Podcasts about great joy

The Gospel Produces Great Joy! Acts 8:1-8 NKJV 1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. 4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. *Highlighted scripture read by the congregation. 1. Great Persecution Acts 26:10-11 ESV “when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.” Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 8:1 “A great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria.” Why Are You waiting To Do What God Has Called You To Do? 2. Scattered People Preaching Spurgeon: In every church where there is really the power of the Spirit of God, the Lord will cause it to be spread abroad more or less. He never means that a church should be like a nut shut up in a shell; nor like ointment enclosed in a box. The precious perfume of the gospel must be poured forth to sweeten the air. Preach Christ! “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). Preaching Christ Causes Results! 1 Peter 5:6 says, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”

Luke begins his gospel by explaining how and why he wrote his “orderly account”, his carefully crafted narrative, about Jesus. He wrote: “So that you may know.” No. We don't know everything. We can't know everything. But, says Luke, we can know the truth about Jesus – about his life-transforming love and power – so that we can trust him fully. Luke believes in reasonable faith, and in this text, we'll be invited to see what that means for us too.

In this sermon on Luke 2:1–20, the birth of Jesus is presented as a contrast between two kings and two kingdoms: Caesar Augustus and Jesus Christ. Caesar appears powerful and glorious, using Rome's census to expand his wealth, army, and influence. Yet God uses Caesar's decree to fulfill the promise that the true King would be born in Bethlehem. While Caesar claims titles such as savior and lord, Jesus—the eternal Son of God—arrives in humility, laid in a manger and announced to lowly shepherds.This humble entrance reveals both God's heart and humanity's need. Jesus came low to be with us, expose our pride and entitlement, and invite us to stop trying to control or save ourselves. Like a trapped hummingbird that could only be rescued after coming down, we must humble ourselves and receive Christ's grace with open hands.The angel's announcement is good news of great joy for all people. This joy is deeper than happiness based on favorable circumstances; it comes from being known, loved, and accompanied by God. Jesus entered human sorrow, bore our sin on the cross, rose from the dead, and gave believers peace with God.Because joy is ours in Christ, Christians are called to fight for it in three ways: be with the King through reflection and dependence, be with the kingdom through worship and community, and tell others about the kingdom. Gospel joy reaches fullness when the good news within us becomes an invitation through us: come and see the King.

You were made for great joy...but what do you do when you don't feel particularly joyful?In this reflection on Psalm 47, John Ortberg explores a surprisingly practical answer: Do something joyful.Sing.Clap.Dance.Go outside.Listen to birds.Look into the face of someone you love.Maybe even skip.The Psalms weren't merely written to be read. They were meant to be sung.Drawing from William Law and the James-Lange theory of emotion, John explores the fascinating relationship between our bodies and our inner lives.We can't simply command ourselves to feel happy. Our emotions don't work that way.But we can choose our actions.And because our bodies and souls are deeply connected, the things we choose to do can help shape what's happening inside our hearts.So don't wait until you feel joyful to sing.Sometimes, singing helps lead us toward joy.This is your day.You can make this day a song.In this episode:Psalm 47 and the command to singWhy the Psalms were meant to be sungWilliam Law on singing the PsalmsThe relationship between body and emotionWhy “just choose to be happy” doesn't workThe James-Lange theory of emotionWhy the Psalms include dancing and other physical practicesHow our outward actions can shape our inward livesPractical ways to move toward joyMaking your day a songScriptures:Psalm 47 • Psalm 113:3#Psalm47 #JohnOrtberg #Joy #Psalms #Worship #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Prayer #Happiness

Aug. 21, 2026 Daily Devotional: “With Great Joy!”Jude 1:24–25 "To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." ​ ​The Book of Jude is a brief, urgent letter. Most of its twenty-five verses are spent warning believers about spiritual deception, difficult culture, and the challenges of staying faithful in a chaotic world. Reading through the heavy warnings, you might feel a sense of weight—how can anyone possibly hold fast through all of this? ​Then comes the ending, which turns our focus entirely on its head. Jude concludes not with a checklist of self-reliance, but with one of the most magnificent doxologies in all of Scripture. He reminds us where our security actually lies. Notice the opening phrase: "To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling."  ​When life feels spiritually demanding or exhausting, our natural default is to tighten our grip and rely on our own willpower. But Jude reminds us that perseverance is ultimately a work of grace. You are not holding onto Godthrough sheer human strength; He is holding onto you. He is the one actively protecting your heart, guarding your faith, and guiding your steps. Even better, His purpose isn't just to keep you barely surviving—it's to present youbefore His presence "without fault and with great joy." Christ takes our brokenness, mistakes, and fears, and covers them with His perfection so that our future standing before God is characterized by pure, unhindered delight.  ​Identify one spiritual worry or personal struggle you've been trying to control in your own strength today, and consciously surrender it to God. When you feel off-balance or overwhelmed, declare verse 24 aloud as a reminder that God's strength is greater than your susceptibility to stumble. Spend a few moments resting in gratitude, recognizing that your salvation and future are securelyheld in the hands of the Savior. Even more astounding is the ultimate goal of His keeping power: to present you before His glorious presence. Christ does not present us as weary survivors barely scraping through the finish line. Becauseof His grace, He transforms us and presents us blameless, bringing immense delight to Him.

Without a doubt, the most important question any person must answer is: Who is Jesus? This message will explore the answer and some implications of the answer. "Who Are You?" Todd Jaussen Download Sermons Archive RSS Galatians 3:6-9 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. ““These words are the words of the most impudent blasphemer that ever spoke, or the words of God incarnate.”” Exodus 3:14 And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.' ”Deuteronomy 32:39 ‘Now see that I, even I, am He, And there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand Isaiah 41:4 Who has performed and done it, Calling the generations from the beginning? ‘I, the LORD, am the first; And with the last I am He.' ” Isaiah 43:10 “You are My witnesses,” says the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me. Isaiah 43:13 Indeed before the day was, I am He; And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?” Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you. Philippians 2:5-6 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, Colossians 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, Colossians 2:9-10 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Titus 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,Romans 9:5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen. Sermon Discussion Questions:Why did Jesus' use of "I AM" cause men to want to kill Him on the spot? What insight into this phrase does the OT give us? Once we believe He is the great "I AM" why should this lead us into: 1. Great Joy 2. Great Concern?

https://cdn.enduringword.com/audio/devotional/Devotional08132026.mp3 The post Great Joy from Seeds Already Sown – Acts 8:5-8 – August 13, 2026 appeared first on Enduring Word.

Isaiah 65:17-25 Introduction Esther's study question from ‘Screwtape Letters' study What is the benefit of focussing on the future? It's a good question because Bible encourages us to look to the future Today's passage can help us answer that question a little As often happens in prophecy some things…

 Fear seems to be incompatible with joy!  Yet “fear” in the Bible often means a feeling of complete awe, being overwhelmed with feelings of astonishment at some event.  Now, how can you experience this – and have joy at the same time?  The answer is seen when you really put your minds to imagining the situation described in our Matthew reading (Ch. 28) today.  “Toward the dawn … Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb (of Jesus)” [v.1]       They (and it seems from the other Gospels that there was at least one other woman) got up in the middle of the night; their object was to embalm the body of their Lord, (Mark 16 v.1) their last opportunity to do so before it began to decompose. They probably did not know that Nicodemus had brought “a mixture of myrrh and aloes” [John 19 v.39] when they put the body into the tomb.          They get to the tomb and to their awe an angel is there and says to them, “Do not be afraid for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.  Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead … so they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy” [Matt.28 v.5-8]  Can we enter into their feelings at least a little? Jesus met them “and they came up and took hold of his feet and worshipped him.” [v.9] The risen Lord is now their Lord in an even greater sense.  The women were the first to really believe – they had been among the women watching the crucifixion from a distance [ch. 27 v.55,56], they had been the ones willing to get up in the middle of the night, dress and with flickering burning “torches” wend their way to the garden in which was his tomb (John 19 v.41) and the dawn was just breaking as they arrived.    Our world is in deep spiritual darkness, but the dawn must be near. Are we awake and ready for our time “of fear and great joy”?  The inexpressible drama of the return of our Lord from heaven will totally confound the minds of everyone!  They cannot even begin to comprehend the nature of the experience of the time of trouble about to come.  It will be greater than anything ever seen on earth before!  At that time God's angels gather will his elect! (Matt. 24 v.31)  Dare you not believe?  What agonies of mind will all others experience.  Let us read and meditate on God's word as often as we can  “encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” [Heb 10 v.25]

Listen Now

John Piper | Listen Now

John Piper |

Proverbs 23

28 Sivan: 3 Tammuz. Chapter 33.04: Rejoicing in G-d's Great Joy in Creating a Unified Home.​A journey into the deepest teachings of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.The Tanya Applied radio show is broadcast every Saturday night, 10–10:30PM ET onWSNR 620 AM – Metro NY areaWJPR 1640 AM — Highland Park and Edison, NJOnline: www.talklinenetwork.comBy phone: Listen Line: 641-741-0389Many of us may be familiar with some of the central ideas in Tanya – including the battle of the two souls; what defines man and makes us tick; how we can control our temptations; how we can become more loving; what we can do to curb and harness our vices, like anger, jealousy, and depression; the formula for growth; how we can develop a healthy relationship with G-d; and why we are here. In this 30-minute program, you will learn how these ideas can be applied to your life today. You will discover secrets to a successful life that will transform you and your relationships.Rabbi Simon Jacobson is the best-selling author of Toward a Meaningful Life, and he is the creator of the acclaimed and popular MyLife: Chassidus Applied series, which has empowered and transformed hundreds of thousands through Torah and Chassidus.Now, Rabbi Jacobson brings his vast scholarship and years of experience to Tanya. Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson for this exhilarating journey into your psyche and soul. You will come away with life-changing practical guidance and direction, addressing all the issues and challenges you face in life.For more info: www.chassidusapplied.com/tanyaMusic by Zalman Goldstein • www.ChabadMusic.coms of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.A journey into the deepest teachings of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.

 Ecclesiastes 11:1-8, Pastor Ben Killerlain

Book of Acts - Acts 8:4-17: What does it look like when there's “great joy in the city”? Have you taken a look at the city we live in and the people around us? Would you characterize it as a joyful city? Are we joy-filled people? In our text this week, Acts 8:4-17, something happens in a city in Samaria that leads to great joy in the city. Come find out what needs to happen that would lead to such transformed lives, in us and our city. Join us in person and online at 9 or 11am. Bring a friend!

Chapter 33.03: Faith and Unity: G d's Great Joy in Transforming the Dark World into a Divine Home​A journey into the deepest teachings of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.The Tanya Applied radio show is broadcast every Saturday night, 10–10:30PM ET onWSNR 620 AM – Metro NY areaWJPR 1640 AM — Highland Park and Edison, NJOnline: www.talklinenetwork.comBy phone: Listen Line: 641-741-0389Many of us may be familiar with some of the central ideas in Tanya – including the battle of the two souls; what defines man and makes us tick; how we can control our temptations; how we can become more loving; what we can do to curb and harness our vices, like anger, jealousy, and depression; the formula for growth; how we can develop a healthy relationship with G-d; and why we are here. In this 30-minute program, you will learn how these ideas can be applied to your life today. You will discover secrets to a successful life that will transform you and your relationships.Rabbi Simon Jacobson is the best-selling author of Toward a Meaningful Life, and he is the creator of the acclaimed and popular MyLife: Chassidus Applied series, which has empowered and transformed hundreds of thousands through Torah and Chassidus.Now, Rabbi Jacobson brings his vast scholarship and years of experience to Tanya. Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson for this exhilarating journey into your psyche and soul. You will come away with life-changing practical guidance and direction, addressing all the issues and challenges you face in life.For more info: www.chassidusapplied.com/tanyaMusic by Zalman Goldstein • www.ChabadMusic.coms of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.A journey into the deepest teachings of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.

Dennis is join via Zoom by Linus O'Brien to discuss his new documentary Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, a joyful and inspiring recounting of the journey of the cultural juggernaut that is The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Linus's father Richard O'Brien created the original show and played Riff Raff both on stage and in the movie and watching father and son interact in the film and try to make sense of what Rocky means to the world is fascinating, funny and quite moving. Linus talks about getting the whole gang back together to talk about the movie (pretty much everyone's still alive but Meat Loaf), the undeniable star quality of Tim Curry as Frank-N-Furter, Susan Sarandon wise and wonderful sound bytes and why he thinks the film never really courted much controversy, even though its themes of sexual and gender liberation are right there front and center. Other topics include: the emotional reactions he's gotten from fans and shadowcast members, the movie theater owner in Portland who played the movie every Friday night during the pandemic so its record as the longest-running movie wouldn't end, his favorite moments in the film, the one souvenir from the movie his father kept from Rocky and what it's like to have the name Linus (Spoiler alert: he loves it).

In Luke chapter 1 verse 34 the angel Gabriel answers Mary's question as to how she a virgin could bear a baby since although she was betrothed she was not yet married and had no husband.The author of Hebrews chapter 13 verse 4 the author reminds us 'let marriage be held in honor among all and the marriage bed undefiled for God will judge immorality and adultery'. This was Mary's attitude towards marriage just as Joseph's was found in Matthew chapter 1. Dr. Mitchell looks at the scriptures dealing with the birth of Jesus in Matthew chapter 1 concerning Joseph as well. Now here in Luke 1 verse 38 we see Mary's faith in what God had said would take place and she waited for his fulfillment.Then the Lord is gracious to give Mary an encouraging confirmation of His words found in Verses 39 through 45.Well let's join Dr Mitchell here in Luke chapter 1 verse 34 on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.

Chapter 33.02: Great Joy in Building a Home for G-dA journey into the deepest teachings of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.The Tanya Applied radio show is broadcast every Saturday night, 10–10:30PM ET onWSNR 620 AM – Metro NY areaWJPR 1640 AM — Highland Park and Edison, NJOnline: www.talklinenetwork.comBy phone: Listen Line: 641-741-0389Many of us may be familiar with some of the central ideas in Tanya – including the battle of the two souls; what defines man and makes us tick; how we can control our temptations; how we can become more loving; what we can do to curb and harness our vices, like anger, jealousy, and depression; the formula for growth; how we can develop a healthy relationship with G-d; and why we are here. In this 30-minute program, you will learn how these ideas can be applied to your life today. You will discover secrets to a successful life that will transform you and your relationships.Rabbi Simon Jacobson is the best-selling author of Toward a Meaningful Life, and he is the creator of the acclaimed and popular MyLife: Chassidus Applied series, which has empowered and transformed hundreds of thousands through Torah and Chassidus.Now, Rabbi Jacobson brings his vast scholarship and years of experience to Tanya. Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson for this exhilarating journey into your psyche and soul. You will come away with life-changing practical guidance and direction, addressing all the issues and challenges you face in life.For more info: www.chassidusapplied.com/tanyaMusic by Zalman Goldstein • www.ChabadMusic.coms of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.A journey into the deepest teachings of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.

God's promised salvation, always intended for Jews and Gentiles, has been accomplished through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and must be proclaimed to all people.

2-STWC 05-24-2026AM - Series: Abundant Life in Christ - Title: Blameless and with Great Joy - Scripture: II Corinthians 5:6-11

The sermon centers on the Bema Seat of Christ as a transformative reality that shapes the believer's present life, not as a source of dread but as a dynamic atmosphere of joy, humility, and reverent fear. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5, it emphasizes that while believers will stand before Christ to be judged for their works—receiving rewards or suffering loss—this judgment is not for salvation but for glorification, where Christ's grace ensures joy even amid evaluation. The preacher illustrates this atmosphere through historical Christian figures and biblical passages, showing how the anticipation of the Bema Seat cultivates courage, confidence, and a holy longing to please God, while also fostering humility in recognizing that only Christ discerns true motives. Far from being a moment of terror, the Bema Seat is portrayed as a place of intimate communion where joy and reverence coexist, reflecting the believer's deep union with Christ, who is both judge and savior. Ultimately, living in this atmosphere is not about fear or performance, but about abiding in Christ's presence, where abundant life is lived now through the lens of eternity.

It's the small things!

(Acts 8:5-8) From this study, we learn to: (1) tell the lost of Jesus, (2) both speak and show the gospel, and (3) depend on divine power — expecting God to move, even amid spiritual opposition and warfare. We are to love people where we are, finding our Jerusalem and sharing the gospel locally, being doers and not just hearers of the Word. This way, we can bring great joy to our city. Learn how to share your faith with others with the FREE resources available at: https://enjoyingthejourney.org/resources/witness/   (10098260424) Join Scott Pauley's study through Scripture this year. Find resources for every book of the Bible by Dr. Pauley and Enjoying the Journey at enjoyingthejourney.org/journey-through-scripture/. Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. Explore now at EnjoyingTheJourney.org. Extend the Work Enjoying the Journey provides every resource for free worldwide. If you would like to help extend this Bible teaching, you may give at enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Send us Fan Mail

Tanya Applied: Yud Alef Nissan: Chapter 31.09: The Great Joy of the Divine Soul Being Freed from ExileA journey into the deepest teachings of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.The Tanya Applied radio show is broadcast every Saturday night, 10–10:30PM ET onWSNR 620 AM – Metro NY areaWJPR 1640 AM — Highland Park and Edison, NJOnline: www.talklinenetwork.comBy phone: Listen Line: 641-741-0389Many of us may be familiar with some of the central ideas in Tanya – including the battle of the two souls; what defines man and makes us tick; how we can control our temptations; how we can become more loving; what we can do to curb and harness our vices, like anger, jealousy, and depression; the formula for growth; how we can develop a healthy relationship with G-d; and why we are here. In this 30-minute program, you will learn how these ideas can be applied to your life today. You will discover secrets to a successful life that will transform you and your relationships.Rabbi Simon Jacobson is the best-selling author of Toward a Meaningful Life, and he is the creator of the acclaimed and popular MyLife: Chassidus Applied series, which has empowered and transformed hundreds of thousands through Torah and Chassidus.Now, Rabbi Jacobson brings his vast scholarship and years of experience to Tanya. Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson for this exhilarating journey into your psyche and soul. You will come away with life-changing practical guidance and direction, addressing all the issues and challenges you face in life.For more info: www.chassidusapplied.com/tanyaMusic by Zalman Goldstein • www.ChabadMusic.coms of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.A journey into the deepest teachings of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.

Tanya Applied: Yud Alef Nissan: Chapter 31.07: Great Joy Following Aggressive Accountability​A journey into the deepest teachings of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.The Tanya Applied radio show is broadcast every Saturday night, 10–10:30PM ET onWSNR 620 AM – Metro NY areaWJPR 1640 AM — Highland Park and Edison, NJOnline: www.talklinenetwork.comBy phone: Listen Line: 641-741-0389Many of us may be familiar with some of the central ideas in Tanya – including the battle of the two souls; what defines man and makes us tick; how we can control our temptations; how we can become more loving; what we can do to curb and harness our vices, like anger, jealousy, and depression; the formula for growth; how we can develop a healthy relationship with G-d; and why we are here. In this 30-minute program, you will learn how these ideas can be applied to your life today. You will discover secrets to a successful life that will transform you and your relationships.Rabbi Simon Jacobson is the best-selling author of Toward a Meaningful Life, and he is the creator of the acclaimed and popular MyLife: Chassidus Applied series, which has empowered and transformed hundreds of thousands through Torah and Chassidus.Now, Rabbi Jacobson brings his vast scholarship and years of experience to Tanya. Please join Rabbi Simon Jacobson for this exhilarating journey into your psyche and soul. You will come away with life-changing practical guidance and direction, addressing all the issues and challenges you face in life.For more info: www.chassidusapplied.com/tanyaMusic by Zalman Goldstein • www.ChabadMusic.coms of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.A journey into the deepest teachings of the Torah and their application to our personal, emotional and psychological lives.

Rev. Matt Tuggle

Rev. Matt Tuggle

Readings: Jeremiah 31:1-6 | Acts 10:34-43 | Matthew 28:1-10 | Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24. Preached for Easter Sunday (2026-04-05).

First Community Church, 04.05.26 Dr. Rev. Glen Miles- Sermon, With Fear and Great Joy by First Community Church

The Great Joy | John by Christ Covenant

This week, Terrence's message centers on Luke 1 and the theme of the wrestle of joy and obedience, using Mary's story as a model for faithful discipleship. God meets people where they are, anticipates their weaknesses, and invites them beyond themselves for the sake of His redemptive work. Obedience is not about personal strength but dependence on God. As we follow Him, obedience leads to deeper trust, endurance, and peace rooted in God's faithfulness. We are encouraged to say yes to God's invitations, trust His promises, and take the next faithful step forward.

Merry Christmas from Media Gratiae. In this special episode, Jordan and John conclude their series on meditating on the incarnation of Jesus. They explore what it means that Christ took on our flesh without sin, how the incarnation shapes our reconciliation with the Father, and much more. Of particular focus is a practical application that has been especially meaningful to Jordan: how the incarnation of Jesus equips us to wage war against and mortify our own sin. Christ is the only human to fully experience the weight of temptation, yet He never yielded. He endured to the very end, glorifying the Father fully. We pray that this episode, along with the linked Scriptural meditations and the series as a whole, nourishes your soul this Christmas season and strengthens you in the year to come 25 Meditations on the Incarnation: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/pages/advent-meditations Good Tiding of Great Joy by Charles Spurgeon https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/devotionalsdaily-readings/good-tidings-of-great-joy/ Jordan recommends this Christmas Devotional: https://grace-ebooks.com/library/J. C. Philpot/JCP On The Sacred Humanity of The Blessed Redeemer.pdf Christ Our Treasure: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/christ-our-treasure-enjoying-the-preeminence-of-jesus-in-the-local-church-dvd-streaming 00:00 – Welcome & Overview 01:00 – Incarnation in Life 03:30 – Fighting Sin Through Christ 06:00 – Christ Our Example 10:00 – Beholding and Being Transformed 13:30 – God's Humility 17:00 – Identifying with Sinners 20:30 – God Takes Our Name 24:00 – Stooping to Save 27:30 – Historical Hope 30:00 – Emmanuel: God With Us

As we celebrate another Christmas on this side of eternity, we want to halt the news in its tracks (since there are never good tidings nor great joy most weeks) and talk about Isaiah, David’s throne, and some of the lighter things that make the holidays joyful. It’s always bittersweet, Christmas – because the chains we have that tie us to this planet mean we suffer hurt, loss and difficulty all through the year. But at the same time that sweet-sour paradigm allows us to rejoice and carry on because on the other side is hope. For those who aren’t drawn into the study of last days, we need to ask ourselves why, because we can’t get to the hope part quite yet. Jesus IS our hope, and while the things of God seem far away at times, He is ever near. He will return. We look at Isaiah 9 which is loaded with familiar Christmas verses, but what are the deeper aspects? Unto us. A Child is born. Children are born every day in the flesh. Oh wait – a Son is given! Humanity, and divinity in one verse. We also talk Christmas carols, full of doctrine; the promise of a Messiah on David’s throne despite a curse in the lineage, and who exactly were those Magi? A fun hour of chat about holiday Spirit and letting God use us however that might look right now.

Luke 2:8-18

The incarnation is one of the most familiar doctrines in Christianity—and yet one of the most overlooked. This week, Dr. John Snyder is joined again by Jordan Thomas to slow down, look closely, and recover the awe that Scripture invites us to feel as we consider the eternal Son taking on human flesh. Last week they walked through key biblical passages on the incarnation. This week they turn to the profound reflections of Isaac Ambrose in his classic work “Looking Unto Jesus.” The book can be difficult to find today, but we've linked an ebook edition and a print-on-demand copy in the show notes. You can also monitor the Reformation Heritage Books website and sign up for updates when it comes back into print. Ambrose is deeply helpful here because he lifts our eyes to the person of Christ Himself—and to all the benefits that flow from Him into the life of every believer. As we move through this Advent season and fix our hearts on the incarnate Christ, we pray that this episode—and the timeless insights of Isaac Ambrose—will strengthen your faith and warm your soul. Show Notes: 25 Meditations on the Incarnation: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/pages/advent-meditations Isaac Ambrose Looking Unto Jesus ebook: https://www.monergism.com/looking-unto-jesus-book-1-ebook physical: https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Unto-Jesus-Everlasting-Gospel/dp/1166391787 Good Tiding of Great Joy by Charles Spurgeon https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/devotionalsdaily-readings/good-tidings-of-great-joy/ Jordan recommends this Christmas Devotional: https://grace-ebooks.com/library/J. C. Philpot/JCP On The Sacred Humanity of The Blessed Redeemer.pdf Christ Our Treasure: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/christ-our-treasure-enjoying-the-preeminence-of-jesus-in-the-local-church-dvd-streaming

25 Meditations on the Incarnation: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/pages/advent-meditations   This week, Dr. John Snyder is joined by Jordan Thomas, a familiar voice to longtime Media Gratiae listeners. Jordan contributes to the Behold Your God study series, is the author of Christ Our Treasure: Enjoying the Preeminence of Jesus in the Local Church, and has appeared on the podcast several times. In this episode, Jordan and John explore the mystery of the incarnation of Christ. To guide your reflections this Christmas season, Jordan has chosen 25 Scripture passages for meditation. We pray both the podcast and passages serve as helpful resources for you. The passages Jordan has selected are available as a free Media Gratiae Online course. The link is below.   Show Notes: 25 Meditations on the Incarnation: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/pages/advent-meditations Good Tiding of Great Joy by Charles Spurgeon https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/devotionalsdaily-readings/good-tidings-of-great-joy/ Jordan recommends this Christmas Devotional: https://grace-ebooks.com/library/J. C. Philpot/JCP On The Sacred Humanity of The Blessed Redeemer.pdf Christ Our Treasure: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/christ-our-treasure-enjoying-the-preeminence-of-jesus-in-the-local-church-dvd-streaming

Today's episode explores the announcement of the Messiah! We follow angels as they reveal the heavenly plan of the Savior's birth. Follow along as we're introduced to fascinating characters and a host of men and women with incredibly integrity. You won't want to miss this one! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices