigious Legion of Merit medal for "exceptionally meritorious conduct." But his real "award," well that was the young girl next to him. Milly Cate. Who, facing almost certain death, had one hope that night. A rescuer from above. Thank God, he came. You know in a way, that's my story, too. And, no doubt, the story of many who are hearing this. I want you to hear our word for the day from the Word of God. It tells the greatest rescue story of all. Galatians 1:4: "Jesus gave His life for us... to rescue us." Now with Good Friday approaching, that's what that middle cross at a place called Skull Hill was all about. The greatest act of love in the history of mankind. As the Bible explains, "He carried our sins in His own body on the tree" (1 Peter 2:24). And that's because instead of living for the One who gave us our life, we have raised our fist and said, "You run the universe, God - I'll run me." And spiritual hijacking carries an unspeakable, eternal death penalty. So there I was, I stood facing the onrushing flood of the judgment of Almighty God. Nothing I could do could pay that death penalty. And here is the stunning rescue story that captured my heart forever. I did the sinning. God's Son did the dying! That's how much He loves me, and you. The Rescuer from above didn't just risk His life to save us. He gave His life. And like a camper facing death that tragic night, my only hope was a Rescuer from above. And I'm compelled to say this today. And get to you with this message, because I don't want you or anybody to miss Him. God says, "I have set before you life and death. Now choose life" (Deuteronomy 30:19). I pray you will do that this day. If you have never reached out to the Rescuer to be your rescuer from your sin take care of that now. Say, "Jesus I am yours from this day forward." Check out our website would you, because there you will find what you need know to be sure you belong to Him. It's ANewStory.com. Because when Jesus comes to rescue you, you ought to grab His hand. Because Hope has come.

One of the perennial discussions in the Reformed tradition is over the frequency with which we ought to observe and partake in the Lord's Supper together. In the history of the CRC, it was common to partake quarterly and on Good Friday. But the growing trend today in the Reformed and Presbyterian churches seems to be going the other direction, toward weekly celebration. In this week's episode we aim to mine the Scriptures and the Reformed tradition's great luminaries to show that while there is no express command, there does seem to be a general push for more frequency rather than less.   The article we mention in the episode from Resurrection OPC in Matthews, NC can be found here: https://www.rpcmatthews.org/articles/reformed-theologians-on-the-frequency-of-communion-past-amp-present ----more---- Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Greg Wheatley, host of the online music platform Sound of Majesty, joins Wayne Shepherd and gives a brief biographical sketch of two great composers. (click for more...)    Website:  www.soundofmajesty.orgIn this edition of First Person, Wayne Shepherd interviews Greg Wheatley, host of SoundofMajesty.org, about the life, faith, and musical legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach, with additional insights into Felix Mendelssohn. Wheatley explains that Bach, a devout Lutheran, viewed all his work as done for the glory of God, often signing his compositions “Soli Deo Gloria.” They discuss Bach's monumental St. Matthew Passion, highlighting its theological depth and intricate craftsmanship, originally written for Good Friday worship. The conversation also explores how Mendelssohn revived Bach's music nearly a century after his death, sparking renewed appreciation for his genius. Throughout the discussion, Wheatley emphasizes that classical sacred music, though sometimes perceived as complex, remains spiritually accessible and deeply moving for listeners today.                                              NEXT WEEK:  Phil CallawaySend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting CompanyP.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

Lawmakers are trying to bring more holidays to the state of Utah, including Good Friday. Greg and Holly discuss the details.  

Ciara Moore, founder of Northern Ireland's first Restorative Reproductive Medicine clinic, sits down with Carmela to share her deeply personal journey through 15 years of secondary infertility. Ciara speaks frankly about a life-changing conversation in a confessional on Good Friday, navigating conflicting advice from priests, and the heartbreak of a miscarriage after IVF. Her story […] L'articolo Northern Soul – Catholic Infertility Treatment – Carmela and Ciara Moore from Calm Fertility Care proviene da Radio Maria.

Today we're bringing you an episode with Esau McCaulley, from the Lenten season of 2023. Esau sees Lent as a practice of collective generational wisdom, passed down through centuries of sacramental rhythms—but as a contemporary reality, Lent is a spiritual rebellion against mainstream American culture. He construes Lent as a season of repentance and grace; he points out the justice practices of Lent; he walks through a Christian understanding of death, and the beautiful practice of stripping the altars on Maundy Thursday; and he's emphatic about how it's a guided season of pursuing the grace to find (or perhaps return) to yourself as God has called you to be. In his classic text, Great Lent, Orthodox priest and theologian Alexander Schmemann calls this season one of “bright sadness”—an important paradox that represents both Christian realism and hope. Lent is not about gloom, self-loathing, performative penitence, or despair. Instead it brings us face to face with our human condition, reminding us that we did not bring ourselves into being and someday we will die, sober about the reality and banality of evil, and sorrowful in a way that leads back to joy. Esau McCaulley is The Jonathan Blanchard Associate Professor of New Testament and Public Theology at Wheaton College, a contributing writer for the New York Times, and is author of many books, including children's books. Notables are Reading While Black, a theology of Lent, and his latest: How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family's Story of Hope and Survival in the American South. This episode was made possible in part by the generous support of the Tyndale House Foundation. For more information, visit tyndale.foundation. About Esau McCaulley Esau McCaulley is The Jonathan Blanchard Associate Professor of New Testament and Public Theology at Wheaton College, a contributing writer for the New York Times, and is author of many books, including children's books. Notables are Reading While Black, a theology of Lent, and his latest: How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family's Story of Hope and Survival in the American South. Learn more at https://esaumccaulley.com/. Show Notes Lent: The Season of Repentance and Renewal — https://esaumccaulley.com/books/lent-book/ Commodifying our rebellion—the agency on offer is a thin, weakened agency. Repentance, grace, and finding (or returning to) yourself Examination of conscience The Great Litany: “For our blindness to human need and suffering, and our indifference to injustice and cruelty. Except our repentance, Lord.” The beauty of Christianity “Liturgical spirituality is not safe. God can jump out and get you at any moment in the service.” “The great thing about the, the, the season of Blend in the liturgical calendar more broadly is it gives you a thousand different entry points into transformation.” Lent is bookended by death. Black death, Coronavirus death, War death. Jesus defeated death as our great enemy. “Everybody that I know and I care about are gonna die. Everybody.” “I, as a Christian, believe that because we're going to die. our lives are of infinite value and the decisions that we make and the kinds of people we become are the only testimony that we have and that I have chosen to, to, in light of my impending death, put my faith in the one who overcame death.” Two realities: We're going to die and Jesus defeated death. Stripping of the Altars on Maundy Thursday. Silent processional in black; Good Friday celebrates no eucharist. “I'm, like, the one Pauline scholar who doesn't like to argue about justification all of the time.” Good Friday's closing prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, son of the living God, we pray you to set your passion cross and death between your judgment and our souls.” “You end Lent with: Something has to come between God's judgement and our souls. And that thing is Jesus.” “Lent is God loving you enough to tell you the truth about yourself, but not condemning you for it, but actually saying that you can be better than that.” Production Notes This podcast featured Esau McCaulley Edited and Produced by Evan Rosa Hosted by Evan Rosa Production Assistance by Macie Bridge, Luke Stringer, and Kaylen Yun. A Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/about Support For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give Acknowledgements This episode was made possible in part by the generous support of Blueprint 1543. For more information, visit http://blueprint1543.org/.

2602 talks about the Guthrie investigation.  Experience tells law enforcement that she is not alive, but she still needs to be found.  I talk about cases that relate to how I would handle the situation.  Episodes 17 Fairmont Quad.  32 Good Friday and 2408 speak of how to get it done.

