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There's a tale as old as time itself: an athlete, a star, a musician—someone of sheer brilliance and raw talent—bursts onto the scene, destined for greatness. In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson shares through Sampson's story how grace doesn't always stop the fall. Sometimes it lets you feel the ground.They show all the signs. They excel. They taste success early. And then everything comes crashing down. Addiction. Entitlement. Laziness. Self-destruction. It's rarely one bad decision—it's years of unchecked compromise finally collecting its debt.This isn't new. It's been happening since ancient times. Samson is a biblical picture of wasted potential.After Joshua and the elders die, Israel breaks covenant with God and worships the idols of the surrounding nations. A pattern emerges: idolatry, oppression, crying out, and deliverance through a Judge.But something changes in Judges 13. Israel is no longer crying out. They've grown comfortable in oppression and compromise. A compromise is a tradeoff between the Kingdom of God and the corruption of the world—having every good thing from God, yet wanting the one thing you cannot have.Enter Samson.Samson is a Judge of Israel, a Nazirite by birth, set apart for a higher level of consecration. The more corrupted a culture becomes, the more set apart God's people must be.Samson's life begins with extraordinary grace. God chooses him before he does anything right or wrong. Yet almost immediately, Samson lives against his calling. He desires what he was told to resist, touches what he was commanded to avoid, and goes where he was called not to go.Instead of delivering Israel, Samson reacts. A riddle becomes a feud. A marriage becomes a battlefield. A conflict becomes a massacre. He wins battles, but Israel is never delivered. Each time he crosses a line, the Spirit of the Lord still rushes upon him.God empowers him again and again—but God being with you is not proof of approval, only mercy.At the climax, Samson doesn't realize the Lord has left him. The bill for compromise always comes due. A compromised life hardens the heart until we forget what God's presence even feels like.Samson isn't the hero—God is. His grace is meant to lead us to repentance. The grace meant to break Samson ultimately crushed him.God is the real hero. He never gives up on us. His grace blocks our paths of destruction. Samson played with fire, and it burned him—but God's promise remains: if we turn and cry out, He will restore us.
New Hope Ministries Senior Pastor Grant Thigpen 7675 Davis Blvd Naples, FL 34104 facebook.com/newhopenaples facebook.com/pastorgrantthigpen newhopenaples.com 239.348.0122
This week Caleb Pearson sits down with Tim Sanford and Abby Linaburg to walk through Mark 10:13–16 and the themes of childlike dependence, discipleship, appropriating grace, and what it really means to battle a hard heart in everyday life.From discipleship stories to parenting moments to practical theology, this conversation is an encouraging reminder that God is constantly shaping us—even in small, ordinary moments.Listen to the sermon we're talking about: fbcva.org/current-sermon-series or fbcva.org/podcastsBe a part of the conversation by submitting your thoughts and questions: fbcva.org/sermon-spotlight-podcastWatch this episode and subscribe on YouTube: @fellowshipbiblechurchvaFind out more about Fellowship Bible Church: fbcva.orgSubscribe to emails from Fellowship: fbcva.org/subscribeEngage with us:Facebook: facebook.com/groups/fellowshipfamInstagram: instagram.com/fellowshipbiblechurch/ #FellowshipBibleChurch #SermonSpotlight #Mark10 #ChristianPodcast #Discipleship #AppropriateGrace #HardnessOfHeart #FaithJourney #BibleTeaching #Sanctification #CommunityGroups
A hardened heart isn't limited to those living in sin—even Jesus' closest followers weren't immune. When Jesus' disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
A hardened heart isn't limited to those living in sin—even Jesus' closest followers weren't immune. When Jesus' disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
A hardened heart isn't limited to those living in sin—even Jesus' closest followers weren't immune. When Jesus' disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
A hardened heart isn't limited to those living in sin—even Jesus' closest followers weren't immune. When Jesus' disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
A hardened heart isn't limited to those living in sin—even Jesus' closest followers weren't immune. When Jesus' disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
A hardened heart isn't just found in those living in sin—even those closest to Jesus sometimes struggled with it. When His disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
A hardened heart isn't just found in those living in sin—even those closest to Jesus sometimes struggled with it. When His disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
A hardened heart isn't just found in those living in sin—even those closest to Jesus sometimes struggled with it. When His disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
A hardened heart isn't just found in those living in sin—even those closest to Jesus sometimes struggled with it. When His disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
A hardened heart isn't just found in those living in sin—even those closest to Jesus sometimes struggled with it. When His disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
A hardened heart isn't just found in those living in sin—even those closest to Jesus sometimes struggled with it. When His disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
A hardened heart isn't just found in those living in sin—even those closest to Jesus sometimes struggled with it. When His disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
A hardened heart isn't just found in those living in sin—even those closest to Jesus sometimes struggled with it. When His disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
A hardened heart isn't just found in those living in sin—even those closest to Jesus sometimes struggled with it. When His disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
A hardened heart isn't just found in those living in sin—even those closest to Jesus sometimes struggled with it. When His disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
A hardened heart isn't just found in those living in sin—even those closest to Jesus sometimes struggled with it. When His disciples saw Him walking on water, they were amazed because their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:45–52). Learn how distractions, worry, and misplaced priorities can dull your spiritual sensitivity—and how meditating on God's Word and walking in faith can awaken your heart to His miraculous power.
Mark 10:1-12 // Jonathan NeefIn response to a test from the Pharisees, Jesus offers a profound teaching on marriage, guiding listeners beyond the law of Moses to God's original purpose in creation. This sermon explores Jesus' clear words on the union of one man and one woman, revealing the sacred and permanent nature of a covenant joined by God himself.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49493232PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new25.09.21
Mark 10:1-12 // Rachel NesseIn response to a test from the Pharisees, Jesus offers a profound teaching on marriage, guiding listeners beyond the law of Moses to God's original purpose in creation. This sermon explores Jesus' clear words on the union of one man and one woman, revealing the sacred and permanent nature of a covenant joined by God himself.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49493233PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2509/responses/new25.09.21
Mark 10:1-12 // Gabe CoyleIn response to a test from the Pharisees, Jesus offers a profound teaching on marriage, guiding listeners beyond the law of Moses to God's original purpose in creation. This sermon explores Jesus' clear words on the union of one man and one woman, revealing the sacred and permanent nature of a covenant joined by God himself.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49493234PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new25.09.21
Mark 10:1-12 // Bill GormanIn response to a test from the Pharisees, Jesus offers a profound teaching on marriage, guiding listeners beyond the law of Moses to God's original purpose in creation. This sermon explores Jesus' clear words on the union of one man and one woman, revealing the sacred and permanent nature of a covenant joined by God himself.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49493235PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2546/responses/new25.09.21
Mark 10:1-12 // Jacob NannieIn response to a test from the Pharisees, Jesus offers a profound teaching on marriage, guiding listeners beyond the law of Moses to God's original purpose in creation. This sermon explores Jesus' clear words on the union of one man and one woman, revealing the sacred and permanent nature of a covenant joined by God himself.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49493231PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2574/responses/new25.09.21
Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Mark Noftsinger from Roanoke, VA. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you today. Our text today is Mark 16:12-14: After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. — Mark 16:12-14 Two disciples walk along a dusty road, their hearts heavy with grief. A stranger joins them, yet they fail to recognize Jesus. Later, their excitement spills out as they report the encounter to the others—only to be met with doubt. That evening, around a familiar table, Jesus stands among the eleven and gently rebukes their unbelief. God's power isn't limited to the sights we demand. He meets us in unexpected ways to stretch our faith. Yet our hardened hearts often cling to proof over promise. When Jesus rebukes our doubt, he invites us to trust the faithful witnesses share. In everyday life, we often wait for grand miracles before we step forward. At work, we ignore a colleague's sound advice because we need more evidence. In a family, we question a friend's good intentions, looking only for what we can prove. In our spiritual walk, we often dismiss the testimonies of those who have experienced God's power firsthand. But real faith is not passive; it's action on the word of trusted witnesses. Faith in motion means obeying before we have every detail—leaning into what we've heard, not just what we've seen. When we choose to trust the voices God uses, we open ourselves to deeper encounters with him. So live with more faith today. ASK THIS: Have you ever ignored someone's story of God's work because it didn't match your expectations? What doubts keep you from accepting what fellow believers share? How does Jesus' gentle rebuke challenge your need for constant proof? In what area of your life can you choose to trust what you've heard, even without seeing it yourself? DO THIS: Reach out today to a friend who has shared a testimony of God's faithfulness—listen carefully, thank them, and ask how you can pray for them. PRAY THIS: Lord, soften my heart to receive truth from those you use as your messengers. Help me to trust and obey, even when I haven't seen every proof. PLAY THIS: "Cornerstone."
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
Text: Mark 6:45-52 A lesson from our adult Sunday school class through the book of Mark
Want of readiness to receive divine impressions from the word of God. When the heart is soft and tender, it is also humble and contrite, and ready to tremble at the word of God. So it is said of Josiah that "his heart was tender," and "he humbled himself before the LORD," when he heard his word, 2 Kings 22:18,19. This may be wanting in some in a great measure, and they may be sensible of it. They may find in themselves a great unreadiness to comply with divine warnings, reproofs, calls.
A new MP3 sermon from The Narrated Puritan is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Hardness of Heart, An Eminent Sign of Sin's Dominion Subtitle: Dominion of Sin and Grace Speaker: John Owen Broadcaster: The Narrated Puritan Event: Audiobook Date: 4/28/2025 Length: 25 min.
Message from Andrew Hopper on March 2, 2025
قساوة القلب - الجزء الثالث
Series: N/AService: B - Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Jeff WilsonSunday morning sermon Jeff Wilson
Series: N/AService: B - Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Jeff WilsonSunday morning sermon Jeff Wilson
قساوة القلب - الجزء الثاني
قساوة القلب - الجزء الاول
Date: February 9, 2025Series: Matthew - The Kingdom ProclaimedPassage: Matthew 12:1-14Preacher: Pastors Edgar Aponte
This is message 11 in the Isaiah series. Isaiah 9:8-10:4 Isaiah's Oracle against the Northern Kingdom of Israel highlights the consequences of pride, rebellion, and unrepentant sin. Despite God's repeated chastisements, Israel refused correction, leading to comprehensive judgment upon its leaders, people, and society. Their wickedness spread like fire, consuming them with internal strife and destruction. Through the refrain, "For all this His anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still," God's persistent judgment serves as a warning to Judah and a reminder that no one can escape divine accountability. Don't forget to download our app for more from the Riverview Baptist Church. http://onelink.to/rbcapp Find more at https://riverviewbc.com/ Donate through Pushpay https://pushpay.com/pay/riverviewbc
Read OnlineThen he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. Mark 3:4–5Sin damages our relationship with God. But hardness of heart is even more damaging because it perpetuates the damage done by sin. And the harder one's heart, the more permanent the damage.In the passage above, Jesus was angry with the Pharisees. Oftentimes the passion of anger is sinful, resulting from impatience and a lack of charity. But at other times, the passion of anger can be good when it is motivated by love of others and hatred for their sin. In this case, Jesus was grieved by the hardness of heart of the Pharisees, and that grief motivated His holy anger. His “holy” anger did not cause irrational criticism; rather, it drove Jesus to cure this man in the presence of the Pharisees so that they would soften their hearts and believe in Jesus. Sadly, it didn't work. The very next line of the Gospel says, “The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death” (Mark 3:6).Hardness of heart should be greatly avoided. The problem is that those who are hard of heart are usually not open to the fact that they are hard of heart. They are obstinate and stubborn, and oftentimes self-righteous. Therefore, when people suffer from this spiritual ailment, it is difficult for them to change, especially when confronted.This Gospel passage offers you an important opportunity to look into your own heart with honesty. Only you and God need to be part of that interior introspection and conversation. Begin by reflecting upon the Pharisees and the poor example they set. From there, try to look at yourself with great honesty. Are you obstinate? Are you hardened in your convictions to the point that you are unwilling to even consider that you may be wrong at times? Are there people in your life with whom you have entered into a conflict that still remains? If any of this rings true, then you may indeed suffer from the spiritual ill of a hardened heart. Reflect, today, upon your own soul and your relationships with others with as much honesty as possible. Do not hesitate to let your guard down and be open to what God may want to say to you. And if you detect even the slightest tendency toward a hardened and stubborn heart, beg our Lord to enter in to soften it. Change like this is difficult, but the rewards of such a change are incalculable. Do not hesitate and do not wait. Change is worth it in the end. My loving Lord, this day I open myself to an examination of my own heart and pray that You will help me to always be open to change when necessary. Help me, especially, to see any hardness I may have within my heart. Help me to overcome any obstinacy, stubbornness and self-righteousness. Give me the gift of humility, dear Lord, so that my heart can become more like Yours. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Jesus Heals the Man with a Withered Hand, via Wikimedia Commons
“Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.” (Mark 16:14)... More...
Text: Mark 3:1-6 A lesson from our adult Sunday school class through the book of Mark
Jesus was grieved and angered by the hardness of heart he saw in a group Pharisees. Looking at that example as well as other Bible text brings home the reality of the dangers that threaten our own heart condition toward the Lord.
Here is the sermon outline: Moses on Divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) Jesus on Divorce (Matthew 19:1-10) Paul on Divorce (1 Corinthians 7:15) You can watch this message here.
How do you do in putting others first in your home? Some never grow beyond basic selfish instincts. Mark 10 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/encouragingchristians/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/encouragingchristians/support
This is message 3 in The Seven Churches of Revelation. Revelation 2:1-7 addresses the church of Ephesus, praising their hard work and doctrinal integrity but reproving them for losing their initial love for Christ. Their service had become routine and lacked heartfelt devotion. Christ warns them to revive their love for Him, emphasizing that true Christian service must be rooted in a passionate relationship with the Lord, or they risk losing their spiritual influence.
Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. Mark 3:4–5Sin damages our relationship with God. But hardness of heart is even more damaging because it perpetuates the damage done by sin. And the harder one's heart, the more permanent the damage.In the passage above, Jesus was angry with the Pharisees. Oftentimes the passion of anger is sinful, resulting from impatience and a lack of charity. But at other times, the passion of anger can be good when it is motivated by love of others and hatred for their sin. In this case, Jesus was grieved by the hardness of heart of the Pharisees, and that grief motivated His holy anger. His “holy” anger did not cause irrational criticism; rather, it drove Jesus to cure this man in the presence of the Pharisees so that they would soften their hearts and believe in Jesus. Sadly, it didn't work. The very next line of the Gospel says, “The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death” (Mark 3:6).Hardness of heart should be greatly avoided. The problem is that those who are hard of heart are usually not open to the fact that they are hard of heart. They are obstinate and stubborn, and oftentimes self-righteous. Therefore, when people suffer from this spiritual ailment, it is difficult for them to change, especially when confronted.This Gospel passage offers you an important opportunity to look into your own heart with honesty. Only you and God need to be part of that interior introspection and conversation. Begin by reflecting upon the Pharisees and the poor example they set. From there, try to look at yourself with great honesty. Are you obstinate? Are you hardened in your convictions to the point that you are unwilling to even consider that you may be wrong at times? Are there people in your life with whom you have entered into a conflict that still remains? If any of this rings true, then you may indeed suffer from the spiritual ill of a hardened heart. Reflect, today, upon your own soul and your relationships with others with as much honesty as possible. Do not hesitate to let your guard down and be open to what God may want to say to you. And if you detect even the slightest tendency toward a hardened and stubborn heart, beg our Lord to enter in to soften it. Change like this is difficult, but the rewards of such a change are incalculable. Do not hesitate and do not wait. Change is worth it in the end. My loving Lord, this day I open myself to an examination of my own heart and pray that You will help me to always be open to change when necessary. Help me, especially, to see any hardness I may have within my heart. Help me to overcome any obstinacy, stubbornness and self-righteousness. Give me the gift of humility, dear Lord, so that my heart can become more like Yours. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
I struggle the same way everyone else does. In this episode, I hope to shed some light on some of the ways hardness of heart creeps in. I share personal stories about different times when I felt God correcting my hard-heartness and pushing me toward compassion, obedience, humility, and forgiveness. Check out HeavenatHome.org Follow Ashley on Instagram: ashleyem.official Follow Ashley on Facebook: ashleyem.official Support this podcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/heavenathome/support
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It comes from self-interest. The "I want" factor. What I want, when it becomes more important than what God wants. Broadcast #6620To help support this podcast, please visit walkwiththeking.org/donate and select "Podcast" from the dropdown menu.A transcript of this broadcast is available on our website here. To hear more from Bob Cook, you can find Walk With The King on Facebook or Instagram.