Podcasts about Great Commission

Greg considers the Great Commission.   Episode 1348 Greg's new book: Inspired Imperfection Dan's new book: Confident Humility Send Questions To: Dan: @thatdankentTwitter: @reKnewOrg Facebook: ReKnew Email: askgregboyd@gmail.com Links: Greg's book:"Crucifixion of the Warrior God" Website: ReKnew.org  

Which is more dangerous: denying the exclusivity of Christ, teaching that all religions lead to God, or claiming people can be saved without hearing the gospel? Todd compares several popular teachings and explains why one stands above the rest. Segment 1 • A female “preacher” claims Jesus isn't "my way or the highway." • Can John 14:6 really mean something other than what Jesus said? • Why denying Christ's exclusivity destroys the gospel. Segment 2 • William Lane Craig says people can be saved without hearing the name of Jesus. • Does Romans 1 teach that general revelation is enough for salvation? • Why Todd says this teaching undermines the Great Commission. Segment 3 • Raphael Warnock says many religions lead to the same God. • An imam defends Muhammad's marriage to a child. • Which teaching does Todd say is actually the most dangerous? Segment 4 • John MacArthur's message to pastors who feel discouraged. • Why faithful ministry always comes with criticism. • How every church member can encourage their pastor. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

Why does it feel like our culture is unraveling? Why do so many Christians feel discouraged, disengaged, or unsure how to respond? In this episode of Truth Changes Everything, Darrow Miller and Naomi Smith explore the deeper worldview battle shaping today's culture and explain why recovering a biblical worldview changes everything. Together, they unpack the sacred-secular divide that has led many believers to separate faith from everyday life, work, politics, education, family, and culture. Pulling from their latest book, Occupy Till I Come: Equipping the Next Generation to Break the Sacred/Secular Divide and Disciple Nations at the Level of Culture, they explain what Scripture teaches about Christ's lordship over every sphere of life and why the Great Commission is about more than individual conversion—it is about discipling nations. You'll discover why Jesus' victory on the cross gives Christians confidence instead of fear, how to faithfully engage culture without retreating, and what it practically means to "occupy till He comes" in your home, workplace, church, and community. Whether you're wrestling with cultural decline, searching for purpose, or wanting to understand what it means to live out a biblical worldview in today's world, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and practical encouragement. In This Episode Why culture feels like it's unraveling The hidden worldview battle behind today's cultural conflicts Why many Christians have become disengaged from culture Understanding the sacred-secular divide Is there really any "neutral" ground? What it means to disciple nations How Jesus' victory transforms our approach to culture Practical ways to live out your faith every day How Christians can influence families, churches, workplaces, and communities Why every area of life belongs to Christ Have a question you'd like us to discuss on a future episode? Email us at podcast@summit.org.

Are we living aware that God is already at work around us? Mye Nunag shows us how God calls us to partner with him in the Great Commission.Mye serves as lead pastor of Victory U-Belt in Manila, Philippines, and is a preaching coach for Every Nation Seminary.

SouthCrest Church Sunday message, 7/19/26. Our Foundations series continues in Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20. As declared by Jesus in these verses, Student Pastor Jevaughn Huggins challenges us to live the Great Commission in accordance with God's will. 

Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes the Harmony of the Gospels series by exploring the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus to His disciples and the Ascension. He explains Jesus rebuking the apostles for their initial unbelief and commissioning them to preach the gospel to all nations, emphasizing baptism and the power of the Holy Spirit in their mission. Fr. Matthias clarifies the symbolism behind miraculous signs and the nature of Jesus' resurrected body. He discusses the restoration of Peter, the importance of faith without physical proof as taught through Thomas's encounter, and the significance of the Great Commission to make disciples baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The talk also touches on early church practices, apostolic authority, and how the apostles were prepared to continue Christ's work empowered by the Holy Spirit after His Ascension. #ResurrectionAppearances #GreatCommission #HolySpirit #ApostolicMission #Ascension #FaithWithoutSight #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

As believers, we are called to prepare our hearts for the assignments and opportunities God has for us. This message challenges us to pursue faithfulness, humility, diligence, effectiveness, and purity of heart so that we are ready when God opens the next door.You'll discover that promotion comes in many forms—not only through titles or positions, but also through greater responsibility, influence, and opportunities to serve others. The key to the next level is being faithful with what God has entrusted to us right now. God promotes those who are faithful in the small things, humble before Him, diligent in their work, and gracious toward others. Prepare now for what God is preparing for you.This message was recorded live at The Rock in Anaheim, CA.MORE...« Jesus Disciple » God is calling believers EVERYWHERE to be a part of fulfilling the Great Commission, making disciples around the world. Get free resources and find out more at https://jesusdisciple.com« Support the Jesus Disciple Vision » Give at https://jesusdisciple.com/give/« Solid Lives » Church groups, conferences, discipleship, and biblical resources: https://solidlives.com« The Rock Network » Learn more about Jerry Dirmann's home church and The Rock Network: https://gototherock.com« Free Media Library » Access hundreds of free Bible teachings and resources: https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-disciple/media-library« Support » Help us provide free biblical resources around the world: https://solidlives.com/give/« Podcasts » Listen to weekly messages and The New Testament Daily podcast: https://solidlives.com/podcast/Support the show

Physical fitness may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think about ministry, but should it be? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explore why caring for our bodies is part of faithfully stewarding God's calling. They discuss the relationship between physical health, spiritual discipline, and long-term ministry effectiveness, while avoiding legalism or unrealistic standards. The conversation also tackles the unique challenges pastors and missionaries face, from food-centered hospitality to sedentary work and ministry stress. Alex and Scott share practical habits, biblical principles, and personal experiences that can help believers build strength, energy, and endurance so they are better prepared to serve their families, churches, and the mission God has given them. Key topics: Why physical fitness matters for long-term ministry The biblical connection between stewardship, discipline, and the body Common health challenges pastors and missionaries face Practical habits for building strength and endurance How physical health supports mental clarity and ministry effectiveness Simple ways to stay active in every season of life Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com.

The Great Commission : Our Mission - Pastor Wanderson Franco - July 19 by Pastor Larry Huch

Acts 8:1-8

The story of Jonah is not just about being swallowed by a big fish. It's about an immeasurable God and a small-hearted servant. It's about the relentless grace that pursues us even when we run, and the missionary heart of God that will not let the world go unwarned. May the Holy Spirit awaken us from inwardness, repent of our coldness, and freshly commission us to fulfill the Great Commission. Come and listen to this sermon on Chapter 1—you won't want to miss it!

Grab your Bible and join us from Whitemarsh Island Baptist Church as we begin our study of the story of Jonah. This book is not just about being swallowed by a big fish. It's about an immeasurable God and a small-hearted servant. It's about the relentless grace that pursues us even when we run, and the missionary heart of God that will not let the world go unwarned. May the Holy Spirit awaken us from inwardness, repent of our coldness, and freshly commission us to fulfill the Great Commission. Come and listen to this sermon on Chapter 1—you won't want to miss it!

Throughout Scripture we see that God has always had a heart for the nations. His covenant with Abraham was to bless all peoples on earth (Genesis 12:3). Isaiah declared that nations would come to God's light (Isaiah 60:3), Joel prophesied that God would pour out His Spirit on all people (Joel 2:28), and Jesus taught that all nations will one day stand before Him in judgement (Matthew 25:32). At the centre of God's mission is His love for every person. [John 3:16, Matthew 28:18-20]1. Mobilise all Christians to spread the good news of Jesus to all nationsJesus' command is clear: Go. Christianity was never intended to be a spectator faith where only a few are involved in reaching people. Every believer is called to take responsibility for sharing the gospel wherever God has placed them. [Luke 14:21, Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8] Jesus specifically spoke about reaching all nations, referring to every ethnic group and people group. While thousands of people groups have already been reached, billions of people still have little or no access to the gospel. We must intentionally cross cultural barriers and accept responsibility for reaching both our local communities and the nations of the world.2. Make true disciples of Jesus in all nationsThe world will not be transformed by people who simply attend church, but by genuine disciples whose lives reflect the character and teachings of Jesus.Jesus invested deeply in twelve ordinary people, intentionally training them to become faithful followers who would reproduce His life in others. Disciple-making is a lifelong process of introducing people to Christ, helping them mature spiritually, and equipping them to make disciples themselves.Jesus highlighted two essential aspects of discipleship:• Disciples must be baptised"... baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."Baptism is a public declaration that we have died to our old way of life and now belong completely to Christ. It identifies us with Jesus, welcomes us into His Church, and demonstrates our commitment to follow Him as Lord. Around the world, many believers still face persecution because of this public step of obedience.• Disciples must be taught to obey Christ"...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."Jesus didn't simply teach His followers information; He taught them obedience. He showed them how to love God, love people, forgive, serve, give, and live according to God's Word. The goal of discipleship is not merely knowing God's truth but putting it into practice. As leaders, we are called to raise disciples who are teachable, obedient, and committed to living out the commands of Christ.3. Move forward in partnership with the presence of JesusJesus never asked His Church to fulfil the Great Commission alone.Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:20Because Jesus has all authority, we can move forward with confidence. Through the Holy Spirit, His presence and power are with us wherever we go. As we faithfully make disciples, we can expect Him to work through us, transforming lives and extending His Kingdom among every people and nation.Application:God's heart has always been for the nations, and He invites every believer to participate in His mission. We are called to go beyond simply believing in Christ and become disciple-makers who reach others with the gospel, help them grow in obedience, and trust the presence and authority of Jesus every step of the way.As we faithfully obey the Great Commission, we partner with God's eternal purpose of seeing people from every nation come to know and follow Jesus.

The sermon emphasizes the urgent necessity of immediate obedience to the Great Commission by analyzing the parable of the vineyard in Matthew chapter 21. It argues that delayed obedience is not true obedience, using the command to work 'today' as a central theological point for evangelism. The speaker highlights the eternal consequences of neglecting this task, asserting that those who do not hear the gospel remain lost regardless of their moral efforts or religious systems. By referencing passages such as John 4:35 and Ezekiel 3, the message underscores the believer's responsibility to warn others before it is too late. Ultimately, the text calls listeners to action, reminding them that salvation comes only through faith in Christ's righteousness, not personal merit.

The sermon emphasizes the urgent necessity of immediate obedience to the Great Commission by analyzing the parable of the vineyard in Matthew chapter 21. It argues that delayed obedience is not true obedience, using the command to work 'today' as a central theological point for evangelism. The speaker highlights the eternal consequences of neglecting this task, asserting that those who do not hear the gospel remain lost regardless of their moral efforts or religious systems. By referencing passages such as John 4:35 and Ezekiel 3, the message underscores the believer's responsibility to warn others before it is too late. Ultimately, the text calls listeners to action, reminding them that salvation comes only through faith in Christ's righteousness, not personal merit.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore the strategic impact of short-term missions and the critical need for a shift toward gospel-centered ministry. While the U.S. church invests billions in short-term trips, only a fraction of those resources reaches unreached peoples with the gospel. We discuss the distinction between humanitarian aid and biblical missions—focusing on evangelism, church planting, and disciple-making in places like Italy, where the evangelical presence is less than 1%. We also share key takeaways from our recent short-term cohort, including how intentional evangelism can revive a dry soul and the vital role of financial stewardship in advancing the Great Commission. Plus, get the latest updates on our new Missions Academia courses and the vision for a church plant in Bassano. Links:Jesse's SubstackBecome a PMc AmbassadorPMc Short-term CohortsMission FacilityVision TripPMc Missions BlogPartnerLong-Term MissionsMissionary InternshipPMc AcademiaThe Italian Cohort - join PMc's online Discord communityServe - PMc has numerous avenues of involvementFreely join the online Discord group of PMc! The Italian CohortSupport the showDo you love God, Italians, Italy, and the church of Jesus Christ? Do you want to play a more personal role in missions work abroad? Do you want to get all our content and updates (plus bonus material no one else sees) before anyone else? We invite you to join The Italian Cohort - our online community group on Discord - and gain inside access to the work going on in Italy. 

In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb bring their extended series on the parables of Matthew to a powerful climax with the passage most listeners have been waiting for: the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31–46). Far from a checklist of works required for salvation, this text is unpacked as the master parable of Christ's entire parabolic ministry — a sovereign declaration of divine election, not a merit-based audit of individual performance. Tony and Jesse explore why this passage has been chronically misread as a call to works righteousness, why the language of inheritance and predestination is front and center, and how a Reformed reading liberates rather than burdens the conscience. Along the way, they weigh in on Herman Bavinck's prescient warning about media distraction, and Jesse recommends a Puritan gem on anxiety worth picking up immediately. Key Takeaways The Sheep and Goats is best understood as a parable, or at minimum parable-adjacent. The Greek construction in verse 31 mirrors the same comparative language Christ uses throughout his parabolic ministry, placing this text firmly within that tradition rather than outside it. The kingdom was prepared before any works were done — this is election language. The phrase "inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (v. 34) is not a reward for performance; it is the language of sovereign predestination preceding all human action. The works of the sheep are diagnostic, not causative. What the righteous did reveals who they already were — sheep — rather than being the mechanism by which they became sheep. The beak doesn't make the bird. Both groups are surprised, and that surprise is the parabolic punchline. Neither the sheep nor the goats anticipated the verdict they received, which undermines any reading that frames this text as an encouragement to accumulate saving merit. This passage is a recapitulation of the wheat and tares parable. Sheep and goats co-mingled until the moment of final separation, just as wheat and tares grow together until the harvest — the judgment reveals what was always true. Any theology that requires a human contribution to activate or complete salvation misreads this text.Whether Roman Catholic, Arminian, or Mormon in flavor, every view that makes God's preparation of the kingdom contingent on foreseen human merit fundamentally inverts the logic of the passage. The scope of judgment — "all nations" (ta ethnos) — would have been scandalous to first-century Jewish ears. This language deliberately expands the kingdom beyond ethnic Israel, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant promise and confounding the assumptions of the religious elite. Key Concepts The Kingdom Prepared Before Your Works: Sovereign Election, Not Merit When the King says to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25:34), the theological weight of that single sentence is staggering. The kingdom was not prepared in response to anything the sheep did. It was prepared before time, before works, before choice — which means the works that follow in the passage cannot be the grounds of that inheritance. Only a Calvinistic understanding of election can sustain this logic without remainder. Arminian views require God to foresee a qualifying human response; Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox views require some degree of meritorious participation; even certain Lutheran frameworks lean on non-resistance to grace. Reformed theology alone places the entire cause within God's sovereign, unconditional decree — and this passage, read plainly, says exactly that. Works as Evidence, Not Ground: The Diagnostic Function of This Parable The great pastoral error in preaching this passage is treating it as a performance rubric — a list of charitable acts that, if completed, qualify a person for eternal life. But Christ does not separate the sheep from the goats because of what they did or failed to do. He separates them, and then describes the activity that characterized each group. The works are revelatory. They surface what was already true of each person's nature, just as a bird's beak reveals its species rather than constituting it. This reframing is liberating precisely because it means assurance does not rest on tallying acts of charity. It rests on the sovereign act of a Father who prepared a kingdom and the regenerating work of the Spirit who produces, in those He has claimed, a life that looks like the one described here. "All Nations": The Scandal of an Ethnically Inclusive Kingdom The Greek phrase ta ethnē — translated "all nations" in most English Bibles — would have landed very differently on first-century Jewish ears, particularly those of the Pharisees and Sadducees who comprised a significant portion of Christ's audience throughout Matthew 24–25. To them, ta ethnē meant the Gentiles, the peoples out there, those outside the covenant. The implicit effect of Christ's language is to place every people group — including Israel — within a single undifferentiated mass standing before his throne, with no ethnic group receiving preferential standing at the bar of judgment. This is entirely consistent with the Abrahamic promise of blessing to all families of the earth (Genesis 12:3), the vision of Psalm 2, and the missionary thrust of the Great Commission. The scandal is not incidental — it is the point. The kingdom Christ is ushering in is not the ethnic-nationalist kingdom the religious establishment expected. Memorable Quotes The kingdom of heaven was prepared for those whom Christ has elected before the foundation of the world, and it was the preparation of that kingdom that brought you through this such that you did the good works that you did... That is caused by the fact that God prepared a kingdom for you in advance, not that you somehow caused this kingdom to be prepared for you. - Tony It's not the beak that makes it the sparrow, it's the sparrow that makes it the kind of beak it is. That's the kind of classification we're talking about in this parable. - Tony The best freedom is the one that turns over all things to God and takes him at his word when he says, 'In love you were predestined to inherit this as sons and daughters of the kingdom,' so that he does all the work, because we do not want to have any of that work our own. - Jesse Full Transcript [00:01:11] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 498 of the Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse  [00:01:19] Tony Arsenal: And I'm Tony, and this is the podcast with ears to hear. Hey, brother.  [00:01:24] Jesse Schwamb: Hey, brother. They said it couldn't be done. They said we couldn't come back. We wouldn't come back and continue in Matthew 25. But here we are, and we're ending this chapter in this whole section about sheep and goats. Everybody was clamoring for it. Everybody wanted to know, what about the sheep and the goats? And I think the last time we all chatted together, we prefaced it by saying it's parable adjacent. Or let's just say- Yes ... we just stacked up these three other parables, lots of things going on, and then Jesus resolves this or brings all these parables to a culmination by speaking about the end times, the end of all things, and the sheep and the goats. Yeah. And so we gotta go there  [00:02:06] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah, I'm stoked.  [00:02:07] What Counts Parable [00:02:07] Tony Arsenal: And y- you know, I, I was talking with a brother at, um, at church yesterday on the Lord's day, and he was asking how the podcast's going and what we're doing. And, you know, I was kind of thinking, like, I was talking about the parables and how we're kind of moving forward, and we were gonna do some of the I am sayings in John. And, and I was thinking, like, what is a parable anyways? And who decides what a parable is and what a parable isn't? Right. Um, some of the parables Christ calls a parable, others he doesn't. Uh, we'll probably talk a little bit about that when we get to, uh, some of the back half of Luke. But this, this episode I think is gonna be really, really the payoff and really the culmination of not just these, like, this trio of or trilogy of parables that we've talked about, but I think really, like, the payout of all of the parables in Matthew. It's really, like, the summary of all of Christ's parabolic teachings. So it's, it's a good place for us to round out Matthew, and then we'll, we'll dip into the parables in the other gospels, probably have a couple more months of, of, uh, parable talk before we move on to the next thing. But, uh, it's been great, and I'm super, super stoked for this. This is one of my favorite passages, actually, and there's so much to dig into. I, I, I'm just gonna say now, we probably won't make it through the whole thing- Right ... uh, because there's a lot there. But we'll see. We'll see how we do. Maybe Jesse and I will be super efficient tonight, uh, but we usually aren't, so. [00:03:27] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, that's never happened. We, we take it low and slow. Not only that- ... it was reminding me as you spoke about that kind of proverb generally of if you wanna go build a wall, you assess what you need, how many stones, and then you go gather those stones. Yeah. You should double it, or if you're gonna go out and fight an army, take stock of that army. That's basically what we do, but in reverse. Anytime, like, you just... I just heard you say- ... like, "It'll probably take us a couple more months," you should double that. That's probably how long- Yeah ... it's actually gonna take us.  [00:03:50] Faith Works Assurance [00:03:50] Jesse Schwamb: Even in this- Yeah ... conversation, I think we're gonna get stuck in the best way possible speaking about things like faith, works, and assurance because there's a lot of language here- Yeah that could seem on the surface to sit in this tension with justification by faith alone. And I think the key to resolving all that tension, as I hopefully think we'll see, lies in the readings of works as the evidence of living faith rather than its ground, and I think that's what- Yes ... Christ is leading us through all of these parables, actually, whether it goes back. And you should listen to all those episodes. In fact, I gotta ask. Th- I mean, this brother you were talking to, it just strikes me as that question had already be answered for him if you were listening to the podcast. So-  [00:04:29] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, I don't think he does. No, I don't think he does- ... listen to the podcast. Uh, he knows that I do the podcast, and he's very gracious to ask me about it. Tom. And I think he's probably listened to the podcast before. Got it. Um, and he's, he's just a very kind, gracious brother who, who is concerned and wants to know what I'm doing. And, um, he has, he has his own sort of, like, production stuff that he does that he enjoys that I'm, I'm not super keyed into. But, uh, it was just nice. But, but it did get me thinking, like, I was trying to explain to him where we were in the progress of the parables, and I was like, "I can't really... I don't really know," because, like, it's hard to even understand and fully... There's no, like, full comprehensive universal list of what is a parable- Right ... and what's not. And I think what we've found as we've been going through this is sometimes, sometimes you come up against a portion of a text that is often taught sort of separate from the, the rest of it. Parables get taught discreet from other parables. But then you have these sort of, like, intervening texts, or this one's kind of a summary text, that's so integrated to what the parable means you really can't do a series on these parables without also treating this text. Which is gonna be interesting, 'cause I've never, I've never encountered somebody who really roots this teaching here of Christ in the context of the parables, despite its proximity. So it'll be fun. We're gonna figure it out in real time, and, and it'll be good.  [00:05:47] Jesse Schwamb: No, it's gonna be fun.  [00:05:48] Deny Doomscrolling Bavinck [00:05:48] Jesse Schwamb: And speaking of fun, we're so glad that you're listening, and we know that you're waiting with bated breath to hear about affirmations or denials. It's of course that part of the conversation where we either affirm with something that we think is fantastic, maybe by way of recommendation, or conversely, we deny against something that isn't that great. So Tony, as is our custom in the liturgy of the Reformed Brotherhood podcast, I ask you once again, are you affirming with or deny against? [00:06:15] Tony Arsenal: I am denying against something, and I'm gonna do that by affirming a Herman Bavinck quote. Uh, so I'm gonna read it for you. This, uh... Some of the guys in the Facebook group have put... or the Facebook group, the Telegram chat, have put together a, uh, like, a reading group to work through Bavinck's, uh, Wonderful Works of God, which is great, and I'm loving it. I haven't been able to participate in the conversation as much as I would like to, but just being part of a reading group, uh, sort of keeps you on schedule, which is great. So I've been reading through Wonderful Works of God, and on the Kindle edition, on page 34, uh, which I think is still the, I think is still the, uh, introduction, he says, quote, "The reading of daily and weekly newspapers, of magazines and brochures, devours our every blink. There's a lack of desire and opportunity for the investigation of scripture and the study of old theological works," end quote. And when I read that, it just really struck me as like- If that was true like 70 years ago, 80 years ago when Bavinck was writing this, right? And all there was was hard, hard copy media. There was no, uh, there was no digital media. There was radio, but there wasn't a lot of programming. Uh, I don't think that there was much in the way of television broadcasting. If there was, it was, it was very, very limited and very rudimentary. Um, even then he was saying the daily news cycle and all of this extra stuff that is out there is consuming our, quote, "Every blink," which I thought was a really interesting phrase. Um, it's basically like it's so ingrained in us, we're so invested and obsessed with the news cycle. Uh, or you might translate that to like to our Twitter feed or our Facebook feed or our Instagram reels or whatever it might be, and dare I say it, the podcasts we listen to.  [00:08:05] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:08:05] Tony Arsenal: Um, that we don't save time for scripture and other theological works. And I think it's funny too is that the, the eternal, uh, the eternal contemporary statement of the Reformed world is like we don't read enough old theological works. Even Bavinck, who I'm reading as one of the old... I mean, not like super old, but like one of the old theological works, is saying, "Hey, we don't read enough old theological works." So I'm denying this sort of like obsession we have with the daily news cycle and with constantly being up to date and like constantly consuming all of that. Um, we've talked about how like our modern global news cycle sort of, uh, is built around the deception that we can be sort of pseudo omnipotent and know all things about everything. And, um- There's a lot of work that's been done to show that, like, the world's not really that much, not that much more of a violent place than it was 100 years ago. We just know a lot more about what's going on- Right ... in other parts of the world. And there's pros and cons to that. But I think the main con is, like, we, we feel suddenly that we have to be, you know, deeply involved in the goings on of a church on the other side of the country that we never would've even known existed otherwise. It- there's just a, there's a sense of omnipotence and omnipresence that's just not becoming for the creature that I think we try to take on. So Bavinck knew it. Uh, we've talked about it. Lots and lots of people have talked about it. This isn't new. I'm not, I'm not e- engineering anything new on this. But that quote really struck me when I was reading. I was like, "Dang, man, he, he got it right 100 years ago or, or 80 years ago, and we're still struggling with it." And I think probably, like, if you go back and you look at the, I don't know, more occasional writings of people like Martin Luther and John Calvin, um, as they're interacting with, like, people in the Reformed community or the Protestant community, I bet you would find statements like this too about how, like, we really spend a lot of time reading, like, silly things and not spending- Right our time studying the scripture or studying, um, theological works. So that's my denial. I'm sticking to it, and if that means you feel like you need to turn this podcast off and go read some John Calvin or some Herman Bavinck, then by all means. Uh, I think you're probably going to be edified by what we have to talk about. But, uh, th- the Bible's better, so if you gotta go do it, if you only got- That's true ... an hour today to study scripture or listen to this podcast, please go study scripture. Yeah. Uh, hopefully we can do a little bit of both with this podcast. But Herman Bavinck said it best. Our every blink is consumed with pamphlets and newspapers and it just is- It's true it's pretty silly.  [00:10:41] Jesse Schwamb: It's true.  [00:10:42] Meme Detour Reading Groups [00:10:42] Jesse Schwamb: I gotta take us all the way back to where you started there, and I'm going to betray, to nobody's surprise, my really strong naivete when it comes- ... to social media, and memes in particular. But this is what occurred to me, and I'm gonna try it. This is, like, what classically makes really good podcasting. Let me try to describe a meme to you that I'm not even sure I actually understand or know. So this will be great. I think, you tell me, Tony, 'cause you may have seen this. It's an old meme too, so I'm not even, like, on the cutting edge here. I think it's a meme of two panels showing, like, two pictures of Drake. In know one he's kinda, like, pushing away as if to say, like, "Get that outta here," and the other one's like, "Oh yeah, that's the stuff." Do you know what I'm talking about? Yeah. Is that accurate?  [00:11:21] Tony Arsenal: I do. I think you're gonna use it wrong, but yeah.  [00:11:23] Jesse Schwamb: Is that Drake? Okay, all  [00:11:24] Tony Arsenal: right. Yeah, that's, that's the meme.  [00:11:25] Jesse Schwamb: Okay, okay. And usually, if I understand it correctly, it's kind of like a faux juxtaposition of two things, right? Like, okay. So like here, let me try it. Uh, uh, let me just try it on everybody. Here we go. I'm gonna describe to you how I just interpret this based on what you said, 'cause something cracked me up that you said, Tony. If I were gonna make this meme just based on how you opened that up, the first panel would be like Drake pushing away the idea or being like, "That's no good," book club. The second one would be reading group, as in like, like the reading group is like the new cool way of like just kind of... Did I use it properly? Am I close?  [00:11:59] Tony Arsenal: I think the problem with this is that there's like a, there's like an ironic way to use it, and then there's like a more direct way to use it. Mm. Yeah. The direct way would be like some- like Drake's pushing away something that's bad, and he's- Yeah ... like accepting something that's good. That'd be like the direct way. Yes. The more ironic one is where like Drake is pushing away something that's actually pretty, actually pretty good, and he's- Yeah ... accepting the one that's pretty silly. Oh, okay. Um, there's a lot of memes that have that basic format. Never mind. There's one with like Jordi LaForge. I think there's a Michael Scott one. I tried. I tried. But yeah, no, I, I think yours is valid, it's just, I think it's an older usage of the meme. That's like the, that's like the middle English version of that meme. The Shakespearean use of that meme.  [00:12:36] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. I'll take that. It's the old English style. I love a good book club or a reading group. A, a reading group just, it does have that sound like maybe somebody in the group has a monocle, or you guys have tea. Either way- Yeah ... I absolutely love it. And yes, what are our beautiful quotes. You kind of hear that general conception recapitulated among like theologians almost in every era. But it does make you think, what would Bavinck say about, like doom scrolling on the smartphone? Like- Yeah ... he's beside himself, right? It would just be beside himself. So I'm with you. I, it, there's gonna be a condemnation in every generation. Maybe I say this with some degree of like chronological snobbery, especially in ours, when it comes to not, like you said, I think kind of like not carving out or not prioritizing time in the scriptures. Yeah. There's not gonna be any excuse of like, "Well, I just didn't have time." Right. Or, "There were too many things to read." It's just, it's not gonna cut it. So I'm with you. I think you and I have talked about this at length, even just like the news media like you and I consume, like just s- set aside social media for a second. Just like how i- how much value is there in a lot of like what we cons- used to consider to be like well-informed reporting? How valuable is that to us? Yeah. And I'm certainly not saying like that everybody should be like unconcerned and uninterested in the world, but I think it's to what degree and what fascination we have with that, and how it fits into our priority as we consume information each day. That's the thing that's tricky, and there's no really-  [00:14:02] Tony Arsenal: Yeah ...  [00:14:02] Jesse Schwamb: good answer except to weigh out with the spiritual discernment- Yeah ... how we ought to consume that stuff. But certainly I think, without question, we need to be prioritizing time in prayer, time in the scriptures. I imagine if we were all doing that with a great deal of attention, that all of the other things would kind of find their way into the right place. Or let's say they would just find their way out of our lives in a significant way- Yeah ... that would remove us from distraction and anxiety, instead bring us back into the providence of God.  [00:14:31] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. And I'm not, I'm not gonna be the guy that tells you you can never s- you can never scroll Instagram or TikTok or whatever. Um, I, I think that's a decision that's between you and the Holy Spirit as far as how you spend your time. But I, I do think, um, I think you're right- We are accountable for the decisions we make and how- Right ... we choose to divide up our time. And I- God, I mean, God is the inventor of fun. He's the inventor of leisure, and he is, uh, I think he's pleased and honored when we, we make good use of our time f- for things that are restful and rejuvenating. Um, he doesn't expect us to just slavishly read scripture all day, every day, like every minute. That's not, that's not the biblical expectation. Um, and so I think it's fine if you wanna sit down and watch a fun show, or if you wanna watch some YouTube videos, or listen to a silly podcast, or listen to a serious podcast. Um, but I do, I agree. Like, we, we really need to be thoughtful. And I think where, where Bavinck's quote, uh, is strong is it's not so much about, "Don't read these things." Right. He, he's talking about these things consume our every blink. Like, m- he's treating blink... He's using the word blink as sort of a fill-in for like our, our finite resource of time and attention, and these things have consumed all of them. There's a very strong use of that word consume. Uh, and I, I think that's really the, the point that I'm trying to make is we often allow, either intentionally or unintentionally, we, we just let our time get all sucked up, uh, on things that maybe are good but are not pr- properly proportioned. Um- Like I said, it's, it's fine to spend some time on Twitter and to get into a debate once in a while, or to check in on your friends on Facebook, your old high school, college buddies or whatever, but we can definitely take it too far. So I think it's a good corrective for all of us to at least make a stop and think about how we're spending our time, and whether we are affording the appropriate amount of time to things like scripture, theological study, catechesis of our children, um, family worship, all of those good things. So we don't have to go much more into that. I think the point has been made. Uh, so Jesse, what are you affirming and/or denying tonight?  [00:16:43] Affirm Puritan Anxiety Cure [00:16:43] Jesse Schwamb: Perfect segue, because speaking of reading old things, you know me, I've always got some kind of Puritan work in the rotation, and the one I just finished is the one I'm affirming, which is called Special Providence for Anxious Souls by Obadiah Sedgwick, who I think is kinda... Like, people are sleeping on Sedgwick, you know? Mm-hmm. He's, he's kinda like, he's there in the wings, but we need to take him off the bench. And I came across this book and I thought, "Who doesn't want a title like that in their lives?" Like, we got some anxiety in all of our souls. And I'm affirming this because, uh, hi- his definitions, his writing is, are on point. But here's what I thought. I was embarrassed that I picked this up expecting one thing, and then in typical puritanical fashion, was delivered something else that was far better. And I was thinking about this title as you might see it, like, in your modern bookstore today, whether it's, like, in Barnes & Nobles or at any of the periodicals we were just kind of mentioning or implying that are out there. And I was expecting to get some kind of, I don't know, six or seven things, I mean, that's Puritan style, but six or seven things that would really help you diagnose the psychology, and then going back to the scripture in ways, all, all the ways we'd expect about how God loves us and cares for us, and all those things are true. And yet the only way I could describe how this book ministered to me is, like, how you might go to a physical therapist for some kind of ailment, which I have many as I get older, and have recently been to one. And the ailment I had was, um, basically like tarsal tunnel, which is like carpal tunnel for your foot. And so there was some nerves that were inflamed and causing some pain and some weirdness in my feet. And here's what I do know about physical therapy now that I think the Puritans also do for our souls, and that is the physical therapist gave me this full workup. They prodded me and poked me and rubbed things and made things hurt- And in the course of doing that, they clearly could figure out what was wrong with my foot. And so when he gave me the diagnosis, after, again, rubbing that part and, like, doing one of those things where he's like, you know, they tap on your hard and they're like, "Does that hurt?" I'm like, "Yes, it does hurt." And I presume that's because you know anatomy. And, you know, he's, he's ta- tapping on my ankle and it's causing my foot underneath to hurt. And after all that, you know, I run on a treadmill. He d- takes all this video, and this is what he says to me. He goes, "Yeah, so this is actually pretty straightforward." And I was like, "Great, so what are we talking about? Like exercises, uh, splints, like massage?" He's like, "You have a weak butt." And I was like- "I'm sorry, let's talk about that for a second." And this is what I've learned about physical therapy, is it's rarely about the thing that's actually bothering you or the thing that's hurt, right? It's something- Yeah ... far different. It's something almost seemingly, like, disjointed or removed or divorced from the very thing, maybe even non-contiguous, if only in our minds, maybe even logically. And so what I love about this is the first half of the book is just speaking about the province of God before it even gets into this idea of anxiety. And then the treatment on anxiety and worry is, he goes through, like, six or seven things in particular, are just absolutely glorious. So good that I want you to read it. I don't even want to talk about it. Uh, that, that's my admonishment to you, is that you should just go pick it up. So I'm affirming again that the Puritans in particular do this thing where there's, there's no cheap advice here. It's not even hide advice. It's really good advice, but it's the kind that says, "You have a weak butt" when you're concerned that your ankle- is messed up. Yeah. And that's sometimes what you need to hear. And in my case, after... Let's make this super weirdly spiritual. After doing a bunch of squats, I don't know what the spiritual equivalent is of that. After doing a bunch of squats, my ankle and my foot was so much better. And it, because I had somebody who cared enough for me to go through and actually diagnose the root of it, that was the reason that inevitably there was healing. So I've, this has given me so much to think about, this tiny little treatise. So much to put into practice. It's so rich, so good, so practical, and yet I think you'll find in many ways joyfully unexpected. So I highly affirm to everybody listening, and even those who aren't, Special Providence for Anxious Souls, Obadiah Sedgwick. You'll, you'll love it  [00:20:49] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:20:49] Physical Therapy Spiritual Practice [00:20:49] Tony Arsenal: So two thoughts. Uh, one, uh, I can confirm Jesse has a weak butt, um, flat as a board. So it's probably, probably better after, after doing some squats. Wow. Uh, two- Wow. ... uh, I can say I also am in some physical therapy right now, and I've been a little bit of a slacker. And what I will contribute to the conversation is just like in physical therapy, they can give you all of the exercises- Yeah uh, that you want. If you don't do the work, you're not going to get better. Yeah. And so whether it's Jesse doing squats or me not finding time to stretch and to do some, like, arm exercises with a, with a s- uh, like a TheraBand, uh, the same holds true. And, and maybe to unify our, uh, affir- our denials/affirmations into one mega, mega recommendation, um, the same holds true in that, one, we can take a book like this from, uh, Sedgwick, and we can turn it into the same thing we do with media where we're just... it's just devouring our blinks. Right. And we're just using it as a way to sort of, like, feed our eye hole Get better. You won't improve. Um, and that's actually the same with scripture. Like y-you can- Right ... turn scripture into, uh, into a snack food that you, you don't actually use to be nutritious. Um, I think there's probably more benefit to reading scripture sort of rote and, and almost mechanically than there is to reading anything else. But, um, but at the end of the day, you can also consume your blinks with scripture and not get a lot out of it if all you're doing is passing your eyes over text. So get in there. I think that's great. I haven't read that one. I mean, I think there's... I think there are probably many, I can't think of one off the top of my head, but I'm sure there are many, many Puritan treaties that- treatises that are similar in theme and tone and have the same kind of like spiritual antidote or spiritual medicine, um, prescribed by these guys that is good and wholesome. And again, like, like you're saying, like it's not that complicated. It's not that hard. Right. It just takes- Right ... you just actually have to do the work. Um, it's funny, my physical therapy thing is my, my shoulder has been really ba- really messed up, and I went in, I expected him to give me all these, all these shoulder exercises, and he's like, "Uh Really what you need to do is you fix your neck, uh, 'cause your shoulder is, is being in- injured because you're sleeping- Okay on that side because you're trying to stay off the other side. So, like, you really gotta fix your neck so you can sleep on the other side of your body. And I was like, "So I'm just, like, sleeping wrong?" Like, it's funny, there's a joke, it's like in your 20s you can do anything you want, in your 30s, like, you gotta be a little bit careful, and in your 40s, like, you hurt yourself just sleeping. Right. Just getting out of bed is dangerous.  [00:23:46] Jesse Schwamb: It's  [00:23:46] Tony Arsenal: true.  [00:23:47] Jesse Schwamb: It's true. So. It's a tough world. But  [00:23:48] Tony Arsenal: it's true. I feel like a really old man saying that.  [00:23:51] Read Matthew 25 Aloud [00:23:51] Jesse Schwamb: You know, it strikes me that you're right, of course, that there's so much here we always have to put into practice. There's so much here that we have to trust with God. There's a faith that works. And so I think actually that is the most lovely inroad into this final passage of Matthew, because there's a lot here for us to talk about with all of those things, and to understand it in this proper context. So as you've already set us up, Tony, the best part of our podcast is the scripture, for sure, 100%. So let's go there. So we're in Matthew 25 in case you're just joining us. And for some reason I went into, like, a full radio mode, as if this, like, this is being broadcast live, and you just came into the program. We're in Matthew 25, uh, starting in verse 31, and I'm gonna read until the end of the chapter. There's so much here that of course we're not gonna get to all of it, but in the spirit of literally having the full context of the scripture in front of us, and to hear it all, I think it's important. It w- b- better yet, you should go back and read the entire chapter and then tune in right now. But let me start at verse 31. "But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate them one from another as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom which has been prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me in, naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me.  [00:25:32] Judgment Scene Read [00:25:32] Jesse Schwamb: I was in prison, and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him saying, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? And when did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and come to you?" And the King will answer and say to them, "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of mine, even the least of them, you did it to me." Then he will say to those on his left, "Depart from me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angers-- angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me." Then they will themselves also answer saying, "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?" Then he will answer them saying, "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me." And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life  [00:26:47] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:26:49] Parable Not Fear [00:26:49] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, it's, it's, um, it's a sobering passage. And just as I think we've seen in a lot of the other parables, um These eschatological parables and these eschatological sayings of Christ, uh, as you kind of alluded to earlier, I, I think they are really, really, um... They are not prone to being misinterpreted. Right. The church has been prone to misinterpreting and misapplying these, um, in a, in a way that's used to make, make the Christian fearful and to, uh, undermine their assurance rather than to call them to action or to accountability.  [00:27:33] Why It's A Parable [00:27:33] Tony Arsenal: Um, and I think a- as I've been reading through this and I've been sort of glancing at the Greek as we're reading, I actually think I'm on... I, I stumbled on much more better ground to treat this as a parable than I even originally thought I did. You know, I, I had this whole lead-up that this isn't technically a parable, but when you read here, when it says, in verse 31, it says, "When the Son of Man comes in glory and the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates- Right ... the sheep from the goats." If you go back to verse 14, when it says, "For it will be like a man," uh, that, that first word of verse 14 in the Greek is the same word as is used when it says, um, uh, "He separates people one from another as a shepherd." That same word is used as there, it's just translated differently because of where it comes in the, um, in the text. So Christ is still making this comparison, so it would be as though he said, um, you know, like the common, most common, at least so far, most common kind of parabolic introduction is like, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like." Um, this is the same basic language he's using here to introduce what the eschaton will be like. Right? The ga- the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate them. It says people in the ESV, but will separate them one from another. You could also say the, the nations or the peoples will be gathered before him. Right. He will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep. So the parable here is the s- the shepherd separating the sheep from the goats, this whole process of the separation and this, this, um, frankly, like it's, it feels and smells like a parable, right? It does. This, this, um, figure, this shepherd in the parable or the shepherd in the saying is saying these sort of like parabolic statements. He's using this language that's kind of like shocking punchline statement. Like we've talked about how in parables there's often this sort of unexpected turn of events, or there's this unexpected kind of shocking language, and this whole like twist at the end in both, sort of both s- chunks here, where like the sheep don't really understand, like they didn't really recognize that they were doing sheepy things, and the goats didn't really understand that they were being goats. That's like the parabolic twist or the parabolic punchline here. So the, the kingdom of heaven is like, basically it's like the Son of Man will come in his glory and it will be like this. It will be like a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats. That's the parabolic connection here. Mm-hmm. So I actually think that, that linguistically we're on, we're on pretty solid ground not just to treat this as a summary of all the parables, um- I think of for sure these three parables, but it, it really is like the master parable, and I think probably the master parable that kinda governs and constrains and explains all of the parabolic ministry of Christ. So I'm, I'm stoked for us to really dig into the details a little bit, but I think linguistically we're on super good ground to, to treat this as a parable. I agree. At the very least, it's stronger than just parable adjacent.  [00:30:44] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:30:44] Tony Arsenal: It- but even if we aren't saying it's a parable proper, it's stronger than that. It still is using this kinda comparative ministry, comparative language that Christ has used throughout the parabolic, um, sayings of Christ.  [00:30:57] Jesse Schwamb: The construction seems a little bit less veiled because here we have Jesus implanting himself directly into the account.  [00:31:03] Tony Arsenal: Mm-hmm.  [00:31:04] Shepherd Imagery Stakes [00:31:04] Jesse Schwamb: At the same time, though, he's drawing on all the things you just said he does, especially with this allusion to shepherding, which would've been, of course, common throughout. So it seems to me a lovely bridge to all of the overt parables he's just told, but now he's bringing them all together and placing himself clearly as, like, the interpreter, as the identifier of all the things, as the one to seal up all of the edges, as it were. So it's clear that this is about the end times. All of these were all about the end times and about Jesus' role in them. And so of course here he identifies himself as the eschatological judge just to make it clear. He's the one who sits on his glorious throne, and that's significant, and that's why I think we sometimes feel like, well, this is not a parable because he's, he's being very, like, Christologically certain and direct here. You know, throughout scripture the final judgment is God's prerogative alone, but the Father has committed all that judgment to the Son, and here's Jesus affirming that. And so again, like Reformed theology, in all our conversations we've consistently emphasized that this text is in many ways, like, proof of Christ's full deity and his role as mediatorial king, and he's exercising his office as the judge at his return in glory. And though, like you said, at the same time, here's the cool parable kind of scent or flavor is you get all these nations, every person who has ever lived, not merely Israel or merely the church. And how does Jesus describe this? He goes back into parabolic language. And we got the shepherd imagery that- Yeah is, like, similar to Ezekiel 34 where God himself is judging between the sheep of his flock. And that separation, the shockingness of it, it's immediate, it's binary. There's no third category. There's only two eternal destinies. There's no purgatory, no middle ground, no post-mortem opportunity for repentance. So all that's at stake. And then again, the beauty of the language itself or the setup of the construction of the story as it unfolds is that both groups- Get the same speech with a change in do or do not, but they both ask the same question from, like, wildly different perspectives and standings. And that's the beautiful- Yeah thing to make reconciliation over is what does all this mean then? How is all this established and how is this final judgment come to be such that there are sheep and goats if, in fact, they're both doing the same things theoretically, or they're at least both asking the same questions of, well, when did this ever actually occur? That, that's what's for us to unpack either way.  [00:33:29] All Nations Gathered [00:33:29] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, and b- before we jump into, um, into the parable itself and start to unpack that, the other element that I think is worth, uh, and this just came to me so hopefully I'm not on too far of a, of a limb here. But the other element that I think is worth at least commenting on, um, we've, we've remarked, especially in these last three eschatological, um, parables, how much these are directed at the religious leaders, right? Right. The, the, the people are, um, the, the- the parables are told, um, in the context and sort of following up on these, this real directed, um, assault against the religious leaders who thought they were the ones, right? They're the ones that have a claim to the Kingdom of Heaven, they're the ones that, um, are the, you know, they're the ones that think they're doing the right thing, they're the ones that are ushering in God's kingdom. This little phrase here, "gathered all the nations," would also have really stuck in the craw of the religious leaders, right? Because the word for nations that's translated here is the same word that would el- elsewhere get translated as Gentiles, right? And the word people, when it says, "He will separate the people," that, that word people doesn't actually exist in the Greek. So if you translate this very literally, it'd say, "Before him will, will be gathered all nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." Now, I don't wanna go the route of saying, like, this is a parable about, like, which pe- people group will be brought into the kingdom and which won't, and I've read some that go that direction. I don't wanna go there. But this idea that, like, even in the final judgment, the people who are in view here are the Gentiles, right? Right. I think most Jewish, particularly the, the Pharisees and the Sadducees hearing this, would've, would've read this and would've read ta ethnos, and would not have thought nations the way we do. Certainly would not have thought of, like, modern nation states. They might have been thinking maybe, like, people groups in general, but they would be thinking more along the lines of, like, Psalm, Psalm 2, like, "Why do the nations rage?" kind of nations. Why do the Gentiles rage? Why do the peoples plot in vain? They would've been thinking th- this, this, uh, judgment almost, at least on the face of it, almost excludes the Jews entirely when you think about it this way. It's really now sort of, like, zooming out where at the very least, at the minimal least, the Jews are just another people group within this broader judgment of the people group. Right. So again, like, we've seen this theme that Christ is continually expanding the scope of what is considered to be the Kingdom of Heaven to include not just the Jewish people, um, but all nations, all people groups, all Gentiles and Jews alike. And in a very real sense, um, and I wanna be careful how I've said this, I know I've commented this in the past, there's a very real sense of anti-Semitism that is prominent in- reform, quote-unquote reformed circles right now that is just vile and disgusting and sinful, and has no place in any sort of Biblical Christianity. But there is a reality that the Jewish people, broadly speaking, um, rejected the Messiah, at least while he was here on Earth. Um, relatively speaking, very few Jewish people, especially in the Jewish elite, like the leadership class, accepted Christ for who he was while he was here. Many Jews came to faith through the ministry of Peter, uh, and, and even through the ministry of Paul, even though he was an apostle to the Gentiles. So it's not as though it remained the case, but at this point in Christ's ministry, the Jewish people were by and large were rejecting him as Messiah. And so this idea and, and sort of this like final culmination now saying like he gathered all the, all the Gentiles, all of the peoples, all of the nations. In Jewish, in Jewish language and, and when you look in the Old Testament, and even in some of the New Testament literature, the nations were those people out there. So even if we don't translate this as Gentiles, we don't, we don't take that more like restrictive sense, even then it still implies that Christ is talking about people out there, the non-Jewish nations- Right are being gathered before his throne. And so that's not to say, absolutely not to say that the Jewish people, that, that the Jewish people of his day or the, the... This is where it gets tricky too, 'cause like we think about modern Israel and we, we import our understandings of like nation states. That's not what was in view here. The, the idea of a modern nation state was not a concept that existed in the first century. Um, you might have something like city states, but even that is kind of like a little bit ethereal. The idea here is that all people groups, and maybe, maybe we conceptualize Israel now as one of these people groups, the Israeli Jewish people as one of these people groups. All of those people groups, Jews, Gentiles, Scythians, Athenians, Spartans, like, uh, Ethiopians, you know, all of these different people- Right ... groups that are mentioned in the, the New Testament, all of those peoples, all of those nations are gathered before the throne, and then he will separate them one from another in the same way that a shepherd sep- separates the goats. [00:38:35] Group Judgment Assurance [00:38:35] Tony Arsenal: And yes, I think there is an individualistic, um, judgment element, and this is where I think, um... And, and then I'll, I'll pause for a second. This is where I think we can go wrong reading this as a parable about the individual judgment of individuals in the future That's not really what the language here is supporting. This is supporting sort of a broader group-based judgment, and the grouping is there are those who are sheep and there are those who are goats. But it doesn't appear as though Christ is saying like, "I'm evaluating each individual person, and this person is a sheep, this person is a goat." It's, it's a broader picture that, yes, has some implications for individual personal judgment, but when we read too much of that individual personal judgment into this parable that doesn't seem to be there, that's where we start to, like, rob individual Christians of their assurance. We start to say, like, "Did you do enough? Did you feed enough poor people or did you not?" That's not really, not really what's at stake here, I don't think.  [00:39:40] Jesse Schwamb: No, it's definitely not. It's, it's important to remember just the beauty of, like, the consistent theological thread that runs all the way through the Old Testament, and then that we might expect, of course, to be manifest in Christ's teachings, which happen exactly here. So he is going all the way back to that covenantal promise seed through Abraham, single seed, many people groups, many ethnicities. In this way, the gospel is ethnic inclusive. And so it is, why wouldn't he say that in this way to express that this is exactly from all time what God wanted to do is gather all people groups to himself? Which means then by the time we get to the end of this chapter in verse 46, and there is this righteousness that... or the righteous that lead or go into eternal life, then of course we're led to believe here either directly or implicitly that that means that there would be some for whom the Pharisees would find it's, like, anathema to receive that kind of righteousness and eternal life are the ones in fact who are getting it. And so even that is scandalous. So the, the whole thing is very much a setup, and I think it's the confusion again of this is Jesus saying again to the Sadducees, like, "You are confused. You do not know the power of God. You, you search for it everywhere else but do not find it in front of you. It, it's he who speak to you. I am he. You think you search the scriptures, but you do not know." Everywhere it feels like he's saying that, and here also he's saying that again, but it's in the setup. And I'm with you. I think that there would've been a lot here that would've, like, just come right off his lips that would've been like, "Say what?" Uh, that would've been, like, offensive right off- Yeah ... the top.  [00:41:16] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:41:17] Sovereign Separation [00:41:17] Tony Arsenal: And the other, the other theme that plays out really loud and clear here, um, as we start to dig into this is, um, there's a sovereignty to this separation that is baked into, um, the king's right to decide who to keep and who to cast away. Right. So I think we, we, um, understandably read into this an assessment of the productivity or the profitability or somehow the, like, merit or worth of the sheep as contrasted to the worth of the goats. Um, and we read into it like the sheep have utility and the goats don't, so the goats get cast into the- Right outer darkness. That's not really, that's not really what's going on here, right? In a, in an agrarian society, like sheep and goats both have utility. It's not as though, like, sheep are worthless and goats aren't. There's a reason people have goats. Um, th- the, the issue here is that the king has decided that there are those on his right and there are those on his left, and the ones on his right he's gonna keep, and the ones on his left he's gonna cast away. And, and so, um, there's this sovereign election and determination that precedes the rest of this, right? It's not as though he's ... And this is where the personal, sort of personal assessment part comes in. He doesn't look at a person and go, "All right, you did a g- enough good works to qualify as a sheep, so you go ahead and go over-" Right and be a sheep. And you didn't do quite enough, so you're actually a goat, so you go over and you be a goat." He looks at, he says, "Y- sheep, goat. Goat, sheep." You know, he, he's separating them out, and then he describes what sheep do versus what goats do. And I, I, like I'm even drawing some of this language out. The sheep goats part of this is actually only, like, a verse and a half. He then flips out of this parabolic language to now go back to the sort of strictly predictive eschatological ex- like explanatory language. So this is what it's like when the Son of Man is on, on his kingdom. He separates sheep and goats. We read into, and maybe with some good reason, but we read into Uh, we read into the fact that the sheeps go to one side, the goats go to another. Then we sort of like attribute the characteristics of those who go to his right to sheep, and we attribute the characteristics... And I think we do this the wrong way. How many sermons have you heard where the whole sermon is about how sheep are obedient, and they're, they're affable, and they listen, and they, they, they are sweet and kind, and goats are stubborn, and they, they just wreck everything, and they don't listen, right? And how many s- how many sermons have you heard where they talk about, like, well, sheep and goats really look the same in the Middle Eastern context, and the only way you can tell them apart is what, by what they do? I think there's probably some, uh, benefit to thinking through those elements, but Christ does not make that point in this parable- Mm ... at least not directly, right? He said, "This is the activity. Imagine a man who has sheep and he has goats. He takes the sheep, he puts them on one side. He takes the goats on another side." That's what the separation at the end of the time, at the end of time will be like. Then he goes straight back out of the parable language into saying, "This is how the king will actually make the distinction.  [00:44:29] Predestination Before Works [00:44:29] Tony Arsenal: The ones on his left, or on his right, he will say, 'Come, you're blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.'" Right? This is predestination language, not eschatological judgment language. The sheep were guaranteed a kingdom from before the foundation of the world. Before they did anything bad or didn't do anything good, they were guaranteed a kingdom from before the foundation of the world. Then he says, he explains to them, like the context that, as you said before, that reveals that they were sheep all along. [00:45:02] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:45:02] Tony Arsenal: It shows them that they were already... Man, I just, just made this connection in my head. This is the parable of the wheat and of the tares- Yep ... coming to fruition- Exactly ... at the end of time. Right. Right? The sheep and the goats were allowed to mingle until the time came when they would be separated, just as the wheat and the tares were allowed to grow up until the time when they would be reaped and separated. This is what's going on. The sheep did things that sheep do. Those on the right did the things that the people on the right would do because they were part of God's blessed kingdom all along.  [00:45:34] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:45:35] Tony Arsenal: And then he goes on to explain what the people on the left did not do, not because now they've been put on the left because they didn't do it, but they were shown to have always been a part of that, part of that population. They were always goats because of these things. This shows that they were goats all along, and they did these things or failed to do these things because they were goats all along.  [00:45:58] Jesse Schwamb: That's right.  [00:45:59] Works Righteousness Trap [00:45:59] Jesse Schwamb: Let me read another verse. "For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children and also our brethren to believe in Christ and to be reconciled to God. For we know that it is by grace that we are saved after all we can do." My guess is everybody was with me- ... sounded kind of okay until that last part. And if you had that, like, as we say, like, that theological muscle memory that just made you flex or bristle there, or you had the Spidey Sense, as you say, Tony, good, because that's from 2 Nephi 25:23 from the Book of Mormon. And here's what I wanna say that's shocking, is if we read this passage of scripture that we're talking about as if there's something there that we need to do that proves that we've done enough and that somehow God will be pleased with that, even at the end of time in some small way, some modicum, then we're actually acting way more like Mormons than we are like Christians. That's just the bottom line. Yeah. Because Mormons, if you ask about this verse, rather than try to qualify that last statement by saying, "Well, that's misunderstood," or, "It's really not after all you can do," because of course it begs the question how do you know that you've done enough? How you don't- you've done all the things and that you're, you're exhausted. Their explanation of this is to double down on it and say, "Well, the context of that verse is following verse 23 actually does emphasize salvation only coming through Christ, but it also encourages continued observance of the law of Moses in order to be reconciled to God." Because that's all they could do until Christ fulfilled the law through his atonement. Even that is nonsense. So all of this to say, we have to be careful with this because I, I think you're right. We're aligning, we're running right up on this, and that is I would submit to you that we just get distracted because we always, of course, want to bring something to the party here. The, the salvation cake. We wanna, I don't know, we wanna make it, we wanna do. But God is doing all the things on our behalf. And so as a result of that, I think this parable is actually, it's about the divine prerogative and the agency of Christ in judgment at the end which belongs to him and him alone, and not about these actions. But we get caught up in the actions and we're missing this thri- divine prerogative. I also think that Christ gives this to us to reverse it on us and to show us that he sets about all things. It is in fact his foreordination and his providence. By grace we have been saved through faith, and that in providence being predestined is an act of his great love. And so this shows the extent of that love because those whom he has chosen himself are asking in disbelief as if to say, "When did I do the good works that you required?" And he said, "Well, you didn't because you could never do them apart from me."  [00:48:38] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:48:38] Jesse Schwamb: And so really that's the whole point. It's just so easy for us to get it twisted and say, "Well, doesn't it make sense that there are two groups?" Well, certainly there are in this passage. And doesn't it make good sense that because he said they did things or they didn't do things, then I just need to be about doing those things. And I think that is unfortunately the adventure in missing the point in this passage.  [00:48:58] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah, I, I agree 100%. And it's funny 'cause you were reading that and I was like What translation of J- of First John is it? It sound, I mean, it sounds like, it sounds like something you'd read in First John It sounds okay  [00:49:09] Jesse Schwamb: until  [00:49:10] Tony Arsenal: the end. Yeah. No, I mean, like, it literally sounds like First John until- Yeah ... you get to that last part.  [00:49:14] Jesse Schwamb: Yes.  [00:49:15] Tony Arsenal: And, and I think you're right that, um, we'll, we'll explore this more next week, but what has always struck me about this passage is that the, the p- the, the people on His right, I've gotta stop saying sheep, because that's... I just made the point that that's not really what's going on. The people on His right who are called into the kingdom because it was prepared for them before the foundation, because they were elected unto that kingdom. The people on His right, they're surprised at the fact that they did these things. And it, I, I think the works righteousness way of reading this is like, "You better earn your salvation. You better get at it because if you haven't fed Jesus in disguise, then you just aren't gonna make it. At the end of the day- Mm ... He's gonna say, 'I never knew you.'" And it, whether intentionally or unintentionally, sometimes I think intentionally, it implies that we, uh, that Jesus comes to know us because we've done good works, right? When we say, "If you don't do these things, then Jesus will say, 'I never knew you,'" then what you're saying is Jesus doesn't know you apart from your good works. Right. And what the Bible says, what this passage says, just right on the face of it, is that the Kingdom of Heaven was prepared for those whom Christ has elected before the foundation of the world, or who the Father has elected, who are blessed by the Father before the foundation of the world. Now, obviously the Father had to know those people in some sense-  [00:50:43] Jesse Schwamb: That's  [00:50:43] Tony Arsenal: right ... before the foundation of the world in order for them to be blessed by Him and for Him to prepare a kingdom. So then to come back to the end of it and say, "Well, there are some of those, uh, who the Father never knew because they didn't do enough work," well, the problem is that those who did the good work, the Father knew before they did the good works. They didn't merit the good works. I mean- Right ... it's funny you, you bring up the, the Mormons, and that's certainly true, but, like, you could substitute in, at least on this regard, right? There are meaningful, important differences between the groups I'm about to say and Mormons, that would be the dividing line between those who are possibly saved and those who are y- definitely not saved, right? You could substitute Arminians, who wanna say God looks down the corridor of time, and the reason He prepared a kingdom in advance for them from the foundation of the world is 'cause He saw that they would do these things that would merit salvation, or He saw that they would make the proper decision to receive His grace, right? Or Roman Catholics or Eastern Orthodoxes in a different sense, but similarly who would say like, "Well, yeah, God knows in advance that you're gonna merit salvation, so He prepared- Right ... this kingdom anticipating your merit that you would contribute or your participation or, or whatever." I think in a certain sense, um, you could even apply this to some Lutheran theology, right? Which would say, like, "Well, God prepared this kingdom for you from the foundation of the world because he looked down the corridor of time and he understood that you were not going to resist the grace he gave," right? You were not gonna reject his grace. Um, it really truly only is Reformed theology that can say, "No, God prepared this kingdom in advance for you, and it was the preparation of that kingdom that brought you through this such that you did the good works that you did, such that you made the wise decision to follow Christ that you did. That is caused by the fact that God prepared a kingdom for you in advance, not that you somehow caused this kingdom to be prepared for you." A- and aga- again, again, like, this is dicey. It gets into, like, logical ordering, but fundamentally, a- as far as I can understand it, every competing view besides sort of a Calvinistic understanding of predestination election has to say that in some sense God prepares the kingdom for you as a response to something you have done, or chose- Right to do or chose not to do. The reality is that this passage is saying, "No To those who are on the right. He didn't separate them based on the fact that they did these things. He just said, "You are on the right, and now to those who are on the right, I say to you, come into the kingdom that is blessed. You're blessed by my Father. Come into this kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world." So I think, you know, we're c

“Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.” (1 Corinthians 1:21 NLT) As we look back in history and see the names of Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, Billy Sunday, Billy Graham, and others, we may be tempted to pray for the Lord to raise up a similar firebrand to ignite a much-needed revival in our nation today. But the Bible makes it clear that revival—the spread of the Good News of Jesus Christ—is not something that’s best left to the experts. Who’s called to preach the gospel? According to God’s Word, it isn’t just pastors, teachers, evangelists, and missionaries. It’s any person, anywhere, who names the name of Christ. Jesus Himself gave us our marching orders when He said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you” (Matthew 28:19–20 NLT). Jesus called His followers to share the gospel. And He called us to share it everywhere. In another variation of what we call the Great Commission, Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (Mark 16:15 NLT). We can localize this by saying, “Go into all your world and preach the gospel. Go to all your family, to your workplace, and to your neighborhood. Go into your sphere of influence.” In other words, lay the groundwork for localized revivals. Why are we to do this? Because God’s primary way of reaching people is through people. The apostle Paul wrote that “since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21 NLT). God has chosen to communicate His gospel primarily through us as we share it verbally. That’s not to say there isn’t a place for living the gospel. In fact, living the gospel—letting Christ’s light shine through us—effectively earns us the right to share the gospel. But we shouldn’t merely rely on our silent example. We need to look for opportunities to specifically articulate the gospel message to others. The apostle Paul also wrote, “And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (Romans 10:14 NLT). We should be doing this because we care, because we have a burden for people who don’t know the Lord. As individual believers, we may not be able to plan a revival—not in the broadest sense of the word, at least. But we can launch individual or localized revivals in the lives of others by sharing the gospel as Jesus called us to do. Reflection question: Where would be a good starting point for igniting a localized revival in your sphere of influence? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! Join Greg Laurie for the Annual Jesus Revolution Baptism at Pirate's Cove on July 18. — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Guts Church LIVE Podcast, Pastor Bill Scheer and Cole Surrett have a raw and honest conversation about covenant, commitment, sacrifice, and what it means to move from being a consumer to becoming a builder in the local church.Pastor Bill unpacks why covenant is deeper than casual commitment, how the local church helps people matter personally, and why proximity, sacrifice, and responsibility are essential to building the church Jesus is building. This conversation challenges believers to stop simply consuming church and start serving, building, and living out the Great Commission.If you've ever wondered what it means to be planted in a church, how to walk in covenant, or how to take your next step from attending to building, this message will help you see the local church with fresh purpose.

Is Satan still ruling the world, or did Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension fundamentally change history? In this episode, Mike D'Virgilio explores the biblical case that Satan was bound at Christ's first coming, limiting his ability to deceive the nations and opening the way for the Great Commission to advance. Drawing from Revelation 20, John 12, Matthew 12, Luke 10, Genesis 12, and Matthew 28, this discussion argues that the gospel is about more than individual salvation—it's about Christ's present reign and His kingdom bringing blessing, redemption, and transformation to the nations.

Are you seeking new ways to encourage the women in your church to live out the Great Commission? The latest episode of the Women's Ministry Toolbox Podcast focuses on practical strategies for helping women develop a passion for missions, both locally and globally.Discover how to ignite a passion for missions in your women's ministry by: learning about missionaries and their stories, understanding other religions to better engage your community, and providing practical support to local and global missions. Tune in for inspiration and practical tools designed to empower you and your women to fulfill the Great Commission right where you are!Show notes available at https://womensministrytoolbox.com/5-practical-ways-to-foster-a-heart-for-missions-in-your-womens-ministry/Thank you for listening to the Women's Ministry Toolbox Podcast. You'll find additional women's ministry resources below.Women's Ministry Toolbox Resources: Sign Up for My Email List - https://bit.ly/wmtbemail Website – https://womensministrytoolbox.com/ Online Store – https://womensministrytoolboxshop.com/ Online Training – https://womensministrytoolbox.teachable.com/ Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/womensministrytoolbox/ Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/womensministrytoolboxcommunity/ Women's Ministry Essentials on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/shop/wmtoolboxYou can connect with Cyndee via Facebook, Instagram (@womensministrytoolbox), and email (cyndee@womensministrytoolbox.com).

Is Satan still ruling the world, or did Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension fundamentally change history? In this episode, Mike D'Virgilio explores the biblical case that Satan was bound at Christ's first coming, limiting his ability to deceive the nations and opening the way for the Great Commission to advance. Drawing from Revelation 20, John 12, Matthew 12, Luke 10, Genesis 12, and Matthew 28, this discussion argues that the gospel is about more than individual salvation—it's about Christ's present reign and His kingdom bringing blessing, redemption, and transformation to the nations.Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere

Is it even possible to fulfill the Great Commission if we are not first fulfilling the 2 Greatest Commands...in priority order? Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:29-31; John 13:34-35)!

Is Satan still ruling the world, or did Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension fundamentally change history? In this episode, Mike D'Virgilio explores the biblical case that Satan was bound at Christ's first coming, limiting his ability to deceive the nations and opening the way for the Great Commission to advance. Drawing from Revelation 20, John 12, Matthew 12, Luke 10, Genesis 12, and Matthew 28, this discussion argues that the gospel is about more than individual salvation—it's about Christ's present reign and His kingdom bringing blessing, redemption, and transformation to the nations.

In this segment, Sunder and Shyamala discuss the job that God has given to every follower of Christ and how He has a special role for you to play in it. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/701/29?v=20251111

We need the growing faith of Simon Peter, as seen in the Gospel of St. Luke 5. As Jesus comes to Capernaum, Simon Peter has a growing experience with Christ our God. Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law from a dangerously high fever; Peter sits in his boat at the feet of Jesus as the Word of God reveals the Kingdom of God to a multitude; and then Peter experiences the miraculous catch of fish. His growing mustard seed of faith was enough to follow the command of Christ for Peter to take his boat into deeper waters and let down his net. Peter, Andrew, James, and John had fished all night and caught nothing the night before. And while Peter did not understand how fishing again that day could be productive, his response to Christ was, "At Your word, I will." That is when the miracle happened. Jesus invited Peter to cooperate with a great work of Christ; one that Christ had already prepared to be successful by having the fish He had created ready to be caught. Jesus is always going before us, preparing the way. We have the joy of being invited into the salvation works of Christ. Will we say, "At your word, I will"?

Our view of the end of this age is informing our view of the Kingdom of God.  If we are going to obey the Great Commission of Jesus Christ we need to understand what Jesus meant when He said, "Make disciples of all Nations" (ethnic groups)

CheckoutThe God Centered Concept Academy Training Community to learn what growth in Christ ishttps://api.tuvu.com/redirectGroup/6a2ac0e2c9f728027338244cCheck out this link to view Kingdom Cross Roads on TV.https://jesussaid.tv/?affiliate=tswright_gccTo get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.ulxAQZRaXv8JcJ1jbZV5In this episode, TS Wright welcomes Old Testament scholar Joshua Spatha back to Kingdom Cross Roads to examine one of the Bible's most overlooked warnings—Israel's demand for a king in 1 Samuel 8.Together they discuss:Why Israel's request for a king was actually a rejection of God's ruleSamuel's warning about centralized power and human governmentThe contrast between biblical servant leadership and worldly leadership modelsHow churches often adopt culture instead of transforming itWhy discipleship—not celebrity ministry—is Jesus' model for growing His KingdomThe importance of accountability and spiritual formationWhy Christians are called to influence culture through evangelism rather than legislationLessons from Saul, David, Solomon, and Israel's kingsThe role of prophets in speaking truth to powerWhy humility is essential for every believerHow the Great Commission begins with making disciples—not simply making convertsPractical ways believers can return to authentic New Testament discipleshipKey Scriptures Discussed:1 Samuel 8Romans 12:1–2Matthew 28:18–20Luke 9:23–24John 18Matthew 13 (Parable of the Sower)Ephesians 4Resources Mentioned:Joshua Spatha — Mere SpiritualityMPerspective.orgSEO Keywords1 Samuel 8, Samuel warning, Joshua Spatha, Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast, biblical leadership, Christian discipleship, servant leadership, church leadership, Israel wanted a king, Old Testament teaching, Bible prophecy, Christian podcast, Great Commission, biblical government, Romans 12, disciple making, church renewal, Kingdom of God, Bible study, TS Wright

Do not be afraid. Go and tell. LINKS:Join the Summer Book Club!20 Dinnertime ConversationsDownload How to Pray God's Word for Your ChildrenFollow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMomsA Prayer for the Go-and-Tell Mom by Shalene Roberts That command isn't just for the ends of the earth — it's for the ends of our own home. In the carpool line, at the kitchen sink, on the sidelines of practice. Motherhood doesn't put the Great Commission out of reach. It puts it right in front of us. Reference: Matthew 28:10 Prayer: Lord, thank You for the go-and-tell commission, and for the reminder that it begins right here, in our own home, with the children You have placed in our care. Forgive us for the times we’ve rushed past the sacred moments, too busy or too tired to point our children to You. Give us eyes to see our everyday as a mission field. Teach us to pray without ceasing. And let the legacy of our motherhood ripple far beyond what we can see, to generations yet unborn. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Join us as our lead pastor Jeff Martin wraps up our series in Matthew with chapter 28. As we make our way through this series, please feel free to email ⁠info@rccjc.church with any questions you may have. Thanks for listening!Be sure to check out our website: ⁠https://www.rccjc.church/Find us on social media:Instagram: ⁠redeemerjc⁠Facebook: ⁠Redeemer Community Church⁠Youtube: ⁠Redeemer Community Church⁠

Pastor Greg Laurie discusses the vital relationship between new and seasoned Christians in the discipleship process. He highlights how new believers need acceptance, assurance, protection, and fellowship while also revitalising the lives of older believers. Ultimately, he emphasises the Great Commission, reminding us that we are all called to make disciples with the power of God empowering us to do so.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your life was meant to make an eternal difference. In this message, Pastor Jerry Dirmann shares God's heart for the lost and challenges every believer to respond to the Great Commission. Through biblical teaching and an inspiring missionary testimony, you'll be encouraged to live beyond yourself and invest in what matters for eternity.Scripture References:

How do you reach one of the youngest populations in the world with the hope of the gospel? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott welcome Reuben Gitonga, a Kenyan ministry leader serving with ABWE. Reuben shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Nairobi to leading a ministry that uses soccer, discipleship, and local church partnerships to reach young people living in Kenya's underserved communities. The conversation explores the unique opportunities and challenges facing Kenya's next generation, where many young people struggle with poverty, fatherlessness, and limited access to biblical teaching. Reuben explains how sports open doors for long-term discipleship, education, and gospel-centered community, while sharing powerful stories of transformed lives. Key Topics Reuben's testimony and call to ministry in Kenya Reaching Kenya's youth through soccer, discipleship, and local churches Addressing poverty, education, and family brokenness with the gospel Stories of life transformation through his ministry A vision for gospel saturation and church planting across Kenya Support the work that Reuben is doing in Kenya. Pray or give to his ministry here: https://give.abwe.org/worker/0172621 Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com.

"It's not IF we go into all the world—it's HOW." From Mark 16:15-16, Pastor Jerry Dirmann unpacks the Great Commission and reveals why every follower of Jesus — "young, old, tall, short... any language, any shade" — is called to go into all the world, somehow.This JD Missions Sunday message features a rare, live interview (faces blurred, voices altered for their protection) with a missionary couple serving among an unreached people group in the Middle East. After 13 years of preparation — biblical grounding, missions training, and building a "tent-making" vocational platform — they share what it's really like to carry the gospel into a region where believers face persecution, house arrest, and even wartime danger. Their answer to fear? "Dive in and fan the flame of the calling God has given you."

Jesus gave His Church a clear commission: go and make disciples of all nations.This week, Doug Graham from OneHope shares how God's Word is reaching children and teenagers around the world—including those living in places where the name of Jesus is rarely spoken. Through generosity, digital outreach, and an unwavering commitment to the Great Commission, the Church can help bring lasting hope to the next generation.

In Matthew 28:18–19, Jesus declared, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This command from Christ is known as the Great Commission, and is… The post Baptism Sunday 2026 appeared first on Calvary Chapel At The Cross.

We were never called to simply consume church. We were commissioned to carry the heart of Jesus into the world around us.In this message, we explore Jesus' Great Commission alongside His heart for the one lost sheep. As followers of Christ, we can easily build lives around comfort and convenience while missing the people God has called us to love. Through Scripture and practical application, this message challenges us to remember where Jesus found us, embrace His compassion, and choose a lifestyle that intentionally reaches those far from God.

We were never called to simply consume church. We were commissioned to carry the heart of Jesus into the world around us.In this message, we explore Jesus' Great Commission alongside His heart for the one lost sheep. As followers of Christ, we can easily build lives around comfort and convenience while missing the people God has called us to love. Through Scripture and practical application, this message challenges us to remember where Jesus found us, embrace His compassion, and choose a lifestyle that intentionally reaches those far from God.

Graham Platner is out. JD Vance just published a book. And somewhere in between, white evangelicals became the least likely Christians to welcome a stranger. This week, Pat Kahnke and Adam Swenson take apart three stories that share one spine: the gap between what MAGA Christians say they believe and what they actually do. We examine Vance's Communion — his four stated values, the ordo amoris debate, the papal rebuke, and why the immigrants he fears are already filling his own Communion rail. We look at the Platner reckoning as a live Fruit Test: one party moves against its own, one doesn't. And we run the immigration numbers that expose how Christian nationalism has quietly replaced the Great Commission with blood and soil.

ഫലം കായ്ക്കുന്ന ജീവിതം | A Life That Bears Fruit | Malayalam Christian Message | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory 1967 | 10 July 2026എല്ലാം തകർന്നു എന്ന് കരുതി നിങ്ങൾ ഇന്ന് മടുത്തിരിക്കുകയാണോ? നിങ്ങളുടെ ഈ കണ്ണുനീരിന്റെ താഴ്വരകളെ ദൈവം വറ്റാത്ത അനുഗ്രഹത്തിന്റെ ആത്മാവിൻ്റെ ഫലങ്ങളാക്കി മാറ്റാൻ പോവുകയാണ്!This Malayalam Christian Message explores gospel truths regarding sanctification, discipleship training, spiritual warfare victories and moving from carnal nature to walking in the spirit. If you search for anointed Malayalam Bible studies, morning devotionals, pentecostal messages, breakthroughs from depression or deepening your quiet time intimacy with Yahweh, this anointed message will anchor your soul. Learn to yield your heart to divine destiny, experience complete repentance, unlock heavenly blessings and fulfill the Great Commission through a lifestyle of holiness.ദൈവവചനത്തിൻ്റെ അനുഗ്രഹങ്ങൾക്കായി Blessing Today ചാനൽ ഇപ്പോൾ തന്നെ Subscribe ചെയ്യൂ! ✨പുതിയ വീഡിയോകൾക്കായി Bell Icon അമർത്തുക.

Salvation is the beginning of our spiritual journey, not the destination. But then what? What are the next steps, and how do we grow from being born again into mature disciples of Jesus Christ?In Episode 4 of "Born Again, What Now?", Duane Sheriff teaches why a good church is essential to spiritual growth and maturity. Drawing from Matthew 16, Matthew 28, Hebrews 10, and other key passages, he explores the church's role as the pillar and ground for truth, the necessity of biblical teaching, and the importance of relationships.When Peter declared that Jesus was the Christ, Jesus revealed that He would build His church upon that revelation and equip His people with keys to the kingdom. These keys represent spiritual authority, discernment, and the ability to walk victoriously in a fallen world. Jesus' Great Commission was not merely to make converts but to make disciples through teaching and training.Whether through a healthy local church or a trusted teaching ministry, believers need a growth track rooted in God's Word. Discover why a good church is one of God's primary tools for helping believers move from spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity and become equipped to help others do the same.

Rosh Hashanah to Hanukkah: Mapping Daniel's Final Week (2550 Days)   In this episode of Right On Radio Jeff presents a detailed, scripture-based proposed timeline for the 70th week of Daniel — a seven-year prophetic period he and a fellow transformed listener believe could begin in 2025 and conclude in 2032. Jeff emphasizes up front that no one knows the exact day or hour (Matthew 24:36) and clarifies he is not claiming certainty; instead he walks listeners through key assumptions, biblical data, and corroborating prophecies worth weighing. Topics covered include: the distinction between the seven-year tribulation and Daniel's 70th week; why the presenter anchors his timeline on Jewish fall feasts (Rosh Hashanah/Feast of Trumpets as a proposed start and Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement as an end); inclusive biblical counting; and how the total of 2,550 days (and sub-periods of 1,260, 1,290 and 1,335 days) lines up between September 23, 2025 and September 15, 2032 in this scenario. Key dates noted in the talk include a possible start on Rosh Hashanah (Sept 23, 2025), an abomination of desolation falling on Passover (April 4, 2029), the cessation of daily sacrifices, and Hanukkah (Nov 27–28, 2032) as the start of the millennial kingdom. The episode cites multiple scriptural anchors and corroborating lines of evidence: Daniel 9, 12; Revelation passages about 1,260 and 1,290 days; Daniel's 2,300 days; Hosea's ‘‘after two days… third day'' prophecy interpreted alongside 2 Peter 3:8; the fig tree generation and Israel's rebirth in 1948; and historical starting points tied to Jerusalem's restoration. Orthogonal prophecies and the idea of Biblical Year 6000 (placing a 2029–2032 window for the end of the age) are also discussed. Jeff names and briefly describes the collaborator behind the presentation — a highly capable and radically transformed fellow listener — and acknowledges influences (including some teachings of Tim Cohen) while warning this is not a sensationalized conspiracy piece. He also notes contemporary circumstantial events — mentions of Trump, King Charles, the Pope, AI and the emerging ‘‘beast system'' — but keeps the core presentation focused on scriptural timelines and dates rather than geopolitical speculation. He shares a personal sign (hearing a loud shofar from his backyard) and explains how that felt emotionally and biblically significant to him. The episode closes with pastoral exhortation: be watchful and ready (Matthew 24:42), disciple and care for the flock, live out the Great Commission, and prepare spiritually regardless of calendar calculations. Listeners are invited to view the posted graphic, comment, and engage respectfully with the timeline and its assumptions. Thank you for Listening!. Prayerfully consider investing support to continue spreading the word. Please like, subscribe and share. Click Here for all links, Right on Community ROC, Podcast web links, Freebies, Products (healing mushrooms, EMP Protection) Social media, courses and more...https://linktr.ee/RightonRadio Live Right in the Real World! We talk God and Politics, Faith Based Broadcast News, views, Opinions and Attitudes Keep the Faith

Revival doesn't begin with a crowd.It begins with a desperate heart.In this message, we're challenged to rediscover the kind of hunger that God responds to. Through the story of Hannah and the call of the Great Commission, we're reminded that revival isn't sustained by emotion—it's sustained by people who refuse to lose their desperation for God's presence.Using passages from 1 Samuel, Matthew 28, Deuteronomy 8, and Mark 4, we explore:• Why desperation is the birthplace of revival• How comparison and competition distract us from God's purpose• The danger of becoming comfortable after God blesses us• Why God's blessings should increase our intimacy with Him—not replace it• What it means to carry the presence of God into everyday life• Why the Great Commission is a calling, not a suggestion• How spiritual hunger produces boldness, faith, and obedienceThis message isn't just about revival services.It's about becoming the kind of person who carries revival wherever God sends you.The enemy isn't always trying to destroy your faith.Sometimes he's simply trying to satisfy you enough that you stop pursuing God.Don't let comfort replace hunger.Don't let blessing replace dependence.Stay desperate for the presence of God."People who are desperate are people who are dangerous."

Pastor Bill shares a powerful message on biblical commitment and why living for God means removing every exit strategy.Through practical stories, Scripture, and honest conversation, this message explores how commitment builds faith, activates God's favor, and prepares believers to fulfill the Great Commission. Whether you're facing uncertainty, tempted to quit, or looking for God's direction, this message will challenge you to stay committed and trust God's promises.Subscribe for weekly messages from GUTS Church.Connect With Us for more sermons, stories, and resources.

Liam Garvie talks with Brian Parks and Josh Manley about the upcoming Great Commission Congress in Bangkok. They discuss the importance of biblical missions, the role of local churches, and the vision for a renewed, gospel-centered approach to global missions.

In this powerful episode, Mark Thomas issues a warning to the West. Mark Thomas addresses the rapid growth of Islam in the West and challenges Christians to understand the beliefs and culture of Muslims in order to effectively share the Gospel with them. He argues that the Church must move beyond a comfort-driven, self-focused Christianity and return to the sacrificial lifestyle modeled by Jesus Christ. This message is not about fear, politics, or division, but about seeing every person as someone Jesus loves and died to save. Discover why the mission field is closer than ever and why now is the time for believers to boldly embrace the Great Commission.Give financially to our mission of spreading the Gospel message: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/5727676Join our Evangelism On Fire Community: https://evangelismonfire.com/Subscribe to our podcast today! You can find it on Apple podcast or wherever you get yours.Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@EvangelismOnFireClick the link to join our Evangelism On Fire Facebook community today: www.facebook.com/groups/evangelismonfire

Today, we are sharing a new lesson God has been teaching us about living in light of the Great Commission as God's people. God has increased our desire to really LIVE in light of eternity and to be willing to change maybe old habits and comfortable routines to line up with what we see in the New Testament.  So, we are looking at the Scriptures and asking the question- what was normal life like for the early church? What characterized their lives?  In this episode, we highlight one important theme that we have found. Listen to these 9 Scriptures and see what theme emerges: 9 examples in the book of Acts: Acts 2:46: “day by day, attending the temple and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts.”  Acts 2:47: “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 5:42: “And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” Acts 6:1: “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.”  Acts 16:5: “So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.” Acts 17:11: “…they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Acts 17:17: “So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.” Acts 19:9: “…he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrranus.” Acts 20:31: “Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.” In the New Testament church, there was: Daily outreach (proclamation, reasoning with others) Daily time in the Word (teaching, examining) Daily fellowship (breaking bread in homes) Daily ministry (distribution for the widows) Daily increase A few ideas for your own action steps: 1- Every morning surrender your day to God and ask for opportunities to share the gospel and serve and encourage others. 2- Pray for the lost daily. Our team in our city prays for the lost in our city every day at 12:12 pm – if you want to join us, please email us. 3- If you're not already reading the Word daily, there are plenty of great daily reading plans online, or you can use the YouVersion app. 4- How often are you getting real Christian fellowship? Not just tuning into an online church service, but having real conversations about God and how you're doing. 5- Use your online presence to share biblical encouragement! Think about the people who follow you and how you can use that platform to speak about Christ and give people hope.  Find the full study on our webpage. Connect with us: The Coworkers Podcast website Instagram: thecoworkerspodcast Email: coworkersstudy@gmail.com

Your words carry the power to shape your life. In Supernatural Provision: Words That Invite Abundance, Pastor Jerry Dirmann explores what the Bible says about speaking words of faith, wisdom, truth, and life. Learn how honoring God with your speech can strengthen your relationships, influence your future, and position you to experience His blessing and supernatural provision.Scripture References:

Do you have what it takes to be a missionary? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott discuss the importance of spiritual readiness, personal holiness, and character formation as someone starts to explore their calling to the mission field. Drawing from Scripture and missionary examples like Hudson Taylor, they highlight the need for intentional training, self-discipline, and a serious pursuit of sanctification. The conversation also explores the role of the local church in shaping future missionaries. Alex and Scott encourage aspiring missionaries to embrace service, accountability, and theological depth within their church communities rather than waiting for formal titles or positions. They challenge listeners to take ministry preparation as seriously as other demanding professions, pursuing both practical experience and robust doctrinal training. Key Topics The difference between a desire to serve and true readiness for missionary ministry Cultivating personal holiness, self-control, and spiritual maturity Lessons from Hudson Taylor on intentional missionary preparation The importance of local church involvement and servant leadership Developing resilience, discipline, and ownership in ministry Why theological depth and doctrinal training matter for long-term missionary effectiveness Is God calling you to missions? ABWE can help you find the opportunities and support you need to bring the gospel to the nations, plant churches, and disciple believers. Start the conversation with us today at abwe.org/sendme. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com.