Friends of the Rosary,Lent is a period of preparation for the central events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Christ, the Son of God in human nature, died on the cross on Good Friday because of the sins of the human race.By being obedient to his heavenly Father, Christ made atonement for all our disobediences and set us free from the slavery of Satan and of sin.In his resurrection, his human nature was glorified by God the Father, and if we follow Christ faithfully in this life, we will all be offered a share in an eternal life of glory.During the forty days of Lenten, we make a commitment to fasting or giving up certain things in our lives as an act of penitence.The number 40 is significant throughout Scripture; Noah was on the Ark for 40 days, Moses fasted 40 days before receiving the Ten Commandments, and Jesus spent 40 days fasting in preparation for His work on earth.The celebration of Lent is not a commandment but an opportunity to renew our faith and edify our spirit.Today is the Optional Memorial of St. Polycarp of Smyrna (69-155), who was converted to Christianity by St. John the Evangelist. He was a disciple of the apostles and a friend of St. Ignatius of Antioch. He suffered martyrdom in 155 by burning at the stake in the amphitheater of Smyrna.Today's Gospel tells us that we must practice charity and perform works of mercy to all, without distinction, in the name of Christ. When our Blessed Lord comes to us in the Eucharist today, he will give us the joy of hearing his invitation to possess the kingdom prepared for us by his Father from the foundation of the world.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠February 23, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

John 14:1-14 - Facing Turbulence  |  Series: Not Alone - Easter 2026  | Upper Room Discourse |  Sam Holm, Lead Pastor |  Preached 2-22-26 10:45am  Tag: Easter, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Fasting, Prayer, Last Supper, Jesus, Disciples, Teaching, Upper Room, Plane, Fly, Trouble, Airplane, Help, Pilot, Trust, Grace, Ask, Pray

John 14:1-14 - Facing Turbulence  |  Series: Not Alone - Easter 2026  | Upper Room Discourse |  Sam Holm, Lead Pastor |  Preached 2-22-26 10:45am  Tag: Easter, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Fasting, Prayer, Last Supper, Jesus, Disciples, Teaching, Upper Room, Plane, Fly, Trouble, Airplane, Help, Pilot, Trust, Grace, Ask, Pray

