Podcasts about Hebrews

I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day of the week. Feel free to email anytime: chinacompass @ privacyport.com. Visit PrayGiveGo.us for Patreon, Substack, Books & everything else! Why the Prison Pulpit? The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison. A lot has happened in the Middle East this week. There is much to pray for, but I want to focus specifically on reminding us all to pray for the believers in the various countries in the middle of (or even in the periphery of) the current conflict: Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (those are just off the top of my head, although I think that covers most of the nations either bordering Iran or somehow involved in the conflict). I took a few minutes to put these nations into four groups, based on the similarities as to how they treat local Christians, or missionaries, within their borders. (Note: I am not an “expert” on the Middle East). Listen to the full podcast or read more for free on my Substack: https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-persecuted-christians-in Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe & leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! And don’t forget to visit PrayGiveGo.us for books +. Heb. 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

After wiping down tables with disinfectant, Shelia stooped to tie a garbage bag filled with used cups and plates. She heaved the bag over her shoulder and turned to survey the church’s multipurpose room. She’d volunteered to clean it for the next gathering and wanted to make sure it was ready. A thought fluttered through her mind: Would anyone notice? It’s easy to wonder if our everyday contributions to the kingdom are valued. Whether we clean, balance spreadsheets, lead a Bible study, or give money, so many of us remain unseen in our places of service and unnamed in public commendations. In Luke 8:1-2, the historian catalogs the faithful service of women in the ministry of Jesus. He lists three by name: Mary of Magdalene who was among the women freed of evil spirits and diseases; Joanna the wife of Chuza, who managed Herod’s household; and Susanna. Then Luke says, “Many others . . . were helping to support [Jesus and His disciples] out of their own means” (v. 3). Luke spotlights these unnamed women who invested themselves in supporting the gospel, and so underlines their value. Just as God includes unnamed women in His account of valuable contributions to His kingdom, He sees our efforts. He knows our names (John 10:3), and He sees our investment in His work (Hebrews 6:10).

Now that we've completed the book of Leviticus, we're jumping into the book of Hebrews, a book that emphasizes Jesus' role as a better great high priest and a better Sabbath. While the writer of the book of Hebrews remains unknown, we do know that this writer can quote the Old Testament Scriptures at length and is very polished in his ability to write and to reason. This letter is unique, as it has no greeting and seems to be directed specifically toward Jewish believers. In today's passage, the writer argues that Jesus is greater than angels, greater than Moses, a better rest than the Sabbath day, and a better high priest. Hebrews 1 - 1:13 .  Hebrews 2 - 3:54 .  Hebrews 3 - 8:05 .  Hebrews 4 - 11:03 .  Hebrews 5 - 14:25 .  Psalm 24 - 17:00 .  Psalm 25 - 18:32 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The Blood of Christ and the Courtroom of Heaven – Part 1 | KIB 520 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing   Description In KIB Episode 520, Dr. Michael and Mary Lou Lake address the spiritual intensity surrounding this season (Purim, "blood moon," and heightened occult activity) and then go deep into a foundational subject the remnant must understand: the power of the Blood of Jesus. This is not superstition. It's not a chant. It's not a ritual. The Blood of Jesus is covenant reality—a legal transaction that secures redemption, silences accusation, and anchors spiritual warfare in heaven's courtroom. In this episode: Why the enemy pushes believers toward formula-based "churchianity" Passover blood: covenant protection before judgment falls (Exodus 12) "The life is in the blood" and substitutionary atonement (Leviticus 17:11) The Blood of Jesus: eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12) Why the Blood "speaks better things than Abel" (Hebrews 12:24) How victory works in warfare: Blood + testimony + covenant fidelity (Revelation 12:11) Why spiritual maturity requires depth in the basics

What if Satan's strategy against mankind hasn't changed since the time of Job? The guys examine how the evil one attacks three core areas of a man's life and how Jesus restores what's been taken. A ten-second exchange in a meet-and-greet line sparks Jase's deeper dive into the “new heaven and new earth.” Al and Zach find that the only way to please God isn't through striving, but through trusting what Jesus has finished. In this episode: Ephesians 5, verse 33; Job 31; Proverbs 31; 1 John 3, verses 1–3; Hebrews 2; 2 Corinthians 12; Matthew 24; Romans 1; 1 Corinthians 15; Romans 6, verses 8–10; 1 Corinthians 1, verse 30; John 20; John 21; Hebrews 9, verses 23–25; John 14; Ephesians 2; Ephesians 6; John 17; Exodus 33; John 1, verses 16–18 “Unashamed” Episode 1280 is sponsored by: https://myphdweightloss.com — Find out how Al lost 80+ pounds. Schedule your one-on-one consultation today by visiting the website or calling 864-644-1900 and mention "AL" http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00 Omaha=LSU North 06:10 Having a Kingdom Marriage 12:35 Job's Threefold Loss 18:45 Marriage Crisis & God's Timing 23:10 “I'm on a Journey” Conversations 28:20 New Heaven & New Earth Debate 35:00 Resurrection, Atonement & Real Life 44:30 How to Get God's Approval — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scripture tells us that the righteous shall live by faith, but what does that actually look like and how can we grow in faith? In this episode, the Perrys explore how unbelief sits at the root of sin, why spiritual fruit reveals what we truly believe about God, and how maturity in Christ leads to deeper, more specific repentance. Rather than striving for acceptance through good works, faithful obedience flows from the acceptance that is already ours in Jesus. Scripture references: Hebrews 11:1-4 This Episode is Sponsored By: https://meetfabric.com/perry — Help protect your family today with Fabric by Gerber Life. You could be offered coverage instantly with NO health exam required! https://timtebow.com/tree-perry/ — Get your copy of If the Tree Could Speak by Tim Tebow on Amazon today! https://weekendtoremember.com — Save $100 with code Perry! - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really mean to walk with God—not just for a season, but for a lifetime? No two people in Scripture walked with God identically, and the same is true for all of us. Sometimes, a stretch of miles when God seems gloriously obvious can be followed by months of wondering where he's gone. God has his own objectives for each season of our walks, and some of them will remain a mystery until we see his face.This is something legendary Gospel artist, CeCe Winans, has experienced as you'll soon see in her interview with Beth. You are in for a treat! Keep in mind, this interview is designed for use with the Walking with God Bible study, sold separately.Join New York Times bestselling author of All My Knotted-Up Life, Beth Moore, as she leads you on a five-week journey through Scripture to explore what walking with God looked like throughout the Biblical storyline.Includes six sessions, designed for both individuals and groups:Session 1: The Beginning of WalkingSession 2: The Law of WalkingSession 3: The Heart of WalkingSession 4: The Discipleship of WalkingSession 5: The Spirit of WalkingSession 6: Wrap-UpWhether you're just beginning your faith journey or have been walking with God for decades, this study will teach you to walk nearer and more attentively with God every day.You can purchase a copy of Beth's latest study and teaching videos here: https://www.tyndale.com/p/walking-with-god/9798400510175?srsltid=AfmBOoryh3lFbls3XNTVKmHR2p4DzOHIq6XV2Q5O4zNxHAO50OiRRJ18-----------------We would love to have you join us for a Living Proof Live Event! Beth always brings a fresh word. Check out our Events webpage to see Beth in-person (https://www.lproof.org/events).---------------Living Proof Ministries is dedicated to encouraging people to come to know and love Jesus Christ through the study of Scripture."For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword." –Hebrews 4:12---------------Connect with us:WEBSITE: https://www.lproof.org/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRJmg8jt3mQ4DTELKDde4rQINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/livingproofministries/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LivingProofMinistriesWithBethMoore/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/BethMooreLPM

What does it really mean to walk with God—not just for a season, but for a lifetime? No two people in Scripture walked with God identically, and the same is true for all of us. Sometimes, a stretch of miles when God seems gloriously obvious can be followed by months of wondering where he's gone. God has his own objectives for each season of our walks, and some of them will remain a mystery until we see his face.This is something legendary Gospel artist, CeCe Winans, has experienced as you'll soon see in her interview with Beth. You are in for a treat! Keep in mind, this interview is designed for use with the Walking with God Bible study, sold separately.Join New York Times bestselling author of All My Knotted-Up Life, Beth Moore, as she leads you on a five-week journey through Scripture to explore what walking with God looked like throughout the Biblical storyline.Includes six sessions, designed for both individuals and groups:Session 1: The Beginning of WalkingSession 2: The Law of WalkingSession 3: The Heart of WalkingSession 4: The Discipleship of WalkingSession 5: The Spirit of WalkingSession 6: Wrap-UpWhether you're just beginning your faith journey or have been walking with God for decades, this study will teach you to walk nearer and more attentively with God every day.You can purchase a copy of Beth's latest study and teaching videos here: https://www.tyndale.com/p/walking-with-god/9798400510175?srsltid=AfmBOoryh3lFbls3XNTVKmHR2p4DzOHIq6XV2Q5O4zNxHAO50OiRRJ18-----------------We would love to have you join us for a Living Proof Live Event! Beth always brings a fresh word. Check out our Events webpage to see Beth in-person (https://www.lproof.org/events).---------------Living Proof Ministries is dedicated to encouraging people to come to know and love Jesus Christ through the study of Scripture."For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword." –Hebrews 4:12---------------Connect with us:WEBSITE: https://www.lproof.org/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRJmg8jt3mQ4DTELKDde4rQINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/livingproofministries/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LivingProofMinistriesWithBethMoore/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/BethMooreLPM

What is "imaginative prayer"? Josh Porter explores the practice of imaginative prayer and shows us how our God-given imagination can become a powerful tool for intimacy with God, showing us how we can use the gift of our imagination as means of encounter with the Trinity.Key Scripture Passages: Romans 12v2; Philippians 4v8; Colossians 3v1-2; John 14v9; John 1v14; Colossians 1v15; Hebrews 12v1-2; Acts 2v17-18This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Julie from Bellingham, Washington; Greg from Pottsboro, Texas; Stephen from Sunnyvale, California; Wilson from Cochrane, Alberta; and Ally from Dallas, Texas. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

Pete Hughes teaches from Hebrews 11 on how we can participate in the story of God by deepening our faith in God's power, provision, and presence. Pete is the Lead Pastor at Kings Cross Church in London. Slides available at https://bit.ly/4aYs1lc

This is the seventh lesson in Dr. Lane G. Tipton's Reformed Academy course, The Theology of Heaven in the Book of Hebrews. This lesson covers the following topics: 00:00 Author of Hebrews Is Not a Premillennialist 02:40 Author of Hebrews Is Not Postmillennialist 19:18 Gaffin on the Usefulness of the Cross 25:58 Amillennialism on Suffering in Christ as Redemptive Blessing Register for this free on-demand course on our website to track your progress and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to dozens of additional video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedacademy.org/course/th... Your donations help us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you worldwide: https://reformedforum.org/donate/ #heaven #hebrews #reformedtheology #biblestudy

1 Timothy 4:8 NIV “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”   *Transcription Below*   Brian Smith, author of The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports, is a staff member with Athletes in Action and a cross-country coach at Lowell High School. A former collegiate runner at Wake Forest University, he earned a BA in Communications and Journalism before completing his MA in Theology and Sports Studies at Baylor University's Truett Theological Seminary. Brian lives in Lowell, MI with his wife and three children. You can find him on Twitter @BrianSmithAIA.   Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with over three decades' experience discipling college and professional athletes. With a heart for reconciliation and justice, he also works as a racial literacy consultant and marriage conference speaker, blending Biblical wisdom with practical living in the midst of complex cultural realities. He has two theological degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University. He and his wife Amy have four children and live in Xenia, Ohio.   The Christian Athlete Website   Thank You to Our Sponsor:  Sam Leman Eureka   Questions and Topics We Cover: What is one of kids' greatest game day complaints?  Is it true that young athletic success is a predictor of adult athletic success? What are a few tips for instilling a heart of gratitude in our young athlete, rather than entitlement?   Related Savvy Sauce Episode: 230 Intentional Parenting in All The Stages with Dr. Rob Rienow   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:11)   Laura Dugger: (0:12 - 1:51) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   The principles of honesty and integrity that Sam Leman founded his business on continue today, over 55 years later, at Sam Leman Chevrolet Eureka.   Owned and operated by the Bertschi family, Sam Leman and Eureka appreciates the support they've received from their customers all over Central Illinois and beyond. Visit them today at lemangm.com.   Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski are my guests for today.   They are co-authors of this recent amazing book entitled, A Way Game, A Christian Parents Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. And from the very beginning, I was captivated, even with one of the endorsements from Matt Martens, who's the president and CEO of Awana, and he summed it up this way, A Way Game provides a much needed perspective shift on one of the most sacred idols in our culture, youth sports. So, Brian and Ed are all for youth sports, and yet you're going to hear there's a different way to approach it than what we've been trained in culture.   And they're going to share some wonderful and very practical insights. I can't wait to share this with you. Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Ed and Brian.   Ed Uszynski & Brian Smith: (1:51 - 1:54) Thanks for having us, Laura. Yeah, good to be here, Laura.   Laura Dugger: (1:54 - 2:04) So, excited about this chat. And will the two of you just start us off by sharing your family's stage of life and your involvement in sports?   Brian Smith: (2:05 - 3:29) Yeah, there could be a lot on the back end of that question. I'll start with sports, then get into family. I've been involved in sports my entire life, played every sport imaginable growing up, got cut from just about every single sport my freshman year of high school, ended up running track and cross country because it was the only sports that you could not get cut from at my high school.   And I ended up being pretty good at it by the time I was a senior, won some state championships, ended up getting a scholarship to run at Wake Forest University. So, I did that for four years right out of college. I coached a little bit collegiately.   Soon after that, I joined staff with a sports ministry called Athletes in Action that Ed and I have a combined 50 years with Athletes in Action. And really, that's been my life ever since. I've been ministering to college and pro athletes, discipling them, helping them figure out what does that actually look like to integrate faith in sport.   Even today, I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I coach high school cross country while I'm still on staff with Athletes in Action. I have a middle school Bible study that I run on Wednesday mornings.   Been married to my wife, who I actually met in high school. She was a distance runner too, and she ran at Wisconsin. So, we've been married for 20 years.   We have three kids, a high schooler, a middle schooler, and an elementary schooler who are all involved in sport at some level, some way, shape, or form.   Laura Dugger: (3:30 - 3:34) Wow, that's incredible. Thank you, Brian. And Ed, what about you?   Ed Uszynski: (3:34 - 5:04) Well, my story is very parallel to Brian's, just different sports and some different numbers. Just tack on 15 years. Yeah, I was a basketball player.   Grew up on the west side of Cleveland with a high school football coach. My dad was, but I was a basketball player. I played at high levels all the way through my 20s, got to play overseas.   I mean, this was a long time ago, but I got everything I could out of that sport. And as soon as I graduated from college, though, I started to work with that Athletes in Action ministry that Brian mentioned. So, I've been working with college and professional athletes for 34 years now.   And same, coached at different levels, have four kids. Amy and I have been married for 26 years. We have four kids, three are in college, and one's in ninth grade, who has a game this afternoon, actually.   So, we've just been going to games and have been involved in going to sports stuff for the last 20 years with our kids. And really what happened with Brian, and I is that we looked up a decade ago and realized this youth sports thing was a fast train that was moving in directions that we weren't used to ourselves, even though we've been around sports our whole life. It's like, there's something different happening now.   And then thinking about it as Christians, like, how do we do this well as Christ followers? We don't want to separate from it. We don't want to just go for the ride. How do we do this as Christian people? And that's what got us talking about it and eventually led to this book.   Laura Dugger: (5:05 - 5:23) Well, the book was easy to read and incredible. And I'd like to start there where you begin, even where you go back before going forward. So, when you're looking back, what are the factors at play that changed youth sports over time?   Ed Uszynski: (5:26 - 6:17) Well, I'll say this and then Brian, maybe you jump in and throw a couple of them out there. I mean, youth sports is a $40 billion industry today, which is wild to think about. It's four times how much money gets spent on the NFL, which is just staggering.   I can't even hardly believe that that's true, but it is. And it's really just in the last 20 years that that's happened. I mean, 50 years ago, you couldn't have had the youth sport industrial complex, as we refer to it.   You couldn't have had it. There were a bunch of things that had to happen culturally, as is true with any new movement or any paradigm shift that happens in culture. You've got to have certain things be true all at the same time that make it possible.   So, Brian, what were a couple of those? Again, I'll throw it over to you. There's six of them that we talk about in the book. And I think it's really fascinating because I'm a history guy.   Brian Smith: (6:18 - 8:40) Yeah. And we can obviously double click on any of these, Laura, that you want to, but we talk about how the college admissions process became an avenue where youth sports parents saw, man, if we can get our kids involved in some extracurriculars and kind of tag on high level athlete to their resume, it actually helps with the college admissions process. And so even the idea of college scholarships became an opportunity for youth sports parents to get their kids involved.   And then, yeah, maybe sports can actually get them into college. We talk about the economic shifts that happen, the rise of safetyism and helicopter parenting. ESPN was a massive one in 1979.   This thing called ESPN starts, and we get 24-7 coverage of sports, which they started exploring even early on. What does it look like to give coverage to something like Little League World Series and saw that it didn't really matter how young the sport was, it's going to draw a national audience. And so, we've almost been discipled by ESPN really over the last 50 years with this consistent coverage.   We talk about the rise of the sports complex. This one to me is like the most fascinating out of all of them. In 1997, Disney decided to try to get more people to come to their parks.   They built a sports complex, just a massive sports complex. The idea was, are the older kids getting sick of the Buzz Lightyear ride and the Disney princesses? So, let's build a sports complex and maybe it'll be something else that will draw this older crowd too.   And what happened was, I mean, a lot of people started coming to it, but kind of the stake in the ground game changer was when 9-11 hit. In the months and years after that, they saw a lot less people go to their parks, but population actually doubled going to the sports complex, which is wild to think that people were afraid to go to theme parks for a vacation, but they were willing to travel across state lines to play sports at the Disney complex. So other cities and municipalities took notice of that.   Today, there's over 30,000 sports complexes like Disney's, which again, this is all adding to the system of the youth sports industrial complex. Did I miss any, Ed?   Ed Uszynski: (8:41 - 10:47) Well, no, and that's good. And the reason why we even put all that on the table, again, everybody kind of intuitively knows if you're involved, you know, something's not right. But I think it's important to say this is not normal what's happening.   It's a new normal that's been manufactured by a bunch of cultural trends, by a bunch of entrepreneurs that are doing what entrepreneurs do, and they're taking advantage of the moment, and they are generating lots of money around it. So, it should be encouraging. If it's not normal, that means actually there's a counter way of going about this.   There really can be reformation. But when all this money gets involved, the two biggest consequences that come out of that is our kids start getting treated like commodities, which they are, and we could talk the whole time even just about what that means. But maybe even more importantly, or what comes out of that is that beyond their physical development, most coaches and clubs are not paying any attention to their emotional development, their psychological development, their spiritual development, all the different aspects of what it means to be human that, frankly, used to be paid quite a bit more attention to in youth leagues when I was growing up.   I'm 58 now, so I was playing in the 70s and the 80s. And it used to be expected, at least at some level, even among non-Christian people, that you would take those aspects of a kid's life seriously. And now those just aren't prioritized.   And so, what do we do about that? Again, that's kind of our whole point is, well, as Christian people, we're really supposed to be our kid's first discipler anyways. And part of that role and part of taking on that identity is that we would be asking, what is God trying to do in the wholeness of their life, the entirety of their life, even in the context of sports?   So again, I don't want to get ahead of myself here, but that's why we're trying to poke into that to say, oh, we could actually make change. We may not change the whole system. In fact, we won't. Most of us won't be expected to do that, but we can make significant change in our corner of the bleachers and what happens with our kids.   Laura Dugger: (10:48 - 11:05) That's good. And just like you said, to double-click on a few places, first of all, real quick, the 30,000 number, I remember that shocking me in the book, but I'm forgetting now, is that worldwide, the amount of sports complexes or is that just in America?   Brian Smith: (11:05 - 11:06) That's domestically in the US.   Laura Dugger: (11:07 - 11:52) Yeah. That is staggering. And then one other piece, all of this history was new to me as you brought it all together, but it was also fascinated.   This is from page 32. I'll just read your quote. The American youth sports ball began rolling when a British movement fusing spiritual development with physical activity made its way across the Atlantic Ocean at the turn of the last century.   And Ed, that's kind of what you were touching on, that they were mixing, I'm sure, spiritual, psychological discipleship, physical. Can you elaborate more on what was happening and where it originated? Because we've come very far from our origins.   Ed Uszynski: (11:53 - 13:18) Yeah. And there's been a bunch of really great books written about this topic called muscular Christianity. This idea, like you just said, Laura, of wedding physical activity through sports with our spiritual development and expecting and anticipating that somebody that was taking care of their body and that was engaging in sport activity, that was the closest thing to godliness.   That opened up the door for you to also be developing spiritually. And there was an expectation that both of those are going on at the same time. A bunch of criticism about that movement, but it was taken seriously.   The YMCA is actually a huge byproduct of the muscular Christianity movement. The Young Men's Christian Association created space for sports and for athletic activity to take place under the banner of you're also going to grow spiritually as you're doing this. So again, that was a hundred years ago.   And that's not really what AAU stands for today. The different clubs and leagues that we get involved in just don't talk that way anymore. Of course, culture just in general has shifted away from sort of a Judeo-Christian ethic guiding a North Star for us.   Even if we're not Christian people, that used to be more of a North Star. That's gone now. And so, it really is not expected in sports anymore.   Brian Smith: (13:18 - 13:55) And what we're saying is we cannot expect organizations to own that process for our kids. We can't outsource the discipleship of our kids to the youth sports industrial complex or the YMCA or the AAU. It really does start with us as Christian parents to be the primary discipler of our kids.   And there is a way to take what's happening on the field or the court or the pool and turn it into really amazing discipleship opportunities. But it means, and Ed is starting to tease this out, it means we need to change our perspective as parents when we sit in the bleachers or on the sidelines of what we're looking for and even the conversations we have with our kids on the back end.   Laura Dugger: (13:57 - 15:29) And now a brief message from our sponsor.   Sam Leman Chevrolet Eureka has been owned and operated by the Bertschi family for over 25 years. A lot has changed in the car business since Sam and Stephen's grandfather, Sam Leman, opened his first Chevrolet dealership over 55 years ago.   If you visit their dealership today though, you'll find that not everything has changed. They still operate their dealership like their grandfather did, with honesty and integrity. Sam and Stephen understand that you have many different choices in where you buy or service your vehicle.   This is why they do everything they can to make the car buying process as easy and hassle-free as possible. They are thankful for the many lasting friendships that began with a simple welcome to Sam Leman's. Their customers keep coming back because they experience something different.   I've known Sam and Stephen and their wives my entire life and I can vouch for their character and integrity, which makes it easy to highly recommend you check them out today. Your car buying process doesn't have to be something you dread, so come see for yourself at Sam Leman Chevrolet in Eureka. Sam and Stephen would love to see you and they appreciate your business.   Learn more at their website, LemanEureka.com or visit them on Facebook by searching for Sam Leman Eureka. You can also call them on 309-467-2351. Thanks for your sponsorship.   Laura Dugger: (15:30 - 15:31) And I want to continue getting into more of those practicals. Do you want to give us just a taste or an example or story of what that might look like?   Brian Smith: (15:32 - 16:54) We keep saying, we keep talking about the importance of the car ride home that it's tempting for us and not us broadly in the U.S., tempting for us, Ed and I, as people who have done this for 50 plus years and who should know better, it's tempting for us as discipled by an ESPN over analyzing everything culture and want to talk about sports to get in the car ride home with our kids and all we want to talk about is how game went, what they did right, what they did wrong, what they could fix next time.   Maybe instead of passing to Tim, they should take the shot next time because they're wide open. They just hit three in a row. So, and what our kids need from us in those moments is less coaching, less criticizing, less critiquing, and they just need us to connect with them.   The stats on kids quitting youth sports is crazy right now. Its 70 percent are quitting before the age of 13, in large part because it's not fun, and a lot of kids are attaching this idea of it not being fun to the car ride home with their parents who, let's say this too, most of us are well-intentioned parents. We're not trying to screw our kids up.   We want what's best for our kids, but the data and the research and the lived experience continues to tell us what our kids need from us is just to take a deep breath, connect with them, less coaching. Ed keeps saying less coaching, more slurpees.   Laura Dugger: (16:55 - 17:07) I like that. And that ties in. Is it called the peak-end principle that you discovered why kids are resisting that critique on the way home?   Brian Smith: (17:07 - 18:17) Yeah, absolutely. The peak-end rule in psychology is known as this: we, just as humans in general, not just kids, we largely remember things in our lives based on the peak moment of that event, but also how the event ends. And so, the peak moment in sport can be anything from something that goes really well, like they scored a goal or made a basket or something that did not go well, just like a massive event that took place that they're going to remember.   But then it's also married to how that event ends. So, if you think for kids, how does every youth sport experience end? It ends with the car ride home.   So, if they're experiencing the car ride home as I did not live up to mom and dad's standards, or there's fear getting into the car because they don't know what their parents are going to say, how are they remembering the totality of their youth sport experience? It is, I didn't, I didn't measure up. I wasn't enough.   It felt like sports was a place that I needed to perform for my parents or my coach. And I always feel a little bit short. We want to help parents see like there's a different path forward that can be more joyful for you, but hopefully more joyful for your kid as well.   Ed Uszynski: (18:17 - 21:37) Well, and, and I'll just, let me keep going with that, Brian. I thought you really articulated all that so well. I can just imagine a parent maybe thinking, was there never a time to correct?   Is there never a time to give input? And we would say, well, of course there, there is, they need far less of it from us than we think they need when it comes to their sport. And again, we can talk about that.   They need far less of that from us. They need us to be their parents, not to be their coaches. Even if we are their coach, they need us to be more their parents.   But there is a time to do it. We're just saying the car ride home is the worst time to do it. And that's usually the time that most of us, you know, we've got two hours of stuff to download with them.   And that's just, it's not a good time. But the other thing that Brian and I keep talking about is how about, what if we had some different metrics that we were even trying to measure? So, most of the time our metrics have to do with their performance.   Like what, what are we grading them on? Again, depending on what the sport is, there's these different things that we're looking for to say, how you did today is based on whether you did this or you didn't do that and whatnot. And we're saying as parents, and again, starting with us, we needed some other metrics that were actually more concerned about what was going on in their soul.   So again, I'm sure we'll talk more about this, but the virtues, how did love show up in the way they competed today? Where that usually is tied to them noticing somebody else. Do I, am I even asking them any questions about that?   Are they experiencing peace in the midst of all this chaos and anxiety that shows up at every game? How do we teach them to experience peace? How do they become other-centered instead of just self-centered all the time in a culture, a sport culture that's teaching them to always be the center of attention and try to be?   So, we just have needed to exchange some of what we had on that performance list, like tamper that down a little bit and maybe expand the list of categories that we're looking for that actually will matter when they're 25. And we keep saying this, our goal is that they'd come home for Thanksgiving when they're 25. And so, we need to stay relationally connected to them and how we act on the car ride home day after day after day after day, year after year is doing something to our relationship.   But we also are recognizing that it's really not going to matter whether Trey finishes with his left hand at the game today when he's 25, it's not going to matter. It's not going to matter probably a year from now, but how he goes through the handshake line after the game and the way he addresses other people, and whether or not he's learning to submit to authority, whether or not he's learning to embrace other people's humanity. Yes, even in the context of sports, that's really going to matter when he's 25.   It's going to matter when he's married. Those are the things that will matter. And we say that as people who are older and have been involved in ministry and have worked with college athletes and see what happens in their lives even after they're finished, and they have no idea who they are anymore.   And this thing that's dominated their life has not actually prepared them well to do life. And that's a problem that we say, let's start changing that when they're six and not hope they're figuring it out when they're 22.   Laura Dugger: (21:38 - 22:11) I love that because that's such a theme throughout those virtues that you talked about, but discipleship and sports are a tool or a way that we can disciple our kids. I also love that you give various questions throughout the book and even quick phrases. So to close that conversation on the car ride home, if we say, okay, that's what I've been coaching the whole way home, what is a question we could ask our child afterwards and a statement we could say and leave it at that and do it a better way?   Brian Smith: (22:12 - 23:56) The question I have consistently asked my kids after learning that I've been doing this the wrong way for a long time, I tweet my question to they get in the car and I say, is there anything that happened today from the game that you want to talk about? And it's frustrating to me because 99% of the time they say, no, can we listen to the radio? And we listen to the radio, or they play a on my phone, but I'm respecting their desire that they're done with what just happened and they're ready to move on to the next thing, even though I really want to talk about what just happened.   And then the statement that I want to make sure that I'm consistently saying that they're hearing is I love you and I'm proud of you. So, game didn't go well. Yeah, you did play well today.   That's okay. Hey, I love you and I'm proud of you. Game went well today.   Awesome. Great job. Hey, I love you and I'm proud of you.   So I want that to be the consistent theme that they're hearing for me, which is hopefully going to help them better understand the gospel later in life, that as they get older and older, hopefully they'll begin to realize it seemed like the way that my mom and dad interacted with me when I was performing in sport, but their love was not attached to my performance. That seems really similar to what I'm learning more and more that Jesus does for me, that I'm trying to do all these things that are good. But from what I'm understanding about the gospel, it seems like Jesus loves me in spite of what I do.   He loves me just because He's connected to me, that God loves me because I'm a son or daughter, not because I'm performing as a son or a daughter. So, in a very real way, I really am hoping that I'm giving a good teaser for my kids now for when they fully experience the gospel as they go through the life.   Ed Uszynski: (23:56 - 24:47) Another really good connecting question. I love how you said all that, Brian, is if they don't want to talk about the game, is it okay, did you have fun today? And they can only go in one of two directions.   No. Well, tell me about that. Why not?   And it opens up the door to talk about, well, because I didn't get to play or because something bad happened. And again, tell me more about that. Tell me more about that.   Or they say, yes, great. What happened that was fun? And it creates a very different conversation in the car.   And it opens up, again, relational possibilities that go way beyond, why do you keep passing it when you should be shooting it? Wow. And just all the different ways that that comes out of us, depending on sport, depending on their age.   But those are great questions. Go ahead, Brian.   Brian Smith: (24:47 - 25:41) I just asked my son this morning. He's a freshman. His wrestling season is almost done.   And I just asked, like, what has been most fun for you in wrestling this year? And his first thing was, I feel like I'm learning a lot. And that's really fun for me, which he's on a really good team.   He's had a lot of success. He's made a lot of good friends. But even that gave me a window into his characters.   My son enjoys and I knew this is true about him. But my son enjoys learning, which means he enjoys the process of getting better and better and better, which can happen in school, it can happen doing stuff in the yard, it can it can also happen in sport. But for me to remember moving forward, yeah, he he's probably going to have a different metric for what's fun in sport than I often do for him.   Yeah, like I wanted to learn. I want him to win though, too. He's happy with learning right now.   So, I need to be happy with that for him.   Ed Uszynski: (25:41 - 26:34) If I can say this, too, again, I don't want to be vulnerable on your behalf. But then knowing this, he's lost a lot this year to really good kids. Yeah.   And so much of the learning has been in the context of losing. So, you as a dad, actually, you could be crushing him because of those losses and what he needs to do to fix that and what he needs to do so that that doesn't happen again. And it's like he's already committed to learning.   How do you just how do you celebrate the loss? Like he took the risk to try something new in this movie. He tried to survive an extra period.   That's a process when and it's we just need to get better at that. Like you genuinely can celebrate that. That's not just a that's not like a participation trophy.   It's acknowledging now, do you're taking you're taking the right steps that are actually making you a winner, even if you don't have more points at the end of the game right now.   Laura Dugger: (26:34 - 26:54) Yeah. Yeah. And that long term win that you're talking about, even with character and you've talked about fun and asking them about fun.   Is it true that that's the main reason kids are dropping out of sports at such a rapid rate before age 13 is that it's just not fun anymore?   Ed Uszynski: (26:55 - 28:58) Yeah. Yeah. And why is it not fun?   And again, this is where Brian and I are always getting in each other's business. And we know that this conversation gets in all of our business as adults. But why is it not fun?   It's not fun because of the coaches and it's not fun because of the parents. We are creating stress. We are creating again collectively because we're all in different places on the on the spectrum on this in terms of what we're actually doing when we show up at games.   But if you even just go to any soccer game and you be quiet and just listen to what's happening and everybody's shouting and screaming things and there's contradictory messages being sent and there's angst at every turn and there's an incredible celebration because this eight year old was able to get the ball to go across the line for another goal. And what that's doing inside the kids is it is creating a not fun atmosphere. Let's just say it like that.   That's a not fun atmosphere when you're eight, when you're 10, when you're trying to figure out how to make your body work. You're trying to learn the game that you're unfamiliar with and you're trying to do what this coach is telling you to do. And you're also trying to do what all the parents are telling you what to do.   And if it's a team sport, you're trying to interact and play with other kids who are all in that same state of disarray, which is very stressful and frustrating. And we're just adding to it. So instead of removing it, instead of playing a role that says, we're going to keep diffusing that stress.   And again, I'll speak for myself. Too often, I have been the one that's actually adding to it. And so, kids are just like, why would I do this?   Why would I want to get in that car again with you? It's not fun. This is a game.   And so, there's a million other things that I can do with my time where I don't have everybody yelling at me and I don't have to listen to you correct me for two hours.   Laura Dugger: (29:00 - 29:21) Well, and one other thing that surprised me, maybe why kids are dropping out, you share on page 47, a quote that research reveals a strange correlation. The more we spend, the less our kids actually enjoy their sport. So, did you have any more insight into that?   Brian Smith: (29:21 - 30:50) Yeah, this was a real study that was done at Utah State. Researchers found that the more money parents are spending, again, let's say well-intentioned parents, the more we're spending in sports, the less our kids are enjoying. And the more they have dug into it, they're finding, and intuitively it makes sense.   If you buy your kid a $600 baseball bat, what's the expectation that they're supposed to do with this really expensive bat? When they swing, they better hit the ball, and they better get on base. If we're going to buy you this expensive of a bat, you can't just have process goals with it.   You better swing and hit it. And that's causing stress for kids. If you travel across state lines and you go to Disney to play at their sports complex, you're not there for vacation.   You're there to perform. So even if parents are saying we're trying to have fun, kids know when you're traveling and you're getting all this good equipment and you're on the elite team and you're receiving the best of the best stuff, they know it comes with some sort of an expectation. College athletes can barely handle that type of pressure and expectations, but we've placed this professional on youth sports from fifth five-year-olds to 15-year-olds, and it's just crushing them.   It's crushing them. Again, college athletes and professional athletes can barely handle it. They need mental health coaches for sports, but we're expecting that our five-year-olds can handle it, and they can't.   Ed Uszynski: (30:51 - 31:19) And they may not even be able to articulate it. So that's the other thing. They may not be able to identify what's actually going on inside and put it into words.   So again, that's why we're trying to sound the alarm for ourselves and for others who are listening, because we can do it different. Again, just to even keep spinning it back in an encouraging direction, we can do this different. We can change this this week in our corner of the bleachers.   We can start over again.   Laura Dugger: (31:21 - 31:48) Absolutely and make a difference. And before we talk about even more of the pros with sports, I think it's also necessary to reflect and maybe even grieve a few things. So, what would you say are some things families are missing out on when they choose youth sports to overfill their calendar, that that's all that they make time for?   What do you think they're missing out on?   Brian Smith: (31:51 - 33:16) Yeah, I think a couple that come to mind are family dinners are a big one. That's big for us in the Smith house, is just having the ability after a long day to sit at the dinner table together, to eat food together, and to process the day and be with one another. But when my kids' practice goes late, it means we're either eating almost towards bedtime or we're eating in different shifts.   And so that's something that we grieve. I think for me, when my schedule is full, I'm tempted to adopt the mindset that what's happening on the wrestling mat or on the track matters more than it actually does. And it robs me of the ability to just take a deep breath and smile and enjoy watching my kids play sports.   That without an intervention or a pregame devotional in the car for myself, I risk sitting in the stands or being on the sidelines, being stressed out and putting pressure on myself and pressure on my kids and gossiping about why the coach didn't put this kid into the people next to me, instead of just enjoying the gift that is sports and watching my kid try and succeed and try and fail. That is a gift available to me as a dad to watch my kid do that. But the busyness often robs me of that perspective.   Ed Uszynski: (33:17 - 36:06) Well, and the busyness robs, again, if you're married, that busyness eventually wears away at your relationship. And it's not just sports. I mean, busyness, we can fill our schedule, overfill our schedules with any number of things.   We can overfill our schedules with church stuff to a point where it becomes detrimental to our relationship. If we don't set boundaries so that we're making sure we're doing what we need to do to be face-to-face and to be going to areas beneath the surface with each other in our relationship and being able to do that with our kids as well, eventually there's negative consequences to that. It may not happen right away, but I've definitely experienced that.   We've experienced that in our home where it's easy to maybe chase one kid around for a while, but what happens when you add three into the mix and you haven't really done a time budget or paid attention to the fact that when we sign up for all these things, you get a month into it and you realize, oh, we have to be in different places at the same time. So, we're not even watching stuff together anymore. We're just running.   I can endure anything for a season, but what youth sports wants now in every sport from the youngest ages is that it becomes a year-round commitment. So, you're not even signing up to play a season anymore. You're signing up for a year in most cases because after the games, then they're going to have training.   They're going to have this other thing going on. And so again, can we say, well, we'll play the actual season, but then we're not going to do the additional training over these next three months. Again, we want to give parents' permission that you can say no to that.   Well, we paid for it. Well, it's okay. If you want your kid to be on that team and you like this club or whatever, then you pay the money and you just say, we're going to sit those three months out and we're going to use those three months actually to have people over our house for dinner.   Again, whatever's on the list, Laura, that you said about being more holistic and not letting sport operate like an idol in our life where it's taken on, it's washed out everything else in our life. We can get back in control of that by just saying no a little bit. You can go to church on Sunday.   Even if there's tournament games going on on Sunday, you can go to the coach early and say, hey, we just, in our family, we just don't want to be available before 12. Are you okay with that? And most of the time coaches will be.   The kid might have to sit extra maybe for not being, whatever. Okay. That's not going to be the end of the world that they had to sit out an extra game or had to sit out a half because they weren't available on Sunday morning.   It might actually make a huge difference that they weren't at church for two and a half years in the most formative time of their life.   Laura Dugger: (36:07 - 37:36) And a lot of times the way of wisdom includes reflection, getting alone with the Lord and asking, have we overstuffed our schedule this conversation today? Let's talk specifically with youth sports. Is that trumping everything else?   Because what if we're putting it in a place it was never intended to be as an idol where we sacrifice hospitality or discipleship or community or even just a more biblical way of life? I think we have to bring wisdom into the conversation for what you've mentioned. Whether it's worth it, if they're even enjoying it, how much we're spending on it, and do we have the budget to allocate our finances that way and evaluating the time just to see and make sure that it's rightly ordered.   Did you know you could receive a free email with monthly encouragement, practical tips, and plenty of questions to ask to take your conversation a level deeper, whether that's in parenting or on date nights? Make sure you access all of this at thesavvysauce.com by clicking the button that says join our email list so that you can follow the prompts and begin receiving these emails at the beginning of each month. Enjoy!   But if we flip that to if youth sports are rightly ordered, then what are some things that we can celebrate or reasons that you would want families to give this a try?   Brian Smith: (37:37 - 40:09) The massive positive that we keep coming back to is we have a front row seat to see our kids go through every possible emotion in sport, the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. And then if we have the right perspective, we are armed with awesome opportunities and awesome information that we're seeing. We get to see what our kids are really good at.   We get to see their character gaps. And then we get to be the ones who, again, who are their primary response, primary disciplers. It really goes back to like, are we trusting youth sports for too little in our kids' lives?   Like many of us are trusting that our investment is going to get them a spot on a team, or maybe they get an opportunity in high school, maybe in college. And what we're saying is, yeah, that maybe. And that's not a bad end goal.   But if that's everything that you're investing into youth sports, it's not enough. Like what you have available to you every single day is to ask your kid if they showed somebody else's dignity on the field. You don't know if your kid's going to hit a home run today.   That may not be available to them their entire life. What's available to them every single day is to ask a question to their teammate, to see somebody and show dignity to them. And that's really, it's like, it's almost the opportunity of a lifetime for us as parents who, when our kids get home from school, we really don't know what happened most of the day.   We asked them how it went and we get the one-word answer. In sports, we don't have to guess. We get to see everything that happens.   And again, if we are actually trusting youth sports for discipleship investment, that's a good ROI. That's a good return on our investment. But we need a consistent intervention almost daily to say, no, this is why they're in sports.   Yes, I want to see them get better. I want to see them have fun, but Holy Spirit, would you help me see things today that I normally don't see? Holy Spirit, would you put them in circumstances and relationships today and in the season that's going to help them look more and more like Jesus by the time the season's done?   Holy Spirit, would you convict me in the moment when I am being a little too mouthy and saying things that I shouldn't? Would you help me to repent? And God, in those moments where I'm actually doing wrong on behalf of my kid, would you help me to humble myself and apologize to them?   And God, would you repair our relationship that way? So again, all of these options are available just because our kid's shooting a ball or they're on the field with somebody else tackling other people. We're trusting youth sports for too little.   Ed Uszynski: (40:10 - 41:10) That's all big boy and big girl stuff. It just is. I don't normally naturally do any of that.   I have to be coached into that. I have to be discipled myself. I have to work through my own issues, my own baggage, my own fears about the future, my own idolatrous holding onto this imagined future that I have for my kid, irrespective of what God may or may not want.   I've got my own resentment. I've got my own regrets from the past. I wish things had gone differently for me, so I'm going to make sure they go different for you when it comes to sports.   And it's hard to look in the mirror and admit that I have anger issues. I mean, youth sports create a great opportunity for me to get up all my pent-up frustration from the day. We've given ourselves permission to do that, in most cases, to just yell and yell at refs and gripe about coaches and yell at kids.   Brian Smith: (41:10 - 41:31) Because that's what we do at the TV, right? When our favorite team is playing, we've conditioned ourselves to say, awful call, that was terrible. Then we get on social media and we complain about it.   We are discipling ourselves to this is how it's normative to respond within the context of sports. Then we carry all that baggage to our six-year-old soccer game.   Laura Dugger: (41:33 - 42:02) Well, I love how you keep pointing it back toward character and discipleship. You clearly state throughout the book, sports don't develop character, people do. But could you maybe elaborate on that a little bit more and share more now that we've listed pros and cons, you still list a completely different way that we can meaningfully participate while also pushing back?   Brian Smith: (42:04 - 43:49) I'll start with the first part, and then you can answer the second. We use the handshake line as a great example of why character needs to be taught to our kids. If you just watch a normal handshake line left without coaching, the kids are going through it, especially the ones who lose with their head down, they have limp hands, there's no eye contact, and they're mumbling good game, good game.   Sometimes they don't even say it, they'll say GG stands for good game. They don't just learn character by going through the handshake line. If anything, that's going through it like that without any sort of intervention or coaching, that's malforming their character.   That's teaching them when things don't go well, that it's okay for them not to be a big boy or a big girl and look somebody in the eye and congratulate them. What needs to happen? An adult needs to step in and say, hey, as we go through the handshake line, whether you win or lose, here's how we do it with class.   We shake somebody's hand, we look them in the eye, and we say good game. Even if in those moments we don't actually mean it, we still show them dignity and honor. And then when we're done going through the handshake line, guess what we're going to do?   We're going to run down the refs who are trying to get in their car and get out of here, and we're going to give them a high five and say, thank you so much for reffing today. That stuff needs to be taught. Our kids don't just come out of the womb knowing how to do that.   We have to teach them how to do it. Sometimes good coaches will do that, but the more and more we get sucked up into the sports industrial complex, we're getting well-intentioned coaches, but we're getting coaches who care more about the big W, the win, than the character formation stuff that happens.   Ed Uszynski: (43:49 - 45:27) They need to keep hearing it over and over again. I have a ninth grade Bible study in my house the other day with athletes and a whole bunch of my son's basketball team. Exactly what Brian just said, I actually was like, wow, I've got them here.   There was a big blow up at a game the other day, and we wound up talking about it. I said, I'm going to take this opportunity actually to say what Brian just said. When you go through a handshake line, this is how you go through it.   I watched what happened in the game a couple days later. Basically, they did the exact opposite of what I told them to do, and they lost. It was just what Brian said.   They went through limp handed. They didn't look anybody in the face, and they weren't even saying anything. I just chuckled to myself, and you know how this is as a parent.   They may or may not do it. Of course, those aren't my kids. I have more stewardship over my child, who actually, he is doing what I've asked him to do because I've re-emphasized it across time now.   It's not a failure because they didn't do what I said. Again, the pouty side of me wants to be like, forget it. I'm just not even going to try anymore.   It's like, no, they're kids. That was the first time they've heard that. They're going to do what their patterns have, the muscle memory that's been created by their patterns, just like we do as adults.   The next time I have a chance to bring that up again, I'm not going to shame them. I'm just going to go over it again with them. Here's how we do it.   It's super hard to do this, guys, when you just want to be violent with people or you want to cry. You got to pull yourself together. That's what big men do.   That's what big women do in life. They pull themselves together in those moments and do the right thing.   Brian Smith: (45:28 - 46:01) You don't know whether the fifth time you say it is going to stick or the 50th time. Your responsibility as the Christ-following parent is to do it the sixth time and the seventh time and the seventh time and trust that God is going to take those moments and do what he does. We're ultimately not responsible for our kids' behavior.   We're responsible for pointing them in the right direction, and then hopefully, yeah, the Holy Spirit steps in and transforms and changes and convicts in those moments, but it might take some time.   Ed Uszynski: (46:02 - 47:47) Tom Bilyeu So that's how you push back, Laura. You were asking that. How do we push back without being just completely involved in it or going for the same ride that everybody else is going for?   There's just little moments like that scattered throughout. Literally, every day that my kids are involved in youth sports, the car ride over, what happens on the way home, how we talk about it, what happens during the game and what we wind up talking about out of that, the side conversations that happen that just get brought up apart from games of how we interact with people and so-and-so looks like they're struggling. What do you know about that?   That's how we push back, that in our corner of the bleachers, oh, how we interact with other parents. We haven't even talked about that yet, that I can take an interest in more than just my own kid in the bleachers and spend way more energy actually in cheering for other kids and just trying to give them confidence and spend way less time trying to direct that at my own child who knows that I'm there. In fact, my side kid has said he doesn't want to hear my voice during the game.   It distracts him. He's like, I'd much rather that you cheer for other people. It's like, okay.   Having questions ready for other parents during timeouts and as you sit there for hours together, what do you talk about? Well, I could be the one that actually initiates substantive conversations over time with them and asks them about what's going on in different parts of their life. And in having done that, people want to talk.   They want a safe place actually to share what's going on in their So let me be the sports minister. Let me take on that identity and actually care about other people.   Laura Dugger: (47:49 - 49:47) I love that. Even that practical idea of just coming to each game, maybe with a different question, ready to open up those conversations. And I'll share a quick story as well.   Our two oldest daughters recently just gave cheerleading a try at a local Christian school that allows homeschool kids to participate. And this is an overt way that somebody chooses the different way. So, it's the coach of the basketball team.   His name is Cole. And at the end of every game, we saw him consistently throughout this season when it was a home game, whether their team won or lost, he would ask them, okay, shut off the scoreboard. It's all blank.   He gathers both teams. As soon as the game is over teams, cheerleaders, the stands stay filled with all the parents. And he says, this is not our identity.   The world and Satan, our enemy, who's very real. He wants us to put our identity here, but it's not here. You made us better tonight by the way that you played and you were able to shine Jesus.   And we're going to go a step further and we're going to do what we call attaways. So, he's like, all right, boys, you open it up. And his team is trained.   They say to the other team, Hey, number 23, what's your name? I loved how you pushed me so much harder tonight and says, my name's Ben. And so, their Attaway is, Hey, Ben.   And everybody goes, Hey, Ben. Yeah, Ben. Yeah, Ben Attaway.   And everybody just erupts in clapping. And the other team is always blown away and they are just grinning, whether they just lost. So, the boys go through that for a while and then they open it up to the other team and they start sharing Attaways.   And then they open it up to the crowd and the parents are able to say, I see the way you modeled Jesus by being selfless with the ball or whatever it is. So, Cole said that his college coach did that many years ago and he's passed that on. And I love that's one way to redeem the game.   Ed Uszynski: (49:47 - 51:39) Wow. Beautiful. Beautiful.   Yeah. That's amazing. And, you know, I, so Brian and I talk about this too.   And I coached at a Christian school. So, we, we think that it's really important if you're going to play sports and you're going to be a Christian coach that you actually take the game seriously. And that we actually are here to compete and we are here to try to win.   There's nothing wrong with that. And we're going to pursue excellence when we show up with our bodies, and we train for this sport and we're going to try to win. Cause I think sometimes we end up kind of going all or nothing, especially within our Christian circles.   We're uncomfortable with that. And it's like, yes, do that. And on the backside of that to do what that coach did is amazing.   It's that, that is, that is exactly what we're saying. We're also going to try to form our souls in the midst of this. We're going to try to win on the scoreboard.   Okay. The game's over, we lost, we won, whatever. There's more going on here than just that. And can we access that together? And again, that's so rare. Probably everybody listening has never even heard of anything like what you just said.   It would be amazing if a bunch of people did, but that's what we're saying. Let's do more of that. Let's find ways to have more of those conversations in our sphere of influence.   Maybe we're not the coach, but we can do that in our car. We can do that when we're at dinners with the other, with other players and other team, you know, we, we can do that. We can take that kind of initiative.   If we have those categories in our mind, instead of just being frustrated that my kid didn't get to play as much tonight. And I'm that bugs me. It's like, okay, it can bug you.   And now I gotta, I gotta be a big boy and get more out of this than just being frustrated that he or she didn't get to play as much. It's hard.   Laura Dugger: (51:40 - 52:11) Absolutely. Well, and like you guys are doing having Bible studies outside of the, the team that you can instill values in that way and share scripture that they're memorizing to go out there with excellence for the Lord. So, I love all of that.   And I've got just a few quick questions, just kind of for perspective. I want to draw out something from the book. Is it true that young athletic success predicts adult athletic success?   Brian Smith: (52:13 - 53:51) It is not true. This is, this is not a hot take. This is researched back more and more research they're doing on this.   And they're finding that there's not a direct correlation between a young elite athlete and them continuing that up into the right trajectory and being an elite athlete later in life in large part, because when puberty hits, like everything is a game changer. So, this is, I found this fascinating and this is probably going to be new to you too. This just came out today.   At the time we're doing this podcast, the winter Olympics is going on in Norway. It's just like, they're killing it. Nor Norway's youth sports system.   This is wild. They give participation trophies for all the kids. They don't keep score until 13 years old.   They don't do any national travel competitions, no posting youth sports results online. So, there's no online presence of youth sport results. And their country motto is joy of sport for all.   And they're, they're killing it right now in the Olympics. So, like, that's not to say, like you got to follow their model and then you're going to win all these gold medals, but it is, there is something to just let the kids have fun. And the longer they play sport, because it's fun, the better opportunity you're actually going to have to see them blossom and develop some of these God-given gifts that they might have.   Don't expect it to come out before they're 13. Even if it does, there's no guarantee that it's going to continue on until they're 23. Just let them have fun.   Ed Uszynski: (53:52 - 55:55) Brian, we, Brian and I got to speak at a church the other day about this topic. And there was a couple that came up afterwards and they asked the question of what, so when do you think we should let our kids play organized sports or structured sports? And so again, Brian and I are careful.   Like I, there's no, there's no one size fits all answer to that. We would suggest as late as possible, wait as long as possible. Because once you start doing structured sport where there's a coach and you have to be at practices and the games are structured and there's reps, it just cuts away all the possibility they have to just play and just to go up to the YMCA and just play for three hours at whatever it is that they like to do.   And they said, well, it's encouraging to hear that they said, because we, we actually are way more into just developing their bodies physically. And so, we do dance with them, and we do rock climbing and they were kind of outdoorsy people, and they just started listing off all these things they do because we want them to become strong in their bodies, and learn to love activity like that. And I just thought, again, that's, that probably would cause a lot of people to freak out to hear that, that they have eight, nine-year-olds that aren't on teams yet.   They're just, they're training their bodies to appreciate physicality and to become coordinated and to, you know, to get better at movement. And it's like, what sport is that not going to be super helpful in five years from now, even when they're 12, 13 years old. And now they really do want to play one sport, and they do want to be on a team.   They're going to be way ahead of the kids actually that just sat on benches or stood in the outfield, you know, day after day after day at practices. Again, that's maybe hard to hear, but maybe there's some adjustments that need to be made again; to give ourselves permission to say, we don't have to get on that train right now. You don't have to, your kid's not going to be behind.   They actually could be ahead. If you do the kinds of things we just talked about.   Laura Dugger: (55:56 - 56:11) I love that. And even that example with what it looks like played out with Norway and also, do you have any other quick tips just for instilling and cultivating a heart of gratitude and youth sports rather than entitlement?   Brian Smith: (56:13 - 57:33) I'm a high school cross country and track coach, and I have kids on my team who want to get faster at running, but instead of running, they want to lift weights and they want to do plier metrics. So, there's, yes, there's a spot for that. But the way you get better at running is to run.   You got to run more miles and more miles. And I think gratitude is similar. That gratitude, part of it is a, it's a feeling, but it's also a muscle that we can flex even if we don't feel it.   And so, I would encourage parents who are trying to instill gratitude into their kids to give them practical things like, hey, after practice, just go shake your coach's hand or give them a fist bump and tell them, thanks for practice today, coach. That that's a disciplined way to practice gratitude that will hopefully build the muscle where they're, they're using it later in life. After a game, I taught my kids this when they were young and they still do it today.   Go shake a ref's hand. I mentioned this earlier, just a really, really practical way to show thankfulness and gratitude to somebody who really doesn't get a whole lot of gratitude pointed at them during a game or after a game. If anything, they have people chasing them through the parking lot for other reasons.   I want my kids to be chasing them down to give them a fist bump or a high five. And so, gratitude is something that we can just practice practically. And hopefully the discipline practice will lead to a delight and actually doing it.   Ed Uszynski: (57:34 - 59:39) And how do we cultivate an inner posture? Cause I tend to be a cup half empty type person. I'm a, I'm a whiner by nature and a continuous improvement.   There's always something wrong. And I'm, it's easy for me to find those things just as a person. I'm not even saying that as a dad or a coach or anything.   And it's been super helpful to me in the last decade, even to just like, I can choose to shift that. There, there is, there's a list of things that are broke, but there is always a list of things that are good. There's always something good here to be found.   And even as I've tried to like, again, tip the scales more in that direction, I can keep pushing that out of my kids. So, so this, you know, my ninth-grade son tends to just like, he doesn't like a whole bunch of what's going on in basketball right now. So, I keep asking him if he's having fun.   He says, no, like, why not? Or like, who did, why did you not have fun today? So, it's just the same thing every day.   I'm like, okay, who did you enjoy even being with today? Nobody. And I'm like, dude, I don't believe that actually.   I just, I don't believe that. There was somebody that you had some moment with today that you enjoyed, or you wouldn't want to keep going back up there because, and he does. So, give me a name.   Okay. Lenny. What happened with Lenny that was fun? And I make him name it. Like I'm, I'm, I'm trying to coach him through it. And sure enough, he does have some sentences of what was fun today.   And it's like, good, let's, let's at least hold onto that in the midst of all the other stuff that's not right. Let's choose to see the thing that was good and that you enjoyed and that we could be thankful for. Not everybody got to have that today.   Again, I have to have my, I have to be the parent. I have to be the discipler. I have to be in, you know, in charge of my own soul that wants to be negative all the time and say, nope, we're going to, we're going to choose gratitude today because the Bible tells us to do that.   There's something about that posture that opens the door for the gospel to be expressed through us. So, let's practice.   Laura Dugger: (59:40 - 59:50) Well said, and there's so much we could continue learning from both of you. Where can we go after this chat to learn more from each one of you?   Brian Smith: (59:52 - 1:00:14) Yeah, we do a lot of our writing online at thechristianathlete.com. And so, if you go there, you can see articles that are specifically written for parents, for coaches, for athletes, all around this idea of what does it look like to integrate faith and sport together? So, the

