Podcasts about Hebrews

Welcome to Day 2941 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain and today is Day 2941 – Theology Thursday – Not a Binary Choice: Recovering the Full Picture of the Atonement Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2941 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2941 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons are available on his website, theologyinfive.com.  Not a Binary Choice: Recovering the Full Picture of the Atonement. Many believers raised in traditional evangelical settings were taught a single dominant explanation of the cross, usually Penal Substitutionary Atonement. It became the framework through which sin, salvation, prayer, and even God's character were understood. When people later encounter Christus Victor or other historic atonement models, the shift can feel disorienting, like choosing between competing versions of Christianity. But the Bible never asks us to make that choice. It presents the atonement as a multifaceted work that cannot be confined to a single model. The problem was never that PSA existed. The problem was that it became the whole story. The first segment is: The Bible Uses Many Images for a Reason. The New Testament describes the work of Christ through several metaphors. It uses sacrificial language, legal language, military imagery, temple imagery, ransom themes, and the language of liberation and deliverance. Each of these highlights a different aspect of one unified event. The atonement is too large and too complex to be captured by a single metaphor. When one model becomes dominant, the others are pushed to the margins, even though the biblical writers freely used all of them. Christus Victor does not contradict sacrificial or substitutionary language. It restores the cosmic dimension of the cross that was central to the early church. Christ defeats the powers that enslaved humanity, breaks the dominion of death, and disarms the hostile spiritual beings that opposed God's creation. The second segment is: How the Early Church Understood the Cross. For the earliest generations of Christians, the cross was first and foremost a victory. Their world was steeped in the reality of hostile spiritual powers, cosmic rulers, and the rebellion of the nations. When they spoke of the atonement, they spoke primarily of liberation, triumph, and the overthrow of death. This is the framework behind Paul's language about principalities, rulers, and the powers of darkness. It is the worldview behind Hebrews and the imagery of Revelation. Christus Victor was not a novel theory. It was the assumed backdrop of the biblical authors and the earliest church. The later Western emphasis on legal atonement did not replace this view, but it did overshadow it. Recovering it brings believers back into the thought world of the first and second-century church. The Third segment is: Why It Is Not a Binary Choice. Some assume that embracing Christus Victor requires rejecting PSA, or that acknowledging courtroom imagery requires minimizing the victory theme. This creates a false choice. The early church held multiple models without difficulty. They saw each as a window into the same event. They understood that sin is both guilt and bondage, and that the cross addresses both realities. When believers rediscover a neglected dimension of the atonement, they are not abandoning the faith they grew up with. They are recovering the fuller biblical picture. The fourth segment is: Why PSA Became Dominant in the Western Church. The rise of PSA dominance was historical rather than biblical. During the Reformation, the legal metaphors of scripture resonated deeply with a culture shaped by law courts, civic reform, and disputes with medieval abuses. Protestants emphasized the forensic side of the cross because it addressed the controversies of their era. Over time, this legal framework became the default lens for many Western Christians. But its dominance was shaped by history, not theological necessity. Recognizing this frees believers to receive the other biblical images without feeling that they are abandoning their tradition. The sixth segment is: Substitution Still Matters. Shifting emphasis does not mean losing substitution. Christ stands in our place. He gives Himself for His people. In Christus Victor, substitution takes on a different focus. Christ acts on behalf of humanity to defeat the powers we could not defeat and to break a curse we could not break. It is still substitution, but it is framed within liberation rather than divine retribution. The question is not whether substitution is biblical. The question is how the Bible applies it within the larger story of rebellion, bondage, and redemption. The seventh segment is: How This Shift Changes Faith and Prayer. For many believers, the shift begins with a new understanding of God's posture toward them. PSA can subtly create the impression that God accepts believers only after His wrath has been satisfied. Christus Victor reorients that picture. God has always been for His people. The cross is not the moment God becomes loving. It is the moment God defeats the forces that held humanity captive and demonstrates His commitment to restoring His creation. Prayer also takes on a different character. Instead of approaching God as a judge whose anger has been appeased, believers speak with a King who has already won and who invites them to share in His authority. Spiritual conflict becomes clearer. The New Testament's emphasis on hostile powers, principalities, and the dominion of death gains renewed weight. Faith becomes participation in the ongoing victory of Christ rather than a purely legal transaction. The eighth segment is: The Divine Council and the Cosmic Victory of Christ. A fuller understanding of the atonement also illuminates the Divine Council worldview woven through scripture. The cross is the moment when the hostile elohim who rebelled were judged, disarmed, and stripped of their authority over the nations. The rebellion of Genesis 6, the division of the nations in Deuteronomy 32, and the judgment of the gods in Psalm 82 form the backdrop to the work of Christ. Christus Victor situates the cross within this cosmic story and makes sense of the biblical claim that Christ triumphed openly over the rulers of this age. The ninth segment is: Salvation Has Always Been About Loyalty to Yahweh. Understanding the atonement also requires recovering a central biblical truth. From Genesis to Revelation, salvation is about covenant loyalty to Yahweh. Sin matters because it is an act of disloyalty. It aligns humanity with rival powers and hostile elohim who seek to rule the nations. Scripture consistently describes redemption as turning, returning, or giving allegiance to the one true God. The legal dimension of sin explains the guilt that must be forgiven, but guilt is not the center of the story. The deeper issue is misplaced loyalty. Humanity's rebellion in Eden, the cosmic rebellion of the sons of God, and the division of the nations all revolve around people drifting toward other rulers. The cross addresses this at the root. Christ breaks the power of those hostile beings, removes the guilt of disloyalty, and restores people to the God they were created to serve. The tenth segment is: A Biblical Example: David's Loyalty. David provides a clear example of the centrality of loyalty. Scripture never hides his sins. They were serious, and they carried real consequences. Yet he is consistently described as a man after God's own heart. The reason is not moral flawlessness, but unwavering allegiance. David never gave himself to another god. Even in failure, he returned to Yahweh, recognizing that sin was disloyalty rather than mere moral error. Psalm 51 shows that his repentance was a restoration of covenant faithfulness. This distinguishes David from Saul and Solomon, whose compromises involved divided allegiance, not isolated moral lapses. His life demonstrates that loyalty to Yahweh has always been the heart of salvation. The eleventh segment is: How This Deepens Daily Discipleship. A broader view of the atonement changes how believers understand temptation, suffering, and mission. Followers of Christ are not simply forgiven people waiting for heaven. They are participants in the restoration of creation. The powers have been defeated, but not yet removed. Believers live in the...

How do you choose to navigate troubles and suffering? Do you choose to wallow in them? Do you try to find a solution as quickly as possible? In this episode, Amy talks about how the world chooses to frame mental health and suffering, and what God's Word tells us about navigating suffering and where our hope should be anchored.References:Psalm 18:6; Psalm 107:13; Psalm 145:18-19; Psalm 142:1-5; Ephesians 4:31; James 3:14-16; Romans 5:3-5; Isaiah 43:2; James 1:12-14; Hebrews 4:16; Colossians 3:2Resources:Athey Creek Church - Pastoral Care Phone #: 971.250.1113Elisabeth Elliot, Suffering Is Never for Nothing

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) Hebrews 11 is known as the great Hall of Faith because it recites the faith and resulting ac... More...

Peace the World Can't Give: The Promise of the Holy Spirit – John 14:15–31 In Episode 150 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane finish John 14 with one of Jesus' greatest promises: we will never have to walk alone. As Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, He promises the coming of the Holy Spirit—the Advocate, Helper, and Teacher who will remain with them and remind them of everything Jesus has taught. Then, in the middle of uncertainty about what comes next, Jesus gives them something the world cannot manufacture: His peace. Together, Jamie and Jane explore what it means to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives, how love for Jesus shapes our obedience, and the difference between temporary peace based on circumstances and the lasting peace that comes from Christ. Jesus never promised His followers a life without trouble, questions, or uncertainty. He promised something better: His presence in the middle of it. If your heart has been anxious, overwhelmed, or searching for peace, pull up a chair. John 14 reminds us that we have a Helper, we have His presence, and we have a peace the world cannot give. Reflection Question: Am I looking to my circumstances to give me peace—or am I learning to receive the peace Jesus has already given me? ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

It’s easy to lose track of time without realizing where it went. A few minutes on social media becomes an hour, notifications interrupt meaningful conversations, and endless content competes for our attention. Technology can be a helpful tool, but when our phones, screens, and constant stream of information begin controlling our attention, they can quietly pull us away from God, our families, and the people and purposes He has placed in front of us. Ephesians 5:15-16 calls us to walk wisely and make the best use of our time. Redeeming our time doesn't necessarily mean eliminating technology—it means becoming intentional about what receives our attention. When we create space to pray, read Scripture, invest in relationships, and serve others, we begin using our time for something greater than simply staying busy or entertained. God has given us the gift of time, and we can ask Him for the wisdom and self-control to spend it in ways that honor Him and help us live faithfully. Highlights Why smartphones, social media, and constant information can quietly steal our time and attention What Ephesians 5:15-16 means when it calls us to make the best use of our time How technology can become a distraction from God, family, and meaningful relationships Practical ways to develop healthier screen-time habits and greater self-control Why intentional time with God should be protected from digital distractions How fasting from technology can help reset our attention and priorities Encouragement to redeem the time God has given us for His glory and the work He has called us to Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Redeeming, Not Wasting, Our Time By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV). As a millennial, I find myself reflecting upon a time before the technological boom we seem to be facing, specifically before AI, smartphones, and social media. I remember taking a walk or riding my bike after school without the anxiety of accidentally leaving my phone at home. I remember the excitement of turning in my disposable camera from the school dance and then looking through my friends’ photo albums when I was hanging out at their house. I remember soaking up the most mundane moments without feeling the need to document them. Some of that could very well be what it was like to be younger, but I cannot ignore how much the simplicity of life has become more complicated and distracted with these portable devices that seem to control us and steal our time. About six months ago, I started to feel convicted about the lack of self-control regarding my screen time with my phone, so I purchased a little device that literally turns your phone into a brick when your phone hovers over it, depending on how much you want to limit its functionality. You can customize specific functions and apps that you want to limit, and for me, it was quite simply shutting down my social media usage. After six months of using this limiting device, I can see how it has helped me create healthier habits that have helped me prioritize my time more wisely. Instead of my phone controlling me, I have been able to start controlling it and using it as the tool that it is. My prayer to the Lord is “I want to be found faithful.” I have asked Him very frequently how I can use my time to glorify Him and be a fruitful disciple of Jesus. The Apostle Paul lovingly warns the church at Ephesus: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV). Intersecting Life & Faith: If the days were evil during Paul’s day, they most assuredly are evil today! Although our cellphones, tablets, laptops, etc are not evil, I do believe we need to be cautious as to how much time we are devoting to them. We need to be aware of where we are directing our focus. We need to be attentive to what is capturing our attention that may be causing us to make unwise choices. For me, the distraction from my phone was keeping me from intentional time with my sons and causing me to become captured by covetousness and discontentment with the swath of influencers pushing product after product. As we live in the great information age, we are bombarded with opportunities to fill our time and our minds with so many things that can so easily replace our time of fellowship with the Lord, as well as distract us from the very thing He has called us to do: make disciples! Perhaps you may not have an issue with technology distracting you from the Lord- praise God! Stay strong and be an accountability partner for those around you who are easily pulled away from the things of God because of the ever-increasing information age and the age of social media influencers promoting materialism and vanity. But if you are like me (a stay-at-home/work-from-home mom) and you are finding yourself with limited time to spend with Jesus in prayer and the Word, I challenge you to ask the Lord if there is something you can arrange in your schedule to allow better time management. Also, ask Him if He would like for you to fast (technology, that is), something that could be causing division between you and Him. Devote specific time every day to spend some quiet time in fellowship with God and reading your Bible, without your cellphone or iPad within reach- turn them off during that time and perhaps put a timer on the most-used apps that you access throughout your day. You might just need extra help with self-control, like me! Be thankful for the benefits of the tools and global connections that technology brings us, but don’t allow technology to rob you of your connection to Jesus or distract you from all the blessings He has put right in front of you. We have been given the precious gift of time here on this earth; let’s not waste our time but redeem it all for God’s glory! Further Reading: Matthew 6:33 Hebrews 12:1-2 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sin does more than produce wrong behavior. It distorts perception. Recording from Old Town Lublin, Poland, Nancy examines the sobering progression from deception to diminished sensitivity and spiritual hardening. Hebrews 3:13 warns that the deceitfulness of sin can harden the heart into settled rebellion. The danger is not only that we choose what is wrong, but that repeated agreement with sin can make us increasingly unable to see what is happening within us. Nancy also explores why Scripture commands believers to exhort one another daily—and why the Body of Christ is essential when self-deception has made honest inward discernment difficult. The most dangerous deception is the deception we cannot recognize in ourselves. But God does not uncover the heart to humiliate His sons. He brings what is hidden into the light so that truth can recover the inward man, soften what has become resistant, and restore responsiveness to His voice. This episode lays the foundation for Part 2, where the hidden things of the heart are made manifest and the undeniable presence of God brings a person to worship. Key Scriptures: Hebrews 3:13 AMPC · 1 Corinthians 14:23–25 AMPC · Hebrews 4:12–13 AMPC Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Episode-1123-When-You-Dont-Know-Youre-Deceived-The-Deceitfulness-of-Sin.pdf LINKS The Devotional Podcast with Nancy McCready https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hHjwQ_3Qrp1rhbR9nu68wnBtQY0IHzc The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/

What difference does the hope of heaven make when life hurts right now?   In this episode, Haley and Dustin welcome Sheila Walsh back to the podcast for an honest conversation about depression, disappointment, unanswered prayers, and the hope we have in Christ. Sheila shares about a recent difficult season in her own mental health journey and how Hebrews 12 led her to a fresh perspective on eternity.   Drawing from her book The Hope of Heaven, Sheila explores what Scripture says about heaven, why our longing for something more points us toward eternity, and how keeping our eyes on our future in heaven can change the way we live today.   If life hasn't turned out the way you hoped, this conversation is a beautiful reminder: this is not the end of your story. There is so much hope waiting for you.   Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.   So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.   Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.   Listen in    --------------   Resources from Sheila Walsh Learn more about Sheila Walsh and her ministry at https://sheilawalsh.com/  Connect with Sheila on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheilawalsh1/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheilawalshconnects/ X / Twitter: https://x.com/sheilawalsh    Hope for the Heart resources   Join us this fall at the Hope Together Conference! Learn more and sign up here: https://hopetogether.com/    Connect with Hope for the Heart on social!    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart    Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/    Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/    Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night     God's plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you      Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks    -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode   1 Peter 3:15 — "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."   Hebrews 12:1–2 — "...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross..." Luke 23:43 — "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."   Matthew 11:3, 6 — "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"... "Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me."   2 Corinthians 4:17 — "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."   2 Corinthians 12:2–4 — "...caught up to the third heaven... caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things..."   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."   Colossians 3:1–2 — "Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is... Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."   Revelation 21:3–4 — "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

DESCRIPTION You can ask God for a word to stand on, and He will give you one. This is what changes when you stop formulating your own plan and start listening for His. FREE DAILY DEVOTIONALS A short word from the Word in your inbox every morning. Free, and you can start today. https://increaseministries.com/start-here JOIN THE INCREASE ACADEMY Live morning calls, the 12 month discipleship path, and a community of believers growing together. https://increaseacademy.com KINGDOM LAUNCHPAD You know you're called. This is where you finally get started. https://www.skool.com/kingdom-launchpad-6884 MY BOOKS Short, practical reads on faith, identity, and increase. Most you can finish in one sitting. https://increaseministries.com/books LISTEN ON SPOTIFY Take the teaching with you. Every message on audio. https://open.spotify.com/show/5qwNtJ3M2ZQOnrTzXhMqZI SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE New teaching every week. Hit subscribe so you don't miss it. https://www.youtube.com/@TravisPeters/videos GIVE Your giving puts this teaching in front of believers who need it. https://increaseministries.com/give ABOUT THIS TEACHING This teaching walks through James 1:5-8 in the Amplified Bible, along with Isaiah 55:11 and Psalm 107:20. The starting point is simple: God's word never comes back empty. It accomplishes the thing He sent it to do. It heals, it delivers, and it sets people free, including a man who carried guilt and shame for over twenty years and walked out from under it in a single class. From there the call gets practical. James 1:5 says if you lack wisdom for a decision or a circumstance, ask God, and He gives generously, without rebuke or blame. No performance requirement. No thirty day clean streak. Trav walks through the time he asked God for a word over his daughter's medical testing and heard a phrase he had never used in his life, then went and found it sitting in Isaiah 61. The fear left the moment the word arrived. Then comes verse six, the warning about doubt. A double minded man keeps one foot in the spiritual and one foot in his own reasoning, and Scripture says he should not expect to receive anything. That shows up most often in health and in finances, and it usually does not sound like unbelief. It sounds like "I know God is my healer, but." Taught live on the Increase Life Bible Study. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Why God's word always accomplishes what He sent it to do How to ask God for a word to stand on, and how to test it against Scripture Why fear and worry get disguised as love and concern What James 1:5 actually promises about wisdom and who qualifies for it What double mindedness looks like in real life, especially with health and money Why you never have to get yourself right before you ask God for help How to go to the doctor and keep your faith in God at the same time CHAPTERS 0:00 The power of one word: a twenty year weight lifted 5:33 Isaiah 55:11 and Psalm 107:20: what God's word always does 7:19 How to ask God for a word to stand on 9:40 The doctor's report on my daughter 14:01 She will grow tall like the mighty oak 22:12 James 1:5: ask for wisdom and He gives it generously 26:25 James 1:6-8: the double minded man 32:44 When your actions say God might not come through 47:46 Doctors, medicine, and where your faith belongs 56:39 God's plan is a long and satisfying life SCRIPTURES REFERENCED Psalm 107:20 (Amplified) Isaiah 55:11 (Amplified) Isaiah 61:3 Romans 10:17 James 1:5-8 (Amplified) Hebrews 4:16 Hebrews 4:2 Romans 8:1 1 John 4:18 2 Timothy 1:7 John 10:10 Galatians 6:9 If this teaching helped you, like the video and leave a comment with what stood out to you. It helps more believers find it. Stay strong. I'm in your corner. Trav #James15 #AskGodForWisdom #DoubleMinded #Isaiah5511 #FaithOverFear #PowerOfTheWord #HealingScriptures #BibleStudy #ChristianTeaching #IncreaseMinistries

TEACHING TEXT: 1 Timothy 2,”2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”F.U.E.L.Faith“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would approach God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 UnityJohn 17:23, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”EncounterMatthew 28:20” Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”Liberty“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 Prayer WarriorThe practice of Prayer is the heart aligning with the will of the Father, which is the restoration of all things here on earth back into love and blessing under Him.THE PRAYER WARRIOR IS FUELED BY CONVICTION FOR GODS GLORY TO COVER THE EARTH.The warrior doesn't train their whole life to defend their living room; no, they go out and take ground, seek more battles, and fight on behalf of others in order to restore peace.Intercession – the act of pleading, praying, or intervening on behalf of another person.” we are taking the things we know about God to be true and then pointing them back at the world and asking for Him in those areas”.“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation... We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” — 2 Corinthians 5:18, 20 1 Timothy 2,”2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” — Matthew 6:10“Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still.” — E. M. Bounds “Come Holy Spirit”There is one goal in intercession: Work Hard in Prayer to see the Lord prevail.2 Chronicles 7:14,”if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”You and the Lord are working together to bring His will to earth.Genesis 1:28,” God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”Learn to love to work for the Lord in prayer.Young men and women of the faith are not spectators in his kingdom – once you have said yes to Jesus, He brings you fully in to participate in His work of creation restoration. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2The greatest accomplishment in intercession is His presence coming into places and bringing transformation for His glory.1 Corinthians 11:1,Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

What do you do when you blow it with God? In this final teaching from our series in Exodus, guest speaker Dave Nelson looks at Exodus 34 alongside the book of Hebrews and the contrast is striking. At Sinai, the people stood at a distance. Moses alone went up the mountain into the presence of God. But Hebrews tells us that because of Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant, we are invited to draw near. We don't come hiding, pretending, or trying to make ourselves worthy. We come through Christ. And when we come, we discover the God who revealed Himself to Moses: merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The good news is not simply that God forgives us when we fail. Through Jesus, He brings us near, makes us holy, and gives us His Spirit to transform us. Come and Seek the Lord with Us www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit

https://square.link/u/UHRU92rp - Donate HereToday's reading takes us to Hebrews 2, where we are warned not to drift from the greatness of salvation. Drifting does not usually happen because we violently reject the gospel; it happens when we stop paying close attention and stop being amazed by what Christ has done. This salvation is too great to become ordinary.Hebrews 2 reminds us that Jesus stepped into humanity, tasted death by grace, and entered the battle to destroy death and its master. In Genesis 3, the serpent brought death; in Genesis 4, Cain spread death; but in Hebrews 2, Jesus enters death to break its power and bring His brothers home. So today, read Hebrews 2 and ask the Lord to make your heart amazed again: the Savior became flesh, defeated the enemy, and now calls us His own.

Jesus is the most written about, fought over, and misunderstood person in history. But who was he, really? What does the Bible say? Peter's sermon in Acts 10 – the first sermon preached specifically to non-Jews – shows us five teachings of the early church on who Jesus was and what he did to save us. View series on PursueGOD.org: Pursuit (Series)--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--Lord of AllThe first teaching about Jesus starts with his identity. Was he just a prophet or priest, or was he something more? Peter answers:Acts 10:36 (NLT) There is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Peter calls Jesus “Lord,” a reference to his divinity. Jesus is God the Son, the second person of the Trinity (John 1:1-4). Jesus himself taught this (John 8:58), and his followers believed it. Scripture affirms that Jesus is fully God, creator and sustainer of all things. Colossians 1:15,19-20 (NLT) Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation…. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself.But why does this matter? Why is it important to believe that Jesus is fully God instead of just a good man? The answer is that Jesus could not offer us “peace with God” if he were merely human. Jesus is God, and his divinity qualifies him to be our savior.But let's not miss the last part of Acts 10:36. Jesus is Lord of “all,” not just Lord of the Israelites. God's desire from the beginning was that all people would come to know him. That's why Peter was preaching this sermon in the first place. God had sent him to the house of a Gentile, and this was the inauguration of a new kind of movement. Christianity would be a faith for both Jews and Gentiles, because Jesus is Lord of all. Perfectly GoodThe next teaching fills us in on Christ's activity while he was here on the earth. What kind of a person was he? How did he live?Acts 10:38 (NLT) Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.Jesus was a miracle worker unlike anything the world had ever seen. He cast out demons (Luke 4:40-41) and healed lepers (Luke 5:12-13). He miraculously fed thousands (Matthew 14:13-21), walked on water (Matthew 14:22-33), and even raised a dead guy to life (John 11:38-44).On top of his miracles, Jesus “went around doing good.” This affirms what we learned about God earlier in this series. God is for you, not against you. He's a good God, and Jesus proved it by his actions while he walked this earth.But most important of all was what Jesus didn't do: he never sinned. Jesus was perfect and sinless from start to finish. During his lifetime Jesus proved his power over sin and its consequences. Read his story for yourself and here's what you'll find: Jesus was fully God and fully man, living a sinless life and perfectly modeling the love of God. Again, why is this important? Consider this: if Jesus had been a sinner like the rest of us, then he would have had to die for his own sins. But since he was sinless, he could go to the cross on our behalf. The sin-debt that he paid could be credited to our account, because Jesus didn't owe on the debt. Crucified and RisenSo far we've learned that Jesus is fully God and perfectly sinless. That sets us up for the core teaching of the early church on the person and work of Jesus: he died and rose again. The power of faith in Jesus hinges on these two simple, historical facts. Acts 10:39-40 (NLT) They put him to death by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him to life on the third day. Jesus was about thirty three years old when the Jews put him on trial and the Romans nailed him to the cross (Luke 23:44-46, 24:1-6). From the outside looking in, this was an epic tragedy. But it was God's plan all along, even though nobody saw it coming (Isaiah 53:8-10).And here's the most important part: Jesus didn't stay dead. He rose from the grave after three days, proving once and for all his power over sin and death. This is central to the Christian faith, because a dead savior would be no savior at all: 1 Corinthians 15:14 (NLT) And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.But how do we know that the resurrection isn't just a myth? The simplest proof was the response of his closest followers. Though they abandoned Jesus in fear before the crucifixion, they sold out their lives to his message just three days later. Almost all of Jesus' first disciples died for their faith, because they firmly believed that Jesus was raised to life.Judge of AllThe fourth point of Peter's sermon might come as a surprise to modern listeners. Up until now it has all been good news. But Peter adds a stern warning:Acts 10:42 (NLT) Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. The Bible teaches that someday Jesus will judge you for every good and bad thing you've ever done. And here's the bad news: left to yourself, there's no hope of passing the test at the end of eternity. You were born into sin, remember? The thought of a judgment day should get every person's attention (Hebrews 10:31). That's why Peter included it in his sermon.God is not only loving; he is also fair. And so we can't blame God for not flippantly dismissing our sins (Romans 2:9,16). God did not cancel his wrath against us – he spent it on his Son. At the cross, the justice of God collides with the love of God in the person of Jesus.Forgiver of SinsThank God that Peter doesn't end his sermon at judgment! Here's the final truth he teaches us about Jesus: Acts 10:43 (NLT) Everyone who believes in Jesus will have their sins forgiven through his name. This is the new birth that Jesus offers to sinners. The good news of the Bible is that we can be forgiven – but not through a lifetime of good works. Peace with God comes only through faith in a person: Jesus Christ. This is offered to anyone who believes.Jesus is Lord of all, perfectly good, crucified and risen, judge of all, and forgiver of sins. This is what Peter preached that day to the Gentile household of Cornelius, and it remains the basic message for seekers of God today.So we have a choice to

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Thursday morning, the 3rd of September, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Book of Hebrews 12:1-2 and I'm reading two verses: ”Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Oh folks, we really need to run this race to the end. We need to finish strong! There's nothing more sad for me to see than half-built building, where someone has obviously had a vision, put their money and their effort into building a house and halfway through, run out of money, run out of strength and left it derelict. It is an eyesore to the surrounding land. We need to finish the job.As a farmer, when I look at crops, especially farmers who are so intense. They start so well, they do the land preparation, they put the seed in, the fertiliser, they spray the herbicide, weedicide and then they give up. The crop grows to a metre high and then the weeds take over and the crop is absolutely drowned in the weeds and eventually dies. We need to finish the job. It doesn't matter how old or how young you are. Finish the degree, finish your education, finish the job, and then, most importantly, work on that marriage. Do not throw the towel in. Don't give up. Work on the marriage. Sit down, talk to each other, love each other. God will strengthen the marriage and your children will rejoice when they see mom and dad falling in love again. Yes, it is possible, but it requires commitment. It requires a definite decision to fulfil the commitment that we made on our wedding day.Let us run that race for Jesus. God bless you and have a wonderful day. Goodbye.

Who wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews? The author never identifies himself—yet the letter leaves behind a compelling trail of internal clues, manuscript evidence, and early-church testimony.

On this week’s Prison Pulpit we start out by looking at some helpful thoughts from James White’s 12 year old sermon on Hebrews 13:3, the timeless passage on which this podcast is based. Then after talking a bit about the uniquely difficult situation in India, we briefly open up the latest edition of the missionary classic, Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret, and try to learn and apply a lesson from Taylor’s experiences. I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city to pray for every single day. Email me with any questions, comments, or complaints: bfwesten AT gmail dot com. Finally, check out my personal landing page PrayGiveGo.us for everything else, including our missions website, substack, and books. Why the Prison Pulpit? The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches. The ESV reads: “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them” James White comments on Hebrews 13:3 (in a sermon preached on June 22, 2014 in Arizona): Remember those who are in prison: “The ones bound, the ones who are in chains” As though in prison with them: “As if you yourself were chained together with them” “There are brothers, there are sisters, who some day in the glory of heaven, you will be closer to than anyone on this earth right now, who are suffering in the name of Christ. And in our day we probably have more information and more knowledge of this than any preceding generation has ever had.” Joy as Seven Pastors Freed From Jail in India https://www.barnabasaid.org/gb/news/joy-as-seven-pastors-freed-from-jail-in-india/ FREE EBOOK: Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret https://anekopress.com/product/hudson-taylors-spiritual-secret/ Pray for China Cities of the Week (Sep 1-6): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-sep-1-7-2026 If you would like to “sponsor” a Chinese church leader at one of our upcoming strategic China training gatherings, I can personally provide you with the name (or secure nickname) of the particular pastor/leader who you sponsor, and for whom you can continue to pray for going forward. Help Us Equip and Encourage China’s Persecuted Church Sponsor a Chinese Pastor/Evangelist for $1000! Contact me (bfwesten AT gmail dot com) Or donate directly at: MCI3.org 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”!

We would love to pray for you! Please send us your requests here. --------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.

By William Bradford - The twenty-first part in a series of mid-week Bible studies, covering the book of Hebrews. This session is a character study from the faith chapter - Sarah.

Pastor Jeff Stewart discusses the topic of "The Transfiguration of Jesus" in his series entitled "TRANSFIGURATION (2X): Pastor Jeff Stewart" This is Part 2 and it focuses on the following verses: Matthew 16:13-17

Baruch Hashem We are back! After a long summer of traveling we have resumed our weekly classes. We jump in with both feet talking about our travels in Israel and beginning the deep process of introspective Yeshiva based on the teachings of the Tomer Devorah, Enjoy!

The Abrahamic Covenant is the most foundational covenant in Scripture—and God alone signed it.In this episode, Pastor Stephen Martin continues the Why Israel Matters series with a deep dive into the Abrahamic Covenant in Genesis 12–17. Perfect for the commute, the gym, or the drive, this teaching walks you through the covenant ceremony where God put Abraham to sleep and passed through the pieces alone—making the Abrahamic Covenant unilateral, unconditional, and eternal.You'll Learn:✅ How the Abrahamic Covenant differs from the conditional Mosaic Covenant—ownership versus experience in the land✅ Why Genesis 15:6 is "the gospel before the gospel" and what it says about your own salvation✅ How the three pillars of the Abrahamic Covenant—land, seed, and blessing—shape all of redemptive history✅ Why the same God who bound Himself to Abraham has bound Himself to every Christian through Christ

As God gave blessings and curses to the members of the Old Covenant, God has given even greater and far more stunning blessings and curses to the members of the New Covenant. What are the blessings and curses of the New Covenant? This episode answers this super-important question to encourage the listener in the infinitely generous and merciful New Covenant grace of God. Scripture referenced: Exodus 19:1-20, Exodus 20:1-21, Exodus 24:1-8, Deuteronomy 28:1-68, Psalm 23:6, Isaiah 53:1-12, Isaiah 61:10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 36:22-27, Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 6:19-33, Matthew 26:36-42, Luke 22:39-44, John 3:1-18, John 10:27-30, John 17:1-5, Romans 3:20-26, Romans 8:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 15:35-58, 2 Corinthians 5:5, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 1:3-14, Ephesians 2:1-5, Ephesians 3:3-12, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:12-13, Colossians 1:13-14, 24-29, Colossians 2:1-3, Colossians 3:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Hebrews 2:10-18, Hebrews 5:7-8, Hebrews 12:5-11

Hebrews 1:1-4 New King James Version   1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Does God still speak—and how can you know when it's really Him? This week on The Breakdown Podcast, Shana Hilton sits down with Pastor James to break down the message "Does God Still Speak?" rooted in 1 Samuel 3:1–21, John 10:27, 2 Timothy 3:16–17, and Hebrews 4:12. Their conversation explores how Samuel learned to recognize God's voice and what it looks like for us to hear from God today. They discuss how Scripture helps us discern His voice, how to position our hearts to listen, and why obedience is an important part of following what God says. If God has felt distant, prayer has seemed one-sided, or you're unsure what God is asking you to do, this conversation will encourage you to keep returning to His Word and learning to recognize His voice. God is not hiding from you—He still speaks.

I Love My Church — Week 1: Here We Know God | Exodus 6:6–7 Texts: Exodus 6:6–7; Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:42–47; Hebrews 10:24–25Why does the church still matter in the plan of God?In Week 1 of I Love My Church, Pastor Kevin begins a new series by showing that the church is not a religious event we attend, but a redeemed people Jesus has gathered so that we can know God and help others know Him.Starting in Exodus 6, this message shows that God's redemptive plan has always been bigger than rescue. God does not only bring His people out of something—He brings them into something: freedom, purpose, belonging, and mission.This message also reminds us that Jesus loves the church, gave Himself for the church, and is still building the church. Even though the church is imperfect, it remains precious to Jesus because it is made up of people He is redeeming, healing, forming, and sending.If you have ever wondered whether you really need the church, or if you have been standing around the edges of church life, this message is an invitation to come to Jesus, gather with His people, and ask: what could God do in your life if you went all in for one year? Broad River Church | Norwalk, CT Join us Sundays: 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM (English) | 1:00 PM (Español) Learn more or take your next step: https://broadriver.church/nextstepsFollow us on Instagram: @iambroadriverchurch

08-30-2026Rev. Chris Maxwell

What if someone else is still going because you haven't quit? Leadership, ministry, parenting, mentoring, and simply caring for people can become exhausting—especially when you're giving everything you have and can't see whether it's making a difference. In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards explores perseverance, discouragement, faith, and the power of continuing to show up. Through Gideon's impossible odds, Galatians 6:9, Hebrews 10:24, and nearly three decades of Doug's own ministry experience, this episode challenges us to trust God with the results and remember the people standing beside us. In this episode: Why your impact may be bigger than what you can currently see What to do when you're exhausted and tempted to quit Gideon and trusting God when the odds make no sense Galatians 6:9 and not growing tired of doing good Why perseverance isn't meant to happen alone Encouraging youth ministry volunteers and fellow leaders Why someone else may keep going because you did Staying faithful when the harvest isn't visible yet Protecting your family and closest relationships while serving others Trusting God to accomplish what you cannot Whether you're a youth pastor, youth ministry volunteer, teacher, coach, parent, mentor, Christian leader, or someone trying to faithfully invest in the next generation, this conversation is for you. Sometimes your greatest story isn't that you stayed in the fight. It's who stayed in the fight because you were there. Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _________________________________________________________________________________

On this week’s Prison Pulpit we start out by looking at some helpful thoughts from James White’s 12 year old sermon on Hebrews 13:3, the timeless passage on which this podcast is based. Then after talking a bit about the uniquely difficult situation in India, we briefly open up the latest edition of the missionary classic, Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret, and try to learn and apply a lesson from Taylor’s experiences. I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city to pray for every single day. Email me with any questions, comments, or complaints: bfwesten AT gmail dot com. Finally, check out my personal landing page PrayGiveGo.us for everything else, including our missions website, substack, and books. Why the Prison Pulpit? The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches. The ESV reads: “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them” James White comments on Hebrews 13:3 (in a sermon preached on June 22, 2014 in Arizona): Remember those who are in prison: “The ones bound, the ones who are in chains” As though in prison with them: “As if you yourself were chained together with them” “There are brothers, there are sisters, who some day in the glory of heaven, you will be closer to than anyone on this earth right now, who are suffering in the name of Christ. And in our day we probably have more information and more knowledge of this than any preceding generation has ever had.” Joy as Seven Pastors Freed From Jail in India https://www.barnabasaid.org/gb/news/joy-as-seven-pastors-freed-from-jail-in-india/ FREE EBOOK: Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret https://anekopress.com/product/hudson-taylors-spiritual-secret/ Pray for China Cities of the Week (Sep 1-6): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-sep-1-7-2026 If you would like to “sponsor” a Chinese church leader at one of our upcoming strategic China training gatherings, I can personally provide you with the name (or secure nickname) of the particular pastor/leader who you sponsor, and for whom you can continue to pray for going forward. Help Us Equip and Encourage China’s Persecuted Church Sponsor a Chinese Pastor/Evangelist for $1000! Contact me (bfwesten AT gmail dot com) Or donate directly at: MCI3.org 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”!

The Book of Hebrews class, taught by Ethan Rolph at Liberty Christian Church. www.Liberty-Christian.com

What does it look like when hope finds you in the last place you expect it? This conversation takes us deep into that question, exploring how a scrap of paper on a law library floor became the beginning of a life transformed. The passage from Jeremiah 29 -- where God promises thoughts of peace, a future, and a hope to those who seek Him wholeheartedly -- anchors the entire discussion. It is a reminder that God's plans for us are not canceled by our worst decisions or our hardest seasons. Whether we are in a place of physical confinement or an internal prison of fear and doubt, the message is the same: God has always been at work, even when we could not see it. We are challenged to look back at the moments we survived, the news we thought would break us, and recognize the hand of God moving through all of it. Hope, as the Bible tells us in Romans 5, does not disappoint. Faith, as Hebrews 11 describes, is the substance of things not yet seen. Together, these truths form an anchor for anyone who feels like the walls are closing in.

Have you ever worried that you’ve disappointed God? Maybe you know intellectually that He loves you, yet past rejection, painful relationships or years of striving have made His delight difficult to experience. Bible teacher and Awaken Delight author Stephanie Rousselle shares how her own childhood wounds and performance-driven thinking created a disconnect between what she knew about God and what she could receive from Him. Jennifer and Stephanie discuss the difference between knowing God loves us and living as if that truth is real. They explore why our failures don't surprise God, how confession can deepen rather than threaten our connection with Him, and how receiving His forgiveness and delight can free us from shame and exhausting spiritual striving. Discover how God can bring His truth into our wounded places and teach us, over time, to rest more securely in His love. Resource referenced: Awaken Delight: Satisfying Your Soul's Longing for God Stephanie also has a free gift for you! An in-depth 5-day email devotional to awaken your delight in God especially when life feels full of fear) AND a giveaway prize just for Faith Over Fear listeners! Find out more here: https://www.gospelspice.com/faithoverfear Scripture discussed or referenced: Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 8:1, Mark 9:24, Psalm 34:8, Matthew 22:37–39 / Mark 12:30–31, Hebrews 12:2, Luke 15:11–32 Connect with Stephanie Rousselle: On her website On Instagram On Facebook Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How did God engineer cheetahs for super speed? Discover how a cheetah's bendy backbone, super boost muscles, balancing tail, and cleat-like feet help it snag its next meal on the savannah. And learn how we are called to run life's race well—not with super speed, but with enduring faithfulness.Here's our trail map:Can Cheetahs Roar?Why Do Cheetahs Have Spots?How Do Cheetahs Run So Fast?How Can We Run Life's Race Well?Download this lesson's free coloring sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/can-cheetahs-roar/Related Lessons to listen to next:How Sharp Are a Lion's Teeth? Lesson 103: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/adaddfb6-0ec4-47f7-a0dc-61ef560784c7/Can Mountain Lions Roar? Episode 22: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/efdc4ae6-27ef-46c9-8e52-df40d580c847/Eryn's Books:Where Wonder Leads: An Adventure in God's Wild and Wonderful World: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/wonderMade to Marvel: 52 Family Devotions Exploring the Wild Wonders of God's Creation: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/marvelThe Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Apologia's Zoology 3 Land Animals Course: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-3-course-set/Explore all of Apologia's Zoology courses: https://www.apologia.com/subject/science/zoologyDiscover Apologia's Christ-centered and award-winning curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/Try CTCMath FREE and get half off: https://payments.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool-discount?tr_id=NPTNat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/memberGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/clubFree Cheetah Coloring Sheet: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/can-cheetahs-roar/Ask your nature question: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)“All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. 1 Corinthians 9:25-26 (NLT)“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT) Terms Learned in This Episode:Panthera: A genus or category of wild cats that roar including tigers, lions, panthers, leopards, and snow leopards. Acinonyx: A genus or category of cats including only cheetahs. Felinae: The cat subfamily that includes many small wild cats, domestic cats, and a few larger cats like cheetahs and cougars.Malar stripes: Dark tear-like markings on a cheetah's face that run from the eyes to the mouth and may help reduce sun glare while hunting.Fast-twitch Muscle Fibers: Muscle cells designed for rapid, explosive, and powerful bursts of energy.Cheetah vocalization credit: Smirnova D, Volodin I, Demina T, Volodina E, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsThis podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

When Satan attempts to tempt Jesus at His weakest, will the Son of Man stand firm or fall like those before Him?In this episode, we delve into the powerful confrontation between Jesus and Satan during His 40-day fast in the wilderness, showcasing how Jesus overcame temptation through His unwavering connection with God. As the enemy attempts to exploit His weakness, Jesus stands firm, resisting Satan's deceptions and demonstrating His divine authority.Today's Bible verse is Hebrews 4:15, 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So often, Christians stay on the sidelines because they feel they need one more piece of information or one more tool before they can make a difference. But God's Word reveals that spiritual practices aren't reserved for mature Christians, but rather, those very practices are the means by which Christians become mature. Join Pastor Ben Kaempfer as we read through Hebrews 5 as he explains that it isn't simply about the amount of information we gain, but what we do with that information that matters. The act of practicing is what separates a spectator and someone who is on the team.  Support the show

Note: Much of the content in this podcast can be found in show participant Ross Anderson's book Understanding the Book of MormonThe Book of Mormon claims to be an ancient scripture that tells the story of God's people in the American continent. It was engraved on gold plates and translated by Joseph Smith through the “gift and power of God.” In fact, Smith claimed that “the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461). LDS missionaries seek converts by urging them to read BoM and pray about its divine authenticity.Anachronism Anachronism = events or objects that appear out of the proper time period in which one would expect themSynagoguesAlma 16:13 = Nephite evangelists preached repentance in synagogues, “which were built after the manner of the Jews”Nephites were descended from Jews → were Jewish (according to story)But synagogues were not developed in Judaism until 400 years after Nephites left JerusalemHow could the writer have know HOW the Jews built their synagogues?Plants / AnimalsMosiah 9:9 “And we began to till the ground, yea, even with all manner of seeds: with seeds of corn and of wheat and of barley.”Wheat and barley were brought to America by EuropeansSheep / goats / cattle / swine → introduced to America by EuropeansEconomy → use of money (coinage) vs. barter18th Century IdeasSince its publication, observers have noted that BoM contains many parallels to 19th c. American lifeAlexander Campbell: JS wrote into the BoM “every error and almost every truth discussed in New York for the last ten years”BoM decides all the great theological / social controversies of the ageReflects 19th c. theological & political themesOffers guidance on democracy, socialism, capitalism, various Protestant controversies like infant baptism, Calvinism, miracles, the fall of humankind, call to ministry, Unitarianism, etcSermons by Nephite prophets echo closely the form & language of 19th c. evangelistsConversion experiences described in BoM are similar to spiritual awakenings commonly reported in American revival movement of early 1800sWhy are the contents of an ancient work so closely tied to the concerns of one American generation?Literary SourcesA View of the Hebrews (1823) by Ethan Smith (Read it here)Argued that Native Americans descended from lost 10 tribes of IsraelThis was a pretty common view in early 1800sBoM shares several thematic elementsExtensive quotations from IsaiahThe New World peopled from the Old World by long sea voyageA religious motive for that migrationMigrants divided into civilized and uncivilized groups with long wars between themEventual destruction of the civilized by the uncivilizedAssumption that Native Americans are descended from these Israelite peopleRecord a change of government from monarchy to republicSuggest the gospel was preached in ancient AmericaIt is unknown whether JS had access to a copy of View of the HebrewsBut even if BoM was not directly inspired by it, the ideas expressed in it were common and popular in 19th century America; reflected in dozens of booksHistory of the American Indians (1775) by James AdairSpecific words and phrases describing Indian fortifications - same in bothMany other parallelsThe Wonders of Nature (1825) by Josiah PriestSimilarity in several passages → a pure coincidence?The Golden Pot (1827 eng trans), by ETA HoffmanSeveral alleged similarities in this story compared to the story of how the BoM / gold plates came forthBible AnachronismsAspects of how the BoM interacts with the Bible → don't reflect JS's timesKJV language = KJV translated in 1611, 210+ years before BoMEnglish had changed quite a bit → compare reading American lit from that timeLast of the Mohicans / The Scarlet Letter / Legend of Sleepy HollowBut BoM is written in full-on KJV styleKJV the predominant translation → extremely wide circulationIt was how Scripture soundedWhy would BoM not reflect the common language of JS's time?If not a conscious attempt to make it sound like ScriptureBoM contains verbal parallels to the 1611 preface to KJVWords / phrases in the preface, but not in the KJV text of BibleWhich, of course, ancient writers would not have had access toBoM has a timeline → approx dates when events took placeAlma 12-13 (dates) draws heavily on the book of HebrewsA variety of BoM's theological statements draw from / depend on interpretations already present in the NTProphecies from 1-2 Nephi (600-5454 BC) about coming of Jesus Christ use language recorded in NTReads more like a Xian doc vs a Jewish docIn a sense, these BoM prophecies know too much detail about Messiah - far more than OT prophetsSuggests an author familiar with the fulfillment of the prophecies after the factBoM version of Sermon on MountSome changes are made: no ref to PhariseesBut many issues in BoM version that presuppose 1st-century Jewish cultural / religious contextGoing 2 miles when forced to go 1The “jot and tittle” of Scripture“Dogs” as a metaphor for GentilesEtc.Does the Bible have the same issues?The evidence of the Dead Sea Scrolls gives strong evidence of the reliability of the BibleSee: “What Are the Dead Seas Scrolls?”--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

"The Recipe for Repentance"Chapter 42The Book of Genesis Series - In The Beginning, God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FD-EKLAyvI&list=PLrgvg1IJfGEoNskcuggMJPDwYu1n9alpmPastor Nate ClarkeAugust 30, 2026Virginia's proposed Constitutional amendments on Abortion & Marriage - How to VOTE BIBLICALLY: https://youtu.be/Y8z8xTFsOn8How should Christians respond to wickedness in the world? https://youtu.be/2OJUIM9YRwASERMON NOTES:- Genesis 42:1-13- Genesis 42:21-28- Genesis 42:38- The Recipe for Repentance- God can change any heart- Genesis 42:1- Genesis 42:21-22- Genesis 42:29- A recipe for repentance    - A season of desperation- Genesis 42:2- Genesis 42:5- James 1:2-4- Psalm 121:1- Psalm 121:1-2     - Hard, true, afflicting words from God- Genesis 42:7- Genesis 42:9-12- Genesis 42:14-17- Genesis 42:24b- Psalm 119:67- Going astray … afflicted … correction … obedience- Psalm 119:71- Hebrews 12:5-11- God doesn't afflict for the sake of pain, but to redirect us to Him so we might be holy- Genesis 42:13- Genesis 42:21-22- Genesis 42:22-23- Genesis 42:24- Behind every harsh rebuke from the Father that you can see, there is even more love from the Father that you can't see.     - The kindness of God- Genesis 42:25-26- Genesis 42:27-28- Genesis 43:20-23- Romans 2:4- Isaiah 30:18Oasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Mechanicsville outside Richmond in Central Virginia.STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/Website: https://oasischurch.online

Grace is not God tolerating you. Grace is full and free access to all that the Father is and all that He has. FREE DAILY DEVOTIONALS A short word from the Word in your inbox every morning. Free, and you can start today. https://increaseministries.com/start-here JOIN THE INCREASE ACADEMY Live morning calls, the 12 month discipleship path, and a community of believers growing together. https://increaseacademy.com KINGDOM LAUNCHPAD You know you're called. This is where you finally get started. https://www.skool.com/kingdom-launchpad-6884 MY BOOKS Short, practical reads on faith, identity, and increase. Most you can finish in one sitting. https://increaseministries.com/books LISTEN ON SPOTIFY Take the teaching with you. Every message on audio. https://open.spotify.com/show/5qwNtJ3M2ZQOnrTzXhMqZI SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE New teaching every week. Hit subscribe so you don't miss it. https://www.youtube.com/@TravisPeters/videos GIVE Your giving puts this teaching in front of believers who need it. https://increaseministries.com/give ABOUT THIS TEACHING Most of the struggles we stay stuck in are not a grace problem. They are a perspective problem. We do not understand our relationship with the Father. In this teaching from Romans 5:1-2 in the Amplified Bible, we look at what it means to be justified, which the Amplified defines as acquitted of sin and declared blameless before God. Acquitted means every charge against you has been dropped. Then we walk into the remarkable state of grace you already stand in, firmly, safely and securely, and I give you the definition of grace I want you to write down. I also show you why you already know how to receive from God. You did it with salvation. You heard something, you prayed something, and you believed you received it with no proof at all. That is faith, and it is the same process for everything else. This is Part 17 of the Growing in God series, taught live on our morning call inside the Increase Academy. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN What justified actually means in Romans 5:1 (acquitted, all charges dropped) Why you already have faith, and how you proved it at salvation What the remarkable state of grace is and why you are already standing in it The definition of grace: full and free access to all the Father is and all He has Why God is not tolerating your access, He wants to give it to you How to approach the throne of grace boldly instead of timidly Why the fear of missing God's will is keeping good people frozen CHAPTERS 0:00 Why most of our struggles trace back to one misunderstanding 1:32 Romans 5:1 and what justified actually means 3:01 Acquitted: every charge against you has been dropped 3:37 You already used faith once, and here is how 7:54 Romans 5:2 and the remarkable state of grace you stand in 10:19 Grace defined: full and free access to all He is and all He has 10:54 The fridge and the pantry at my dad's house 14:12 Hebrews 4:16: come to the throne boldly 15:11 Stop being afraid of missing God's will 18:59 Prayer SCRIPTURES REFERENCED Romans 5:1-2 (Amplified, and the Passion Translation on permanent access) Romans 8:15 (the spirit of adoption, Abba Father) Romans 8:32 (He freely gave His Son, will He not freely give us all things) Romans 12:2 (renew your mind) Hebrews 4:16 (the throne of grace) 1 Peter 4:10 (stewarding the grace God gave you) If this teaching helped you, like the video and leave a comment with what stood out to you. It helps more believers find it. Stay strong. I'm in your corner. Trav #Grace #Romans5 #BibleStudy #ChristianTeaching #AmplifiedBible #Justified #Hebrews416 #FaithTeaching #NewCovenant #IncreaseMinistries

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  the writer of the letter to the Hebrews explaining  that the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary, but this was a shadow of the true heavenly things.  Scripture References: Hebrews 9:1; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 8:1-9:12 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 OTHER 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

We’ve all experienced the powerful lure of temptation in our lives. But how do we develop a strategy to succeed and overcome? Pastor Mike Fabarez looks to Hebrews 12 for guidance in Our Fight with Sin. Don’t miss an important study about growing stronger every day!

In today's episode, I am speaking to Alicia Myers about herarticle titled “Jesus' Apotropaic Theophany: Guarding and Sanctifying Believers in John's Gospel.” It speaks about how Jesus makes God's presence available in his physical form. While Jesus' physical protection is apotropaic, there is asuperior protection that comes after Jesus' death and resurrection through the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit does the same work as that of Jesus and that of the Father through their divine unity. The divine unity is also in itself apotropaic because it protects believers from the evil one. They are protected and guarded for eternal life. Spirit-filled believers who love one another are God's continued apotropaic presence in the world. Myers says that believers are “assuredof their place in God's household and their participation in the divine unity regradless of their physical distance from Jesus himself.”Alicia Myers joined the Department of Religion in fall 2025after teaching at Campbell University (2014-2025) and United Theological Seminary (2011-2014). As a member of the Colloquium Ioanneum (John Colloquy), she is also a Research Fellow in the Department of Old and New Testaments atthe University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Her current projects include a book and a commentary on 1-3 John, a short volume on Hebrews, and a collection (co-edited with Catrin H. Williams) on the Johannine writings. She is married and has two sons as well as a large spotted dog whokeep her busy when she's not writing or teaching. 

The Book of Hebrews presents deep truths about Jesus Christ while repeatedly calling believers to respond in faith and perseverance. Join Pastor Robert and his wife Carolyn, as they walk carefully through the Scriptures, revealing why Jesus is greater than anything this world has to offer. Wherever you are in your faith journey, this study will help you follow Jesus more closely and trust Him more fully.    One by One is the broadcast ministry of Pastor Robert L. Scott Jr. of Quench Life Christian Fellowship. To learn more about QLCF, visit quenchlife.org. To support our ministry as we spread the Gospel, visit quenchlife.org/giving.

What do you do when you cannot understand what God is doing?Joseph's story is filled with dramatic highs and lows. His brothers turn against him and sell him into slavery. He finds success in Potiphar's house, only to be falsely accused and thrown into prison. Eventually, Joseph stands before Pharaoh and rises to a position of authority over Egypt.Throughout every change in Joseph's circumstances, one truth remains: the Lord was with him.In Week 3 of The Story, Sherard Romar follows Joseph's journey and reminds us that God's work is often difficult to recognize while we are living through it. Joseph eventually understood that God had used his journey to put him in a position to preserve his family during the famine.We may not understand the chapter we're living in right now, but God sees the whole story. We don't have to know everything God has planned in order to follow Him, trust Him, and believe that He is with us.Our greatest hope is not simply that God will change our circumstances. Our hope is Jesus Christ, who saves us, walks with us, forgives us, and gives us eternal life.Key Scriptures: Proverbs 3:5-6; Genesis 37–45; Hebrews 13:5; Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:38-39Series: The Story Week 3: The Lord Was With Him Speaker: Sherard RomarEagle Community Church of Christ Mont Belvieu, TexasLoving God. Loving People. Following Jesus.

What if “take out the trash” is the most freeing spiritual practice you try this year? In this episode, we turn a familiar household chore into a vivid, practical metaphor for discipleship, using Ephesians 4:22–23 as our anchor: throw off what doesn't belong and let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Instead of organizing our clutter, we talk about removing it—clearing space for God's new work in a new season.We walk through the difference between obvious sin and subtle weights that still slow us down, drawing on Hebrews 12:1 to name what hinders our race. From there, we lay out four honest categories that shape the weeks ahead: unhealthy inputs we consume, unhelpful habits that drain focus, ungodly emotions we've stored rather than surrendered, and false narratives that distort how we see God, ourselves, and others. Each theme begins with Scripture, moves to simple questions—what, why, how—and ends with small steps of obedience that make room for renewal.This is devotion-driven discipleship in everyday language: seek God personally, speak about him intentionally, and lead those entrusted to you without handing them a to-do list. You'll hear a gentle, clear invitation: when the Spirit puts a finger on what needs to go, “trash it,” and let Him transform what remains. Ready to start the year with less weight and more freedom? Listen, share with a friend, and spend some time HERE in the devotion-driven discipleship guide. ______________________The Family Disciple Me ministry exists to catalyze devotion driven discipleship in our homes and around the world. We believe that discipleship starts with a conversation, and FDM provides free, easily-accessible, biblical resources to encourage these meaningful conversations  along life's way. Sign up through our website to be "the first to know" about upcoming releases and resources (including the FDM App - coming soon!!!) You can also follow Family Disciple Me on social media.  Family Disciple Me  is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry, and all donations are tax deductible. More information, blogs, statement of faith and contact info can be found at familydiscipleme.org 

Most practicing Jews in the United States fall into one of three categories. There are the Orthodox Jews--who are committed to following Jewish law to the letter and who uphold all the traditions set by rabbis over the centuries.
Then there are the Conservative Jews, who still believe in following the law, but allow for a bit more freedom of modern interpretation of that law.And then there are the Reform Jews who emphasize the spirit of the law over the letter of the law—often appreciating the deep moral tradition of the Torah, while leaving ritual practice up to the individual. Now, these are just umbrella terms—all of these forms of Jewish practice operate on wide spectrums--but 63% of American jews were able to identify as one of the three in a 2019 Pew Research Survey. And the majority of Jews who did not identify with one of these three categorizations also do not identify as religious.
But that still leaves around 16% of American Jews as actively religious, but unable to align themselves with Orthodox, Conservative or Reform Judaism. So, who are they? Well, the answer is, of course, complicated. There are endless reasons one might not want to ascribe to these three classifications. But, while we can't discern the spiritual complexity of each individual, one new Jewish movement can help account for a growing number of American Jews who don't quite identify with mainstream Jewish communities.They call themselves the Ivri, an ancient word for Hebrews—a name which is fitting for this form of Jewish practice which seeks to call back to ancient traditions and rituals, while also doing something new.On this week's episode I spoke with Mira Fox, reporter and culture critic at The Forward, who recently wrote about the thriving new community in an article entitled: There's a new Judaism in town — or maybe it's very, very old.

Send us Fan MailAs we kick off the fall season, Jesse Schreck shares a powerful exhortation from Hebrews 11, examining three core aspects of the life of faith: crossing over from death to life, the daily discipline of “marching on” in obedience, and the risk of biblical hospitality. Join us as we explore what it looks like to move beyond a passive faith and live as true conquerors in Christ, actively advancing His Kingdom in our homes, our vocations, and our communities.Also in this episode: Updates on new missions blog posts, the launch of MissionsAcademia.com, and how you can support the mission with our new merch.As we kick off the fall season, Jesse Schreck shares a powerful exhortation from Hebrews 11, examining three core aspects of the life of faith: crossing over from death to life, the daily discipline of “marching on” in obedience, and the risk of biblical hospitality. Join us as we explore what it looks like to move beyond a passive faith and live as true conquerors in Christ, actively advancing His Kingdom in our homes, our vocations, and our communities.Also in this episode: Updates on new missions blog posts, the launch of MissionsAcademia.com, and how you can support the mission with our new merch.Mentioned Links in this EpisodeSupport Practical Missions Cohort or PartnerGet some PMc MerchWatch the interview with Feed My Sheep PodcastLearn about Biblical Missions at the PMc Missions AcademiaRead about Biblical Missions at the PMc Missions BlogMore LinksJesse's SubstackBecome a PMc AmbassadorJoin a PMc Short-term CohortFund the Mission FacilityPlan a Vision Trip to ItalyLearn about Long-Term Missions in ItalyConsider a Missionary InternshipJoin PMc's online Discord community - The Italian CohortFreely join the online Discord group of PMc! The Italian CohortSupport the showDo you love God, Italians, Italy, and the church of Jesus Christ? Do you want to play a more personal role in missions work abroad? Do you want to get all our content and updates (plus bonus material no one else sees) before anyone else? We invite you to join The Italian Cohort - our online community group on Discord - and gain inside access to the work going on in Italy. 

The book of Hebrews begins by pointing us to the supremacy of Jesus. God has spoken through His Son, who is the exact representation of His nature, the Creator and sustainer of all things, and the One who is seated at the right hand of the Father. In this message from Hebrews 1, we look at who Jesus is and why He is greater than the prophets, greater than the angels, and worthy of our complete trust and worship.

This episode starts with a celebration of Dolly Parton's extraordinary generosity and cultural impact, then moves into a serious theological conversation about hypocrisy, leadership, and what makes a church spiritually healthy or toxic. Mike, Suzie, and Tim connect Jesus' warnings in Matthew 23 and Luke 12 to modern church culture, power, and the temptation to perform righteousness rather than live it.Why was Dolly Parton so universally loved, from the left to the right? Should Churches have a tax exempt status or does that malform the Church, structuring it like a business? How are we, today, to relate to the Pharisees and Jesus's warnings about their posture?Timestamps00:00 - Dolly Parton as a cultural and moral icon01:00 - Surprising examples of Dolly's generosity03:00 - Why Dolly is beloved across ideological lines05:25 - The question of doctrinal purity and salvation06:53 - Rob Bell versus Mark Driscoll and the “greater heresy” debate08:08 - Measuring a life by fruit, dignity, and consistency12:05 - Benny Johnson, Rome, and the irony of Christian empire language15:07 - Listener question: can 501(c)(3) status shape toxic church culture?16:40 - Suzie on tax status versus church culture18:28 - When tax structure becomes an opportunity for corruption21:37 - Tim on systemic abuse and why the model feels broken24:41 - Why leadership still matters in the New Testament26:08 - Ephesians 4 and leadership for church flourishing27:33 - Hebrews 13, submission, and the danger of abusive authority31:48 - Spiritual leadership modeled by Jesus, not American hierarchy34:29 - Paul's refusal to build status around himself35:51 - Teaching through the first woe in Matthew 2339:40 - Hypocrisy as “judging under” and split identity41:30 - The yeast of the Pharisees as corrupting influence43:49 - Fear, sparrows, and what Jesus says to disciples under pressure47:38 - Three ways truth gets exposed: life, persecution, and final judgment51:23 - Gehenna as a kingdom image, not a simplistic hell map54:17 - The God who judges also knows and loves you55:23 - Public confession, denial, and persecution56:17 - Tim on work, power, and the American dream as a church model58:38 - Why the point is not only identifying Pharisees, but avoiding becoming them61:06 - Suzie on famous failures, confession, and being found out in mercy63:35 - How secrecy and lack of truth-telling deepen corruptionAs always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.Our Merch Store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_marketLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Why did God place the Ten Commandments inside the Ark of the Covenant—and then cover them with the mercy seat and sacrificial blood?In this episode of Shadows to Substance, Pastor George Sayour examines one of the clearest pictures of law, grace, and redemption in the Old Testament.From the tablets of the Law to the mercy seat and sacrificial blood, the Ark points beyond itself to the fulfillment found in Christ. Drawing from Exodus 25, Hebrews 9–10, John 1, Matthew 5, and Romans 10, George shows how the Mosaic Covenant's types and shadows anticipate the substance: Christ fulfilling the Law, providing atonement for sin, and giving righteousness to those who receive Him by faith.

12:31 - A local school board member has been attacking a teacher for teaching proper genetics, what can we do? / 17:58 - How do I know if I'm a Hebrews 6:4 person? / 36:27 - How old was Isaac when Abraham tried to sacrifice him? / 41:04 - Do you think we will see the Antichrist before the rapture? / 53:00 - Who took the Apocrypha out of the Bible?

Peace and Joy: Special Patreon Release with Kay Wyma   “So, as God's own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper];” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:12‬ ‭AMP‬‬   *Transcription Below*   Questions We Discuss: Will you elaborate on this concept of a Soul30? What were your favorite stories from this adventure? How has this peace project changed the way you will live life from this point forward?   Kay Wyma is a mom, blogger, podcaster, and author of four books in which she has tackled, with candor and humor, some of the troubling societal issues that impact us all. Kay's writings have led her to appearances on TODAY, CNN, Hallmark's Home & Family, and more. Before staying at home with her kids, she held positions at the White House and Bank of America. She lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband and five kids. Connect with Kay at kaywyma.com or on Instagram @kaywyma.   At The Savvy Sauce, we will only recommend resources we believe in! We also want you to be aware: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.   The Peace Project   Thank You to Our Sponsors: Chick-fil-A East Peoria and The Savvy Sauce Charities (and donate online here)   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 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:09 - 2:47) 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.   I want to say a huge thank you to today's sponsors for this episode, Chick-fil-A East Peoria, and Savvy Sauce Charities.   If this is your first time here, welcome! You may be wondering what it means to have a special Patreon release, so here's the scoop. Patreon was a platform we used to generate financial support for The Savvy Sauce, and we expressed our thanks to those paying patrons by giving them a bonus episode every month.   But in 2024, we transitioned away from Patreon when we became a non-profit called the Savvy Sauce Charities. The podcast is part of this non-profit, which exists to resource loved ones to inspire growth and intimacy with God and others. So, people used to pay to support us through Patreon, but now they can just donate directly to our non-profit.   We spend thousands of dollars each year to record and produce these episodes, and we do pray that they're beneficial and that God sees fit to use them to be transformational in your life. If that is the case, if you have ever benefited from an episode of The Savvy Sauce, would you consider showing your gratitude through your financial generosity? Any amount is greatly appreciated.   In fact, if every listener gave only $1 per month, it would completely offset our costs. We have all the details on our website, thesavvysauce.com, but feel free to also reach out to our team anytime if you want to partner together. Our email address is info@thesavvysauce.com.   And now I'm pleased to share this episode with you that used to only be available to paying patrons. Kay Wyma is my returning guest today. She is vibrant, and her curiosity sometimes leads to experiments in her life. Her most recent experiment turned into a book, and now she's going to let us in on three areas of focus that added peace and joy to her life. This process is based on Scripture and validated in science. Here's our chat.   Welcome back to The Savvy Sauce, Kay.   Kay Wyma: (2:48 - 2:52) Thank you so much for having me. You're really sweet to put up with me again.   Laura Dugger: (2:53 - 3:07) Well, it was a delight last time, and I'm excited for today as well. And I'm so fascinated by your history of different careers and roles you've had. So, will you tell us a little bit more about all that you've experienced professionally?   Kay Wyma: (3:08 - 5:44) Oh my gosh, it's so funny, Laura, because people will read the bio as they could for any of us that are in our mid-50s, and I'm sitting there going, I'm exhausted listening to that. But the deal is that they didn't happen all at the same time, but I just had a really great opportunity to do some interesting stuff. And one of them, especially in my 20s, I got to work in the George Herbert Walker Bush, so 41 White House, and I was a lead advance for the vice president.   And so, I pretty much got to travel all over the country and a lot of very interesting places in the world during that period. And it was a blast. I got to set up the trips as they would go traveling to these places with the Secret Service and White House Communications. And it just was an amazing way, an opportunity to get to see the world. And then I went on to graduate school and got an MBA and ended up somehow in an international investment banking role, which is laughable because I cannot even help my children with fifth grade math. So, I don't know who that person was that did that.   But I used to be able to do things that way. I can't anymore. And then I had kids, which was such a blessing. I'd met my husband at graduate school when we got married after I'd finished my stint in the White House and had kids right off the bat. And during that time, I really did try to piggyback. That was back in the day when women were allowed to job share, and I just couldn't do it. The more kids that came, the harder it was. And so I stayed at home with my kids, started a couple of businesses here and there, and then found myself in the world of writing. And I didn't plan on it. I kind of say I was an accidental writer, but I don't think anything is really an accident. It's not something that I was educated to do. However, I loved it.   And I look back now and look at the great education that I had gotten and honestly how much I loved writing even as a child. I just didn't know that was something that you could do because back in that day there were, and I'm not that old, but there really were careers that were careers that you sort of went to that made sense from a sensible banking father. It's like, here are your choices for a degree plan. And so, I love how just even gravitating towards what you're gifting a purpose is, which we talked about before, it's just those things are in you, and it's fun to see how they will come out and how fun that it can even come out in a way where it's your vocation. And so here I sit as a writer, crazy.   Laura Dugger: (5:44 - 6:00) Which is so great to hear the journey because you would think the math and the different skills required for international banking and then to become a successful author, that's so interesting. And this is so random and I could be wrong. Were your parents ever on Focus on the Family?   Kay Wyma: (6:01 - 6:54) Well, they could have been. I have the greatest parents. I really do. They're so kind and they're just really terrific people. And so, they became friends, like they're friends with Dr. Dobson. And so, I don't know if they were. That's another really gift they gave us. You just do it in front of you and you don't really make a big deal about anything. And I love that. Everybody puts their pants on the same way, which is one thing I loved even about working at the White House because some of the stuff can look so glamorous and go. But the truth is, we're all just people. And the Lord has put in certain people's paths, things to do that could look really amazing and spectacular. But the amazing and spectacular is around you every single day, even if it might not have something. And for my kids would be like that have a million followers or that has gone viral. But they are there. I'm very blessed, Laura, with very nice parents.   Laura Dugger: (6:55 - 7:03) Well, you've mentioned before that you battled an eating disorder growing up. Do you feel comfortable sharing a little bit more about that journey?   Kay Wyma: (7:04 - 8:39) Absolutely. So, I definitely battled that. And again, I have a wonderful family that I grew up in, a home that I grew up in. But I also grew up in an environment where performance was a big deal, which it is today, too. So many kids are struggling with that. Oh, my gosh, so terribly. And whatever you're struggling with, because it could be for me, it was performance. And the way that I learned, the way that I coped with it was through eating and not eating. And a lot of just getting rid of the food that I had eaten.   And there just came a day when I was in college that thankfully the Lord, the Lord just showed me one night that this is not a good thing. So, I actually left that semester of college to get help. And it changed my life. I was telling one of the girls yesterday, my girls, how grateful I am for that because I had never really understood or even contemplated the concept of grace. I just didn't know that was something I'd heard it, but I didn't know what it was. And I didn't know a whole lot about my worth having been declared by God and my identity having been determined by him. And I will say at 55, I know a lot more about it than I did even then at 19 or 20, but it was going through that journey, asking for help, stopping what was hurting me and reaching for truth that put me on a road to actually learn a lot of just what it means when he says it is for freedom that I have set you free.   Laura Dugger: (8:40 - 9:00) And the reason that I bring up the eating disorder is from a previous podcast. I can't remember which one, but elsewhere I'd heard you say that you stay away from the whole 30 diet, but you were intrigued one day to instead try a soul 30. So, will you share that story with us too?   Kay Wyma: (9:01 - 14:47) I will. And I do, I have to tell you, I, since, since I was 20, I've steered clear of scales and I really do steer clear of diets for me because they don't do good things in my head. And so, one thing that I learned through all of that was that you, you can't change an environment. Often you can't change the environment that you're in, but you can change the way you operate within the environment. Biggest lesson that I learned through all of that, like, please hear that. It was so life altering as I stood going, I can't change this environment, but I can change how I interact with it.   Okay. And so, the whole 30, I do find intriguing, you know, because people, if you're going to do something physically, like to make your diet better, a lot of people do that. And so, for 30 days, they, they exit a ton out of their diet. I don't know everything about it because I am a big chicken. And I think they, if, if I was going to do it, the thing that would be the killer for me is not being able to have cream in your coffee. You know, it's like, that's a deal breaker for me right there.   But the soul 30 it all started one morning. Again, I think I told you on the last one that like, even the experiment with the putting the stuff, like helping the kids with independence started with my rotten attitude. Well, this started with the rotten attitude too. And we aren't always doing experiments in our house, but I just had this bad attitude one morning as I'd come home from carpool. I had women coming over to my house. I leave a Bible study that meets on Tuesdays. And I was just going to the refrigerator to get milk out to be able to serve coffee. And there were two jugs of milk in our fridge. I pull the first one out and it's empty. And I'm like, what? And the second one, I pull it out. It's empty too. Like maybe a drop in it. And quite frankly, I could have put it back going, well, there's a drop of milk in it, but I don't know why people do that. Like in our house, it could be the same with a cereal box. Like you pull the box out, there's nothing in it. And I'm like, just throw it away. Like, please.   And so I was frustrated. I get out into my car to go to the grocery store. And as I drive back out into the street, this big black pickup truck, literally like road routes its way into my face. And I was sort of like, really? And, and I didn't have a choice, but to back down because he was not going to let me go. And so as I started to back up, I looked up and I got to see this beautiful sun like peeking through this cloudy sky. And, and it was so beautiful. I was like, what am I doing? Like why am I in a crabby mood or frustrated by this? I'm in an air-conditioned car on my way to a grocery store where there are refrigerated items and there are people, somebody actually might say hello. Okay. Cause I go in there all the time and I was sort of like; everything is not bad.   And I started to breathe. And I didn't realize in that moment that I was, I was being thankful. Like I just, it just happened. And, and in that I really was breathing. And I like felt better inside of me. I back up and let the guy go legitimately, which again, I did not realize it in the moment, but it was an act of kindness. And I felt even better. And when he drove by, I looked in his window and I was sitting there going, I have, it was a human being first of all. And I recognize that. And just for a moment, I was like, I have no idea what's going on in his day. He could be raced into the hospital. He could be late for work. He could just, you know, be a jerky person and, and life as long as a jerky person. And, and I just was, I wasn't over spiritualizing or anything, but I prayed for him. I was like, please let whatever's going on in his day be okay. Because if he's that intense, something is not great.   And I drove to the grocery store, and I physically felt so good. It was like, like I had been given a joke Cola or something like I, Or some vitamin that was just a blast of energy. And it lasted. By the time ladies got over, I was like, you're gonna believe what happened this morning. It was so weird. And I told them about it the next week they came back and one of the ladies said, can you tell me again? What that story? And I was like, what story? And the lady next to her goes, Oh, I've been doing it. And I was like, doing what? And she goes, your thing. I was like, what is my thing? And she said, Oh, the thankfulness, kindness, and compassion. And as we talked about it again, I was sitting there going, is that something because it had deeply impacted this person that was trying it even for a week.   And I really sat there going, okay, we would do a whole 30 for a physical diet. Something in these practices is impacting the soul. And I was like, what if we tried a soul 30 and for 30 days, proactively practiced thankfulness, kindness, and mercy, because that's what compassion is a part of mercy. What would happen? And so it was sort of like, let's do it. And these very sweet friends were willing to try as were my kids. And so instead of like pulling something away, which is what a fast is that goes with a whole 30, we sort of switched it to this unbelievable soul feast that came with doing these things. It was unbelievable. The joy that came into everyone's life when they started doing this stuff. I mean, it was amazing. And so as I tracked it, I really did track it because I like to know why it was sort of like, why is this happening? What's going on? What is in these things that actually can impact your life at such a deep, deep level to where joy is invited in and peace.   Laura Dugger: (14:49 - 15:00) And so, like you said, you focus on thankfulness, kindness, and mercy in this most recent book, The Peace Project, but will you define and give examples of each of those?   Kay Wyma: (15:01 - 19:08) Yes. And I think that is such a great way to start because it's like, okay, what, what is it even on the soul 30? I was like, here's what you do. Okay. Here is what thankfulness says, because I went to look like, if I'm going to ask, please do these things, here's what they are. So, thankfulness is calling out things for which to be grateful. And for our family, for my kids, I was like, please let it not be the same thing every day. Although now a year and a half out, what difference does it make? It could be the same thing every day. But for them, I was like, don't let it be the same thing. And it can be more than one thing, because the thing with thankfulness, when you start it, it's like, it may take a little effort to go, what do I have to be thankful for? Especially in a situation that's unsettling, which is kind of like when that car drove up on me, that was an unsettling moment.   I was being forced down. And there's so much going on in that conversation that isn't spoken, which I think is important to call out in these things. So even as he's barreling up on me, it makes me feel unseen. It makes me feel like there's no, even though it's not spoken, that action brings with it. What thankfulness does is it instantly, it's like a wake up, like it's a focus shift. And so, and it tends to be looking up in some way, and it gets your eyes off of whatever the situation is. And it allows for truth to come in, which is where thankfulness goes, especially in the unsettling. Cause you can say, as I didn't mean to, but I did even in that moment, I am in an air-conditioned car. It is Texas in the summer, for goodness sake, that is a gift. And it's worth calling out. And there's always something for which to be grateful. So that's what thankfulness is.   Kindness is seeing and loving others. And let me tell you something, loving yourself too, because I've learned through this. We are harder on ourselves than we are on anybody else. So seeing and loving others and yourself in deed or action, this component is so significant because you're taking it. Thankfulness is in your thoughts. So you're walking through in your thoughts and you're doing these things. And kindness is where you're going that extra step. And you're actually putting action on it so that even in your mind, because I learned a lot about neural pathways and how our minds can be transformed by this, which is sort of where we started. If your physical health can be impacted by a diet, can my thought health be impacted by doing things that are good for it? And so kindness takes it from the thought to the action. And so even in that, you know, letting that car go, that is so small. And so kindness doesn't have to be moving a mountain. It can be tiny little things.   I've watched my neighbor one morning picking up newspapers and putting them on everybody's porch. And no one was seeing her do that. I accidentally did. And she even told me that day, you know, it's the small things because it is because when that person opens the door, the neighbor opens their door, they know that someone thought of them that day. Like it gives them, whether it's spoken or not, they get a sense of worth by going, I must matter. Somebody cared enough to put my newspaper on my front porch. Tiny, tiny things, as well as big things can be an act of kindness.   And then mercy, that's the showstopper. And it is a challenge and it is beautiful. And the definition of mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. And again, including ourselves. And so as I started to peel back the layers on mercy, there's more and there's more and there's more. And another one of my favorite definitions of it was from a Jesuit priest whose name is James Keenan. And he called mercy the willingness to enter into someone else's chaos, which I actually found to be the most powerful because willingness plays a central role in this whole process because it actually is centered on our significance having been settled by the Lord.   Laura Dugger: (19:09 - 19:17) What surprising discoveries did you make as you deliberately practiced each of these attitudes? And like you said, you partnered them with action steps.   Kay Wyma: (19:18 - 21:54) Yeah, so I think for everybody, we just did a book club just finished last week, even here. And one of the gals said that she has been struggling terribly with anxiety and worry that stemmed a lot. They moved to Florida before the pandemic. And so, she was living in a new place, basically holed up in her house for a year and a half. And those things of worry and anxiety and fear had crept in and had become, you know, on repeat in her mind. And so just because she had signed up for the book club, came with a friend and she didn't really buy any of it because it doesn't matter whether you buy it or not because these things are not for me. Like that's the number one thing. They aren't mine. These really are woven within the greatest commandment. You know, love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind is thankfulness. Your eyes are not on yourself. And love others as you love yourself. And he's not talking about a narcissistic love. He's like genuine caring for others and yourself. There's so much power in that, which includes kindness and mercy.   And so, she simply started doing the thankfulness. She was like, I don't know what the others are, but I know I can track being thankful. I can find a way to be thankful. And she came back after the first week and couldn't believe what it had done to her. Just in practicing thankfulness, which we know through science that there are benefits that occur in your brain just by doing that simple act. And it's clearly proven. You can just Google even the amount of thankfulness journals because it's so good for us. And if you write it down and look at it and see, you're using all these senses. And when you add the kindness and the mercy to it, it's so deeply impactful.   And so, I think the thing that probably surprised me the most is how consistent the piece is and how your neural pathways actually can change. You can actually have your superhighway and your thought process, because we have those ruts in our brain that are highly traveled paths that our thoughts go to. And they tend actually to be along the lines of anxiety or fear or worry, because that's been a part of your life since you were a little kid. And to be able to somehow transition those highest traveled pathways to something that involves kindness and mercy and thankfulness is so significant because your instant reaction is going to a place of peace instead of a place of anxiety. It's like where science meets scripture.   Laura Dugger: (21:54 - 27:25) It's so beautiful. And now a brief message from our sponsor.   Did you know you can go to college tuition-free just by being a team member at Chick-fil-A East Peoria? Yes, you heard that right. Free college education. All Chick-fil-A East Peoria team members in good standing are immediately eligible for a free college education through Point University. Point University is a fully accredited private Christian college located in West Point, Georgia. This online self-paced program includes 13 associates degrees, 17 bachelor's degrees, and two master's programs, including an MBA. 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Additionally, with our new website, we now have a donate  button. There are processing fees that we cover for these donations, but we wanted to offer listeners a seamless way to share their finances with us when we share our content with them. So just visit thesavvysauce.com and find the donate page under the tab support. Another way to find it is simply type in donate to the search bar on our website and just click the first picture shown.   We are all about sharing around here, sharing resources, sharing joy, and sharing the good news about Jesus Christ. We ask that you also will share by sharing financially, sharing The Savvy Sauce podcast episodes, and sharing a five-star rating and review. You can also share any of our social media posts on Instagram or Facebook. We are grateful for all of it, and we just love partnering together with you. Now, back to the show.   You've already shared one piece of scripture that was impactful. Were there any other passages that especially seemed to come to life during this project?   Kay Wyma: (27:26 - 29:11) Oh, yes, and they continue to, Laura, as is always the case with scripture. You know, it really is like, wow. But I love the take your thoughts captive and make them obedient to me, which can sound like it's something that I do, you know, that I'm going to have to make my thoughts obedient to him, but it's really the Lord's power that does that. And it's like these things, you know, I think we talked before about, he isn't doing something to us by saying do these things, it's for us. And it's because when you do these things, naturally it is going to set you free. And so, I love that.   I love in Isaiah where it says, “He will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast in him.” And so when you feel that unsettledness, in that unsettledness, we can go to the places of worry or fear or anxiety, but what if in the unsettledness you can go to the one who says, I see you, who says you are known, who says you are a masterpiece, who says you belong because I chose you, who says, “I see you, you are mine.” And then go to those beautiful verses, even in Isaiah where he says, “you'll go through the water and they will not rise up over you and you will go through the fire, yet you will not be burned.” That's the truth because the one who says it is the one who protects us through all those things. And in the willingness aspect of this, it goes to this place where you're trusting what you can't see. And that is the one who has said these things over us to the point where I'm acting on it in places that can feel very scary. And leaning into his safety actually proves his safety over and over and over and over. And I think that's why the piece comes in.   Laura Dugger: (29:12 - 29:17) Kay, you're such a great storyteller. So, do you have any favorite stories from this adventure?   Kay Wyma: (29:18 - 33:55) There's a couple. So, it's like these practices rehumanize what so much around us has been dehumanizing because people aren't objects. People really matter. We like to compartmentalize everybody based on so many things, our race, our religion, the color of our hair, our vocation. I mean, you name it. And so, it kind of dehumanizes in that. And now we have this cancel culture, which is so weird. Like you could cancel a human being. And so, the rehumanizing comes in all of these practices. And it's so powerful.   So, we were even on our way to the grocery store. There was a person that needed to get over a couple of lanes. And so, I'm with one of my daughters and I was like, let's let that person over. And so, as we did, she crossed over in front of us and made it all the way over three more lanes to go right. I mean, she really was in the wrong place. And my daughter looks at me and said, I'm so glad we did that. And I was like, why? And she said, because if someone had done that for me, it would have made me feel like I was seen and that I had worth. And so, I've never, like that sticks in my head constantly. To be seen and to have worth is what we all need. And the tiniest little things can do that for us.   And so at that grocery store where we were going, a lady honked at me in the parking lot. Like I was walking and she just like blared on her horn, scared the living daylights out of me. And I was like, oh my gosh. But again, in that moment, I was like, wait a second. I can either have that, I'm either gonna fire up and be mad or I'm gonna be like, oh, I really am not seen. Either way, I'm going in a bad path or I can choose willingly to go, no. She's probably stressed out because she's not used to driving or maybe I scared her. She didn't see me. I don't know. And just reacts that way. And so, in that moment, I'm like letting it go, seeing her as a human being going in the grocery store.   And so, I go in, do my shopping. It's super packed in there. I go to the deli line, get my number, stand and wait and stand and wait. And as I'm waiting, who shows up next to me but the lady that honked at me, which if I hadn't let it go in the parking lot, I would have been like, oh, there's that lady in my head. But I wasn't. I was like, oh my gosh, there she is. And the guy calls my number and I feel her next to me and hear her sigh like, oh my gosh. And I look at her and she had forgotten to get her number. And the line was so long. And I was sitting there going, you know what? I've got margin in my day. And I took my number and handed it to her so happily. And she did what we all do. She refused it because kindness is risky. You may be rejected, okay? But again, if you're going into it willingly in the willingness that's based on your settled significance, that kind of rejection doesn't hurt because you're not rejected by the one who has called you by name. Not to over-spiritualize it.   But in that moment, I'm like, okay, no worries. But the deli guy is watching the whole thing. And so, I go to hand him the number and he looks at me and he serves her. And it was, I just can't even tell you how beautiful it was because she accepted it from him. I left because I was like, I don't want her feeling weird. I'm out of here and came back later. And it was so tiny and so beautiful. And it was like the greatest things of humanity were right there at the deli line in the grocery store. And I could tell you others, like even at the checkout, not on this occasion, but another one. Like what the checkers did to give grace to a woman who was so mean to them. And for them, like these two people to look at each other and go, man, she must be having a hard day and err on that. I mean, people are amazing. And it's like, dare we walk alongside each other? Dare we reach for the good? Dare we like just sink into the beauty of all that comes with things like your significance being eternally determined so that we can actually live in the freedom that surrounds you. All these opportunities that are around you every single day to be able to see the people and to treat the people next to you like human beings. It's really freeing and it's so beautiful. And it's a path paved with shalom peace. And it's amazing.   Laura Dugger: (33:56 - 34:22) Okay, that story is so touching. And I think it's because it's so apparent that that was the Holy Spirit and Jesus in you being Jesus to someone else. Because in scripture, we do see that it's God's kindness that leads us to repentance. And I just wonder what the other side of the story is. Your act of willing obedience and kindness. I wonder how that impacted her in a positive way.   Kay Wyma: (34:23 - 35:31) I don't know, but Laura, the coolest part is that I don't need to know. Like this is, again, through these things, that whole part exits. Like it doesn't matter at all. It's like that so much of the unseen is none of, I'll sit there and go, I can't believe he gave me something in that. Because the thing about any of these, when you give them out, it doesn't work like the world's economy where giving is actually a depletion. In God's economy, when you give, you're actually being filled. And so, it's like with a full tank, you walk away going, why did you allow me to be a part of that? Like, why would you have let me do that? Because I can't believe what you gave me through all of that. It's so amazing. Gosh, it just increases your capacity to trust exponentially. And so you have these little things like thankfulness that primes the pump. It's like, well, I'm going to get it going. And then the kindness. And then to be able to go to these places of mercy that involve very, very deep concepts like compassion, like forgiveness, like grace, like letting go of bitterness. These are aspects of God. They are not from us. It's like an invitation to experience God.   Laura Dugger: (35:31 - 35:38) What are some other ways that this peace project has changed the way that you live your life from this point forward?   Kay Wyma: (35:39 - 37:30) You know, almost with a spirit of expectancy and wonder and being able to see so many things that you haven't seen before. It's like it goes from black and white to technicolor. When I was in college, I actually had the opportunity to travel into West Berlin. This was a long time ago before the wall came down because there was the wall between East Berlin and West Berlin. But in order to get to West Berlin, you had to travel through East Germany. And it was so strange because literally on the train and everyone says this that did that back in those days, it was like you would go from colors to black and white. Like it was gray. They're literally the landscaped was gray. And then you would go from that gray into West Berlin that was like all colors and crazy and vibrant.   And that's what I feel like this does. It takes the gray and it makes it, the colors just come out spectacularly. And I think it is because you're choosing to not just believe, but you're acting on the belief which changes something which because you can't do that on your own strength. And so you're getting to experience this very mysterious aspect of God where he says, come to me, I will give you peace. I will give you joy. And I'm going to add that during this period, we probably lived through some of the hardest stuff that we have ever lived through in our life, just with very old past hurt that came and revisited in an extreme way. And it's amazing to me how full our days were on some of the hardest days we've ever experienced simply because these practices allowed us to look beyond and to live in peace and joy that paved even the hardest path.   Laura Dugger: (37:31 - 37:52) Well, I think that points to our good God, even in his timing that he invited you into this and you were willing to step in. And like you've said, it wasn't just something he did to you, but he offered this for you. And even through a hard time, that was such a gift.   Kay Wyma: (37:53 - 39:32) Yeah, which I could never have known that we would even be living that hard time when we started doing this. And it was definitely something that was given to us because I wasn't looking for it. Again, like I said, I had a rotten attitude when all this started and yet he met me there. Somebody said to me, how brilliant that you did this. Like, you know, you did thankfulness, then kindness, then mercy. And I was like, I did not do this. Like, I didn't make this up. This is what literally happened that morning. And for whatever reason, our curiosity was piqued and it was piqued enough to go, hey, you want to try? And what would happen?   And this, the book is the story of us trying and it really is a 30-day experiment where I go through the 30 days of like us doing it as a group and even include the group with these alongside call outs to where even the ladies that were doing it with us. And it was ladies just because it's a ladies Bible study. It doesn't mean that it's a woman thing or a guy, you know, not a guy thing. The consistency of, I can't believe how this has set me free. I didn't know I was entering into these places like this. I can't believe how healthy my mind is. You know, and again, people, if you have any issues with depression or that are deep that you need to get help, get help, please. You know, there is help out there. There are people that are gifted to be able to walk alongside us through very, very challenging situations which we were getting help along the way too. These practices will invite peace into your day on any day. I mean, just try it. Of course, I would love for people to get the book, but more than anything, just try it. I mean, these things are for you as much as they are for me.   Laura Dugger: (39:33 - 39:39) And if someone is willing to give it a try, what suggestions do you have for them?   Kay Wyma: (39:39 - 41:53) Yeah, it's so funny because I think when we hear like, oh, I have to do something for 30 days. I don't know about you, but I'm like, I can't add one more thing to my plate. And then I'm like 30 days. So, the first thing is just do it. Like just try it. And this is not something that you are going to have to give up anything or that it's going to be some burden or that you're gonna be trudging through just a hard journey. It will instantly be a gift to you. That's it. I still struggle with my rotten attitude going, no, it's really stubbornness that I'll go, oh, I'm not doing it. And then I'll think, what is wrong with you? You really know how great this is.   When the Lord was asked, what would you say is the greatest commandment? He instantly said, love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and love others as yourself for these sum up all the law and the prophets. That's a pretty big deal. And so why? Because it's so good for you because it gets our eyes off ourselves because it puts into action our effort to believe that what he says is true. The belief, I love you. I see you. I know you. You're safe. I'm provided for you. It's so powerful. I know that to be true.   One of the gals that was in our book club has an eight-year-old daughter that hilariously picked this book up because her mother was reading it. And she called it Kay's Peace Project. She does not know me. She was going into a soccer camp, you know, and it's hot. A little girl that's her friend was being mean to her every day. And so by the last day she was getting out of the car. And that week, you know, she didn't want to get out because she didn't want to deal with this friend of hers that was being mean to her. As she was getting out on Friday, she turned to her mom as she got out of the car and she said, you know, I picked up Kay's Peace Project last night. She had landed on a day about mercy. And she said, I read about mysterious mercy. And she said, it made me realize that something may be going on in her friend's life that she doesn't know. And so, she said, I've decided that that's probably why she's being mean to me. And so, I really want to be nice to her today because I don't know what it is that's going on in her life. Eight years old.   Laura Dugger: (41:54 - 42:07) Wow. And that is so powerful. How it has the power to work in all of us. And so, if somebody wants to grab their own copy of The Peace Project or if they want to find you online, Kay, where would you direct them?   Kay Wyma: (42:08 - 42:49) Well, to KayWyma.com or I do love Instagram, but I'm just telling you, it's set your expectations low, people. Because it is, anything I've got is for whoever would like to participate in it or alongside because I do love living life together. And I would love for anybody to join along in that on those platforms or even through the books. And it's just such a privilege. And I just can't thank you enough for having me on and for your listeners even giving me a few moments to even hear whatever is the Lord has put on my heart today. And please share what's on your hearts with the people that are next to you, too. It's worth it.   Laura Dugger: (42:50 - 43:04) Well, it's been a joy to host you. And you probably remember from last time, we are called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, Kay, what is your savvy sauce?   Kay Wyma: (43:05 - 43:57) Okay. So, for this project is settled significance. And it is the idea to live in your settled significance. You don't have to get significance from anything around you even though the world would tell you that we need to like in whatever capacity is is like ask the question, where am I thinking I have to do this in order to be okay? Because that's this if then equation of the world. If you do this, then blah, blah, blah, blah. Settled significant operates off God's economy that says, because then, because I have declared you righteous, you are seen, you are known, you are whole, you are loved, you are enough, you belong. And to be able to live in those things, we fight for that right now. We really do. And we try to call out those things that are telling us otherwise.   Laura Dugger: (43:58 - 44:15) Well, Kay, thank you for fighting the good fight of faith and for sharing these practical ways to live out these biblical themes that really have eternal value of thankfulness and kindness and mercy. It has been a joy to host you as my guest.   Kay Wyma: (44:15 - 44:23) Oh, my gosh. You're so nice to host me. Thank you so much. And thank you for what you do. You're a huge encouragement to people every day. So, thank you.   Laura Dugger: (44:23 - 47:39) Thanks, Kay. One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “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.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. 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.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.