Podcasts about his body

Over the next weeks, we'll be revisiting Lance's series called “The Lord is in the Whirlwind and the Storm”. In this episode, Lance shares part 3 from this series on Nahum. This episode is called “As Seen in Believers” May the Lord by His grace prove the faith He has placed in you. May you learn to see Christ in the midst of the storm May you know the deep deep love of Jesus Chapters (00:00:01) - The Book of Nahum(00:06:41) - A Word of Prayer for Today(00:07:52) - Winds of Storm and Storms(00:14:37) - The Personal Character of the Church(00:18:49) - The Trial of Peter(00:27:13) - The Proving of Your Faith in Christ(00:35:35) - Paul on the Condition of His Body(00:44:30) - Peter the Disbeliever(00:53:48) - Peter the Disbeliever(00:57:31) - The Sleep of the Lord(01:05:47) - God's Love in the Storm

“Salvation joins a believer to CHRiSt, union with CHRiSt joins the believer to the Body of CHRiSt.” In this second look into Church Consciousness, we explore the responsibility of the Church in stewarding the value imputed by CHRiSt, to the members of His Body. For inquires & bookings: Phone: +234 708 881 8864 Email: info@thebasileiacommisssion.org Twitter | Instagram: @WAHthehurch Facebook: @TheBasileiaCommission | @WAHthechurch

This message reminds us that we are not random parts in God's Kingdom… we are intentionally set in His Body. Like a small ligament in the knee, unseen but essential, every believer has a grace-gift that brings strength and stability to the whole. The good news is this: you are not overlooked, you are assigned. And when you embrace your placement, your light shines and your purpose becomes visible.

“Salvation joins a believer to CHRiSt, union with CHRiSt joins the believer to the Body of CHRiSt.” In this second look into Church Consciousness, we explore the responsibility of the Church in stewarding the value imputed by CHRiSt, to the members of His Body. For inquires & bookings: Phone: +234 708 881 8864 Email: info@thebasileiacommisssion.org Twitter | Instagram: @WAHthehurch Facebook: @TheBasileiaCommission | @WAHthechurch

Read OnlineIn those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, Jesus summoned the disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance.” Mark 8:1–3Early in Jesus' public ministry, He made a brief trip across the Sea of Galilee to the territory of the Gerasenes—a largely Gentile and pagan town on the outskirts of the Decapolis. This journey was significant, as it demonstrated Jesus' intention to extend His mission beyond the boundaries of Jewish territory, foreshadowing the universal scope of salvation that would later be fully realized through the Church's apostolic mission.When Jesus arrived on shore in the territory of the Gerasenes, He freed a man possessed by “Legion,” meaning many demons, and sent the demons into a herd of two thousand swine, who drowned themselves in the sea. Although this was the only recorded act Jesus performed during that initial visit, it caused quite a commotion. When the swineherds saw this, they ran and reported the incident to the nearby town, and people came to see it for themselves. Stunned by what had happened, they asked Jesus to leave, and He did. However, “the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed” (Mark 5:20).That brief trip into the Gentile and pagan territory of the Decapolis planted a seed. The loss of two thousand swine undoubtedly affected the people, but it also planted the seed more deeply. Which was more important: one man possessed by a legion of demons or two thousand swine? Jesus' actions reveal the answer. As word spread of His miraculous deliverance and authority over demons, many Gentiles became curious.That brief miracle set the stage for today's Gospel when Jesus returned to the Decapolis to nurture the seed He had planted. Upon His return, He cured a deaf and mute man, symbolizing the importance of hearing and proclaiming the Gospel. Afterwards, Jesus drew a great crowd, who remained with Him for three days despite having no food.After three days, Jesus revealed His compassionate heart to the Twelve: “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat.” Jesus then tested the Twelve, observing, “If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance.” This situation should have been familiar to the Twelve. Earlier in His ministry, while in Jewish territory, Jesus had fed five thousand men with only five loaves and two fish. But now they were in Gentile territory, and instead of understanding that Jesus' same providence extended to these pagans, the disciples said to Him, “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?” Once again, Jesus performed a miracle and fed four thousand.Reflect today on the universality of Jesus' mission. His compassionate care transcended cultural and religious boundaries, offering physical and spiritual nourishment to all who sought Him. Jesus' same mission continues today through us, the members of His Body, the Church. We must never become self-enclosed in our own communities of faith and family. Instead, we are called to go out into the world, to the “pagan” regions where people hunger for God's Word. Sometimes our mission is to plant a seed; at other times, it is to nurture the seed by helping it grow through the grace of God, so that everyone may come to know and love Him. Ultimately, the feeding of the five thousand Jews and four thousand Gentiles points to the universal call for all to share in the Eucharistic banquet. Learn the lesson Jesus taught the Twelve, and imitate our Lord's merciful heart, filled with compassion for those who need Him the most. My generous Lord, You desire all people to come to know You and to be saved. Free me from any hesitancy or fear in sharing Your saving Truth with those who need it most. Grant me the wisdom to discern when to plant the seed, when to nurture it, and when to harvest. Use me as Your instrument to draw others into the fullness of life, where they may share in Your Eucharistic banquet of grace. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: New Skete: multiplication of loaves & fishes by Jim Forest, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0Source: 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.

“Salvation joins a believer to CHRiSt, union with CHRiSt joins the believer to the Body of CHRiSt.” In this second look into Church Consciousness, we explore the responsibility of the Church in stewarding the value imputed by CHRiSt, to the members of His Body. For inquires & bookings: Phone: +234 708 881 8864 Email: info@thebasileiacommisssion.org Twitter | Instagram: @WAHthehurch Facebook: @TheBasileiaCommission | @WAHthechurch

“Salvation joins a believer to CHRiSt, union with CHRiSt joins the believer to the Body of CHRiSt.” In this second look into Church Consciousness, we explore the responsibility of the Church in stewarding the value imputed by CHRiSt, to the members of His Body. For inquires & bookings: Phone: +234 708 881 8864 Email: info@thebasileiacommisssion.org Twitter | Instagram: @WAHthehurch Facebook: @TheBasileiaCommission | @WAHthechurch

“Salvation joins a believer to CHRiSt, union with CHRiSt joins the believer to the Body of CHRiSt.” In this second look into Church Consciousness, we explore the responsibility of the Church in stewarding the value imputed by CHRiSt, to the members of His Body. For inquires & bookings: Phone: +234 708 881 8864 Email: info@thebasileiacommisssion.org Twitter | Instagram: @WAHthehurch Facebook: @TheBasileiaCommission | @WAHthechurch

“Salvation joins a believer to CHRiSt, union with CHRiSt joins the believer to the Body of CHRiSt.” In this second look into Church Consciousness, we explore the responsibility of the Church in stewarding the value imputed by CHRiSt, to the members of His Body. For inquires & bookings: Phone: +234 708 881 8864 Email: info@thebasileiacommisssion.org Twitter | Instagram: @WAHthehurch Facebook: @TheBasileiaCommission | @WAHthechurch

“Salvation joins a believer to CHRiSt, union with CHRiSt joins the believer to the Body of CHRiSt.” In this second look into Church Consciousness, we explore the responsibility of the Church in stewarding the value imputed by CHRiSt, to the members of His Body. For inquires & bookings: Phone: +234 708 881 8864 Email: info@thebasileiacommisssion.org Twitter | Instagram: @WAHthehurch Facebook: @TheBasileiaCommission | @WAHthechurch

“Salvation joins a believer to CHRiSt, union with CHRiSt joins the believer to the Body of CHRiSt.” In this second look into Church Consciousness, we explore the responsibility of the Church in stewarding the value imputed by CHRiSt, to the members of His Body. For inquires & bookings: Phone: +234 708 881 8864 Email: info@thebasileiacommisssion.org Twitter | Instagram: @WAHthehurch Facebook: @TheBasileiaCommission | @WAHthechurch

As we step into a new year filled, Jesus invites us to remain rooted in what truly gives life. May we abide in Him through every season of life—not just in good times, but even through challenges and pruning. When we learn to abide in His Word, abide in His Body (the church community), and abide in His Spirit, we will bear lasting fruit through an intimate, enduring relationship with Christ.

Father Gabe Cillo, MIC, reflects on the witness of St. Marianne Cope, an immigrant and religious sister who did not hesitate when the call came to serve those suffering from leprosy on the island of Molokai, in Hawaii. While dozens of religious communities declined to send their members to serve, her community said yes. Saint Marianne went without fear, spending decades caring for the sick and dying, including St. Damien of Molokai in his final days. Her courage was not rooted in human strength, but in a supernatural certainty: Every person, especially the abandoned and suffering, bears the image and likeness of God.As death draws near, what remains essential becomes unmistakably clear. Father Gabe reminds us that in moments of illness, isolation, or approaching death, the soul longs for God with a new urgency. The Eucharist, a priestly blessing, and the presence of someone who comes “in the name of Jesus” are no longer small consolations; they are lifelines. Jesus tells us, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever” (Jn 6:51; NABRE).The saints understood this with great clarity. Saint Marianne Cope and St. Damien found their strength in the same source that sustains the Church today: the Most Blessed Sacrament. At the Last Supper, Christ entrusted Himself to the Apostles, commanding them, “Do this in memory of me,” handing on the gift of His Body and Blood through the priesthood across the ages. In the Eucharist, Christ remains truly present — Body, Blood, soul, and Divinity — faithful to His people until the end of Time.This living presence of Jesus is what steadies the heart when eternity comes into view. It is where the saints found courage, and where we, too, are invited to find our hope.To deepen your understanding of the Sacraments, explore Understanding the Sacraments at ShopMercy.org. ★ Support this podcast ★

“Salvation joins a believer to CHRiSt, union with CHRiSt joins the believer to the Body of CHRiSt.” In this second look into Church Consciousness, we explore the responsibility of the Church in stewarding the value imputed by CHRiSt, to the members of His Body. For inquires & bookings: Phone: +234 708 881 8864 Email: info@thebasileiacommisssion.org Twitter | Instagram: @WAHthehurch Facebook: @TheBasileiaCommission | @WAHthechurch

In Christ, we are His' body! Believers make up the members of the Body of Christ, which Christ is the Head of! We must strive for unity in Spirit and Word, maturity, and service. As we help one another grow in Christ, the work of His Body increases in the earth. And what cannot stop Christ, cannot stop His Body!The Bible says that “as a man thinks so is he.” What you think is based upon what you believe. What you believe is based upon what you hear - for faith comes by hearing! As we embark on this brand new study, we will see who we are in Christ! To know who you are in Christ is ALL that matters. Once you know who you are in Christ, the lies of the devil and the opinions of man (including your own) fall to the wayside. If you prayed the prayer of Salvation please fill out this form so that we can mail you a free gift!https://gospeltabernacle.breezechms.com/form/salvationIf you would like to check out all our resources, send a message, or sow a seed into the ministry work please visit:https://www.faithformygeneration.com

Dave shared about what it means to be a part of God's family and and what it looks like to be a part of the church community, the only community that scripture describes as the Body of Christ. The church is a comminity under construction, a community of caring and a community to contribute to and we are all called to be active members of His Body. This is God's plan for His family!

Read OnlineRising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee. Mark 1:35–39Jesus' prayer was unique. He did not pray because He needed God in His life—He was and is God. Yet, in His human nature, He regularly withdrew to be alone and to pray to His Father. Jesus' prayer teaches us two primary lessons.First, Jesus' prayer reveals Who He is. He is the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity. As a member of the Trinity, Jesus prayed in solitude, not to become closer to the Father, for He and the Father are eternally one in essence; rather, His prayer expressed and revealed that perfect union to us. Unity with and love of the Father are at the center of Who He is.Though we are not God, we are made for oneness with God. This is not an external invitation but an essential part of who we are and who we must become. In Heaven, our lives will be one ongoing and eternal expression of prayer—a perfect union with God. That union must begin now, and the foundation of its growth is prayer.By going off alone to pray to the Father, Jesus also models for us the way to the Father. His action is prophetic, calling us to set aside moments each day for nothing other than prayer. While we are called to pray continually throughout the day, this habit is nourished by intentional moments of silence in which we immerse ourselves in God's presence. In our fallen nature, daily moments of focused prayer are necessary for clearing the distractions of life, overcoming sin, and allowing God's grace to draw us into deeper union with Him.Jesus' prayer invites us to examine our own daily prayer life. How often do you pray each day? How do you pray? Does your prayer change you, transforming you into who God made you to be? Most people easily find time every day for less important things, such as entertainment, idle conversations, and daily work. Though these things have their place, they must never overshadow that which is most important. We must learn to pray and be faithful to prayer every day.One of the best ways to pray is to participate in the Mass. In the Mass, we most fully share in Christ's human life, sacrifice, and divine presence. The Mass is the summit of prayer and the foundation of our spiritual life. We receive Him into our lives as we consume His Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. To participate in the Mass well, daily moments of prayer are essential. At times, we must silence every other thought and actively offer our praise to God. Meditation on the Word of God is also essential. Taking time to read the Gospel, in particular, and meditating on those passages disposes us to hear God's voice. His Word counters the many lies and temptations we face during our daily activities, preparing us to live more fully as God's sons and daughters.Reflect today on your commitment to daily prayer by following Jesus' example. Resolve to find a moment of solitude in which you silence your heart and simply dwell in God's presence. Let this time of prayer become the cornerstone of your day and a foretaste of the union with God in Heaven for which you were created. Prayer is not an option; it is the very path to becoming who we are meant to be—united with God in love, now and for all eternity. My prayerful Lord, Your prayer revealed Your perfect union with the Father and set an example for us to follow. Grant me the wisdom and strength to remain faithful to daily moments of personal prayer—times when I can simply be with You and express my love for You. May these moments transform every part of my day, leading me to greater charity here on earth and preparing me for perfect union with You in eternity. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via rawpixelSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Read OnlineJohn the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John 1:29–31Though John grew up in the hill country of Judea near Jerusalem and Jesus grew up in Nazareth, it is very likely that their families visited each other regularly, allowing John and Jesus to spend time together as cousins. Despite this, when John first saw His cousin coming to him in the wilderness, he said, “I did not know him.” John did not fully understand who Jesus was—that He was the Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world—until John began his public ministry and witnessed the Holy Spirit descending upon his Lord, his cousin.What an awe-inspiring and joyous moment that must have been for John. He had discerned that his mission was to prepare the way for the Messiah, to be the Messiah's immediate precursor, preparing the way for Him. He embraced that mission and fulfilled it by preaching and offering a baptism of repentance to those who believed. He lived in the wilderness, fasting, praying, and anticipating the day the Messiah would arrive. Imagine his surprise and delight at that moment when he saw the Holy Spirit descend upon his cousin.Though the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in a singularly unique way, since He is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, John's experience offers us an invitation to remain vigilant as we await Jesus' ongoing coming among us. Though our Lord came and walked the Earth 2,000 years ago, He continues to do so today through His Body, the Church. Like John, we must be on the lookout, and when we see Him, we must cry out in faith, “Behold the Lamb of God!”The most important way our Lord comes to us is within the Mass. The priest repeats John the Baptist's familiar words as he holds up our Lord, hidden within the Sacred Host, for all to see. Additionally, our Lord comes to us as the Holy Spirit descends and makes Him known. This happens in sermons, reflections, Church teachings, within the charity of others' actions, through personal prayer, and in numerous other ways. We must see the Lamb of God every time He comes to us, ideally with the same wonder and awe that filled John's mind and heart during those first encounters. Reflect today on those sacred words with which we are very familiar: “Behold the Lamb of God…” As you do, ponder how often you personally “behold” Him. Are you filled with wonder and awe at Mass? Within your daily prayer? In the life of the Church and in the lives of faithful Christians you encounter? As we continue our Christmas season, which focuses on the Incarnation, make the words of the Baptist your own as you discover the ongoing presence of our Lord made possible through the Incarnation.My awe-inspiring Lord, because of Your Incarnation, You continue to be present in this world, coming to us and drawing us to Yourself. When Your cousin, John the Baptist, first saw the Holy Spirit descend upon You in the desert, he cried out, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Please give me the eyes of faith I need to echo that cry as I encounter Your divine presence in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Annibale Carracci, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Christmas is not soft. It is not sentimental. It is a declaration of war.In this homily from Fr. Dom, he confronts the manger and exposes what most men have been taught to ignore. The Incarnation is not a cozy scene meant for nostalgia. It is God entering enemy territory. It is Christ coming to do battle for your soul.Too many men walk past the manger without stopping. We have seen it too many times. We have grown numb. But the Church places the manger front and center for a reason. If you truly see it, it should cut you to the heart and force a response.In this episode, Fr. Dom shares a true story from his first Christmas as a priest. A blind woman approaches the manger, searching not with her eyes, but with her hands. When she finds the Infant Jesus, she understands what many men miss entirely: those tiny hands and feet were born to be pierced. Born for sacrifice. Born for war.That moment exposes a hard truth. Faith is not passive. Seeing Christ demands action.We walk straight from the wood of the manger to the wood of the Cross, and then to the altar. The same Christ who lay in the hay now gives you His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Eucharist. That reality changes everything, or it should.This episode forces a question that every Catholic man must answer honestly:Has Christmas actually changed you?If the Incarnation does not move you to conversion, you are missing the point. If the manger does not stir you to fight sin, lead your family, and reject the lies of the world, then you are standing still while darkness advances.Jesus did not come to make you comfortable. He came to claim you. He came to fill you with courage, peace, and resolve. And then He sends you back into the world carrying His light.Christmas is merry because Christ has already entered the fight and won. But you still have a role to play.This episode is not meant to be admired. It is meant to be lived.Push play. Let the manger break your heart. Then take Christ into battle.Referenced in This EpisodeThe Nativity and the mangerThe CrossThe EucharistThe Holy FamilyThe Holy Sacrifice of the MassPowerful Quotes from the Episode“Blessed are these little hands and feet that will be pierced for our transgressions.”“She was blind, but she could see. I could see, but I was the blind one.”“That infant in the manger may look weak, but that is a warrior.”Key Takeaway for MenStop treating Christmas like a memory and start treating it like a mission. Kneel before the manger or the Eucharist today and give Christ permission to change you. Then lead. Fight sin. Bring light into your home. If Christmas does not lead to conversion, it has been wasted.

December 30, 2025Today's Reading: Isaiah 11:1-5 or 2 Samuel 7:1-16Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 58:1-59:3, 14-21; Luke 1:26-38“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him…” (Isaiah 11:1-2a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Our lives and even this world (our newsfeeds, our headlines, our daily burdens) can so often feel like a dead stump. Hopeless. Lifeless. Good for nothing. Maybe your heart feels like that today; cut down & good for nothing. But God is not done with stumps. Hear the Word of the Lord: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.” (Isaiah 11:1) From a line that looked like it had fallen prey to the lumberjack, the House and lineage of David, God promised a tender shoot. Not one more stump that reminds us of our sinful failure and faithlessness, but a shoot that would take root and grow into a glorious vine. Christ Jesus has taken what was dead, and by His miraculous conception in the blessed virgin and His glorious birth from her womb, the House of David is alive forevermore! And this Jesus declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit…” You are now a branch in the vine of David, and His mercy and forgiveness flow even into the places that you may have thought were dead and beyond repair. Baptized into Him, and fed with His Body and Blood flowing within you, let Him nourish you. He is the vine and the root that will never wither. He is the King who will never turn a blind eye to your need, whose Kingdom shall have no end. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.This flow'r, whose fragrance tender With sweetness fills the air, Dispels with glorious splendor The darkness everywhere. True man, yet very God. From sin and death He saves us And lightens every load. O Savior, child of Mary, Who felt our human woe; O Savior, King of glory, Who dost our weakness know: Bring us at length we pray To the bright courts of heaven, And to the endless day. (LSB 359:3-4)Author: Rev. Matthew Synnott, associate pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Peoria, Illinois.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 29, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 2:(22-32) 33-40Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 55:1-13; Luke 1:1-25“...for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples…” (Luke 2:30-31)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It is now the fifth day of Christmas, and what is it that you see? Do your eyes gaze on a tree that was once brimming with anticipation, gifts, and loved ones? But now does it feel like an empty shell? Do you look at your house, dormitory, or apartment and see emptiness where there was once the hustle and bustle of family gatherings? Or perhaps you look at a countertop that is stacked with papers, a reminder of everything you failed to do before the rush of Christmas Eve/Day? Our dear brother, Simeon, by the Holy Spirit was promised “consolation.” His eyes, like many others, looked at a temple that was bereft of the glory of God; the LORD's weighty and splendid presence no longer there. But all of it changed that day when the blessed Mother arrived at the temple with the Holy Child, Jesus. “That's the One,” the Spirit of God affirmed in Simeon. And it is here that Simeon sings a crucial song about his eyes, “My eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples.” What is it that Simeon's eyes see? A temple with no glory? No. A life that is too old or far gone? No. What is it that Simeon sees? He sees the reason that he can be set free in peace. He sees the very light that will lift the nations out of darkness and idolatry. He sees the glory of Israel. He sees SALVATION! What is it that Simeon beholds in faith? Jesus. And that is all he needs. It's no wonder that after we have beheld and tasted of Christ, through His Body and Blood in, with, and under the bread and wine, we Lutherans sing with Simeon his song! For with eyes of faith, the light of Christ has cast away our sin with forgiveness, our death with Life. The glory of Jesus has crowned us, so that we may be changed from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). So then, it is now the fifth day of Christmas, and what is it that you see? Promises upon promises fulfilled in Christ, that is what you see.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Christ Jesus brought this gift to me, My faithful Savior, Whom You have made my eyes to see By Your favor. Now I know He is my life, My friend when I am dying. (LSB 938:2)Author: Rev. Matthew Synnott, associate pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Peoria, Illinois.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

In this message, Pastor Dale ministers on the power of the name of Jesus. When Christ was seated far above all demonic powers, He was also given a name that is far above every other name. As born again believers seated with Christ, the authority to use the name of Jesus has been delegated to us. While the Blood of Jesus qualifies us for our seat in the heavenlies, His name is what empowers us to conduct Kingdom business as His Body in the earth. Authority must be exercised in order to be effective, and it is our responsibility to use His name by speaking it with boldness and skill.

December 9, 2025Today's Reading: Romans 15:4-13Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 26:1-19; 1 John 3:1-24"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I've sometimes heard people say they like Jesus pretty well, but that Old Testament God sure sounds mean. As tempting as it is to point out that Jesus isn't always smiles and sunshine (Hello, cleansing of the temple!), it's better to find out why. If not, we won't understand why He tells His people to conquer a land and get rid of the people who were in it before. Not understanding that when God's people fall into the same idolatry as those before, the Lord has many harsh things to say and do to them, too.Why is God angry? Because they hurt those whom God loves. They weren't just going about their own business, and then one day got smited by the Lord out of the blue. The Canaanites were offering their own daughters as prostitutes for their idols. They slaughtered their own sons for a mute statue's favor. Wouldn't you get angry if the people around you demanded the most vile things imaginable from your own family members in order to get an inanimate object to love them? Or worse, so they could prove to themselves how good they were?Sin isn't just the breaking of arbitrary rules. Sin hurts those whom God loves. Sin hurts your neighbors, your relationships, your self, your own body, your own soul. Wouldn't you expect the Lord to get angry over such things? And yet, what do we do when that sin is ours? What do we do when God has every right to be angry with us?We give those sins to Him. The Lord's anger isn't like ours. It's not like anything else in this world. God's anger is focused into action. Focused on righting the wrong, healing the wounds, making whole what is broken, taking our sin away. And that doesn't mean that our sin gets ignored, as if it weren't real. It is carried by Christ. Christ, our ram caught in the thicket, who dies instead of us on God's altar. Christ, our brother, who goes ahead of us into death in order that we might live, fed by His Body and Blood. Christ, who parts the sea of sin and death that we may cross over by the Baptism He gives us into a new kingdom. Christ the suffering servant, who bears the sins of the world, including all yours and mine. All the anger over sin has been poured out upon Jesus at the cross for your sake. And He did it for you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Once He came in blessing, All our sins redressing; Came in likeness lowly, Son of God most holy; Bore the cross to save us; Hope and freedom gave us (LSB 333:1)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

Authentic ministry starts with a servant’s mindset, and Christians searching for purpose will find it in action—zeal for good works is a mark of discipleship, not a pastoral job description. John 12:26 frames service as the pathway to honor from the Father, reminding believers that following Christ means stepping into everyday ministry, wherever life places your feet. Highlights Ministry simply means “to serve,” and every follower of Christ is called into it. Jesus modeled servant leadership as the Servant King—service is imitation before function. The call isn’t to become a pastor, but to live like Jesus. Daily surrender (“die daily”) is less dramatic and more incremental—small yeses, repeated. Excuses shrink when identity grows: you serve because you are His, not to become enough. Service is worship when done in the Spirit’s power, not self-reliant hustle mode. Zealous good works expand your reach for God’s Kingdom—overflow comes after outpour. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Zealous for Good Works By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:26, ESV). “Ministry” is from the Greek word diakoneo, meaning “to serve.” At my church, our elders believe that every member of God’s Church is a minister, so obviously that would mean that every believer is called to serve- serve Jesus and serve His Body. Jesus was the servant of all. In fact, He was the Servant King. Christ shares in the gospel of John the importance of serving and following Him as He serves others. “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:26, ESV). Jesus asks us as Christians to lay our lives down continually, denying our wants and desires, or as the Apostle Paul said to do, “die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). Do we know how to do that? Intersecting Life & Faith: It is human nature to seek after what our hearts and flesh crave, but we do not have to give in to that kind of nature, for we have a new nature in Christ Jesus (Colossians 3:10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:24). Some people have wrong thoughts about God and service, perhaps believing their service doesn’t matter because others have it taken care of. Or perhaps they see pastors as the ones who are qualified for service and ministry, so they don’t need to join in. But we are all priests to our God (1 Peter 2:9)! When we put our hands to the plow, so to speak, in ministry, we are worshiping God. Those who are saved by Christ will eagerly and joyfully serve Christ and His people. We have been clothed in Christ’s righteousness to match Him and follow Him. What clothes are you wearing- the world’s or Christ’s? No matter the excuse or wrong thinking regarding ministry and service, we can ask God to help us see the importance of serving the Lord and others. The Holy Spirit empowers us to set aside our selfishness and learn how to be selfless like Jesus, preferring others above ourselves. That kind of lifestyle starts in the mind, in the way we think, as we learn to think of ourselves less and look for ways to put others first. The Lord promises that the Father will honor the one who serves Christ by serving His people. As we learn to prefer others above ourselves, the Lord fills us with His love to the overflow to reach more people for His Kingdom. He will give us zeal for ministry. God is selfless, humble, gracious, and merciful, and as His children, He asks us to follow His example. We cannot do that in our own strength. The Holy Spirit will empower you, and with His grace, to be able to deny your own desires and selfish ambitions. We need God’s help to prefer others above ourselves. God’s Word transforms our minds so that we can learn how to think less of ourselves and seek to serve God and His people. Let us ask God to help us value the call to serve so we can look more like Him, ministering to whoever He puts in front of our path. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Read Online“Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Matthew 24:42–44How does one “stay awake” as our Lord commands us? We receive this holy exhortation as we enter into a new liturgical year. In Advent, we begin at the beginning. We ponder the Incarnate Son of God dwelling as a human Child in the precious womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We anticipate the celebration of His birth into the world at Christmas. As the liturgical year progresses, we will prayerfully walk through each moment of His life, from the events of His childhood, to His public ministry, and ultimately His death, resurrection, and ascension into Heaven.Our Lord's exhortation to stay awake invites us to be attentive to the ways that the Son of God's human life speaks to us, calling us to become fully united to Him so as to share in the glorious gifts of holiness in this life and eternal salvation in the next. After exhorting us to stay awake, the Son of God said, “For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Of course, we know He came into this world over 2,000 years ago in physical form. This exhortation is not only a call to ponder that event long ago; it's also an invitation and exhortation to become continuously more attentive to the effect that His historical coming has upon us today. Advent is a season that invites us to reflect on Christ's first coming in Bethlehem, His daily coming to us in grace, and His final coming at the end of time. These moments are intimately connected, as each prepares us more fully for the next.From Heaven, the Son of God continues to descend to us, inviting each of us to conceive Him in our souls by grace, to be attentive to His divine presence within us, and to nurture His divine presence so that He will grow and live within us, making us true members of His Body, the Church. Staying awake means being aware of Christ's presence in every moment and cultivating a personal relationship with Him that is alive and growing. This Advent, ask yourself: How am I nurturing my relationship with Jesus so that I am ready to meet Him whenever He comes?Jesus calls us to be prepared at every moment of every day, “for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Though this is a promise that He will return one day to judge the living and the dead at the end of time, it is also a promise that He relentlessly pursues us here and now, communicating to us by grace and inviting us to be transformed more fully, so as to love Him and manifest His love to the world around us. As we mature in our faith, God often speaks in subtler ways, inviting us to listen with the ears of our hearts. These gentle whispers of grace require us to be even more attuned to His presence, ready to respond to His call in the quiet moments of our day.Reflect today on Jesus' exhortation to be awake, vigilant, attentive, and ready to love Him in the smallest ways. To stay spiritually awake, cultivate habits that keep you attuned to God's presence: set aside time for daily prayer, receive the sacraments frequently, and be mindful of opportunities to serve others. These practices will help you remain vigilant and ready to encounter Christ at any moment. Search for Him this Advent, and never tire of loving Him in your prayer and in those around you. The Son of God continuously comes to you “at an hour you do not expect.” By building a spiritual habit of being prepared, you will meet and love Him throughout your day. My ever-present Lord, You surround me with Your grace and flood me with Your mercy day and night. Please give me a heart that is attentive and receptive to You so that I can receive all that You wish to bestow and love You and others with Your Sacred Heart. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image via Web Gallery of ArtSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

November 29, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Advent 1 - Psalm 25:4-5, 21-22; antiphon: Psalm 25:1-3aDaily Lectionary: Isaiah 5:1-25; Amos 1:1-9:15; 1 Peter 2:1-12“Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.” (Psalm 25:22)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Advent strikes a truer chord in the Psalms. We wait for the God who has made great promises. Let me not be put to shame. By the devil, who prowls about like a lion seeking to devour me. By the world, who finds little worth in everything I call precious. By myself, because if I'm being honest, the devil and the world will probably ignore me, except for the fact that I take shelter under a God whose law I make a mockery of. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles. Even when his troubles are himself. Advent is a season of penitential hope. And we treat those two things like oil and water. Real hope has no shame. The truly penitent are too downcast to dare to hope. To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul anyway. My escape from shame isn't myself. It's my God. It's yours. He advents to take away your sin, to bear your shame, and promises to return in glory at last to put right everything shameful that the devil, the world, and my own sinful flesh can do wrong. So we wait in penitent hope. That's the right kind. We won't be lost to dwelling in our shame. We'll take it to the Jesus who advents to bear it upon a cross, who advents to meet us at the altar with forgiveness for all of our sins, and who advents at last to free us from this vicious cycle of daily dying and rising to sin. On the Last Day, we'll only rise. Instead of a focus only on what's wrong, Advent says God will show up to be what's right. Our Redeemer. He invites everyone with shame. Bring the shame from all you've done. All the shame from what's been done to you. All the shame the world heaps on you, and all the devil can stir up, too. Gather it up and take it to where God advents to join you to Himself at His table, where He feeds you with His Body and Blood and joins you to angelic hosts and all the company of heaven who sing hymns just because they see you with them at the feast. The mark of freedom from shame isn't a perfect life. It's one of waiting for the God who takes shame away. Indeed, none who wait for Christ shall be put to shame.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Come, Thou precious Ransom, come, Only hope for sinful mortals! Come, O Savior of the world! Open are to Thee all portals. Come, Thy beauty let us see; Anxiously we wait for Thee. (LSB 350:1)Author: Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

In this message, Pastor Dale ministers on how God does not view “coming to church” in the same way as many believers do. Church attendance is not merely gathering corporately to sing songs or hear a message. Rather, God calls us to come together as the assembled Body of Christ, with each believer taking their rightful place, bringing their unique supply, and performing their ordained function within His Body for the benefit of all. In the natural, a limb cut off from the body cannot work correctly and will eventually shrivel away and die. Likewise, as the hands and feet of Jesus, we must be attached to His Body to function effectively and partake of the life that flows to us when we are assembled together as one.

God's expectation for His Body and how He equips them to do it.

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Josaphat, a bishop and martyr who gave his life for the unity of the Church — a unity founded in Christ Himself, who “is our peace, He who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity through His flesh” (Eph 2:14).In today's Gospel, we encounter the ten lepers who call out to Jesus from a distance. Only one returns to give thanks — a Samaritan, a foreigner. Yet it is this “outsider” who draws near, falls at Christ's feet, and glorifies God. His gratitude becomes worship. The Greek word used here is eucharisteo — to give thanks — the same root of our word Eucharist. In that moment, the healed man “Eucharisted” Jesus, showing us that true thanksgiving is communion with God Himself.Fr. Tyler reflects on how this healing foreshadows what Christ accomplishes in the Eucharist: God drawing near to the outcast, uniting what was divided, and restoring communion through His Body and Blood. Just as the Samaritan crossed the barrier between distance and intimacy, Christ crosses the infinite divide between heaven and earth, destroying the walls that sin has built.St. Josaphat lived this mystery to the end. In a time of bitter division between East and West, he longed for the unity of all Christians under the successor of Peter. For this, he was martyred — his blood becoming the seed of reconciliation. His life echoes the very prayer of Christ in John 17: “That they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I in You.”Let us pray today that, like St. Josaphat, we may become instruments of unity — people who heal, reconcile, and draw others toward the Eucharist, where all division is destroyed and all hearts are made one in Christ.Watch today's Daily Homily with Fr. Tyler on DivineMercyPlus.org or the free DM+ app.#frtyler #stjosaphat #unity #eucharist #onenessinchrist #catholicunity #bodyofchrist #massreflection #dailyhomily #divinemercy #thedivinemercy #marian #marians #marianfathers #marianhelpers #catholic #catholicism #romancatholic #romancatholicism #catholictiktok ★ Support this podcast ★

Dr. Griffin gives short admonitions of meditation of the messages on "HIS BODY." All to be continued…

Read OnlineJesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his Body. John 2:19–21We celebrate, today, the Lateran Basilica in Rome, the mother church of the entire Roman Catholic Church. It was given to the Bishop of Rome in the fourth century and remained the pope's primary residence until the building of St. Peter's Basilica, at a time when the Lateran Basilica was falling into ruins. However, the Lateran Basilica to this day remains the most important Church in the world, since it is officially the Cathedral Church of Rome.As we honor this church, we honor more than a building. The Lateran Basilica is a symbol of the one true Church of Jesus Christ. Its interior is beautiful and awe-inspiring so as to point us to the unimaginable beauty of the Church Herself, which is the Mystical Body of Christ.Today's Gospel depicts Jesus entering the Temple and driving the money changers out with a whip and the animals they were selling for profit. As He did so, He cried out, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace.” Psalm 69 is then quoted: Zeal for your house will consume me.Jesus loves His Church as His own Body—because that is what it is. As His Body, the members of His Church are called and sent to act as His instruments, members of His saving action. Much more than a church building, today we honor the Church Herself—which means we honor you, insofar as you are a member of the Body of Christ. And in light of this Gospel passage for today's Feast, we are reminded of the zeal that our Lord has for the cleansing of His Church.How is the Church purified? It is purified by the cleansing of Her members. That means that Jesus desires, with perfect zeal, to drive out every sin from your soul, cleansing the filth that keeps you from fulfilling your essential role as a member of His Body.Sometimes we become slack in our own commitment to be purified. We can easily become comfortable with the sins we commit, and we can form habits that are hard to break. When this happens, it is useful to ponder this story of the cleansing of the Temple and see it as Jesus' desire to cleanse our own soul. At times, we need to be shaken up, challenged, confronted and encouraged with the unwavering zeal in the heart of our Lord. Reflect, today, upon this powerful image of Jesus cleansing the Temple. As you do, apply it to your own life. The people selling and buying in the Temple must have been shocked at Jesus' zeal and actions. If you have become complacent with your sins, try to allow this holy shock to also wake you up. Allow our Lord's zeal to affect you, and know that His purifying actions are acts of love by which He desires to free you to become a more fully functioning member of His holy Church. My zealous Lord, Your heart burns with a deep desire to cleanse me and all Your children from sin. Your zeal reveals Your deep love and Your willingness to do all that You can to make me a fuller member of Your Body, the Church. Open my mind and will, dear Lord, to all that You wish to say to me and give me the grace to respond to Your purifying action in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.James Tissot, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

This week's podcast follows last week's prophetic message of why The Lord will be resetting the members of His Body. MUSIC BY:  Kyle Lovett - "RUACH, The Spirit Of God."

October 30, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 21 - Psalm 50:1-2, 14-15; antiphon: Psalm 50:23Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 31:30-32:27; Matthew 20:1-16“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; the one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” (Psalm 50:23)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. You know our situation. As human beings, we are conceived and born sinful; there is no good in us to do anything right. None of us could ever offer thanksgiving that is perfect in God's eyes. No one could sacrifice anything that would glorify God. How could we ever be shown the salvation of God?! How can this verse from the upcoming introit make sense?Jesus continued giving perfect thanks to the Father, sacrificing himself once and for all on the cross. That was the greatest moment of God's glory, showing His ultimate mercy to all in the suffering and death of Christ crucified. Look to the crucifix. See Jesus in all His glory, pouring out God's mercy on you. In that sacrifice of His that glorifies God, you are made His. There you are shown (and given) the salvation of God!While Christ's giving thanks perfectly showed God's glory in giving mercy for all, He still delivers the benefits and blessings of that thanksgiving. “Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks…” “In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks…” In the Last Supper, Jesus gives thanks to His Father in heaven. The Church picked up on that detail and has often used a name for the Lord's Supper: the Holy Eucharist. Eucharist is simply a Greek word for “Thanksgiving.”But here is the awesome thing: the Last Supper was not about the disciples giving thanks; Jesus gave thanks! The Eucharist today is not about you and me giving thanks, or even your pastor. It is Jesus giving perfect thanks on your behalf!The salvation of God was purchased and won for you at the cross. Now, the salvation of God is delivered to you through Baptism, Absolution, the proclamation of the Gospel, and through the Holy Eucharist! At His altar, Christ once again offers thanksgiving as His sacrifice, and that glorifies God. The Lord feeds you His body and pours His blood into your mouth, showing (and nourishing you with!) the salvation of God!Dear Baptized friends, your Jesus eucharists for you! And your Jesus IS the Eucharist for you, feeding you the salvation of God with His Body and Blood.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Praise we Him, whose love divine Gives His sacred blood for wine, Gives His body for the feast – Christ the victim, Christ the priest. Alleluia! (LSB 633:2) Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Harrison Goodman is the Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist, Part 3 – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating Deacon James Keating reflects on the deep meaning of the Our Father and the moments that follow it in the Eucharistic liturgy. Christ not only left His Body and Blood as an enduring gift but also gave His Church ... Read more The post WOM11 – The Liturgy of the Eucharist, pt. 3 – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Migration in the US and to Europe (3) | Europe Testimonies (1) “We need to migrate to strategic cities in the United States and Europe for the spread of the Lord's testimony. However, we should not carry out migrations in the way of a movement. Instead, we need to encourage the saints to receive a burden from the Lord to pray for the spread of His recovery so that the Lord may lead them to migrate to new localities in the move of His Body.” (Witness Lee, The Collected Works of Witness Lee, 1981, vol. 1, p. 384, Living Stream Ministry)This week we continue the series titled, “Migration in the US and to Europe”, with testimonies from saints that have migrated to Europe. This fellowship was given during a gathering for working saints at the 2023 International Thanksgiving Blending Conference in Dallas, TX.The original recording can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=myjbcWHh5UU

Migration in the US and to Europe (3) | Europe Testimonies (1) “We need to migrate to strategic cities in the United States and Europe for the spread of the Lord's testimony. However, we should not carry out migrations in the way of a movement. Instead, we need to encourage the saints to receive a burden from the Lord to pray for the spread of His recovery so that the Lord may lead them to migrate to new localities in the move of His Body.” (Witness Lee, ⁠The Collected Works of Witness Lee, 1981, vol. 1⁠, p. 384, Living Stream Ministry)This week we continue the series titled, “Migration in the US and to Europe”, with testimonies from saints that have migrated to Europe. This fellowship was given during a gathering for working saints at the 2023 International Thanksgiving Blending Conference in Dallas, TX.The original recording can be found at: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=myjbcWHh5UU⁠

Prayer of ThanksgivingHeavenly Father, On this Thanksgiving Day, we pause to give You thanks for the countless blessings You have poured into our lives. For the gift of life, the beauty of creation, and the love of family and friends, we are grateful.You are the Giver of every good gift. Help us to see Your hand at work in the harvest of the land, in the food upon our tables, and in the peace and safety we enjoy in this country.May our gratitude move us to generosity, remembering those who are hungry, lonely, or in need. May we share not only our abundance, but also our time, kindness, and mercy.We thank You especially for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ— our Redeemer and Lord— who nourishes us with His Body and Blood and calls us to walk in love.Bless this day, O Lord, bless those we gather with, and those we carry in our hearts. May our thanksgiving rise to You as a fragrant offering of praise.We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Many Catholics have wondered why, at most Masses, the congregation receives only the consecrated Host, and not from the chalice. In this episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick unpacks the theology behind this practice and clears up one of the most common misconceptions about Holy Communion. He explains that during the Last Supper, Jesus shared both His Body and Blood with the Apostles because He was ordaining them as the first priests of the New Covenant – not setting a universal rule for laypeople. At Mass today, when the faithful receive the Eucharist under either form – the Host or the Precious Blood – they receive the whole Christ: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Nothing is missing. Patrick also shares that receiving under both kinds is a more recent development in Church history, only becoming common after the 1960s. Before that, laypeople traditionally received only the Host to prevent confusion and to safeguard belief in the Real Presence. Whether a parish offers both forms or just the Host, the grace received is the same.

Migration in the US and to Europe (1) | Testimonies of Migration within the United States (1) “Those therefore who were scattered went throughout the land announcing the word as the gospel” (Acts 8:4)“We need to migrate to strategic cities in the United States and Europe for the spread of the Lord's testimony. However, we should not carry out migrations in the way of a movement. Instead, we need to encourage the saints to receive a burden from the Lord to pray for the spread of His recovery so that the Lord may lead them to migrate to new localities in the move of His Body.” (Witness Lee, The Collected Works of Witness Lee, 1981, vol. 1, p. 384, Living Stream Ministry)This week we begin a new series titled, “Migration in the US and to Europe”, with testimonies from brothers and sisters on their experiences of the Lord in migrating for His move within the United States. These testimonies were given during a gathering for working saints at the 2023 International Thanksgiving Blending Conference in Dallas, TX.The original recording can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=myjbcWHh5UU

TODAY'S LESSONLet me tell you something bold: the Church is not a building you go to. It's not Sunday service, a worship playlist, or a pulpit. The Church is a living, breathing organism—the Body of Christ. And here's the kicker: if you belong to Jesus, you're part of it.Paul doesn't leave room for debate. He says, “You are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” That means God hardwired you with a purpose. You are not filler. You are not an extra in the background of someone else's story. You are a vital piece of God's Kingdom puzzle.But here's the tragedy: too many believers live like spectators. They consume church instead of being the Church. They sit in pews but never step into purpose. And when you check out, when you withhold the gifts God placed inside you, the whole Body suffers. It's like trying to run a marathon with one leg asleep—it doesn't work.This is spiritual war, and God never drafts benchwarmers. You have a role. Your gifts, your experiences, even your scars—they're weapons in God's hand for the good of His people and the advance of His Kingdom.Don't believe the lie that you're not needed. That's the enemy talking. The truth is: the Church can't be whole without you.

Silver and Black Coffee Hour - Media Day 2025: Exclusive Recap and Insights!Welcome to a special episode of the Silver and Black Coffee Hour featuring the highly anticipated Media Day 2025! For the first time ever, all three hosts - Tom Petrini, Aaron Blackerby, and Zach Montana - are together in one place with exclusive access and insights. Tune in as they discuss the dynamism and excitement of the San Antonio Spurs' upcoming season, featuring insights from key players like Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, and more. You'll hear firsthand accounts, reactions to major announcements, including player injuries, and the thrilling atmosphere at The Rock. Don't miss the giveaways, exclusive behind-the-scenes interactions, and all the 'housekeeping' updates you'll want to know as a Silver and Black Coffee Hour fan. Plus, stick around for an interesting take on team dynamics and what lies ahead for the Spurs. Like, subscribe, share with friends, and get involved for a chance to win preseason tickets!00:00 Welcome to Media Day 202500:24 First Impressions and Excitement01:06 Housekeeping and Giveaways03:31 Media Day Highlights06:09 Victor Wembanyama's Impact13:15 Team Dynamics and Injuries21:45 Defensive Focus and Team Philosophy27:00 Violent Off-Season Workouts27:55 Open Runs and Conditioning28:41 Quotes from Weby on His Body and Defense29:52 Youth and Leadership in the Team30:55 Harrison Barnes' Literary Group31:33 Mitch Johnson's Philosophy33:11 Keldon and Devin's Roles36:32 Jeremy Sochan's Development39:51 Fun Interactions and Food Talk48:32 Spurs Starting Lineup Predictions49:21 Media Day Recap and Season Preview

Explore the divine blueprint of God's Temples and learn how they reflect His ultimate Temple: redeemed man in Christ. We're designed to be Temples of the Living God, in the image of Christ, the perfect human Temple of God. In union with Him, by His Spirit, He transforms us into His image from glory to glory. God's will for us as His Temples is to be filled with His Spirit, who indwells our holy of holies (SPIRIT), and also wants to fill our holy place (SOUL) and our BODY. The Tabernacle with all its furnishings was made according to a Divine Pattern (Ex 25:9,20, 26:30, Num 8:4, Acts 7:44, Heb 8:1-6). So, the earthly Tabernacle was made after the image of the heavenly Temple. The primary fulfilment of the typology of the Tabernacle is Jesus Himself. God came down to dwell among His people, by dwelling in a perfect human Tabernacle (John 1:1-14). The prophetic picture of the Tabernacle was perfectly fulfilled in the human nature of Jesus (Col 2:9). He was also filled with God's glory through the indwelling Spirit. He was the perfect prototype human Temple of God, the basis for all future human Temples of God. By His death & resurrection, He made it possible to multiply Himself in us, like a seed planted in the earth & rising again in multiplied form (John 12:24). When anyone receives Jesus, they are put into union with Him and become living stones in His Temple built on Him, their living Foundation, and He begins to change them into His image - first, by recreating our spirits in the New Birth, then by transforming our souls, and finally by glorifying our bodies. So, Christ is not just the fulfilment of the Tabernacle pattern, the perfect human prototype Temple, but also, the transforming power that changes us into His image as God's Temple, on the basis of His death & resurrection, so that we also become Temples of God, like Him. Thus, the pattern of the Tabernacle of Moses is primarily fulfilled in Christ, and 2ndly in us, His Body. God now lives in us, and wants to shine His glory through us. To make this all possible, on the Cross Christ fulfilled the Law of the Burnt Offering (Lev 1:1-12) & the Sin Offering (Lev 4:1-35). During the first 3 hours on the Cross, He offered Himself up as a sweet-selling burnt offering to the Lord (Eph 5:2). He identified with us and offered Himself for us, offering up His perfect human righteousness to God, to be accepted on our behalf, so that in Him we might be possess & be covered in His righteousness. On the basis of this aspect of the Cross, His righteousness is offered to us as a free-gift. From noon until 3pm, He fulfilled the type of the Sin Offering. He who knew no sin became sin for us on the Cross (2Cor 5:21). God signified this in the heavens by turning the sun to darkness, a picture of the radiant Sun of righteousness being covered with the darkness of our sin. In His Atonement, He paid the penalty in full for all our sins, so we can be forgiven, if we trust in Him. As our Sin-Offering, He took our sin and the punishment we deserved, releasing God's forgiveness & mercy to us, and as our Burnt Offering, He released His righteousness & life to us as a free-gift of grace. Christ's Altar of Burnt Offering is the everlasting power source for all of God's human Temples forever, for He gave Himself for us to release His everlasting righteousness & life, which will uphold us for all eternity. The truth that His Sacrifice is forever effectual in satisfying God and in releasing His grace to us is revealed in the Law of the Burnt Offering (Lev 6:8-13). His act of obedience in offering Himself up for us on the Cross provides for us an abundant everlasting source of grace (Rom 5:8-21). By His once for all perfect offering, He gave us His righteousness, grace & life, as our everlasting possession. As one moves toward the Holy Place of worship, after the Altar of Burnt Offering was the Laver (Ex 40:30). (1) He sacrificed Himself on the Cross for His Bride (represented by the Bronze Altar), so that (2) He might sanctify & cleanse us by the WASHING of His WORD (the Bronze Laver) - Eph 5:26. The LAVER represents God's WRITTEN WORD, which reveals His LIVING WORD – Christ, the source of eternal life (John 5:39-40). As we look into the Mirror of God's Word, the glory of the Person & Life of Christ is revealed to us, and His Spirit cleanses us from sin & sanctifies us to God (2Cor 3:18). The more we're cleansed & sanctified, the closer we can draw near to God to fellowship with Him and know Him (Heb 12:14, Matt 5:8). The Holy of Holies represents the spirit of man, in which was: “the Ark of the Covenant, in which were the Golden Pot of Manna, Aaron's Rod that budded & the Tablets of the Covenant” (Heb 9:3-4). These 3 items in the Holy of Holies correspond to the 3 items in the Holy Place, for the soul is made in the image of the spirit, designed to express & manifest the life & nature of the spirit.

Do Anglicans believe in transubstantiation? This edition of Ask the Church explores why Article 28 of the Anglican Articles of Religion rejects the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, while still affirming that Christ truly offers His Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Drawing on the Anglican idea of “efficacious signs,” we see how the Sacrament both signifies and accomplishes what it promises (Christ's "Real Presence" in the Eucharist). Rather than speculating about how the mystery works, Anglicans emphasize the gift itself: Jesus offering Himself to us in the Eucharist.

* See notes below for full text of Seven Sorrows of the BVMSCRIPTURE- Luke 1:34"But Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be?'"REFLECTION- Sr. KathleenMUSIC- The Breach by Alexandra Streliski- Warmness by Alexei SurovykhPRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.THE SEVEN DOLORS (SORROWS) OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARYAccording to a form approved by Pope Pius VII (1815)V.  O God, come to my assistance;      R.  O Lord, make haste to help meV.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.           R.  As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.   (The Hail Mary is said after each verse.)1. The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35)I grieve for you, O Mary, most sorrowful, in the affliction of your tender heart at the prophecy of the holy and aged Simeon. Dear Mother, by your heart so afflicted, obtain for me the virtue of humility and the gift of the holy fear of God.     Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.      Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of of thy womb, Jesus.      Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.2. The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-21)I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the anguish of your most affectionate heart during the flight into Egypt and your sojourn there. Dear Mother, by your heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of generosity, especially toward the poor, and the gift of piety.     Hail Mary….3. The Loss of Jesus for Three Days (Luke 2:41-50)I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in those anxieties which tried your troubled heart at the loss of your dear Jesus. Dear Mother, by your heart so full of anguish, obtain for me the virtue of chastity and the gift of knowledge.     Hail Mary….4. The Carrying of the Cross (John 19:17)I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the consternation of your heart at meeting Jesus as He carried His cross. Dear Mother, by your heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of patience and the gift of fortitude.     Hail Mary….5. The Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:18-30)I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the martyrdom which your generous heart endured in standing near Jesus in His agony. Dear Mother, by your afflicted heart, obtain for me the virtue of temperance and the gift of counsel.     Hail Mary….6. Jesus Taken Down from the Cross (John 19:39-40)I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the wounding of your compassionate heart, when the side of Jesus was struck by the lance before His Body was removed from the cross. Dear Mother, by your heart thus transfixed, obtain for me the virtue of fraternal charity and the gift of understanding.     Hail Mary….7. Jesus Laid in the Tomb (John 19:39-42)I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, for the pangs that wrenched your most loving heart at the burial of Jesus. Dear Mother, by your heart sunk in the bitterness of desolation, obtain for me the virtue of diligence and the gift of wisdom.     Hail Mary….Let Us Pray:   Let intercession be made for us, we beseech You, O Lord Jesus Christ, now and at the Hour of our death, before the throne of Your mercy, by the Blessed Virgin Mary, Your Mother, whose most holy soul

Anyone who has studied the Third Commandment in confirmation class has encountered Colossians 2:16–17, which answers the question, “Why don't Christians have to worship on Saturday (the Sabbath) as the Israelites did in the Old Testament?” St. Paul writes, “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance [literally, “body”] belongs to Christ.” Not only does this passage teach that under the New Testament Christians are not obligated to keep Old Testament ceremonial or political laws (although the moral Law does continue to apply to all people of all times and all places), but it also leads Christians to ask, “Why would we try to cling to mere shadows of our Savior, when He is really present in His Body, the church?” We have Jesus as our Bridegroom, so we lack nothing. Nevertheless, the New Testament does use types, examples and shadows from the Old Testament to teach us about life in Christ and in the church. We can gain insights into the New Testament Means of Grace by opening the Old Testament. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the September 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Sacramental Shadows” on Exodus 13 & 14. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Anyone who has studied the Third Commandment in confirmation class has encountered Colossians 2:16–17, which answers the question, “Why don't Christians have to worship on Saturday (the Sabbath) as the Israelites did in the Old Testament?” St. Paul writes, “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance [literally, “body”] belongs to Christ.” Not only does this passage teach that under the New Testament Christians are not obligated to keep Old Testament ceremonial or political laws (although the moral Law does continue to apply to all people of all times and all places), but it also leads Christians to ask, “Why would we try to cling to mere shadows of our Savior, when He is really present in His Body, the church?” We have Jesus as our Bridegroom, so we lack nothing. Nevertheless, the New Testament does use types, examples and shadows from the Old Testament to teach us about life in Christ and in the church. We can gain insights into the New Testament Means of Grace by opening the Old Testament. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the September 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Sacramental Shadows” on Exodus 13 & 14. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Is everything you believe about mobility, posture, and flexibility wrong? Soft tissue expert Lenny Parracino is here to challenge what you think you know about your body.On this episode of Mark Bell's Power Project Podcast, hosts Mark Bell and Nsima Inyang talk with Lenny about the real science behind movement. Discover what fascia is, why your muscles get stiff, and the truth about pain. This discussion gives you the tools to understand your body better.Learn why some of the most common exercises might be holding you back and how to properly care for your body to move better and feel stronger. Find out how to address your body's unique needs to improve your training and daily life.Special perks for our listeners below!

On today's Podcast, we share a prophetic word we received on Sunday about how the Lord is delivering His Body from "Navel Gazing."  You may ask what that means, well, listen in so be free of this debilitating habit we all struggle with.  

On today's Podcast, we share a prophetic word we received on Sunday about how the Lord is delivering His Body from "Navel Gazing."  You may ask what that means, well, listen in so be free of this debilitating habit we all struggle with.  

On today's Podcast, we share a prophetic word we received on Sunday about how the Lord is delivering His Body from "Navel Gazing."  You may ask what that means, well, listen in so be free of this debilitating habit we all struggle with.