Podcasts about Hebrews

Fr. Mike dives into the fall of Babylon described in Revelation 18, pointing out how several images and expressions of this key chapter are taken from the judgmental oracles in the old testament, particularly those from the prophet Jeremiah. Fr. Mike also emphasizes the reality of God's judgment, the resurrection of the dead, and how Christ's sacrifice is presented to God in the heavenly sanctuary once and for all. Today we read Revelation 18-20, Hebrews 9-10, and Proverbs 31:26-29. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Husbands have two main callings that require intentional effort: marriage and business. Failing in either area causes failure in the other.  __________ Matthew 22:36–38 GW, 1 John 5:3 KJV, Hebrews 12:1 KJV, Matthew 22:39–40 GW, 1 Corinthians 7:33 KJV, 1 Peter 3:7 KJV, Ephesians 5:25 KJV, John 4:34 KJV, Genesis 3:6 KJV, Genesis 2:16–17 KJV, Genesis 2:24 KJV, 1 Timothy 2:14 KJV __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________    

To follow along, please visit https://dailyliturgy.com.Christmastide - Isaiah 52:1-12, Hebrews 1:1-13, Psalm 148Writers: Mike Kresnik, Bob Thune, Darby Whealy, Tyler AndersonNarrators: Charlotte Bertrand, Gary Nebeker, Bob Thune, Darby Whealy, Kevin HuddlestonMusic: Lens Distortions - https://lensdistortions.comProduction: Mike Kresnik, Bethany Gilbert, Zach LeeSources: The Worship Sourcebook; The Valley of Vision; The Book of Common Prayer; + original contributions by the authors.To follow along, please visit https://dailyliturgy.com.

(Scroll down to download a free companion guide designed to help you more deeply process this episodes content.) In today’s episode, Carol is joined by author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra for a powerful conversation about fear, spiritual warfare, and the God who reigns over both heaven and earth. Drawing from her new Bible study, Melissa helps us understand why the Bible talks about angels—not so that we’ll become preoccupied with supernatural beings, but so our view of God will grow larger, stronger, and more hope-filled. Together, Carol and Melissa explore what Scripture reveals about the unseen spiritual realm: angelic hosts, messengers, cherubim and seraphim, fallen angels, and even Satan. But more importantly, they highlight the character of the God who commands the angel armies, sets boundaries on evil, strengthens His servants through suffering, and offers refuge in moments of fear. This episode gently but boldly addresses questions many believers wrestle with:• What battles am I facing that I can’t see? • How do I fight fear without becoming fearful of spiritual warfare? • Why does God allow testing, and where is He when life feels heavy? • How do angels reveal God’s heart, His protection, and His authority? Through practical insight and biblical clarity, Melissa reminds us that although our battles are real, our God is sovereign, present, and victorious. We don’t fix our eyes on angels—we fix our eyes on the God who created them. And in doing so, we find the hope and courage we need for whatever we’re facing right now. Whether you’re wrestling with anxiety, fear of the unknown, spiritual attack, or simply longing to understand God’s supernatural care more deeply, this conversation will breathe peace and truth into your soul. Key Scriptures Discussed 2 Kings 6 – Elisha’s servant sees the chariots of fire• Hebrews 1 – Angels as ministering spirits• Psalm 91 – God’s promise of protection• Ephesians 6 – Our battle against spiritual forces• Luke 2 – God sends an angel to outcasts• Revelation – Angels in worship and judgment Themes Covered✓ Spiritual warfare without fear✓ God’s sovereignty over heaven and earth✓ Discernment, deception, and truth✓ How angels reveal God’s character✓ The limits God places on Satan Discussion/Reflective Questions: Where in your life right now does fear feel louder than your confidence in God’s reign—and what does remembering the spiritual realm change for you? Which aspect of God’s character, revealed through the ministry of angels, brought you the most comfort or clarity today? How have you sensed spiritual warfare in your thoughts, relationships, or emotions recently—and what truth about God’s authority helps you fight back? What lies or subtle deceptions tend to trigger anxiety for you, and how can Scripture help you recognize and counter them? When have you felt strengthened, protected, or supported by God in a way that you couldn’t fully explain? What did that reveal about His presence? What one step can you take this week to shift your focus away from fear of the enemy and toward a greater trust in the God who rules over everything? Resource referenced: Angels - Bible Study Book for Women with Video Access: Finding Hope in God Who Reigns over Heaven and Earth Download this episodes free companion guide here. Connect with Melissa Spoelstra: On her website On Facebook On Amazon Find Carol McCracken: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode 97 Well this episode was far more emotional than I intended it to be. Get ready to hear me cry quite a bit as I process a little bit of 2025 with you. And then hear me cry even more as I talk about my hopes for the year ahead. I guess I had some things to process, and you get to come along for the ride. You're welcome! But I am glad you're here with me. Really truly glad you are a part of this little podcast community we have here. Thank you! Links for all the things I talk about in this episode down below for you.  Happy, happy new year my friends! See you in 2026!  Resources mentioned in this episode:  *Get my new book, help protect your family and read Aaron and I's story here *Join me walking through the Cotswolds in 2026! Find info here *See the “Footprints in the Sand” poem here *Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” *Jesus Lifted Me by Brooke Ligertwood and CAIN (listen to it today!) *Ephesians 6:19: “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.”  *Find Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri here (if somehow you have not read this book, read it first in 2026! *Find Theo of Golden by Allen Levi here. (if somehow you have not read this book yet, read it next in 2026! And join my January book club where we'll talk about it. Get updates on that in my newsletter here and on Substack here)  The Greta Eskridge Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast (Mussar Masterclass, Gate of Forgetfulness), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the trait of forgetfulness as a dangerous flaw in both this world and the next. Forgetfulness leads to broken commitments, forgotten debts (even a penny must be recorded), and lost opportunities for mitzvot. He advises creating systems/reminders (notes, ledgers) to compensate, avoiding borrowing if forgetfulness is chronic to prevent embarrassment or transgression, and reviewing affairs diligently.Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes forgetting good deeds (to avoid arrogance) while remembering sins (to repent), and forgetting wrongs done to us (to forgive) while recalling our own harms to seek forgiveness. He stresses constant remembrance of Hashem's presence (like a king holding a Torah scroll) and using forgetfulness positively—forgetting worldly distractions during prayer to connect simply with Hashem. The chapter concludes that mitzvot are lights removing darkness; forgetting them wastes chances to illuminate the world. True greatness comes from striving for more mitzvot, not resting on past achievements.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on June 9, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 30, 2025_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________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!! Prayer 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, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Forgetfulness, #Teshuvah, #Prayer, #Simplicity, #Remember, #Forget ★ Support this podcast ★

I’m talking about loneliness. Not just missing someone you love, but the invasive sense of loneliness that controls the lives of so many people. Indeed, we find ourselves in a loneliness epidemic today, with more and more people feeling alone, left out, and isolated. It's important to understand that activity, people, marriage are not the cures for loneliness. If they are, then we are doomed to a roller-coaster life, because none of those things are guaranteed to us. Activities ebb and flow, people come in and out of our lives, the most wonderful marriage in the world can be severed through death. If you’re lonely today, are you willing to let God change your thinking about being alone? That’s where we begin. But it takes more than that. God recognized our need for companionship, our need to be loved and to feel secure. And he has provided for that need completely. Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). If you will apply this incredible promise to your life, it can be the beginning of knowing freedom from those awful feelings of loneliness. Please believe what I’m telling you. It's not a cliché; it's truth! That lonely place inside you can be filled when you learn to live in the knowledge that Jesus is the ever-present Lord. That is his gift to you when you are born from above. Let me share with you a poem by an anonymous writer which says this so well: There is a mystery in human hearts;                                 And though we be encircled by a host Of those who love us well, and are beloved, To every one of us, from time to time, There comes a sense of utter loneliness: Our dearest friend is stranger to our joy, And cannot realize our bitterness.   So when we feel this loneliness, it is The voice of Jesus saying, “Come to me”; And every time we are “not understood,” It is a call to us to come again; For Christ alone can satisfy the soul, And those who walk with him from day to day, Can never have a “solitary way.”   And would you know the reason why this is? It is because the Lord desires our love: In every heart he wishes to be first. He therefore keeps the secret key himself, To open all its chambers and to bless With perfect sympathy and holy peace, Each solitary soul that comes to him. With Christ you don’t have to feel that ever-abiding despair of being lonely. He has come to abolish it, and he is totally capable of doing just that, if you will allow him to.

Fr. Mike draws a parallel between the symbols in the book of Revelation and the persecution by the Roman empire of the first Christians and encourages us to hold firm in our faith. Additionally, Fr. Mike reveals the beauty of the new covenant priesthood established by Jesus and explained in Hebrews. Today's readings are Revelation 15-17, Hebrews 5-8, and Proverbs 31:23-25. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As a new year approaches, it’s easy to feel weighed down by doubt, fear, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. Yet Scripture calls believers to live differently—to walk by faith, not by sight. In 2 Corinthians 5:7, Paul reminds us that faith means trusting God beyond what we can see or understand. While circumstances may feel overwhelming, God is present, faithful, and actively working in our lives. This new year invites us to shift our focus from fear to faith, holding firmly to God’s promises and trusting Him to guide every step forward. Main Takeaways You’ll learn what it truly means to walk by faith rather than by sight. Discover how focusing on the unseen strengthens trust in God during uncertain seasons. Understand why faith grows as we obey God and step forward despite doubt. Reflect on how God’s promises bring hope and direction for the new year. Be encouraged to face the future with confidence, knowing God is for you and with you. Bible Verse References 2 Corinthians 5:7 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/2-corinthians/5-7.html Hebrews 11:1 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/hebrews/11-1.html Jeremiah 29:11 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/jeremiah/29-11.html Ephesians 3:20–21 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/ephesians/passage/?q=ephesians+3:20-21 Romans 8:31 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/8-31.html Your Daily Prayer Dear God, help me walk by faith and not by sight as I step into this new year. Forgive me for the times I have focused more on fear than on Your promises. Teach me to trust You even when the path ahead is unclear. Strengthen my faith, guide my steps, and help me grow more into the likeness of Your Son. I place my hope in You, knowing You are good, faithful, and always with me.Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement rooted in Scripture. Leave a rating or review to help others discover the podcast. Visit LifeAudio.com for more faith-filled podcasts and devotionals. Explore articles on faith, trust, and spiritual growth at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Study today’s Scripture passages using trusted tools at:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com Christian living and devotional resources:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Guest Bio: Sarah Stonestreet hosts the Strong Women podcast. A lover of learning, Sarah enjoys reading history, classic literature, theology, and books about global Christianity. As Director of Community Outreach at Saint George's Anglican Church, she looks for ways to care for the Colorado Springs community through the local Church. In this season of life, Sarah has the joy of seeing God work in the lives of young people as she homeschools her youngest three children and co-leads St. George's youth group with her husband, John.  Show Summary: What do you think it means to be a strong woman? Sarah Stonestreet felt personally convicted to help women define “strength” in a way separate from how culture and society tell us to be strong. Join host Elisa Morgan as she dives into the meaning of strong womanhood with Sarah during this God Hears Her conversation.   Notes and Quotes:  “A strong woman develops eyes to see the world around her with all its beauty and brokenness and to love with Christ's love with the gifts He has given her in the corners of the world where they find themselves.” —Sarah Stonestreet  “It's not that our faith is about the works that we do, but it's that our faith compels us—in love—to act as Christ would act.” —Sarah Stonestreet  “The courage comes because you've built up that habit of going to the Lord and seeking Him like He is silver and gold. So, when the time comes to actually make a bold stand, you're prepared.” —Sarah Stonestreet   Verses:  Ephesians 2:8-10   Hebrews 12  2 Corinthians 5   Related Episodes: GHH Ep 24 – When We Feel We Aren't Enough with Laura Smith: https://godhearsher.org/podcast/when-we-feel-we-arent-enough/ GHH Ep 60 – Becoming a Woman of Moxie with Julie Richardson: https://godhearsher.org/podcast/becoming-a-woman-with-moxie/ Unshakable Moxie series: https://youtu.be/d4DlFSeqS9I?si=0zEPwR6ERpAbdHG9  Links:  The Strong Women Podcast Website: https://colsoncenter.org/strong-women God Hears Her website: https://go.odb.org/ghh191  Subscribe to the God Hears Her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GodHearsHerODBM 

Sign up for Joni's Bible Reading Plan! --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Lack of talent or anointing is not the reason many believers are unsuccessful in their calling. The real culprit is a lack of focus. Without focus, success is slow at best and nowhere to be found at worst.  __________ Romans 12:1–3 KJV, Hebrews 12:1–2 KJV, Matthew 15:24 NLT, Matthew 10:5–7 NLT, John 14:12 KJV, 1 Chronicles 28:2–6 NLT __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________    

Jessica Gracewski teaches from Hebrews 2:14-15 on how Christ entered our humanity to defeat death and free us from the fear that enslaves us. Slides available at https://bit.ly/4qpnvC7

This podcast introduces the Old Testament to kids. We use this text from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Old Testament Stories for Children: About the Old TestamentHeavenly Father's promises to His children long ago illustration of pre-earth lifeThe first part of the Holy Bible is the Old Testament. These scriptures were written a long time ago, even before Jesus Christ was born. It has stories that help us have faith in Him. It teaches us that each person on earth is part of Heavenly Father's family and that He loves His children.Deuteronomy 7:7–9⁠; Isaiah 45:10–12 Adam and Eve in the GardenIn the Old Testament, Jesus Christ is called Jehovah and the Lord. He follows Heavenly Father's instructions. Since the time of Adam and Eve, Heavenly Father has sent the Lord Jesus Christ to speak to His prophets. Heavenly Father sends the Holy Ghost to help us know a prophet's words are true.Exodus 6:2–3⁠; 2 Chronicles 20:20⁠; Amos 3:7⁠; 2 Peter 1:21⁠; Moses 2:1 Adam's posterityThe Lord promised the prophet Abraham and his wife Sarah that their family would grow and bless the whole world. Their grandson Jacob had a large family that became a nation. They were called the house of Israel, or Israelites. Prophets taught them to look forward to when Jesus Christ would come.Genesis 15:5–6⁠; 17:1–8⁠; Deuteronomy 18:15⁠; Isaiah 7:14 people looking at rainbowMany stories in the Old Testament show how the Lord kept His promises to the Israelites.Genesis 9:13–17⁠; Jeremiah 11:4–5⁠; Hebrews 11:1–35 Moses showing staff to peopleWhen the Israelites listened to the prophets and kept the commandments, the Lord helped them. When they disobeyed, He could not help them.Deuteronomy 11:26–28⁠; Job 36:11–12 children reading scripturesYou are part of Heavenly Father's family. Heavenly Father is kind, and He loves you. He has a plan for you. Because of the Lord Jesus Christ, you can return to live with Heavenly Father again. Just like the Israelites were taught, you can choose to have faith in the Lord and keep His commandments.Exodus 15:2⁠; Deuteronomy 4:31⁠; 5:10⁠; Moses 1:39The song scripture power used in this episode is linked here. https://youtu.be/wxCntCIB-YA?feature=sharedThis podcast is a Bible Podcast for Kids. This year we are specifically studying the Old Testament. Our podcast is called Come Follow Me Kids. Come Follow Me for kids that are primary aged 2-12 in the Church or Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We follow the come follow me manual from the church but are not officially affiliated in any way. Some audio segments come from the friend magazine and other church sources. On this podcast we play interactive games while learning about the gospel and atonement of Jesus Christ.If your children would like to be guests on this podcast or to receive a baptism shout out, please email us at their info at comefollowmekidspodcast@gmail.com 

As we wrap up our year together, I want to invite you into this meaningful spiritual practice: looking back on 2025 through the lens of Psalm 107 to identify the “fingerprints of God’s faithfulness.” In this episode, we'll walk through four redemptive storylines found in the Psalm—each representing a way God rescues, restores, and reorients His people. Whether you felt lost, trapped, wounded, self-destructive, or overwhelmed by storms, I encourage you to reflect on how God met you in weakness and brought deliverance. We'll close with encouragement for 2026, including the return of my “One Word” series and an upcoming study of Hebrews with a downloadable study guide. What We Cover: 1. God invites believers to tell their story Psalm 107 opens with an invitation: “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.” Reflect on how God has been present—even when it was hard to see. 2. Wisdom comes from reflecting on God's loving deeds The final verse of Psalm 107 is a guiding practice: wise people heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord. 3. Psalm 107 gives four redemption storylines to help interpret your year Psalm 107 offers us four major story arcs that may mirror parts of your 2025: From Longing to Belonging (lost → led home) From Broken to Free (bondage/shame → freedom) From Foolish to Healed (self-destruction → inner renovation) From Pride to Peace (storms and overwhelm → God stills the waves) 4. God often meets us when we are at the end of ourselves Each storyline shares a common theme: people reach the end of their rope, cry out to God, and He responds with rescue. This directly connects us to Jesus’ teachings—less self-reliance opens space for more of God. 5. 2026 will include a “One Word” January + Hebrews Study (Feb–Easter) I'll preview a return to my popular One Word series and share more about a full study of the Book of Hebrews, with a study guide starting in February. Want More? You can still listen to past episodes and download the Daniel Study Guide at https://nicoleunice.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

William Chatterton Dix's Christmas Carol asks this critical question: "What Child is This?" What child is this who laid to rest on Mary's lap is sleeping, whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping? In this special Christmas episode of Wisdom From Above, we turn to Hebrews chapter one in the Bible and we will discover seven answers to the question "What Child is This?"

Happy Soon-to-be New Year! Looking toward 2026 and expecting good things. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1The guys are joined by D. David Doleshal as they discuss their personal goals for 2026, both spiritual and physical.As always, we'd love to hear your take as well! nojokinexp@gmail.com

Guiding Question How can Christians face doubt, maintain assurance in their faith, and grow spiritually through intentional community and perseverance? Summary This message addresses the natural experience of doubt among Christians and emphasizes that doubt itself is not wrong. What matters is how one deals with doubt—whether one faces it, seeks answers, and allows it to strengthen faith or lets it weaken assurance. Drawing on the example of Francis Schaeffer, the speaker shows that even radical doubters can emerge with a radical faith when they confront their questions head-on. The message exhorts believers to “draw near to God” and “hold fast” to the hope and promises of the Christian faith, especially amid the pressures and challenges of everyday life. It warns against a lukewarm, half-assured faith that holds back full commitment. The speaker highlights the vital role of Christian community in this process. True spiritual growth happens not just in isolated worship but in regular gatherings where believers encourage, stimulate, challenge, and hold one another accountable. The Christian assembly is characterized by consideration, stimulation (even irritation), and encouragement, all aimed at producing love and good deeds. Without this intimate fellowship, spiritual life becomes impaired, and the subtlety of sin can harden the heart. Finally, the message calls listeners to examine their lives, seek assurance through Christ, and commit to both a personal and communal expression of their faith. Outline Acknowledging Doubt in the Christian Life Doubts are normal and common Importance of addressing doubts rather than ignoring them Example of Francis Schaeffer's journey through doubt to assurance Assurance of Faith and Holding Fast The necessity of full assurance to live confidently in faith The promises of God and the pressures of the world The call to “draw near” and “hold fast” to God and His promises Christian Community: Meeting to Minister The purpose of Christian assemblies: consideration, stimulation, encouragement The dangers of isolated faith and superficial meetings The role of accountability, intimacy, and mutual challenge The balance between loving encouragement and necessary correction Application and Challenge Are you meeting regularly in meaningful fellowship? Are you allowing others to stimulate and encourage you? Reflect on your assurance and relationship with God Invitation to accept Christ and enter confidently into God's presence Key Takeaways Doubt is natural, but must be confronted to avoid spiritual stagnation or erosion of faith. Full assurance in God's promises is crucial to living a confident and committed Christian life. Christianity is either true and effective or it is not; believers must test their faith honestly. Holding fast means tenaciously clinging to God's promises despite worldly pressures. Regular, intimate Christian fellowship is essential for spiritual health, accountability, and growth. Christian meetings are not just routine gatherings, but opportunities to stimulate and encourage each other toward love and good deeds. Spiritual growth requires both encouragement and challenge within community, not just passive attendance. If you haven't accepted Christ or feel unsure, the way to assurance is through faith in Jesus' work on the cross. Scriptural References Hebrews 10:22-25 (drawing near to God, holding fast the confession of hope, meeting together to encourage) Psalm (implied reference to worship in nature) Various references to the promises of God (forgiveness, power, new purpose) Hebrews 3:13 (encouragement to encourage one another daily, lest any be hardened by sin) Recorded 12/07/80

Time:AfternoonMinister:Rev. Daniel VenturaRead by:Taylor KernTexts:Hebrews 1:1–4Series:Español

Send us a textWhat if your strongest moment isn't at the start line, but at the finish? We open with a raw story from a 1994 missions trip to Nicaragua that spiraled into dengue fever and a surprising lesson about grit. From there, we zoom out to a bigger challenge: how do you push past the February fade and end the year with genuine momentum, not just good intentions?We anchor the conversation in Hebrews 12 and get practical. First, lay aside weights—those non-sin hindrances like distraction, worry, and unhealthy patterns that bleed your focus. Second, throw off the sin that clings. Temptation is personal, and freedom starts by naming what traps you and stepping into the light with courage. Finally, run with endurance. Your race isn't mine, and comparison steals joy. Expect blisters and setbacks. Endurance looks like getting up, bandaging what hurts, and moving again with your eyes fixed on Jesus.We also celebrate what God is doing in our community: dozens of salvations and baptisms, hundreds of prayer requests lifted, a growing Spanish translation ministry that helps families worship in their heart language, and new life groups designed to keep you moving when your willpower runs thin. If you've felt the gap between a bold January and a quiet stall by spring, this conversation offers a path back—clear choices, decisive action, and the strength that comes from walking together.Ready to finish stronger than you started? Listen now, join a life group, and prepare with us for a focused season of prayer and fasting. If this encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Cornerstonehttps://www.cornerstoneaz.org/Follow Jesushttps://www.cornerstoneaz.org/follow-...Life Groups https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/life-gr...Giving https://cornerstoneaz.churchcenter.co...Church Center App - Download then add Cornerstone Christian Center in Avondale, AZiOShttps://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-ch...Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...----Instagram cornerstoneaz Facebook cornerstoneaz.org Twitter cornerstoneaz.org

Fr. Mike continues to interpret the symbols within Revelation. He compares story of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the woman in Revelation. Fr. Mike provides context to the letter to the Hebrews, a letter that makes the case for Jesus, explaining who he is and the beauty of what he did for us. Today's readings are Revelation 12-14, Hebrews 1-4, and Proverbs 31:16-18. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

What if the key to confidence about your future is remembering who never changes? In this message, Judah Smith unpacks Hebrews 12:28–13:9 and the timeless truth that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Discover how anchoring your heart in grace brings stability, hope, and sustained joy in an uncertain world and explore how remembering God's faithfulness in your past allows you to move confidently into the future. SUBSCRIBE TODAY for Weekly Service messages, Daily Guided Prayers, & more! Download the FREE Churchome app in the Apple App store or Google Play store! https://www.churchome.org/app

Find Tim Constantine & Six Sensory Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/3LVS0BihTLQDzb5DRtpx63?si=96Isq12bSkWh94CkRuKltwYouTube: https://youtube.com/@sixsensorypodcast?si=KXoO5h47Y1RErmoSPatreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/TimConstantine⁠To find C.O.C. Clips on YouTube---> https://youtube.com/@cultofconspiracyclips?si=Lb5mdAkjoeTnhYagTo Follow The Cajun Knight on Youtube---> https://www.youtube.com/@CajunknightTo find the Meta Mysteries Podcast---> https://open.spotify.com/show/6IshwF6qc2iuqz3WTPz9Wv?si=3a32c8f730b34e79To Sign up for our Rokfin go to --> Rokfin.com/cultofconspiracyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cult-of-conspiracy--5700337/support.

If "new" really means new, why do we keep going back? Discussion Questions: How is the new covenant better? Explain at least three ways. What was the specific issue with the old covenant? Why was it the issue? How are the old and new covenants so different? Why does Hebrews 8:10 say "laws" instead of "law"? Why is this important? React to this statement: I intuitively know God now and forever. What makes new covenant forgiveness so powerful? So controversial? Why do you think so many religious people want "balance" between old and new?

Psalm 63:2-9 Daniel 3:57-88,56 Psalm 149 Hebrews 1:1-2 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

In this concluding Mussar Masterclass (Day 110) of the Gate of Remembrance in Orchos Tzaddikim, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe wraps up the chapter's 30 remembrances, emphasizing their power to soften and illuminate the soul, remove darkness, and instill constant awareness of Hashem's presence. He urges listeners to revisit and expand on each point daily (or weekly), as remembrance drives action and teshuvah.Key themes include: living with perpetual consciousness of Hashem's constant watch (like a king always holding a Torah scroll), rejecting grudges while remembering personal wrongs to seek forgiveness, and prioritizing inner spiritual growth over external validation. The rabbi stresses that true value lies in maximizing one's unique potential before Hashem, who believes in us even when we doubt ourselves. He highlights the tragedy of death as lost opportunity for mitzvot, encouraging immediate action in this world to build eternal merit. The episode ends with gratitude for collective Torah study and a teaser for the next Gate: Forgetfulness.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on May 5, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 28, 2025_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________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!! Prayer 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, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Remembrance, #Constant, #Awareness, #Teshuvah, #HashemSeesAll, #TorahStudy, #SpiritualGrowth, #OrchosTzaddikim ★ Support this podcast ★

Four ways to pursue ordinary faithfulness in a new year: By treasuring the Word of God (Psalm 1) By preaching the Gospel to ourselves consistently (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) By cultivating a firm belief in the sovereignty and goodness of God (Romans 8:28-32) By folding our lives into the local church where we are members (Hebrews 10:23-25) You can watch this message here.

Hebrews 11:1-12:2

Pastor Tommy declares 2026 as a spiritually active year characterized by rapid movement and divine acceleration, urging believers to remain confident "victorious believers" who look up in strength rather than being rattled by change,,,. Anchored in Hebrews 6:10 and Psalm 84:11, he proclaims this as a season where God remembers the labor of His people and withholds no good thing from those who love Him,. A specific prophetic highlight identifies March 2026 as a profound delivery month for miracles, harvest, and answered prayers, marking a time when the Lord makes things "easier" as the church takes new territory,,. The message emphasizes a greater awareness of the ministry of angels, increased spiritual discernment—especially regarding travel—and a rise in spiritual visitations and appointments,,,. Beyond individual blessings, the year will be marked by household salvation, husbands rising as the spiritual heads of their homes, and flourishing kingdom relationships,,. Finally, Pastor Tommy anticipates a spiritual awakening that moves from individual churches to entire cities across America, fueled by bold preaching, a growing love for Israel, and a renewed focus on the power of the Holy Ghost,,,,.

While doing a brief cardio workout with weight may make sense, in order to build strength, it certainly would NOT make sense to run a marathon with weights on our hands and legs.  In fact, long-distance runners need to run as unencumbered as possible.And the same is true for us as believers.  We need to set aside EVERY single weight that might hinder us in our race with Christ.Hebrews 12:1-3:Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.A believer needs to do three specific things to run effectively:1- lay aside every weight and sin that ensnares,2- run with endurance, and3- look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith!Join me for a special episode that explores how we have fresh eyes for our race with Christ!(RAR2026EP01)

In this concluding Mussar Masterclass (Day 110) of the Gate of Remembrance in Orchos Tzaddikim, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe wraps up the chapter's 30 remembrances, emphasizing their power to soften and illuminate the soul, remove darkness, and instill constant awareness of Hashem's presence. He urges listeners to revisit and expand on each point daily (or weekly), as remembrance drives action and teshuvah.Key themes include: living with perpetual consciousness of Hashem's constant watch (like a king always holding a Torah scroll), rejecting grudges while remembering personal wrongs to seek forgiveness, and prioritizing inner spiritual growth over external validation. The rabbi stresses that true value lies in maximizing one's unique potential before Hashem, who believes in us even when we doubt ourselves. He highlights the tragedy of death as lost opportunity for mitzvot, encouraging immediate action in this world to build eternal merit. The episode ends with gratitude for collective Torah study and a teaser for the next Gate: Forgetfulness.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on May 5, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 28, 2025_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________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!! Prayer 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, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Remembrance, #Constant, #Awareness, #Teshuvah, #HashemSeesAll, #TorahStudy, #SpiritualGrowth, #OrchosTzaddikim ★ Support this podcast ★

20 Proverbs 23-24; Exodus 13-18; 19 Psalms 53-58; 58 Hebrews 12-13; 59 James 1-4

Hebrews 11:8-16

The Second Advent(Psalm 72) Message SlidesHistory of the Advent Wreath - WilsonPsalm 72 - Tremper LongmanFor the bulletin in PDF form, click here. A Prayer for the King's Rule (Psalm 72:1-7) Christ will bring peace and blessing to God's people.A Prayer for the King's Dominion (Psalm 72:8-11) Christ will have dominion over all people who will worship and serve Him.The Character of the King's Rule (Psalm 72:12-14) Christ will bring justice for the needy and oppressed.A Blessing for the King's Rule (Psalm 72:15-19) Christ will bring constant blessing & abundant provision with His glory.Jesus' First Advent to redeem usshould provoke faith in God and love for otherswhile His second advent should generate hope for theculmination of God's full plan in glory.FinancesWeekly Budget 34,615Giving For 12/14 29,285Giving For 12/21 30,280YTD Budget 865,385Giving 827,529 OVER/(UNDER) (37,856) Fellowship 101New to Fellowship? We invite you to join us on Sunday, January 11th, at 9 AM in the conference room (first floor) to hear about our mission, values, and ministries. During this time, you will meet some of our ministry leaders and get to ask questions. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register. This is an important step in getting connected at Fellowship. New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Christmas OfferingThis December, we are taking up a special offering for the Operation Christmas Child Special Pack (held in October 2026). The gifts received will determine the number of boxes we can send. To send each gospel opportunity (box), it costs $20 for items, transportation, and the tools needed to share the hope found in Christ with a child. Please consider giving above and beyond your regular giving to the worthy cause of getting the gospel to sensitive areas that are difficult to reach. You can give online by going to fellowshipconway.org/give and selecting “Christmas Offering” from the options. To give an idea of what we are trying to raise, we packed 2,800 boxes last year, which is equal to $56,000. We would love to do even more next year!Fellowship Women's Hebrews Bible StudyThis February, join us for Jesus Is Greater—an eight-week Bible study through the book of Hebrews created to deepen your faith, renew your hope, and connect you with other women pursuing Jesus. Led by Rebecca Carter and Heather Harrison, we'll meet on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m., beginning February 3rd at Fellowship. Free childcare by texting Shanna at 501-336-0332 by January 28th. Register at fellowshipconway.org/women.Father/Daughter Dance: 50s Sock HopDads, give your daughter a night to remember! Take your daughter on a dinner date, then swing by Renewal Ranch for our 50s Sock Hop on January 31st, 7:30-9:30 pm. We'll have root beer floats, oldies, and plenty of chances to make memories she'll cherish forever. Dust off those dancing shoes, daddy-o! Suggested ages: 3rd thru 12th gradeYear-End giving for 2025For contributions to be counted toward your 2025 taxes, checks must be received in the Fellowship Ministry office by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, December 31, or be postmarked no later than December 31.Ladies Precept Study on James: Genuine Faith and the Good Works It Produces. This 10-week study will begin on Tuesday, February 17, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. The study book costs $25 and is due at the time of registration. The final deadline to sign up is January 25. Childcare is available; please text Shanna at (501) 336-0332 by February 10 to arrange care. For questions or additional information, go to fellowshipconway.org/register or contact Mindy Chouinard at (501) 472-1248 or email andyandmindy@gmail.com.

A Christmas Message MESSAGE SUMMARY: The real meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ – the Messiah, who is the Savior of the World. Christians emphasize Christmas and Jesus' birth because His birth: 1) fulfills many Biblical prophesies, especially n terms of the time and location of Jesus' birth; 2) points the fact that Jesus was more than just a man; 3) and life saw Jesus claim the right to forgive sins; 4) led Jesus to call God His “Father”, which indicated that Jesus was God; 5) resulted in Jesus' Resurrection, which validated Jesus' claims and made Him different; and 6) was God, through Jesus' birth, still trying to get our attention. God, through His Grace and through the birth of Jesus, did for us what we could not do for ourselves – save ourselves from our sins and our death that would result from our sins. God, through the birth of Jesus -- the God-Man, entered into our earthly mess to save us because, after God's Grace and Jesus' birth, all our sin now resides on Jesus. God's Grace through the birth of Jesus, demonstrates God's love for us. God wants us to know that Jesus was born for us out of His love for us. Therefore, we need to consider that God, the Creator of the Universe, entered the world, through the baby Jesus for us so that we might have a personal relationship with Him. Have you yielded to God so that your mind's consideration of God's Grace, love, and Jesus' birth can move from your mind into a commitment of both your mind and your heart to your faith in Jesus as your Savior and into God's service? Until we yield to God's lordship over our lives, we are saying to God that “we don't need your love”. Is Jesus your Lord and, therefore, your Savior? God has given you the greatest Christmas gift that you will ever receive. Have you accepted His Gift and opened His gift into your life? If not, then why not? With your hands open, you can accept God's Christmas gift by saying: “I am sorry; thank you; and please”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 2:9-11; Matthew 1:21; Isaiah 53:4-6; Colossians 1:15-19; Hebrews 1-3; John 1:4; John10:30; John 14:8-11; John 3:16-17. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Our Relationship with God Is Based Solely on Our Relationship with God, and He Desires to Have a Relationship with Each of Us”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

“One Faithful Promise” Matthew 6:19-21, Hebrews 11:1, 1 John 2:15-17 Rev. Jana Lunardon looks at the covenant God offered to us and how we can best receive it. Recorded live at Stonebridge United Methodist Church in McKinney, Texas. For more information, please visit www.mysumc.org.

Hebrews 2:1-4Rev. Clay Holland

12/28/2025 | Today's daily devotional by C. H. Spurgeon on SermonAudio: Title: Absolute Assurance Subtitle: Faith's Checkbook by Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Prince of Preachers Event: Audiobook Date: 12/28/2025 Bible: Hebrews 13:5 Length: 1 min.

Time:MorningMinister:Rev. Daniel VenturaTexts:Hebrews 1:1–4

Don't become sluggish - Hebrews 6_11-12- Ps Gary Fitzgerald 28th Dec 2025 by The King's Way Christian Fellowship - Glen Waverley

Hebrews 4:15 James 1:13 I John 2:15 James 4:4 Romans 12:1-2 I Peter 3:3 I Peter 5:8 I Corinthians 10:14 II Timothy 2:22 James 4:6

Afterimages For the session to be discussed on January 4, 2026 Hebrews 1:1-4 Daniel Glaze Nikki Hardeman Jaye Peabody Smith David Adams In this episode, we discuss Hebrews 1:1-4 and the concept of afterimages during the Epiphany season. We reflect on keeping the light of Christ alive throughout the year, combating societal nihilism, and using […]

Have you ever made one too many mistakes? You know, you get to a point where you think, That's it! God must be done with me? Well, Abraham was a man of faith who made plenty of mistakes along the way. Yet God seemed to overlook, even o compensate for them. Why was that?   Life Changing Moments As we travel through life we all kind of experience these moments and often they are seemingly insignificant events that in fact, turn out to change the whole course of our lives. It's amazing when you think about it! We all have a plan for our lives but there are things just around the next corner or just over the next rise that can change everything – good things and bad things, happy things and sad things. Some people think, "Well, it's all a matter of chance." Well, I don't believe in chance. I remember a brochure that changed my life. I was attending a little church – I had not long become a Christian and it was a Sunday service like every other Sunday. At the end of the service I walked to the back of the little church and I saw a brochure for a particular Bible College, Tabor College in Sydney. It wasn't a particularly attractive brochure or a well designed brochure – I picked it up and that was a defining moment – I took it home, I read about this ministry degree, I prayed and I felt this incredibly strong tug in my heart. Now in my mind I am thinking, "There's no way. You know Berni, you have been a Christian for five minutes" but in my heart I knew. So I rang them, I applied, I went to see the Principal, I felt like such a fraud. "They are never going to accept me." They did! And there I learned so much but also, by chance again, I came into contact with my predecessor in this ministry; the former CEO of Christianityworks and one thing led to another. And today I'm doing what I am doing because I picked up that little brochure at the back of the church. Now I had no idea that morning that something would happen that would change the course of my life. This week we are starting a new series on Christianityworks, it's called "Defining Moments". It's really exciting! I want to look at this from a different perspective; from God's perspective. See when we look back on our lives most of us can pick three or four, maybe half a dozen defining moments – those little things that seemed to change the whole course of our lives. Now, sure we can see them from our natural human perspective – after all, we are people; we're human, but if we do that I think we miss the point. I want to look at some defining moments in the lives of four people in the Bible – Abraham, Joseph, David and Josiah over the next four weeks and we are starting today with Abraham. I want to see if we can discover how God reaches into our lives with miracles - great and small to define the very course of our lives because God does have a plan. Psalm 139, verse 16, says: Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In Your book were written all the days that were formed for me when none of them as yet existed. And when we at least expect it, and even despite what you and I do or fail to do, His plan is worked out through His grace for His glory. God brings those defining moments. Let's start with Abraham - the man with whom God's engagement of His chosen people began. He was living comfortably in a place called Ur, east of Israel – of course Israel didn't exist back then. Ur was the land of the Chaldeans, later it was called Babylon – it's just south of modern day Baghdad. And he travelled with his father up to Haran and then God called him to leave his comfort and follow this really crazy, absolutely incredulous promise. Let's pick it up – if you have got a Bible, grab it; open it up at Genesis chapter 12. We are going to look at the story of Abraham – it's too much to look at it all in one programme but we are going to have a look at part of his story. Genesis chapter 12, beginning at verse 1: Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. So Abram when as the Lord had told him and Lot when with him. Abram was seventy five years old when he departed form Haran." Seventy five years old! "He and Sarai his wife and they were childless." You see, you have to remember, in the Old Testament, blessing; God's blessing, you knew you had it when you had lots of land and lots of children. They had neither, so they didn't have God's blessing on their lives. Now the word "Abram" means "exalted father". So even his name was a joke, but still he went, off into the never never, based on what – some intangible, crazy call from God? Remember Abram had no Bible; he had no Scriptures to reveal who God was. He had no church tradition, or Jewish tradition – nothing like that. All the other nations had their gods; idols – they worshipped them, they believed all sorts of weird and wonderful things but Abram put his faith; he put his whole life and all his possessions in this God who came up with this incredulous promise. How did God say this to Abram - through an audible voice, a dream, a vision, a whisper of the Spirit in his heart? We don't know but he just heard the call and he trusted in the promises of God and off he went, into the blue yonder. Now God's plan A, remember, is to bless Abram with land and children – impossible of course! Oozes fantasy, not faith – could never happen. And then begins Abram's comedy of errors – pretty tragic actually. We don't have time to look at them all today but we are going to look at some of them. It's a journey where Abram and Sarai his wife, made plenty of mistakes along the way. Take Lot for instance, his nephew – if you look at Genesis chapter 12 again, did God tell Abram to take Lot with him? Not at all – it was Abram's idea. No doubt, this was plan B for Abram. "Well, if God doesn't come through on this promise of a son, at least I'll have a relative to be my heir" and Lot…..Lot causes him all sorts of grief. Let's have a look – Genesis chapter 13, verse 5: Now Lot who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents so that the land couldn't support both of them living together, for their possessions were so great that they could not live together. And there was strife between the herders of Abram's stock and the herders of Lot's stock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites lived in the land. Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me – between your herders and my herders for we are kindred. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I'll go to the right; of you take the right hand, then I will go to the left." Lot looked about him and saw the plain of the Jordan that was well watered everywhere like this garden of the Lord; like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar - this was before the Lord had destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. So Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan and Lot eastward thus he separated from Abram. Gee, plan B worked really well for Abram didn't it? Obviously God didn't know what He was promising Abram and needed a back up! And look how it turned out! Strife, separation and then Abram gave away the best half of the Promised Land. And if you read on in chapter 14, Abram risks his life and God's plan because he has to fight a battle to save Lot's life. Lot was not part of plan A and in chapter 19 of Genesis (we won't go there for now for time reasons) but he ends up sleeping with his own daughters and fathers the Moabites and the Ammonites; both nations that became enemies of Israel. Huh – well done Abram! God obviously needed your help!!   Who Can Blame Him? Well, who can blame Abram? He is in his late seventies now on a journey to nowhere and Sarai is no spring chicken either, I have to tell you. And God gives him this utterly incongruous, impossible promise and Abram is aching inside. "God, what are You doing?"  Can you relate to that? I can! Let's have a look at the defining moment in Abram's journey. It begins in Genesis chapter 15, verse 1: After these things the Word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Don't be afraid, Abram, I am your shield. Your reward shall be very great." But Abram said, "Lord God, what will You give me for I continue childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer, son of Damascus?" And Abram said, "You have given me no offspring and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir." But the Word of the Lord came to him, "This man shall not be your heir. No one but a son coming from your very own body shall be your heir." God brought him outside and said, "Look toward the heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them." Then the Lord said to him, "So shall your descendants be!" And Abram believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. I reckon this is one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible. Is Abram a man of faith? Absolutely! But he is struggling – he has tried everything he can do in his own strength and he can't make this promise from God happen and time is marching on. So through his doubt, he ends up with plan C or D or whatever he is up to. How does God respond – with rebuke, with punishment, with discipline? God brought him outside and said, "Look toward the heaven and count the start, if you are able to count them." Then God said "So will your descendants be! Isn't it beautiful? You know, the Milky Way when you get away from the smog and the lights of the city is just the most awesome thing – there are so many stars out there – it almost looks like clouds. Trillions of stars – this is the love of God! And he believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. Abram's faith meant that God's righteousness became part of who he was. It's a theme the Apostle Paul picks up in Romans chapter 4 and in Galatians chapter 3 in the New Testament, much later. See I struggle with the rose coloured glasses that Paul and others in the New Testament use to look back on Abraham. They paint him as this paragon of virtue; this great man of faith. Hebrews chapter 11, beginning at verse 8: By faith Abraham, when he was called to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he didn't know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the Promised Land like a stranger in a foreign country, for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Abraham, even though he was past age and Sarah herself was barren, was enabled to become a father. That's great but what about all of Abraham blunders? What about his lack of faith? He goes to God and says to God, "What will You give me? What will You show me? I can't see it – I'm losing hope." See, Abraham was human – Abraham had human failures and he made mistakes just like you and me - but the answer is in what we just read in Genesis. How is it that despite all of Abraham's blunders and doubts, God's plan still came to fruition? Because Abraham: "believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness." Abraham believed – he didn't do it perfectly – but he believed and this was counted by God as righteousness. The righteousness of God when we believe, He forgives our sins – He forgets them. "As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us." You see, that's why in the New Testament it doesn't talk about Abraham's mistakes because God has forgiven them and they are not relevant. That's how God deals with Abraham's human failings. This is the defining moment in Abraham's journey: he believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. This night that was like any other; he was in his tent; he was struggling; he was praying; he was saying, 'God, what are you doing?' And God just touches him and brings him outside and says, "Look up at the stars; as many as are there so numerous will be your descendants." It's not about what Abraham did or didn't do. The defining moment is about God's grace! And come and look with me exactly how imperfectly Abraham believed. Come and see with me how human and frail his faith actually is. He is credited with righteousness – God speaks to him and right on the back of that, just two verses later, in Genesis chapter 15, verse 8, begins this: But he said "O Lord, God, how am I to know I shall possess it?" And God said to him, "Bring Me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtle dove and a young pigeon." He brought God all those things and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other but he did not cut the birds in two. And when the birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abraham drove them away. As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abraham and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him. Then the Lord said to Abraham, "Know this for certain that your offspring shall be aliens in a land that is not theirs and they shall be slaves there and they shall be oppressed there for four hundred years but I will bring judgement on the nation that they serve and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. As for you yourself, you shall go with your ancestors in peace and you shall be buried in a good old age. And they shall come back here in the fourth generation for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete." When the sun had gone down and it was dark, and a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day (listen to this) On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abraham, saying, "To your descendants I give this land – from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates and the land of the Kenites and the Kenizzites and the Kadmonites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Raphaim and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Girgashites and the Jebusites." See, in the face of further doubt from Abraham, God gives him this vision and he makes an unbreakable promise; a covenant; a promise from God Himself to Abraham.   The Last Laugh Just as well, this covenant from God was an unbreakable promise because what happens next, after the stars thing and the vision and the promise, would have been the final straw for me if I had been God. Have a look at the next Now Sarai, Abram's wife, bore him no children. She had an Egyptian slave girl whose name was Hagar and Sarai said to Abram, "You see the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go into my slave girl; it may be that I shall obtain children by her." Abram listened to the voice of his wife Sarai, so after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar the Egyptian; her slave girl and gave her to her husband Abraham as a wife. He went into Hagar and she conceived and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, "May the wrong done to me be on you. I gave my slave girl to you to embrace and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me." Ok, men had more than one wife in those days but people haven't changed that much. Wives, how happy would you be with this outcome? Your husband sleeping with a slave girl and then all of a sudden the slave girl is pregnant. Can you see how perverted this is? And the son that Hagar bore was Ishmail and he became the father of the Arab world! Gee, that worked out brilliantly, didn't it? And so Abram, left to his own devices would have lurched from one blunder to the next but now the bit that really gets me about this story, is the ending. Both Abram and Sarai get to the point – I mean this has been going on for years now; decades where they just end up laughing at God's promises. I mean they are so ridiculous; they are so impossible – have a look – Abram first in Genesis chapter 17, verse 15: God said to Abram, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai anymore but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her and she will give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her." Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, "Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah who is ninety years old bear a child?" And Abraham said to God, "O that Ishmail might live in Your sight." And God said, "No, but your wife Sarah shall bear you a son and you shall name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him." And then Sarah's turn next! God appears to Abraham in the form of three men and those men said to him, "Where is your wife Sarah?" And he said, "There, in the tent." Then one of them said, "I will surely return to you in due season and your wife Sarah shall have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance, behind them. Now Abraham and Sarah, they were old and advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, "After I have grown old and my husband is old, shall I have the pleasure?" See, can you blame Abraham and Sarah for laughing at God? I mean if you don't laugh you will cry. It has been twenty five years – they headed away on this fool's errand into the blue yonder. Abraham is over a hundred – Sarah is over ninety – come on God, what do You think You are doing? But let's see how it ends! Genesis chapter 21: The Lord dealt with Sarah just as He had said and the Lord did for Sarah as He had promised. Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the time of which God had spoken. Abraham gave the name Isaac to his son whom Sarah had borne. Do you know what the word "Isaac" means? It means "he laughs" – you see God had the last laugh! They both laughed at God's promises and God gives them a son called Isaac and God has the last laugh! It's the laughter of God's grace. And when you look back on this journey, what was the defining moment? See, what you and I want to look at is say: "What do I have to do….what do I have to do? What do I have to do to get God's favour?" Isn't that what we are always thinking? And you look at all of Abraham's blunders and you see all the mistakes he made but in his heart he believed and it was reckoned unto him by God as righteousness. His faith trumped his failures! Let me say that again ... Abraham's faith trumped his failures! People came to Jesus years later and they said, "What must we do to perform the works of God?" And Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God: that you believe in the One whom He has sent." Do you get it? The defining moment for Abraham was God's gracious, loving, powerful, impossible, unbreakable, ridiculous, only God could ever do it, take it forever….promise. And in his heart Abraham believed. That's the bit that God saw and took and used and blessed Abraham through. That's why the New Testament writers can completely ignore the failures of Abraham because God….God had forgotten them a long time ago. God had decided to overlook them a long time ago. Abraham was not a perfect man – Abraham was human just like you and me. You make blunders in your life; I make blunders in my life. What does God look at? He looks at whether we put our trust in Him through Jesus Christ. God not only forgave Abraham and Sarah but He cleaned up their mess along the way so that His plan would be fulfilled and realised for His glory. Look again at the defining moment in Abraham's life…Genesis chapter 15, verses 5 and 6: God brought Abraham outside and said, "Look up toward the heaven. Count the stars if you are able to count them." Then God said to him, "So shall your descendants be. And Abraham believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. What do I have to do to do the works of God? To believe in the One whom He sent; His Son, Jesus Christ!

20 Proverbs 21-22; Exodus 8-12; 19 Psalms 49-52; 58 Hebrews 7-11

TODAY'S TREASUREGod Himself has said, 'I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any way or degree leave you helpless nor forsake you nor let you down, relax My hold on you. Assuredly not!'Hebrews 13:5 AmplifiedSend us a comment!Support the show

Send us a textWhat if the most honest thing you can say in suffering is not “help me feel better,” but “bring me back to You”? We dive into Job 9:32–33 and uncover how Job's cry for a mediator anticipates the gospel with piercing clarity. God is not a man, so judgment isn't a negotiation—and that realization reshapes everything about how we face pain, guilt, and the ache of feeling far from Him.We walk through why self-help fails at the one thing that matters most: reconciliation with a holy God. From courtroom analogies to Hebrews 4, we explore the necessity of a Mediator who is both God and man. Jesus alone can lay a hand on both, silence dread, and clothe us with a righteousness we could never earn. The conversation refuses shortcuts and counterfeits; no human intermediary, ritual, or motivational lift can pay an eternal debt. Only the God-Man can represent us perfectly and open bold access to the throne of grace.Along the way, we share personal stories of change, tough love, and the joy of watching someone return to truth. We sit with Job's fear and discover how it becomes courage when the rod is removed and the Mediator speaks for us. If suffering has ever made God feel distant, this is a clear-eyed map back to fellowship: seek the One who reconciles, not the comforts that distract. Come for the theology, stay for the hope, and leave with a renewed confidence in Christ's finished work.If this conversation helped you see Christ more clearly, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review so others can find it too. What part of Job's longing resonates with you today?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251226dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. Hebrews 1:1-2 He Has Spoken by His Son When people want to know God’s will, they often search for a voice. Some look for signs in nature, others for whispers in their hearts. Some chase after visions or dramatic experiences. But the writer to the Hebrews reminds us that we don't need to guess where God speaks. We already have his clear Word. Long ago, God spoke through prophets like Moses and Isaiah. Their words were true, and they pointed forward to something greater. All those voices prepared the way for the day when God would speak through his Son. And that day has come. In Jesus, God has spoken once for all. Do you want to know how God feels about you? Look at his Son. See Jesus reaching out to touch the untouchable leper. Hear his voice calming the fearful. Watch him carrying your sins to the cross. Listen as he cries out, “It is finished!” That is God's message to you. No uncertainty. No guesswork. God loves you, forgives you, and calls you his child. Notice also how Jesus is described. He is the heir of all things, the One through whom the universe was made. This is no ordinary messenger. When he speaks, it is not merely advice or suggestion. It is the voice of the eternal Son of God. And that means you can trust his promises with complete confidence. So, when doubts arise, when your heart longs for assurance, you don't need to wait for a special sign from heaven. You already have the greatest sign: God has spoken by his Son. Open the Scriptures. Hear him there. His Word is living and active, still speaking forgiveness and peace into your life today. Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the final and full Word of God. When I am tempted to look elsewhere for assurance, turn me back to you. Let me rest in your promises, for in you I hear God's love loud and clear. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Hebrews 2:11-18, Matthew 2:13-23

In this episode of Speak the Truth, the hosts delve into the attribute of God's holiness with Michael, discussing his entry titled 'Embracing Holy Perfection.' They explore the complexities of God's holiness, its association with redemption, moral purity, and how it shapes believers' lives. The conversation includes reflections on pertinent biblical texts, such as Isaiah 6:3-7 and Hebrews 12:10, discussing the distinction between striving for holiness and avoiding legalism. Practical counseling applications and session strategies are shared, emphasizing encountering God's holiness and its impact on personal transformation and worship.00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast00:22 Discussing God's Holiness with Michael01:49 Defining Holiness and Its Implications03:53 Isaiah's Encounter with God's Holiness05:28 Connecting Holiness to Counseling08:13 Practical Applications of Holiness09:56 Striving for Holiness in Daily Life11:55 The Role of Discipline in Holiness26:54 Final Thoughts and EncouragementEpisode MentionsCounseling Through God's Attributes - ABC RES 

Homily from The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) What if all I received was HIM this Christmas? We have waited for Jesus—and now that He is here, true gratitude is shown by living fully in the gift of His presence and love. Mass Readings from December 25, 2025:Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6Hebrews 1:1-6 John 1:1-18