Podcasts about Gospel

If you're familiar with the Bible, you've likely heard about the apostle Paul. But Paul mentioned many other individuals whom you may not recall—some helpful to his ministry, others harmful. Review their legacies along with Alistair Begg on Truth For Life. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘More Jars of Clay' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. •If you or someone you know is in a season of suffering, be encouraged! Download My Times Are in Your Hands—12 FREE messages on enduring affliction with hope. Comes with a study guide. 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!

Today's reading is Matthew 10-12. . . . . This month, we will be reading from the ⁠⁠Christian Standard 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

Read OnlineThe apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.” Luke 17:5–6Is it possible to completely uproot a tree and plant it in the sea? It's certainly hard to imagine how. It is especially hard to imagine doing so with a simple command of faith. Uprooting a tree is hard enough to imagine, but it is even more difficult to imagine a tree being planted in the sea. Though water is necessary, one cannot plant a tree in the sea and expect it to grow. But that's partly the point. We often underestimate the power of true faith. Saint Matthew's Gospel says that faith can move mountains. Saint Luke's says it can uproot a tree and replant it in the sea. All it takes to do so is faith the size of a mustard seed.How much faith is equal to a mustard seed? A mustard seed is small, very small. It measures only about one millimeter in length. People who worked the soil at that time would have known that it was among the smallest of seeds they planted. For that reason, Jesus uses this familiar image to teach the apostles that faith, even a little faith, is powerful.Jesus' teaching comes in response to a prayer on the part of the apostles. “Increase our faith,” they said. Jesus' response, inviting them to have only a little faith, implies that their faith was quite weak. To increase their faith to the size of a mustard seed suggests that they did not even have a little faith yet. Most likely they were aware of that fact, and that was the reason they asked Jesus to increase their faith. They perceived their lacking and turned to Him Who could help.One of the first steps to increasing faith is to humbly admit our lack of faith. In our pride, we often want to convince ourselves and others that we are filled with faith. But if that were the case, God would be doing incredible things through us. He would be doing that which is otherwise humanly impossible.Obviously, faith does not give us magical powers by which we can literally command a tree to uproot itself and plant itself in the sea. This imagery is meant to tell us that faith will work miracles of faith, not necessarily physical miracles. In fact, if God ever did use us and our faith to work a physical miracle, it would only happen because it was a motivation for the far more important gift of the increase of faith.What, then, can a little faith do? It can uproot sin from your heart and from the hearts of those around you. It can nourish you and others in ways that seem impossible. Just as a tree cannot normally be planted in the sea and survive, the gift of faith, even a little faith, will enable the soul to be nourished and strengthened in ways that otherwise seem impossible. A martyr perfectly illustrates this fact. Normally, persecution and death are not considered to be nourishing to a person. But when a person has faith and suffers martyrdom on account of Christ, then their soul will be fed by the persecution itself. And that is among the greatest of miracles possible. Suffering, persecution, illness, poverty, and every other difficulty imaginable are transformed by God into a source of nourishment when we endure them with true faith. Reflect, today, upon the prayer of the apostles: “Increase our faith.” Some of the greatest mystics taught that faith darkens the intellect. By this darkening, they mean that, by faith, God will lead us into the unknown, on a path that He alone is aware of. We will become instruments of His transforming grace in ways that are completely beyond our natural abilities. Pray for an increase of faith. When our Lord hears your humble prayer, by which you also confess your lack of faith, He will increase that faith, uproot sin and evil, and plant your soul in places in which you become nourished in ways that you could have never imagined possible. Most glorious Lord, Increase my faith. Give me a pure faith—a faith that enables You to lead me down the unknown path to Your glory. With this gift of faith, please use me to bring forth Your miraculous power by which sin is uprooted and souls are nourished by You alone. Jesus, I trust in You.  Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Friends of the Rosary,Today, October 4, is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), a 13th-century Italian priest who renounced his worldly possessions to devote himself to Christ. He was the first person (recorded) to receive the stigmata (the five wounds of Christ) in 1224.Francis Bernardone was born and died in Assisi. He was the son of a wealthy merchant, received a good education, and initially followed the ways of the world with a lavish and irresponsible life.At the age of twenty, he went to war against Perugia, but was captured and imprisoned. During his imprisonment, he had a vision of Christ, which changed his life completely.In a dream, God told him, “Go and repair my church, which, as you can see, is in ruins.”He left all his possessions and embraced complete poverty, taking the Gospel as his rule of life.In 1220, he founded the Franciscan order, which, within ten years, numbered five thousand brothers.Out of humility, Francis never accepted the priesthood but remained a deacon all his life.He had a great love for God's creatures and referred to them as his brothers and sisters.His ardent love of God merited for him the name of Seraphic. He is also nicknamed "God's Fool" and "Il Poverello" (The Little Poor One).Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠October 4, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET  

25 At that time Jesus answered and said: I confess to thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to the little ones.In illo tempore respondens Jesus dixit : Confiteor tibi, Pater, Domine caeli et terrae, quia abscondisti haec a sapientibus, et prudentibus, et revelasti ea parvulis. 26 Yea, Father; for so hath it seemed good in thy sight.Ita Pater : quoniam sic fuit placitum ante te. 27 All things are delivered to me by my Father. And no one knoweth the Son, but the Father: neither doth any one know the Father, but the Son, and he to whom it shall please the Son to reveal him.Omnia mihi tradita sunt a Patre meo. Et nemo novit Filium, nisi Pater : neque Patrem quis novit, nisi Filius, et cui voluerit Filius revelare. 28 Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you.Venite ad me omnes qui laboratis, et onerati estis, et ego reficiam vos. 29 Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls.Tollite jugum meum super vos, et discite a me, quia mitis sum, et humilis corde : et invenietis requiem animabus vestris. 30 For my yoke is sweet and my burden light.Jugum enim meum suave est, et onus meum leve.The Seraphic Patriarch of Assisi was a man especially raised up by God in the Middle Ages with the mission to reconvert the world to Christ. Francis was born in a stable, and heralded into the world by angelic song; he commenced his work with twelve followers, whom he sent two by two to preach the Gospel. He espoused most high Poverty, and received in his own body the marks of the Sacred Passion on Mount Alvernia. Francis' message of charity, peace and justice was heard by men and women of every grade of society, and thousands in consequence desired to leave all and follow Francis in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Therefore he founded the Order of Friars Minor, the Second Order of the Poor Clares, and the Tertiaries or Third Order which bear his name. St Francis died about sunset on Saturday, 3rd Ocober 1226.

Today, former Navy SEAL Chadd Wright shares his powerful testimony of sharing the gospel on "The Joe Rogan Experience" and his journey to embracing God's sovereignty in salvation. We dive into Calvinism vs. Arminianism, convert vs. disciple, and we debate his retreat from politics. Join us for a bold, biblically rich discussion on faith, repentance, and living confidently in Christ's grace, rejecting man-centered gospels for God's glory. Check out Chadd Wright's website 3 of 7 Project here: www.3of7project.com Share the Arrows 2025 is on October 11 in Dallas, Texas! Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://sharethearrows.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for tickets now! Sponsored by: ⁠Carly Jean Los Angeles⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carlyjeanlosangeles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Good Ranchers⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.goodranchers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠EveryLife⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.everylife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy Allie's new book, "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion": ⁠⁠https://www.toxicempathy.com/⁠⁠ --- Timecodes: (00:00) Introduction (05:30) Sharing the Gospel to Joe Rogan (15:45) Discussing Predestination (27:00) Chadd's Testimony (36:50) The Gift of Faith (44:00) Current State of American Evangelism (51:20) Why Chadd Abandoned Politics --- Today's Sponsors: A'del — Try A'del's hand-crafted, artisan, small-batch cosmetics and use promo code ALLIE 25% off your first time purchase at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://⁠⁠⁠⁠AdelNaturalCosmetics.com⁠ We Heart Nutrition — Get 20% off women's vitamins with We Heart Nutrition, and get your first bottle of their new supplement, Wholesome Balance; use code ALLIE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.WeHeartNutrition.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Patriot Mobile — go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PatriotMobile.com/ALLIE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or call 972-PATRIOT and use promo code 'ALLIE' for a free month of service! Constitution Wealth Management — Let's discover what faithful stewardship looks like in your life. Visit ⁠⁠Constitutionwealth.com/Allie⁠⁠ for a free consultation. Concerned Women for America — For a donation of $20 or more, you will get a copy of their new book, written by the CEO and President, Penny Nance, A Woman's Guide, Seven Rules for Success in Business and Life. Go to ⁠⁠⁠ConcernedWomen.org/Allie⁠⁠⁠ for your copy today. --- Episodes you might like: Ep 1009 | Willie Robertson on Sharing the Gospel | Guest: Willie Robertson https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1009-how-to-share-the-gospel-with-confidence/id1359249098?i=1000657074826 Ep 1138 | Sharing the Gospel with Joe Rogan | Guest: Wes Huff https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1138-sharing-the-gospel-with-joe-rogan-guest-wes-huff/id1359249098?i=1000691204214 Ep 1216 | Can Catholics Claim the One True Church? | Lila Rose https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1216-can-catholics-claim-the-one-true-church-lila-rose/id1359249098?i=1000716862468 --- Buy Allie's book, You're Not Enough (& That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alliebethstuckey.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Relatable merchandise – use promo code 'ALLIE10' for a discount: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.blazemedia.com/collections/allie-stuckey⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In sixth century B.C., Nebuchadnezzar was the absolute monarch of the Babylonian empire. He'd built maybe the most incredible city in history. He was at the pinnacle of power, and his life fell apart anyway. And here's the incredible part: he's glad it happened! He praises God for having done it. Do you know why? Because he says, “There was a spiritual cancer in me. There was something in me that was so bad, it was so dangerous, it had poisoned my soul so deeply that even as drastic as the treatment was, it was worth it to get it out of my soul.” What was it? Pride. Spiritual pride. Could it be that we need to know the same lesson he learned? This text teaches us four things: it tells us about 1) the sleep of pride, 2) the heart of pride, 3) the outcome of pride, and 4) the healing of pride. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on February 5, 1995. Series: The Seven Deadly Sins. Scripture: Daniel 4:24-37. 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.

Jesus often warned His disciples about the hypocrisy of religious leaders. In Luke 17, He also exhorted His followers, “Watch yourselves.” On Truth For Life, Alistair Begg provides questions we can ask to check ourselves for evidence of hypocrisy. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘A Study in Luke, Volume 10' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. •If you or someone you know is in a season of suffering, be encouraged! Download My Times Are in Your Hands—12 FREE messages on enduring affliction with hope. Comes with a study guide. 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!

Today's reading is Matthew 7-9. . . . . This month, we will be reading from the ⁠⁠Christian Standard 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

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI Timothy 5Paul gives Timothy practical guidance on how to treat different groups within the church. He urges him to treat older men as fathers, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. Paul also provides detailed advice on the conduct of widows and their care, emphasizing that family members should support their own before the church intervenes. Only widows who are genuinely in need and demonstrate godly character should receive support from the church. Paul follows by addressing elders, stating that those who lead well are deserving of honor, particularly those who preach and teach. He cautions against favoritism, encourages carefulness in correcting leaders, and calls for personal purity. The brethren are encouraged to flee sin, as sin will inevitably be exposed.  We are called to care for one another with deep respect and compassion. Our relationships in the church should reflect the love of a family. We must treat others with honor, seeing their value through God's eyes. When needs arise, we must fulfill our God given responsibilities. We are part of a body that cares, serves, and protects. Godliness is expected of everyone, from the young to the widows. We also learn the importance of honoring those who lead well and holding each other accountable with grace and wisdom. Leadership and community are not casual responsibilities. We must walk with integrity and seek to do what is right. God calls us to live purely and never to conceal sin. Loving Lord, we thank You for placing us in a community where we can grow, serve, and be loved. Teach us to honor one another with kindness, to care for those in need, and to treat each person with dignity. Help us to see our brothers and sisters through Your eyes. Show us how to serve without expecting praise and to lead with humility. Give us the strength to correct with graceful wisdom and be patient with our approach, knowing You see all and know every heart. May we be faithful and free from sin and its consequences.   Thought Questions: Why is it important for younger Christians to show honor and respect for older members of Christ's body, specifically widows and elders? Several categories of widows are noted in this text. How many can you identify? Why are younger widows often encouraged to remarry? Why must believers honor local elders, and how must accusations against elders be handled? Why is this careful process important? 

DAY 25: The Parable of the Sower Welcome to the Gospel in a Year on the Catholic Sprouts Podcast. In this episode we are reading Matthew 13:1-23   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!      

When we understand how trauma shows up in the body, armoring is an important aspect. It includes muscle tension, chronic pain, and constant hypervigilance. Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership FREE Grounding Skills course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd Resolving Armor with Gabriel Posner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1P82CQ0gxI&list=TLPQMDUwNTIwMjXkG4fwe3LOQA&index=3 McConkie Embodiment Meditation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTgPsB2ukjc Armoring is the physical and emotional tension developed by trauma survivors as a protective mechanism. Drawing on insights from somatic therapist Wilhelm Reich and figures like ultra-athlete David Goggins and author Pete Walker, the video explains how chronic hypervigilance can lead to persistent tension, chronic pain, and emotional walls. It's a common problem for people with PTSD, CPTSD, and childhood trauma. 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

1. Through His Life and Example (The Model) Jesus's life, as recorded in the Gospels, provides a perfect, living model for Christian conduct, character, and priorities. He modeled: Servant Leadership: By washing His disciples' feet, He taught that true greatness... The post Jesus Christ as a Mentor with Dwain Schallenberger 971 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

In this solo episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb explores the profound depths of Jesus' Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13. While this parable might seem unassuming compared to others, Jesse reveals how it serves as the "granddaddy" of all parables—offering a God's-eye view of salvation through the ordinary imagery of farming. The episode examines why different people respond differently to the same gospel message, and challenges listeners to consider what kind of soil their own hearts represent. Through historical context and theological reflection, Jesse unpacks how this parable prepares believers for the mixed responses they'll encounter when sharing the gospel and reminds us that the efficacy of salvation depends not on the sower's skill, but on God's sovereign work in preparing hearts to receive His Word. Key Takeaways The Parable of the Sower provides a framework for understanding the various responses to the gospel message, serving as preparation for disciples who would face both acceptance and rejection. Jesus' parables, particularly the Sower, demonstrate how God uses ordinary, mundane things to express profound spiritual truths about His kingdom. The efficacy of salvation doesn't depend on the skill of the sower but on God's sovereign work in preparing the soil of human hearts. God's Word never returns void but always comes back "full" of either acceptance or rejection—it accomplishes exactly what God intends. Historical context matters: Jesus' audience had high expectations for a Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom, but Jesus was revealing a different kind of kingdom. The Parable of the Sower shows that the kingdom of God isn't received equally by all—some receive it with joy while others reject it outright. Having "ears to hear" is a gift from God through the Holy Spirit, not merely intellectual understanding but spiritual receptivity. The Word That Never Returns Void The power of God's Word stands at the center of the Parable of the Sower. Jesse highlights Isaiah 55, where God declares that His word "shall not return empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose." Unlike human words that often fall flat, God's Word always achieves its intended effect. This doesn't mean universal salvation, but rather that God's purposes are never thwarted. When the gospel is proclaimed, it always returns to God "full" of something—either acceptance or rejection. The parable illustrates this reality by showing the various responses to the same seed. This should encourage believers in evangelism: we are simply called to faithfully sow the seed, while God determines the harvest according to His sovereign purposes. Our success is not measured by conversions but by faithfulness in proclamation. Kingdom Expectations vs. Kingdom Reality The historical context of Jesus' ministry reveals a profound disconnect between what people expected from the Messiah and what Jesus actually delivered. Jesse explains how the Jewish people anticipated a conquering king who would overthrow Roman oppression and establish a visible earthly kingdom. Instead, Jesus announced a kingdom that begins in the heart, dividing even families according to their response to Him. The Parable of the Sower anticipates this mixed response, preparing disciples for both acceptance and rejection. This teaches modern believers an important lesson: the gospel will not be universally embraced, even when perfectly presented. Some hearts are like paths, others rocky ground, others thorny soil. Yet we continue sowing because God has appointed some to be good soil—hearts prepared by the Holy Spirit to receive the Word and bear fruit. This reality should both humble us and embolden our witness. Quotes "The power of this message is in the message itself, but the medium by which it is delivered... it does pierce the heart. It does pierce through bone and marrow. It does divide because it always returns full of either acceptance or full of rebellion and denial." - Jesse Schwamb "We find ourselves humbled. We find ourselves rushing in, coming into the kingdom, fighting to come into it because God has impassioned us with that same zeal that has accomplished this very thing. He implants it in our hearts, in our minds, in our guts, so that we would come before him and worship him." - Jesse Schwamb "Consider what it means that this good news... that God's word is his deed. This is why... it's such a blessing to live in this period of time where we have such easy access for most of us to the word of God, and that we ought to be zealous about getting that word out to all people because behind it and within it and around it is the full power of the Holy Spirit." - Jesse Schwamb Full Transcript Welcome to episode 463 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse, and this is the podcast for those with ears to hear. Hey, brothers and sisters, so I am just one half. Of the Reform Brotherhood squad. Tony, of course, wanted to join us on this episode, but it sometimes happens in life. Our schedules were a little bit crazy this week, and God gave us responsibilities that put us in opposite directions for part of the time. And so that means that today on this episode, I thought. You and I, we could just hang out and Tony will be back to join us in the next episode. [00:01:20] Solo Episode and Parable Series Overview But for now, this is one of those solo or formed brotherhood episodes. And if you have been tracking with us, we just started this great and amazing journey on going through all the parables that our Lord and Savior gives to us in teaching us about the kingdom of God and its power. And we just started by talking about the parable of the sower, in fact. In the last episode, we just covered basically the first two soils, the first half of that amazing little story, and I thought it would be really, really great to camp out in that for just a little bit more because even though Tony's not here, the podcast goes on and we, Tony and I never really. Thinking about these things and when we start a series in particular, we always find that we just gotta keep going back on it in our minds ruminating on what we said and what God was teaching us and the conversations like all good conversations that draw your mind back to the things that you talked about, which I should say maybe before I begin in earnest, that is also my denial, which is saying things like, let's camp out in this text now to be. Sure. There's no wrong reason why, or there's no bad reason to say words like that. It's just when I hear myself say them, I think about all the things that Christians say, like saying like, we should camp out in this text, or Let's sit in it for a while. And I think maybe it's because I'm just not into camping or maybe because I think most of the time when you use the phrase like, sit in, it's not. A happy or blessed or joyful thing that you're describing. So I always find that funny, and yet here I am saying it because I just couldn't think of anything better to say except, you know what? We should pause and maybe ruminate a little bit more. On all of this good stuff that's in Matthew chapter 13, where Jesus gives us the parable of the sower, so you can join me in sharing which little Christian phrases maybe you think you hear, we say too much or just become rote or part and parcel what it means to talk. The best way for you to do that is do me a. Go to your favorite internet device and in the browser, type T me slash reform brotherhood, that will just take you that little link to a part of the internet using an app called Telegram where a bunch of brothers and sisters who listen to the podcast are chatting about the podcast, their live sharing prayer requests, and there's even a place for you to share, Hey, what are the things that Christians say that you think. Why do we say that? Why are we always talking about hedges of protection? Why are we always talking about camping out in a text? So that's a place that you can come hang out. So go to t.me/reform brotherhood. [00:03:56] Deep Dive into the Parable of the Sower But enough of that, let's talk a little bit more about this incredible parable that our Lord and Savior gives us in Matthew chapter 13. It's so, so short in fact that I figured. The best parts of any conversation about the Bible is just hearing from God in his word. So let me read just those couple of verses. It's just eight verses beginning in Matthew chapter 13, the parable of the sower. That same day, Jesus went out from the house and sat beside the sea and great crowds gathered about him so that he got into a boat and sat down and the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables saying a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched. And since they had no roots, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seed fell on good soil and produced grain. Some a hundred fold, some 60, some 30. He who has ears let him hear. [00:05:09] Personal Reflections on the Parable I have to say that of all the parables, and we mentioned in the previous episode that this one is kind of the granddaddy of them all. It's a god's eye view on salvation told in this lovely kind of encased way about horticulture and farming and growing plants. But to be totally transparent, I never really got into this parable. It was never really my favorite one. Like of all the things that Jesus says, of all the creative and wonderful terms of phrase, this one for me always just seemed to be lacking That stuff. You know, it doesn't have really strong characters. It's about a sower, seed and soil, and compared to some other things that seems kind of unassuming and. Not very exciting, quite honestly, to me, and it's not as exciting, I think, as stories about, I don't know, losing something of value and then suddenly finding it and rejoicing and having the characters, feeling yourself in those characters as they go about experiencing all the emotions. That Jesus expresses and keyed in these lovely little riddles called parables. And so for this one, it's always been a little bit kind of like a, okay. It's interesting and the point seems fairly straightforward and it just doesn't captivate me as the others. And I've been thinking about about that, how even in this, it just seems like a really normal, mundane, kind of pedestrian expression of a life in that time. And it's all wrapped up in gardening. And throwing seeds into the ground, not even having control of their outcome. And then in this way, though, expressing and explaining this grand narrative and arc of salvation from God's perspective. So it is, again, another lesson in God using ordinary, normal, almost seemingly mundane things to express his power, to express our lack of control and to show so that he does. Did I just say so to, so that he does all things and certainly we get so much of that in this parable, and so it made me think this week after Tony and I talked about it a little bit. Just how it raises a question in this really normative, kind of unassuming, almost boring, if I can say way, this really profound question, which is, will we be this fruitful, fertile soil? Will we be fruitful followers? Of Jesus Christ. And it doesn't just raise this question, I suppose it also gives us some hope, but it also does so with a warning. It is a maybe a little bit of law and gospel even embedded in these simple means of, again, talking about what it means to plant something and to entrust the planting, the acy of the growth there to the soil and the seed, and there's hope. There's warning and there's so much of that that's in this context of the parable, and that's what's led me to wanna talk to you all a little bit about that as we kinda process together more of what this means. [00:08:00] Historical Context and Expectations of the Messiah I was thinking that when Jesus began his ministry, when he's coming forward, he's really announcing the arrival of the kingdom of God. And it's helpful, I think, to meditate as a second on how profound that is, that he comes again, not just as the message, but the messenger and the medium of that message. I was just kinda ruminating on the fact that. Everybody had high expectations. There was no one, I think, with kind of a low opinion of what was about to happen or of what the Messiah was going to bring or what he was going to do. And here you have like explicitly Jesus' hearers, their ancestors would've been taken into exile and captivity because they had broken the covenant with God. And the prophets had made this case for God's punishment because of their idolatry and their injustice. But that message, and you get this especially in in books like Isaiah. Where there's this mixture that's bittersweet. There is not only an exclusive message of woe for the people, but there is at the same time up against sick, almost running parallel. This promise of a day when God, by his own effort in Zeal, would bring about a restoration where he'd set up visibly an earthly reign through his anointed Wanda Messiah. And so I can only imagine if I could. Even partially put myself in the place of these people who are hearing this particular parable, that there is all this sense that we have strayed from God, that we're covenant breakers, but that he has promised to make a way and that his own zeal will very much accomplish this, but it will be visible and earthly, not just spiritual in the sense that we believe these things and we internalize them in the sense for our being, and therefore we speak about them in these kind of grandiose and ephemeral terms. But more than that, that God was going to come and set up an earthly reign, purely manifested in the world in which we live and breathe and have our being. And so two things would happen. Israel's oppressors would be defeated. And God would institute a pure worship and a reestablished pure worship. And so I can't help but think maybe there was some of this expectation. They're, they're seeing this Messiah, this Jesus, the one who speaks with a different kind of authority, come into their midst. And there I think all these things are somewhere in their minds as their processing. Maybe they should be in ours as well. And so there's this portrait that's being painted here of the prophet saying there's gonna be. Restoration and this image of a seed being sown. And then of course you have these metaphors that Jesus is employing in his own time. Very reminiscent of passages like in Isaiah 55, where you find the prophet saying, for as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there, but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater. So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth. It shall not return empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and I shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. What an amazing, glorious promise of God that there is no suboptimal nature. In his expression of who he is and what he's accomplished, that the very thing that he intends to do, he always does, and this word comes back. I think what really strikes me about this passage in particular is the fact that it does not return to God empty. I mean, think about what that means. It's strange in a way. That. In other words, it's full of something. And here I think it's full of response. It's full of anticipation. It's full of this. Like what? What has gone out is now received by the individual and then returns with either acceptance or denial, very much in the same way that we're about to receive it in this parable before us. And in fact, even our ability to understand the parable. This if you have ears, he has ears. Let him hear that itself is an expression. So in other words. The power of this message is again, in the message itself, but the medium by which it is delivered, it does pierce the heart. It does pierce through bone and marrow. It does divide because it always returns full of either acceptance or full of rebellion and denial. And so when we think about the people of Israel. They exactly in that way. They return from exile under Ezra Nehemiah. But even those returns, even those improvements or some of that remediation seems to me like to come short of expectations. You know, Ezra rebuilt the temple, but it paled in comparison to Solomon's original, in fact. If we go to Ezra chapter three, there's like so much honesty as the people are seeing this rebuilt temple. Their response is, is like tragic in a way. So this is Ezra chapter three, beginning verse 12. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers houses, old men. Who had seen the first house as the temple of God wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy so that the people cannot distinguish the sound of the joyful from the sound of people's weeping for the people shouted with a great shout and the sound was heard far away, even in just the setting up the foundation, the base layer. There are those saying this is. This is not like it used to be. Even this is just far piles in comparison and falls very far short of the original. And of course you have Nehemiah's rebuilt wall around Jerusalem. Couldn't even ensure the holiness of God's people. And so everything up to that point. All of it was still just a shadow. It was like a big, giant disappointment, a blemish as it were, on God's people. Even as there was an attempt to restore, there was still this longing from the inside to have the real McCoy to everything made right to have the true Messiah come, not the one that was the type. Not the thing that was the shadow, not the the poor replacement or the analog, but the real thing. And so you have in response to this, you know, some of God's people move into the wilderness and pursue holy living. Some accommodated to Roman occupation like the Sadducees, some retreated into kind of individual individualistic piety or rule keeping like the Pharisees. And then there's all kinds of accounts of God's people in rebellion. Like Simon, the Zealots. There were some who even located themselves under the legitimate, yet Roman endorsed leadership of Herod, you know the Herodians. So you have all of these people you can imagine literally in the same audience. Jesus pushes back and he begins to teach them. And he starts by talking about horticulture. He starts by saying, A sower goes out and he throws all this kind of seed. And it's not difficult to imagine that all of the seed, all the soil, everything is represented in what he's saying right there. And then it's not a story as if like, well, you take this away and try to process it in such a way that you might come to terms with it later on. It's happening in the here and now. Even what he's saying. Even the message that he's communicating is being man made manifest right there in their midst, and it's not returning a void to him. The one who wrote it to begin with is the one who's speaking it, and it's having its desired effect, even as we read it now, and it reads us today. [00:15:13] Jesus' Ministry and the Kingdom of God And so it's amazing that it's on this stage that Jesus steps out and he stands, especially in the synagogue when he reads from the Isaiah scroll. And he announces that the true jubilee has now arrived and it's arrived in him. You know, by the way, what's interesting there is we have, we have no real reason to think that Israel ever really practiced Jubilee as it was outlined in the scriptures. So we have this beautiful instruction for a reset, a pure reset, and one that is liberty and freedom in so many ways, but especially demonstrated in this economic reality. And Jesus commences his public ministry proclaiming the good new. News that the kingdom of God has arrived. I feel like we have to go there, right? Because this is just so good. So in MOOC chapter four, Jesus stands up. He asks for the scroll, and this is what he reads. Loved ones. These are fantastic words. I mean, hear them from the mouth of our Savior. Again, Jesus reads this, the spirits of the Lord is upon me. Because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. It's such incredibly strong and powerful news. We're getting this sense that there are those who are poor that need. To hear that something will be different. That they are her, that they're seen that all of the straining in life and all of their labor is not in vain, but here is one who's come to rescue them and that those who have been set in prison, those who are chained and under duress and find themselves locked up. That here he has come to proclaim liberty to the captives, and then for those that cannot see, that have lost their way entirely, that are groping in the dark, here is one that's coming to recover the sight. Hear that word, not to give it brand new, but to restore that which was originally present to begin with. Imagine the horror of having your sights and then having it taken away that. Knowing that there was something there that was beautiful in your midst, something that was precious to you, and now to have that restored, in fact, like Blind by de MEUs the Greek, there is more when God says, or Jesus rather, says, what do you want me to do for you? The Greek is very clear, just says, sight again, sight again. And I think we like our ancestors and Israel here before us. We ought to be always clamoring and crying. Then I tell God like, son of David sight again. Would you help me to see truly not as the world appears to be, but we spiritual eyes, to know the truth, to understand how much you love me, and would you gimme the strength to love you? Me back love you back by way of giving, yes, this sight. And then for all those who are downtrodden. Where, wherever, and whatever that means, physically, emotionally, spiritually, that here's the one who has come to, again, set you at liberty and then to say, do you know what this time is? This is the time of the Lord's favor. Why? Because the son of man is here and where the son of man is. There is freedom and restoration. There is a new king over all things. There's one who super intends over all of the earth. Who has been given control over all things and has come to win literally the day for those who are rebellious before God, for those who have sinned, who are covenant breakers, who are gospel abusers, while we were at yet enmity with God at the right time, Jesus and his son for us. And so we find that it's like the pretext, it's the context for all of this, and especially this parable. And of course, rather than. Everybody listening to what Jesus has to say here and just being one over being filled with some kind of winsome logic of what's being said here, of being thoroughly convinced. We know that of course it's not just a matter of evidence, but unless the Holy Spirit comes the same spirit, which is upon Jesus, the sin of God, to change us, to open our ears, that we do not hear these things, we don't hear them as we ought to. We do not give them heed. We do not internalize them, and we cannot understand them. And so because of that, rather than of course meeting with universal acceptance, Jesus, of course, he encounters a host of reactions. Some opposed him. The crowds sometimes were way more motivated, like people in our day by novelty or curiosity or by presume rewards or blessings. You can imagine this is what makes, of course, something like the Blat and grab, its kind of gospel, the prosperity of some of our modern evangelical expression, so incredibly dangerous. Because of course people will say, well, if I can get that blessing, of course I want Jesus. Or if I'm gonna be made, well, yes, I'll, I'll find, I'll take Jesus. If I'm gonna get wealth and riches and a 401k, that's gonna suit my every need. Well sure I'll take Jesus. And of course, the blessing, the reward of getting Jesus is getting the son of God, getting the one who restores us first and predominantly. With God the father himself, that all of those blessings are already ours in the spiritual realm because of Jesus. In fact, we've, we've already been placed with him in the heavenly realms. That is the reward. And so sometimes the gods were a little bit more motivated by, this guy's given us bread before. Let's see if there's gonna be another buffet, rather than he says We ought to eat and drink his flesh. That in that is eternal life, and so we get distracted. And so sometimes novelty and curiosity just win the day. And then of course, on the other hand. Some of the most unlikely unseemly, most sinful were responding with incredible joy and embracing Jesus and his announcement. Tenaciously like voraciously, the ones who were humble, who knew that they needed a savior, they needed a reconciliation that was alien and outside of themselves. Something powerful that could defeat even the sin that was within them and bring about a pure and unbridled atonement, unreserved in its ability to clean. These were the ones who were saying, come, Lord Jesus, these were the ones crying out, saying, have mercy on me, son of David. And we like them. Ought to follow that example. And so throughout Matthew's Gospel and Luke's gospel. There's a mixed response throughout the entire ministry of Jesus. And again, what's unique about this parable, I think, is that Jesus comes setting the stage for that unique response. All of those different kind of options and how people will perceive him, how they respond to him, what they will say to him. And so whether as you go through the narratives in the gospels, you look to. The Samaritan Leopard or the blind beggar, or the Chief tax Collector, or the impoverished widow, all of these were those who were forcing their way into the kingdom in response during the good news. There's really something I think that's beautiful about that, that God allows for us to force our way as it were. When we are convicted of this kingdom, that he is the kingdom and that he brings it to us. That we come headlong, rushing in, falling over ourselves to get into that kingdom by the power of the Holy Spirit. And that's why I think, why, why Luke writes in chapter 16 of his gospel. The law in the prophets were until John. Since then, the good news of the kingdom of God is preached and everyone forces his way into it. What a amazing and lovely thing that God allows us. Which is the truth, to force our way into that. So these were the ones who proved to be the fertile soil for the word of the kingdom, not the ones who chose the places of honor or the privilege, or we saw Jesus one of many important priorities to be managed. What we have here is the ones who forced their way in. These were the ones who proved to be the fertile soil, and I'm not gonna steal. Any of our thunder, because Tony and I are gonna talk about that in the next episode. But I bring that up merely to say there's so much that's rich here. When we think about are we as Christians fruitful and fertile? In our following, after the Lord Jesus Christ. And that's Matthew's great theme of reversal, like beginning in the birth narratives of Jesus and continuing through the very end of his gospel count. Even like in his final parable, Jesus forced the confrontation with his opponents by declaring that God would give the kingdom to those who had produce a harvest for God in honor. His son. That's the truth. And so he was more than simply this messenger in these cleverly created stories announcing the arrival of God's reign. He was the one who brought the kingdom. And actually, in fact, Jesus embodies the kingdom because he was the king, not only of Israel, but the royal son of God who would rule the nations. And because of that. He did represent a threat to overthrow to some just as much as he was meant as a salvation and a blessing to others. He is divisive. In fact, what's interesting is if you track Jesus standing up in the temple. And he comes forward and reads from Isaiah. It's interesting where he stops reading. This is really before kind of the, all the language about the second coming back, him really coming not to bring just salvation, but to bring retribution, to bring justice and punishment for those who are God's enemies. And so really this first coming. Jesus is all about this. It's it's all about having the message of God go out in that return void. It's returning full of the response of God's people, full of the response of God's enemies and therefore. This parable, an ex explanation to his inner circle would be understood as an accounting for the surprising range of responses. And even more than I think like an ex explanation, like explicitly it would be this kind of preparation. This kind of, again, setting a table or opening up a pathway for this hard road that lay ahead for those who would remain true to Jesus. These would be the ones who would serve the ultimate purpose of God's great act of sowing in his son to produce a great harvest. And of course. That is partly what lies the hope for us. I mean, I think I said last time we spoke about this, what I appreciate about this teaching is not only that it doesn't pull any punches, but it's just so. Real, it's so resonant because Jesus already gives us some of the breadth and scope or the continuum of the responses so that when we go out and we should so unreservedly that that is by proclaiming Jesus as the king who has come as the kingdom already ushered in as here, but not yet. When we do this, we can expect already that there'll be various responses. So one for us, it takes away the surprise. The second is it does prepare us. That these things might in fact happen. And three, it gives us a sense that, again, the efficacy of salvation. And we're getting, by the way, this view of salvation from, from God isn't again dependent on the skillset of the sower. Instead, it is God's prerogative. It's always God's prerogative. And here as loved ones, you've heard me say again, I must invoke the phrase, we have God doing all the verbs, right? He's the one walking in the field. He's the one reaching in into the seed bag, as it were. He's the one casting it liberally across the ground. He's the one making it grow. All of this is what God is doing. The preparation of the soil, the casting of the seed, the being present in. Farmland. All of this is what God is doing now. We emulate that by design. So now the call is to do what Jesus has done here in Mala for us, and that is that we also go out into the world and we proclaim this good news because what is unequivocally true is that the good news of Jesus Christ. Is for all people. Now, this does not mean that all people will accept it. That is abundantly clear in the message that Jesus gives to us. It does not prevent though us or him from casting it out to all people. We see that really, really. Vividly. Some will be given ears to hear. We ought to pray that our neighbors, our children, those in our churches and our communities, our politicians, we ought to be praying that all would be given ears to hear, and the seed of God's word will accomplish exactly what God intends and Jesus' word, a proclamation announcing the good news of the kingdom of God. We see vividly the point that God's word is. Deed that this word that he spoke speaks is his action. It's not simply that God says what he will do, but that his very act of speaking is the means by which he does that very thing. When we hear God speak to us, it is proof that we are alive. Not only do like dead men tell no tales, I think I've just inadvertently like quoted from Disney's. Um. Pirates movie, but they hear no tells as well. You know, you have been born again, not a perishable seed, but of imperishable through the living and abiding word of God. Incredible. Isn't it? Loved ones like it's incredible this story that to me on the beginning seems like so kind of. Boring and not particularly catchy and maybe not as interesting as some of the others contained within. This is literally all the words of life in the seed that we've seen thrown and in. It is like the continuum we find, not that it emulates the Old Testament, or that it somehow compliments New Testament, but within all within this parable is all of the scriptures and all of the full plan of God and all of his great love for us. That again, while we were at his enemies, he came and on this path, as he walks among the field, he casts the seed. To all, and he, by his power, gives to some these ears to hear. We find ourselves humbled. We find ourselves rushing in coming into the kingdom, fighting to come into it because God has impassioned us with that same zeal that has accomplished this very thing. He implants it in our hearts, in our minds, in our guts, so that we would come before him and worship him, fall down and find. The one who is our savior, who ushers in the visible kingdom of God, the one that is not built merely on political theories, on good rules. The kind of gospel that didn't come to make bad people good, but came to make dead people alive again. And I think that that is the absolute. Untouchable, unfathomable, almost completely un understandable, if you will, truth of this particular parable. I think this is why the Westminster confession describes the word of God, and particularly the preaching of the word as a means of grace. The word is powerful in itself by the spirits of God. I had to quote the Westminster, of course, at least in honor of Tony, so. [00:30:02] Call to Action and Final Thoughts That's my little challenge to you on this short little episode. It's just you and me and I'm saying to you loved ones. Consider this parable again. Consider how palpable this parable is. Consider what God has for us in it. Consider this soils. And then think about what it means that this good news, we see this within it, this vivid point again, that God's word is his deed. And so this is why though we do not create any kind of legalistic, conscription, or prescription around something like daily Bible study. Why? It's such a blessing to live in this period of time where we have such easy access for most of us to the word of God, and that we ought to be zealous about getting that word out to all people because, because behind it and within it and around it is the full power of the Holy Spirit that is always going out into the world and returning full with response and that when God. Speaks his word. He's always accomplishing his act in that very deed. And so it should be a blessing. We should be compelled to find ourselves in it as much as often as we can because what we're finding there is the power of God for us, in us speaking, administering to us to produce in us a great harvest. That's the promise it's coming, and we're gonna get there in the next. Episode, but what I'll leave you with is just those first two soils thinking about if you have ears to hear, if you have been made alive together with Christ, then consider that there was a time when you are one of the other soils and God who's being rich in mercy has rescued you. Not because of work done in righteousness, not because you've come forward and. Elevate your place to the, to elevate your state to the place of deserving poor. Not because like you came forward with, with empty hands and somehow convinced God that you are worthy enough, or sorry enough or contrite enough. But because of his great mercy, and it's that mercy, I think that compels us to say things to Jesus like Son of David Sight again. Son of David, have mercy on me, son of David. You are the real arrival of the Kingdom of God and your word bears testimony and your Holy Spirit has in a great work in my life. And to that end, I want to follow you and I want to ensure that this word that you've given to me is given to all people. So there's work to do, loved ones. And there's a lot there to process. I hope that you will take some time. Think about this in your own way, and as you are processing this as God is speaking to you, as you are joining together with loved ones from literally all over the world who are hanging out and listening to Tony and I chat about this stuff, that again, you would share your own voice, the best way to do that. Why do you make me beg you? Come join the Telegram chat. You'll have a great time. It's super fun. T me slash Reform Brotherhood. I would also be remiss if I didn't on behalf of myself and Tony, thank everyone who does hang out there, everyone who sent us the email, everyone who shares prayer requests or has prayed for us, and as well everyone who makes sure that this podcast. Is free of charge. It comes with its own expenses. It's not free to produce. And so we're so thankful that those who've said, listen, I've been blessed by the podcast, or It's just been important or special to me. God has done something in it. Or God has renewed a different kind of desire and passion to talk about the things of God or to encourage me in my life. I'm so happy if other things have happened. By the way, it's not because of Tony or me. It's because God is good to us. I mean, can I get an amen? I see that hand. In the back, God is good to Tony and me and we're just so thankful that we get to do this. And so if you'd like to join in supporting financially. Every little gift helps. You can go to patreon.com/reform brotherhood patreon.com, reform Brotherhood, and there you can find a way to give one time or reoccurring all of those gifts together. Make sure that there's no payrolls on this bad boy that you're not gonna get any super weird ads in the middle of it. You're just gonna get us talking. We want to em, I would say be emblematic of what we've talked about here, which is. Freely we've received freely want to give. And for those who join and say, I wanna make that possible so that no one has to be compelled to pay for this kind of thing, I love that we are here for that every day of the week and twice on the Lord's day. So next episode, Tony and I are gonna continue in this parable. We're probably, you know, gonna get together. We'll set up our tents, we'll just camp out here for a little bit. So until we get the tents out, we get the s'mores. And we start camping. Honor everyone love the brotherhood.

Lesley Logan brings you another round of Friday wins to inspire your week. She shares a powerful story of fathers reuniting with daughters, a community win about commitment and accountability, and her own personal milestone with Brad. This episode is all about connection, celebration, and remembering there's room for you at the table.If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:The power of a prison daddy-daughter dance that reunited families.How Melissa and Lisa reignited their Pilates practice through weekly partner sessions.Why honoring small commitments with an accountability buddy matters.What 10 years of marriage taught Lesley about celebrating past choices.Episode References/Links:Submit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questionsGod Behind Bars - https://godbehindbars.comGod Behind Bars Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/godbehindbars If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:Lesley Logan 0:00  It's Fuck Yeah Friday. Brad Crowell 0:01  Fuck yeah.Lesley Logan 0:02  Get ready for some wins. Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.Lesley Logan 0:48  Hi, Be It babe. Happy Friday. We made it. We did it. We're here. I am so excited for these short episodes, because they're just, they're here to inspire you. And honestly, like, sometimes, like, we were kids, like, didn't we, like, live for Fridays. And now it's kind of like, okay, we made it. We survived. There's a lot going on. There's a lot always going on. There's always been that way. But these episodes are here to remind you that there's still things that you can celebrate. There's still good stuff that's happening. You're still doing things, even if around you, if it just feels like chaos and overwhelm. So I share a winof yours, a win of mine, also some inspiration from something that I saw, that we can all think about, celebrate or get mad about, and then a little mantra for you to take with you on your way. And hopefully it's something you can share with a friend or run a Post-It, and I love for you to your share your wins, to send them into the beitpod.com/questions. But this really inspired me. So this is really, really cool. 16 incarcerated fathers were reunited with their daughters for a daddy-daughter dance held inside the prison. Freaking the coolest thing the prison system, like bothers me so much because we don't do a really good job like rehabilitating people, making people feel like human beings. We treat them like animals, and we want them to act like a human and like Maslow's hierarchy of needs is like a real thing. So this is so cool, and it's so it says, for a few sacred hours, San Quentin didn't feel like prison. The prison chapel transformed into a holy ground, draped walls, soft music, a red carpet, floral centerpieces replaced concrete and coldness. For a moment, it was hard to believe we were still in a maximum security prison. Outside, 16 incarcerated fathers stood waiting, some in suits for the first time, others trembling as they tied ties with unsteady hands. They waited for years, for this moment, some decades, then the doors open. There's actually like a whole documentary on YouTube. Now I gotta go watch it. But the daughter stepped on the red carpet, little girls in bright dresses, grown women with hearts full of ache and hope. One by one, they walked into arms that had long to hold them. I'm gonna cry. Fathers fell at their knees in tears. Prodigals reunited. Kelon hadn't held his daughter in 20 years. Carrington wept as his daughters hugged him for the first time. Steven danced with his “bundle of joy.” Vincent read a handwritten letter to his daughter Autumn, filled with love, apology, and redemption. It wasn't just beautiful.
It was sacred.
It was the Gospel, tangible, trembling, alive. You made it happen. You gave 21 daughters dresses, flights, hotel rooms, corsages, a meal, and a memory they'll never forget. You brought heaven to prison. You reminded these men: they are still dads. And reminded these girls: they are still daughters. This wasn't just an event.
This was healing.
This was hope.
This was holy. Anyways, there's a the handle that handled that did this is God Behind Bars are doing another father-daughter dance in Angola prison. This year, you can donate $10 a month or anything to help for pay for tuxes, family travel, dresses, food and so much more. You can go to Godbehindbars.com. Like, however you feel about religion. Like, I just think that this is just like the most impactful thing for people in their lives. Like, people make mistakes, people are put in situations that things happen, and our justice system is really not always just. And so I just am this just really melts my heart. And like, how cool, how cool. And I'm from California, up past where San Quentin is. We drive by it, and it's like, just not a place you want to be. And like, the fact that they took the time to do this, to make people feel like the human beings that they are, and really help establish relationships that like can be helpful for for reestablishing these people in society, if they ever get to like, it's humongous. It's a huge deal. So anyways, that is what inspired me. There can be inspiration, right? Lesley Logan 4:16  Okay, a win of yours. Melissa Hargrove, someone I was been around in our lives for a long time and just really inspires me all the time. She said, wanted to share an ongoing win. After our eLevate retreat in March, I reconnected with my OG partner, Lisa. We decided to make a commitment to get together and practice our original goal was to find as much time as we could and do duets with Lesley. After the first lesson, we knew we needed more. We have more duets scheduled through September. Go us! And taking it a step further, we decided to try to do our best to meet weekly, even just to do a Joe's gym or just move. Today, we opted to do the June chair class, It Takes Two, and I'm pretty sure I can speak for us both that we dusted that piece of equipment and we have a new reignited passion for it. So thank you, Lisa for finding time to work with me. And just proud that we have been able to keep the commitment to our practice. I told her today that had we not done the class together it would have taken me two hours to do it, because I would have had to pause, pet my cat, get a drink, maybe change the laundry and so on. But holy cow, when you flow at a brisk pace without pausing, it feels amazing. So thanks again, Lisa for keeping us on point and LL for an inspiring class. Yeah, I want to add to this win. Because you know what, Melissa Hargrove, your partner, Lisa, put a win up that adds to this. So here we go and adding on to that win. This is Melissa. Melissa. I wanted to add to this win this week after already doing two Pilates classes Tuesday, Melissa joined me for our scheduled practice session. I am so very grateful for her commitment to our practice together. It means so much that she did not cancel. As I was looking forward to moving with her, we agreed to do a 30 minute session, which was a win win for both of us since I had the opportunity to walk and do a stair climbing session in 95 degree heat at lunch. Glad we could support each other and can find the time and the win in any situation. Way to go ladies. So this is why Be It Till You See It exists. This is what we're here to do, bring people together, bring women together. Remind you that like you can, right? You can have counterparts that like will show up even when you're like, I don't really want to do this, and this happens all the time. I'm sure I'll have a win coming up with some of our other OPC members who literally get together every Wednesday at 8am to do the workout that they're members of. You know, sometimes it does take that kind of village, and it's okay to take that village time. It's okay to ask for help. It's okay to have an accountability buddy, but this is really important to me. When you make an accountability buddy, you guys need to be completely honest and thoughtful of the other person, so that you don't start canceling here and canceling there, like, oh, it's just 30 minutes. No, show up for each other, right? It helps the other person make time for themselves as well. So I really love this lady. Thank you so much for inspiring us to move our bodies, but also to connect with other people in our lives and realize, like we need each other too. We need to be there too. Lesley Logan 4:39  Okay, so my win, I had a win to share with you. I'm gonna save that win for next week. It's already a little delayed to share with you, so I'm gonna share it because a win is actually, I wish I had Brad here. Tomorrow's our 10 year wedding anniversary. 10 years, holy moly. We're celebrating together. I think we'll actually be together for it, because we're in Chicago, so we'll celebrate it together, and we're like, usually we're on a plane and like, because of the time travel distance, like the third just disappears in our lives. And so multiple anniversaries that we haven't been together, but this one, we get to do it together, doing something we love, with people we love to be around at, Pilates On Tour in Chicago. I know you're like, 10 years how is that like? That's that's a win. It's a win not because, like, it's like a struggle to stay married to him or anything like that, but just that we like continually make time to be with each other and to make sure that we're doing things together that are fun, and we challenge each other in really amazing ways. He challenges me to put things away in an actual spot. I challenged him to be on time. You know, these are, these are these are wins for two ADHD people in the same household. But truly, I'm so blessed. I'm so grateful. And recently, we were sharing how we met, because people always want to know how we met, and maybe that's a podcast episode for a different day, but whenever we get to tell it now that we've been married 10 years, there's there's something really cool about, like, looking back on the people that we were who chose each other and we chose to do something really scary, and that's a win. So here we are celebrating 10 years of marriage. And it's not that the 10 years of marriage is what I'm celebrating for us. I'm, like, kind of celebrating our past selves, making really huge decisions that could have easily been written off and, like, not made a priority. So huge thanks to Brad and Lesley in their early 30s for the things that they did, but also just for all the people in our lives who have been friends along the way, who've become family, and that's our win. 10 years of marriage. I love it. I love you. You're amazing. Lesley Logan 8:58  Okay, let me get you an affirmation to repeat with your on yourself, on your drive, on your walk. There's room for me at the table. There is room for me at the table. There is. Take a seat. You know, sometimes we think, oh, I don't want to bother people, oh, and I'll be I don't have enough accolades. Oh, who am I to do this? My neighbor recently, saw the G7 he's like, oh my god, don't, don't write my thing down. Like, who am I to be here? And like, what he actually is there to do, like, change the lives of people in this world and the politicians that are there need to hear what he has to say. There's room for you at the table. There's room for me at the table. Love you so much, and you know what to do. Until next time, Be It Till You See It.Lesley Logan 9:41  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 10:24  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 10:29  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 10:33  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 10:40  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 10:43  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Where does the bread on your table come from?...

Evangelist Daniel Kolenda unpacks Galatians through his novel “Furious,” exposing legalism and reviving the gospel of grace. Get ready for conviction, freedom, and fresh revelation that ignites your walk with Jesus.   Purchase Kathy's book Healed at Last – Overcome Sickness to Receive your Physical Healing on Amazon https://a.co/d/6a6mt8w or at: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/healed-at-last/   Purchase Anointing Oil with a prayer cloth that Kathy has personally mixed and prayed over on Kathy's Website or Amazon. Order anointing oil by Kathy on Amazon look for her brand here https://amzn.to/3PC6l3R or Kathy DeGraw Ministries https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/product-category/oils/    Training, Mentorship and Deliverance! Personal coaching, deliverance, e-courses, training for ministry, and mentorships! https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/training/# Legalism won't keep you free—Jesus will. In this powerful interview, Daniel Kolenda shares why he wrote “Furious,” a vivid retelling of Galatians that drops you right into Paul's battle for the gospel of grace. We talk about the raw urgency of Paul's message, how legalism still masquerades as maturity, and how the Holy Spirit forms real fruit in our lives as we abide in Christ. If you've felt judged, dry, or stuck in performance, this will help you return to the simplicity and power of the cross. We also give practical tools for studying Scripture with the Spirit, cultivating revelation, and leading your church or family out of a rule-keeping mindset into true freedom in Christ. Grab “Furious” for yourself—and as an evangelistic gift that invites readers to encounter Jesus. Let the Word pierce, reform, and renew your heart so you can live bold, grace-filled, Spirit-led. This is the moment to break agreement with condemnation and step into the liberty Paul fought to protect. #DanielKolenda #Galatians #GospelOfGrace #FreedomInChrist #KathyDeGraw   **Connect with Daniel**https://cfan.org/daniel-kolenda Christ for All Nations  Purchase Furious at: https://a.co/d/bOuv6Q3   **Connect with Us** - Website: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathydegraw/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathydegraw/    Podcast - Subscribe to our YouTube channel and listen to Kathy's Podcast called Prophetic Spiritual Warfare, or on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/3mYPPkP28xqcTzdeoucJZu  or Apple podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prophetic-spiritual-warfare/id1474710499    **Recommended Resources:** - Receive a free prayer pdf on Warfare Prayer Declarations at https://kathydegrawministries.org/declarations-download  - Kathy's training, mentoring and e-courses on Spiritual Warfare, Deliverance and the Prophetic: https://training.kathydegrawministries.org/  - Healed At Last ~ Overcome Sickness and Receive your Physical Healing: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/healed-at-last/  - Mind Battles – Root Out Mental Triggers to Release Peace!: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/product/mind-battles-pre-order-available-january-2023/  -Kathy has several books available on Amazon or kathydegrawministries.org   **Support Kathy DeGraw Ministries:** - Give a one-time love offering or consider partnering with us for $15, $35, $75 or any amount! Every dollar helps us help others!  - Website: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/donate/   - CashApp $KDMGLORY - Venmo @KD-Ministries - Paypal.me/KDeGrawMinistries or donate to email admin@degrawministries.org - Mail a check to: Kathy DeGraw Ministries ~ PO Box 65 ~ Grandville MI 49468  

The Gospel challenges us to examine whether we avoid truth out of weakness or willful ignorance.Morning Offering, October 3, 2025Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________

There's no mistaking that God is moving in university students today. Hear from Mark Matlock, Executive Director of Urbana Missions Conference, a conference for university students and young adults, as he shares about Gen Z, the impact of conferences, and the future of missions. Learn more about Urbana Missions Conference here! “What am I doing, and how am I connected to this global Church and what God is doing around the world? And that's what Urbana is all about.” “I believe that this generation is going to have a new imagination for what it means to fulfill the Great Commission in the world and take the Gospel across cultures so that people can hear the Word of God.“ “We want to increase the sending capacity of the church.” Listen to the Urbana Podcast Carey Nieuwhof's Podcast on Gen Z in Revival and Retreat “God doesn't fill us just to fill us; He fills us to be fruitful.” “There's something about discovery in community with others that I think the Holy Spirit really uses to help guide us and move us.” What's changing our lives: Keane: Breaking down tasks into smaller pieces Heather: Adding a trellis to my garden Mark: Working collaboratively with Gen Z Weekly Spotlight: HopeSeed School We'd love to hear from you! podcast@teachbeyond.org Podcast Website: https://teachbeyond.org/podcast Learn about TeachBeyond: https://teachbeyond.org/ 

Welcome to the Christmas series! God chooses two humble and faithful people to be the bridge that gaps the old and new covenants. 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.

Listen as Pastor Nate interviews Azziz Azula in this powerful testimony recorded live at The Forge Conference. Hear how a 9-year-old boy teaching himself English in war-torn Afghanistan eventually became a Special Forces interpreter, survived Taliban persecution, and found salvation through the witness of American Christians.This remarkable story of faith, courage, and divine providence will challenge everything you thought you knew about God's ability to work through impossible circumstances. Perfect for your commute or workout - prepare to be deeply moved and encouraged.You'll Learn:✅ How learning English at age 9 saved 800 Afghan lives✅ What it's really like growing up under Islamic extremism✅ Why Christian peace convinced a Muslim warrior to follow Jesus✅ How God orchestrated a miraculous rescue during the Taliban takeover✅ The power of Christian witness even when you don't see immediate resultsThis conversation proves that your faith matters more than you know - even to those who seem furthest from the Gospel.New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT. Subscribe now to never miss biblical wisdom for real-world battles.

A new analysis of book removals from schools and libraries shows Tennessee has a dubious honor. Plus the local news for October 3, 2025 and a Gospel music hall of fame finally finds a home. Credits:  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP 

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Have a question or comment for Pastor Plek or one of his guests. Send it here.368: A stadium filled with worship, national leaders in the room, and the gospel preached without flinching—some moments refuse to stay “cultural.” We unpack why Charlie Kirk's memorial became a spiritual inflection point and how it's stirring unexpected courage, repentance, and renewed interest in church across the country. From claims of martyrdom to the evidence behind motive, we grapple with the costs of public truth-telling and the conviction that it's better to face danger than to live afraid of speaking what's true.Text your questions to us at 737-231-0605 or visit pastorplek.com. We talk faith, culture, and everything in between.Like, share, and subscribe! We love seeing and responding to your reviews and comments.Support the show: https://wbcc.churchcenter.com/givingSupport the show

Ruslan Karaoglanov, known professionally as Ruslan KD, is a Christian hip-hop artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and influencer of Armenian descent. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, to Armenian parents, he immigrated to the U.S. as a child in 1990 to escape anti-Armenian pogroms, a harrowing journey that included dramatic escapes.  A refugee who embraced Christianity in his teens, Ruslan channels his experiences into positive, spiritually-minded music and content, blending hip-hop with cultural and faith-based commentary. As CEO of Kings Dream Entertainment, he produces albums, hosts the Ruslan KD YouTube channel—covering topics like the manosphere, podcast breakdowns, and Christian apologetics—and co-hosts podcasts exploring politics, culture, and the Gospel. A former member of the group theBreax, he has opened for artists like Lecrae and advocates for godly ambition, mental health in faith communities, and bridging secular and Christian worlds through storytelling and entrepreneurship. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: ⁠https://americanfinancing.net/srs⁠ NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.327% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-781-8900, for details about credit costs and terms. ⁠https://bunkr.life⁠ – USE CODE SRS Go to https://bunkr.life/SRS and use code “SRS” to get 25% off your family plan. ⁠https://shawnlikesgold.com⁠ ⁠https://ROKA.com⁠ – USE CODE SRS ⁠https://simplisafe.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://USCCA.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://ziprecruiter.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://gemini.com/srs⁠ Sign up for the Gemini Credit Card: https://Gemini.com/SRS #GeminiCreditCard #CryptoRewards #Advertisement This video is sponsored by Gemini. All opinions expressed by the content creator are their own and not influenced or endorsed by Gemini. The Bitcoin Credit Card™ is a trademark of Gemini used in connection with the Gemini Credit Card®, which is issued by WebBank. For more information regarding fees, interest, and other cost information, see Rates & Fees: gemini.com/legal/cardholder-agreement. Some exclusions apply to instant rewards; these are deposited when the transaction posts. 4% back is available on up to $300 in spend per month for a year (then 1% on all other Gas, EV charging, and transit purchases that month). Spend cycle will refresh on the 1st of each calendar month. See Rewards Program Terms for details: gemini.com/legal/credit-card-rewards-agreement. Checking if you're eligible will not impact your credit score. If you're eligible and choose to proceed, a hard credit inquiry will be conducted that can impact your credit score. Eligibility does not guarantee approval. The appreciation of cardholder rewards reflects a subset of Gemini Cardholders from 10/08/2021 to 04/06/2025 who held Bitcoin rewards for at least one year. Individual results will vary based on spending, selected crypto, and market performance. Cryptocurrency is highly volatile and may result in gains or losses. This information is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Consult with your tax or financial professional before investing. Ruslan KD Links: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/ruslankd X - https://x.com/RuslanKD Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ruslankd My Godly Ambition - http://mygodlyambition.com Buy Godly Ambition - https://a.co/d/d7fgvlB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you listen to a sermon, do you apply the teaching to yourself first, or do you find yourself thinking about other people who need to hear the message? Listen to Truth For Life as Alistair Begg considers an important warning from Jesus about hypocrisy. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘A Study in Luke, Volume 10' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. •If you or someone you know is in a season of suffering, be encouraged! Download My Times Are in Your Hands—12 FREE messages on enduring affliction with hope. Comes with a study guide. 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!

Episode 150: 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C In today's episode, our main focus will be on the second reading for this upcoming 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C, taken from 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14. There are couple of details that we will focus one. One relates to the topic of Apostolic Succession. The other relates to Sacred Tradition. The Gospel reading, taken from Luke 17:5-10, does provide us a detail worthy reflecting on, but it is not apologetical in nature even though it can help us in our apologetics ministry. Hey everyone, Welcome to The Sunday Catholic Word, a podcast where we reflect on the upcoming Sunday Mass readings and pick out the details that are relevant for explaining and defending our Catholic faith. I'm Dr. Karlo Broussard, staff apologist and speaker for Catholic Answers, and the host for this podcast. In today's episode, our main focus will be on the second reading for this upcoming 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C, taken from 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14. There are couple of details that we will focus one. One relates to the topic of Apostolic Succession. The other relates to Sacred Tradition. The Gospel reading, taken from Luke 17:5-10, does provide us a detail worthy reflecting on, but it is not apologetical in nature even though it can help us in our apologetics ministry. Here’s the second reading, 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14. Paul writes, Beloved: I remind you, to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. The first detail that I want to highlight is Paul's statement, “the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.” There's a considerable amount of debate surrounding this passage as it relates to Apostolic Succession. And that's what I'd like to focus on. For some Catholics, this passage is clear-cut evidence for Apostolic Succession—the idea that the apostles ordained others to succeed them in the apostolic ministry. Paul speaks of a “gift” given to Timothy, which would seem to be a reference to the indelible mark that's given in priestly ordination. Paul also says that this gift was given through “the imposition of hands,” which would also fit with the Catholic understanding of priestly ordination. So what should we make of this interpretation? Well, let's first take the appeal to the “gift.” I don't think this refers specifically to the character or mark that's given in priestly ordination. The reason is that such a character, in the words of R. J. Foster in A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, “would have no need of being revived and is incapable of diminution or decline” (pg. 1148). Rather, it seems to be a reference to what theologians call “the grace of a calling,” actual graces that a minister has access to for the sake of fulfilling the duties that the office requires. Foster argues this is evidenced by Paul adding, “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” Now, this doesn't mean this is not a reference to priestly ordination, since “the grace of a calling” comes with the priestly ordination. And that it is a reference to Timothy's priestly ordination is strongly supported by this “gift” being given through the “imposition of hands.” We have to be careful, however, with our appeal to the imposition of hands. The “laying on of hands” has multiple meanings in the Bible. Curtis Mitch and Scott Hahn give a nice list in their Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: It's a gesture used to perform healings (Mark 16:18), confer bles

Today's reading is Matthew 4-6. . . . . This month, we will be reading from the ⁠⁠Christian Standard 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

Visit 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 and Joy Suzanne Hunt discuss the critical intersection of financial stewardship and discipleship within the Christian community. Joy shares her personal journey of overcoming significant debt and how it impacted her ability to fulfill her calling. They explore the challenges Christians face regarding money, the importance of biblical principles in financial management, and the necessity of intentional planning. Joy emphasizes that getting out of debt is not just about finances but about positioning oneself to be available for God's calling. The discussion concludes with practical resources for listeners to begin their journey towards financial freedom.TakeawaysJoy Hunt paid off $106,000 in debt in three years.Financial stewardship reflects our discipleship and heart.Debt is often marketed to us, leading to mixed messages.Many pastors avoid teaching about finances due to fear.Intentionality in budgeting is crucial for financial health.Everything we have belongs to God; we are merely stewards.Contentment is key to financial peace and freedom.Planning is essential for managing finances effectively.Living within our means prevents financial strain.Community support is vital in the journey to financial freedom.Mentioned in this episode:25/40 Campaign

In this Bible Story, we learn about Jesus' provision over Peter's taxes. Jesus also gives a stiff warning to those who would threaten the innocence of a child. This story is inspired by Matthew 17:24-27; Mark 9:33-41 & Luke 9:49-50; 17:1-2. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 17:27 from the King James Version.Episode 198: It was tax season in Capernaum and Peter had no money to spare. Yet Jesus was not caught off guard. He cared for Peter and his family and told him where to go and what to do to find the money needed. The next evening around dinner Jesus called on His disciples asking them what they were arguing about earlier that day. Embarrassed, they sheepishly remained silent. While Jesus shared with them that if they truly want to be great, they must put the needs of others above themselves.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI Timothy 4Some have abandoned the faith throughout history by following deceitful spirits and false teachings. Paul urges Timothy to be aware of this and to remain grounded in the truth of God as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes that while physical training has some value, godliness holds value for all things, both in this life and the next. He encourages Timothy to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, despite his youth. Paul instructs him not to neglect the spiritual gift given to him, but to devote himself fully to the work of ministry. By doing so, he will grow in maturity and help lead others to salvation. The chapter calls all believers to stay alert, pursue godliness, and stay faithful to sound teaching. We live in a time when truth is often distorted, so we must stay anchored in what God has spoken. Paul reminds us that growing in godliness is not automatic; it requires discipline, intention, and a heart that seeks to honor God. We may feel overlooked because of our age or inexperience, but God calls us to be examples right where we are. Our words, our habits, and our love should all reflect Jesus. We each have gifts, and we must not ignore them. When we commit to spiritual growth, others are strengthened by our faithfulness. Let us take this charge seriously and live in a way that draws others toward truth, leading them to the salvation of their souls. Present God, we hear Your call to grow in godliness. Please help us avoid the distractions of teachings that are not from You. We ask for focus when we feel distracted, and for strength when we feel tired or unseen. Help us to take our faith seriously, not just in public, but always. Teach us to lead with our lives, not just our words. We want to be examples of love, purity, and faith. Remind us that our age or position does not limit what You can do through us. We are Yours. Use us to share Your message of salvation.  Thought Questions: What are the deceitful doctrines noted in this chapter? How do you protect yourself from such restrictions and live in the liberty of Christ? How do you “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness”? Why is it important to fix your hope on Jesus as you do so?  What did Paul tell Timothy to focus on to keep others from looking down on him? Which of those are you working on in your life presently?

DAY 24: The Demand for a Sign Welcome to the Gospel in a Year on the Catholic Sprouts Podcast.  In this episode we are reading Matthew 12:22-50   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!

"Finishing Well" is the name of the game. Here was a rich, young ruler - a 1st century "yuppie" if you will - who, although getting off to a rather problematic beginning, finished well, indeed. A rich young ruler questioned Christ about what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Mark's Gospel includes a detail that Matthew and Luke failed to mention: "And Jesus looking upon him loved him..." This hints at the possibility that young John Mark himself may have been that rich young man. This study contains 16 hours of verse by verse teachings. Copyright © 07-01-2010

Read OnlineJesus said to them, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.” Luke 10:13Have you ever sat in sackcloth and ashes? In the Gospel passage above, Jesus gives clear indication that doing so is a holy sign of responding to His preaching. He states that the pagan towns of Tyre and Sidon would have certainly sat in sackcloth and ashes if they would have been privileged to witness the mighty deeds done in the Jewish towns of Chorazin and Bethsaida.“Sackcloth and ashes” were a common sign used to indicate interior repentance and sorrow for sin. There are many times throughout the Old Testament when this happened. Recall, for example, that when Jonah preached to the people of Nineveh, everyone from the king down to the common citizen responded by expressing their repentance in this way (Jonah 3:5–7). Sackcloth was a rough and uncomfortable material usually made out of black goats hair, symbolizing the rejection of the false consolation of sin. Ashes symbolized desolation and destruction resulting from purifying fire. Of course, all of us do sit in ashes every Ash Wednesday as an external manifestation of our desire to repent. And though putting on actual sackcloth for clothing today may not be our literal practice, it is good to see the spiritual fruitfulness of these actions and to consider ways in which these actions can still be performed in our day and age. How might you sit in sackcloth and ashes today? What practical action can you take to publicly manifest your desire to turn from sin and toward the Gospel?First of all, to properly answer this question, it's important to recognize the fact that turning from sin should not only be a personal and interior act, it must also be exterior and manifest for others to see. Sin not only does harm to us individually, but it also damages others in varying degrees. Therefore, if your sin has done clear harm to others, it's important to realize that you not only need to repent to God but that you must also repent in such a way that others see your repentance and sorrow.So how might you repent in sackcloth and ashes today? There are many ways to do this. The essential quality present in such an act will be that it is clear to others that you are sorry for your sin and that you are attempting to change. If the sin you have committed toward another is grave, then your interior repentance must match the seriousness of your sin, and the exterior manifestation of that repentance must also measure up. Reflect, today, upon some practical ways in which God is calling you to publicly manifest your “sitting in sackcloth and ashes” as a sign of your sorrow toward those against whom you have sinned. For example, if your sin is that of anger and you have regularly harmed another by that sin, then don't only repent to God, look also for external ways to manifest your sorrow to them. Perhaps do some form of manifest service for them. Or engage in a public act of penance, such as fasting, as a way of showing them you are sorry. Manifest charitable good works, service, prayer, public penance and the like are all ways that you can spiritually and practically sit “in sackcloth and ashes” today. My merciful Lord, You call me to daily repent of my sin and to do so through the manifest signs of sitting “in sackcloth and ashes.” Give me the grace of true sorrow for my sins and help me to sincerely repent as I trust in Your mercy. As I do, please also guide me so that I may humble myself and express my sorrow in manifest ways toward those against whom I have sinned. May this humble act bring healing and unity in You. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Day of Judgement by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

In this episode of Outlaw God, hosts Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith look into the theological implications of the fall of Adam and Eve. They explore the concept of free will, questioning its validity. The discussion highlights the role of God's law in the Garden of Eden, emphasizing that it was not merely a test of morality but a means of communication between God and humanity. The episode challenges common interpretations of why God gave Adam and Eve the two trees and it's implications. The conversation concludes with reflections on the nature of God's law and its purpose in the lives of believers. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Steven Paulson  

2 Corin. 9: 1-15.  "God Loves a Cheerful Giver."   If you are blessed by today's Bible study, please support my channel by liking, subscribing, commenting, and sharing with your friends and family!  I am not a Pastor, and agree with God's word that women are not supposed to be Pastors.  However, all people are called to share the gospel. It is perfectly acceptable and Biblical for women to lead Bibles studies outside the church as an ancillary addition to the church, and especially if it is a viable avenue for study of the Word on a daily basis, like I'm doing on this show, and paving the way for all of us to be closer to the Lord and become more knowledgeable of the Bible.  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! ;()

1 Timothy 1: 3-17: "No Other Doctrine."     If you are blessed by today's Bible study, please support my channel by liking, subscribing, commenting, and sharing with your friends and family!  I am not a Pastor, and agree with God's word that women are not supposed to be Pastors.  However, all people are called to share the gospel. It is perfectly acceptable and Biblical for women to lead Bibles studies outside the church as an ancillary addition to the church, and especially if it is a viable avenue for study of the Word on a daily basis, like I'm doing on this show, and paving the way for all of us to be closer to the Lord and become more knowledgeable of the Bible.  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! ;()

Today's episode has been ruminating in my mind for the past few months and I think it's a really important conversation to have. There is no perfect step by step plan to guarantee a specific outcome. But we are called, as Christian homeschool parents, to teach our children the Gospel and to guide them in growing their faith. That can often get lost in the day to day tasks of running a household and meeting homeschool regulations. Let's take a step back for a moment and reorient our minds towards the bigger mission that we should be taking on: raising our children to seek to glorify God with their lives. ♥ Leigh     DESIGN YOUR FAMILY'S UNIQUE HOMESCHOOL THAT YOU'LL LOVE! https://littlebylittlehomeschool.com/blueprint   LITTLE BY LITTLE HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCE TICKETS:  https://littlebylittlehomeschool.com/conference   CREATE YOUR HOMESCHOOL FAMILY'S HOME TASK SYSTEM https://www.littlebylittlehomeschool.com/tidyhome    GET EXCLUSIVE MENTORSHIP WITH LEIGH https://littlebylittlehomeschool.com/mentorship   SIMPLIFY YOUR MEAL PLANNING https://littlebylittlehomeschool.com/meal     Website -  https://www.littlebylittlehomeschool.com Newsletter -  https://littlebylittlehomeschool.myflodesk.com/subscribe Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeschoollifestylecommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/littlebylittlehomeschool/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/littlebylittlehomeschool/     Listen to these related episodes: 57. Why We Need to Reject the Popular Mommy Culture and Embrace Motherhood in our Homeschool and 4 Tips On Working At It With All Our Heart    137. Should Homeschool Children Go To Sleepovers? The Pros, Cons, and What Parents Need To Know!    172. 5 Ways to Help Instill Faith in Your Homeschool Child and Why It Is Worth the Time 

It's Thursday, October 2nd, 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 Hindus barged into church assaulted pastor and destroyed Bibles Praise God! A court in India recently acquitted a Christian who faced charges under an “anti-conversion” law. The state of Uttarakhand passed the measure in 2018. Pastor Nandan Singh Bisht was the first Christian charged under the law. He faced years of legal battles. However, a judicial magistrate finally cleared the pastor of all charges on September 17th. The case began in 2021. Pastor Bisht gathered with 25 Christians in his house for prayer. In response, local Hindus barged into the house, destroyed their Bibles, and assaulted the pastor. Despite the ordeal, Pastor Bisht told Morning Star News that God was “always faithful and sustained my family's needs. This is the result of answered prayers.” In Matthew 5:11-12, Jesus said, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven.” Filipino earthquake kills 60 A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines on Tuesday. The powerful quake killed at least 60 people and injured over 150 more. Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon told CNN, “Some churches partially collapsed, and some schools had to be evacuated. This [earthquake] was a sleeper. It crept up on us.” Wycliff Bible Translators released 23 complete Bibles & 95 New Testaments Wycliffe Bible Translators released their latest statistics on Tuesday. Over the past year, translators have released 23 complete Bibles and 95 New Testaments. This work brings the whole Bible to nearly 200 million more people. James Poole, the executive director of Wycliffe Bible Translators, stated, “In recent years, we have seen an extraordinary surge in Bible translation. Progress is happening at a pace and scale not witnessed before, and whole communities are beginning to receive the Scriptures far sooner than we could once have imagined.”  Scottish police arrest pro-life grandmother for second time Police in Scotland recently re-arrested a 75-year-old pro-life grandmother for standing outside an abortion mill Rose Docherty simply held a sign that read, “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.” It's the second time authorities arrested her under Scotland's buffer zone law.  The U.S. State Department told The Telegraph, “The arrest of Rose Docherty is another egregious example of the tyrannical suppression of free speech happening across Europe.” U.S. Gov't shutdown @ midnight Wednesday The U.S. government entered a shutdown at midnight on Wednesday.  Congressional leaders could not reach a deal to pass a spending bill by the deadline. Republicans are calling for spending cuts, while Democrats are pushing for more social programs and foreign aid. Listen to comments from Vice President J.D. Vance.  VANCE: “To the American people who are watching, the reason your government is shut down at this very minute is because, despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of congressional Republicans and even a few moderate Democrats supported opening the government, the Chuck Schumer/AOC wing of the Democratic Party shut down the government because they said to us, ‘We will open the government, but only if you give billions of dollars of funding for healthcare for illegal aliens.” Previously, the federal government has had 20 funding gaps, resulting in 10 shutdowns since 1976. Contemporary Christian Music ranked 4th and religious stations ranked 2nd Inside Radio released the top 10 radio formats based on current month counts. Religion-formatted stations ranked second, and Contemporary Christian Music ranked fourth. Of the top 10, only Contemporary Christian has welcomed new stations into the format every month over the last year. Religion-formatted stations also saw consistent growth.  Other music formats like Country and Top 40 lost a significant number of stations.   Public & private school students bring their Bible to school today And finally, today is Focus on the Family's annual Bring Your Bible to School Day.  Nearly 1.3 million people and over 10,000 churches participated last year.  Emerson Collins is the Parenting and Youth Program Manager for Focus on the Family. He told The Christian Post, “We're looking at thousands of churches, thousands of schools and 2 million students total participating.” Collins said the celebration is not just about bringing Bibles to school but also talking about Christ. He noted, “That's what we're hoping to create is the curiosity, the connection and the conversation around Christ and the Gospel.” The celebration is inspired this year by James 1:22. The verse says, “Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, October 2nd, 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.

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What does true generosity look like? Is it measured by the size of the gift, or is it something deeper?In Luke 21:1–4, Jesus praises a widow who gave only two small coins. At first glance, her offering seems insignificant compared to the wealthy donors around her. Yet, in Jesus' eyes, her gift was greater than them all. Why? Because God doesn't measure generosity by the amount—it's the heart behind it that matters.The Scene at the TemplePicture the temple courts: the wealthy making large, noticeable contributions, drawing admiration for their gifts. Then comes a poor widow. No fanfare. No applause. Just two copper coins—economically worthless. Yet Jesus declares that she has given more than anyone else.The difference? The wealthy gave from their abundance, gifts that cost them little. The widow gave out of her poverty—all she had to live on. Her gift was not just generous; it was sacrificial, risky, and rooted in trust.This theme echoes throughout Scripture. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord tells Samuel, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Paul also affirms this in 2 Corinthians 8:12: “If the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”God doesn't call us to give what we don't have. He calls us to give cheerfully, faithfully, and with hearts surrendered to Him.God Wants Your HeartThe widow's gift also points us to the gospel itself. In 2 Corinthians 8:9 we read, “Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” Jesus gave everything for us—holding nothing back. When we give sacrificially, we reflect His love and generosity.Maybe you've felt your giving is too small to matter. But Scripture shows otherwise. In John 6, a boy offered five loaves and two fish—and Jesus fed thousands. The issue isn't what you have, but what God can do with it.Generosity in God's Kingdom isn't about status or size. It's about surrender. A gift given in faith is never small. Whether two coins or two million dollars, the real question is: Am I giving out of abundance or out of trust?The story of the widow's mite isn't meant to pressure us into giving more. Instead, it frees us to see generosity the way God does—not as an economic equation but as an act of worship. He doesn't need your money; He wants your heart.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I lost money in my 401(k) when I became disabled, and now it's sitting in an IRA that isn't earning anything. Should I transfer it to a savings account, and what taxes would I be liable for? Also, since my house is paid off, I'd like to understand how reverse mortgages work.I have just sold my house and would like to know the most prudent way to invest the proceeds. I'm trying to be a good steward, but I'm not sure if a savings account, an IUL, or something else would be best.I'm on permanent federal workers' comp and wondering if I'll still be eligible to draw Social Security when the time comes.My friend hasn't filed taxes for five years. How could that affect her children if she passes away, and what steps can she take to resolve it?I was told that if I move my mortgage into a home equity line of credit and deposit my paychecks there, I could pay it off in seven years. Is that really true?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jesus sits on a mountainside and turns the world upside down: the poor are blessed, the meek inherit the earth, and persecution becomes cause for rejoicing. Christ calls His followers salt and light, then makes a shocking claim: He hasn't come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, and unless our righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees, we'll never see the kingdom.  The Rev. Lance O'Donnell, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 5:1-20.  To learn more about St. Paul's, visit splco.org. The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew reveals Christ as the true Son of David and Emmanuel (God with us) who challenges us with the crushing demands of the Law in His Sermon on the Mount to the sweet comfort of the Gospel in His death and resurrection. From royal genealogy to glorious resurrection, this verse-by-verse study proclaims the One who conquered sin, death, and the devil for us, now delivering forgiveness, life, and salvation through Word and Sacrament as He remains with His church always, even to the end of the age.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Jeremiah is speaking at a time when his society was literally falling apart—politically, psychologically, socially and culturally. Everybody was asking, “What's wrong?” And the answer of God through Jeremiah, was, “It's not the economy. It's sin.” The Bible shows us that sin is a dislocation of the soul. The soul should be centered on God, and all of our problems come from our unwillingness to center on him because we don't want to lose control. So what happens? What are the effects of centering on something else? Jeremiah gives a metaphor of us falling in love with other gods, meaning these other things we center our lives on. And he shows that there are two major consequences: 1) our lover gods will always enslave us, and 2) our lover gods will always leave us empty. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on January 29, 1995. Series: The Seven Deadly Sins. Scripture: Jeremiah 2:19-32. 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.