Podcasts about Gospel

God Centered Concept Discipleship Series is now live. Our first book is now on Amazon called the Victory in 7. Help support us by purchasing your copy today on your kindle or paperback.Victory in 7: The Foundational Process (God Centered Concept Discipleship Series): Wright, TS: 9798274946032: Amazon.com: BooksTo have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation. www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.In this conversation, T.S. Wright interviews Dr. David Nelson, the leader of Crossing Cultures International (CCI), who shares his journey into missionary work, the growth of CCI, and the importance of training local leaders in the 1040 window. David discusses the challenges and successes of their training programs, the significance of discipleship, and how individuals can get involved in international ministry. He also highlights the current fundraising efforts and shares inspiring success stories from CCI's graduates.Dr. David Nelson's informationhttp://www.cciequip.org/TakeawaysDavid Nelson's journey began with a personal commitment to God.CCI focuses on training local leaders in their own cultures.The 1040 window is crucial for missionary work due to its unreached populations.Discipleship is essential for spreading the gospel effectively.Many potential leaders in local churches remain untapped.Training programs last 3-4 years and involve extensive coursework.Success stories demonstrate the impact of CCI's training.Fundraising efforts are vital for supporting local coordinators.Individuals can find their niche in international ministry based on their gifts.The book 'Multiply: Building an Enduring Ministry' outlines effective ministry principles.Mentioned in this episode:Victory in 7 Book on Amazon - Get your copy today

In this episode of Live Free, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham uncover the real story behind Christmas!

DAY 76: The Blind Man of Bethsaida Welcome to the Gospel in a Year on the Catholic Sprouts Podcast. In this episode we are reading Mark 8:14-26   To get the most out of this journey through the Gospels, we suggest you PRINT THE GOSPEL IN A YEAR NOTEBOOK. It's free and ready for you right here --> http://catholicsprouts.com/the-gospels-in-a-year-on-the-catholic-sprouts-podcast   Thank you for joining us! Come Lord Jesus!  

Read Online“What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' The son said in reply, ‘I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did his father's will?” Matthew 21:28–31Jesus addressed this question to the chief priests and elders of the people. As the passage continues, Jesus humbles them by saying, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you.” He explains that the chief priests and elders of the people were like the second son. They gave lip service to God's commands but failed to humbly repent and obey.The fact that “tax collectors and prostitutes” were entering the Kingdom of God should give us great hope. No one is beyond God's mercy if they humbly listen to Him, repent, and begin to obey. Though neither son's response is ideal, hopefully we are more like the first son.When we hear God's Word and understand His continuously deepening call to holiness, we will find it challenging. Often, our first reaction to a deeper revelation of the Gospel is “No!” Our sinful habits are hard to break, and our fallen human nature is difficult to align with God's will. Don't be surprised if you find God's will initially challenging.As God's voice and His will become clearer, our first response must always be repentance. This should not surprise us. We must learn to build a habit of repentance if we want to grow closer to God and live His will. Initially, we often react to repentance in a negative way, but we shouldn't. Though we might be like the first son and say “no” when God calls us to obedience, if we build a habit of repentance, then we will eventually find great joy in that act. Over time, we will find that our response becomes “Yes, I will go,” and then we go, having discovered the value in obedience.Reflect today on whether you often pay lip service to God, pretending to do His will, or if you regularly experience God's call to repentance on a deepening level. Identify yourself with the repentant tax collectors and prostitutes, and imitate their humility when they were confronted with their sins. Know that repentance is the beginning of freedom and is the first step toward greater unity with God. My demanding Lord, every command You issue is a command of love. Though obedience to You is often initially challenging, help me to see the great value in it. Give me the courage and fidelity I need to hear Your voice, repent of my sin, and obey You in all things. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Andrei Mironov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Notes Matthew 1:18-25 Isaiah 7:10-16 Romans 1:1-7 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb and Eric discuss the readings for the fourth Sunday of Advent, focusing on Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, and Romans 1:1-7. They explore the significance of Joseph's role in the birth of Jesus, the prophetic message of Isaiah regarding Emmanuel, and the implications of Paul's letter to the Romans. The conversation emphasizes themes of faith, the importance of trusting in God, and the call to action for believers during the Advent season. Takeaways The birth of Jesus is a significant event in the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on Joseph's role. Joseph's righteousness is highlighted as he chooses compassion over the law. Isaiah's prophecy about Emmanuel emphasizes God's presence with us. Advent is a time of waiting and preparation, calling for active faith. The third way of trusting in God amidst challenges is crucial. The names of Jesus carry deep meaning and significance. Paul's letter to the Romans connects the promise of God to all people. The role of adoptive fathers is an important theme in the narrative. Faith in God calls us to action and advocacy for justice. The conversation encourages a deeper understanding of scripture and its application.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Advent and the Gospel Readings 06:57 Exploring Matthew 1:18-25 - The Birth of Jesus 25:48 Isaiah 7:10-16 - The Prophecy of Emmanuel 27:31 The Context of Isaiah and Ahaz 30:05 The Third Way: Trusting in God 33:22 Vulnerability and the Sign of a Child 39:17 Active Faith in a Troubled World 44:34 Eschatology and the Promise of Christ

Saint Tryphon was the son of a priest from Novgorod. The Synaxarion records that, at the moment of his birth, the verse Blessed is the life of those who dwell in the desert was being sung in the Matins service. In 1525 he was moved by a divine revelation to flee to the far north of Russia and live as a hermit. He settled near the River Kola, where he devoted his nights to prayer, his days to proclaiming the Gospel of Christ to the native peoples there. The pagans were hostile at first, but his patience and humility won them over, and he baptized many. He built them a church with his own hands on the shores of Lake Ladoga, and later founded a monastery there. Saint Tryphon reposed in 1583. He predicted his own death and the coming destruction of the Monastery by the Swedes, which came to pass in 1590. All the monks were massacred. The first victim, Starets Jonah, worked many miracles at the Monastery after its restoration.

How should we feel towards lost people, and in particular, when we don't share the gospel? How do we reconcile God's sovereignty and our responsibility to share? Jesus had compassion on the lost, and the Apostle Paul had unceasing anguish over the lost, and we should strive to have that same heart, and take responsibility to share the gospel with those around us. 

Year after year people everywhere expect to experience the joy and wonder of Christmas through the gifts, gatherings, traditions and twinkling lights. But what if this Christmas meant something more? According to John's Gospel, the birth of Jesus was a historical event of cosmic proportions. That's because Jesus was no ordinary child. He is Immanuel – the eternal God with us - the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, and the true Light for all mankind. From the very beginning, he was, is, and will always be our only Savior. So how would this Christmas be different if - instead of presents and parties - we chose to be wrapped up in the awe and wonder of almighty God coming to Earth so you can be reborn, fully forgiven, and truly loved by our heavenly Father? Join us this December at The Story, as we begin our journey through the Gospel of John and encounter the true meaning of Christmas: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son… full of grace and truth. - John 1:14

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for The Fourth Sunday in Advent, John 1:19–28. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251215dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Matthew 11:2-3 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Matthew 11:2-3 Carry Your Doubt to Jesus Christmas is almost here! That means expectations are sky high. Children expect every toy on their wish list to be under the tree. Parents expect children to be happy and thankful for the gifts they’ve received, even if not every gift is crossed off their list. Employees expect a fat bonus from their employers. Employers expect their workers to meet every end-of-the-year deadline and quota. This time of year, we expect celebrations, cookies, and core family memories. Yet rarely does the season called “the most wonderful time of the year” live up to the name. The calendar is packed, the to-do list never ends, and it feels like you’re barely getting by. “The most stressful time of the year” might be a more accurate name. Beneath the glittery decorations and bright lights is the realization that most of these expectations will not be met. John the Baptist knew that feeling. Once a fiery preacher in the wilderness, John now sat in a dark dungeon prison. It was the last place his disciples expected him to be. John preached about repentance and judgment. He spoke about axes being at the root of trees and wheat being separated from chaff. In other words, he foretold the coming judgment of God on the wicked. Yet now John was in the prison cell of one of the most wicked rulers of that time. It seemed like things had gotten twisted. So, John told his followers to carry the question to Jesus, “Are you the one… or should we expect someone else?” Even from prison, John was teaching his disciples and us what to do with our questions of doubt when expectations are not met. Take them to Jesus. Bring your unmet expectations to Jesus. Bring your doubt to Jesus. He won’t shoo you away or dismiss you or utter some pious platitudes. Jesus will not condemn you; he will answer your doubts. Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are gracious and forgiving. Forgive me for my doubts and give me a faith that trusts in you through all things and above all things. 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.

St. Paul gives further instructions to his brothers in Christ in Thessalonica as to what their lives should look like as Christians waiting for the Last Day. Hearers respect and esteem their pastors as those men work diligently to proclaim the Gospel. Peace reigns in the congregation as those who are weak and faint are treated with patience. Forgiveness trumps vengeance. Joy, prayer, and thanksgiving abound. All of these gifts characterize Christian congregations as the Holy Spirit accomplishes His will for the Church through the word of Jesus Christ.  Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22.  To learn more about Immanuel in Roswell, visit immanuelroswell.org. “Yearning for the Day of Christ's Returning” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies St. Paul's two epistles to the Thessalonians. Although Paul's time in Thessalonica was brief, he had great affection for the Christians there. His two letters to the Thessalonians show us the joy that God gives us together in the Church and encourage us to live faithfully in expectation of Jesus' coming on the Last Day.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

God loves you so very much, and He has a plan for your life and your relationship with Him that He has had in the works since the foundations of the world, when you were only a twinkle in His eye. Join us as we celebrate the remarkable Love of God. On the podcast, we've been walking through the Abrahamic Covenant of Promise as a meditation on the four themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and now Love. On the fourth Sunday of Advent (Dec 21), we light all four candles. Christmas is almost here!! On Christmas Day, we encourage you to complete the Advent celebration with the lighting of the Christ Candle, which you can place at the center of your wreath. Join us on the trail as we wrap up the Advent series with a look at the remarkable love of God and as we celebrate some 2025 highlights and pray for our community. Grab your Bible and linger with us over the Binding of Isaac and the Message of Christmas (Gen 22) and meditate on the Gospel of Love given to us (Gal 3:8; Jn 15:13; Rom 8:32).Finally, wow, what a robust year 2025 has been! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the journey – from prayer partners, to financial partners, to volunteers and beyond! Thank you for prioritizing your heart and the hearts of those around you as you cultivate a deeper walk with God. May you, being rooted and grounded in the love of Christ who dwells in you, be filled with all the fullness of God. (See Eph 3:14-20.) Merry Christmas!Soli Deo GloriaStephanie Warner P.S. This is the last episode of 2025. We'll be taking a break over the holidays and be back with you in January. The plan is to kick off the OTT year on January 12th, but stay tuned to our socials. Stephanie will communicate via OTT's Instagram (@onthetrail_podcast) especially if there are updates for the release schedule and such.

Jesus' arrival is a picture of vulnerability and weakness, because that's where He finds us, and rescues us.  

The Door of Faith Ministries Podcast is based on the teachings of the Gospel of Grace for Salvation. We teach Christ's death, burial and resurrection! • Podcasts are added weekly from our Sunday services.For a breakdown of our services, visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Reflections Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Living Waters Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thursday Bible Study

The Door of Faith Ministries Podcast is based on the teachings of the Gospel of Grace for Salvation. We teach Christ's death, burial and resurrection! • Podcasts are added weekly from our Sunday services.For a breakdown of our services, visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Reflections Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Living Waters Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thursday Bible Study

Were the "Dark Ages" really dark—or were they the centuries when the gospel quietly transformed Europe? Dr. George Grant walks through monks, missionaries, market towns, and parish churches, showing how Christendom slowly replaced pagan slavery with a culture of worship, work, freedom, and learning. Kevin and George then ask what today's Christians can learn if we want to see that kind of patient, courageous culture-building again.

In this powerful podcast episode, we dive deep into the reliability of the Gospels and the significance of Jesus' genealogy as presented by Matthew. Join us as we explore the concept of the "criterion of embarrassment" and how it highlights the authenticity of the Gospel accounts. We discuss the fascinating stories of scandalous figures like Rahab and Tamar, who are included in Jesus' lineage, and what this reveals about God's grace and mercy. The episode emphasizes that Jesus does not shy away from dysfunction; instead, He embraces it, showing that everyone, regardless of their past, is a candidate for His love and redemption. As we reflect on our own labels and the burdens we carry, we encourage listeners to consider what labels they have accepted and how they can begin to surrender them to experience the freedom that comes from a relationship with Jesus. Key Topics: -The reliability of the Gospels -The criterion of embarrassment -The significance of Jesus' genealogy -Embracing dysfunction and grace -Surrendering labels and finding freedom ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

For decades, scholars have thought that Matthew and Luke composed their nativity stories separately, perhaps drawing on some underlying material. Yet in this special advent episode, Lloyd Lewellyn-Jones interviews his co-host Helen Bond about her proposal that Luke shows an awareness of Matthew's infancy narrative. Together, they unpack the reasons Luke had for 're-writing' Matthew's nativity and explore why Luke composed his birth story in the way that he did. Helen K. Bond is Professor of Christian Origins at the University of Edinburgh. She is a leading scholar of the historical Jesus and early Christianity, with particular expertise in the Roman and Jewish contexts of the Gospels, especially the trial and death of Jesus. Among her many contributions are Pontius Pilate in History and Interpretation, The Historical Jesus: A Guide for the Perplexed and most recently The First Biography of Jesus: Genre and Meaning in Mark's Gospel. SUPPORT BIBLICAL TIME MACHINEIf you enjoy the podcast, please (pretty please!) consider supporting the show through the Time Travellers Club, our Patreon. We are an independent, listener-supported show (no ads!), so please help us continue to showcase high-quality biblical scholarship with a monthly subscription.DOWNLOAD OUR STUDY GUIDE: MARK AS ANCIENT BIOGRAPHYCheck out our 4-part audio study guide called "The Gospel of Mark as an Ancient Biography." While you're there, get yourself a Biblical Time Machine mug or a cool sticker for your water bottle.Support the showTheme music written and performed by Dave Roos, creator of Biblical Time Machine. Season 4 produced by John Nelson.

This week, Charlette and David examine the Gospel of Matthew, reflecting on how Joseph acted counterculturally to spare Mary and what that example means for us today. Faith to Go is a ministry of The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. Click here to learn more about EDSD's great work in our region and how you can support this ministry.Remember to get in contact with us!Email: faithtogo@edsd.orgInstagram: @faithtogo

What makes a sermon truly impactful—its length, or its lasting transformation of hearts? In an age of distraction, faithful preaching must be Biblical, Christ-centered, and deeply relevant to people's real needs. 

Daily Dose of Hope December 15, 2025   Scripture - Acts 17   Prayer:  Holy God, Almighty Father, the Great I AM, throughout all time, you are good.  Your ways are perfect.  Teach us your ways, Lord.  Help us to know you better, to know you more.  Lord, on our own, we are powerless.  We are desperate for your wisdom, love, and mercy.  More of you and less of me, Jesus.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  We have now walked through the Gospels and we are in the second half of the book of Acts.  Today, we will discuss Acts 17.   In this chapter, Paul preaches in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens.  At each place, he tailors his message to his audience but it's still clearly the Gospel.  The reception he receives at each location is different too.  In Thessalonica and Berea, he starts at the synagogue, which has been his pattern.  He preaches the Gospel to the Jews first.  Some Jews believe in Jesus, as did a number of prominent Greek men and women.  But things turn south pretty quickly.  A number of Jews in Thessalonica are jealous at Paul's success and they raise up a mob to stop him.  They actually go to home in which they are staying and drag out Jason and other believers, arresting them and forcing them to post bond.  Paul and Silas were being helped by other believers, who were aiding their travel to Berea.   In Berea, they were accepted warming at first.  People believe.  But the troublemakers from Thessalonica find out that Paul and Silas are there and they try to get hold of them there.  But Paul and Silas are helped once again by believers who help them get to the coast.   In Athens, things are different still.  The philosophers are interested in what Paul has to say and he shares the Gospel and there are varied reactions – belief, sneering, and wanting more information.  But they aren't beaten up or thrown in jail, so that is quite a relief.   In each city, as different as they are, there are some people who take to the Gospel message right away and others who have more questions.  I think this is such a great model for us.  We share as God leads us and we tailor the message to those who are listening.  If we are telling the Jesus story to Jews, then we will focus on the Old Testament and the various prophecies about Jesus.  If we are telling the Jesus story to Gentiles, then the story will be spoken in a way that makes sense to them.  Paul appealed to what they knew – think about his use of the altar to an unknown God in Athens.    In our world, I present the Gospel to someone who grew up in the church differently than I do to someone who has never heard of Jesus.  I guess the theme here is know your audience and listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Today's reading is Mark 8:22-30, Matthew 16:13-20, Luke 9:18-20, Mark 8:31-9:1, Matthew 16:21-28, Luke 9:21-27, Mark 9:2-13, Matthew 17:1-13, Luke 9:28-36, Mark 9:14-29, Matthew 17:14-21, Luke 9:37-43, Mark 9:30-32, Matthew 17:22-23, Luke 9:43-45, and Matthew 17:24-27. . . . . This month, we will be reading from the ⁠⁠⁠NIV Bible⁠ Chronological Bible⁠⁠. . . . . 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chapter 12 of Heroes in the Bible: Jesus is inspired by the Gospels. The Good Shepherd - Jesus is faced with a challenge. Does he choose justice and be seen as a tyrant, or does he choose mercy and lose his credibility as a Rabbi? While any other person would have to choose between the two, Jesus does not. He balances love and justice like a good shepherd. Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app. Sign up for Heroes in the Bible devotionals at https://www.heroesinthebible.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Read OnlineWhen Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” Matthew 21:25–27The chief priests and the elders of the people were supposed to shepherd the people into eternal salvation. They were supposed to be instruments of God's divine will, prophetic voices, and priests who offered holy sacrifices for the atonement of sin. In practice, they were none of those things.As this Gospel passage progresses, we see more clearly why Jesus rebuked them so firmly. “Jesus said to them in reply, ‘I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John's baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?'” (Matthew 21:24–25). The religious leaders refused to answer the question because neither answer suited their agenda. If they said John's baptism was of heavenly origin, they feared that Jesus would ask them why they didn't believe John. If they said of earthly origin, they feared the crowd who believed John to be a prophet. So they took the easy way out and said, “We do not know.” As a result, Jesus did not answer their question.Jesus' response to these religious leaders gives us insight into how to respond to those in our lives who directly challenge our faith. At times, we might encounter criticism that is irrational. We might be tempted to get angry and engage that irrational criticism. This often leads to an unproductive conversation.Our Lord's approach to irrationality in this passage was quite different. Though Jesus judged these religious leaders as God, His human interaction with them was not judgmental or defensive. Instead, He asked a question that forced them to face their irrationality, bringing it into the light. When they refused to admit their irrationality, Jesus remained silent.One thing this tells us is that it is rarely beneficial to engage a person on the level of their irrationality. Silently forgiving their judgment does not mean we need to engage them in it. If someone confronts us with humility and sincerity, this opens the door to a healthy conversation. If their questioning of our actions is irrational, it's often best ignored. This approach is loving because it imitates our Lord and diffuses the irrational criticism, opening the door to a more healthy conversation later.Reflect today on whether Jesus' experience with the irrational religious leaders of His time is something you experience with those in your life. Though some people are blessed to be surrounded by very supportive and faith-filled family and friends, others are not. Ponder the ways God wants you to live your faith openly, even if it draws criticism. When it does, try to imitate the humility and wisdom Jesus manifested so that you are not drawn into unhealthy and irrational conversations.Lord of true Wisdom, You always knew how to interact with people with perfect charity and truth. To those who needed Your compassion, You were compassionate. To those who were irrational, You humbly revealed their irrationality. Please give me the gift of wisdom so that I will always relate to those in my life in accord with Your holy will. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe Stock Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251214dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. Isaiah 35:3-7 God’s Coming with a Vengeance One group of people tries to annihilate another. Terrorists kill the innocent. A child is molested. Some question: Why doesn’t God step in … if there is a God? I can add to that. There are plenty of people who sin against God without fear of punishment. There are people who laugh at the idea of facing God’s judgment for their sins. Why doesn’t God step in? The prophet Isaiah talks about God coming “with vengeance” and “divine retribution.” And the prophet says that the result of God's coming with “divine retribution” is that “the lame leap like a deer,” “the eyes of the blind are open.” All kinds of good things happen. It sounds like a happy vengeance. The coming of God is the happiest of all events because he comes to save you. God comes to tackle a sinful world—not by destroying it, but by saving it. The words of Isaiah were fulfilled when Jesus came and died for the sins of the world. Jesus did the only thing that really helps for sin. He paid the penalty for it. He washed it away in his blood shed on the cross. The whole world can rejoice because the promised Savior has come with vengeance to free us from the guilt of our sin. With eyes and ears open to the good news of Jesus, we jump and shout for joy because his salvation flows into our hearts with life-giving power and hope. Prayer: Oh, Lord, our God, I thank you for coming to save this sinful world by offering yourself for me and the sins of the whole world. Help me to see your salvation and rejoice in it every day. 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.

Harvest is a church where we love to worship God together, where the transforming message of the Gospel is preached weekly, where authentic community can be found, and where we are intentional about making disciples of Jesus Christ. We'd love for you to join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. For more information you can visit harvestmemphis.org.

Joshua was responsible for ushering people into the promise land, toppling walls and armies to retrieve God's blessing. Yet there is a greater commander than Joshua, who toppled greater walls, and leads us into a greater blessing.  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.

Psalm 72 - Speaker: Will Galkin - Psalm 72 begins with King David praying that his son would be a good and righteous ruler. But it is not long into the psalm before the reader realizes that Solomon, or any other king, could never fully live up to what David is praying for. The very idealism of the prayer pushes us to look beyond every earthly ruler for its fulfillment. When Psalm 72 is read in light of the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, it becomes clear that David's prayer can be fulfilled only in Christ. He alone is the rightful object of all praise, because he is the King who rules with righteousness, brings lasting peace, governs with compassion, and is worthy of all glory.

Psalms 77

GOOD.GOD.GOSPEL.https://goodgodgospel.comHouse Church & Lifestage Events:https://www.churchproject.org/housech...Give to Church Project:https://www.churchproject.org/give

GOOD.GOD.GOSPEL.https://goodgodgospel.comHouse Church & Lifestage Events:https://www.churchproject.org/housech...Give to Church Project:https://www.churchproject.org/give

In the Third Sunday of Advent, we turn to the image of Wisdom, the Word or Logos made flesh and dwelling with us. Perhaps the most abstract of the Advent accounts, John's Gospel is also profoundly beautiful. Read John 1:1-18 and thanks for listening! 

Message from Jonathan Youssef on December 14, 2025

We cry out for peace of mind and heart—anything to soothe our anxieties in a world of chaos or in a life that’s spiraling out of control. And there’re answers—really good answers that are easily overlooked or forgotten in all the turbulence—answers that will bring peace like you’ve never known…

What Happens When I Start to Doubt? | Christ For YouText: Matthew 11:2–11 | Third Sunday in Advent (Gaudete)What do you do when faith feels weak and God feels distant?What happens when prayers go unanswered and nothing in your life seems to change? Does doubt mean something is wrong with your faith—or is something else happening?From a prison cell, John the Baptist asks Jesus the unthinkable: “Are You the One, or should we look for another?” This sermon confronts the dangerous idea that real Christians never doubt and shows why even the strongest believers need to hear the Gospel again and again. Doubt is not cured by distance, memory, or willpower—it is answered by Christ's Word.When circumstances don't change, Jesus doesn't give explanations or fixes. He gives a promise. And that promise is enough.If even John the Baptist needed Christ preached into his doubt, what does that say about you?Subscribe & Share:Apple Podcasts: Christ For YouSpotify: Christ For YouWebsite: ZionWG.orgContact:PastorRojas@ZionWG.org

Today in History: Exactly three years after the Syrian Greeks had defiled the Holy Temple, the Maccabees recaptured it anddedicated it to the LORD again with a great celebration (see the historical book 1 Maccabees 4) Messiah visited the Holy Temple during Hanukkah (see John 10:22). “Then came Hanukkah; it was winter in Jerusalem. Yeshua was walking in the Temple around Solomon's Colonnade...” (TLV).Suggested Historical Reading: 1 Maccabees 1–2This week's portion is called Miketz (At the end) TORAH PORTION: Genesis 41:15–38GOSPEL PORTION: Matthew 22:1–14What 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

Today in History: Haggai the Prophet received a prophecy to encourage the people and Zerubbabel the Governor to rebuild the Holy Temple (see Haggai 2:10–18). ”Do consider from this day onward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month; from the day when the Temple of the LORD was founded, consider...”This week's portion is called Miketz (At the end) TORAH PORTION: Genesis 41:1–14GOSPEL PORTION: Matthew 21:33–46What 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

Matthew's Gospel reveals Jesus as a different kind of King—one who comes not to build an earthly empire, but to establish a Kingdom that transforms hearts. Through the responses of Herod, the religious leaders, and the wise men, this message invites us to examine how we respond when the King draws near. Will we resist, ignore, or surrender in worship? This sermon calls us to move beyond knowing about Jesus and fully bow our lives before Him as both Savior and King.

The story of Christmas is not just a baby in a manger, the star Bethlehem, and wise men. The story of Christmas is actually the good news of the Gospel itself. That Jesus was born a man to save us from our sins to give us the greatest gift of all... justification by faith.

In this Advent Week 3 message, Pastor Matt invites us into the darkness of the shepherds' night in Luke 2 and shows that biblical joy doesn't come from perfect circumstances, Christmas cheer, or fragile anchors. Ultimately, joy is tethered to the Gospel and to the person of Jesus—our Savior, Messiah, and Lord.

Today, we're in Part 2 of our series on learning how to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those around us. Get ready for a deep dive into understanding what the Gospel IS, and how to share it clearly! Support the show

Shane Rasch – Luke 1:46-55

Maybe God sometimes allows trials to remind us not to stay comfortable in our sin.

How is God inviting you to help those in need during these Advent days? In this Gaudete Sunday reflection, Father Jonathan Meyer reminds us that we are called to rejoice — not just with words, but through love, compassion, and action. The Gospel tells us that the poor will have the Good News proclaimed to them, and that poverty is not only financial, but also spiritual, emotional, and personal. This reflection challenges us to step outside ourselves and bring hope to those who are struggling — through generosity, presence, kindness, and mercy. A phone call, a visit, a letter, or a simple act of love can make a real difference. As we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus, may we truly live as if He is coming — by bringing His Good News to others through our actions. Peace on Earth. Amen.     #GaudeteSunday #AdventReflection #PeaceOnEarth #CatholicYouTube #CatholicFaith #CatholicReflection #SundayGospel #GoodNews #ServeThePoor #AdventJoy #Rejoice #FaithInAction #ChristianLiving #LoveInAction #PrepareTheWay

Join us as teaching elder Adam Vinson continues our study through the gospel of Luke. Notes for this sermon can be found at the link below. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SHcCmfpSgzLO_JKRJh_ZSMW4Rl2A6Vbv/view

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

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life! This is a special four part series that spans the year of 2025. Today we are concluding this year-long study of the book of Romans. In these final verses, everything we're about to read is so fantastic, it's hard to believe it's true on a normal day. Let's look at three questions embedded in three promises in chapter 16: 1) Do you believe God's promise of reinforced faith? 2) Do you believe God's promise of revelation that sustains? 3) Do you believe God's promise of His coming glory?Let's listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• 40 Days of Prayer & Fasting• Charlie Kirk• Neopragmatism• “Faith happens when the unexplainable meets the undeniable” quote by J.D. Greear• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Romans 16, verses 25-27; Romans 1, verse 1; Philippians 1, verse 6; Genesis 3, verse 15; Genesis 12; Romans 3, verse 23• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com