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Born in Time, Born into Glory . . . A Christmas Lesson For All of Us Today's Homily centers on the profound pairing of Christmas Day and the Feast of St. Stephen, . . . . . . highlighting the mystery of Christ's Incarnation alongside the Church's first martyr. Christ humbles Himself, laying aside heavenly glory to enter human fragility, while Stephen, in turn, lays aside earthly life to be clothed in heavenly glory. This contrast reveals a single pattern: humble self-giving leads to exaltation. Stephen's Martyrdom Stephen's martyrdom mirrors Christ's own Passion . . . not only in rejection and death outside the city, but most strikingly in his prayer of forgiveness for his persecutors. His final words reveal the true mark of life in the Holy Spirit: not power or eloquence, but radical love and trust. The Gospel's warning about persecution is fulfilled in Stephen, who does not rely on rehearsed words or self-control, but allows the Spirit to speak through him. The Homily emphasizes that martyrdom is not primarily suffering or death, but testimony . . . a witness forged through ordinary, daily faithfulness. Saints are not made by extraordinary moments alone, but by perseverance in fidelity. In Stephen, the Church sees not only the first martyr, but the pattern for all believers: faithfulness today prepares us for whatever witness tomorrow may demand. Listen more to Born in Time, Born into Glory . . . A Christmas Lesson For All of Us -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Quote from the Homily This is Jesus Christ, In his Incarnation, He leaves heavenly glory and veils the light of His being in fragile human flesh. And on this day, Stephen, the martyr, rudely stoned, and put to death, lays aside the fragility of his body that he might be vested and robed in the glory of the victorious realm . . . -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work The Martyrdom of St Stephen: Italian Painter: Annibale Carracci: 1603 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why was this image selected: Carracci's painting shows Stephen at the moment of violent death, yet spiritually lifted beyond it. The painting embodies the Homily 's central contrast: Christ born into time, Stephen born into eternity . . . two “birthdays” revealing the same divine victory. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 10: 17-22 First Reading: Acts 6: 8-10; 7: 54-59
In today's world, Christian beliefs are often considered intolerant. Would it be kinder and more loving if we softened the Gospel message to make it more acceptable? The Bible's answer is a resounding “No!” Find out why on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of a special sermon ‘There Is No Other Stream — Part One' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!
Segment 1 • Todd and Scott show that friendship can be retained through disagreements. • Sarcasm, speed, and shallow online takes destroy meaningful conversations. • The gospel must be at the front of pro-life work. Segment 2 • Atheists can follow the logic of pro-life arguments—but without God, they borrow Christian morality. • Scott sees pro-life work as a Great Commission issue, not just a cultural cause. • Gospel clarity matters: imputed righteousness vs. infused goodness makes all the difference. Segment 3 • Can Christians work with Catholics, rabbis, and others on pro-life issues without endorsing false unity? • Scott speaks at ecumenical events, but maintains theological distinctions. • Abolition vs. incrementalism isn't a moral divide. We all want the same outcome. Segment 4 • Everyone's an abolitionist in principle, but our political reality often forces incremental action. • True moral conviction works within constraints to save as many as possible. • Incremental efforts have saved lives, and abandoning them over idealism can cost more innocent lives. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!
Today's reading is John 1-3. . . . . This month, we are reading from the New Living Translation and you can also follow along in our Let's Read the Gospels: A Guided Journal! . . . . Follow Let's Read the Gospels on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook . . . . Your ratings and reviews help us spread the Gospel to new friends! If you love this podcast, rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts and leave us a brief review! You can do the same on Spotify and on Google Podcasts as well. . . . . Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do I read my Bible? What's special about the Gospel of Mark? Who is the Messiah? In today's episode, Patrick kicks off our 2026 journey through the Gospels with Mark 1:1-15, encouraging us repent and believe in King Jesus. Read the Bible with us in 2026! This year, we're exploring the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Download your reading plan now. Want to learn even more about the Gospels? Tune into Not Just Sunday. Your support makes TMBT possible. Ten Minute Bible Talks is a crowd-funded project. Join the TMBTeam to reach more people with the Bible. Give now. Like this content? Make sure to leave us a rating and share it so that others can find it, too. Use #asktmbt to connect with us, ask questions, and suggest topics. We'd love to hear from you! To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @TenMinuteBibleTalks. Don't forget to subscribe to the TMBT Newsletter here. Passages: Mark 1:1-15
We're back with a brand-new series, Not Just Stories: A Guide to the Gospels! Over the next few weeks, we'll be tackling your questions surrounding the Gospels in hopes that we all get more from this important section of Scripture designed to introduce us to and draw us closer to Jesus. When God's Spirit is at work in us, one of the most natural desires we develop is to know His Word. In this episode, Keith and Patrick kick off this new series by answering a few foundational questions to help us understand his Word more deeply: Who wrote the Gospels? When were they written? Who were they written for? And can we trust that the events they describe really happened? Along the way, they explore historical evidence, eyewitness testimony, and why the Gospels deserve far more confidence than they're often given. This episode lays the groundwork for reading the Gospels, not just faithfully, but thoughtfully.