What kind of mom puts her baby in a river? A faithful one. In this episode of the Gather Moms Podcast, we continue our Bible Moms series with the powerful story of Jochebed — Moses' mother — and what her courage teaches us about doing what we can… and trusting God with the rest. Her story (Exodus 1:22–2:10) unfolds under a terrifying decree: every Hebrew baby boy is to be thrown into the Nile. Jochebed hides her son for three months. When she can't hide him any longer, she builds a waterproof basket, places him strategically among the reeds, and stations her daughter nearby to watch. This isn't reckless surrender. It's intentional faith. And here's the detail you may have never noticed: the word used for “basket” is the same word used for Noah's ark. Moses is placed into a mini-ark — another story of God rescuing someone through water in the midst of evil. Hebrews 11 tells us she acted by faith. She did not fear the king's edict. She feared God more. And though she gets her son back for a season, she eventually has to release him again — raising him only to let him go. Her story holds both grief and joy in the same hand.This episode is for moms learning to surrender outcomes they can't control. You may not determine the ending — but you can build the basket. In this episode, we talk about: The second step of Bible study: interpretation — what does it mean? Why the Holy Spirit is our greatest guide when reading Scripture The powerful “mini-ark” connection between Moses and Noah The difference between being a strategic mom and a steamroller mom How to hold grief and joy at the same time Where you may need to “shore up protection” in your child's life What it means to trust God more than cultural pressure Scripture referenced: Exodus 1:22–2:10; Hebrews 11:23–24; 1 Corinthians 2:11 Next steps:Join us on Gather Moms Patreon as we continue our “Luke for Lent” series. It's not too late to jump in! This simple, doable reading plan is designed especially for busy moms who want to grow in their understanding of God's Word. Download the Patreon app and search Gather Moms to join us — we would love to walk through this season with you. We're also so excited to partner with Sky Ranch Camps in Van, Texas. If you're looking for an unforgettable overnight camp experience for your child (ages 6–16), Sky Ranch offers screen-free fun, lifelong friendships, and incredible godly mentors. Get $200 off your child's first week of overnight summer camp with code GATHERMOMS at skyranch.org. Come see the difference where camp is crazy fun with a powerful purpose. Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook

We are still in the series of Faith Walk, this week is about having faith when we pray. If we think that all we need to do is do things for God to give us what we want... we have a false teaching. We are to come in confidence, but it is with faith that His Will be done and He will be glorified.Bible Verses: Acts 12:1-18; Mark 11:24; Hebrews 4:14-16; John 14:12-14----------------------------------------------------------------Top 100 list at Feedspot: https://podcast.feedspot.com/christian_men_podcasts/E: warriorwithin.christianmanhood@gmail.com|TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pastorwarriorwithinMerch Store: https://wwcm-podcast.printify.me/productsPayPal DONATIONS: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KC3DTP8HM7DAEYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WarriorWithinMinistriesStudios-----------------------------------------------------Affiliated with Talitha Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://talitha.com/pastordido⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-----------------------------------------------------Track: Jim Yosef - Samurai [NCS Release] Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds.Watch:Free Download / Stream:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://NCS.io/Samurai⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe shares a profound insight on Parshas Tetzaveh, inspired by a D'var Torah from Rabbi Blachman (Jerusalem). The Parsha describes the High Priest's vestments twice mentioning the names of the 12 tribes: once on the Choshen (breastplate) with individual stones over the heart, and again on the Avnei Shoham (shoulder stones of remembrance). Why the duplication? The sages explain it as a model for every Jew, especially the Kohen: the heart must first hold deep love and concern for every fellow Jew (as exemplified by Aharon, the ultimate lover and pursuer of peace – ohev shalom v'rodef shalom), feeling their pain and joy internally. But love alone is insufficient; the shoulders must carry their burdens – sharing grief, challenges, and responsibilities as one's own ("you're my brother, you ain't heavy").Rabbi Wolbe illustrates this with stories: Aharon reconciling disputants through empathy; Reb Chaim Shmulevitz's Yom Kippur teaching that one who hasn't lost sleep over the Jewish people's spiritual/physical plight has no business praying; feeling Hashem's "pain" over estranged children; carrying joy (dancing alone for a distant student's wedding); and practical empathy (e.g., yellow ribbons for hostages as reminders to feel others' pain). He stresses avoiding desensitization in a news-saturated world, pursuing peace without quarrels (a Kohen in conflict couldn't serve), and living beyond oneself – feeling others' burdens while maintaining joy (as the Shechinah rests only in simcha). The episode ends with a discussion on positive communication (e.g., the Still Face experiment, praise boosting performance) and responding to children's needs through listening rather than waiting for tantrums._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 27, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 2, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Parsha, #Tetzaveh, #Choshen, #Shoham, #Aharon, #Shalom, #CarryTheBurden, #KlalYisrael, #PursuePeace, #Empathy, #OneNationOneSoul, #JewishUnity ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, David Wollen opens Hebrews 6 to show how our hope in Christ is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure, holding us fast through every trial.

