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Episode Summary In this reflective and candid conversation, Brian Miller sits down with Angie Ward, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Denver Seminary, to explore what it means to lead from gravitas rather than persona. Angie shares why she shifted her writing voice toward deeper transparency in her Substack, The Contemplative Leader, and how embracing her full story—including mistakes, introversion, perfectionism, and even complex PTSD—has strengthened rather than weakened her leadership. This episode explores substantial leadership, contemplative presence, authenticity in a performative culture, and why becoming a better person may be the most important credential a coach can earn. Key Themes & Takeaways 1. From Content to Contemplation Angie reflects on her evolution as a writer and leader. Early on, she felt pressure to produce "content-heavy," didactic leadership writing. Over time, she realized people are far less interested in polished expertise and far more drawn to authentic reflection. Her shift: Writing pastorally instead of performatively Sharing lessons learned from real mistakes Letting her voice emerge from who she is, not just what she knows Leadership influence flows from identity, not information. 2. The "Gravitas Era" Angie describes entering what she calls her gravitas era—a season of leadership marked by weight, depth, and grounded presence. Gravitas, in her words, isn't about dominance. It's about: Emotional and spiritual substance Measured speech Deep listening Carrying responsibility without needing applause As leaders mature, their authority shifts from "listen to me" to "there's something steady here." 3. Substantial vs. Performative Leadership Brian references The Great Divorce, noting Lewis' imagery of heaven as a place of increasing substance. The connection? True leadership is about becoming substantial—grounded, present, integrated. Substance does not happen automatically with age. It comes through: Reflection Excavation Honest self-examination Courage to confront woundedness Experience ≠ maturity. Integration = maturity. 4. Redefining Perfection As a self-described recovering perfectionist, Angie reframes perfection not as flawlessness, but as being perfectly present. This includes: Showing up fully Owning mistakes (like spilling communion in front of a church) Admitting introversion and the need to recharge Naming mental health realities The paradox: The more substantial you become, the freer you are with your flaws. 5. Persona vs. Presence Angie pushes back against the "leader mystique" culture—the polished bio, the highlight reel, the curated persona. She reminds listeners: Your bio hides the rhinestone-gluing nights in Indiana. Authority grows from stewarded wounds. People are starving for leaders who feel real. Authenticity cannot be manufactured through tactics. It emerges from integration. 6. Coaching and Becoming a Better Person Brian observes something many coaches discover: To earn a credential like PCC, you don't just learn techniques—you become more aware, more grounded, more emotionally integrated. You cannot ask powerful questions from the outside. You must do the work internally. Substantial leaders ask substantial questions. Memorable Quotes "We lead out of who we are, not just what we do." "I feel like I'm entering my gravitas era." "Experience does not equal maturity." "The more substantial you are, the more free you are with your flaws." "I've had to redefine perfect as perfectly present." Resources Mentioned Angie's Substack: The Contemplative Leader Angie's website: angiewardphd.com The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis Who This Episode Is For Coaches seeking deeper integration, not just sharper tools Leaders tired of persona-driven leadership culture Christian leaders wrestling with authenticity and authority Anyone who senses they're entering a new season of gravitas Reflection Questions Where might you be leading from persona rather than presence? What wounds or experiences have shaped your gravitas? How would your leadership change if perfection meant "fully present"? What would it look like to steward your voice instead of perform it?
The Great Divorce - Chapter 10
The Great Divorce - Chapter 9 (Part 3)
The Great Divorce - Chapter 9 (Part 4)
“You cannot love a fellow-creature fully till you love God.” Monday • 3/9/2026 •Monday of 3 Lent, Year Two This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 80; Genesis 44:18–34; 1 Corinthians 7:25–31; Mark 5:21–43 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)
The Great Divorce - Chapter 9 (Part 1)
The Great Divorce - Chapter 9 (Part 2)
The Great Divorce - Chapter 6
The Great Divorce - Chapter 8
The Great Divorce - Chapter 7
The Great Divorce - Chapter 5 (Part 1)
The Great Divorce - Chapter 5 (Part 2)
What happens when a border becomes more than just a line on a map? We feature Episode 2 of STLPR's podcast, “Meet Me,” exploring life along the St. Louis city-county border. It's the second half of our deep dive into the Great Divorce, the decision 150 years ago that split the region into city and county. We also revisit the ambitious Better Together proposal from 2019 that sought to merge the two — why it failed and what its collapse reveals about power, trust, race and regional identity. Later, “Meet Me” host and lead producer Luis Antonio Perez and engagement producer Paola Rodriguez join the show.
The Great Divorce - Chapter 4
Bobby reconnects with Dr. Andrew Swafford at the SEEK 2026 conference to discuss his latest book "Next Stop: the Afterlife," a reflection on C.S. Lewis' masterpiece The Great Divorce and lessons we can learn from that work. --Andrew Swafford is a professor of theology at Benedictine College. He is the author of A Catholic Guide to the New Testament and coauthor with his wife, Sarah Swafford, of Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships. Swafford holds a doctorate in sacred theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake and a master's degree in Old Testament and Semitic languages from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has spoken at numerous conferences, including the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), the National Eucharistic Congress, the Renew Toronto Young Adult Conference, and the Defending the Faith Conference in Steubenville, Ohio. He is the general editor and a contributor to Ascension's Great Adventure Catholic Bible. An avid student of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he lives in Atchison, Kansas, with Sarah and their children.Connect with Andy & Sarah: https://theswaffords.com/-- Thank you for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
The Great Divorce - Chapter 3
The Great Divorce - Chapter 2 (Part1)
The Great Divorce - Chapter 2 (Part 2)
The Great Divorce - Chapter 1
We're joined by Fr. Chris Decker, Director of Mission at CCM and pastor at St. Mary of False River, talks about fasting tips. Andrew Swafford, author of Next Stop: The Afterlife: Unveiling the Truth of Heaven and Hell with C. S. Lewis's The Great Divorce.
The Great Divorce - Intro 0219
The Great Divorce - Preface 0220
LaGrave Live LIVE Evening Worship - For You Died... - 2026-02-15 About The Service: Pastor Jonker will preach on Colossians 3:1-4. Order of Worship: https://lagrave.org/wp-content/upload... About Us: We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months) We'd love to hear from you: Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact Let us pray for you: Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/ Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Givi... The February special offering is for The Bridge. The Bridge is part of Arbor Circle, which offers emergency shelter for youths, and additional counseling for youths and their families. Listen on the go: Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle Soundcloud: / lagravecrc Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT Follow us! Facebook: / lagravecrc Instagram: / lagravecrc Website: https://www.lagrave.org This Vesper service at La Grave Avenue Christian Reformed Church explores the profound theological paradox found in Colossians: the declaration that believers have already died. Through scripture, the imagery of C.S. Lewis, and real-world reflections, the service examines the tension between our "ghostly" old selves and the "substantial" new life found in baptism. The Theology of Rootedness and Righteousness The service opens with a call to worship from Psalm 84, emphasizing the blessing of those whose strength is in God as they pass through the "Valley of Baca" or suffering. Drawing from Jeremiah 17 and 2 Corinthians 5, the message contrasts two ways of living: the "tumbleweed" life of one rooted in self versus the "tree by the water" rooted in the Lord. This rootedness is further defined by the Heidelberg Catechism, which clarifies that righteousness before God comes not through the worthiness of one's faith, but through the "perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ" credited to the believer by grace alone. The Paradox of the "Dead" Self A central challenge of the sermon is Paul's assertion in Colossians 3:3: "For you died." While this refers to the "death" of the old self in baptism, the reality of daily life often suggests otherwise. The speaker acknowledges the "strange gap" between the theological declaration of death to sin and the persistent experience of temptation, guilt, and hypocrisy. This gap is illustrated through the tragic history of baptized individuals participating in the Holocaust, highlighting that baptism does not magically end the struggle against the old self, which remains "alive and kicking". Ghostly Wraiths vs. Substantial Souls Using C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce as a framework, the sermon describes the "great interior drama" of life as a choice between becoming a "ghostly" wraith or a "substantial" soul. Sin—such as deceit, rage, or the violence depicted in a seven-year-old's drawing—makes a person "insubstantial" and "smudgy," like a stain in the air. Conversely, acts of compassion, kindness, and the joy of the Holy Spirit make a person "weighty" and "fully alive." The "true self" is not something believers must manufacture; it is already resurrected and "hidden with Christ in God," waiting to be lived out through the power of the Spirit. The service concludes with a call to live out the "shining reality" of baptism. While the struggle between the old and new selves defines the human experience, the congregation is encouraged by the fact that their true, resurrected life is already secure in Christ. By the breathing of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to turn away from the "ghostly" and embrace the substantial life of grace
Greetings dear listeners!“Love can heal the deepest wounds.” The Indigo Girl by Natsha Boyd“Real love only exists outside of our comfort zone.”-Heart Talk by Cleo WadeThat Light can come into this world only as LOVE and LOVE can enter only by suffering.”-A World LostWendell Berry“An enemy can only be loved with Divine love.”Hearts are everywhere as we embark in month two of 2026. We know that God is love. He loved us first giving us a blueprint on how to love. Of course in our finite mind we often miss the mark. Kate always says when we know better we do better. Please join Kate and Sheila as they focus on LOVE and connect with books and quotes that move us to love better.Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13 what love is and what love is NOT. Let's connect and reflect together! https://recapbookchat.com/ (for more details) Check this podcast for a weekly nudge! Legacy Love - Love Better - Apple PodcastsBooks mentioned today:Peace Like a River by Leif Enger Peace Like a River: A Novel: Enger, Leif: 9780802139252: Amazon.com: BooksOrdinary Grace by William Kent KruegerThe Truth About Us by Brandt HansonThe Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky The Four Loves & The Great Divorce by CS LewisHeart Talk by Cleo WadeWar and Peace by Leo TolstoySaving My Assassin by Virginia Prodan
If you die tonight where will you spend eternity? It's a standard evangelistic line. Most people respond “well heaven of course” but the fact is many don't believe in heaven or hell. I hope you can honestly say that you'll spend eternity with God in heaven. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/581/29?v=20251111
One of the biggest shocks for new business owners is the realization that even if the business is profitable, that cash doesn't automatically belong in your pocket. In this episode, Zulfiqar Ali explores "The Great Divorce" the essential separation between personal finances and the business bank account. Drawing from his journey building Trusted Creators, he explains why treating your company account like a personal ATM is a fast track to trouble with the tax man.Show Notes: https://trustedcreators.org/s12ep50:00 - Introduction to the money mindset shift1:32 - Sustainable business vs. a hobby2:38 - The 5 hard lessons overview2:52 - Lesson 1: The Great Divorce and ATM danger5:10 - Lesson 2: Salary vs. Dividend breakdown6:38 - Lesson 3: The Director's Loan account warning7:12 - Lesson 4: The Separate Person mindset8:54 - Lesson 5: The Accountant Myth vs. Financial Advisors10:59 - Timing payouts around tax years: The December/January example13:30 - Taking ownership of your figures15:13 - Preview: Episode 6 and hidden costs
If you die tonight where will you spend eternity? It's a standard evangelistic line. Most people respond “well heaven of course” but the fact is many don't believe in heaven or hell. I hope you can honestly say that you'll spend eternity with God in heaven. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/790/29?v=20251111
150-years ago, St. Louis chose to split itself in two. The decision, now known as the Great Divorce, created an enduring divide that still shapes the region today. In STLPR's new podcast, “Meet Me,” host Luis Antonio Perez visits a family whose home sits right on the city-county line and explores the origin of the split with historian Andrew Wanko. Then, host Elaine Cha talks with Perez about his work on the debut episode and what's to come.
Today's show takes a fun, non-political detour with special guest Clay Cornett, better known online as That STL Guy — a passionate St. Louis content creator famous for his neighborhood bike tours, history deep-dives, food spots, and events on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Clay shares how his project started as a creative outlet while living in Baltimore during his wife's med school years. Tired of nonstop St. Louis chatter at work, he embraced the nickname 'That STL Guy' and began filming bike rides through all 79 St. Louis City neighborhoods with a GoPro. The videos exploded, building a huge following of people who love the city's pride, quirks, and hidden stories — from educational history to cool local eats. They geek out over St. Louis lore, like the infamous Bloody Island in the Mississippi (site of historic duels, including Abraham Lincoln's near-miss with James Shields over snarky newspaper letters — Lincoln cleverly chose broadswords!). They touch on heavy topics like Pruitt-Igoe, the 1874 Great Divorce (city-county split), white flight, Delmar Divide, and why St. Louis crime stats get exaggerated due to its tiny 60-square-mile boundaries. It's a heartfelt love letter to STL pride, bipartisanship, and community — plus congrats to Clay on his upcoming baby! Check out ThatSTLGuy on TikTok for more. Classic St. Louis vibes.
David Gornoski and Surit Dasgupta open this wide-ranging conversation with a deep dive into the thought of Nikolai Berdyaev and the radical witness of Mother Maria of Paris, highlighting why creative, sacrificial action is essential to the life of the Church today. From there, the discussion turns to the cultural fallout of divorce, examining how fractured family life shapes society and why the Church must courageously reaffirm what Jesus taught about marriage, not as a burden, but as a life-giving vocation rooted in love, fidelity, and freedom. Follow David Gornoski on X here. Visit aneighborschoice.com for more
A new week means new questions! Hope you have fun with these!The Oscars are presented by which professional honorary organization Headquartered in Beverly Hills, California?The French company Van Cleef & Arpels is a business mainly specializing in what?A quay is a structure primarily built on or along what kind of geographical feature?The first successful tornado warning in history occurred in 1948 at Tinker Air Field Air Force Base near what city?Till We Have Faces, The Great Divorce, and The Screwtape Letters are lesser-known novels by which author?In video and tabletop games, what does "NPC" stand for?Biellmann Spin, Lutz, and Crossover are all terms used in which sport?In a computer or video gaming system, what does the acronym GPU stand for?H2O2 is the chemical structure for what common product?In Greek myth, which monster was beheaded by the hero Perseus?Before decimalisation in the UK, how many pence made a shilling?The German state that existed from 1701 to 1918 was known as the Kingdom of what?Chad Kroeger and his Canadian chums enjoy this slightly sweet dark rye bread from Germany.In military tech, falconets, culverins, and carronades were all types of what?On The Office, what are the awards called that Michael hands out to his employees?MusicHot Swing, Fast Talkin, Bass Walker, Dances and Dames, Ambush by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Don't forget to follow us on social media:Patreon – patreon.com/quizbang – Please consider supporting us on Patreon. Check out our fun extras for patrons and help us keep this podcast going. We appreciate any level of support!Website – quizbangpod.com Check out our website, it will have all the links for social media that you need and while you're there, why not go to the contact us page and submit a question!Facebook – @quizbangpodcast – we post episode links and silly lego pictures to go with our trivia questions. Enjoy the silly picture and give your best guess, we will respond to your answer the next day to give everyone a chance to guess.Instagram – Quiz Quiz Bang Bang (quizquizbangbang), we post silly lego pictures to go with our trivia questions. Enjoy the silly picture and give your best guess, we will respond to your answer the next day to give everyone a chance to guess.Twitter – @quizbangpod We want to start a fun community for our fellow trivia lovers. If you hear/think of a fun or challenging trivia question, post it to our twitter feed and we will repost it so everyone can take a stab it. Come for the trivia – stay for the trivia.Ko-Fi – ko-fi.com/quizbangpod – Keep that sweet caffeine running through our body with a Ko-Fi, power us through a late night of fact checking and editing!
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss C.S. Lewis' explanation of hell before introducing Michael Ward. C.S. Lewis’s writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. C.S. Lewis writes that “we know much more about heaven than hell, for heaven is the home of humanity.” The Screwtape Letters and The Great Divorce vividly illustrate the meaning of this statement, as Lewis shows that heaven was prepared for humans to become most fully themselves, while hell is a place for those who have abolished their humanity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss C.S. Lewis' explanation of hell before introducing Michael Ward. C.S. Lewis’s writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. C.S. Lewis writes that “we know much more about heaven than hell, for heaven is the home of humanity.” The Screwtape Letters and The Great Divorce vividly illustrate the meaning of this statement, as Lewis shows that heaven was prepared for humans to become most fully themselves, while hell is a place for those who have abolished their humanity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We continue with chapter 5 and get into chapter 6.
Alby Corrin shares his experiences and what he learned after his parents' divorce.
Proclaim The Gospel(2 Timothy 4:1-22)For the bulletin in PDF form, click here.Message SlidesCome Before Winter - Chuck SwindollClosing Thoughts on 2 Timothy - StottThe Needs of the Needy - Chuck SwindollMortality - J.I. PackerI solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. (4:1-2) NASBThe Proclamation of Scripture Commanded (4:1-8) Because we are the next generation, Serve in your SHAPE.Authority: God & Christ (4:1)Charge: Preach the Word (4:2)Preach: Declaration (κηρύσσω) “herald”Be Ready: Preparation (ἐφίστημι) “stand beside”Rebuke: Confrontation (ἐλέγχω) “have words”Reprove: Raising the Issue (ἐπιτιμάω) “make it important”Exhort: Partnering (παρακαλέω) “come alongside”Patience: Long Range View (μακροθυμία) “stay until results come”Teaching: Instruction (διδαχή) “give information well”Need: Sound Doctrine (4:3-5)Need: Paul's Death (4:6-8)Personal Desire: "Come before winter…” (4:9)Paul's Personal Situation: Alone & Not Alone (4:10-18)Final Greeting & Request (4:19-21)Benediction (4:22)God designed the church to proclaim the Word of Godto the very end of our lives—regardless of reception—because the Lord will return to judge the living and the dead.Home Church QuestionsThe Charge (4:1–2)What might it look like to be “ready in season and out of season” in your daily life or ministry? Have you even ministered when not ready?How have you seen the responsiveness of people to the message of the Bible change during your lifetime?The Message, The Means, and the Messenger (4:2)How do “patience” and “instruction” balance out the confrontational aspects of ministry?How can you cultivate a long-range view (“stay until results come”) when people seem resistant to the truth?The Model of a Faithful Finisher (4:6–8)What does it mean to have “fought the good fight” and “kept the faith”?How does the promise of the “crown of righteousness” motivate endurance today? Does it really motivate you personally?The Personal Heart of a Servant (4:19–22)What does this tell us about the importance of relationships?How can we finish our years with the same grace, hope, and focus Paul displayed?Pray for the Unreached: The Tiwa of IndiaThese people of northeastern India live between the hills and plains of Assam and Meghalaya, blending tribal customs with Hindu traditions. Many still worship local gods, though a few have embraced Christ. Their openness and love of festivals, including Christmas, show hearts ready for truth. Pray that Tiwa believers will rise up to disciple others, that their leaders will recognize Jesus as the true source of life, and that a vibrant movement to Christ will take root among them.FinancesWeekly Budget 34,615Giving For 11/16 24,985Giving For 11/23 29,630YTD Budget 726,923Giving 672,902 OVER/(UNDER) (54,021) Fellowship 101New to Fellowship? We invite you to join us on Sunday, January 11th, at 9 AM in the conference room (first floor) to hear about our mission, values, and ministries. During this time, you will meet some of our ministry leaders and get to ask questions. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register. This is an important step in getting connected at Fellowship. New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Fellowship Women's Potluck and P.J.'sLadies, grab your cozy PJs, a dish to share, and join us for a fun night together on Thursday, December 4th, from 6–8 p.m. at 11 Skyland Dr. (home of Amy McKissack). Come with a friend or make a new one — it's going to be a relaxed evening of food, laughter, and great company! Join a Home ChurchHome Church small groups are about building a deep community where we are transformed into the image of Christ and serve a broken world for the sake of the gospel. If you are not in a Home Church, we encourage you go to fellowshipconway.org/homechurch or stop by the Connection table in the Atrium. Men's Discussion GroupMen's Discussion Group is tackling C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce starting Thursday, December 4th from 6-8pm. Through fable and allegory, Lewis dreams he's on a bus between Hell and Heaven—a wild setup for compelling conversations. All men are welcome. Widows' Christmas Party Luncheon - Thursday, December 11th Join us for a special time of food, friendship, and Christmas fun! We'll gather at Ambra's home (3680 Gresham Dr) to enjoy lunch and celebrate the season together. Please RSVP by Monday, December 1 to: Judy: (501) 329-3535 or Ambra: (501) 730-6795. Fellowship Women's Hebrews Bible StudyThis February, join us for Jesus Is Greater—an eight-week Bible study through the book of Hebrews created to deepen your faith, renew your hope, and connect you with other women pursuing Jesus. Led by Rebecca Carter and Heather Harrison, we'll meet on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m., beginning February 3rd at Fellowship. Free childcare by texting Shanna at 501-336-0332 by January 28th. Register at fellowshipconway.org/women.OCC Celebration | December 14We're celebrating the thousands of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes already packed—each one a Gospel opportunity placed into the hands of a child! Fellowship's goal is 8,200 boxes this year; however, we are a bit shy. Good news, there's still time to hit our goal by packing a box online! Every shoebox built online is $30, which includes shipping, and counts towards the 8,200. Go to https://sampur.se/4fGM4EO Let's finish strong together—let's hit 8,200! Men's Fellowship BreakfastJoin us on Wednesday, December 10, at 6:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Atrium for a great morning of food, fellowship, and encouragement. No sign-up is required—just bring your Bible and come ready to enjoy breakfast, connect with other men, and start your day with prayer and Biblical insight. Questions? Contact Michael at mharrison@fellowshipconway.org.
QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Hell begins with a grumbling mood, always complaining, always blaming others.”~C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) in his book The Great Divorce “Grumbling is the death of love.”~Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992), German-American actress “Bless you, prison! Bless you for being in my life. For there I came to realize that the object of life is not prosperity, as we are used to thinking, but the soul's work.”~Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (1918-2007), Russian writer of his time in a Soviet gulag “Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.”~Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr (1808-1890), French critic and novelist “Let us be ashamed of our slowness in thanking God when He gives, and of our quickness in grumbling at Him when He takes away.”~Nikolaj Velimirovic (1880-1956), Servian Orthodox prelate, imprisoned by the Nazis “Let me clear up something...God is not against you having things. He's against things having you.”~Voddie Baucham (1969-2025), pastor and writer “Gratitude is a vaccine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic.”~John Henry Jowett (1863-1923), British minister and preacher “What the Lord wants is that you shall go about the business to which He sets you, not asking for an easy post, nor grumbling at a hard one.”~Catherine Booth (1829-1890), co-founder of The Salvation Army “Thankfulness is a flower which will never bloom well except upon a root of deep humility.”~J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), Anglican bishop of Liverpool “Praise is the rehearsal of our eternal song. By grace we learn to sing, and in glory we continue to sing. What will some of you do when you get to heaven, if you go on grumbling all the way? Do not hope to get to heaven in that style. But now begin to bless the name of the Lord.”~Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892), famed London preacherSERMON PASSAGEPhilippians 2:12-18 (ESV)Philippians 2 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. Philippians 1 12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Continue in The Gospel(2 Timothy 3:1-17)For the bulletin in PDF form, click here. Message SlidesThe Uniqueness of Scripture - LeifeldDepravity on Parade - SwindollHow to Respond to Evil - Swindoll2 Timothy 3 - Bill MounceInterpretation - J. I. PackerMaking a Difference (Bible Study Methods) - SwindollThe Origin and Purpose of Scripture - John StottYou, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (3:14-15) NASBThe Nature of the Last Days (3:1-9)Some have always been and will always be unresponsiveto the work of God-Run Away!False Teachers (3:1-5)Easy Victims (3:6-7)Clear Folly (3:8-9)The Power of God's Word (3:10-17)Paul's Example of Faithfulness (3:10-13)Timothy's Commission to be Faithful (3:14-15)The Inspiration & Value of Scripture Explained (3:16-17)Stay anchored in Scripture because it is foundational and transformative.Nature: God-breathed & ProfitableFunction: Belief & Behavior+ Teaching: Positive related to Belief - Reproof: Negative related to Behavior - Correction: Negative related to Belief+ Training: Positive related to BehaviorResult: Character & Service= Adequate: Character (aptioc)= Equipped: Service (éEaptizw)God designed the church to have the God-breathed Word of God to shape our lives in both belief and behavior producing character and service-so that we will be a powerful witness in the last days.Home Church QuestionsThe Nature of the Last Days (3:1-9)Paul says the "last days" will be marked by people who "hold to a form of godliness but deny its power." What does this look like in You?How can we recognize this in ourselves before it takes root? How could living in real community prevent this.The Power of God's Word (3:10-17)Who has modeled faithful endurance in your life?What specific qualities make someone's example worth following?What might persecution look like in our Conway Arkansas today?Timothy's Commission to be Faithful (3:14-15)What spiritual habits have you learned that you need to continue in?In what ways can you pass a heritage of faith to the next generation?The Inspiration and Value of Scripture (3:16-17)What does it mean that Scripture is "God-breathed"? How does this conviction shape the way we read, trust, and apply the Bible?The passage outlines Scripture's four functions: teaching, reproof, correction, and training. Which of these do you most welcome in your life—and which do you resist? Why?In what ways do belief and behavior work together to make us powerful witnesses for Christ?Pray for the Unreached: The Ath Pahariya in Nepal In the hills of eastern Nepal, the Ath Pahariya people blend Hindu, Buddhist, and spirit worship traditions--strongholds that keep them from knowing the one true God. Dependent on farming and steeped in ritual, they live with deep spiritual need but little access to the gospel. Pray that God would send workers to share His truth, that the Ath Pahariya would turn from empty religion, and that a new movementFinancesWeekly Budget 34,615Giving For 11/09 50,812Giving For 11/16 24,985YTD Budget 692,308Giving 643,272 OVER/(UNDER) (49,036) Turn In Your Gospel Opportunities Today!What an amazing Collection Week we've had at Fellowship—thousands of shoeboxes have already been received and are ready to go on their way to children across the globe! If you haven't brought your boxes in yet, there's still time. Drop them off today between 1:00 and 6:00 PM. Remember, every single shoebox represents a child who will hear the hope-filled message of the Gospel—many for the very first time. Your generosity doesn't just send gifts; it shares the love of Jesus with a child and their family. We can't wait to celebrate all that God has done through our church! Join us on December 14 during both services as we reveal the final number of shoeboxes collected.New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Fellowship Kids Parents' Night OutParents, this night is for you! Drop off your kids for an evening full of fun while you enjoy some time to yourselves. Feed your kiddos dinner, dress them in their favorite pajamas, and bring them over! We'll play games, make Christmas crafts, enjoy a snack, and watch a movie together. Register by November 24 at fellowshipconway.org/register. Fellowship Women's Potluck and P.J.'sLadies, grab your cozy PJs, a dish to share, and join us for a fun night together on Thursday, December 4th, from 6–8 p.m. at 11 Skyland Dr. (home of Amy McKissack). Come with a friend or make a new one — it's going to be a relaxed evening of food, laughter, and great company! Join a Home ChurchHome Church small groups are about building a deep community where we are transformed into the image of Christ and serve a broken world for the sake of the gospel. If you are not in a Home Church, we encourage you go to fellowshipconway.org/homechurch or stop by the Connection table in the Atrium. Men's Discussion GroupMen's Discussion Group is tackling C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce starting Thursday, December 4th from 6-8pm. Through fable and allegory, Lewis dreams he's on a bus between Hell and Heaven—a wild setup for compelling conversations. All men are welcome. Widows' Christmas Party Luncheon - Thursday, December 11th Join us for a special time of food, friendship, and Christmas fun! We'll gather at Ambra's home (3680 Gresham Dr) to enjoy lunch and celebrate the season together. Please RSVP by Monday, December 1 to: Judy: (501) 329-3535 or Ambra: (501) 730-6795. Fellowship Women's Hebrews Bible StudyThis February, join us for Jesus Is Greater—an eight-week Bible study through the book of Hebrews created to deepen your faith, renew your hope, and connect you with other women pursuing Jesus. Led by Rebecca Carter and Heather Harrison, we'll meet on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m., beginning February 3rd at Fellowship. Free childcare is available - to reserve a spot, simply text Shanna at 501-336-0332 by January 28th. Come discover—or rediscover—the truth that Jesus truly is greater: greater than your stress, your schedule, your fears, and anything else vying for your heart. We'd love for you to be part of it. Register by clicking here.
Chapter 2
We are continuing through the Fiction and Philosophy of C.S. Lewis course with The Great Divorce.Become a patron and/or enroll in a course at patreon.com/mythicmind.Watch the video of this episode here: https://youtu.be/bHfA0S1KzxMListen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:Mythic MindMythic Mind GamesMythic Mind Movies & ShowsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mythic-mind--5808321/support.Use the code "mythicmind" for special discounts listed her: https://mydeals.page/1gin
Join Sandra to uncover the secret history of why we don't talk about the afterlife, hear an NDE that turned a skeptic into a believer, and a beautiful message about our beloved petsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Follow Him: A Come, Follow Me Podcast featuring Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Brother Clint Mortensen continues to examine Doctrine and Covenants 94-97, showing how the Lord's command to build a temple in Kirtland parallels President Nelson's modern emphasis on temples, highlighting holiness, repentance, and the joyful blessings of worthiness and ordinances.SHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTSEnglish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC236ENFrench: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC236FRGerman: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC236DEPortuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC236PTSpanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC236ESYOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/sr_66gaWbIAALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIMpodcast.comFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBookWEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletterSOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE00:00 Part 2 - Brother Clint Mortensen00:08 Revelation comes in response to a question03:54 Temple plan06:00 President Nelson's 338 GC temple references08:54 More Temple time = more priesthood power12:08 President Nelson urges, pleads, and invites us to the temple18:08 Most meaningful gifts are those given 21:24 Wheat and tares23:57 Temple recommend questions29:53 Glass house syndrome for seminary teachers33:11 Prerequisites38:04 The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis39:31 Childhood memories in temple42:47 Recommend interviews are intended to be positive46:06 Hyrum grabs a shovel48:49 You are on the team50:19 Elder Christofferson: be humble enough to seek correction52:02 Brother Mortensen bears his testimony of Jesus Christ57:47 End of Part 2 - Brother Clint MortensenThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorIride Gonzalez: Social Media, Graphic Design"Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com