Podcasts about Herod

Two enemies walk away friends — and the thing that brought them together is the murder of an innocent man. Dr. John Neufeld traces Jesus's strange appearance before Herod, a king eager for a miracle and met instead with total silence and mockery when Jesus refuses to perform. It's a sobering picture of how wicked men recognize and even respect wickedness in each other — and a reminder of exactly what Jesus came to rescue us from.The End of the Beginning: Everyone knows how this story ends — Jesus is crucified, buried, and rises again. But in this 15-part series through Luke 23-24, Dr. John Neufeld shows why these familiar chapters still reward careful study, tracing the trials before Pilate and Herod and the road to the cross. Along the way, he uncovers details unique to Luke's account that reveal what kind of King Jesus truly is.

Pilate examines Jesus and finds no crime — so why does the crowd push forward anyway? Dr. John Neufeld traces the false charges brought against Jesus, and how religious leaders played on Roman fears to secure a death sentence for a man they knew was innocent. Along the way, he asks a question every Christian eventually faces: what do we owe the nation we live in, when our true King rules a kingdom "not of this world"?The End of the Beginning: Everyone knows how this story ends — Jesus is crucified, buried, and rises again. But in this 15-part series through Luke 23-24, Dr. John Neufeld shows why these familiar chapters still reward careful study, tracing the trials before Pilate and Herod and the road to the cross. Along the way, he uncovers details unique to Luke's account that reveal what kind of King Jesus truly is.

In this Bible Story, the baby Jesus is visited by three wise men. Herod, the evil king of the Jews, gets word that there was a new child born by prophecy. Seeing Jesus as a threat to his power, he has every child under the age of two killed. But Joseph had his family flee just in time. This story is inspired by Matthew 2. Go to https://www.BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 2:11 from the King James Version.Episode 174: In search of the Messiah, three wise men from the south made their way up to Judea. They went to the palace of King Herod to ask if he knew where this newborn King was. When they finally made it to Bethlehem, they found Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They worshiped Him, presenting Him with gifts that would both assist them and proclaim what His life would be about. Meanwhile, King Herod, ordered that all boys under two years old be killed in an effort to root out this new “king”. But God was with Joseph and revealed to him in a dream that he should flee immediately with Mary and Jesus to Egypt to be protected from Herod's massacre.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the ⁠Pray.com⁠ app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of 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.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When persecution strikes, the faith of the early believers is tested—will they stand firm as James is executed, and Peter faces impossible odds in Herod's prison?In this powerful episode, we witness the brutal persecution of James by King Herod and the miraculous escape of Peter from prison through divine intervention. As the early church faces trials, they are reminded that even in the face of death, God's hand of deliverance is ever-present.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 5:10, 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

Luke spent two entire chapters on events every listener already knows the ending to — so why go over it again? Dr. John Neufeld opens a new series on the death and resurrection of Jesus by showing what makes Luke's account unique: details found nowhere else, like Jesus's appearance before Herod, his prayer for the soldiers crucifying him, and the astonishing faith of a dying criminal beside him. It's a reminder that the story we think we know still has depths worth returning to for a lifetime.The End of the Beginning: Everyone knows how this story ends — Jesus is crucified, buried, and rises again. But in this 15-part series through Luke 23-24, Dr. John Neufeld shows why these familiar chapters still reward careful study, tracing the trials before Pilate and Herod and the road to the cross. Along the way, he uncovers details unique to Luke's account that reveal what kind of King Jesus truly is.

Throughout the Gospel of Luke, people heard Jesus teach, watched Him perform miracles, and saw firsthand who He was. But again and again, they were faced with a deeper question: Would they actually follow Him? Pastor Jonathan Laurie looks at how Pilate, Herod, and Barabbas each had very different reactions when they encountered Jesus Christ face-to-face. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout the Gospel of Luke, people heard Jesus teach, watched Him perform miracles, and saw firsthand who He was. But again and again, they were faced with a deeper question: Would they actually follow Him? Pastor Jonathan Laurie looks at how Pilate, Herod, and Barabbas each had very different reactions when they encountered Jesus Christ face-to-face. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark 6:14–29 | Martyrdom of St. John the BaptistWhy did Herod keep listening to John the Baptist if John's preaching troubled him so deeply? Why do we gladly hear sermons about other people's sins, but become defensive when the Word turns toward us? And what should we do when a sermon makes us uncomfortable?In this sermon for the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, Pastor Rojas reflects on Herod's strange response to John: he feared him, protected him, was perplexed by him, and yet kept listening gladly.The problem wasn't that Herod hated preaching. He loved preaching, until the sermon confronted the sin he refused to give up. The same danger faces us. We can admire faithful preaching, listen to endless sermons and podcasts, and still avoid repentance by surrounding ourselves only with voices that tell us what we want to hear.So what do you do when God's Word exposes your sin? Repent. Not by punishing yourself or earning your way back to God, but by stopping your excuses, confessing the truth, and running to Christ.John preached repentance because Christ had come. The same Word that exposes your sin points you to the Lamb of God who takes it away. Jesus carried every sin the sermon uncovers to the cross, died for it, and rose again to give you forgiveness, resurrection, and everlasting life.Subscribe & Share if this sermon strengthened your faith.


Original Post Date: August 29, 2024 === Gospel Mark 6:17-29 Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. Herodias' own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you." He even swore many things to her, "I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom." She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the Baptist." The girl hurried back to the king's presence and made her request, "I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. Reflection We've been spending a lot of time this week focusing on the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. But now we have a king, King Herod, and we see something in him that is very like that. He's caught in a situation where he's afraid that he's going to be misunderstood by the public, and he cannot take a stand on what he believes, but does only what serves his ego. That's why we have to be careful with. The ego. Closing Prayer Father, nothing gives us more a sense of value and worth than being authentic. Saying what we believe. Acting on what we believe. Give us that kind of integrity. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

+ Evangelio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo según san Marcos 6, 17-29 Herodes, en efecto, había hecho arrestar y encarcelar a Juan a causa de Herodías, la mujer de su hermano Felipe, con la que se había casado. Porque Juan decía a Herodes: "No te es lícito tener a la mujer de tu hermano". Herodías odiaba a Juan e intentaba matarlo, pero no podía, porque Herodes lo respetaba, sabiendo que era un hombre justo y santo, y lo protegía. Un día se presentó la ocasión favorable. Herodes festejaba su cumpleaños, ofreciendo un banquete a sus dignatarios, a sus oficiales y a los notables de Galilea. La hija de Herodías salió a bailar, y agradó tanto a Herodes y a sus convidados, que el rey dijo a la joven: "Pídeme lo que quieras y te lo daré". Y le aseguró bajo juramento: "Te daré cualquier cosa que me pidas, aunque sea la mitad de mi reino". Ella fue a preguntar a su madre: "¿Qué debo pedirle?". "La cabeza de Juan el Bautista", respondió esta. La joven volvió rápidamente adonde estaba el rey y le hizo este pedido: "Quiero que me traigas ahora mismo, sobre una bandeja, la cabeza de Juan el Bautista". El rey se entristeció mucho, pero a causa de su juramento, y por los convidados, no quiso contrariarla. En seguida mandó a un guardia que trajera la cabeza de Juan. El guardia fue a la cárcel y le cortó la cabeza. Después la trajo sobre una bandeja, la entregó a la joven y esta se la dio a su madre. Cuando los discípulos de Juan lo supieron, fueron a recoger el cadáver y lo sepultaron.Palabra del Señor.

Mc 6,17-29.Herodes, en efecto, había hecho arrestar y encarcelar a Juan a causa de Herodías, la mujer de su hermano Felipe, con la que se había casado.Porque Juan decía a Herodes: "No te es lícito tener a la mujer de tu hermano".Herodías odiaba a Juan e intentaba matarlo, pero no podía,porque Herodes lo respetaba, sabiendo que era un hombre justo y santo, y lo protegía. Cuando lo oía quedaba perplejo, pero lo escuchaba con gusto.Un día se presentó la ocasión favorable. Herodes festejaba su cumpleaños, ofreciendo un banquete a sus dignatarios, a sus oficiales y a los notables de Galilea.La hija de Herodías salió a bailar, y agradó tanto a Herodes y a sus convidados, que el rey dijo a la joven: "Pídeme lo que quieras y te lo daré".Y le aseguró bajo juramento: "Te daré cualquier cosa que me pidas, aunque sea la mitad de mi reino".Ella fue a preguntar a su madre: "¿Qué debo pedirle?". "La cabeza de Juan el Bautista", respondió esta.La joven volvió rápidamente adonde estaba el rey y le hizo este pedido: "Quiero que me traigas ahora mismo, sobre una bandeja, la cabeza de Juan el Bautista".El rey se entristeció mucho, pero a causa de su juramento, y por los convidados, no quiso contrariarla.En seguida mandó a un guardia que trajera la cabeza de Juan.El guardia fue a la cárcel y le cortó la cabeza. Después la trajo sobre una bandeja, la entregó a la joven y esta se la dio a su madre.Cuando los discípulos de Juan lo supieron, fueron a recoger el cadáver y lo sepultaron.

17 For Herod himself had sent and apprehended John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias the wife of Philip his brother, because he had married her.Ipse enim Herodes misit, ac tenuit Joannem, et vinxit eum in carcere propter Herodiadem uxorem Philippi fratris sui, quia duxerat eam. 18 For John said to Herod: It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.Dicebat enim Joannes Herodi : Non licet tibi habere uxorem fratris tui. 19 Now Herodias laid snares for him: and was desirous to put him to death, and could not.Herodias autem insidiabatur illi : et volebat occidere eum, nec poterat. 20 For Herod feared John, knowing him to be a just and holy man: and kept him, and when he heard him, did many things: and he heard him willingly.Herodes enim metuebat Joannem, sciens eum virum justum et sanctum : et custodiebat eum, et audito eo multa faciebat, et libenter eum audiebat. 21 And when a convenient day was come, Herod made a supper for his birthday, for the princes, and tribunes, and chief men of Galilee.Et cum dies opportunus accidisset, Herodes natalis sui coenam fecit principibus, et tribunis, et primis Galilaeae : 22 And when the daughter of the same Herodias had come in, and had danced, and pleased Herod, and them that were at table with him, the king said to the damsel: Ask of me what thou wilt, and I will give it thee.cumque introisset filia ipsius Herodiadis, et saltasset, et placuisset Herodi, simulque recumbentibus, rex ait puellae : Pete a me quod vis, et dabo tibi : 23 And he swore to her: Whatsoever thou shalt ask I will give thee, though it be the half of my kingdom.et juravit illi : Quia quidquid petieris dabo tibi, licet dimidium regni mei. 24 Who when she was gone out, said to her mother, What shall I ask? But she said: The head of John the Baptist.Quae cum exisset, dixit matri suae : Quid petam? At illa dixit : Caput Joannis Baptistae. 25 And when she was come in immediately with haste to the king, she asked, saying: I will that forthwith thou give me in a dish, the head of John the Baptist.Cumque introisset statim cum festinatione ad regem, petivit dicens : Volo ut protinus des mihi in disco caput Joannis Baptistae. 26 And the king was struck sad. Yet because of his oath, and because of them that were with him at table, he would not displease her:Et contristatus est rex : propter jusjurandum, et propter simul discumbentes, noluit eam contristare : 27 But sending an executioner, he commanded that his head should be brought in a dish.sed misso speculatore praecepit afferri caput ejus in disco. Et decollavit eum in carcere, 28 And he beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a dish: and gave it to the damsel, and the damsel gave it to her mother.et attulit caput ejus in disco : et dedit illud puellae, et puella dedit matri suae. 29 Which his disciples hearing came, and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.Quo audito, discipuli ejus venerunt, et tulerunt corpus ejus : et posuerunt illud in monumento.[20] "And kept him": That is, from the designs of Herodias; and for fear of the people, would not put him to death, though she sought it; and through her daughter she effected her wish.St John reproached Herod with his unlawful union with his brothers' wife. Herodias and her daughter Salome forced Herod to behead St John, the Precurser to the Messiah.

Read OnlineThe Baptist's Final SermonHerod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Mark 6:17–19Today's memorial recalls one of the most appalling acts of murder the world has ever known, surpassed only by the crucifixion of the Son of God. Saint John the Baptist stands as a towering figure in Salvation History. Though God raised up many prophets from the time of Israel's founding, none was greater than John, as our Lord Himself declared, “Among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11).John was miraculously conceived by elderly parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, after long years of barrenness. The Archangel Gabriel foretold his birth, identifying him as the one who would go before the Lord “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17). According to ancient Christian tradition, John was sanctified in his mother's womb at the moment of the Visitation. When the Blessed Virgin Mary, newly pregnant with the Son of God, greeted her kinswoman Elizabeth, “the infant leaped in her womb,” and Elizabeth was “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:41).From the desert, John preached repentance, preparing hearts for the coming of the Messiah. But his boldness went beyond gentle invitations to conversion. He confronted the most powerful of his time, publicly rebuking Herod Antipas for his unlawful union with Herodias, his brother's wife. This courageous act of prophetic truth-telling cost John his freedom and, ultimately, his life.Herodias' vengeful hatred reveals the darkened heart of one who obstinately persists in grave sin when confronted by truth. She could not bear John's righteous rebuke. Herod, by contrast, was conflicted. He feared John, recognizing him as a holy and righteous man, and was even drawn to his preaching. But Herod lacked the moral courage to follow the truth. Enslaved by lust, pride, and concern for human opinion, he chose instead to silence the prophet through a cowardly act of murder at a banquet steeped in vanity and sensuality.Why would God permit the greatest of the prophets to suffer such a horrific death at the hands of evil? Because John's ultimate witness was not in his words or baptism alone, but in his martyrdom. His death became his greatest sermon, proclaiming through blood that the Messiah he heralded would also be slain by the wicked. Though John's disciples grieved his death—and Jesus Himself withdrew in sorrow when He heard the news—today the Church rejoices in the heroic witness of this great saint.The Church honors John as a prophet and a martyr. He is the only saint whose birth and martyrdom are both celebrated liturgically. His death prefigures the Passion of Christ. He was arrested, imprisoned, and executed not for any crime, but for fidelity to God's law. John's severed head was then displayed on a platter and stands as a chilling symbol of the world's rejection of God's truth.Are you willing to risk your comfort, your reputation, or even your life to uphold the truth? Saint John's witness continues to speak powerfully in every age. The full Gospel must always be proclaimed with clarity and courage. Martyrdom is not only a mark of past saints, it is the ongoing call of every faithful disciple. Whether through blood or through a daily dying to self, the world needs prophetic witnesses today.Reflect today on your own willingness to imitate Saint John's bold fidelity. How far are you willing to go to proclaim the Gospel to those who need it most? No sacrifice is too great, no cost too high when it comes to responding to Christ's call. Give everything for the Truth, and your witness will bear eternal fruit.My sorrowful Lord, Your Heart was grieved at the death of Saint John the Baptist, yet it also rejoiced in his unwavering fidelity to the truth he proclaimed with boldness and love. Fill me, too, with the spirit and power of Elijah, that I may carry on the proclamation of salvation in the way You have called me, even to the shedding of my blood, if You so will. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, by Hendrick Ter BrugghenSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Meditación en la memoria del Martirio de San Juan Bautista, predicada en un curso anual de numerarias. El Evangelio nos presenta la muerte de San Juan Bautista, decapitado en la cárcel por causa de Herodías, la mujer de Herodes Antipas. Metafóricamente, también nosotros hemos de aprender a rendir el juicio con humildad. Como decía San Agustín, la inteligencia, don de Dios, con toda su nobleza, ha de ser rectificada de su tendencia a la soberbia con la obediencia a Dios, superando la tentación del «seréis como dioses».

On true greatness and freedom - Fr. Lucas Laborde. Click here for today's readings.What kind of ideal is Jesus presenting to you in the profile of this great prophet? Through this depiction of Herod's life, is there something the Lord wants you to steer away from?

Adquiere el "LIBRO DE ORACIÓN. Mi día a día con Jesús" en https://sercreyente.com/libros. Con más de 400 páginas, más de 500 oraciones y decenas de ilustraciones. Ve el vídeo en https://youtu.be/_9Z40IqjHj8________________Sábado, 29 de agosto de 2026 (Martirio de San Juan Bautista)Evangelio del día y reflexión... ¡Deja que la Palabra del Señor transforme tu vida! Texto íntegro del Evangelio y de la Reflexión en https://sercreyente.com/29-agosto-martirio-de-san-juan-bautista/[Marcos 6, 17-29] En aquel tiempo, Herodes había mandado prender a Juan y lo había metido en la cárcel encadenado. El motivo era que Herodes se había casado con Herodías, mujer de su hermano Filipo, y Juan le decía que no le era lícito tener a la mujer de su hermano. Herodías aborrecía a Juan y quería matarlo, pero no podía, porque Herodes respetaba a Juan, sabiendo que era un hombre justo y santo, y lo defendía. Al escucharlo quedaba muy perplejo, aunque lo oía con gusto. La ocasión llegó cuando Herodes, por su cumpleaños, dio un banquete a sus magnates, a sus oficiales y a la gente principal de Galilea. La hija de Herodías entró y danzó, gustando mucho a Herodes y a los convidados. El rey le dijo a la joven: «Pídeme lo que quieras, que te lo daré». Y le juró: «Te daré lo que me pidas, aunque sea la mitad de mi reino». Ella salió a preguntarle a su madre: «¿Qué le pido?». La madre le contestó: «La cabeza de Juan el Bautista». Entró ella enseguida, a toda prisa, se acercó al rey y le pidió: «Quiero que ahora mismo me des en una bandeja la cabeza de Juan el Bautista». El rey se puso muy triste; pero por el juramento y los convidados no quiso desairarla. Enseguida le mandó a uno de su guardia que trajese la cabeza de Juan. Fue, lo decapitó en la cárcel, trajo la cabeza en una bandeja y se la entregó a la joven; la joven se la entregó a su madre. Al enterarse sus discípulos fueron a recoger el cadáver y lo pusieron en un sepulcro.________________Descárgate la app de SerCreyente en https://sercreyente.com/app/¿Conoces nuestra Oración Online? Más información en: https://sercreyente.com/oracion¿Quieres recibir cada día el Evangelio en tu whatsapp? Alta en: www.sercreyente.com/whatsappTambién puedes hacer tu donativo en https://sercreyente.com/ayudanos/Contacto: info@sercreyente.com

As we covered in the last lesson, Zerubbabel's Temple, or the Second Temple as it is sometimes called, was finished in 516 BC. But after the Romans conquered Jerusalem, Herod the Great decided to completely refurbish it and enlarge it to be one of the most beautiful and largest Temples in the entire Roman Empire. Is there anything that we can find in archaeology today that supports the existence of Herod's Temple? Join us as we discover what history has to show us.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DONATE: https://evidence4faith.org/give/WEBSITE: https://evidence4faith.org/NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/hpazV5BOOKINGS: https://evidence4faith.org/bookings/CONTACT: Evidence 4 Faith, 349 Knights Ave Kewaskum WI 53040 , info@evidence4faith.orgMy goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. - Colossians 2:2-3CREDITS: Developed & Hosted by Michael Lane. Produced & Edited by Noah Sauder. Graphics & Publication by Noah Sauder. Additional Art, Film, & Photography Credits: Stock media “Memories” provided by mv_production / Pond5 | Logo Stinger: Unsplash.com: Leinstravelier, Logan Moreno Gutierrez, Meggyn Pomerieau, Jaredd Craig, NASA, NOASS, USGS, Sam Carter, Junior REIS, Luka Vovk, Calvin Craig, Mario La Pergola, Timothy Eberly, Priscilla Du Preez, Ismael Paramo, Tingey Injury Law Firm, Dan Cristian Pădureț, Jakob Owens | Wikimedia: Darmouth University Public Domain, Kelvinsong CC0 | Stock media “A stately Story (Stiner02)” provided by lynnepublishing / Pond5

Join us as we dig deeper into last Sunday's sermon from Pastor Nicholas González "The Gospel Rescued" and hear from Amy Duncan and Nya Martinez on "Promises".   Digging Deeper Questions: When have you experienced God working in a way you did not expect? How did that experience shape your faith?   Where do you see opportunities for the Gospel to keep moving forward through ordinary conversations, relationships, or moments in your life?    What helps you remember that your identity and hope are secure in Jesus, even when circumstances around you feel uncertain?   How might knowing that Jesus has rescued you change the way you approach someone who is struggling, afraid, or in need of hope?   Scripture Reading: Acts 12:1-19 1 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.   6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me." 9 And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."   12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, "You are out of your mind." But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, "It is his angel!" 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Tell these things to James and to the brothers." Then he departed and went to another place.   18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.    Intro/Outro Song: "Only One" Nate Zuellig ULC Artist In Residence    "Promises" Maverick City Music CCLI Song # 7149439   CCLI License # 11254293

Tuesday, 25 August 2026   And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Matthew 22:16   “And they send to Him the ‘disciples, theirs' with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we have known that true, You are, and the ‘way, the God' in truth You teach, and not it concerns You about anyone. Not, also, You look to ‘appearance, men'.'” (CG)   The previous verse noted that the Pharisees left and took counsel on how they might ensnare Jesus in His words. That continues now, saying, “And they send to Him the ‘disciples, theirs' with the Herodians.”   The Héródianoi, Herodians, are introduced at this point. Both Strong and the NAS Exhaustive Concordance say these are “partisans of Herod.” They are mentioned only three times between Matthew and Mark. Of them, Cambridge says –   “The Herodians are not named except in the first two Gospels; nor does Josephus include them in his account of Jewish sects. They were probably numerically insignificant, and may indeed have consisted merely of a few renegade Jews, who belonged to Herod's court.”   Though nothing more is known about them, as other scholars admit, there are pages of speculation on them. Whatever their political and/or religious leanings, at this time, they were in cahoots with the Pharisees, having come with their disciples, “saying, ‘Teacher, we have known that true, You are, and the ‘way, the God' in truth You teach.'”   You can see what they are up to. It just said in the previous verse concerning Jesus, “how, Him, they might ensnare in word.” In order to do that, they speak to Him with platitudes, buttering Him up so that He will be caught off guard concerning their true intent. It is a common ploy that is universal to mankind. Continuing on, they say, “and not it concerns You about anyone.”   A new word is seen here, meló, to concern. It deals especially with paying attention, giving thought to a matter, or taking an interest in it. In other words, their intent is that “the opinions of others don't matter.” They are handing out platitudes before the words intended to trap Him are set forth. In confirmation of their words, they next say, “Not, also, You look to ‘appearance, men'.”   This is something expected by the law when dealing with people from a judicial standpoint –   “You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small as well as the great; you shall not be afraid in any man's presence, for the judgment is God's.” Deuteronomy 1:17   “You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.” Deuteronomy 16:19   Thus, these men are essentially saying, “You certainly uphold the standards set forth by Moses.”   Life application: These people spoke to Jesus in a manner that buttered Him up based on standards set forth in Scripture. They figured that in this approach, Jesus would be caught off balance when they submit to Him a question intended to ensnare Him. However, they didn't realize that Jesus is the ultimate Author of Scripture.   As this is so, He was fully aware of other verses that warned against people just like them –   “For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; Their inward part is destruction; Their throat is an open tomb; They flatter with their tongue. 10 Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels; Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, For they have rebelled against You.” Psalm 5:9, 10   “A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin.” Proverbs 26:28   Jesus will be able to deal with these men in an appropriate way because He was aware of their tactics. And He was aware of them because He knew what Scripture says about such people. This is why it is important to read the word, contemplating what it says, and remembering the truths it conveys.   The more you read it, the more you will be able to do this. Jesus gave us Scripture, expecting us to follow Him in our understanding and right-application of it. Be sure to pay heed to what the word says!   Lord God, may we be diligent in our study of Your word. The more we read it and assimilate its truths into our lives, the more we will be molded in our thinking to what You have presented there. Give us the will, desire, time, and ability to grasp its many truths, applying them to our lives as we live in Your presence. Amen.

This week, we move from Peter's confession of faith to the difficult reality of what following the Messiah actually means. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and Rob Schwartz explore why Jesus tells Peter, “Get behind me, Satan”, how love and good intentions can become stumbling blocks, and what it means to lose our lives in order to find them.Questions for ReflectionThemes & ApplicationPeter's desire to protect Jesus comes from a place of love, yet it still puts him at odds with Jesus. When can our good intentions actually become stumbling blocks? How do we discern the difference between loving someone and trying to control the path they take?The episode interprets Jesus' command, “Get behind me, Satan,” as a call for Peter to get back into the proper position of a disciple: behind the teacher rather than out in front. What might it look like for us to “get back behind Jesus” when our own expectations, fears, or ambitions begin leading the way?Elizabeth suggests that Jesus' goal is much larger than producing individually humble or virtuous people: “The whole point is to create a new world and a new humanity.” How does that change the way we understand taking up the cross and following Jesus?Personal ReflectionPeter wants Jesus to conform to his own idea of what a Messiah should be. When have you wanted Jesus to want the same things you wanted? Has your understanding of what following Jesus means ever had to change?Jesus asks his followers to consider what they are willing to lose and what they believe is truly worth gaining. What are you most reluctant to let go of? Security? Status? Being right? Control? Approval? Comfort? Something else?The conversation suggests that spiritual maturity involves becoming more authentically ourselves rather than trying to perform an idealized version of holiness. Have you ever found yourself “performing” goodness, humility, faith, or spirituality? What might authentic discipleship look like instead?Broader Spiritual ConsiderationsPeter notes that Jesus' language of losing oneself in order to find oneself has parallels in other religious traditions, while Jesus specifically adds “for my sake.” What makes Christian self-emptying different from simply denying or erasing ourselves?Bob Dylan's Gotta Serve Somebody becomes a shorthand for one of the passage's existential questions: Who or what ultimately directs your life? If everyone “serves” something, what are some of the gods our culture invites us to serve?The episode ends by acknowledging Christians around the world for whom persecution and the possibility of losing one's life are not metaphors. How should Christians who live with relative safety hear Jesus' command to “take up your cross” without trivializing the experiences of people facing literal violence or persecution?References & ResourcesVocabularySkandalon (σκάνδαλον) — A Greek word meaning a stumbling block, obstacle, or something that causes another to fall. Peter, previously named the “rock,” becomes an obstacle when he tries to redirect Jesus away from the way of the cross.Mimetic Desire — René Girard's theory that human beings often learn what to desire by observing and imitating the desires of others. The person we imitate can consequently become both our model and our rival.Kenosis — From the Greek for “emptying.” In Christian theology, it commonly describes Christ's self-emptying and self-giving way of being, and can also describe the spiritual practice of relinquishing ego, status, or control.Passion Prediction — Jesus' prediction of his coming suffering and death. Matthew 16:21 also includes the promise that he will be raised on the third day, making it simultaneously a prediction of resurrection.The Way of the Cross — The pattern of discipleship modeled by Jesus in which self-giving love, rather than domination or self-preservation, becomes the path toward true life.Pop CultureSpider-Man (2002)Bob Dylan “Gotta Serve Somebody"Historical & Geographical ContextCaesarea Philippi — The episode discusses its pagan religious history, Roman imperial associations, Herod, Philip, and the ruins surrounding Jesus and the disciples.Christian PersecutionOpen Doors World Watch List — Peter references statistics on Christians experiencing persecution and discrimination worldwide to remind listeners that “taking up the cross” is not merely metaphorical for many Christians. (Read the latest 2026 statistics)Clothing“Jesus Was A Liberator of the Oppressed” ShirtLearn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

The account of John the Baptist and King Herod in Mark 6 cuts to the heart of one of the most pressing questions facing Christians today: why does the world push back against the faith, and how should believers respond? John was a prophet whose entire ministry was built on one message, repentance for the forgiveness of sins. When he confronted Herod about his unlawful marriage to Herodias, it was not a personal attack. It was the Word of God speaking directly into a sinful situation. Herodias responded with cold fury and eventually orchestrated John's execution. Herod, though he recognized John as a righteous man, was too cowardly to act on what he heard. He listened without obeying, and in the end, he lost everything.Four important lessons emerge from this story. First, God's Word is designed to expose sin, and that will sometimes feel offensive. Second, when Scripture convicts us, the right response is repentance, not resistance. Third, when God's Word offends others, believers are called to stand firm with grace and truth, not anger or compromise. The story of Finnish parliamentarian Paivi Rasanen, who endured 30 hours of police interrogation for a biblical booklet she wrote and refused to renounce her beliefs, is a modern example of that kind of courage. Fourth, right now, 388 million Christians around the world are being persecuted for their faith. They are not strangers. They are brothers and sisters in Christ, and they deserve our prayers, our support, and our solidarity.

Today we're exploring the most contested 35 acres on the planet: the Temple Mount. Following our look into the violent history of this sacred site, we're breaking down the overlapping layers of faith, politics, and archaeology that define it today. From the ancient stones of the Western Wall and the biblical weight of the Binding of Isaac to the modern-day theological standoff over a potential Third Temple, we're investigating why this single location remains the center of the world for billions. We'll trace the timeline from Solomon's Temple to the British Mandate, and ask the ultimate question—is this the connecting point for humanity or the ultimate divide? WELCOME TO RELIGION CAMP!

The Point Was Never the Lineage: A Call to Deliver What Only You Can Bring We're sent to a place to change it and make it match our culture. Which means at certain points you have to put aside the culture that you were given for the one that heaven gives you.Heaven never sabotages a human being. The events of our lives, even those that appear devastating, are designed to empower the soul.Yet, most of us spend our lives trapped on the ground floor, letting our lineage act as a ceiling. We treat ancestry, conditioning, and our original environment as the permanent walls of who we are. From that low vantage point, every hardship feels like a personal injustice.But consciousness has many mansions. Shifting to a higher floor means realizing that life is a series of experiences designed for your expansion, not a trap set by your past.To see what living entirely free of a baseline looks like, we have to look past lineage altogether. This brings us to the archetype of Melchizedek. Walking onto the ancient page with no father, no mother, and no recorded genealogy, Melchizedek represents a consciousness untouched by an origin story. He is the ultimate expression of the penthouse view—proof that you can step completely outside the architectural blueprint you were handed and claim a wholly sovereign reality.He appears in Genesis 14:18-20, brings bread and wine, blesses Abraham, and disappears. In a text obsessed with family trees and pedigrees, that deliberate absence is the loudest detail. It tells you something crucial: your authority doesn't have to come from your lineage. It can come from who you are in this moment, standing in unbroken connection to the Source.He wasn't just a king who blessed people or a priest who led. He held both capacities at once, fully integrated. That's the architecture of self-mastery—and it's available to you the moment you step outside the temporary lines you were born into.What His Name Actually Tells YouMelchizedek comes from two Hebrew roots: Melech, meaning king, and Zedek, meaning righteous. King of Righteousness. That's not just a title. It's a description of the operating system.Kingly authority is the outer capacity: leadership, boundary-setting, stewarding resources, making decisions, protecting the mission.Priestly authority is the inner capacity: self-awareness, processing difficult emotional material, navigating your inner landscape, staying aligned with something greater than the urgent noise at the surface.Most of us are lopsided. We either execute well but internally burn out, or we stay spiritually centered but never produce anything tangible. The Melchizedek model is the integration of both—attending to the visible and invisible realms at the same time, without outsourcing your worth to either one.The priesthood of Melchizedek is described as eternal, distinct from temporary systems. Other orders are tied to tribes, structures, chains of inheritance. This one is tied to something else entirely: the character and continuous inner union of the person standing in it. No expiration date. No dependence on human appointment.The Practical Invitation: From Survival to OverflowStrip away the religious packaging, and here's the truth: you're invited to stop living as a product of your past and start living as the author of your future.This means something specific: you stop worrying about survival even when circumstances are challenging, and you start receiving the Royal family's overflow.Think about it. Most of us are in perpetual defense mode. We're protecting ourselves against scarcity, anxiety, and the fear that we won't have enough. But what if your identity shifted? What if you understood yourself not as someone trying to scrape by, but as a child of the Most High—someone with access to infinite resources?That means moving from a life of earthly limitations—constant exhaustion, desperate need for validation, survival-mode reactions—into what we might call multi-dimensional functioning. You become the kind of person whose inner alignment with the Divine is so complete that your outer actions flow naturally from it.You stop hustling to prove yourself and start producing from overflow.The goal isn't just doing better. It's becoming a complete expression of the Source you're connected to, so that your presence alone shifts the room. (That's the framework most people are missing.)Why God Grants You Access to Kingdom Wealth and AbundanceWe want God to show up. We want the kingdom to invade our earth. We want resources to appear. But we're not actually agreeing to anything. We're standing at the buffet saying “I want that” without getting in line.This isn't about luck or wishful thinking. There are three foundational reasons why you deserve—and are designed to receive—Kingdom wealth and abundance:1. To live a comfortable life.God is not against your prosperity. He wants you living comfortably while you serve Him. Rest, provision, peace—these are not luxuries reserved for someone else. They're your inheritance.2. To advance the Kingdom of God.If you're financially incapacitated, you're spiritually handicapped. You can't do much for the Kingdom when you're in survival mode. Wealth removes the barrier between your calling and your execution.3. To be a blessing to the world in a practical, definite way.(See Genesis 12:3.) Your abundance isn't for hoarding—it's for circulation. It flows through you to those around you. But here's the thing: your motivation for accessing wealth must be purified by these revelations. It's not about status or ego. It's about capacity to serve.What You're Actually Here to DeliverYou weren't created just to make a living and keep the bills away. That's survival, not purpose.That business, book, movement, healing practice, or unlikely project only you could've dreamed up? It's not a coincidence. It's something planted in you before you had words for it. An idea is a kind of pregnancy—it gestates in your mind and heart until it can't be hidden anymore.Your job is straightforward: conceive it, believe it, protect it, and when the time is right—push.This isn't just inspirational talk. Research published in JAMA followed thousands of adults over fifty and found that a sense of purpose was linked to a 15% lower risk of death over eight years. Purpose isn't a luxury. It's a survival instinct. People who stop carrying something die long before their bodies catch up.Thomas Edison understood this:“I have not failed 10,000 times. I have successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.”Successful people have one secret: they refuse to quit. Postpone failure long enough, and it becomes success.Understanding What Increase Actually MeansHere's where most people get stuck: they confuse increase with just “having more.” It's not that simple.Increase is a multi-dimensional process of becoming progressively greater. It's not merely about accumulation. It's about growth in four key areas:Size: Expansion in your personal reach or physical domain. Your influence grows.Volume: Greater capacity to hold or handle resources. You're not just getting more—you're becoming larger to contain more.Number: Multiplication of your results or influence. Your impact compounds.Intensity: Increasing the power, passion, and effectiveness of your work. You're not just busier; you're more potent.Notice something? Increase isn't random. It's not a product of luck. It's a law-governed outcome. Just as physical laws govern the earth, Kingdom mysteries govern spiritual progress. To experience this, you must shift your mindset from mere desire to active engagement with these laws.The 5 Keys to Sustained IncreaseIf you want increase to actually stick—to become part of your permanent reality and not just a temporary spike—these five keys are non-negotiable:1. Connection with Holy SpiritThis is the foundation. Like a branch connected to a vine, your fruitfulness depends entirely on the health of your intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Everything flows from this relationship. Cut the connection, and nothing else matters.2. KnowledgeIgnorance is the primary barrier to progress. You must pursue distilled knowledge—not just the technical skills of your field, but the spiritual laws that govern success. Honor. Diligence. Stewardship. These aren't optional. They're the operating system beneath everything.3. DutifulnessThe quality of living out our duties or tasks with care and loyalty.4. FaithfulnessGod tests your ability to handle small assignments before trusting you with greater ones. If you are not faithful with what you currently have, you cannot expect an increase. Small is the training ground for large.5. ThanksgivingGratitude is a powerful act of faith. By refusing to complain and instead praising God for the present, you keep the atmosphere of your life open to supernatural intervention. You literally create the conditions for more.Mary: A Study in Real ExecutionThe best real-world case study is Mary. Let's keep it practical.First, the call interrupts your plans. She was engaged, and suddenly the biggest assignment in human history landed on her calendar. When purpose shows up, it won't always fit neatly into your five-year plan. That's not a problem. That's the signal.Second, you'll feel like a virgin. Meaning: you've never done this before. It will scare you. That's confirmation you're in over your head—which is exactly where you need to be.Third, you need backup. The first thing Mary did was go to Elizabeth, another woman carrying an impossible miracle. Find people who already believe crazy things can happen. Hang around dreamers, and your own vision starts leaping.Fourth, protect it. Mary and Joseph hid the child from Herod. There's a season to share the vision and a season to strengthen it. Not everyone who says “amen” is safe. Let them earn your trust.Fifth, say yes and move. Mary's response was simply: “Let it be done to me as you have said.” Then she got up and went. Indecision is still a decision—usually the wrong one.The Law of HarvestHere's what most people miss: everything you receive from God often arrives in seed form. The increase you desire is a harvest that requires you to sow.This includes sowing acts of love, seeds of kindness, and seeds of diligence. You must act as a farmer—consistently planting the qualities you wish to see manifest in your life. You can't harvest what you didn't plant. And you can't plant what you're not willing to become.Integrating the King-Priest WithinNow bring the two halves together.Operating as a fully integrated person means dissolving the artificial barrier between your outer work and your inner awareness. You're not a spiritual being on Sundays and a steely operator on weekdays. Those two selves merge into one.King mode is the outer work: setting boundaries, making hard calls, building systems, stewarding resources, protecting the mission.Priest mode is the inner work: stillness, self-awareness, processing the pain you keep avoiding, staying connected to the Source.When these two merge, your daily decisions stop being reactions. You stop needing an outside mediator, a temporary title, or a prestigious lineage to validate your worth. You move through life with continuous, self-authored authority.Melchizedek didn't need a pedigree because his identity was anchored in something eternal. That's the whole point: you stop letting where you came from dictate where you're capable of going.The Tipping PointTo step fully into your calling, you must embrace your true identity: you are offspring of the Most High, seated in heavenly places, operating within the order of Melchizedek. You function simultaneously as priest and king—knowing the heart of the Father and bringing His will to earth. When you speak, you're not just sharing opinions; you're collapsing possibilities into reality. That's the weight you carry.It doesn't take equal numbers to tip the balance. t takes enough awakened ones—each carrying their assignment—to provide the momentum for breakthrough.You were born for such a time as this. Not to survive it. Not to post about it. But to deliver what you were born to bring.Now GoStop waiting for perfect conditions. Make the call ruthlessly.* Cut the circle that's killing your vision.* Lay down the need to control the timeline.* Stay patient through the messy middle.* And when the moment arrives—push.The world has been waiting for what you carry. Not for who you were. For who you're becoming.Now go deliver it.Love, KassandraThe Light Between is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thelightbetween.substack.com/subscribe

Try the BibleACTS app!: ⁠https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe⁠ Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: ⁠https://cut2theheart.com⁠ In this episode, we continue our verse-by-verse study through Acts 12, where persecution against the early Church intensifies under King Herod. James is killed, Peter is imprisoned, and the Church responds by earnestly praying to God. In this study, we discuss: Peter being imprisoned and guarded by soldiers The Church praying earnestly for Peter An angel miraculously freeing Peter from prison and why Peter confused this with having a vision The believers' surprising reaction when Peter arrives Herod's pride and refusal to give glory to God Herod's judgment and death Acts 12 is a powerful reminder that God remains sovereign even in persecution. Some believers experienced miraculous deliverance while others, like James, suffered for their faith—yet through it all, God's purposes continued and His Word kept spreading. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary. #Acts12 #BibleStudy #Peter #Prayer #Herod #EarlyChurch #Persecution #BibleCommentary #ChristianPodcast #VerseByVerse

Mark 6:14–29  & Proverbs 16:18 PARENTS: Because children of many different ages and stages listen to this podcast, a few details in this account have been carefully adapted while remaining faithful to what Scripture teaches. In this episode, we do not include the graphic details of John's death. In today's episode, we hear what happened to John the Baptist after he courageously confronted King Herod about his sin. Herod knew John was a righteous and holy man—and he even liked listening to him. But when Herod had to choose between doing what was right and protecting his reputation, pride took over. Kids will learn that pride is more than bragging. Pride says, “I know best,” and places our desires above God's Word. We'll also discover why simply hearing God's truth is not the same as believing, repenting, and obeying. What We'll Learn John courageously spoke God's truth—even when it was scary. Hearing God's Word is not the same as obeying it. Pride can make us care more about looking good than doing what is right. Discuss what humility is not. ❤️ Shout outs- Support the show Love Kids Bible Stories? You can help us keep making it — and get a shoutout on a future episode! One-time gift →⁠ Donorbox⁠Give once, get a shoutout. OR ⁠Join the Family Library → Patreon: ⁠ Either option gets you a shoutout. The Family Library on Patreon adds ad-free listening and bonus resources as our way of saying thank you. ---- Thanks to today's sponsor, ⁠⁠GoMinno!! ⁠⁠You'll want to check out this great resource for your family.

What if a plant we spend so much time pulling off our trees and walls is actually a forgotten medicinal ally?Common ivy (Hedera helix) has a complicated reputation. It's abundant, beautiful, and deeply woven into the European landscape, yet many people think of it as an invasive to eradicate rather than something to learn from. In this episode, herbalist Luke Ó hErodáin reveals the forgotten medicinal traditions surrounding common ivy and why he believes this plant deserves a second look. He shares how ivy became one of his most trusted lung herbs, the traditional preparations that caught his attention, and the fascinating history behind its use in European medicine.Luke also shares the story behind the research project that has become one of his major passions: uncovering and translating the work of the French eclectic herbalists. These forgotten practitioners were exploring whole-plant medicine, sophisticated preparations, and local substitutes for exotic herbs at a time when the medical world was rapidly changing. Their work raises some fascinating questions about what we've lost—and what we might rediscover by looking backward.Ready to explore ivy beyond the garden wall? Luke has shared not one, but four recipes for working with this remarkable plant! You can download your beautifully illustrated recipe card here.By the end of this episode, you'll know:► What makes ivy such a powerful herbal ally for people with deep congestion in the lungs► How Luke works with ivy for burns, scars, cellulite, and other skin concerns► Important cautions to consider before using ivy internally► Surprising ways French herbalists used phytochemistry to inform their herbal practice in the early 1900's► How the rise of modern industrial medicine changed the herbalism landscape practically overnight► and so much more…For those of you who don't know him, Luke Ó hErodáin (Luke Heron), Dip Herb Med, is a medical herbalist based in Ireland and operating his clinic in Cork. He is the current lead of the Herbal Alliance and is actively engaging with professional herbalists in the UK and Ireland to navigate through this digital age through the Herbal Alliance.Before becoming a herbalist, Luke spent a decade in the media and technology industry working in film production, digital marketing and tech deployment, a background that informs his critical perspective on AI and digital ethics. He is an independent researcher focusing on the French Eclectic Doctors, led by Dr. Henri Leclerc (who likely coined the term ‘phytotherapy') and is actively preserving and translating their works. Luke is a foraging instructor dedicated to bridging traditional local and indigenous Irish plant wisdom with modern insights.I hope this conversation leaves you looking a little differently at the plants you pass every day—and perhaps a little more curious about the herbal wisdom hiding in old books, forgotten traditions, and even the plants we've learned to overlook.----Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.comWould you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video.You can find Luke at CelticFoxHerbal.com.For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram!Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter.If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it!On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health.Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com.----Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

Jim Seilsopour, the most consistent guest of the pod, and resident fox hunter, just got back from three weeks in Israel, so this one starts on the beach at Caesarea and wanders everywhere from there.. We use all of that as a runway into thoroughbreds, off-track aftercare, the new racing league picking a fight with the Triple Crown, and what we want to build with Horse People next year.Five things we get into:The new team-based racing league, started by the former Liberty Media exec behind F1's resurgence, and why splitting the sport away from the Triple Crown could hurt everyone. Jim's Israel riding: Arabians that stayed sound over rock and road, four-hour beach rides in and out of the Mediterranean, Druze horsemen who could flat-out ride, and a 12-year-old phenom who reminded Jim of himself at that age.Off-track thoroughbreds getting second lives in the hunt field, and why we both think the thoroughbred is still the most capable horse alive even as modern eventing leans warmblood and dressage-heavy.Keeping horses at home versus boarding them, and the connection Jim says he never appreciated until he was feeding twice a day and catching the small things before they became big ones.Bloodlines, live and unscripted, as we pull up Subic Boy, a new thoroughbred of the Santa Fe hunt on Equibase and trace him back through Bernardini and Seattle Slew to SecretariatIf you have ever wondered what happens to a racehorse after the track, whether a Silicon Valley playbook can be dropped onto a 150-year-old sport, or just what it feels like to gallop an Arabian along the coast where Herod built his city, this is the conversation. Two horse people talking the way horse people actually talk, following the thread wherever it goes, from a Maryland statehouse to a monastery on Mount Carmel to a cattle ranch where a horse that was running at Santa Anita three months ago is now chasing hounds.Follow the show: @horsepeoplepodcastSubscribe and follow Horse People for more cross-discipline content and stories.

ACTS 4:12-31- HOLY SPIRIT BOLDNESS - BRIAN SUMNER - 2026ACTS 4:12-31 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”The Name of Jesus Forbidden13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.Prayer for Boldness23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:‘Why did the nations rage,And the people plot vain things?26 The kings of the earth took their stand,And the rulers were gathered togetherAgainst the Lord and against His Christ.'27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”To support this channel and partner with Brian in Ministryhttps://www.briansumner.net/support/For more on Brianhttp://www.briansumner.nethttps://www.instagram.com/BRIANSUMNER/https://www.facebook.com/BRIANSUMNEROFFICIALTo listen to Brians Podcast, click below.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Purchase Brians Marriage book at https://www.amazon.com/Never-Fails-Da...Brian is a full time "Urban Missionary" both locally and internationally with a focus on MISSIONS - MARRIAGES - MINISTRY. Since coming to faith in 2004 doors continued opening locally and internationally to do more and more ministry with a focus on Evangelism, Outreach Missions, Marriage, Counsel, Schools, Festivals, Conferences and the like.  Everything about this ministry is made possible because of people personally partnering through the non profit. God Bless and thank you. †Support the showSUPPORT THE SHOW

Welcome to the Christmas series! Caesar's decree for a nationwide census couldn't come at a worse time for Mary and Joseph. But perhaps this journey to Bethlehem is exactly what God planned all along. Sign up for special devotionals at ⁠StoriesoftheMessiah.com⁠.As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel.They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history.For more Bible stories download the ⁠Pray.com⁠ app. To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit ⁠https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Herod Agrippa I Ruled 41-44 A.D. Grandson of King Herod the Great Imprisoned Peter during Passover in 42 or 43 A.D. He died before Passover of 44 A.D.   Herod went from Judea to Caesarea following Peter's angelic escape from prison. Herod was quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They joined together asking for an appointment with Herod requesting for peace as they depended on Herod for their food supply.    From writings from Flavius Josephus "Antiquities of the Jews, Book 19" (Translator: Paul L. Maier) Josephus tells us that Herod met with the representatives of Tyre and Sidon in the theater at Caesarea. (Pastor shares pictures of the restored theater today.)     Josephus goes on to share that as Herod entered the theater, "dressed in a garment of woven silver, … his flatterers at once started addressing him as a god." This is just what the Luke (author of Acts) tells us in verses 21-22. "… Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne …. They shouted, 'This is the voice of a god, not of a man.'" Josephus also adds the following: "The king did not censure them nor reject their flattery as impious." (Josephus, Antiquities 19:343)   Continuing with Luke's narrative in Acts 12:23-24 we read, "Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God continued to spread and flourish."   Josephus tells us that Herod, "died after five days of unremitting pain. He was 54 years old."   What do we learn? The word of God endures forever His word is faithful and true Even when His people suffer greatly, in the end God wins and so will we. This account gives a vivid reminder of the power of the Gospel of Jesus, the power of the Living God to comfort and strengthen His own, and the power of God to bring a new and just creation, a new heaven and a new earth. And that is what we await as we continue to walk with Him.     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For the full list of videos in this series, Dig Deeper, https://www.awakeusnow.com/dig-deeper   For more check out our Sunday series, God ACTS! https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/videos   Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Herod is defeated, but slaughters all the infants of Bethlehem in retaliation. Jesus comes to John the Baptist to be baptized.

This is the climax of the summer's Matthew arc. Everything since Trinity has been building toward Peter's answer to the question Jesus finally asks him directly: “Who do you say that I am?” Today Peter answers, and the answer shapes everything that follows.* Track One begins Exodus — the birth of Moses, protected by an unlikely coalition of women who defy Pharaoh's murderous order. Psalm 124 sings the deliverance from the other side. * Track Two brings us Isaiah's call to remember the rock from which we were hewn, paired with Psalm 138's personal thanksgiving. * The Epistle turns an important corner: after eleven chapters of theological argument, Paul opens Romans 12 with “therefore” — the practical application begins. Present your bodies. One body, many members. Different gifts, all needed.For preachers continuing a series: this is the destination. The confession is what the summer has been building toward. Next week the Gospel will turn — Peter will be corrected, the way of the cross will be named — but this week we stop and let the confession stand.The ReadingsExodus 1:8–2:10First Reading (Track One) — The Midwives and the Birth of MosesSummaryA new king arises in Egypt who does not know Joseph. Threatened by the growing number of Hebrews, he enslaves them and orders the Hebrew midwives to kill every male child at birth. But the midwives — Shiphrah and Puah, named by the text against Pharaoh's namelessness — refuse. When Pharaoh escalates and orders all male children thrown into the Nile, three more women defy him: Moses's mother, who hides him and then places him in a basket on the river; his sister, who watches from the reeds; and Pharaoh's own daughter, who finds the baby and takes him as her own. Deliverance begins through the courage of women.Key Ideas for Preaching* The story of Israel's deliverance begins with women whose defiance no one wrote down until much later. An unlikely coalition forms across ethnic and class lines. Where in your congregation might God's deliverance be already beginning through people whose work no one has yet noticed?* Shiphrah and Puah are named by the text. Pharaoh, the most powerful man in the story, is not. The narrator has decided who matters. What might it mean for your congregation to notice whose names Scripture chooses to lift up?* The midwives lie — or, dissemble at the very least — to Pharaoh, and the text approves — God deals well with them. Where in your congregation has an obedience to institutional authority been quietly mistaken for faithfulness, when a deeper faithfulness would have refused?Significant Cautions* Do not idealize any of the characters. The midwives are ordinary working women doing what they can. Pharaoh's daughter defies her father but does not free the Hebrews. Their courage is real and it is also partial.* The civil disobedience reading of this text is available, but should not be pressed into any particular contemporary political program.* Say the names — Shiphrah and Puah — from the pulpit when you can. Pharaoh's namelessness is part of the text's judgment on him.Psalm 124The Psalm (Track One) — If It Had Not Been the LordSummaryA psalm of thanksgiving for deliverance, sung from the safe side. If it had not been the Lord who was on our side when enemies rose against us, when the waters would have swept us away, we would have been overwhelmed. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.Key Ideas for Preaching* The psalm is written in retrospect — thanksgiving from safety, not desperate pleading in the moment. What might it look like for your congregation to make a practice of naming past deliverances honestly, so that hope in future ones is grounded in something remembered?* Paired with today's Exodus reading, the psalm reads like a song sung generations after the midwives did their quiet work in a birthing room. What began as unnoticed courage becomes a whole people singing.Significant Cautions* Be careful not to preach this in a way that identifies contemporary political opponents as the “enemies” God delivers us from. The psalm is looking back at Egypt, not writing policy for today.Isaiah 51:1–6First Reading (Track Two) — Look to the RockSummaryA word of comfort to God's people in exile. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, the quarry from which you were dug — remember Abraham and Sarah, from whom your whole people came. God is bringing comfort to Zion, making her wilderness like Eden. Instruction will go out; justice will be a light to the peoples. The heavens will vanish like smoke and the earth wear out like a garment, but God's salvation will endure forever.Key Ideas for Preaching* The prophet asks the people to remember. Look to the rock. Remember Abraham and Sarah. Where in your congregation has the loss of memory made the current moment feel more precarious than it should?* The pairing of “the heavens will vanish like smoke” with “my salvation will be forever” is a striking piece of realism about what lasts. Where has your congregation been placing lasting trust in what will not last?* Paired with the Gospel, this text sets up the wordplay Jesus will use with Peter — “on this rock.” Isaiah's rock is Abraham and Sarah; Matthew's rock is Peter's confession. Both texts are asking about the ground beneath our feet.Significant Cautions* The imagery of Zion's restoration is specific to Israel's exile. Do not press it into a program for any modern nation.* “Look to the rock from which you were hewn” is an invitation to remember, not a mandate to romanticize the past.Psalm 138The Psalm (Track Two) — Do Not Forsake the Work of Your HandsSummaryA psalm of personal thanksgiving that expands to a global vision. The psalmist gives thanks with his whole heart and praises God's steadfast love. All the kings of the earth will one day praise God. The closing line is a prayer that God will not forsake the work of God's hands.Key Ideas for Preaching* “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me… do not forsake the work of your hands.” That is one of the most reassuring sentences in the Psalter — a prayer that trusts God is not done. Where in your congregation are people who need to hear that they are still the work of God's hands?* The psalm begins with a personal thanksgiving and ends with all the kings of the earth. What might your sermon do with a psalm whose horizon widens that quickly?Significant Cautions* “All the kings of the earth” praising God should not be read as a program for religious empire. It is a prayer for a widening praise, not a mandate.Romans 12:1–8The Epistle — A Living Sacrifice; One Body, Many MembersSummaryAfter eleven chapters of theological argument, Paul turns a corner. “I appeal to you, therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds. Paul then turns to community life: think of yourselves with sober judgment. We are one body with many members, and no member is complete without the others. Different gifts have been given — prophecy, ministry, teaching, encouragement, giving, leading, showing mercy — and each should be exercised in the measure of faith God has given.Key Ideas for Preaching* “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice” is one of the strangest images in Paul. Sacrifices in the ancient world were dead. Living sacrifices are not a category. Paul is describing a whole life, offered without being consumed. What does it look like to preach whole-life offering in a culture that keeps splitting body from soul, work from worship?* Paul opens the practical section with an appeal for humility — think of yourself with sober judgment, not more highly than you ought. This is his first instruction for community life. Where in your congregation might humble self-assessment be the missing precondition for everything else Paul goes on to ask?* The list of gifts is illustrative, not comprehensive. Some are visible (prophecy, teaching, leading). Others are quieter (ministry, showing mercy, giving with generosity). Where in your congregation have visible gifts been overvalued and quieter gifts overlooked?Significant Cautions* “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice” has been misused to justify Christians accepting abuse or unhealthy suffering. That is not what Paul is describing. Handle the language carefully in pastoral contexts where suffering is not chosen.* The gifts list has sometimes been made into a personality test. Paul is describing what happens in a healthy community, not offering a diagnostic for individuals.Matthew 16:13–20The Gospel — Peter's Confession at Caesarea PhilippiSummaryJesus takes his disciples to Caesarea Philippi — a city built by Herod's son at the base of Mount Hermon, next to a massive rock cave that was a shrine to the Greek god Pan, and named after Caesar. In this heavily symbolic place, Jesus asks two questions. First: who do people say that the Son of Man is? The disciples report the various answers — John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, one of the prophets. Then the sharper question: who do you say that I am? Peter answers: you are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Jesus blesses him — this insight, he says, has come from God, not from human reasoning. Then comes the famous wordplay: you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.* (see excursus below) Peter is given the keys of the kingdom. And the disciples are charged to tell no one that Jesus is the Messiah.Photo by Emile Guillemot on UnsplashKey Ideas for Preaching* The setting is not accidental. Caesarea Philippi was named after Caesar and built next to a shrine to Pan. When Jesus asks “who do you say that I am?” he is asking in the shadow of empire and of another religion's holy place. What does it mean for your congregation to make Peter's confession in the shadows of the powers of our own moment?* The other answers the disciples report — John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah — are good answers. Great prophets. Faithful witnesses. But they are not enough. Where might your congregation be settling for a good answer to who Jesus is when a deeper one is being offered?* Jesus tells Peter the confession did not come from “flesh and blood” — it was given to him by God. The confession is not a reward for Peter's cleverness; it is a gift from the Father. Where in your congregation has faith been imagined as something we work out, when the text describes it as something we receive?* Whatever your tradition makes of the Petros/petra wordplay, the fundamental picture is worth preaching: the church is built on a confession. Not on our cleverness, not on our numbers, not on our building, not on our institutional strength. On a confession. What would change if your congregation actually believed that?Significant Cautions* The Petros/petra wordplay has been the site of long controversy between Catholic and Protestant traditions. Both readings have real defenders; do not preach one as the only faithful option.* “The gates of Hades will not prevail” has been used triumphally in ways Jesus's own life will complicate — he is about to head to Jerusalem and be crucified. The victory the passage promises is not the kind that avoids the cross.* The command to tell no one has puzzled readers for centuries. This is the “messianic secret” that runs through Matthew and Mark, and scholars have not settled its meaning. Do not preach a confident theory as if it were obvious.An exursus on the text: I found the following brief commentary from You.com to be helpful in my deliberation of how much to make of the difference between Petros and petra:* The Petros/Πέτρος vs. Petra/πέτρα Contrast (Matthew 16:18)Lexical and Grammatical Background* Πέτρος (Petros): Masculine, used as Simon's new name, means “rock” or “stone.” In Koine Greek, it is not used generically for “small stone”—that would be λίθος (lithos)* πέτρα (petra): Feminine, means “bedrock,” “massive rock,” or “rock formation.” Used metaphorically for a strong foundation* Gender Accommodation: The distinction is primarily grammatical—πέτρα is feminine and unsuitable as a male name, so the masculine Πέτρος is used for SimonAramaic Background* Kepha (כֵּיפָא): In Aramaic, the same word is used for both Peter's name and “rock,” with no gender distinctionJesus likely spoke Aramaic, so the Greek distinction is a translation artifact, not a theological oneMatthew 16:13–20 is a foundational passage for Christian theology and ecclesiology. The Petros/petra wordplay, rooted in Aramaic and preserved in Greek, affirms Peter's foundational role without excluding the importance of his confession or the broader apostolic witness. The passage's other key terms—ἐκκλησία, πύλαι ᾅδου, κλεῖδες τῆς βασιλείας, δήσῃς/λύσῃς, Υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος—draw deeply from Jewish, Old Testament, and Greco-Roman backgrounds, establishing the church as a new, Christ-centered community with authority, resilience, and a confession rooted in divine revelation.Thematic ConnectionsThe Gospel is the climax of the summer's Matthew arc. Since Trinity we have been reading with Peter and the disciples — call, sending, warning, welcome, feeding, walking on water, encounter with the Canaanite woman — and today the question that has been building finally gets asked directly. Peter answers, and the answer shapes everything that follows.On Track One, the Exodus reading pairs with the Gospel in a specific way. Israel's deliverance begins with midwives whose courage no one recorded until later; the church, in the Gospel, is built on a confession made by a fisherman in the shadow of a pagan shrine. Both texts insist that the beginnings of God's great works often happen in unnoticed places, through unexpected people.On Track Two, Isaiah's “look to the rock from which you were hewn” and the Gospel's “on this rock” are worth reading side by side. Isaiah asks the people to remember Abraham and Sarah as their foundation. Jesus builds the church on the foundation of Peter's confession. Both texts are asking the same question in different tenses: what is the ground beneath your feet?Romans 12 sits inside the day as the “so what.” If Peter's confession is true, something has to change about how we live. Present your bodies. Think of yourselves with sober judgment. Use your gifts for the good of the whole body. Paul is describing what a community looks like when it takes Peter's confession seriously.For preachers finishing the summer series: this is the destination. Next week the Gospel will turn — Peter will be corrected, the way of the cross will be named — but this week we stop and let the confession stand. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lectionarypro.substack.com/subscribe

Why is it that people can have the truth standing directly in front of them and still fail to recognize it? In Matthew 13 and 14, we see a powerful principle: the condition of the heart can distort what the eyes see. When Jesus returned to His hometown, the people were astonished by His wisdom and mighty works, yet they could not get past their familiarity with Him. They knew His family. They knew where He had grown up. To them, He was still "the carpenter's son." Instead of allowing the evidence to change their perception of Jesus, they forced Jesus back into the category in which they had always placed Him. Their familiarity became a stumbling block that contributed to their unbelief. Then Matthew takes us immediately to Herod and Herodias. Herod hears about Jesus, but his guilty conscience causes him to conclude that John the Baptist has risen from the dead. Herodias sees John not as God's prophet, but as a threat because John exposed the sin she wanted to protect. Herod himself knows the people regard John as a prophet, yet fear, guilt, political pressure, and the opinions of others influence his actions. Nazareth looked through the lens of familiarity. Herod looked through the lens of guilt and fear. Herodias looked through the lens of rebellion and unrepentant sin. Different lenses—but the same result: distorted perception. In this message, Pastor Brandon Holthaus examines how familiarity, pride, guilt, fear, past experiences, and unrepentant sin can cause us to misinterpret people and even miss what God is doing right in front of us. Matthew 13:53–58

Why is it that people can have the truth standing directly in front of them and still fail to recognize it? In Matthew 13 and 14, we see a powerful principle: the condition of the heart can distort what the eyes see. When Jesus returned to His hometown, the people were astonished by His wisdom and mighty works, yet they could not get past their familiarity with Him. They knew His family. They knew where He had grown up. To them, He was still “the carpenter's son.” Instead of allowing the evidence to change their perception of Jesus, they forced Jesus back into the category in which they had always placed Him. Their familiarity became a stumbling block that contributed to their unbelief. Then Matthew takes us immediately to Herod and Herodias. Herod hears about Jesus, but his guilty conscience causes him to conclude that John the Baptist has risen from the dead. Herodias sees John not as God's prophet, but as a threat because John exposed the sin she wanted to protect. Herod himself knows the people regard John as a prophet, yet fear, guilt, political pressure, and the opinions of others influence his actions. Nazareth looked through the lens of familiarity. Herod looked through the lens of guilt and fear. Herodias looked through the lens of rebellion and unrepentant sin. Different lenses—but the same result: distorted perception. In this message, Pastor Brandon Holthaus examines how familiarity, pride, guilt, fear, past experiences, and unrepentant sin can cause us to misinterpret people and even miss what God is doing right in front of us. The question is not simply, “What am I looking at?” The deeper question is: “What is happening in my heart that is determining how I see it?”   #Matthew13 #Matthew14 #DistortedPerception #JesusChrist #JohnTheBaptist #BibleTeaching #BibleStudy #ChristianSermon #BiblicalTruth #PastorBrandonHolthaus #RockHarborChurch

God's word brings light into our lives, gives us direction and points us to Jesus showing us where our hope and strength are found. Today's story demonstrates this truth. Join us!   Chapter 12 is about some of the persecution Peter experienced and we will look at Peter's writings in 1 Peter in conjunction with this story in Acts chapter 12 for additional insights.   THEN + NOW Persecution - Acts 12:1-4; 1 Peter 4:12-13 Herod Agrippa the First, encouraged by approval after arresting believers and putting the Apostle James to death, decides to arrest and imprison Peter. He has Peter under guard by four squads of four soldiers each. He is planning a public trial of Peter after the Passover.     1 Peter 4:12-13 - Peter tells us not to be surprised at persecution and to instead rejoice that we can participate in the sufferings of Christ.    There is a cost to following Jesus. The enemy desires to stifle our witness and to destroy the plans and purposes of God.   Prayer - Acts 12:5; 1 Peter 3:12 (Psalm 34:15) While Peter is imprisoned the believers are praying for him.   1 Peter 3:12 Peter quotes Psalm 34:15 sharing that prayer is answered by God.    We are called to be faithful in prayer.   Peace  - Acts 12:6; 1 Peter 3:14, 1 Peter 5:7 The night before his trial we see Peter peacefully sleeping while under heavy guard.   1 Peter 3:14 Peter tells us not to fear threats because God is in control.   1 Peter 5::7 Peter tells us to cast all our anxiety on Jesus because He cares for us.   Provision - Acts 12:7; 1 Peter 3:21b-22 An angel appears in the jail and the chains fall off of Peter.    1 Peter 3:21b-22 Peter tells us that Christ who is at God's right hand, has everything in submission to Him.     God is in charge and even when an evil ruler seeks to destroy God's people, God knows and it is His plans that will succeed.   Praise -  Acts 12:8-11; 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 5:10-11 Peter gets dressed and follows the angel out of the prison. Peter thinks he is seeing a vision. He and the angel walk past the guards, out the gate and the angel leaves him. Then he realizes that it was all real and that the Lord rescued him from Herod's clutches! We learn that our response to God's deliverance is to be one of praise.   1 Peter 1:3 Peter tells us to praise the Lord for our new birth in the resurrected Christ. This gift is our motivation to praise Him.   1 Peter 5:10-11 tells us we are to praise God for His provision.    We are to praise Him in all circumstances.   Prepared - Acts 12:12—19; 1 Peter 3:15 Peter goes to the house where the believers are praying for him. He tells them how the Lord brought him out of the prison and then he leaves for another place.    The next morning there is chaos at the prison as they try to figure out what happened to Peter. Herod holds a thorough search, cross-examines the guards and orders them executed.    But what can we trust Peter shared with these guards as he was imprisoned? What do we know about Peter's heart for sharing the Gospel message of Christ's love for all including the soldiers holding him prisoner. Peter was prepared to answer all their questions and to give them the Good News of Christ.   1 Peter 3:15 Peter tells us to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have.    These guards died not through their own fault but simply because they were connected to Peter.    How did what Peter would have taught them about Jesus affect their last moments here on this earth?   How did what Peter would have shared about Jesus affect where they spend eternity?   Am I prepared with answers about who Jesus is?    Am I prepared to be used by God to affect where those I meet spend eternity?   In this life we will have persecution. How will we respond?  -With prayer, knowing God hears and answers.  -With peace, because God cares for us.  -With the assurance of His provision because He is in control of all. -With praise, because He is our Deliverer. -And we will be prepared to be used by God to share the Gospel message even to our persecutors.   This week's READING ASSIGNMENT: Acts chapter 12-13.    Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/videos   Join us Sundays live or on demand from our website  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Roman revolution; Tens, hundreds and thousands; Family organization; Army of the Teutons; Arts of warfare; Germany today; Voluntarism; Government funding for private schools?; Sacrifice; Parental involvement; Removal of history in schools; Bible and government; Capitalism?; Socialism?; Knowing the "real" problem; Seeing our own faults; Degeneration of Sweden; Repentance; Honoring father and mother; Corban of Pharisees; Herod's welfare; Cain and Abel; Seeking God's opinion; Altars?; Two trees (sources); Drowned cat story; Darkened eyes; Idiotes; Knowing Moses and Christ and their Way; Christ's commands; Organized Christianity; Sovereignty?; Joining the Living Network; Pure Religion; Conquered people; Nicolaitan and Balaam; Jesus set the captive free; Welfare snares and traps; Forcing your neighbor; Socialism in America; Setting your neighbor free from your desire for them to provide your benefits; Leaven of modern Christianity; Loving the light; Born again?; Rome's free bread; Public religion; Strengthening the poor; The Sin of Sodom; National Adultery?; Force vs Charity; Fleshpots?; Tithes; Tribute; Freewill offerings; Allegiance vs Faith; "legal"; Scillitan Martyrs; Ring of Power; Coveting neighbors' goods; Leading the blind; Are you beginning to see?; Mt 15:14; Lk 4:18; Share the light given you; Going the way of righteousness; Will God show you?; Loving others; Jn 9:39 - Judgment; Lk 6:39; Perfection?; Ability to make things; Work and sacrifice; What is truth?; Viewing History; Societal degeneration; Pices of the puzzle; Chaos from the Tree of Knowledge; Solution in the Tree of Life; Holy Spirit; "We the People"; Puppeteering puppeteers; Supporting Righteousness; Evolving economics; Just weights and measures; Capitalism; How the kingdom functions; Human resources?; Evidence of sin; Sodomy, divorce, abortion; Sacrificing unrighteousness; Born again - in the kingdom of God; Self-infliction of injury; Compounding bad choice; Early Church = entire social welfare for Christians; Follow the ways of Christ, Moses and Abraham.

John 2:18-22Matt's book, The Lightning-Fast Field Guide to the Bible is available NOW! - here's a link that gets TMBH a little kickback: https://amzn.to/4pEYSS9Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcastYou're the reason we can all do this together!Discuss the episode hereMusic by Jeff Foote

19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”Mark 8:19-211.) The Reason (The stakes are too low).We live in a world that requires us to learn the language of prayer because we live in God's world.16 For by[f] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-174 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-52.) The Pathway (The knowledge doesn't translate to life)But if I try to set forth something of the reasonableness of all prayer, I beg my readers to remember that it is for the sake of action and not speculation; if prayer be anything at all, it is a thing to be done: what matter whether you agree with me or not, if you do not pray?George MacDonaldPrayer is less a thing to understand, and more a thing to be done.3.) Immersion (High stakes, totally practical)Immersion: foreign language instruction in which only the language being taught is used15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”Romans 8:1526 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:2616 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.1 Thessalonians 5:16-18There is a reality of being in which all things are easy and plain—oneness, that is, with the Lord of Life; to pray for this is the first thing; and to the point of this prayer every difficulty hedges and directs us. George MacDonaldLEARN HOW TO “BE” THROUGH PRAYER“The first purpose of prayer isn't getting what we need from God—it's learning to live with God.”14 Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”Mark 8:14-21We learn to COMMUNE before we learn to COMMUNICATE “God is with me”16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”Mark 8:16-21The paltry solitariness of a loaf was enough to hide the Lord from them, to make them unable to understand.George MacDonaldWe learn to RECEIVE before we learn to REQUEST In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat.”Mark 8:1-2“God sees my need before I see my need.”We learn to LIVE before we learn to UNDERSTAND19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”Mark 8:16-21“I learn to live with Him, not how to understand Him.”

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Twelve and Verse Twenty One

What happened between the Testaments? Empires Rise and Fall. Alexander. Antiochus Epiphanes. The Maccabees. Hanukkah. Herod. Septuagint. Apocrypha. Synagogs. Dispersion. Pharisees. Sadducees. Scribes. Nature of "Testament". God's choosing of Israel is central.

In our last episode, we focused on the time of Solomon's Temple, however that temple met its destruction in 586 BC when the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar destroyed it. Today, we will uncover the history in the 566-year period between its destruction and the rebuilding of the Temple by Herod the Great. And as we travel back in time, are there any artifacts that have been found that support all the historical events that took place? Tune in to find out!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DONATE: https://evidence4faith.org/give/WEBSITE: https://evidence4faith.org/NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/hpazV5BOOKINGS: https://evidence4faith.org/bookings/CONTACT: Evidence 4 Faith, 349 Knights Ave Kewaskum WI 53040 , info@evidence4faith.orgMy goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. - Colossians 2:2-3

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Twelve and Verse Twenty

What kind of kingdom does Jesus establish? In this homily for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr Michael reflects on the multiplication of the loaves and fishes by placing it between two striking scenes in Matthew's Gospel: Herod's banquet, which ends with the death of John the Baptist, and Jesus walking on the water, where He reveals His divine identity. The contrast is stark. Herod's feast is for the powerful and elite, marked by seduction, judgement and the protection of worldly power. Jesus' feast takes place in a deserted place among ordinary people who have followed Him because they hunger for His word. He feeds them not to increase His own power, but because He is moved by mercy. The twelve baskets left over point toward the fullness of God's people and a Kingdom characterised by abundance, mercy and openness to all. This is the Kingdom Christians ask for every time they pray, “Thy Kingdom come”: that our families, parishes and communities might increasingly become places where God's Word is received, mercy is practised and everyone can begin to taste the life of heaven.

Go Only Where God Calls, Not Where You Have Asked. Let Him Make Your Decision. Acts 13:1-3 1Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

His Righteousness!; Cause/effect universe; "Nicolaitans" and "Error of Baalam"; Knowing history; "Socialism" enslaves people; vs Capitalism; Sharing?; Honoring father and mother; Faith, Hope and Charity; Family; High Priests; Heave and wave offerings; Altars and freewill offerings; Caring for society; Scillitan Martyrs; Oaths?; Parables; Doing the will of the Father; Seven men you trust; Daily ministration; Banking?; "Leaven" of Pharaoh, Herod, Caesar…; Living altars; Corban; Freedom of choice?; Tarquinian kings in Rome 509 BC; Social welfare in Rome; Claudius and Claudia; Gathering in Tens; People's courts; Resolving issues; Ruth and Boaz; Aspects of "government"; Abimelech vs Melchizedek; Fathers of the earth; Civil high priest?; Deciding fact and law; Julius Caesar; Relinquishing choice/power; "gods" and temples; Plight of the Gauls; The ways of Moses and Christ; Binding people together; Exercising authority; Civil/Public religion; Free bread?; Patriarchy?; Grain doles; Degenerating people; "Republic"; Rights/Responsibilities; Accepting benefits at the expense of others; Aqueduct riots; Abandoning righteousness; Following the money; Repentance; Republic = free from things pubic; Being doers of the word; Morally bankrupting people; Minister servants; Branches of government; "We the People"; Ten families; Returning to righteousness; "Sui Juris"; Servant mindset; Your solution is Christ; Desiring a king; FDR's dictators; Systems of government; Of, for and by the people; Maximum liberty; Sacrifice; Voluntarism; Enforcement authority?; Community Supported Agriculture; Volunteer fire departments; Forestry?; How to stay free; No exercising authority; Strengthening the poor; Striving; Perseverance; Avoiding sloth; Ruining the people; Preparing the people; Living altars; Freewill offerings; Meanings of names; Jubilee?; Returning every man to his possessions and family; Following Christ; "Aaron"; Follow the ways of Christ.

When Herod the tetrarch hears the miracles of Jesus, Herod believes John has been raised from the dead. The Evangelist recounts the story of how John was martyred, going back to his imprisonment for preaching God's Word against Herod's adultery. Although Herod has authority, everyone around him exercises power over him, from Herodias to Herodias' daughter to the crowds. Although Herod cowardly puts John to death, the Word of God that John preached endures forever. John's death points forward to Christ's death, and Christ's resurrection promises John's resurrection.  Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Assistant Vice President of Admissions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 14:1-12.  “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

On this episode, Paul White talks about Herod and the ordered killing of all infants. Accompanying scripture: Matthew 2:16-18. 

Original Post Date: August 3, 2024 === Gospel Matthew 14:1-12  Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, "This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him." Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus. Reflection One of the things that has been a great mystery to me is how difficult it has been for the church to make changes, to go from the Old Testament model to the New Testament. And the Old Kingdom to the New Kingdom. And even in the church's history when change came about, it was always difficult for the church to make those changes if they demanded that people see things differently. God's grace is essential for us to embrace the new and integrate it with the old. It's always going to be that way. It's never everything's the same. Certain laws and rules are essential, but how we live them, how we understand them changes as we change. Closing Prayer Father, it's clear that the church is going through some radical changes. Ever since Vatican Two, there's been a stress on the union that we've longed to see in the church. And it has separated us into groups of people who seem to be at odds with each other. The kingdom of heaven is something that we must embrace together. And working together with a spirit of openness is essential. That's what I pray for the church today, that we embrace the new, even though it's difficult, and preserve some of the old, even though that may be difficult for some. Bless us through this crisis. And we ask this in Jesus' name. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Read OnlineCharity Unto DeathNow Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. Matthew 14:3–5Saint John the Baptist was unwaveringly bold in his preaching, humble in his disposition toward God, and faithful to the truth he proclaimed. These holy virtues, however, did not spare him from the clutches of Herod—a man morally weak, politically fearful, and unrepentant. In the end, Herod not only imprisoned John but, through the manipulation of his unlawful wife and her daughter, had him killed.Who, then, was victorious? From a worldly perspective, it seemed Herod was. John was not only persecuted but martyred. Yet the true victory belonged to John. His triumph was not in escaping suffering but in remaining faithful—faithful to the truth, to charity toward Herod, and to the salvation of Herod's soul. This sacrificial charity moved John to speak boldly, even at the cost of his life.At John's death, Jesus grieved deeply. The loss was real and sorrowful, but not despairing. John's followers also mourned out of love. He had changed many lives and prepared the way for Jesus' ministry. Of him, Jesus said, “No one born of woman is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11).Today, separated by 2,000 years, it can be difficult to feel the sorrow of John's loved ones. Yet the sting of that loss was profound because John loved profoundly. Those who are arrogant and self-centered often fade quickly from memory. But when a life radiates holiness, inspires through simplicity, and transforms hearts through truth, that loss is deeply and rightly mourned.The greatest human sorrow ever known was the mutual suffering of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, whose love was perfect. Their hearts were pierced not only by personal grief, but by the weight of humanity's sin.John's death was not tragic; it was meaningful. He died for the truth, for charity, for the Messiah. He died as a man deeply loved, whose life touched many. He died not in bitterness or confusion, but in courage, compassion, and purpose. His ministry was powerful, but the witness of his grace-filled martyrdom was even more so.Each of us is called to imitate Saint John the Baptist in our own way—with boldness, humility, and fidelity. We are called to love with a charity that becomes sacrificial, even costly. John's life is a model of that sanctity. Can we see ourselves in him?When you examine your life, do you live boldly and confidently in the truth? Or do you give in to fear, which often leads to confusion and apathy? Is your charity strong enough to endure suffering, even unjust persecution, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls—including your own? Reflect today on the strength of your charity. We are all called to a love so deep that it requires supernatural courage and understanding. Consider your life through the powerful lens of Saint John the Baptist's witness. Sacrifice is painful. It was for John, for his followers, and even for Jesus. Are you willing to endure such suffering in fidelity to God's will? Seek the Baptist's intercession today and follow his example, that your charity may touch many lives and leave a lasting impression. Most loving Lord Jesus, Your human heart grieved the suffering and death of John the Baptist, whose mission was to prepare the way for Your public ministry. Yet Your sorrow did not flow from despair, but from love and gratitude for John's life and his selfless witness, born of true charity. Grant me, I pray, that same courage and love that flowed from John's heart, so that my life, like his, may leave a lasting impression on others, give You glory, and sanctify my own soul. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Martyrdom of St John the Baptist, by Lawrence OP, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

John 2:13-17Matt's book, The Lightning-Fast Field Guide to the Bible is available NOW! - here's a link that gets TMBH a little kickback: https://amzn.to/4pEYSS9Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcastYou're the reason we can all do this together!Discuss the episode hereMusic by Jeff Foote