At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers).  Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Essentials Part 5 – The Holy Spirit” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Matthew 4:1-11Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written,‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,' and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.' ” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' ”Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.' ” Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. Some of you might have seen my Facebook post last week about how I was listening to Brandi Carlile in preparation for the show Christa and I saw on Friday, up in Chicago. (Brandi Carlile sings “The Story” that we sang in worship last year every Wednesday, during Lent. She's the woman who sang “America the Beautiful” before the Super Bowl a couple of weeks, too. She's one of my favorites.) Anyway, with today's Gospel on my brain, my concert-prep turned into sermon-prep when her duet with Brandy Clark showed up in my playlist by way of a song called, “Same Devil.”Among other things, in this song about the way evil sneaks into our lives the Brandies sing:Everybody's got some kind of hellJust different levelsDifferent demonsSame devilHe don't knockHe walks right inAnd if you're not watchin'You'll run right into himSame wrong, different rightDifferent tunnel, same bright lightEverybody lookin' for God on every levelDifferent demonsSame damn devilIt felt like the universe and my Spotify playlist were on the same page as the lectionary and this perennial story of Jesus' temptation showed up at the beginning of another Lent.And as we live into and begin this season of Lent together, as we consider a journey to the Cross of Good Friday and as we look forward to the hope of Easter, what does this little game of “Truth or Dare” between Jesus and the Devil have to do with us? What does this duel of wit and willpower, good and evil, Truth and temptation have to do with you or with me?For my money, the power of this story comes in its persistent relevance – the nearness of this devil and the evil he represents; these temptations that belong to us just as much as they showed up for Jesus; the way we're all “looking for God on every level,” as the song goes; how we each struggle with different demons, but it's the same damn devil – the same evil of Sin and temptation – that dogs us all, that walks right in on every one of us, without knocking, at some time or another in our lives.And the evidence of how prolific it is – this sin, this evil, this temptation – and the impact of our capacity to choose and fall victim to it, is everywhere.Remember that unfaithful couple who got caught red-handed on the Kiss Cam at the Coldplay concert this summer? Their temptation – and its ramifications – were as public as it gets.And did you see the controversy over that Canadian Olympic curler who, video evidence seems to show, just couldn't resist poking that stone ever-so slightly and every-so slyly, over the line and outside of the rules? And it can be deeper and darker than any of that, of course, too.We've all heard about the man who shot and killed that police officer in Beech Grove, Brian Elliott, last week. What Devil … what Evil … what choices rolled around in his heart of hearts before he made the worst, wrong decision to pull the trigger last Monday evening?And how about those social media oligarchs who are on trial for manipulating algorithms to influence the hearts and minds and lives of us all – and especially our young people – for the sake of more of our time, more of our allegiance, more of their money. What Devil of greed and power must be whispering in their ear and winning their allegiance in all of that?And what about those Epstein Files? What ugly, depraved, sinful temptation crept into the mind and body of every grown man who's name – redacted or not – released or still hidden – is listed in that infamous and evil treasure trove of sin?Obviously, temptation and its results in the world surround us. All over the place, people are trying in all the wrong ways to prove their worth, to put their God to the test, to gain and abuse power, to test the limits of Sin. In other words, too many take the dare every time. And sometimes, if we're honest, the sort of cosmic “Truth or Dare” – this duel between truth and temptation – is even closer than the evening news.I'm grateful and pray that most of us won't ever have the chance to play this game on a world-sized stage or with such devastating results, but we're familiar with the wilderness Jesus finds himself in this morning, are we not?We can always measure and minimize our sinfulness against something as ugly and depraved as the Epstein Files, but we can also opt to misuse privilege and abuse power in ways that shame children or that take advantage of others unfairly.We may not have the capacity to commit corporate-level fraud … but there's always the option of being honest with our taxes; and we decide daily what “enough” is for us and with whom we will share our treasures – our God or our greed.We may not have influence over something as grand as the Olympic games, but we are faced often with the opportunity to choose, to support, and to vote for fairness, equity, and justice.We may never get caught cheating on the big screen at Madison Square Garden, but we make choices daily about whether to treat our spouses or significant others with integrity – or not. Truth or Dare. The nature of the game has changed for those of us who find ourselves playing it NOT at birthday parties or in our pajamas at a sleep-over, but in our offices and in our schools and in our relationships and in our churches, too.So maybe the greatest lesson we learn here is the simple fact that Jesus had to play this game, too. We've learned of Jesus' coming to be with us – to be like us – as a baby in a manger. And we're preparing to witness again that he died like we will, too. But it's easy to forget that, in the meantime, even while he was preaching and teaching and healing and doing all kinds of miraculous things, Jesus was tempted and tested just like us as well.The same damn devil that hounds us all … the same evil with which we contend … knocked on Jesus' door, too.But, thankfully, Jesus – as one of us – shows us how to play the game more faithfully. Jesus could have answered the temptations of evil by changing stones into bread and he could have jumped head-first off the top of the temple and lived, but where would that leave you and me? Who of us here can respond to temptation with that kind of power?That's why the hope for me in this morning's Gospel is that Jesus dealt with the evil that confronted him without miracles, without relying on his own wisdom and without even his friends, his family and his disciples to help bail him out, that day in the wilderness. Jesus relied on nothing more and nothing less than his faith in the God who loved him, no matter what. The God who – at his baptism, not long before – had declared him beloved; and with whom God was already and always “well pleased.” And there's hope in that good news for each of us.Because of that, we get to see that faith is not only about miracles, grand gestures, and demonstrations of power – like the Devil likes to pretend. Jesus' proved – even in the darkest moments of his temptations – in his solitude, when no one was looking – that faith is about nothing more and nothing less than relying on the Word, the promises, the Truth, and the love of God.So I don't know what your greatest temptations may be – the juicy stuff – vices of drink or drug or pornography or gambling, maybe. The small sacrifices some of us give up for Lent – chocolate, coffee, cursing, or social media, perhaps. (Frankly, I don't believe God cares as much about those thing as the world likes to pretend – unless or until they do damage to our lives, our relationships, or to the world around us, of course.)Maybe what tempts you is harder to see – the temptation to keep holding that grudge, or to refuse that forgiveness; the temptation to selfishness or pride or perfection; the temptation to let your fears and your grief trump your faith and your hope, too much of the time.Whatever the case, Jesus shows us today that, because of his victory – not just that day in the wilderness but in his victory over the cross, too – that because he has already won the game between truth and temptation, between good and evil, between life and death, you and I get to play it all differently.Because of his victory, new dares, new challenges and new lives are ours for the taking. Let us be tempted, then, to trust in our own forgiveness – so that we might share that kind of mercy with others. Let us be tempted to more gratitude and generosity. Let us be tempted to live knowing joy and hope and expectation of better things to come.And let us be tempted to share, more often and more generously, an abundance of grace with ourselves, each other, and the world – not because we're plagued by the same damn devil – but because we're claimed by the same loving God, in Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen

(February 20, 2026) IT’S FOODIE FRIDAY! Food enthusiast and host of ‘The Fork Report’ on KFI Neil Saavedra joins Bill to talk about the best produce to buy to shrink grocery spending, how to celebrate the Lunar New Year with food, and the Lenton season bringing out fish sandwiches out in full force. The show closes with ‘Ask Handel Anything.’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IT’S FOODIE FRIDAY! Food enthusiast and host of ‘The Fork Report’ on KFI Neil Saavedra joins Bill to talk about the best produce to buy to shrink grocery spending, how to celebrate the Lunar New Year with food, and the Lenton season bringing out fish sandwiches out in full force.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A teacher "Feel Good" that has us in TEARS! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick answers questions about scrupulosity, church authority on fasting, and the controversy within the Book of Mormon. He addresses callers' concerns about justice regarding the Epstein files and explores struggles with illness and faith by sharing stories and recommending saints. The discussion jumps between practical advice, personal stories, and moments of spiritual insight as Patrick looks at Abraham’s trust and the uniqueness of Christ’s sacrifice. Darwin (email) - Can you expand on what scrupulosity is? (00:35) Mary Anne - What do you tell people who are Mormon or interesting in becoming Mormon? (05:59) Luis - Why do we not eat meat on Ash Wednesday or Good Friday? It doesn't say this in the Bible, according to my coworkers. (11:29) Carmen - Why hasn't Patrick talked about the Epstein files? Aren't we as Catholics supposed to talk about this? (18:41) Christopher - I am in OCIA right now. I have heard that Jesus is spotless. What makes Jesus's sacrifice more important than others? (26:11) Phyllis - My friend has OCD. She seems scrupulous about taking God's name in vain. How can I help her? (30:25) Alex – Today’s Gospel reading; what does Jesus mean by carrying your cross but then says to have faith in another passage? (36:12) Lili - God doesn't ask anything from us that he wouldn't give to us as well. It reminds me of the Crucifixion. (46:25)

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Ashes signal a beginning, not an ending. We open Lent by choosing a clear path: daily readings from Divine Intimacy and a simple, sturdy way to pray that draws us into God's love without performance. The Teresian method becomes our map—presence, reading, meditation, colloquy—so prayer shifts from theory to encounter. Instead of grand gestures, we aim for honest conversation with the One who already loves us, letting doctrine nourish devotion and guide the heart.From the very start, the message is sharp: remember you are dust. That truth doesn't crush; it clarifies. We talk about mortality as a gift that resets priorities, nudging us to detach from what fades and choose what lasts—charity, fidelity, and a steady pursuit of holiness. Then we turn to penance with the nuance it deserves. Fasting and abstinence matter, but only as signs of a deeper conversion. Rend hearts, not garments. Keep sacrifices hidden, mortify self-love first, and let humility give your practices weight. We break down the basics—Ash Wednesday and Good Friday fasting, Friday abstinence in Lent—and gently challenge you to go beyond the bare minimum if health allows. Detachment reveals desire; desire finds God.Along the way, we stay practical and pastoral. Keep Sundays free from fasting. If a fuller abstinence helps, keep it. Pair fasting with daily, focused prayer; use the colloquy to turn belief into love. Revisit the Cross through the Stations. If you need inspiration, the saints are close at hand—Teresa, Thérèse, John of the Cross—teaching us to build intimacy on solid ground. Our goal isn't a tougher checklist but a truer heart, one that moves from ashes to Easter with purpose.Want to journey with us? Subscribe for daily releases on YouTube and audio, share this with a friend who needs a Lenten reset, and leave a review with your own practice this season. Let's seek what endures together.Support the showGoFundMe for Catholic couple in need: https://gofund.me/314382e0dCheck out our new sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off!Want the best potato chips in the world? Head over to fatthins.com and use code AB10 for 10% off!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Friends of the Rosary,Today, February 18, is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, the solemn observance of the central act of human history: the redemption of the human race by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Lent is the ancient penitential time that precedes the Holy Week and the Paschal Triduum—Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil, before the Easter season, the joy of the Resurrection with the celebration of Christ's passing over from death to life.These forty days of penance in Lent start with the sacramental of the imposition of ashes during Mass, a sign of conversion, penance, fasting, humility, human mortality, and the need to be redeemed by the mercy of God.The ashes are made from the palms used at the previous Passion Sunday ceremonies.Today, and all Fridays during Lent, all the baptized abstain from eating meat. We also do some little fasting, eating only one full meal or two smaller meals.Lent is a time for conversion to Jesus Christ and the deepening of our friendship with him. The human challenge of continual conversion requires the disciplines of Lent: fasting, almsgiving, and intensified prayer.Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• February 18, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021826.cfmThe world has its “small-g gods”: sex, money, and power. In this powerful Lenten homily, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC explains how the consecrated religious counter them through poverty, chastity, and obedience—but what about the laity?The answer is the Church's timeless Lenten call: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.Fasting disciplines the flesh and breaks the grip of pleasure. Almsgiving loosens our attachment to money by giving not from surplus, but from sacrifice. Prayer humbles our desire for control and power, reminding us that God is in charge—not us. These are not random practices; they are spiritual weapons.Father Chris reminds us that Lent occurs 46 days before Easter, with 40 days of fasting (Sundays excluded). Ash Wednesday—first named in 1091 under Pope Urban II—flows from ancient Jewish penitential practice and early Christian public penance. The ashes, made from burned palms, are sacramentals, not the Eucharist itself. They symbolize our mortality: “Remember you are dust.”Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting (ages 18–59) and abstinence (14+). All Fridays of Lent require abstinence from meat. Fridays throughout the year remain penitential days.Lent is 10% of the calendar year—a perfect tithe of time. As Father shares, the currency of friendship is time. If we love God, we give Him time.This Lent is not about giving up bad things. It's about surrendering lesser goods to seek the Greatest Good. Deny yourself. Take up your cross. Follow Christ. ★ Support this podcast ★

Please Join us for Ash Wednesday on Wednesday, February 18th at 10:00am at St. Adalbert Church 160 S. 15th St. Pittsburgh, PA 15203 and at 7:00pm at St. Mary of the Mount Church at 407 Grandview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211 Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence in the United States. . The obligation of abstinence (refraining from eating meat) begins at the age of 14. The law of fasting (limiting oneself to one full meal and two lighter meals) obliges all between the ages of 18-59. No one should consider this obligation lightly. . Those individuals who have a medical condition in which fasting may be considered harmful are not obligated to fast but should perform some other act of penance or Charity. . Pastors and parents are to see to it that minors, though not bound by the law of fast and abstinence, are educated in the authentic sense of penance and encouraged to do acts of penance suitable to their age. . All members of the Christian Faithful are encouraged to do acts of penance and charity during the Lenten season beyond what is prescribed by the law. . As a general rule, a request for dispensation from the obligation of abstinence on Fridays of Lent will not be considered unless some serious reason is present. The attendance at social events, banquets, wedding rehearsals or receptions, or funeral wakes are not considered Sufficient reason to request a dispensation. Opening: #949 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus Readings: #1107 Psalm: Ps: 119 Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord (Mayernik) Presentation: #853 All People That on Earth do dwell Closing: #685 How Can I keep from Singing All music reproduced and streamed with permission from ONE LICENSE, license #A-723939. Organist: Sarah SinkMars Celebrant: Father Jerome Atinúkẹ́ and Deacon Frank Szemanski Today's readings (via USCCB): bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading For more information, visit our parish website at MaryQueenofPeacePGH.org.

John 13:31-38 - Cross Shaped Love  |  Series: Not Alone - Easter 2026  | Upper Room Discourse |  Sam Holm, Lead Pastor |  Preached 2-15-26 10:45am  Tag: Easter, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Fasting, Prayer, Last Supper, Jesus, Disciples, Teaching, Upper Room, Serve, Glorify God, Satan, Cross, Life, Friend, Bus

"Beyond Sunday" are episodes from Adam and Narrate staff that dive deeper into our life with Christ. Lent is coming! Adam, Hannah, and Leslie talk all things Lent, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and the Wednesday prayer services. Reach out if you'd like to talk more about building your own lent practice this year.

-Rob Carson celebrates a “Friday tsunami of winning”, mixing Benghazi justice, market highs, and Trump RX drug prices that shock even people who don't take prescriptions. -Tony Kinnett from The Daily Signal joins via the Newsmax hotline, roasting media freakouts, voter-ID panic, and the left's habit of declaring entire groups of Americans “too dumb” to function— while everyone else notices the economy improving. Today's podcast is sponsored by : RELIEF FACTOR - You don't need to live with aches & pains! Reduce muscle & joint inflammation and live a pain-free life by visiting http://ReliefFactor.com  BIRCH GOLD - Protect and grow your retirement savings with gold. Text ROB to 98 98 98 for your FREE information kit! To call in and speak with Rob Carson live on the show, dial 1-800-922-6680 between the hours of 12 Noon and 3:00 pm Eastern Time Monday through Friday…E-mail Rob Carson at : RobCarsonShow@gmail.com Musical parodies provided by Jim Gossett (http://patreon.com/JimGossettComedy) Listen to Newsmax LIVE and see our entire podcast lineup at http://Newsmax.com/Listen Make the switch to NEWSMAX today! Get your 15 day free trial of NEWSMAX+ at http://NewsmaxPlus.com Looking for NEWSMAX caps, tees, mugs & more? Check out the Newsmax merchandise shop at : http://nws.mx/shop Follow NEWSMAX on Social Media:  -Facebook: http://nws.mx/FB  -X/Twitter: http://nws.mx/twitter -Instagram: http://nws.mx/IG -YouTube: https://youtube.com/NewsmaxTV -Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsmaxTV -TRUTH Social: https://truthsocial.com/@NEWSMAX -GETTR: https://gettr.com/user/newsmax -Threads: http://threads.net/@NEWSMAX  -Telegram: http://t.me/newsmax  -BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/newsmax.com -Parler: http://app.parler.com/newsmax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices