Podcasts about his church

On this Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, join Doug Billings on The Right Side for a powerful 15-minute deep dive into the true meaning of Ash Wednesday and Lent.Whether you're Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, or simply feeling the call of faith today, discover why the ashes on your forehead are straight from Scripture – from Job and Daniel to Nineveh and Jesus Himself – and how this 2,000-year-old practice is more relevant in 2026 than ever.Doug addresses head-on the “pagan roots” critics who claim Lent, Ash Wednesday, and even the Christmas tree are corrupted because of ancient origins. With charity and firmness, he dismantles the myths (including Alexander Hislop's debunked The Two Babylons), explains how the Church Jesus founded on Peter redeems culture for Christ, and shows why these traditions bear beautiful fruit today.Plus: the explosive 2026 faith revival among young men (Barna data), practical Lent tips for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and a hopeful message that the same Jesus who started His Church is still in charge – even with an American Pope calling the world to renewal.This encouraging standalone episode is perfect for anyone seeking real hope on Ash Wednesday 2026.If this blessed you, subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs to hear that you are dust… but you are beloved dust, and the Cross always wins.Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere podcasts are found.Full video version on YouTube: @TheRightSideDougBillings#AshWednesday2026 #Lent2026Support the show

Today's message goes Behind the Scenes in the book of Acts and highlights how God works through ordinary, sometimes fearful people. When we stay faithful and don't give up, God can use us to spreads His truth, strengthens His Church, and make His name known.

"Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the people of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine." Aaron lights the seven lamps of the golden lampstand, illuminating the holy place where priests serve. Then the Levites undergo an elaborate consecration, being waved as a living offering before the LORD. In this chapter, we see that those who serve God must themselves be made holy. The light of the lampstand points forward to Christ, the Light of the World, and to His Church called to shine in the darkness.  The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Numbers 8.  To learn more about Trinity in Edwardsville, visit trinitylutheranministries.org. The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway.  In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people.  These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

As the Society of Saint Pius X is looking toward new consecrations and the threat of sanctions, we must never forget that this act is one of charity for the good of the Catholic Church. The Society esteems and loves what is most perfect, Who is God. And it is for God and His Church, that He established for the salvation of souls, which the Society serves. The Society will continue to serve this mission regardless of any adversity placed before it.

From Not Enough to More Than Enough Today's Homily unites two biblical moments: First, The Gospel (Mark 8: Feeding of the Four Thousand) reveals Christ's deep compassion for humanity wandering in a spiritual “wilderness.” The crowd cannot sustain itself; human resources are insufficient. Yet when the disciples offer their “not much” . . . seven loaves and a few fish . . . Jesus transforms scarcity into abundance. This miracle foreshadows the Eucharist: Christ continues to feed the world through His Church, using humble means to accomplish divine grace. Second, The First Reading (Jeroboam and the Divided Kingdom) shows the opposite movement. Jeroboam, though raised up by God, becomes insecure and replaces true worship with convenient, man-made alternatives. He prefers control, comfort, and political security over trust in the Lord. This leads to spiritual decline and instability for Israel. The contrast is deliberate: • Jeroboam grasps, mistrusts, and substitutes human solutions → leading to loss. • The disciples surrender their inadequacy to Christ → leading to superabundance. The Homily and scripture message for today is clear: we must not reshape faith around convenience or personal preference. Instead, we entrust our poverty, weakness, and “not enough” to Christ, who alone can transform them into saving grace . . . especially through Word and Sacrament. The Homily concludes with a correlation of today's theme with Montfort's teachings. Hear more within the Homily. Listen to From Not Enough to More Than Enough --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes: Italian painter: Giovanni Lanfranco: 1620 The painting was commissioned for and may be found in the Blessed Sacrament chapel in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Mark 8: 1-10 First Reading: 1 Kings 12: 26-32; 13: 33-34 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why was this image selected: The image dramatically captures Christ at the center of action, emphasizing divine power working through ordinary bread and human participation. The painting mirrors the sermon's central truth: what seems insufficient becomes inexhaustible in Christ's hands.

Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla for February 17, 2026 reflects on Psalm 45:13–15 and the radiant image of the Bride being led to the King. This Christ-centered Lutheran devotion explores how this royal wedding scene ultimately points to Christ and His Church. The glory of the princess is not self-made beauty, but honor given by the King. So also, believers are clothed in the righteousness of Christ, adorned by grace, and prepared for eternal joy.This Christian daily devotion highlights the communal nature of faith, as the Bride is led with companions into the palace of the King. The Church walks together in hope, sustained by the Word and Sacraments, rejoicing in forgiveness and redemption. Rooted in Scripture and the theology of the cross, this meditation proclaims that our identity is secure in Christ alone.One day, we will enter fully into the joy of His eternal kingdom.Support this ministry at

In Week 5 of the Gates of Hell series, we explore The Gate of Temptation and how spiritual battles begin long before visible sin. Standing at Caesarea Philippi in Matthew 16, Jesus declared war on the gates of hell and promised victory for His Church. But one of the most subtle gates believers walk through is temptation. From Genesis 3 to Jesus' victory in the wilderness in Matthew 4, we see how the enemy still whispers, "Did God really say?" This message teaches how temptation works, why shame and hiding follow sin, and how submitting to God and resisting the devil leads to freedom, power, and breakthrough.

Seventh Core Belief: The Church is God’s AGENT OF CHANGE in our world. Jesus asks the group the MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION. Peter offers the MOST IMPORTANT ANSWER. Peter is praised for RECEIVING the revelation. Jesus will build His Church on every person who shares Peter's CONFESSION. When INFORMATION is king, ISOLATION is not far behind. […]

What does it really mean to live by faith?In this message, Pastor Bobby Harrell challenges us to trust God beyond what we can see. As we step into The Oasis Initiative, we're reminded that faith isn't just something we say we have — it's what we build our lives on.As a church family, we believe God is moving in our time, in our city, and through His Church. Faith always requires a step — and this is ours.

As God builds His Church, He reveals to us the gifts and callings that He has strategically placed within our lives. When we discover and embrace His calling for our lives we begin to be fulfilled in ways we never dreamed possible. You're invited in today's message to discover God's purpose for you life and step into the future He's prepared for you with great boldness and joy!

Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla for February 15, 2026 reflects on Psalm 45:8–9 and the beauty, joy, and fragrance of Christ the King. This royal psalm paints a vivid picture of fragrant robes, ivory palaces, music, and honor—but it ultimately points beyond earthly splendor to Jesus Himself. In this Christ-centered Lutheran devotion, we consider how myrrh connects Christ's birth, suffering, burial, and victory, revealing a kingdom where glory flows through the cross.This Christian daily devotion highlights the joy of forgiveness, the peace of reconciliation, and the comfort of belonging to the King who gathers His Church as His beloved bride. Rooted in Scripture and the theology of the cross, this meditation proclaims a Savior whose reign brings life, mercy, and eternal hope.Even now, Christ rules through His Word and Sacraments, filling weary hearts with lasting joy.Support this ministry at

Jesus challenges us to answer who He truly is—not merely a prophet or teacher, but the Messianic Son of God Who builds and sustains His Church and restores us to relationship with God. Matthew 16:13-20 For more resources on this teaching please visit https://brcc.church/teachings/encountering-jesus-the-messianic-son-of-god/

From Enemies to Unity Ben McEachernEphesians 2:11-22  Talk about different. God wants to build His Church using people who would normally be hostile toward each other and mistrust one another. This is not how the great movements of human history are normally built. But then the Church was never supposed to be normal. It is a group of people brought together by grace and unified in Christ alone. This week, we celebrate how God has brought us from hostility to unity. #NorthRidge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#Jesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#churchonline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WELCOME PAD / MY RESPONSE -- Use this link to respond to the sermon, request prayer, or to give tithe/offerings online: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://northridgefellowship.churchce...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠I'M SAYING YES TO JESUS!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://northridgefellowship.churchce...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MORE SERVICE INFO AND INTERACTION: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://northridgefellowship.org/watch/⁠

Send a textWe begin this episode by noting that on the day of Pentecost, according to Acts 1:1-4 that the Jewish apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit or baptized in the Holy Spirit and spoke in languages or tongues that they never learned. We discuss the fact that this occurred for a special reason which was to be able to speak in the foreign languages of the Jews that were there for Pentecost so they could teach them the gospel. We look at what Peter had to say at that time when he referred to Joel's prophecy about that occasion. We read what Peter said to those gathered and note that there were three thousand individuals who repented and were baptized and that Jesus added them to His Church, the Church of Christ. We note that all of the miracles that Jesus performed had their effect immediately. We look at the next time the baptism of the Holy Spirit occurred which was upon Cornelius, an Italian military officer and his household, who were all Gentiles. The record of this is in Acts 10 verses 1 through 48. This was necessary to convince Peter and the other Jews that the Gentiles were also acceptable to God and were required to obey the gospel just as the Jews were. We begin reading the passages in Acts 10 and run out of time before finishing the reading. We will start the next episode by beginning our reading at Verse 23 and finish through to verse 48. We will then discuss what Cornelius and his household did. Take about 30-minutes to listen in on our discussion. Have your Bible handy so you can verify what we are saying. For your convenience, there is a transcription of this Buzzsprout episode provided.

Christian, Ministry, Christ in you, Kingdom of God, Revelation of Jesus Christ, The Tabernacle of Moses, The Outer Court, The Holy of Holies, The High Priest, The King of Kings, The Lord of Lords, Christ has come in His Church, Victorious Eschatology, Fulfilled Eschatology, All Things fulfilled in Christ

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." This chapter gives us both the Nazirite vow, a special consecration marked by uncut hair and abstinence from wine, and the Aaronic Benediction, the most beautiful blessing in all of Scripture. In these verses, we see that holiness is both given by God and received in His name. The blessing that Aaron spoke is the same blessing Christ speaks over His Church today.  The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Numbers 6.  The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway.  In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people.  These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

On this episode of The Rod Parsley Podcast, Pastor Rod Parsley sits down with Bishop Brian Gallardo and his wife, Jillian Gallardo, for a meaningful, Spirit-led conversation on spiritual fatherhood, faithful families, and biblical leadership in today's church. Together, they reflect on their journey in ministry, the importance of spiritual alignment, and the call to build families and churches on God's foundational truths. The discussion highlights the role of prayer and fasting in restoring spiritual hunger and strengthening faith at home and in the church. Drawing from Bishop Brian's book Shut Up & Lead, the conversation emphasizes leadership marked by conviction, submission, and faith—encouraging listeners to live out God's design for His Church in this season. New episodes of The Rod Parsley Podcast drop every Tuesday at 8 AM ET.

Send a textWelcome to On The Path with Cheryl NembhardThis week, Cheryl sits down with Latasha Morrison — New York Times bestselling author, founder of the global Be the Bridge movement, and one of today's most trusted voices on racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in the Church.Latasha shares the deeply personal journey that shaped her calling, how pain became purpose, and why reconciliation requires both courage and compassion. Drawing from her groundbreaking work Be the Bridge and her latest book Brown Faces, White Spaces, she invites listeners into an honest, hope-filled conversation about truth-telling, lament, and the hard but holy work of building bridges.In this powerful conversation, they explore:How lament and truth-telling pave the way for healing and restorationWhat courageous, Christ-centred reconciliation looks like beyond surface-level unityWhy unity requires truth, repentance, and repair — not comfort or silencePractical ways to become bridge-builders in everyday spacesThis episode is an invitation to move beyond surface-level faith and step into the reconciling work Jesus calls His Church to lead. If you've ever felt the tension between justice and unity, or wondered how to show up faithfully in conversations about race, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.Listen now and be encouraged to build bridges right where you are!

What we did What we didn't do How we stewarded what He entrusted to us This should sober us, not scare us. Salvation is secure, but stewardship still matters.

Discover the three marks of leaders God uses to ignite His Church and why every follower of Jesus is called to lead.

This week at Citizen Church, Pastor Dustin reminded us that the heart of God has always been global. From the beginning, God's plan has been to bless all nations, and Jesus calls His Church to take the gospel beyond ourselves and into every city, every nation, and every heart. Scripture makes it clear: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). Global missions matter because God's purpose has always extended to the whole world. Genesis 12:3 declares that all peoples on earth will be blessed through God's promise, and Revelation 7:9 gives us a picture of the future—a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne of God. Jesus also commanded both local and global witness, saying in Acts 1:8 that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. At Citizen Church, we believe we are called to live out this mission with a global mentality: to refresh the hurting, renew the broken, and redeem the lost. Jesus taught that the gospel is not only spoken but demonstrated through compassion and action (Matthew 25:35–36). We are reminded in 1 John 3:17–18 not to love with words alone, but with actions and in truth. And ultimately, Christ came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). As Romans 10:14–15 asks, how will people hear unless someone is sent? We may plant and water, but God brings the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). Thank you for being part of a Christ-centered, Spirit-led, kingdom-building movement committed to the renewal of cities and nations through the love of Jesus. Help for Today. Hope for Eternity.

Today we celebrated Vision Sunday and unveiled our 2026 theme, A City on a Hill, rooted in Jesus' call for His Church to shine as light in a dark world. Just as the early church was an undeniable force in its community, City First is called to be a visible, Christ-centered movement marked by love, humility, and transformed lives. As we step into 2026, our prayer is to shine Jesus' light in a way that awakens curiosity about God!

Today we celebrated Vision Sunday and unveiled our 2026 theme, A City on a Hill, rooted in Jesus' call for His Church to shine as light in a dark world. Just as the early church was an undeniable force in its community, City First is called to be a visible, Christ-centered movement marked by love, humility, and transformed lives. As we step into 2026, our prayer is to shine Jesus' light in a way that awakens curiosity about God!

As we begin a new year, Living on Mission will invite us to look ahead together, unfolding the vision God is shaping for Fair Oaks Church. Over six weeks, we'll anchor ourselves in Jesus' mission for His Church and discern how God is calling us to live it out in this next season.

God is in the process of piecing together His Church. Like a master watchmaker, God is the craftsman who is fitting His Church together in the manner that pleases Him and brings Him Glory. Today we begin a series diving into the idea of what it means to be "Assembled" by God. Enjoy and share the message with a friend!

I was going to open my message with excerpts from Charles Spurgeon's message, The Christian's Great Business, but ended up largely preaching his compelling message on every Christian's Great Commission responsibility. It was true when the inspired Word of God was written. It was true when Spurgeon preached it September 7th, 1873. It's true for all believers today! May God be pleased to Make the Great Commission Great Again in His Church and thus in the earth!

Discover the three marks of leaders God uses to ignite His Church and why every follower of Jesus is called to lead.

The Christian life is lived in exile. We are not home yet, but live in a world often hostile to Christ and His Church. How do we live in such a world? The apostle Peter has written a letter that shows us the way. In this first sermon in a new series through 1–2 Peter, we discover that although we are exiles, we've been chosen by God, are guided by the Spirit, and are cleansed by Christ.

The Spirit produces deep unity and radical generosity among God's people—but also calls His Church to holiness. This passage contrasts sincere faith with deadly deception, showing us that God's grace cannot be treated casually. The same Spirit who unites and blesses also exposes hypocrisy. Here, we are reminded that the Church is not merely a community of shared values, but a holy people living before a holy God.

Christian, Ministry, Christ in you, Kingdom of God, Revelation of Jesus  Christ, Separated to God, Heavenly Realm, Three Heavens, The Way the Truth and the Life, The Coming of the Lord, Fulfilled Eschatology, Christ the Fulfillment of All Things, All Things Complete in Christ, Victorious Eschatology, The End Has Come, Christ Has Come in His Church, The Outer Court

“Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Peter's reaction to a miraculous catch of fish is more fearful than joyful in the presence Jesus' holiness. In final episode of The Magnificent 37, we examine three miracles involving the disciples' work and witness: the initial calling of the fishermen in Luke 5, the post-resurrection catch in John 21 that restores Peter, and the healing of Malchus' ear in Gethsemane. These signs reveal a Savior who provides abundantly for His Church, restores the fallen to service, and extends mercy even to His enemies in the hour of darkness.   The Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 5:1–11, John 21:1–14, and Luke 22:50–51.  

Read Online“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Mark 6:10–13During the first half of Jesus' public ministry, despite the religious leaders growing increasingly hostile, He accomplished many things. Numerous conversions took place, many began to believe He was the Messiah, miracles abounded, and His fame spread far and wide. During this time, Jesus gave special attention to twelve of His disciples, setting them apart and designating them as Apostles. Honored by Jesus' special attention, perhaps these twelve men struggled with pride, thinking they were above the rest of the disciples.In today's Gospel, “Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits” (Mark 6:7). This divine authority was something new to them, a gift beyond anything they had ever known. For that reason, Jesus exhorted them to rely on Divine Providence for their mission, exercising it with humility and simplicity: “He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts […] He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there'” (Mark 6:8, 10).This was a pivotal moment for the Twelve. During the first half of Jesus' public ministry, the Twelve were our Lord's students: listening to Him, accompanying Him, praying with Him, and learning about the Kingdom of God. Suddenly, the time came for them to act in Jesus' name and with His authority. As they went forth, two by two, preaching repentance in the surrounding towns and villages, something amazing took place. They witnessed God's power working through them, changing lives. With the newfound authority of their words and actions, they must have been amazed to see miracles take place at their command and demons fleeing in their presence.Though the Twelve were entrusted with the unique mission of becoming the foundation upon which Jesus would build His Church—especially Saint Peter, the Prince of the Apostles—we must all see ourselves in this divine commissioning. In accord with the requirements of our own divinely appointed missions, we, too, will be entrusted with “authority over unclean spirits.” Though only those officially sanctioned by the Church act in the formal role of exorcists, God's authority is entrusted to each of us to thwart diabolical activity every day. By simply remaining in a state of grace and relying upon that grace, we participate in Christ's victory over evil, thwarting satan's works, revealing his lies, and assisting others in their quest for interior freedom. We do this in varied ways, depending on our vocations and particular missions.Reflect today on the mission Christ has entrusted to you. Parents, spouses, siblings, co-workers, friends, and neighbors are all called to share in Christ's mission in unique and varied ways. As you ponder your own mission, consider two questions. First, have you, like the Twelve, embraced repentance and conversion by drawing closer to our Lord? Have you committed yourself to deepening that conversion so as to be more fully united with Christ? Secondly, have you allowed your union with Christ to equip you for the mission God has entrusted to you? Do you sense His divine authority in your life, enabling you to preach in His name through your words and deeds? Does your mere presence bring Christ's grace, dispelling darkness and evil? Resolve to continue the mission given to the Twelve in accord with God's will, and you, too, will be amazed at what God will do through you. My glorious Lord, You called the Twelve and formed them in Truth and grace, drawing them into lives of profound conversion. You then sent them forth in Your name to preach repentance and to dispel evil with authority. Please draw me close to You and form me by Your grace so that I not only know, love, and serve You more fully, but also become a greater instrument of Your grace to others. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe Stock 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.

“Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Peter's reaction to a miraculous catch of fish is more fearful than joyful in the presence Jesus' holiness. In final episode of The Magnificent 37, we examine three miracles involving the disciples' work and witness: the initial calling of the fishermen in Luke 5, the post-resurrection catch in John 21 that restores Peter, and the healing of Malchus' ear in Gethsemane. These signs reveal a Savior who provides abundantly for His Church, restores the fallen to service, and extends mercy even to His enemies in the hour of darkness.   The Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 5:1–11, John 21:1–14, and Luke 22:50–51.   To learn more about St. Paul's in Minot, visit anchoredminot.com. Thy Strong Word kicks off the new year by dedicating our time to study "The Magnificent 37: The Miracles of Jesus." Christ didn't just speak the Word; He demonstrated it with power. From the quiet intimacy of water turning to wine at Cana to the earth-shaking reality of the empty tomb, the Gospels record thirty-seven distinct moments where Jesus suspended the laws of nature to reveal the power of his grace. This isn't just a list of "neat tricks" from history. It is a systematic walkthrough of how God breaks into our broken world to fix it. Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Why did He need mud to heal a blind man? What does the coin in the fish's mouth teach us about being citizens of heaven and earth?  Host, Pastor Phil Booe and a lineup of guest pastors will take you through each event, verse by verse. We'll move past the Sunday School summary and get into the meat of the text, including the Old Testament connections, the cultural context, and the immediate comfort these signs bring to your life today.   Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

In Revelation 2, Jesus speaks directly to His Church and He doesn't waste words. He commends endurance, faithfulness, and a refusal to compromise, but He also exposes what can quietly die in a church that keeps “doing the right things” with the wrong heart.We started with a sobering truth: a church that's not under the control of the Holy Ghost will eventually be out of control. We aren't called to be open-minded people drifting with culture, we're called to be Christ-minded people anchored in the Word.Jesus rebukes the church for this: they had the fire of truth, but they lost the flame of love. It's possible to be doctrinally sound and still spiritually dry. Truth without love becomes cold. Holiness without intimacy becomes hollow. And sometimes we can prioritize ministry, activity, and effort while our first love fades in the background.The call of Revelation 2 is clear: Return. Repent. Be rekindled. Not just keep going, but come back to the heart of it all, Jesus Himself. Everything must exalt Him.We also confronted compromise head-on. The Nicolaitans taught a mixture of Jesus and pagan values, treating grace like a license to sin. But Pastor Jon made it plain: you cannot walk with Jesus and dance with the devil. In a world trying to blur the lines, the Church must hold both truth and love, the way Jesus walked in truth and grace.Then we looked at Smyrna, a church that wasn't popular, but was faithful. They paid a price for truth. And we were challenged with a powerful gut-check: If the Bible doesn't cut you at least once a week, you're not reading it right. God's Word is supposed to examine us, expose motives, and align our living with what we say we believe.Jesus closes with a promise to those who have ears to hear and the courage to endure: Don't be afraid. Be faithful. Because whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death, the death that doesn't end life, but ends hope. Eternity is real, and the decisions we make now matter forever.Takeaway: Examine yourself. Is what you're reading reflecting how you're living? Let His Word search you, let His Spirit lead you, and let your love be rekindled. The Lord is still speaking. Are you listening? 

Healing: who God is, what God does, what God has done through Jesus, what Jesus' followers do “Divine healing is a miracle. It is the power of Almighty God intervening in human affairs and suspending natural law in order to bring healing to our bodies. This is what God's Son did when He was on the planet, and God desires His Church, the Body of Christ, to do the same today. He wants to see miracle working power in your body.” – Pastor Wendell Smith PhD in Faith for Healing  Wisdom for Health Who God is: “They traveled in this desert for three days without finding any water. When they came to the oasis of Marah, the water was too bitter to drink.  So Moses cried out to the Lord for help, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. Moses threw it into the water, and this made the water good to drink. It was there at Marah that the Lord set before them the following decree as a standard to test their faithfulness to him. He said, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you (Yahweh-Rapha).” – Exodus 15:22-27  NLT Who Jesus is: Isaiah 53 (Prophetic prediction of who Jesus would be and what He would do) 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn't value him. 4 Yet he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains; (Illness and mental/emotional pain) but we in turn regarded him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds. 6 We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished him for the iniquity of us all. 11 After his anguish, he will see light and be satisfied. By his knowledge, my righteous servant will justify many, and he will carry their iniquities.” – Isaiah 53  CSB What Jesus did and has accomplished on the cross: “He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, ‘He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.'” – Matthew 8:14-17  NLT  (quoting Isaiah 53) “He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.” – 1 Peter 2:24-25  NLT  (quoting Isaiah 53) Matthew 4:24, Luke 4:38-39, Mark 1:32-34, 6:5-6  Jesus heals blindness, paralysis, leprosy, and raises from the dead… sicknesses of all kinds. Matthew 4:23-24. (that which was beyond medicine) “Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all.” – Matthew 4:23-24  NLT Jesus responds to the faith of those who want to be healed and those interceding for them. “A Roman officer pleaded with him, ‘Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.' Jesus said, ‘I will come and heal him.' But the officer said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,' and they go, or ‘Come,' and they come.'  When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, ‘I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!' Jesus said, ‘Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.' And the young servant was healed that same hour.” – Matthew 8:5-13  NLT “The leader of a synagogue, ‘My daughter has just died,' he said, ‘but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her.' So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him. Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, for she thought, ‘If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.' Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, ‘Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.' And the woman was healed at that moment When Jesus arrived at the official's home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. ‘Get out!' he told them. ‘The girl isn't dead; she's only asleep.' Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up!” – Matthew 9:18-26  NLT Mark 9:20-24  “'I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!'” Jesus delivered and healed the boy.   Luke 17:19  Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.” (leprosy) Many healing miracles through Jesus-followers!  Philippians 2:25-27  Acts 2:43, 3:1-8, 5:12, 14:3, 8-10, 19:11-12, 28:7-9 (and many more Scriptures OT and NT) …using various methods, and same outcome. “A man was sitting, who had never walked, and had been lame from birth. He listened as Paul spoke. After looking directly at him and seeing that he had faith to be healed, Paul said in a loud voice, ‘Stand up on your feet!' And he jumped up and began to walk around.” – Acts 14:8-10  CSB  “God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.” – Acts 19:11-12  NLT  “As it happened, Publius's father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying his hands on him, he healed him.  Then all the other sick people on the island came and were healed.” – Acts 28:8-9  NLT There are many calls to repentance of sin and warnings against a refusal to repent, in association with healing. “Go and sin no more.” – Jesus often said. New Testament church warned: “That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God's judgment upon yourself. That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died.” – 1 Corinthians 11:29-30  NLT Faith, Miracles and Healing given to many NT believers (not just the first 12). “The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing.” – 1 Corinthians 12:9  NLT  “All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it. Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27–28  NLT Faith is essential in relationship with God. “It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6  NLT Pray and keep on praying! “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” – James 5:12-16  NLT Faith: See, Agree, Act  God, I choose to see you for who you say that you are. God, I choose to agree with what you say. God, I choose to take action based on this faith.

Am I building what Jesus is building with my life and my resources? In this message from Pastor David Lindell, we are confronted with a defining question about whether our priorities align with God's heart to reach the lost through His Church—starting locally and extending to the ends of the earth. Our prayer is that God would speak clearly to your heart, stir your faith to action, and invite you into a supernatural journey of generosity that produces eternal fruit.

Am I building what Jesus is building with my life and my resources? In this message from Pastor David Lindell, we are confronted with a defining question about whether our priorities align with God's heart to reach the lost through His Church—starting locally and extending to the ends of the earth. Our prayer is that God would speak clearly to your heart, stir your faith to action, and invite you into a supernatural journey of generosity that produces eternal fruit.

Luke 11:1 (NKJV) Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “LORD TEACH US TO PRAY...”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. God knew that because of FREE WILL, humanity would have to have a POINT OF REFERENCE that truth stems from. So He put together a collection of books that we know as the Bible.

In the Beatitudes, Jesus radically redefines what it means to be blessed. The world teaches us that blessing looks like success, strength, health, and having life under control. But when Jesus looks out over the crowd on the mountain, He sees the poor, the grieving, the weary, and the broken. And He calls them blessed. Not because their lives are working, but because the kingdom of heaven has come near to them. The Beatitudes sound wrong to us because they expose our hearts. By nature, we do not want to be poor in spirit, meek, or mourning. We want to justify ourselves, manage appearances, and prove our worth before God and others. As the prophet Micah reminds us, we often assume God wants religious performance. But the Lord desires humility, a people who walk honestly before Him, knowing who He is and who we are not. In this way, the Beatitudes function as God's Law. They reveal our spiritual poverty and collapse every attempt at self-made righteousness. They leave us with empty hands. Yet they also lead us directly to the Gospel. Jesus is the truly blessed One. He is poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and persecuted for righteousness' sake. He fulfills every Beatitude in His own life, death, and resurrection. And what He fulfills, He freely gives. The Beatitudes are not instructions for how to earn God's favor. They are promises describing what is already true for those who are in Christ. Even now, believers possess the kingdom of heaven. Even now, they are comforted with forgiveness and filled with Christ's righteousness, often hidden under weakness and the cross. This blessing becomes especially concrete at the Lord's Table. There, the poor in spirit come with nothing to offer and receive everything. Christ gives His true Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins. Holy Communion is the Beatitudes made tangible, mercy placed on the tongue and peace given as a gift. Finally, the Beatitudes lift our eyes toward heaven, where all that is hidden will be revealed. Mourning will turn to joy. Hunger will give way to fullness. Suffering will be transformed into glory. Until that day, Christ continues to gather His Church, not to reward the strong, but to bless the needy with this sure promise. Yours is the kingdom of heaven. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

In the Beatitudes, Jesus radically redefines what it means to be blessed. The world teaches us that blessing looks like success, strength, health, and having life under control. But when Jesus looks out over the crowd on the mountain, He sees the poor, the grieving, the weary, and the broken. And He calls them blessed. Not because their lives are working, but because the kingdom of heaven has come near to them. The Beatitudes sound wrong to us because they expose our hearts. By nature, we do not want to be poor in spirit, meek, or mourning. We want to justify ourselves, manage appearances, and prove our worth before God and others. As the prophet Micah reminds us, we often assume God wants religious performance. But the Lord desires humility, a people who walk honestly before Him, knowing who He is and who we are not. In this way, the Beatitudes function as God's Law. They reveal our spiritual poverty and collapse every attempt at self-made righteousness. They leave us with empty hands. Yet they also lead us directly to the Gospel. Jesus is the truly blessed One. He is poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and persecuted for righteousness' sake. He fulfills every Beatitude in His own life, death, and resurrection. And what He fulfills, He freely gives. The Beatitudes are not instructions for how to earn God's favor. They are promises describing what is already true for those who are in Christ. Even now, believers possess the kingdom of heaven. Even now, they are comforted with forgiveness and filled with Christ's righteousness, often hidden under weakness and the cross. This blessing becomes especially concrete at the Lord's Table. There, the poor in spirit come with nothing to offer and receive everything. Christ gives His true Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins. Holy Communion is the Beatitudes made tangible, mercy placed on the tongue and peace given as a gift. Finally, the Beatitudes lift our eyes toward heaven, where all that is hidden will be revealed. Mourning will turn to joy. Hunger will give way to fullness. Suffering will be transformed into glory. Until that day, Christ continues to gather His Church, not to reward the strong, but to bless the needy with this sure promise. Yours is the kingdom of heaven. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

This week, Eric and Scholar-in-Residence Ed Stetzer discuss the differences between denominations and how God is moving through His Church around the world.Ed Stetzer, Ph.D., is the Dean and Professor of Leadership and Christian Ministry at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. Ed has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches; trained pastors and church planters on six continents; earned two master's degrees and two doctorates; and he has written hundreds of articles and a dozen books. He serves at Mariners Church as a Scholar-in-Residence & Teaching Pastor."Can Faithful Christians Agree to Disagree on Sexuality?" by Ed Stetzer: https://churchleaders.com/voices/512232-agree-to-disagree-christian-sexuality-gender.html

1. Gifts for Our Purpose2. Results From Our GiftsToday's sermon explored God's divine design for the Church and how He equips each believer with specific gifts to build up the body of Christ. We examined how God has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers not as titles to pursue, but as gifts to equip the saints for the work of service. The implications for our spiritual life are profound—we are not meant to simply attend church, but to actively participate in God's mission. Just as successful businesses train employees and organize effectively, God has structured His Church with purpose, calling us to pool our gifts and talents together to reach our world with the Gospel without compromise.Takeaways:- We are called to grow up in Christ, not be tossed by every wind of doctrine. God desires us to be rooted in His Word, moving from chaos to order in our lives. This requires us to be doers of the Word, not merely hearers who delude themselves (James 1:22).- Every believer has a purpose in God's calling. Whether you work with your hands, communicate well, serve at home, or minister in the church, God has equipped you for service. The question is: Are we doing what we do well, to the best of our ability, or are we just doing enough to get by?- We must speak the truth in love, finding the balance between biblical correctness and genuine compassion. Unity is not uniformity or conforming to culture's ideology. Real love waits for the right moment to speak truth without compromising it, and it's always easier to hear truth from someone who genuinely cares.Be encouraged to ask yourself this week: Am I growing up in Christ? Am I using my gifts to serve His Church? Am I speaking truth in love to those around me? Let's not waste the gifts God has given us, but instead become vessels He can work through to reach our world.

In this message from the Unstoppable series, Pastor Tim Dunn teaches from Acts 3 on the power and authority found in the name of Jesus. As Peter and John heal a man who had been lame from birth, we see that this miracle was not accomplished by human ability, but through faith in Jesus' name. This sermon unpacks what it means to live under Christ's delegated authority, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and aligned with the way of Jesus. Discover how calling on the name of Jesus brings healing, restoration, boldness, and transformation. This message invites believers to live with confidence in the authority Christ has given His Church.

Marriage doesn't begin with feelings—it begins with covenant. In the opening message of Built to Last, we explore why marriage matters according to God's design. While culture often views marriage as casual or contractual, Scripture reveals marriage as a sacred covenant meant to reflect the faithful love of Christ for His Church. Through Jesus' teaching and Paul's words in Ephesians, we see that marriage is more than a relationship—it's a gospel picture. This message speaks hope to singles, clarity to those living together, encouragement to the married, and grace to the divorced, reminding us all that Jesus is the true Bridegroom who never breaks covenant.

As we begin a new year, Living on Mission will invite us to look ahead together, unfolding the vision God is shaping for Fair Oaks Church. Over six weeks, we'll anchor ourselves in Jesus' mission for His Church and discern how God is calling us to live it out in this next season.

Why are large numbers of people in Minneapolis, many educated, choosing to do things that to many of us just don’t make sense? Is Christ, the prophet to His Church, revealing something to His people? If so, what is it? Is the answer something more than "Sinners sin"? I think so. My answer may be controversial, but I think it affects the "strategy" we need going forward?

The Bible is very clear about how God's people are supposed to give financially to His Church, as well as how that money is to be used. When we give begrudgingly, God is not pleased with our money. It is when we give cheerfully because we love Him that He is pleased with our gift and promises to always take care of all of our needs.

Why are large numbers of people in Minneapolis, many educated, choosing to do things that to many of us just don’t make sense? Is Christ, the prophet to His Church, revealing something to His people? If so, what is it? Is the answer something more than "Sinners sin"? I think so. It may be controversial, but I think it affects the "strategy" we need going forward?Support the show: https://www.factennessee.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bible is very clear about how God's people are supposed to give financially to His Church, as well as how that money is to be used. When we give begrudgingly, God is not pleased with our money. It is when we give cheerfully because we love Him that He is pleased with our gift and promises to always take care of all of our needs. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/640/29?v=20251111