An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart Day Seven When the Light Confronts the World Scripture “Herod was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”Matthew 2:3 Reflection Epiphany reveals Christ as Light for the world. Yet the Gospel shows that this Light does not bring peace to every place it enters. When news of the Child ... Read more The post Day 7 – When the Light Confronts the World – An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Making amends, making repairs is even more powerful than self forgiveness or self-compassion. When you learn to fix the harms you've caused you can truly find emotional freedom. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Where to find Dr. Sarah Michaud https://www.youtube.com/@leavingcrazytown https://drsarahmichaud.com/ Ted Talk: Our story of rape and reconciliation - Thordis Elva and Tom Stranger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyPoqFcvt9w In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Michaud and I explore the profound themes of self-compassion, forgiveness, and the importance of making amends. We discuss how guilt and shame can manifest in our lives and the courage required to face our mistakes. Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction. And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services. Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC
“Jesus replied, ‘The most important commandment is this: “Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” The second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” No other commandment is greater than these.’” (Mark 12:29–31 NLT) In this month’s devotions, we’re going to look at the Gospel of Mark. And we’re going to start with one of the key passages of the New Testament. According to Mark 12:28, “One of the teachers of religious law” asked Jesus, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” (NLT). He was testing Jesus. At that time, Jewish religious leaders recognized over 600 different laws. And they spent a lot of time ranking them according to importance. The questioner wanted Jesus to say something controversial so that Jesus’ enemies could use it against Him. Instead, Jesus gave him the wisdom of the ages. “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these” (Mark 12:29–31 NLT). With those words, Jesus highlighted the connection between loving God and living in a way that pleases Him. He established the template of the Christian life. If you really love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, then you will not want to break the other commandments. If you really love God as you ought to, then you will not take His name in vain, have other gods before Him, or make images that you bow down before. And if you really love your neighbor as yourself, you will not steal from him. You will not covet what belongs to him. And certainly, you will not kill him. So, if we master the basics of loving God and loving others as we ought to, then obeying other commandments will come naturally. In daily life, this looks like resisting temptation instead of choosing what feels good in the moment. In fact, it looks like making daily choices that keep you away from tempting situations. It looks like studying God’s Word purposefully to become acquainted with what pleases Him. It looks like keeping open a line of communication with Him—a daily prayer routine through which you receive guidance, direction, and encouragement. Augustine said, “Love, and do what you will.” It’s a provocative statement, but it makes sense. If you really love God as you ought to—with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength—then you will naturally do what He wants you to do. Reflection question: How do you know when you’re loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Bishop Alan DiDio for a focused prophetic briefing on 2026 and why we believe the Age of Grace is moving toward a turning point. We unpack Isaiah 46 and the idea that human history is following a prophetic timeline. There's about to be a Renewal of the Watchman's call in 2026.
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260101dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Galatians 4:4-5 The Greatest Christmas Gift Many people assume Christmas is just a single day, December 25th, or perhaps two if you count Christmas Eve. But it is, in fact, a season of twelve days. Today is the eighth day of Christmas, and God has another present for you to unwrap: the greatest gift of all. This gift arrives “when the set time had fully come.” Not a moment too late or too soon, the gift came at a specific, perfect moment in history, precisely when it was most needed. The gift came from God, because “God sent.” He did all the work; all you do is receive it. What did he send? “His Son, born of a woman.” The eternal God took on human flesh and blood. He who had no beginning suddenly had a birthday, an age, a hometown, and a body confined to time and space. The One who fills heaven and earth humbled himself to dwell among us. This humbling involved being “born under law.” That means he placed himself beneath the very commandments he authored and lived a life of perfect obedience. Jesus wasn’t your Savior only for the six hours he spent on the cross; he spent thirty-three years before that fulfilling the law in your place, as your Substitute. Every commandment you break, he kept flawlessly for you. Why this perfect obedience? “To redeem those under the law.” That’s all of humanity, including you. We are all under God’s law and guilty of breaking it. So, Jesus kept that law for us and bore its punishment on the cross, buying our freedom from our slavery to sin. The glorious result? “That we might receive adoption to sonship.” That’s amazing! In his Son, God the Father has given you the greatest Christmas gift of all: He made you a member of his family. No longer a slave, you are now an heir of forgiveness, peace, comfort, hope, and the everlasting riches of heaven. Prayer: Son of God, thank you for being born under the law to redeem me and make me an heir of heaven. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Happy New Year! New Year's stuff is beneficial in several things. We make resolutions and we might even stick to some of them. But it's what God does that really matters. He's in the renewal business—making broken things whole again, especially people. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he's a new creation. The old has passed away and behold the new has come.” It's great for us when this involves repaired relationships or even a career boost. Yet this vital truth matters most in our relationships with Him. God fashions relationships that are sustainable over time, and the Gospel is the essence of this truth. If you feel empty, call on Jesus who's ready to make you clean, and take away your guilt and shame. One day He will restore the whole creation to its original, perfect state. But in the meantime, He will look at you with love, put His hand on your heart, and offer you eternity. If you're wondering what the new year has for you, set your sights higher. Think bigger. Step into your future this year with a real sense of who you are in Christ. He's waiting for you to come to Him for the rest you've needed for a long time. The new has come. Let's pray. Lord, thank you for the fresh start that only you can bring. Thank you for wiping off the dirt of the past and helping us see clearly a future that is always new. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.
Welcome to the Christmas series! Joseph reels in hurt, anger, and confusion. He has every right to have Mary stoned to death, but won't out of love. In his despair, God meets him, and calls him to something great. Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com. As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel. They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history. For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app. To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A river can look full and still refuse to move. That's the honest picture we draw as we pray over the global church and unpack a vivid dream on a bridge in Berlin: the waters of revival rush where honor flows, and they stall where apostles and prophets are sidelined. We carry a bold conviction—God is ready to add billions—yet many congregations stay busy without breakthrough because we mislabel gifts, resist biblical roles, and treat apostolic offices with suspicion instead of faith.We walk through scripture with clarity and courage. Paul identified as an apostle without flinching, not to boast, but to name his assignment. Ephesians outlines the fivefold ministry—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—not as a hierarchy, but as a complete ecosystem for the perfecting of the saints and the work of ministry. Evangelists gather, pastors guard, teachers ground, prophets guide, and apostles govern and pioneer. When we honor all five functions, grace flows in proportion to our reception. When we refuse or relabel, we limit the measure we can receive.This conversation names the obstacles—indifference, jealousy, competition—and offers a path forward: repent, realign language with function, make structural room for apostolic and prophetic voices, and cultivate a culture where accountability and honor coexist. We pray together for leaders, networks, and churches by name, not to condemn, but to position the body for maturity, unity, and measurable fruit. The goal is simple and urgent: restore the flow so communities transform, regions awaken, and the end-time harvest becomes more than a slogan.If this resonates, share it with your team, invite honest dialogue, and take one actionable step to recognize and activate the gifts in your house. Subscribe for future sessions, leave a review to help others find the message, and tell us: where do you see honor unlocking movement right now?We love to hear from our listeners! Thank you! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639030158?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_VZBSV9T4GT4AMRWEWXJE&skipTwisterOG=1 Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@charlesgrobinette https://www.instagram.com/charles.g.robinette/ https://author.amazon.com/books https://charlesgrobinette.com/
The Gospel of Luke is one of the four Gospels written about the life and ministry of Jesus. This powerful book presents an orderly and detailed account of Jesus' life, offering insight and perspective we don't see in the other Gospels. Join Jerry as he walks through the book of Luke, sharing insight along the way and helping you apply God's Word to your everyday life. The New Testament Daily with Jerry Dirmann is designed to help you stay consistent in the Word—one chapter at a time. If you're joining us late, want to revisit a past chapter, or binge the entire book of Luke, you can find every episode of The New Testament Daily in our free media library. Links: « FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Watch or listen to the full book of Luke—or any chapter of The New Testament Daily—in our free media library: https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-way/media-library « SOLID LIVES » Find out more about the ministries of Jerry Dirmann and Solid Lives at: https://www.solidlives.com/ « THE JERRY DIRMANN PODCAST » https://jerrydirmannpodcast.buzzsprout.com « JESUS DISCIPLE » Want to know more about Jesus Disciple? Visit: https://www.jesusdisciple.com « SUPPORT » If you'd like to support the vision of Jesus Disciple and help make free resources like this available to people around the world, visit: https://www.jesusdisciple.com/give Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below: FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/ SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/
In today's world, Christian beliefs are often considered intolerant. Would it be kinder and more loving if we softened the Gospel message to make it more acceptable? The Bible's answer is a resounding “No!” Find out why on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/163/29?v=20251111
As disciples of Jesus, we know we're called to spread the good news of the Gospel. But sometimes we fret about exactly where our mission field is, and to whom we're meant to share God's Word.In this message, Jill Briscoe puts it bluntly: “It doesn't matter where you're standing, that's your mission field.” She explains how God fills the gaps of our inadequacy as we obey his command to tell others about the liberating love of Jesus.As part of her message, Jill tells the compelling story of how she and her husband, Stuart Briscoe, began their lifetimes of evangelism in the United States and around the world. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29?v=20251111
Overcomer Covenant Church exists to advance the Kingdom of God, locally and globally, by preaching the Gospel, partnering with other ministries, and planting churches. To support Overcomer and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://overcomercc.org/give If you've just made a decision for Christ, click the link today - https://overcomercc.org/saved If this is your first time joining us, click the link today - https://overcomercc.org/newhere —— Stay Connected! Website: https://overcomercc.org YouTube: https://youtube.com/@overcomercc Instagram: https://instagram.com/overcomercc Facebook: https://facebook.com/overcomercc
As we look back at the year 2025, there's much to be thankful for here at Bible League International -- from people reached with the Gospel to new churches planted and young believers growing in grace and living out who they are in Christ. In looking ahead to 2026, we continue trusting our gracious God to lead and provide in our 88th year of ministry.Join host Michael Woolworth and guests, Jos Snoep, President, and Rob Bullock, Executive Vice President for Advancement, at Bible League International, as they recollect the past year with precious memories and testimonies, and look ahead to 2026 with expectancy and excitement to reach even more people around the world with the Gospel.Subscribe and invite others to listen with you. Length: 26:44.
Bishop reflects on Sunday's Gospel. Will Wright helps us understand the baptismal priesthood and we'll hear from Bishop-elect Peter Bui. You'll also get up to date on the latest news and events in the Diocese of Phoenix. Special thanks to Catholic Cemeteries and Funeral Homes for making this show possible.
A life of absolute peace, a life of tremendous clarity, a life of total power and freedom, a life of high beauty—that's the vision of the Lord's Prayer. A whole new life that revolves around God. We're going to look now at the part of the prayer that's about admitting. Let me reiterate that since prayer essentially is centering on God, everything starts with adoration and everything has to be understood as flowing out of it. If your repentance, if your admitting doesn't flow out of adoration, it won't deal with your guilt and it will even make it worse. But if it flows out of adoration of the Father, it can get rid of your guilt. Jesus Christ, in the context of the Lord's Prayer, teaches us 1) the reason for repentance, 2) the motivation for repentance, and 3) three ways to repent. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 20, 1990. Series: The Lord's Prayer 1990. Scripture: Matthew 6:9-15. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
From CBD leggings to Soulcycle, wellness is reshaping our relationships to our bodies and souls. But what even is "wellness?" Well, for one, it's a global industry worth 6 trillion dollars. And it encompasses all kinds of things – including spirituality: from the spirituality of wellness practices like yoga and reiki, to treating wellness itself like a religion. As spirituality, self-care, and capitalism swirl together, what is missing from the story?Brittany is joined by Alyssa Bereznak, GQ's Wellness Director, and Rina Raphael, author of the book The Gospel of Wellness: Gyms, Gurus, Goop, and the False Promise of Self-Care, to get into what people get out of a wellness-based spiritualism and consumerism.This episode originally aired on March 17, 2025.Support Public Media. Join NPR Plus.Follow Brittany Luse on Instagram: @bmluseFor handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR's Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
You've likely heard people say, “That may be your truth. If it works for you, great—but it isn't my truth.” How should Christians respond? Is there such a thing as absolute truth? Listen to Truth For Life as Alistair Begg explores Jesus' exclusive claims. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the sermon ‘There is No Other Stream — Part One' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. • Share the Gospel this holiday season by giving gifts that lead others to Jesus! At truthforlife.org/gifts you'll find ESV Study Bibles for both men and women for only $15, children's hardcover storybooks—three books for just $10, and a brand-new evangelism booklet by Alistair Begg, only $1 each! Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!
Join us today to hear an introduction to the historical and theological reliability of the Gospels for skeptics, scholars—and everybody in between. Peter Williams will address how the accounts were handed down throughout history and will discuss objections like they're historical fiction, were imposed on the early church by a council, or were simply created to fit existing messianic prophecies. Come and learn how to ‘contend’ for the faith.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Jesus “progressive,” or is that a modern political remix of an ancient faith? In this LIVE FREE Bonus Episode, Pastor Josh Howerton respond to a viral Daily Show clip and unpack how Scripture is often twisted in election seasons to serve ideologies rather than truth. He breaks down progressive Christianity, expose common misuses of Matthew 25 and Romans 13, clarify the biblical roles of the family, church, and state, and explain why Christian compassion and government authority are not the same thing. If you've ever felt confused by political Bible talk, or want to be equipped to test every claim like the Bereans, this episode will sharpen your discernment fast.
Jesus's parables in the Gospels make up 35% of his teaching. Pastor Adriel Sanchez explains Jesus's formula for parables and why they're not just memorable analogies, but signs of judgment on unbelieving Israel. PARTNER WITH US - https://solamedia.org/partner/?sc=AS2502V When you become a partner today, you'll receive two remarkable books as our thanks: Rediscovering the Holy Spirit by Dr. Michael Horton and Praying with Jesus by Pastor Adriel Sanchez. We believe these books can guide you into a clearer understanding of the Spirit's work and a richer prayer life. FOLLOW US YouTube | Instagram | X/Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter WHO WE ARE Sola is home to White Horse Inn, Core Christianity, Modern Reformation, and Theo Global. Our mission is to serve today's global church by producing resources for reformation grounded in the historic Christian faith. Our vision is to see reformation in hearts, homes, and churches around the world. Learn more: https://solamedia.org/
The Lusko kids join Levi and Jennie for a cozy, hilarious, end-of-2025 family episode—full of memories, real talk, and the kind of side comments only siblings can pull off. Together they look back on the year's big moments: college life, tennis wins, learner's permits, a meaningful baptism, and the wild joy of serving together. You'll hear the behind-the-scenes of the Bolivia mission trip (including travel chaos and a few very memorable mishaps), plus a rapid-fire stroll through favorite podcast episodes, sermon series that hit home, and the books/music that shaped the year. They wrap it all by looking ahead to 2026 with practical goals and spiritual rhythms. Connect with us on social! Levi: @levilusko Jennie: @jennielusko Fresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links] Gospels in a year (Print Ed.): https://bit.ly/4pQG2HN Gospels in a year (Digital Ed.): https://bit.ly/3L4HSWm Movement 2026: https://www.mvmnt26.com Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Time Stamps 0:01:07 – New Year's as a “holy day” and old-school traditions 0:03:38 – 2025 family updates: college, baptism, tennis, and big milestones 0:08:34 – Bolivia mission trip stories: Compassion kids + travel mayhem 0:13:07 – Favorite podcast moments from the year (and the unforgettable ones) 0:15:07 – Blessed Are the Spiraling launch: 7 cities, 7 days, 7 runs 0:26:35 – What God taught them in 2025 + 2026 goals and a Gospels plan
On this special New Year's episode, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the teenage Jonathan Edwards's challenging resolutions. Why does he repeat himself so much? Was young Jonathan suffering from scrupulosity? What can we learn about the gospel and our own resolutions from his commitment to focus on Christ's glory?
The Prologue to John's Gospel reveals how John gave testimony that Jesus is the Messiah, inviting us to consider how we give witness that Christ is our Lord today. (Lectionary #204) December 31, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Today’s Topics: 1) Gospel – Luke 2:22-35 – When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the Child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to Him, he took Him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; Your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which You prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal You to the nations and the glory of Your people Israel.” The Child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about Him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Memorial of Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr Saint Thomas, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Terry discusses the true meaning of the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas
The Word of the Day with Rene' Holaday for Wednesday, 12-31-25: Revelation 19: 1-21 Come and see! ;() If you are blessed by today's Bible study, please support my channel by liking, subscribing, commenting, and sharing with your friends and family! If you care to contribute to my work with the Daily Bible study and sharing the Gospel, as part of your tithes and offerings, you can do so through PayPal by sending it to my PayPal address of: ReneHoladay@gmail.com You are also welcome to email me at the same email address above if you have any thoughts you'd like to share about this episode! Thank you for watching and God Bless you all! ;()
Trending with Timmerie - Catholic Principals applied to today's experiences.
Bishop Joseph Coffey joins Trending with Timmerie. He is the Auxiliary Bishop of the Military Services and has served in the US Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines. Episode Guide Bishop Coffey’s work (2:23) Solving the disconnect between a man’s job, desire for adventure, and need to serve in a culture that calls men losers (5:08) St. Pier Giorgio Frassati (26:39) The largest abortion business in the nation closes. How we reach abortion minded women & change male involvement in abortion (40:45) Resources mentioned: https://www.milarch.org/bishop-coffey/ Bishop Joseph Coffey on X https://x.com/BishopJCoffey
Jasmine Crockett has been drawn out of her congressional district—and now her pastor, Freddie Haynes III, wants her seat. In this episode, I break down why apostate pastors entering politics is devastating to the Black community and dishonoring to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We expose the Iron Triangle—black preachers, politicians, and activists working as paid conduits for the Democratic Party—and why this model has produced cultural decay, dependency, and spiritual bankruptcy. A pastor who can talk about race, equity, and politics—but never mentions Jesus Christ—has already told on himself.
It's New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31st, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Ugandan Muslims killed Christian evangelist Muslim extremists killed a Christian evangelist in Uganda earlier this month. Konkona Kasimu was a convert from Islam. He participated in multiple Christian-Muslim dialogues across Uganda. Several Muslims turned to Christ during one of these events on December 12. However, angry Muslims ambushed Kasimu that evening. He later died from the injuries he sustained during the attack. A local pastor told Morning Star News, “Kasimu was killed because of advancing the Kingdom of God. We have lost a great man who was well-versed in both the Quran and the Bible and used that knowledge to witness for Christ to many people.” Revelation 12:11 says, “And they overcame [the Devil] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” Evangelicalism on rise in Catholic Spain Evangelicalism continues to grow in the historically Catholic country of Spain. Evangelical Focus reports that Christianity is the most deeply rooted among minority religions in the country. There are 4,700 evangelical places of worship in Spain this year. That's up from 3,700 places of worship ten years ago. At the same time, secularization is advancing. Over 40% of the population say they do not identify with any religion. 400 sex-selective abortions in United Kingdom Life News reports that new data from the United Kingdom government suggests at least 400 sex-selective abortions have taken place in the country. The government says killing unborn babies on the basis of their sex is illegal. However, the U.K.'s largest abortion provider is telling women that sex-selective abortion is not illegal. Catherine Robinson with Right to Life UK noted, “This report is very likely to underestimate the number of sex-selective abortions in the UK. The true scale of sex-selective abortions in the UK, is in all likelihood, far higher than the figures suggest.” America blew up Venezuelan port loading boat with narcotics U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that the U.S. carried out a strike on a port facility in Venezuela. He said the facility was being used to load boats with narcotics. If confirmed, this would be the first land-based attack by the U.S. in Venezuela. CNN and the New York Times report that the CIA carried out the attack with a drone strike. Rising church attendance among Millennials and Gen Z Evangelist Franklin Graham spoke to Fox News about rising church attendance among younger generations. Data shows that Millennials and Gen Z lead monthly church attendance compared to other generations. Listen to comments from Graham. GRAHAM: “I think Gen Z and Millennials have been fed the lie of socialism. And socialism is basically anti-God. They've been turned off, I think, by this, and they're asking themselves, ‘There's got to be something more.' Yes, they're going to church, but Bible sales are up. So, they're buying Bibles. They're reading for themselves.” Kentucky restored Ten Commandments monument at Capitol Kentucky restored a permanent monument of the Ten Commandments to the state Capitol grounds earlier this month. The monument was put up in 1971. It was moved for construction in the 1980s. The legislature passed a resolution to restore it in 2000. However, a federal appeals court order kept the monument from being displayed until recently. First Liberty was involved in the legal case to restore the monument. Roger Byron, Senior Counsel for First Liberty, said, “We congratulate the people of Kentucky for restoring a part of their history. There is a long tradition of public monuments, like this one, that recognize the unique and important role the Ten Commandments have played in state and national history.” Lutheran Bible Translators delivered new Bible to Ghana tribe And finally, the Komba people of Ghana received their complete Bible last month after years of translation work. Missionary work among the Komba began in the 1950s. In 2005, Lutheran Bible Translators began to translate the New Testament which was completed in 2014. The Old Testament translation began in 2015. Now, they have the entire Bible. One of the translators said, “Reading the Bible has become part of my people. They are reading it day in and day out, and they have taken it upon themselves to do so. They have learned to read, and now they can go out and preach because they can read the Bible, something they were unable to do in the past.” Romans 10:15 says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, December 31st, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
All of us want to be part of a healthy family. No matter your life stage—married, single, parent, grandparent, or empty nester—you want to be surrounded by a tribe of people who love and support you. In this series, The Gospel at Home, Dr. Chappell shares what the Bible says about building a healthy, Gospel-centered family. In a world where parents are stressed, and kids are often confused by the mixed messages they receive from culture, you will discover how to grow a family that lives according to God's purpose.
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251231dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Matthew 2:16 The Comfort of Christmas Herod, furious that the Magi left without telling him where Jesus was, went scorched earth and ordered every boy in the vicinity two years old and younger to be killed. Historians estimate that twenty to thirty children were murdered in his desperate attempt to eliminate the Christ child. It is uncomfortable to read this so soon after Christmas. Wouldn’t it be better to skip this part? Why remember such horror during Christmastime? Because it shows what happens when light enters a world of darkness. When the light arrives, the darkness does not politely step aside. It tries to snuff the light out. This is why Jesus came: to battle the darkness that rejected him from his very first days. This same battle between light and darkness continues in your own heart. When Christ’s light shines within you, your sinful nature fights against it. Yet God remains on your side—God rescued his Son from Herod’s sword so that his Son could rescue you from eternal darkness. Jesus’ death and resurrection became the ultimate light that conquers the darkness. And here lies one of the Bible’s hardest truths: though God possesses all power and hates evil, he still permits suffering. So here is the comfort of Christmas: God may save us from evil, or he may save us through evil. The boys of Bethlehem died tragically, but Christ the Savior was born not to save them from Herod, but from hell, and that is what he did. With God, wherever there is weeping, comfort follows. The grieving mothers of Bethlehem would see their sons again because their King came to save them through tragedy into heaven’s triumph. This is the comfort of Christmas. That even though the darkness could take the boys of Bethlehem away from their parents, it could not take them away from Christ. It cannot take you away from him either. Prayer: Merciful Father, thank you for the comfort of knowing that no darkness can separate me from the light of your Son. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
2601 - The Bearded Bible Brothers unveil the outreach plan for 2026 with the debut of numerous television programs. Get a preview of exciting new content to come from series' Third Temple of Doom, Return of the Nephilim, and Paul vs the gods. We can only continue broadcasting the Gospel of Yeshua around the world with your faithful partnership!
Welcome to the Christmas series! In this episode, we meet Joseph, the strong, silently noble, carpenter from Nazareth. His character is put to the test, when his betrothed has some unexpected news to share. Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com. As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel. They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history. For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app. To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today in History: The Prophet Ezekiel received a prophecy against the kingdom of Egypt. God gave him seven propheciesagainst Egypt and almost all of them mention the date (see Ezekiel 29–32). “In the tenth year, in the tenth month, on the twelfth of the month, the word of the LORD came to me saying, ‘Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt and prophesy against him and against all Egypt.'”This week's portion is called VaYechi (He lived)TORAH PORTION: Genesis 49:19–26GOSPEL PORTION: Matthew 27:1–14What verse spoke to you most today and why?Did you learn something about God?Daily Bread for Kids is a daily Bible reading podcast where we read through the Torah and the Gospels in one year! Helping young Bible-readers to study God's Word, while also discovering its Jewish context!THE KIDS' JOURNAL is available from https://arielmedia.shopBUSY MOMS who want to follow the Daily Bread readings on podcast for adults, can go to https://dailybreadmoms.comThe Bible translation we are reading from is the Tree of Life Version (TLV) available from the Tree of Life Bible Society.INSTAGRAM: @dailybreadkids @arielmediabooks @dailybreadmomsTags: #DailyBreadMoms #DailyBreadJournal #BibleJournaling #Messianic #BiblePodcast #BiblicalFeasts #Journal #biblereadingplan #Messiah #JewishRoots #Yeshua #GodIsInControl #OneYearBible #MomLife #MotherCulture #FaithFilledMama #BiblicalWomanhood #Proverbs31woman
This week's portion is called VaYechi (He lived)TORAH PORTION: Genesis 49:1–18GOSPEL PORTION: Matthew 26:57–75What verse spoke to you most today and why?Did you learn something you need to do in your life?Daily Bread for Kids is a daily Bible reading podcast where we read through the Torah and the Gospels in one year! Helping young Bible-readers to study God's Word, while also discovering its Jewish context!THE KIDS' JOURNAL is available from https://arielmedia.shopBUSY MOMS who want to follow the Daily Bread readings on podcast for adults, can go to https://dailybreadmoms.comThe Bible translation we are reading from is the Tree of Life Version (TLV) available from the Tree of Life Bible Society.INSTAGRAM: @dailybreadkids @arielmediabooks @dailybreadmomsTags: #DailyBreadMoms #DailyBreadJournal #BibleJournaling #Messianic #BiblePodcast #BiblicalFeasts #Journal #biblereadingplan #Messiah #JewishRoots #Yeshua #GodIsInControl #OneYearBible #MomLife #MotherCulture #FaithFilledMama #BiblicalWomanhood #Proverbs31woman
ORIGINAL AIR DATE: MAR 20, 2021In this FRINGE FLASHBACK! series, we feature Dr. Michael Heiser's analysis of the Book of Revelation, with emphasis on the relationship between "angels" and "stars". Please join us for this classic episode of Naked Bible Podcast.This episode, the third installment of our discussion of the Old Testament in Revelation 4, has a singular point of focus: the twenty-four elders of Revelation 4. Who or what are the twenty-four elders? What do they symbolize? What is their intended meaning?
Ancient Prophetic Calendar Predicts Something Huge for 2026!Dr. Ken Johnson joins Josh Peck to talk about the ancient Essene calendar which says 2026 begins the end.To get the audio-only podcast version of full videos and Josh Peck's blog, which includes original articles, show notes, and more, subscribe to Josh's Substack at http://joshpeck.substack.comIt is with a heavy heart that I (Nathan's father) inform you that Nathan went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Sept. 22nd, 2025. He fought an extremely rare form of cancer bravely, but in the end, his heart couldn't keep up the fight anymore. He went fast with no prolonged suffering. We want to thank all of you who have kept him in prayer. Please know that those prayers were not in vain. Our son lives with Jesus now. We are now updating this campaign to reflect our financial need for his remaining hospital bills, funeral expenses, and housing for our family. As most men, I do not enjoy asking for help. However, as most fathers and husbands can relate to, there isn't anything I won't do for my family. In light of that, I wanted to first ask all of you to pray for us. Also, because of the overwhelming expenses that inevitably come from all these things happening at the same time, if you feel led to help us financially, there's a couple different ways you can do that:GiveSendGo: http://www.GiveSendGo.com/NathanTheBravePayPal: http://PayPal.me/JoshPeckDisclosureOr send in your donation to:P.O. Box 270123202Oklahoma City, OK 73137
John's Gospel starts at a different scale than Matthew's and Luke's (Mark's just sort of starts with no nativity or infancy narrative). John starts at the beginning of creation with "He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being" (1:2-3). While Matthew and Luke "zoom in" on Jesus and the Holy Family, John "zooms out." What can we make of this difference? What does it mean to have, as some scholars have called it, a cosmic Christ? And, maybe most centrally to the Jesus movement, what does it mean that this Cosmic Christ lived among us in our very flesh and blood? Christmas is almost over, but the questions it raises are not. So, join Jonathan and Seth as they talk about them together. Thanks for being with us! We hope the joy of Christmas carries with you throughout the year. Although we know that Christmas brings with it lots of complicated emotions, we hope joy is the lasting one.
The purpose of the Gospel is that one will make the transition from unbelief to belief in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Daily Dose of Hope December 31, 2025 Scripture – Acts 28 Prayer: For our last prayer of this reading plan, let's end with a prayer of peace from St. Francis of Assisi... Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading. We have been on an incredible journey of reading through the Gospels and Acts. Today, we are walking through the last chapter of Acts, Acts 28. After a few months on the island of Malta, during which Paul was bitten by a viper (with no bad repercussions) and healed many people, they finally are able to secure a new ship and continue the journey to Rome. When they arrive, Paul is met by a group of believers. I love this. I picture a group waiting by the dock for the ship to come in, anxious to take care of Paul with warm hugs and casseroles! But Paul doesn't waste much time, after just three days he begins to preach, teach, and discuss his views with the Jewish leaders in Rome. It appears they are more open to Paul's teachings than the Jews in other locations. For two years, Paul stays in Rome, in his own rented house, and welcomed all who came to see him. He taught about God's Kingdom and preached Jesus with boldness and without any obstacles. It's possible he resumed his tent-making in order to support himself but his main focus was conversion. Paul's intention was always to go to Rome. But just like in our own lives, stuff happened. Riots, jail time, and shipwrecks, all thwarted the best of intentions. Eventually, Paul did end up in Rome and had two years there to share the Gospel. Our life journeys, though probably not as eventful as Paul's, never go in a straight line. There are ups and downs, steps backward, pauses, and spins. But God can and will use each of those experiences to grow us and to help us speak into the lives of others. It's always about the journey, not the destination. But what happened to Paul after this? We have some evidence based on his other letters. Certain letters, which Paul wrote while imprisoned in Rome, are especially helpful. These include Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians, written between AD 60-62. Titus, as well as 1 and 2 Timothy, were written after Acts and during Paul's travels, AD 66 and 68. We can estimate that Paul lived for about 5-6 more years after the book of Acts ends. We can also estimate that Paul stood before Caesar (Emperor Nero) around AD 62. Tradition tells us that he was eventually released from his imprisonment in Rome. There is some consensus that Paul may have actually gone to Spain after his release, carrying the Gospel even further. But he did eventually end up back in Rome and tradition says that Paul was actually beheaded there in AD 68. Paul is considered the most effective Christian missionary who has ever lived. He took the Gospel to places far and wide, at least as far as the known world at the time. And he did so at great risk to himself. He wasn't afraid of physical pain or discomfort. He didn't care if everything was removed from him. He had surrendered his life, fully and completely, to Jesus and sharing his message with the world. As a result, he started many churches and the Gospel spread. Today is the last Daily Dose of Hope for 2025. I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. What did you learn? How has God stretched you? I do hope you will join us on our Journey through the Letters of Paul, which we will start on January 5th. It's been an honor sharing this with you. Blessings, Pastor Vicki
The good news of the manger!
The Lusko kids join Levi and Jennie for a cozy, hilarious, end-of-2025 family episode—full of memories, real talk, and the kind of side comments only siblings can pull off. Together they look back on the year's big moments: college life, tennis wins, learner's permits, a meaningful baptism, and the wild joy of serving together. You'll hear the behind-the-scenes of the Bolivia mission trip (including travel chaos and a few very memorable mishaps), plus a rapid-fire stroll through favorite podcast episodes, sermon series that hit home, and the books/music that shaped the year. They wrap it all by looking ahead to 2026 with practical goals and spiritual rhythms. Connect with us on social! Levi: @levilusko Jennie: @jennielusko Fresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links] Gospels in a year (Print Ed.): https://bit.ly/4pQG2HN Gospels in a year (Digital Ed.): https://bit.ly/3L4HSWm Movement 2026: https://www.mvmnt26.com Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Time Stamps 0:01:07 – New Year's as a “holy day” and old-school traditions 0:03:38 – 2025 family updates: college, baptism, tennis, and big milestones 0:08:34 – Bolivia mission trip stories: Compassion kids + travel mayhem 0:13:07 – Favorite podcast moments from the year (and the unforgettable ones) 0:15:07 – Blessed Are the Spiraling launch: 7 cities, 7 days, 7 runs 0:26:35 – What God taught them in 2025 + 2026 goals and a Gospels plan
Wednesday, 31 December 2025 And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” Matthew 15:22 “And you behold! A Canaanite woman from those same borders, having come, she croaked to Him, saying, ‘You compassionate me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter, she is demon-possessed badly'” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus left the land of the Gennesaret and departed to the allotments of Tyre and Sidon. With Him there, Matthew next records, “And you behold! A Canaanite woman.” This is the only time that the word Chananaios, Canaanite, is seen in the New Testament. That is derived from Chanaan, Canaan, found twice in Acts. This was the early name of the land of Israel, having been named after Canaan, the grandson of Noah through Ham. The meaning of the name Canaan (Hebrew kna'an) is debated. It is variously translated as Land of Purple, Low, Merchant, etc. The likely meaning is Low, Abased, Humble, Humiliated, something along these lines. This is based on the account of Genesis 9, where Canaan is first mentioned. In Mark, it says of this same woman that she “was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth.” There is no contradiction in this. Syro-Phonecia is the area, and the term “Greek” is being applied as we might when we say of a person from Germany, “He is a European.” One is a wider explanation of a more precise designation. Albert Barnes provides the historical understanding – “In ancient times, the whole land, including Tyre and Sidon, was in the possession of the Canaanites, and called Canaan. The Phoenicians were descended from the Canaanites. The country, including Tyre and Sidon, was called Phoenicia, or Syro-Phoenicia. That country was taken by the Greeks under Alexander the Great, and those cities, in the time of Christ, were Greek cities. This woman was therefore a Gentile, living under the Greek government, and probably speaking the Greek language. She was by birth a Syro-Phoenician, born in that country, and descended, therefore, from the ancient Canaanites. All these names might, with propriety, be given to her.” Of this woman of Canaan, it next says, “from those same borders.” The meaning is based on the previous verse, that it is the “allotments – Tyre and Sidon.” Understanding this, Matthew continues, saying, “having come, she croaked to Him, saying, ‘You compassionate me, Lord, Son of David!'” Nothing is said about how she knew of Jesus, but it is apparent that His fame had extended far and wide. In both Mark and Luke, by this time in the narrative, it was already acknowledged that people from Tyre and Sidon had come to see Jesus (Mark 3:8 and Luke 6:17). Thus, Jewish residents of that area had already gone to see Jesus, returned, and spoken of the things they saw. Now, knowing He was in the area and understanding that He was the promised Messiah, indicated by the words “Son of David,” this Canaanite woman begs for compassion to be extended even to her, a Gentile. But more, she is of the cursed line of Canaan. This is based on Noah's cursing of Canaan for what Ham did to him in Genesis 9. The last thing a person of such lineage might expect from the Jewish Messiah would be compassion. And yet, she faithfully came forward in hopeful expectation that He might listen to her plea, which was, “My daughter, she is demon-possessed badly.” This woman, having heard of Jesus' capabilities, has placed the situation concerning her demon-possessed daughter in the hands of Jesus, hoping He will respond and cure her. Her faith is on prominent display, even if the level of it is not yet revealed. Life application: In commentaries on this verse, both Cambridge and Vincent's Word Studies say something similar – “...out of the same coasts] Literally, those coasts. Jesus did not himself pass beyond the borders of Galilee, but this instance of mercy extended to a Gentile points to the wide diffusion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish race.” Cambridge “Lit., as Rev., from those borders; i.e., she crossed from Phoenicia into Galilee.” They cannot accept that Jesus traveled outside of Galilee. This, despite two different words having been used to describe His going there. The first was in verse 21, where Jesus is said to have traveled to the “allotments – Tyre and Sidon.” The second, in verse 22, says “from those same borders,” meaning she was born, raised, and lived in the same area where Jesus had traveled to. These scholars got it stuck in their heads that Jesus never left the area of Galilee based on what it says when He charged His disciples not to go in the way of the Gentiles and by His words that will say that He was sent to minister only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Because of this, their faulty deduction is that “Jesus never left the Galilee.” Both of those statements were addressed in the comments of verse 15:21. It explicitly says Jesus traveled to this area. But once we have a presupposition stuck in our head, cognitive dissonance takes over, and we will do anything to justify falling in line with what we want the text to say. What do you believe about the timing of the rapture? Have you got that in your head because of what you were taught? If so, the chances are that you will argue that point regardless of what the Bible actually says. That is unwise. We must be willing to acknowledge that we could be wrong. Be sure to keep all things in their proper context. This is of paramount importance. From there, be willing to accept that what you think is true might be wrong. After that, do your study and don't violate the “context” issue if you find you might have been wrong. This is what most people do when faced with the reality that things aren't matching up with what they thought. Context is king. So keep everything in its proper context. From there, stick to it at all times. Your doctrine will improve as long as you stick to what is said, regardless of what you think you know. Lord God, none of us wants to be proven wrong. And none of us wants to betray the teachings that we received from a beloved pastor or teacher by contradicting what they taught us. And so, we put up a defense against change. Help us not to do this. May we be willing to go where Your word teaches, regardless of whether we find we were wrong. Help us to have this attitude at all times. Amen.
Hi, I'm John Sorensen, President of Evangelism Explosion International, and you're listening to Share Life Today. On this New Year's Eve, we all wait with bated breath to welcome in the new year at midnight. And for most people, this is a special time… a restart, a refresh, a reset. And it's a time when we can think deeply of our purpose for the next year. So let me ask you one of the most important questions that I've ever heard...What are you living for? What is the purpose of your life? Did you know that God calls us to examine ourselves; and then, He gives us specific things in His Word that we're created us for! The last commandment that Christ gave was that we were to go and make disciples to all nations. He also challenges us to be salt and light—salt in that we keep the culture from utterly corrupting; light in that we bring into the darkness of men's mind the light of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. If these are areas you want to grow in this next year, we'd love to help. Visit our website at sharelife.today. That's sharelife.today.