God has the power to heal but He doesn't always do it the way we expect. How do we manage our disappointment with God? In this interview based on Hebrews 11, Pastor Lutzer helps us ground our hope in eternity rather than our circumstances. Our faith is not in a change in our circumstances but in God. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.  Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives.  Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.    SUPPORT:  Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/  Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/    SUBSCRIBE:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia  Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/ 

Today is day 61 and we are in the section on the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed on Jesus Christ the Son of God. Today we are on the seventh line: “He suffered under Pontius Pilate” and studying question 61. 61. How do Jesus' sufferings help you? Jesus has experienced our sufferings, understands our sorrows, and is able to sympathize with our weakness. Therefore, I should bear my sufferings with perseverance and hope, for my Savior is with me in them, and through them I will come to know him more fully. (Job 9:32–35; Psalm 22:22–26; Isaiah 53:4–7; Luke 4:1–13; Hebrews 4:14–5:10) We will conclude today with The Collect for Good Friday found on page 608 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Several times in the Bible, we read that what is impossible for man is possible for God. What does this mean in various settings? Is making the impossible possible a matter of faith? Character? God's power? What might be dangerous about the possibility for humans? How can we understand and fully live within the boundaries of the possible while stretching to experience God's power in the impossible?Receive When life feels uncertain, it helps to remember who God truly is and that the Bible says repeatedly that nothing is too hard for God. But... the Scriptures also tell us there are things God cannot do—He cannot do evil, He cannot lie, and He cannot be overcome by death. That means His character is completely trustworthy. When we face fear, confusion, or disappointment, we can rely on His goodness, believe His promises, and trust that nothing—not even death—has the final word. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Job 34:10, 12 Hebrews 6:18-19 John 12:24 Psalm 18:3-5 Psalm 16:9-10 Acts 3:15 Jeremiah 32:37 Genesis 18:14 Matthew 19:16-30 Genesis 11:1-9 Matthew 17:20 Hebrews 11:6 Job 34:10 says that it's impossible for God to do evil. How does this encourage you in your daily walk with Him? Hebrews 6:18 says that it's impossible for God to lie. How can this help you trust Him more? Acts 2:24 says that it's impossible for Jesus to die. How does this give you hope for your own rebirth with Him? Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Thank You Jesus that some things are impossible for You. Because You cannot do evil, cannot lie, and cannot be bound by death—let that help me trust You even more and encourage me to walk closer with You.”  Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: Our Daily Bread Reading Plans  Listen: God of Hope  Seemingly Impossible Commands | Week 1  Seemingly Impossible Commands | Week 2  Read: Facing The Impossible The Love of God: An Intimate Look at the Father-Heart of God Watch: The Mysterious Prophecy of Isaiah 53  The Holy Land: Connecting the Land with Its Stories  

Topics: The Truth About the Word Pastor, Shepherd as a Verb  or Spiritual Gift, 1 Peter 5:2-3, Why Jesus Is the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), The Error of Top-down Authority Systems, 1 Peter Is Manual for Resilience Against Persecution, Context of 1 Peter, The Myth of Pastors Having Assigned Flocks, 1 Peter 5:2-3 and the Flock of God (1 Peter 5:2-3), How Tradition of Men Blurs Biblical Context, The Problem with Calling People Church Fathers, Why Elders Have No Authority Over Believers (1 Peter 5:3), Rejecting the Clergy and Laity Divide, Why the Word Pastor Is Not in 1 Peter, The Difference Between Prophesy and Prophecy, Hebrews 1:1-2, Why Pastor and Teaching Are Separate Gifts (Ephesians 4:11), Mature Believers as Examples Not Lords (1 Peter 5:3), The Invention of the Office of Pastor, Why the Word Office Was Added to 1 Timothy 3:1, Jesus Holds the Indestructible Office (Hebrews 7:16-24), Qualifications for Elders in Every Day Life (1 Timothy 3:1-7), Why Women Can Be Biblical Elders (2 John 1:1), The Importance of Plurality in the Body, How Ignatius of Antioch Changed Church Structure, Giving Double Honor to Mature Elders (1 Timothy 5:17), How Constantine Put Bishops on Government Payroll, Why Pastor Is a Spiritual Gift Not a Career, The Priesthood of All Believers (1 Peter 2:9), How Formal Education Replaced Spiritual Gifts, Refuting the Five-fold Ministry Jargon, The Danger of Lording Over Entrusted Believers (1 Peter 5:3), Living as Elect Exiles in a Hostile World in 1 Peter 1:1Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Walk with us through Hebrews 12 at Into the Word, a radio and online program committed to reading, loving, and living the whole Counsel of God. In this program we will work our way chapter by chapter through the whole Bible. Our host and Bible teacher for this adventure is Pastor Paul Carter. If you are interested in additional resources or previous episodes in the series, you can find those at https://intotheword.ca/. If you would like to support the program or our monthly mission partner, you can do so at https://intotheword.ca/how-to-support-the-into-the-word-podcast-bible-commentary. To connect with our Bible readers and Into the Word listeners, connect with us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/In2theWord

Cain, the first to be born into a world riddled with sin, killed his brother Abel in a jealous rage. Cain’s birth came with hope, hope that was quickly shattered. But there would be a greater hero born.Today's Bible verse is Hebrews 11:4, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23   In this powerful episode, Jenny sits down with Ramona Tuma to share a testimony of unwavering faith through unimaginable trials. After overcoming child sexual abuse, an abusive marriage and abduction of her children by her ex-husband, Ramona thought she had survived the worst. Then she learned the ex-husband had hired a hit man to end her life. Through it all, she learned to trust God deeply—finding healing, forgiveness, and renewed hope. Today, she is remarried, thriving, and serving as a speaker, Bible teacher, and author of Prisoner of Hope: Captured by Grace. In this conversation, Ramona opens up about her teen rebellion, the pain she endured, her journey toward forgiveness, and the health challenges that tested her faith once again. She reminds us that no hardship is wasted in God's hands. Through her hard-gained wisdom and her trust in God, she personifies hope, endurance and faith! This episode is a moving reminder that even in life's darkest moments, hope can remain unswerving.  You can find more about Ramona and order her books at ramonatumi.com and Amazon. 

Hebrews 11:32 - 12:1a

Today is day 60 and we are in the section on the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed on Jesus Christ the Son of God. Today we are on the seventh line: “He suffered under Pontius Pilate” and studying question 60. 60. In what ways did Jesus suffer? On earth, the incarnate Son shared physically, emotionally, and spiritually in the temptations and sufferings common to all people, yet without sin. In his agony and desolation on the Cross, he uniquely suffered in my place for my sins and, in so doing, revealed God's love and compassion for fallen and suffering humanity. (Psalm 22:1–24; Matthew 4:1–10; 27:26–50; Hebrews 4:14–16) We will conclude today with The Collect for Tuesday of Holy Week found on page 607 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Pastor Christy Cass Spiritual gifts are not mystical extras—they are activated expressions of the Holy Spirit working through believers for the common good. In this message, we focus on the gift of faith—a supernatural certainty that God will do what cannot be done naturally. TEXT: 1 Corinthians 12:1; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Hebrews 11:7; Matthew 8:8–10; John 6:9–11; Joshua 6:2–5 NOTES: BIG IDEA: Your gifts begin in seed form — and must be activated. WHAT DO SPIRITUAL GIFTS DO? They: Reveal something, Do something, Inspire or say something THE FAITH FRAMEWORK F — Free your spirit from fear and control A — Act before you see the outcome I — Invest in what He showed you T — Take God at His word H — Hold faith for others Stay Connected: Give: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/giving Online Service: Sundays 9 AM (YouTube & Facebook Live) Connect: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/people/forms/113001 Instagram: @wearetheechochurch #EchoChurch #ChristianSermon #FaithGrowth #BibleTeaching

Pastor Alan R. Knapp discusses the topic of "SEE: Living by Faith at the Edge of the Eschaton Part Twenty-Five: Longing for a Homeland" in his series entitled "Hebrews 2020: We See Jesus" This is Increment 420 and it focuses on the following verses: Hebrews 11:11-16, 40

Series: GenerousWeek: 2Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Matthew 6:25-33; Philippians 4:10-13; Hebrews 13:5Preacher: Brian Lowe

Subject: Sunday AM Speaker or Performer: Pastor Sheerin Scripture Passage(s): Hebrews 4:12 Date of Delivery: March 1, 2026

Click here to WATCH LIVE STREAM Worship Service on our Youtube Channel. That You May Believe, Part 5 John 2:12-25 John 2:12-25 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days. 13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18 So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. 23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. John 2:12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days. John 2:13-14 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. John 2:15-16 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” Mark 11:17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers.” Psalm 118:1-4 Oh give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the LORD say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”  John 2:17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” Psalm 69:7-9 For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach, that dishonor has covered my face. 8 I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my mother’s sons. 9 For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.   John 2:18 So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?”   Malachi 3:1-3 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.” John 2:19-22 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. John 2:23-25 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. Luke 16:31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.' Jesus is the new and greater temple.   Haggai 2:9 “The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the Lord of hosts.” Matthew 12:6 I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. Hebrews 9:11-12 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.   Hebrews 10:19-22 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. The church is the temple of God. 1 Peter 2:4-5 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ   1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.   1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.   What is the purpose of the church?   1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.     Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.   Psalm 51:16-17 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.   Respond | Connect | Next Steps The post John: That You May Believe appeared first on Charleston Baptist Church.

Hebrews 1:1–4

Pastor Fletcher preaches from Hebrews 10:19-39 about why we go to church.

Hebrews 4:14-16

1) Will the Antichrist be revealed before the Rapture of the church?2) Who is Melchizedek in Hebrews 7?3) Why did Jesus say on the cross to the Father "Why have You forsaken Me"?4) What is the meaning of "this generation" in Matthew 24:34?5) How did the Israelites dispose of the blood from the sacrifices they made every day?

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners  Joel's prophecy concerning  GOD pouring out HIS Spirit on all mankind and how this was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost.  Scripture References: John 14:23; Joel 2:28; Genesis 15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-3; Joel 2:18-28; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Acts 2 Scripture translation used is the NASB “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995, 2020 (only use the last year corresponding to the edition quoted) by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org”CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S NEW PODCAST- The First Love ProjectHere is the video introducing the podcast on You Tube-https://youtu.be/PhFY1moDDmsHERE IS A LINK TO THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR FIRST LOVE PROJECThttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdaujk1npuKR0BLSkTlKyxmuxavrZQHM6&si=dC10K4Qdh0xMKElU FIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishaffer DAILY MUSICAL DEVOTIONAL BY THE WORSHIP INITIATIVE:Text SING to 79316CHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com Support the show

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together . . . but encouraging one another. . . . — Hebrews 10:24-25 Before the pandemic, our church had a chance to take part in a soup contest called “Soup's On” for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Along with other agencies and chefs in the city, we would be serving soup to about 150 people. And not only would the event be a fundraiser; it would provide a way to connect with new people and share about our church. We made sure the soup we served was top-notch, and we earned awards for our efforts. This event created a space for us to serve and to share. It also encouraged others to hear why we existed and how God was working in and through our congregation. The next soup contest was shuttered by the pandemic, but this year the event will be on again. And our church will again join in to share good news and good soup. This will also encourage us again to move out of our usual spaces to see what Jesus might be up to in other spaces. We are eager to use our gift of hospitality to share God's love with our extended community. How do you “spur one another on” to reach out and connect? Where might there be a place to share the good news of Jesus in your community? Where might you find the peace of Christ shining?  Dear God, help us to inspire one another “toward love and good deeds.” Help us to meet and pray and talk and act about how we might connect to our world and our community for Jesus' sake. Help us to bring light into new spaces. Amen.

2/28/2026 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Real Estate in Heaven Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 2/28/2026 Bible: Hebrews 10:34 Length: 1 min.

The culture's biggest lie about good and evil is that they're equal and opposite forces locked in an endless cosmic tug-of-war. Al, Zach, John Luke, and Christian explore why that idea quietly reshapes how we see God, Satan, heaven, and hell — and why C.S. Lewis insists it falls apart under real Christian theology. From Jesus' temptation in the wilderness to Lewis' picture of hell as a shrinking, hollow existence, the guys explore how evil is a distortion of what God created as good. In this episode: Matthew 4, verses 1–11; 1 John 2, verses 15–17; 1 Timothy 6, verses 11–16; 2 Corinthians 12, verses 7–10; Hebrews 12, verses 26–28; 1 Kings 8, verse 27; Acts 7 Today's conversation is about Lesson 7 of C.S. Lewis on Christianity taught by visiting Hillsdale professor Michael Ward. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/. More about C.S. Lewis on Christianity: Encounter the faith & wisdom of C.S. Lewis 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. In this free, seven-lecture course, Professor Michael Ward—a leading scholar of C.S. Lewis—will explore Lewis's: argument for objective moral value in response to the rise of modern subjectivism; bittersweet path to conversion and the role of enjoyment in the Christian life; advice regarding the proper way to pray and read the Bible; teachings concerning the purpose of pain and how to confront suffering and loss; insights about the nature of heaven and hell. This course examines these fundamental topics not only through his classic works—including Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and The Abolition of Man—but also through Lewis's personal experiences with doubt, conversion, suffering, grief, and joy. Through this course, students will discover Lewis's core lessons regarding the truth and goodness of the Christian faith and how to apply those lessons to one's life.  Join us today in discovering C.S. Lewis's enduring lessons about the meaning and practice of Christianity. Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00 Jesus vs. Satan Arm Wrestling 05:12 Why Satan Isn't Jesus' Equal 09:40 The Temptation of Jesus & True Authority 15:05 Plato's Dilemma & What Makes Something Good 20:40 Heaven Isn't Hell's Opposite 26:05 Annihilation, Eternal Torment & Lewis' View 31:30 Can There Be Pain in Heaven? 36:10 When Suffering Turns Into Glory 41:20 Bureaucracy & How Evil Operates 46:10 Taking Hold of Eternal Life Now — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[Season 6, Episode 27] In this clarifying and Christ-centered episode of the I AM Beautiful Wild Free Podcast, we boldly declare: I AM Focused.

Today is day 58 and we are in the section on the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed on Jesus Christ the Son of God. Today we are on the sixth line: “He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of The Virgin Mary” and studying question 58. 58. What does the union of Jesus' two natures teach you about his ministry? All Jesus does as a human being he also does as God. His human words and deeds are saving because they are the words and deeds of God the Son. (John 5:19–29; Romans 8:1–4; Colossians 1:19–23; Hebrews 4:14–16) We will conclude today with The Collect for Palm Sunday found on page 607 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe delves into Parshas Tetzaveh, focusing on the garments (bigdei kehuna) of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). He highlights the verse commanding Moshe to speak to the "wise-hearted" (chachmei lev) whom Hashem invests with wisdom to create these sacred vestments, questioning how former slaves in Egypt, unskilled in craftsmanship, could suddenly excel. The key insight: True wisdom stems from a deep desire (ratzon) for it, not prior education or skills—Hashem grants wisdom to those who seek it passionately, as per the Mishnah's definition of wisdom as learning from everyone without prejudice.Rabbi Wolbe illustrates this with modern and historical examples: Elon Musk's rapid mastery of cars and rockets despite no prior knowledge, driven by insatiable curiosity; Reb Elyashiv's fervent Torah study at age 102; Rav Moshe Feinstein's multiple completions of the Talmud (101 times, four cycles); and a Talmudic story responding to a Roman noblewoman's query on why wisdom goes to the wise—they're the ones who will use it productively. He contrasts this with mediocrity, urging never-ending pursuit of knowledge to avoid spiritual stagnation, and ties it to parenting: Instill a love for Torah from infancy (e.g., teaching "Torah Tziva Lanu Moshe" as first words) and encourage children's "why" questions to foster curiosity.The discussion extends to appreciating Hashem's daily miracles in nature (e.g., the apple's infinite potential), rejecting "mother nature" for divine command (mishpatei piv), and the Amidah's first request for wisdom. Ultimately, desire is the root of achievement—eternal in Torah vs. temporary in wealth or fame—warning against boredom leading to sin and advocating lifelong vitality through learning. He concludes with a blessing for wisdom-seeking and an amazing Shabbos._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 24, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 27, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Exodus, #Shemos, #Terumah, #Mishkan, #Dwell, #JewishPride, #HashemWithin, #Tabernacle, #TorahPortion, #Middot, #CharacterTraits, #EmulateGod, #TikkunMiddot, #ShabbosPrep, #TorahPodcast, #HashemInUs ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe delves into Parshas Tetzaveh, focusing on the garments (bigdei kehuna) of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). He highlights the verse commanding Moshe to speak to the "wise-hearted" (chachmei lev) whom Hashem invests with wisdom to create these sacred vestments, questioning how former slaves in Egypt, unskilled in craftsmanship, could suddenly excel. The key insight: True wisdom stems from a deep desire (ratzon) for it, not prior education or skills—Hashem grants wisdom to those who seek it passionately, as per the Mishnah's definition of wisdom as learning from everyone without prejudice.Rabbi Wolbe illustrates this with modern and historical examples: Elon Musk's rapid mastery of cars and rockets despite no prior knowledge, driven by insatiable curiosity; Reb Elyashiv's fervent Torah study at age 102; Rav Moshe Feinstein's multiple completions of the Talmud (101 times, four cycles); and a Talmudic story responding to a Roman noblewoman's query on why wisdom goes to the wise—they're the ones who will use it productively. He contrasts this with mediocrity, urging never-ending pursuit of knowledge to avoid spiritual stagnation, and ties it to parenting: Instill a love for Torah from infancy (e.g., teaching "Torah Tziva Lanu Moshe" as first words) and encourage children's "why" questions to foster curiosity.The discussion extends to appreciating Hashem's daily miracles in nature (e.g., the apple's infinite potential), rejecting "mother nature" for divine command (mishpatei piv), and the Amidah's first request for wisdom. Ultimately, desire is the root of achievement—eternal in Torah vs. temporary in wealth or fame—warning against boredom leading to sin and advocating lifelong vitality through learning. He concludes with a blessing for wisdom-seeking and an amazing Shabbos._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 24, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 27, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Exodus, #Shemos, #Terumah, #Mishkan, #Dwell, #JewishPride, #HashemWithin, #Tabernacle, #TorahPortion, #Middot, #CharacterTraits, #EmulateGod, #TikkunMiddot, #ShabbosPrep, #TorahPodcast, #HashemInUs ★ Support this podcast ★

What does it truly mean to “walk in torah?" For many believers, the word carries stigma—law, legalism, or something meant only for Jewish people—but Scripture tells a different story. "Torah" is the Father's loving instructions, and most believers are already walking in it without realizing it. In this episode, we explore how love (not legalism) is the foundation of obedience, how Torah defines what love looks like in action, and why faith doesn't abolish obedience—it establishes it.We also tackle the deeper questions: Why do people say, "we're not under the law," yet they still walk in it in some aspects of their life? If Messiah fulfilled the Torah, why don't we practice everything the same way today? We break down commonly misunderstood law categories, explain the shift from the Levitical priesthood to the Melchizedek order (as a brief introduction), and show how fulfillment does not mean abolition. Through the prophets, Book of Hebrews, and Messiah's own words, let's talk about how the Father's Torah remains holy, spiritual, and alive, and it is now written on the hearts of those led by the Spirit, guiding us in faith, love, and sanctification.Support the show

A Frank Sinatra hit song, a COVID-era mask callback, and a brutally smelly airplane converge into one uncomfortable truth: spiritual independence sounds great…until it doesn't. The guys center on John 15 and the difference between staying connected to the source of life and slowly drifting into spiritual decay. Along the way, they land on two words they argue may be the most important in all of Scripture and figure out how to become best friends with Jesus. In this episode: Matthew 28, verses 18–20; Acts 17, verses 24–28; John 15, verses 1–17; 2 Corinthians 2, verses 14–16; Ephesians 1, verses 4–10; 1 John 2, verse 6; Hebrews 2, verses 5–9; Hebrews 12, verses 26–28; Psalm 8, verses 3–6 “Unashamed” Episode 1278 is sponsored by: https://timtebow.com/tree-unashamed — Get your copy of If the Tree Could Speak on Amazon today! https://cozyearth.com/unashamed — Get up to 20% off when you use our link or code UNASHAMED! https://preborn.com/unashamed — Visit the PreBorn! website or dial #250 and use keyword BABY to donate today. http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/show/3LY8eJ4ZBZHmsImGoDNK2l Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters:  00:00 Zach's Mysterious Absence 04:32 Entering the “North Carolina Research Triangle” 12:18 Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra & “I Did It My Way” 16:48 The Brick Capital of the World 24:42 What Does It Really Mean to Abide? 29:36 The Vine, the Branches & the Source 38:10 The Airplane Smell Story 43:18 The Two Most Important Words 47:26 A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken 51:38 Jesus Calls Us Friends — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Rise of Replacement Theology and Anti-Jewish Propaganda | KWR-0057 Kingdom War Room Episode Description In this Kingdom War Room roundtable, Dr. Michael Lake is joined by Dr. Mike Spaulding, Dr. Corby Shuey, and Dr. Justin Elwell for a sober, Scripture-centered discussion on replacement theology (supersessionism)—its historical roots, its modern resurgence, and why it fuels dangerous anti-Israel rhetoric in our day. We address: how supersessionism was codified historically and how it continues to shape today's conversations why God's covenants (especially the Abrahamic) are foundational to understanding the entire Bible the warning of Romans 11 and the inconsistency of claiming "Israel is replaced" while still appealing to Israel in end-times frameworks why "unhitching" from the Old Testament throws away the very definitions that make the New Testament intelligible the difference between critiquing a government's policies and condemning an entire people why the remnant must return to the Word of God—with God's definitions—if we're going to stand faithfully in the days ahead

Share a commentEver feel that tug to measure your life against someone else's highlight reel? We go straight to the root of comparison and find a better way, guided by Scripture and the contrasting stories of two missionaries and two apostles. We begin with a clear distinction: learn from other believers without longing for their life. From there, we trace how the Bible uses biography to teach truth, why Hebrews calls the church a gallery of “living biographies,” and how Paul urges us to imitate faith rather than copy outcomes, gifts, or platforms.The heart of the conversation lands in John 21, where Jesus tells Peter hard news about the road ahead and then says, “Follow me.” Peter glances at John: “What about him?” Jesus answers, “What is that to you? You follow me.” That line resets our compass. Your race is uniquely assigned. Your gifting and personality are God's creative handiwork. Trying to run someone else's route only breeds restlessness. To make it tangible, we pair Jim Elliot's brief, blazing influence with Bert Elliot's quiet, decades-long service. One was a meteor who inspired thousands to go; the other a steady star who showed us how to stay. Both were faithful. Both mattered.We unpack four practical principles to resist unhealthy comparison: recognize your God-designed race, embrace your wiring, remember that others carry unseen burdens, and reject the false promise that comparison can deliver joy. Along the way, we expose the “greener pasture” myth, name the soul diseases that comparison spreads—pride, despair, apathy, envy—and offer a better focus: fix your eyes on Christ so you don't grow weary or lose heart. Whether you feel like a meteor or a plotter, there is freedom and joy in faithfulness. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs the reminder, and leave a review with one takeaway that will shape your week._____Stephen's latest book, Legacies of Light, Volume 2, is our gift for your special donation to our ministry. Follow this link for information or to donate:https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/legaciesSupport the show

A companion can be anything you spend time with, but do we ensure we are companions to the right things? Psalm 119:63 says, “I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.” Today, Amy is joined by Becca to talk about the best companionship we can have. References: Proverbs 13:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Proverbs 27:17; Psalm 25:14; Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 10:24-25 Resources: Do What God Already Told You To Do https://atheycreek.com/teachings/s2-560 Contact us: devotedpodcast@atheycreek.com women@atheycreek.com https://atheycreek.com/ministries/women Follow us on IG: @atheywomen @ammcreynolds

"Is any thing too hard for the Lord?" This is the question that defines the lives of Abraham and Sarah. From a biological impossibility to a heartbreaking command on a mountain top, their journey proves that God can bring life out of "deadness"—if we are willing to trust Him with everything. Summary: In this episode, we study Genesis 18–23, following the "Father of the Faithful" and the "Mother of Nations" through their ultimate trials. We explore the transition from the joy of Isaac's birth to the gut-wrenching climb up Mount Moriah. The Promise to Sarah: We look at the visit of the three messengers and the shift from Sarah's "laugh of doubt" to her "laugh of joy." We discuss how she received strength to conceive because she "judged him faithful who had promised". The Sacrifice of Isaac: We dive deep into the "Abrahamic Test." Why would a God who abhors human sacrifice command this? We explore the parallels between Abraham offering Isaac and Heavenly Father offering His Only Begotten Son. Life from Death: Using Paul's words in Romans and Hebrews, we analyze how Abraham was able to obey because he accounted that "God was able to raise him up, even from the dead". Jehovah-Jireh: We discuss the significance of the "ram in the thicket" and the name "The Lord Will Provide," exploring how God provides the lamb for us when we cannot provide it for ourselves. The Burial of Sarah: We reflect on the end of Sarah's mortal journey and the faith required to buy a piece of the Promised Land as a "possession of a buryingplace." Call-to-Action: Have you ever had to surrender something you loved back to the Lord, trusting that He had a better plan? How did you find the strength to keep walking up your own "Mount Moriah"? Share your testimony in the comments. To continue your journey toward becoming "Unshaken," please like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs a reminder that the Lord will provide. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:53 True Messengers 4:32 Hospitality 10:00 Sarah's Laughter 17:48 Pleasure this Side of Paradise 20:02 Too Hard for God 25:23 Revealing Secrets 29:13 Condescension & Comprehension 33:19 Bartering with God 44:10 Inching Toward Sodom 48:42 The Sanctuary of Standards 54:07 Sins of Sodom 1:12:35 Homosexuality 1:45:50 Standing Up to Sodom 2:03:19 Fleeing Sodom 2:13:55 Don't Look Back 2:19:22 Lot's Daughters 2:24:37 Sarah's Repeated Test 2:29:16 Abraham & Abimelech 2:41:07 Isaac's Birth 2:47:00 Hagar & Ishmael 2:58:43 Making Peace 3:02:31 Abraham & Isaac 3:16:20 Sacrifice 3:26:01 Teaching the Atonement 3:38:49 The Death of Sarah 3:45:11 The Faith of Abraham & Sarah 3:52:48 Life from Death

I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to our new, secure email: chinacompass@privacyport.com. You can also find China Compass on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which allows for donations as well as podcast “collections.” Last but not least, nearly everything else we are involved in can be found at PrayGiveGo.us! Why the Prison Pulpit? The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison. This week we are at a camp in Thailand for MKs; that is, missionary kids. Our youngest daughter is participating and it strikes me how fast the time has gone… I crossposted today's podcast to my Substack, if you'd like my notes: ChinaCall.Substack.com Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a donation link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

Uncle Si insists his kids are proof there's a God and that grace can transform even the most unlikely dad. He, Jase, and Al agree the greatest treasure isn't gold at all, and while Si claims he's discovered the fountain of youth, he's still planning his own eulogy just in case. The guys dive into a deeper discussion about “special knowledge” in 1 John, what truly changes a man, and the difference between knowing about Jesus and actually knowing Him.  In this episode: Proverbs 21, verses 30–31; Hebrews 11, verse 6; 1 John 3, verses 16 and 24; Romans 5, verse 10; 1 John 3, verses 1–10; 1 Corinthians 15, verse 17; 2 Thessalonians 1, verses 7–8; John 10, verse 18; Acts 2, verses 22–24 “Unashamed” Episode 1276 is sponsored by: https://chministries.org/unashamed — See why Christians are ditching health insurance for good. Get a simpler alternative at half the cost! http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00 Cranked Off & The Greatest Treasure on Earth 05:02 Uncle Si Says His Daughter Is Proof There's a God 10:45 King Cake Chaos & What Real Servant Leadership Looks Like 14:05 PTSD, Horse Therapy & God's Design for Healing 22:10 What Makes Moms Special 27:15 What Actually Changes a Man? 33:18 Special Knowledge in 1 John 44:05 Insane but Unashamed — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices