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"In this sermon from Ecclesiastes 9:1–10, we face one of the most unavoidable realities of life under the sun: death. Solomon shows us that both the righteous and the wicked share the same observable fate in this world—suffering and death—and that God's providence cannot be interpreted merely by what we see happening around us.This passage confronts the temptation to judge God's favor or displeasure by prosperity, suffering, or length of life. Solomon makes clear that such judgments cannot be made from observation alone. Death comes to all, and life in a fallen world is marked by sorrow, injustice, and brevity. These realities are the universal effects of the curse introduced in Genesis 3.Yet Solomon does not lead us into despair. Instead, he teaches us how the fear of God transforms our understanding of life's transitory nature. While death renders all earthly things fleeting, it does not render them meaningless. For those who fear the Lord, suffering and death are not signs of rejection. God's approval rests on His people even as they suffer, and ultimate justice lies beyond this life.Because God has already accepted those who fear Him, Solomon exhorts believers to enjoy life as a gift from God—to eat and drink with joy, to cherish marriage and family, to work diligently, and to receive everyday blessings with gratitude. Life is short, and these gifts will not last forever, but they are real blessings meant to be enjoyed while God gives them.This sermon also points us beyond Ecclesiastes to the gospel itself. The believer's ability to live with joy in a dying world rests on the certainty of eternal life in Christ. Because Christ has been raised from the dead, death does not have the final word. God's approval, secured through justification in Christ, gives us freedom to live gratefully and faithfully even in a world marked by suffering and loss.Life is fleeting. Death is certain. But for those who fear God and trust in Christ, joy is not denied—it is redeemed."
"What does Abraham have to do with justification by faith—and with the salvation of the nations?In Galatians 3:6–9, Paul turns from the Galatians' experience of the Spirit to an even more foundational authority: the testimony of Scripture itself. After showing that the Triune God bore witness to justification by faith (Christ crucified, the Father giving the Spirit, the Spirit working powerfully), Paul demonstrates that this gospel is not new. It is the consistent message of God from the beginning—already preached in the Abrahamic promises.Paul begins where Moses begins: “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). Abraham was not justified by works, lineage, or law-keeping. He received righteousness as a gift—counted to him by faith. And from that truth Paul draws a decisive conclusion: those who are “of faith” are the true sons of Abraham.That would have landed with force in Galatia. The Judaizers boasted in physical descent and circumcision, but Paul says sonship is determined by faith, not flesh. Believing Gentiles are not second-class citizens in God's kingdom; they are the very fulfillment of what Scripture promised all along.Paul then goes further: Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham—“In you shall all the nations be blessed.” This promise is not an obscure detail. It is the backbone of the Abrahamic narrative and God's answer to the curse that fell upon the nations. The blessing promised to the nations is inseparable from justification, because blessing and curse correspond to justification and condemnation.The result is Paul's climactic statement: “So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” We are living in the days Moses longed to see—the worldwide blessing promised to Abraham, fulfilled in Christ, and received by faith alone.The question for every hearer is therefore simple and searching: Are you a true son or daughter of Abraham? Are you walking in the footsteps of Abraham's faith—resting in the righteousness God gives freely in Christ?If you found this sermon helpful, consider subscribing and sharing.For more teaching through Galatians and the doctrine of justification by faith alone, explore the channel's sermon playlist.#Galatians #JustificationByFaith #Abraham #Gospel #ReformedTheology #SolaFide #BibleTeaching #ChristianSermon #NewTestament #BiblicalTheology #CovenantTheology #JesusChrist #GraceAlone #ScriptureAlone #ProtestantReformation"
"In this sermon on Ecclesiastes 8:10–17, we explore Solomon's sobering teaching on God's just judgment and the necessity of genuine repentance. Scripture makes clear that while people can deceive others with outward displays of religion, no one can deceive God, who knows the heart.Solomon reflects on the unsettling reality that wicked people sometimes die with a reputation for holiness, while righteous people may suffer as though they were wicked. Does this mean there is no justice in the world? The answer—resoundingly—is no. These tensions point us to the final judgment, where God will bring every deed to light and render true justice.Along the way, Ecclesiastes exposes the folly of the wicked who mistake God's patience for license to continue in sin, and it comforts the righteous with the assurance that it will be well with those who fear God, even if appearances in this life suggest otherwise.What should Christians do in the meantime?Solomon gives two clear instructions:Enjoy the good gifts God provides, even in a fallen world.Acknowledge the limits of your understanding, trusting that God will unravel every mystery and right every wrong on the last day.Ultimately, the call is to a true, heart-level repentance and fear of God—the kind that only God Himself can give through the grace found in Jesus Christ, the One appointed as Judge of all.
"How do we know that justification is truly by faith alone?Paul's answer in Galatians 3 is striking: the Holy Spirit Himself bears witness to it.In this sermon, we examine Paul's argument in Galatians 3:1–6 and see how the doctrine of justification by faith is confirmed by the testimony of the Triune God. Paul does not appeal first to church authority or human reasoning, but to what God Himself has done—through Christ crucified, the giving of the Spirit, suffering for the gospel, and even signs and wonders.Paul reminds the Galatians that Christ was proclaimed to them as crucified through the preaching of the Word, and that the Spirit was given to them not by works of the law, but by the hearing of faith. The same Spirit who began the Christian life must also be the one who perfects it. To turn back to works is not progress—it is regression.This passage also teaches us how justification and sanctification are inseparably connected. Having begun by the Spirit, we are not perfected by the flesh. Growth in holiness comes through faith, union with Christ, and diligent use of the means of grace—not through self-reliant striving.Paul's argument reaches its climax by pointing to the Spirit's miraculous work among the Galatians as God's own confirmation of the gospel they received. To reject justification by faith is therefore not merely to reject a doctrine, but to resist the testimony of God Himself.This sermon calls us to hear the witness of the Father who gives the Spirit, the Son who was crucified for sinners, and the Spirit who confirms the truth of the gospel—so that we might stand firm in justification by faith alone."
"Da che parte stai?" di Emilio Pagani, Alessio Pasquini, Loris De Marco, da una storia di Pietro GrassoPietro Grasso, una vita dedicata alla lotta alla mafia: sostituto procuratore a Palermo (fu lui fra l'altro titolare dell'inchiesta sull'omicidio di Piersanti Mattarella), giudice a latere nel primo maxiprocesso a Cosa Nostra che durò 21 mesi fra l'86 e l'87, procuratore nazionale antimafia, collega ma soprattutto amico di Giovanni Falcone e Paolo Borsellino, del cui lavoro poi è diventato testimone. Oggi, fra l'altro, è fondatore e presidente della Fondazione Scintille di Futuro, che ha l'obiettivo di sviluppare progetti e percorsi di legalità nelle scuole.La vita di Pietro Grasso, quindi, è una costante testimonianza del suo impegno contro la mafia e a favore della legalità. Come accade anche nella graphic novel "Da che parte stai?" (Tunuè) di Emilio Pagani, Alessio Pasquini, Loris De Marco, da una storia di Pietro Grasso. Stavolta, forse più che negli altri libri, Pietro Grasso, ha scelto di raccontare una serie di vicessitudini dal punto di vista della sua famiglia (la moglie Maria e il figlio Maurilio) che ha sempre appoggiato e sostenuto le scelte di Grasso nel suo percorso di lotta alla mafia.
"In this sermon from 1 Corinthians 15:12–22, we explore Paul's profound teaching on the resurrection and how it flows directly from the doctrine of union with Christ. Every benefit of salvation—justification, adoption, sanctification, and now glorification—comes to us because we are united to Christ, the second Adam and our covenant head.Some in Corinth denied the resurrection of the dead. Paul responds by showing that to deny our resurrection is to deny Christ's resurrection, because the two are inseparably linked. Christ is the firstfruits—the beginning of one great harvest. His resurrection guarantees ours. Your future resurrection is not only promised; it has already begun in Him.This reality transforms how we endure suffering in this life. Just as Christ entered glory after humiliation and suffering, so believers—united to Him—follow that same pattern. Our sufferings are “with Christ,” and our glorification will be with Him as well.At Christmas we remember why this union is possible at all: the incarnation. The eternal Son became man so that we could be united to Him and share in His life, His righteousness, and ultimately His resurrection. As we have borne the image of the man of dust, so we will bear the image of the Man of heaven.If Christ is raised, then you will be raised. If you are in Christ, you will live.This is the hope, the comfort, and the unshakeable foundation of the Christian life.#1Corinthians15 #UnionWithChrist #Resurrection #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #Glorification #ReformedTheology #GospelHope #Incarnation #ChristTheFirstfruits #EternalLife #ChristianLiving"
"If we are justified by faith and cannot lose our salvation, why not just go on sinning?That question—raised by Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Jews, and even by the Pharisees in Paul's day—is not new. The Apostle Paul faced it directly in Romans 6: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” His answer: By no means! But the reason he gives is crucial—union with Christ.In this sermon, we see that the believer's sanctification is not grounded in self-effort, fear, or uncertainty, but in the reality of being united to the risen Christ. If you are in Christ, you have died to sin with Him and are raised to newness of life with Him. You cannot be united to Christ for justification without also being united to Him for sanctification.Sanctification, therefore, is not an optional add-on—it necessarily flows from union with the Holy One Himself. True holiness is not achieved by striving in the flesh but by abiding in Christ through the Spirit, prayer, the Word, and worship.
En su disco en solitario 'Solo bebop', el guitarrista Pasquale Grasso toca clásicos del jazz como 'Chasin´the bird', 'Salt peanuts' o 'Stella by starlight'. El compositor y bandoneonista Dino Saluzzi, que en mayo cumplió 90 años, firma 'El viejo caminante', acompañado por las guitarras de su hijo José María y de Jacob Young, con obras como 'La ciudad de los Buenos Aires', 'Northern sun', 'My one and only love' o 'Someday my prince will come'. Para 'With my song in my heart', el pianista Denny Zetlin grabó 'I didn´t know what time it was', 'I have dreamed' y 'With a song in my heart'. Cierran el baterista Edison Machado & Boa Nova con 'Serena'. Escuchar audio
"What does it really mean to be a child of God? Among the glorious benefits of salvation—justification, sanctification, and glorification—there is one that often receives less attention but reveals the very heart of God's love: adoption.In this sermon, we explore what it means that believers are called sons and daughters of God through union with Christ. Adoption goes beyond being declared righteous—it means being welcomed into God's own family, having access to Him as Father, receiving His loving discipline, and being made co-heirs with Christ.From John 20:17 and Galatians 4:4–6, we'll see how the Son of God became like us so that we might share His relationship with the Father. This truth gives assurance, comfort in suffering, and boldness in prayer: the God of heaven is our Father.If you've ever wondered what it means to truly belong to God—not just as His creation, but as His child—this message will deepen your appreciation of the gospel and the love that adopts us into His eternal family.
Update from President GrassoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"What does it mean to say that we have become the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21)? Many claim that this verse speaks of moral transformation or covenant membership—but Paul is describing something far more glorious. In this sermon, we explore the connection between union with Christ and justification by faith, showing that believers are declared righteous before God because Christ's own righteousness has been imputed to them.God does not merely forgive our sins—He clothes us with the righteousness of His own Son. This righteousness is not earned by works, nor is faith itself the righteousness that justifies. Rather, by faith we are united to Christ, and in Him, God declares us righteous with the very righteousness of God.
"What does it mean to be in Christ? The answer is nothing less than the heart of the gospel itself.In this sermon from 1 Corinthians 1:30–31, we explore the glorious truth that salvation is union with Christ. Every blessing of the gospel—justification, sanctification, adoption, redemption, and glorification—flows from this one reality: believers are united to the Son of God who became man for our salvation.Union with Christ is not merely one aspect of Christian theology—it is salvation. From eternity past to the final glory, every part of our redemption is rooted in our connection to Christ. We are united to Him by faith, and that faith itself is the gracious gift of God.You will discover in this message:• Why union with Christ is the foundation of every gospel blessing• How justification and sanctification are inseparable because Christ cannot be divided• Why all salvation is of grace—in Christ alone• How the incarnation makes union with Christ possible: the eternal Son became man so that we might be united to God• The glory and humility of belonging to the God-Man who is wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption for us
"Obeying the King: Wisdom, Authority, and Your Limitations (Ecclesiastes 8:1–9)In this sermon we explore Ecclesiastes 8:1–9 to uncover a profound biblical truth:
"At the heart of Paul's gospel is one great truth: our justification by faith rests on our union with Christ.In Galatians 2:20–21, Paul reveals the foundation beneath his uncompromising defense of justification by faith alone. Why does he refuse to yield an inch to any teaching that adds works to faith? Because such teaching undermines the very heart of salvation—our union with Christ.In this sermon, we explore how every aspect of the Christian life flows from this glorious union:We are justified because we are united to the Righteous One.We are sanctified because Christ lives in us by His Spirit.We are adopted because we share in the Son's own relationship with the Father.We will be raised because we are joined to the risen Lord.For Paul, Christ is salvation. To add works to faith is not merely to misunderstand justification—it is to deny the sufficiency of Christ Himself. If righteousness could come by the law, then Christ died for nothing.May this message deepen your love for Christ, strengthen your assurance in His finished work, and help you see that the life of faith is nothing less than the life of Christ in you.
This month for ClapperCast's November 2025 Patreon Bonus Episode, Nicolò Grasso joins Carson Timar to continue ClapperCast's Francis Ford Coppola retrospective with a review for his 1988 feature, Tucker: The Man and His DreamGet Access to this Episode by Subscribing to Spotify Subscriptions or on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/clappercastpod
"True wisdom and righteousness are highly prized—but exceedingly rare. In this sermon on Ecclesiastes 7:15–29, we explore Solomon's sobering yet hopeful teaching about human sinfulness, the scarcity of righteousness, and the ultimate value of fearing God.The world often assumes people are inherently good, or that small compromises are acceptable, but Scripture repeatedly shows that there is no one righteous on earth. Solomon uses practical examples—from speech and hypocrisy to sexual immorality—to demonstrate the pervasive sinfulness of mankind.Yet there is hope: through fear of the Lord, we are delivered from sin, justified by faith, and drawn into sanctification. All true wisdom, righteousness, and redemption are found in Christ, and only by turning to Him can we be truly wise and righteous.In this message, you will discover:• Why fearing God is the antidote to both pride and folly• The rarity and value of genuine righteousness• How human sinfulness is undeniable, yet salvation is offered through faith• The connection between wisdom, righteousness, and sanctification• How Christ embodies all wisdom and righteousness, giving hope for our lives"
"The law was never meant to be a ladder to heaven—it was always meant to drive us to Christ.In this sermon, we look at one of the most important theological controversies in the first-century church: the question of the ceremonial law and its relationship to justification by faith. The Judaizers claimed that Gentiles must keep the law of Moses—especially circumcision—to be saved. But Paul rebuked this view sharply, showing that to rebuild what Christ has torn down is to make oneself a transgressor.We'll explore how Paul's words in Galatians 2:17–21 reveal the true purpose of the law: to expose sin and lead us to the only source of righteousness—Jesus Christ. We'll also address modern distortions, such as the New Perspective on Paul (NPP), which narrows “works of the law” to ceremonial works and thus weakens the gospel of grace. But Paul's teaching is clear: no works—ceremonial or otherwise—can justify sinners before a holy God.This message shows why every attempt to add human effort to the work of Christ—whether through ceremonies, moralism, or modern reinterpretations—undermines the very gospel it seeks to defend. The law kills, but Christ gives life. The law shows our sin, but Christ is our righteousness.
"We live in a world obsessed with beginnings—new jobs, new homes, new projects, new excitement. But in Ecclesiastes 7:8–14, Solomon reminds us that “the end of a matter is better than its beginning.” In this sermon, we explore the wisdom of living not for short-term gain or immediate excitement, but for the long-term good that comes from patient endurance and trust in God's providence.Those who are wise know that true success can only be seen at the end of a thing, not its beginning. Solomon shows us how this truth shapes our view of faithfulness, parenting, suffering, and even eternity itself. The wise patiently seek the long-term good, trusting that every crooked path God ordains is for our sanctification and ultimate joy in Christ.Join us as we consider how this passage teaches us to:• Value faithfulness that endures over excitement that fades.• Cultivate patience rather than pride or anger.• Pass on wisdom and faith to future generations.• Rejoice in both good days and days of adversity.• Fix our eyes on the final end—Christ's return and the glory to come.
"Has the doctrine of justification by faith alone really been the faith of the church in every age—or was it invented at the Reformation?In Galatians 2:15–16, Paul declares that “a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox critics often claim that the Reformation view of justification is a late, novel interpretation. But the testimony of Scripture and church history shows otherwise.In this sermon, we explore:The Perspicuity of Scripture – why Paul's teaching on justification is clear and authoritativeThe Early Church Fathers – Clement, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Origen, Chrysostom, Basil, Ambrosiaster, and others who spoke of justification by faith aloneAugustine & the Medieval Witnesses – how even in the Middle Ages, voices like Anselm, Bernard, and Wycliffe upheld the truth that salvation is wholly of graceThe Reformation – not a new doctrine, but a return to the biblical and historic gospelFrom Adam to Abraham, from Paul to the Reformers, from the fathers to faithful believers in every century, the church has always confessed the same truth:We are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone.#JustificationByFaith #FaithAlone #SolaFide #Galatians #ChurchHistory #ReformedTheology #GospelTruth #ChristAlone #GraceAlone"
Nouveaux pilotes, un brin déjantés, à bord de la Libre Antenne sur RMC ! Jean-Christophe Drouet et Julien Cazarre prennent le relais. Après les grands matchs, quand la lumière reste allumée pour les vrais passionnés, place à la Libre Antenne : un espace à part, entre passion, humour et dérision, débats enflammés, franc-parler et second degré. Un rendez-vous nocturne à la Cazarre, où l'on parle foot bien sûr, mais aussi mauvaise foi, vannes, imitations et grands moments de radio imprévisibles !
"Why does God allow His people to suffer? What possible good could come from mourning, loss, and pain? In Ecclesiastes 7:1–7, Solomon gives us a surprising answer: suffering is often better for us than laughter—because God uses it to make us holy.In this sermon, we see that holiness is worth suffering for. A good name—true godly character—is better than all the wealth or comfort the world can offer. When God takes away our “precious ointment” but gives us a “good name,” He has done something far better for us. Suffering, when received in faith, is the refining fire that produces righteousness and wisdom.We'll look at how the “house of mourning” teaches us to live in light of eternity, how rebuke is better than flattery, and why the wise learn more from sorrow than from song. As Solomon shows, the one who fears God and keeps His commandments—trusting in His Son—has nothing to fear in death, for holiness will shine forever when all else fades away.
"Is justification by faith really taught throughout the whole Bible—or is it just a “Pauline doctrine”? In Galatians 2:15–16, Paul insists that “we who are Jews know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” Why does he assume that every faithful Jew already knew this truth? Because the Old Testament itself proclaimed it.In this sermon, we explore the historical witness to justification by faith:Why justification by faith is the only way God's justice can be upheldHow Psalm 143:2 shows that no one can be justified by works before GodWhy the sacrificial system and atonement point to salvation by grace, not meritHow Abraham, David, Habakkuk, and the Prophets all taught justification by faithWhy Christ himself is called “The Lord our Righteousness” (Jer. 23:6)From Genesis to the Prophets, from the Psalms to the Gospel, the entire Bible proclaims the same message: no one can be declared righteous by works of the law. Our only hope is Christ, whose perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us through faith alone.This is the gospel Paul defended with all his strength—the same gospel proclaimed by Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and fulfilled in Christ.#JustificationByFaith #FaithAlone #Galatians #OldTestament #Messiah #ReformedTheology #ChristAlone #GraceAlone #SolaFide #GospelTruth"
"Da che parte stai?" di Emilio Pagani, Alessio Pasquini, Loris De Marco, da una storia di Pietro Grasso.Pietro Grasso, una vita dedicata alla lotta alla mafia: sostituto procuratore a Palermo (fu lui fra l'altro titolare dell'inchiesta sull'omicidio di Piersanti Mattarella), giudice a latere nel primo maxiprocesso a Cosa Nostra che durò 21 mesi fra l'86 e l'87, procuratore nazionale antimafia, collega ma soprattutto amico di Giovanni Falcone e Paolo Borsellino, del cui lavoro poi è diventato testimone. Oggi, fra l'altro, è fondatore e presidente della Fondazione Scintille di Futuro, che ha l'obiettivo di sviluppare progetti e percorsi di legalità nelle scuole.La vita di Pietro Grasso, quindi, è una costante testimonianza del suo impegno contro la mafia e a favore della legalità. Come accade anche nella graphic novel "Da che parte stai?" (Tunuè) di Emilio Pagani, Alessio Pasquini, Loris De Marco, da una storia di Pietro Grasso. Stavolta, forse più che negli altri libri, Pietro Grasso, ha scelto di raccontare una serie di vicessitudini dal punto di vista della sua famiglia (la moglie Maria e il figlio Maurilio) che ha sempre appoggiato e sostenuto le scelte di Grasso nel suo percorso di lotta alla mafia.
In this episode, I connect with Michela Grasso, a researcher and writer with the Urban Cycling Institute in Amsterdam, for a discussion about some of her recent projects, including the publication of A Manifesto for Cycling Futures and Planning the Cycling City: A Field Guide.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):
"What does it mean to truly enjoy the fruit of your labor? Solomon teaches that this enjoyment is not the result of wealth itself, but a blessing from God.In Ecclesiastes 5:18 – 6:12, we see two people with the same material possessions — one finds joy, the other despair. The difference? One receives his labor's fruit with thanksgiving to God; the other lives for wealth and cannot enjoy it. This contrast reveals a profound biblical truth: to enjoy your work and its rewards is a divine gift, while to labor without joy is a curse.In this sermon, we explore:Why all things are vanity when lived apart from GodHow enjoying your work reflects God's covenant blessingsWhy some cannot enjoy their wealth — even when they have everythingThe danger of the “futility curse” and how Christ redeems itHow faith transforms labor and gratitude into worshipSolomon points us back to the Garden — and forward to redemption in Christ, who removes the curse of futility and restores us to the joy of fruitful labor.
"Does the Bible contradict itself on justification? Paul says in Galatians 2:16 that we are justified by faith and not by works. But James 2:24 says that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. How are we to understand this apparent tension?In this sermon, we walk carefully through both passages to show that Scripture speaks with one clear voice. Paul is teaching how a sinner is declared righteous before God—through the righteousness of Christ received by faith alone. James is addressing the nature of true, saving faith—faith that always produces good works.Together, these truths show us:Why Paul rebuked Peter for walking contrary to justification by faith aloneHow James distinguishes between dead faith and living faithWhy true faith always leads to sanctification and good worksHow works function as the evidence of justification, not the ground of itWhy both Paul and James ultimately proclaim the same gospelThe Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox objections often claim that the Bible is unclear on justification and requires church tradition to interpret. But Paul insists his words are clear and binding—and to distort them is to lose the gospel itself.Brothers and sisters, justification by faith alone is not just a Reformation slogan. It is the good news of the Bible: Christ alone is our righteousness, received by faith alone, a faith that is never alone.#JustificationByFaith #FaithAlone #Galatians #James2 #ReformedTheology #ChristAlone #GraceAlone #SolaFide #GospelTruth #BiblicalPreaching"
"Can wealth ever truly satisfy the soul? Solomon says no — “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10) In this sermon, we consider what Scripture teaches about the deceitfulness of riches and the emptiness of living for wealth.Jesus said, “You cannot serve God and money.” Many think they can serve both, but Solomon shows us the folly of such a life: wealth cannot satisfy when you gain it, and it brings sorrow when you lose it. It promises peace but produces anxiety, darkness, and despair.True satisfaction comes only from serving God — the fountain of living waters — not from chasing what cannot fill the heart. As Augustine wrote, “You have made us for Yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in You.”In this sermon, you'll learn:Why the love of money is incompatible with serving GodHow the pursuit of wealth leads to vanity and anxietyWhy losing wealth is devastating to those who live for itHow true contentment is found in glorifying and enjoying GodWhat it means to use wealth rightly — as a tool for God's glory
"At the very heart of the gospel is the doctrine of justification by faith. In Galatians 2:15–16, Paul makes one of the clearest declarations in all of Scripture:“A man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.”This truth is not a side issue—it is the foundation of salvation itself. Paul repeats it three times in one verse so that we cannot miss it: no one is justified by works, but only by faith in Christ.In this sermon, we explore:What justification really means (a legal declaration of righteousness)Why no amount of works can satisfy God's justiceHow Christ's perfect righteousness is imputed to us by faithWhy faith alone—apart from works—is the only way to be savedHow this doctrine has been attacked in every generation, from Paul's day to the Reformation to nowJustification by faith is not a theological abstraction. It is your only hope when you stand before the judgment seat of God. Either you stand clothed in your own righteousness—which cannot save—or in the perfect righteousness of Christ, freely given to all who believe.Brothers and sisters, this is the gospel: forsake all trust in yourself and cast yourself wholly upon Christ. In Him alone there is pardon, life, and eternal hope.#JustificationByFaith #FaithAlone #GospelTruth #Galatians #ReformedTheology #BiblicalPreaching #ChristAlone #GraceAlone #christianfaith"
"What does the Bible teach about the role and limits of civil government? In this sermon, we explore Solomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes 5:8–9 and discover a principle often forgotten in our time: biblical government is limited government.Solomon observes that sprawling bureaucracies and unchecked ambition lead inevitably to oppression of the poor and corruption in justice. Scripture consistently warns against this—from Deuteronomy 17 to 1 Samuel 8, from Romans 13 to the wisdom literature. A government that forgets God becomes a god unto itself, and when that happens, tyranny follows.But the Bible does not endorse anarchy either. Rather, it teaches that righteous rulers are a blessing from God—those who fear Him, uphold justice, and understand that their authority is derived and limited. True prosperity comes not through ever-expanding power, but through godly restraint.In this message, we consider:Why ambition for power and wealth so easily corrupts rulersHow the Bible defines limited governmentThe dangers of socialism, secularism, and bureaucratic sprawlThe difference between separation of church and state and separation of God from governmentWhy every authority—civil and ecclesiastical—must remain under God's WordUltimately, Scripture teaches that all earthly governments point us to the perfect King, Jesus Christ, whose rule is righteous, eternal, and free from corruption.
Craig Elsten and Chris Reed are back to share their thoughts on the final two episodes of Task, where Brad Ingelsby has grown as a showrunner, the themes of redemption that ran through the series, and whether or not there should be a second season. What did YOU think about Task? Email the show at: crossingstreamstvpodcast@gmail.com and we'll read your replies on a future show! SHOW NOTES/TIMES:30 intro/housekeeping2:45 overall thoughts on the full season of Task11:00 themes of redemption14:30 is Grasso going to jail or was he redeemed too?19:00 Would Tom have really let Maeve keep the money?22:00 Episode Six was a BANGER29:30 should there be a second season of Task?34:00 What We're Watching
"The church has always faced weakness—even in the days of the Apostles. In Galatians 2, we see Peter fall into fear of man, leading even Barnabas and others into hypocrisy. But Paul, for the sake of the gospel, publicly rebuked Peter to defend the truth of justification by faith.This passage reminds us that no leader is above correction, that the sins of leaders affect entire churches, and that sometimes the defense of the gospel requires hard words and difficult confrontations. True spiritual health is not the absence of conflict, but the willingness to address sin, seek reconciliation, and prize the truth of Christ above all else.In this sermon, we'll see why Paul's boldness matters for us today—and why we, too, must be willing to do anything for the defense of the gospel.#Galatians #DefenseOfTheGospel #JustificationByFaith #PaulAndPeter #FearOfMan #ReformedTheology #GospelTruth #FaithAlone #ChurchLife #BiblicalPreaching"
"How should we approach God in worship? Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 reminds us that God is in heaven and we are on earth. This passage confronts us with the transcendent greatness of God and calls us to humility, reverence, and fear as we come before Him.In this sermon, we'll see why our posture in worship matters so deeply—especially in our speech before God. Scripture teaches that careless words, broken vows, or presumptuous worship dishonor the Lord of glory. Instead, we are called to draw near with humility, to listen before we speak, and to let our words be few.
"The gospel Paul preached was not from man—it was revealed directly by God. In Galatians 2, Paul recounts his visit to Jerusalem, showing that the message he proclaimed among the Gentiles was confirmed by the Apostles themselves.The central issue was circumcision. False teachers insisted that Gentiles must submit to the law of Moses in order to be saved. But Paul refused to yield for even an hour—so that the truth of the gospel might remain for the churches. Even Titus, a Greek believer, was not compelled to be circumcised. This was no small matter of preference—it was the very heart of the gospel at stake: salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.In this sermon, we'll see:Why Paul went to Jerusalem “by revelation”How Titus became a living example of gospel freedomWhy Paul refused to compromise on circumcisionHow the Apostles gave him the right hand of fellowshipPaul defended the gospel at every turn—and we are called to do the same. When truth is at stake, compromise is not love. True love fights for the gospel so that it may remain for the people of God.#Galatians #DefenseOfTheGospel #FaithAlone #JustificationByFaith #FreedomInChrist #PaulTheApostle #ReformedTheology #GospelTruth #BiblicalPreaching #ChristianFaith"
Bill and Jo run through the woods to recap the sixth episode of ‘Task.' (0:00) Intro (1:58) The shootout (10:52) What is Grasso's backstory? (15:26) Maeve and Tom (21:56) What's left? (34:30) Finale predictions (44:56) Series creator Brad Ingelsby talks about casting Tom Pelphrey, the scenes he's most proud of, a potential second season, and much more Email us! prestigetv@spotify.com Subscribe to the Ringer TV YouTube channel here for full episodes of ‘The Prestige TV Podcast' and so much more! Hosts: Bill Simmons and Joanna Robinson Guest: Brad Ingelsby Producers: Kai Grady and Donnie Beacham Jr. Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of 'Need Some Introduction,' Victor and Sona delve into the sixth episode of the TV series 'Task,' titled 'Out Beyond Ideas of Wrongdoing and Right There is a River.' They discuss their initial reactions and overall thoughts on the episode, breaking down major plot points, character developments, and thematic elements. They highlight the impressive performances by the cast, especially the dramatic scenes featuring Mark Ruffalo and other key characters. The hosts also touch on the perplexing decisions and plans of the character Robbie. They speculate on the possible outcomes and what to expect in the series finale while comparing 'Task' to 'Mare of Easttown.' The episode concludes with predictions about how various storylines might resolve. mailto:needssomeintroduction@gmail.com 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:02 Initial Impressions and Episode Breakdown 01:54 Poem Analysis and Thematic Discussion 03:59 Character Dynamics and Plot Development 07:17 Action Sequence Critique 11:24 Character Arcs and Speculations 29:01 Task Force and Investigation 30:57 Speculations on the Cover-Up 31:39 Tom and Grasso's Confrontation 34:21 Character Performances and Key Scenes 37:57 Tom's Visit to Sam 41:43 Family Dynamics and Emotional Moments 43:05 The Final Plot Developments 48:51 Theories and Predictions for the Finale
"Leadership is essential in every sphere of life—families, churches, and nations rise or fall depending on those who guide them. Scripture shows us the importance of godly leadership, yet Solomon reminds us of a sobering truth: leadership, even kingship, is vanity when pursued apart from God.In this sermon, we consider:The corrupting influence of power (vv. 13–14)How even good leaders are quickly forgotten (vv. 15–16)Why pursuing leadership for the praise of man is emptyHow true significance in leadership comes only by fearing God and serving in humilityChrist Himself gave us the perfect example: “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Leadership rooted in self-exaltation always ends in vanity. Leadership rooted in Christ glorifies God and bears eternal fruit.✝️ May God raise up leaders in His church who serve not for the praise of man, but for the glory of Christ.#Ecclesiastes #Sermon #ChristianLeadership #BibleTeaching #VanityOfVanities #FearGod #PreachingTheWord #GospelTruth #HumilityInChrist"
"The Apostle Paul makes a staggering claim in Galatians 1:11–12: “The gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.”In this sermon, we consider the uniqueness of Paul's call and the divine authority of his message. Paul was not merely persuaded by other apostles, nor did he invent a gospel of his own. He received it directly from the risen Christ. This truth is vital for us today, because it means that the New Testament—together with the Old—is nothing less than the very Word of God.
Robert Grasso went to La Jolla C.D. as a student and now he's a teacher, coach, and Assistant AD and today he shares his journey and some Best Practices. He also shares why he chose OHIO University and their Online Masters in Athletic Administration. THIS is The Educational AD Podcast!
On this episode of WWR, we chat with Anthony Grasso and Alex Hitchen of The MAD Network about writing settings for BORG games, best practices for social media and kickstarter, and FOLD-Å-FREAK 2—LIVE on Kickstarter starting Tuesday, October 7th! Back FOLD-Å-FREAK 2 on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/themadnetwork/fold-a-freak-2 The MAD Network: https://themad.network/ Back Danse Macabre: Medieval Horror Roleplaying, also on Kickstarter: https://www.stillfleet.com/danse Stillfleet Studio: https://www.stillfleet.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of 'Need Some Introduction,' hosts Victor and Sona delve into the highly anticipated and suspenseful fifth episode of HBO Max's 'Vagrant.s' They discuss key plot points including the unfolding tension between characters, the thematic elements of redemption and faith, and significant character developments. The episode reveals Grasso as the mole, explores Robbie's desperate moves, and culminates in a gripping cliffhanger. Additionally, the hosts touch on the show's broader themes through character interactions and speculate on future episodes. mailto:needssomeintroduction@gmail.com 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:47 Public Service Announcement: Avoiding a Bad Show 04:58 Behind the Scenes: Fun Facts and Interviews 06:44 Episode Breakdown: Cliffhangers and Character Arcs 10:53 Plot Theories and Character Motivations 15:13 Tense Confrontations and Plot Twists 17:56 Parallel Investigations and Moral Dilemmas 33:04 Lizzie's Complex Character Arc 34:59 Tom's Tense Encounter with Robbie 35:54 Robbie's Nervousness and Tom's Investigation 37:01 Philosophical Conversations in the Car 44:04 Family Dynamics and Emotional Moments 53:59 The Final Confrontation and Cliffhanger
"Sermon on Ecclesiastes 4:4–12 | “It Is Not Good for Man to Be Alone”Work, success, and relationships—Solomon shows us how all of these can become meaningless when pursued apart from God. Success often stirs up envy in others. Laziness leads to ruin. Lonely labor leaves us empty. But the wisdom of God reminds us: “It is not good for man to be alone.”In this sermon, we consider:The vanity of labor driven by envy (vv. 4–6)The emptiness of work without relationships (vv. 7–8)The blessing of companionship in a world marked by sin (vv. 9–12)How Christian fellowship provides the way forwardGod has made us for community. From marriage to friendship to the communion of the saints, Scripture reminds us that two are better than one, and that a threefold cord is not quickly broken. As believers, we are called not to isolation but to fellowship, not to envy but to love, and not to empty striving but to shared joy in Christ.✝️ May God grant us grace to labor together faithfully, rejoicing in the fellowship He has given us in Christ.#Ecclesiastes #ChristianFellowship #Sermon #BibleTeaching #Gospel #CommunityInChrist #FaithAndWork"
"In Galatians 1:6–10, the Apostle Paul issues one of the most serious warnings in all of Scripture: “If anyone preaches another gospel… let him be accursed.” This passage reminds us that not every teaching is equally important—unity is not worth it if the gospel itself is compromised.In this sermon, we look at Paul's amazement that the Galatians had already begun to turn from the true gospel, and his solemn curse on those who distort the good news of Christ. What is at stake? The central doctrine of justification by faith alone.We'll consider:Why even apostolic churches (in Paul's day!) could go astray.Why justification by faith is the non-negotiable center of the gospel.Why we must reject any teaching—whether from men, angels, or even whole churches—that adds to or alters the message of salvation by grace in Christ alone.Why true servants of Christ must please God rather than man, even when the truth offends.Paul's sharpness here is not unloving—it is life-saving. The gospel is clear, it is given in the writings of the Apostles, and it must be received as God has delivered it. To alter it is to turn from Christ Himself.
"One of the most common arguments raised against the existence of God is the problem of suffering: “If God is good and all-powerful, why does He allow injustice?” But when we turn to Scripture—especially Ecclesiastes 4:1–3—we see that this argument actually backfires.Without God, suffering and oppression can only lead to despair. If life is nothing more than “under the sun,” then Solomon's conclusion is inescapable: the dead are better off than the living, and it would be better never to have been born. This is the hopelessness of atheism.But the Bible gives us another perspective: God is the righteous Judge who will bring every deed into account (Eccl. 3:16–17). His judgment is not only terrifying to the wicked—it is also a comfort to the oppressed. And through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers are promised final vindication and everlasting life.
"In this opening message from our series on Galatians, we see that Paul's greeting is much more than a formality—it is a preview of the gospel itself. Paul emphasizes that his apostleship comes not from man, but from Jesus Christ who rose from the dead. And the heart of his message is this: “Christ gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of God our Father, to whom be glory forever and ever.”The letter to the Galatians is one of the clearest, strongest defenses of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here Paul proclaims the doctrine of justification by faith alone and insists that there can be no compromise. To lose this truth is to lose Christ himself.In this sermon we consider:Why Paul defends his apostleship so stronglyHow the greeting previews the entire letterThe inseparable connection between Christ's death and justification by faithWhy the gospel is not from man but from God himselfGalatians was central to the Protestant Reformation, and its message is no less urgent today as many seek to redefine or distort the gospel. Our hope and salvation rest in Christ alone, who gave himself for our sins and delivers us from this present evil age.✝️ May God strengthen His church to hold fast to the gospel once for all delivered to the saints.#Galatians #JustificationByFaith #Reformation #Sermon #BibleTeaching #Gospel #ChristianFaith"
"In Ecclesiastes 3:16–22, Solomon lays out two radically different ways of thinking about life: one that denies God and sinks into meaninglessness, and one that recognizes God and finds true purpose. In a world full of injustice, your perspective on God will determine whether life is empty or eternally significant. Discover how rejecting God reduces humanity to mere beasts—and why only faith in Christ restores our true dignity and hope.#Ecclesiastes #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #Sermon #GospelTruth #WisdomLiterature #GodsJudgment #FaithInChrist #MeaningOfLife #ChristianLiving"
"Salvation is not earned—it is all of grace. In this sermon, we look at how Christ redefines greatness in His Kingdom and how the story of Jacob meeting Esau displays the astonishing reversal of God's grace.Jesus taught that the first shall be last, and the last shall be first. True greatness is not found in ruling over others but in serving, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.Jacob's life is a vivid illustration of this truth. Once a deceiver striving to grasp blessings by his own strength, Jacob is humbled, transformed, and brought to the end of himself. In his reconciliation with Esau, he bows, serves, and gives rather than takes—and in doing so, he finally shows the marks of grace. At last, Jacob confesses God as his God and worships Him: “El Elohe Israel—God, the God of Israel.”
There are countless ways to frame a jazz project—through cinema, sci-fi, the push and pull between roots and exploration, unconventional line-ups, or the African diaspora. You will find them all in this eclectic playlist. The playlist features Julien Daïan, Daniel Auteuil; Aldorande; Luigi Grasso [pictured], NDR Big Band; Michael Blake; Eric McPherson; and Aruan Ortiz. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21207965/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Deuxième Miniature (Dancing)"]. Happy listening!
Richard Grasso, former chairman of the NYSE, joins Opening Bell to talk financial literacy and his history in the markets. “The only way” to find economic stability for the young generations, he argues, is through investing. He discusses his time as the leader of the NYSE and his work developing it. He cheers bringing small investors into the stock market and broader access to financial information.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
"Solomon teaches that when God is ignored, people do whatever seems right in their own eyes, leading to evil and meaninglessness. But when we recognize God's sovereignty, our work and daily lives gain eternal significance. Everything has its proper time, and God has placed eternity in our hearts. By trusting Him and walking in His ways, we can rejoice, do good, and find true purpose in Christ. This message explores man's work in time, God's eternal work, and how all our labor connects to His divine plan.Scripture References: Ecclesiastes 3:9–15Hashtags:#ChristianSermon #GodsSovereignty #Ecclesiastes #MeaningfulWork #DoGood #FaithAndWork #EternalPerspective #BiblicalTeaching"
CX Goalkeeper - Customer Experience, Business Transformation & Leadership
Antonio Grasso offers invaluable perspectives for anyone looking to understand the intersections of technology, business, and society. By embracing a human-centric approach to digital transformation, businesses and individuals can prepare for a future where technology supports and enhances human endeavors. About Antonio Grasso is the Founder and CEO of Digital Business Innovation Srl, a thriving startup leading the way in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and cybersecurity. With over 40 years in information technology, Antonio's role as an entrepreneur, author, mentor, and speaker has inspired countless individuals. His influence has been recognized with the prestigious award of Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce (FRSA), reflecting his significant achievements in social progress and development. Antonio's collaborations with major multinationals and public institutions have positioned him as a global influencer and visionary thinker. As an external expert and ambassador, his work with the European Commission on projects like Next Generation Internet and AI4EU – Artificial Intelligence for Europe is shaping the future of technology on the continent. Antonio's passion for mentorship also extends to his role as an Accredited and Qualified Global Mentor for Startups and Scaleups by the World Business Angels Investment Forum, an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), committed to empowering global economic development. Resources Digital Business Innovation Srl: https://www.dbi.srl/ Please, hit the follow button: Apple Podcast: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: http://cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify We'd love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment and share your feedback! Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/ About Gregorio Uglioni: Transforming Business Into Value Generating Engines - Creating Long-Lasting Impact Leveraging Customer Experience - Host Of The Globally Recognized CX Goalkeeper Podcast “Customer Experience Goals” - Speaker at global events & at podcasts - Judge at International Awards - CX Lecturer for several institutions Listen to more podcasts on The Agile Brand network here: https://agilebrandguide.com/the-agile-brand-podcasts/