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In Week 9 of our welcomed. series, we encounter a surprising moment in the life of the early church. As Paul and Barnabas prepare for their next missionary journey, a sharp disagreement leads them to part ways. Rather than hindering the mission of God, however, this conflict becomes another example of how Jesus builds and advances His Church.Acts 15:36–41 reminds us that faithful Christians can hold differing convictions while remaining united around a common mission. Through different personalities, perspectives, passions, priorities, and even problems, Jesus continues to accomplish His purposes. The church was never meant to be a collection of identical people—it is a diverse family brought together by the gospel and sent out for the glory of Christ.Join us as we explore how the welcome of Jesus enables us to pursue unity without demanding uniformity and to remain committed to the mission of God even when we disagree.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.orgConnect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity!Instagram: @integrity_churchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/
Nathan and Cameron explore the difficult reality of church decline, asking whether a local congregation must survive forever to fulfill God's purposes and what Christians should do when their church faces decline or closure. Drawing on insights from Karen Kilby's article It's Not All Good Man, they discuss church growth, shrinking congregations, denominational decline, grief, suffering, Christian hope, and the difference between the local church and the broader Kingdom of God. Through thoughtful theological reflection, personal experiences from rural America and Europe, and conversations about faithfulness, loss, and institutional change, Nathan and Cameron challenge listeners to consider how Christians should respond when churches fade, die, or complete their mission. This episode offers a compelling discussion on church leadership, church health, evangelicalism, discipleship, Christian theology, the future of the church, and finding hope in seasons of decline while trusting that God remains faithful to His Church.DONATE LINK: https://toltogether.com/donate BOOK A SPEAKER: https://toltogether.com/book-a-speakerJOIN TOL CONNECT: https://toltogether.com/tol-connect TOL Connect is an online forum where TOL listeners can continue the conversation begun on the podcast.
Jesus is still building His Church through ordinary believers like you and me. He has not left us alone but has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to live as His witnesses in every moment of life. Join us as we see how the book of Acts shows that His mission continues through empowered, faithful people today.PRAYERText (904) 770-3037 if you would like a member of our prayer team to pray with or for you.NEXT STEPSAre you ready to learn more about what it means to walk with Christ, get baptized, or get connected within the church body? Click here to complete our digital connect card: https://fathom.churchcenter.com/people/forms/31883GOT QUESTIONS?Learn more about Fathom Church at http://fathom.church/WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!If you are looking for more encouragement and biblical teaching throughout the week, we hope you'll follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or download the Churchcenter app: https://churchcenter.com/setupMORE WAYS TO LISTEN:Fathom Beyond Sunday Podcast - Conversations with a biblical worldview and real life application - listen in on an engaging chat between leaders at Fathom discussing faith, life, and how we can carry the truth of the word taught on Sunday into our week Monday through Saturday.Fathom Family Podcast - Real talk on how to build a Godly marriage that is in it for the long haul while leading your kids toward their God-given potential and purpose in Christ.See all the ways to listen here: http://fathom.church/category/listen/
Carry the message! ABOUT THE MESSAGE In part 2 of World Changers, Pastor Joey Kahl teaches us the Gospel was never meant to stop with us—it was meant to be carried through us. Together, we explore the incredible responsibility and privilege of sharing the life-changing message of Jesus with truth, love, and confidence, reminding us that God has entrusted His Church to bring hope and reconciliation to a world that desperately needs it. ABOUT JESUS If you want to learn more about who Jesus is and what it means to have a relationship with Him, we would love to help you on that journey: https://www.thechurch.fm/jesus For a deeper dive into The Word of God on a daily basis check out our Free Ancient Paths Daily Devotional: https://www.thechurch.fm/ancient-paths WHO WE ARE We believe that the goal of every Christian is To Be Conformed Into the Image of Jesus Christ, and a relationship with Jesus as well as being involved in a healthy church community are both important to achieving that goal. Find out more about who we are and all that we do at https://www.thechurch.fm/about. We would love to meet you in person! Find our locations and service times here https://www.thechurch.fm/campuses and download our smartphone app here https://pushpay.com/get?handle=saintamantcampus&source=external to access video content, daily devotionals, updates on what is going on at The Church, and so much more. To get connected here at The Church International simply visit us here https://www.thechurch.fm/connect-track and we will walk you through all of the life giving opportunities that we have to connect with you and your family. We want to give a special thanks to everyone who donates to what God is doing through this ministry. If you would like to partner with us through generosity and giving you can do so at https://www.thechurch.fm/give-online. SOCIAL MEDIA The Church International: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechurchinter/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechurchinternational/ Website: https://www.TheChurch.FM Pastor Mark: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkAStermer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark_stermer Pastor Cindy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindy.stermer.9 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindy_stermer
Before God takes you into something new, He often asks you to make a choice. In this message, we look at the life of Joshua and discover that compromise is often the greatest threat to God's calling. As we learn to stand strong against the enemy's schemes, we'll be challenged to deal with what's holding us back and fully commit to Christ, His Church, and His mission. Share this message with someone who God is taking to the next level! Are you ready to step into all God has called you to be through our Christ-Like Leader Pathway? There are so many ways to start, and we're here to walk with you every step of the way.-CLICK HERE TO SERVE: https://www.shorelinecity.church/join-CLICK HERE TO GET IN COMMUNITY: https://www.shorelinecity.church/connectgroups -CLICK HERE TO LIVE GENEROUSLY: https://www.shorelinecity.church/give-JESUS FIRST: We've been praying for you! If you made the decision to put Jesus first, text “JESUS” to 73000.-PRAYER: We believe there isn't anything too small or too big to bring to God. It would be our honor to pray with you. Text “PRAYER” to 73000STAY CONNECTEDWebsite: https://www.shorelinecity.church/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shorelinecity/Facebook: / shorelinecity Pastor Earl: / earlmcclellan Pastor Oneka: / onekamcclellan #ShorelineCity
What are the things Christians have normalized that Paul might have told Timothy to flee from?In this episode of the "But As For You" series, Chris Benites and I continue our conversation through 1 Timothy 6:11 by examining some of the attitudes and behaviors that have become common in today's Christian culture.Along the way, Chris becomes increasingly convinced that I'm asking questions designed to get him cancelled, which leads to plenty of laughter as we tackle some serious topics.Together, we discuss social media outrage, consumer Christianity, comfort-driven discipleship, and the growing trend of wanting Christ without connection to His Church.If Paul were writing to believers today and said, "But as for you... flee these things," what might he be talking about?Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content with others! Connect with us: Website: https://www.narcelyruiz.com/podcastInstagram: http://instagram.com/upstreampursuitFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UpstreamPursuit/
Remember, “God is the Holy One, who inhabits eternity.” Our prayer with this talk is that we allow the apostle John's revelation to give us a fresh, BORN-AGAIN, eternal perspective. You've gotta wrap your head around this, right now, regardless of your beliefs, you are an eternal being.
Spiritual realities are voice-activated. “Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth.” “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” so without question, right believing will produces right speaking. But since we are spiritual people, according to this passage, right speaking can absolutely influence our believing.
What should the Church be doing today? In this message from our Summer Series, we explore God's calling for His Church to advance His Kingdom by making disciples, gathering in community, and serving others with humility and love. Discover how believers are called to stay vigilant, aware, and faithful as we carry the hope of Christ wherever we go.
Romans 16 with AJ Swoboda — Continuing in our new series 'Called,' AJ dives into the last chapter of Romans and connects it to our call to reconciliation. In a world marked by division, Jesus calls His Church to be something different. Looking at Romans 16, we see a community where enemies become family, the overlooked are given honor, and people from every background are brought together under Christ.
Send us Fan MailWhat if generosity is about far more than money? Every seed we sow—through our resources, prayers, service, and faithfulness—becomes part of God's greater work in the world. The harvest may not always be immediate, but God delights in using ordinary acts of generosity to transform lives, strengthen His Church, and bring glory to His name. HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN
We are the helpless, harassed sheep who foolishly promise we can keep God's Law perfectly (Exodus). Knowing we can't, Christ dies for us while we are still His broken, weak enemies (Romans). Moved by profound compassion, Jesus sends out His Church into the world to deliver this free gift of life and forgiveness to all who are weary (Matthew). It shifts the focus entirely away from what we do for God, and centers fully on what God has done, and continues to do, for us.
All Saints of North America and Antioch St. Matthew 4:18-23 On the Sunday of All Saints of North America and Antioch, Fr. Anthony reflects on how the same American instincts that often lead people to Orthodoxy can become obstacles to spiritual growth once they arrive. While habits of inquiry, comparison, and evaluation help many converts discover the Church, the Christian life requires a transition from constantly judging and analyzing to trusting the Church's proven path of formation. Drawing on examples from marriage, culture, and the lives of the saints, he argues that the Church has been making saints for two thousand years and invites us to relax into that process of transformation. --- In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory to Jesus Christ! This is the Second Sunday after Pentecost, which means we celebrate the saints. Now, some of you are thinking, "Father, wasn't that last Sunday?" Yes—but this Sunday we celebrate the saints who are the fruit of the Christian faith in particular places. Here in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, we commemorate both the Saints of Antioch and the Saints of North America. Antioch is where the followers of Christ were first called Christians. North America is where that same faith has borne fruit in our own land. Today we celebrate what happens when the Holy Spirit takes root in a people and a place and brings forth holiness. The saints were not abstractions. They were not merely names in books or faces in icons. They had families, homes, occupations, and daily struggles. They lived in particular places and faced particular temptations, just as we do. Their lives remind us that holiness is not reserved for another age or another people. It is the calling of every Christian. I know some people who are jealous of Christians who lived in other times and places. I understand the temptation. We imagine what it must have been like to live in a culture where everyone was Christian, where theology, marriage, friendship, and worship were reinforced by the world around you. It can seem as though faith would come naturally in such a setting. But every culture has its own strengths and weaknesses. Every age has its temptations. Ours certainly does. This is one reason I often speak about the long, slow slog of salvation. It takes time for Christ to gain traction in our lives. It takes time for the Holy Spirit to draw us out of our sins, reorder our desires, and teach us to see the world according to the truth. As much as we may romanticize other places and times, the reality is that the whole world groans under the weight of sin. Consider the relationship between Church and state. Some Christians look with envy at times when governments openly supported the Church. One of my favorite examples is Saint Volodymyr of Kyiv. The church he built became known as the Church of the Tithes because he dedicated a tenth of his wealth to support it. That kind of patronage can be a tremendous blessing. It keeps the doors open. It provides a place where people can encounter Christ. But there is also a danger. If people do not intentionally offer themselves to the life of the Church, they can begin to take it for granted. Historians, sociologists, and political scientists have repeatedly observed that when the Church becomes too dependent on state support, participation often becomes passive. The buildings remain full, the clergy remain funded, but the active fellowship of the faithful can become hollowed out unless people are deeply intentional about their commitment. In modern language, we might say that people need some "skin in the game." Faith must become personal. It must become sacrificial. We cannot simply inherit it; we must offer ourselves to it. The same pattern appears elsewhere. My Greek friends often point out that Hellenistic culture provided many of the intellectual tools that helped people understand and articulate the Christian faith. Concepts such as the Logos and the philosophical vocabulary of the ancient world became powerful instruments in the service of theology. And yet those same intellectual strengths carried their own dangers. Some Christians were tempted toward Gnosticism. Others drifted into excessive rigorism. The very strengths of a culture can become weaknesses if they are not transformed by Christ. The same is true for us as Americans. There is much about our culture that I celebrate. We are approaching the 250th anniversary of our nation, and as a son of the American Revolution, I appreciate the freedoms we enjoy. The First Amendment protects our ability to seek the truth and worship God according to our conscience. Many of us found Orthodoxy precisely because we were free to look beyond the assumptions of our surrounding culture. But there is another characteristic of American life that deserves our attention: consumerism. Consumerism is not merely an economic system; it is a pattern of thought. It trains us to compare, evaluate, and choose. Every trip to the grocery store involves a series of cost-benefit analyses. We compare quality and price. We examine options. We decide which product best meets our needs. That habit of evaluation has actually helped many converts find Orthodoxy. Most of us arrived here because we became dissatisfied with something. We sensed that something was missing. We began asking questions. We read books, listened to lectures, watched videos, and compared alternatives. We weighed ideas the same way we weigh products. Eventually, we discovered Orthodoxy and recognized that it offered something we had not found elsewhere: a way of life capable of leading us into deeper communion with Christ. For many of us, that process was a blessing. Without it, we might never have escaped the assumptions we inherited from our surroundings. We might never have realized that another way was possible. Now here is the challenge. The same habits that helped many of us find Orthodoxy can become obstacles once we are inside the Church. Let me explain through an analogy. Think about the way Americans approach courtship today. We live in a culture of options. Dating apps, personality profiles, compatibility scores, and endless advice all encourage us to evaluate potential spouses through a kind of cost-benefit analysis. We compare possibilities and try to determine which person is the best match. Now, thank God, many people eventually find someone they love. They build a life together, get married, and begin a family. But what happens if they never leave behind that consumer mindset? What happens if they continue to evaluate their spouse the way they once evaluated potential spouses? Sooner or later they discover something unexpected. They find an imperfection they did not anticipate. They encounter a habit they dislike. They discover a weakness that was not apparent before. At that point the consumer instinct kicks in. Some begin looking around, wondering whether there might be something better. Others begin trying to "fix" their spouse, treating the relationship like a renovation project. After thirty-six years of marriage, I can tell you that my wife became much happier when she gave up trying to fix me. There are some things that simply cannot be fixed. More importantly, that is not how healthy relationships work. A good marriage is not built through constant evaluation. It is built through trust, commitment, patience, sacrifice, and love. At some point you stop analyzing the relationship from the outside and begin living it from the inside. You relax into it. You allow yourself to be formed by it. That does not mean you stop growing. It means growth happens through love rather than manipulation. The same principle applies to the Church. I celebrate the fact that many of us found Orthodoxy because we were willing to ask questions, compare alternatives, and search for the truth. Those habits served us well. But once we arrive, we must be careful. If you have ever been a catechumen with me, you have heard me say something that may sound strange: don't become a catechumen unless you are ready to trust. You do not have to know everything before becoming Orthodox. No one does. We make sure people understand the essentials. We address the major questions and objections. But eventually there comes a point where a person must decide whether this is a place where he can be formed. If we carry the spirit of consumerism into the Church, we begin treating everything the same way we treated products on a shelf. We evaluate constantly. We compare constantly. We judge constantly. Combined with the polarization that already infects our culture, this can become spiritually destructive. We begin dividing ourselves into camps. We become critics rather than disciples. Instead of allowing the Church to form us, we place ourselves above it as evaluators. Now, that does not mean we stop improving things. We are always working to improve parish life. We renovate buildings. We develop ministries. We solve problems. But there is a profound difference between building up and tearing down. One spirit seeks to serve. The other seeks to dominate. One spirit acts from love. The other acts from judgment. One spirit strengthens communion. The other undermines it. At some point we must surrender the very habit of analysis that helped bring us here, just as a husband and wife must eventually stop evaluating one another and begin living together in trust. Once you have given your life to Christ and entered His Church, relax. You are in the right place. This is not a pig in a poke. Most of my catechumens know that expression. For those who do not, a "poke" is an old word for a bag. If you were buying a pig at market, you always looked inside the bag before handing over your money. Otherwise you might discover later that someone had sold you something entirely different. Orthodoxy is not a pig in a poke. You have looked inside the bag. You have examined the evidence. You have read the books. You have asked the questions. You have seen what the Church is. Now trust it. The Church has been forming saints for two thousand years. It has done so in Syria and Lebanon, in Greece and Romania, in Kyiv and Moscow, in Alaska and North America. It has formed saints in every culture, every language, and every century. It can form saints here. It can form saints out of us. But only if we allow it to do its work. There are very few places left in modern life where we can lower our defenses, let go of constant evaluation, and simply receive. The Church should be one of those places. This is one reason our worship is so carefully ordered. The prayers have been tested by generations. The hymns have been handed down through centuries. The services have been shaped by the wisdom of the saints. The Church knows what she is doing. Now, I still tell my catechumens and students to keep a little filter active during the homily. The prayers have been vetted by the Church. The sermon comes from me, and I am still a work in progress. But the larger point remains. Let the Church form you. The Church has been creating saints for two thousand years. It is not a cookie-cutter process. Saint Nicholas, Saint Tikhon, and Saint John were very different men. Yet all were united in Christ. The Church knows how to confront our sins. It knows how to heal anger, lust, despondency, pride, and despair. It knows how to help us become more patient, more loving, more peaceful, and more faithful. You do not need a guru. You do not need another internet rabbit hole. You do not need endless searches for the next great spiritual secret. The saints have already shown us the way. Pray. Love sacrificially. Open yourself to God's grace in the sacraments. Love God. Love your neighbor. This is the calling of every human being. This is the vocation of the royal priesthood. This is the path walked by the saints of Antioch, the saints of North America, and the saints throughout the world. And it is the path set before us today. May God strengthen us as we walk it together. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Read OnlineAt the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36As Jesus went “to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness” (Matthew 9:35), He was moved with deep compassion for the crowds. The Greek verb splagchnizomai is often translated as “moved with pity” or “moved with compassion.” It appears twelve times in the Gospels—eight times describing Jesus' own compassion and four times illustrating divine mercy in parables or related contexts (the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, the Unforgiving Servant, and the plea of a father for his demon-possessed son). This verb conveys not just an emotional response but a profound stirring of His entire being, compelling Him to act with divine mercy—engaging His mind, will, body, and emotions.Understanding this verb is essential because it unveils the very heart of Christ's mission, where His divine mercy is fully manifest in His humanity. Though His mercy originates in His divinity, He fully lived and expressed it in His human nature, allowing it to consume Him entirely and drive Him to shepherd His people.Jesus' all-consuming compassion should profoundly console us. God does not love us out of mere divine obligation; His love is deeply personal, intimate, and relentless. He is not distant or impersonal, aloof in His perfection. In Christ, God's mercy is made visible—His human heart is stirred to action, doing everything He can to draw us closer to Himself. This is why His compassion is such a source of reassurance: He is not a distant or angry God, standing far off to condemn. Rather, He is the God who, in Christ, allows Himself to be consumed with mercy, driven by compassion, and moved to act for the salvation of each one of us.That same profound mercy continues to flow from the Sacred Heart today. In Heaven, Christ's human heart remains inseparably united to His divinity, pouring forth the love of the Father and the Holy Spirit upon the world. His compassion is made present to us through His Church, especially in the Sacraments and in the lives of saintly men and women. This same compassion must become the driving force behind all we do for the Kingdom. We are called to be His living instruments of mercy, reflecting His Sacred Heart in our actions, words, and love for others—so that each of us might be reassured of God's unfailing love.We see in today's Gospel that Jesus' compassion moved Him to send out twelve of His disciples as His Apostles, entrusting them with His divine authority to proclaim the Kingdom of God, cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and drive out demons. They were to be His chosen instruments of mercy, reaching out to the lost sheep of the house of Israel—those in dire need of God's truth and healing grace.Today, Jesus sends each of us forth in a unique way to be a beacon of light and mercy to others. He first calls us to love those closest to us—our family and friends—not in an ordinary way, but in a radical self-giving that mirrors His own love. We must allow our whole beings to be moved with divine compassion for them, reassuring them of both our love and God's love. But our mission cannot end there. After loving our families, we must extend that same compassion to all whom God places in our lives, offering the same depth of mercy that filled Jesus' Sacred Heart long ago.Reflect today on Jesus' divine compassion from two perspectives. First, gaze at His overflowing love for you. There is no way to overestimate that love. Second, allow that love to transform you so that His mercy flows through you into the lives of others. Do not hold back the love of God—let it pour forth freely and abundantly. Let His divine compassion move your entire being so that you become a true instrument of His mercy, drawing souls to Him through the power of love and all-consuming compassion. Most loving Lord, when You gazed upon the people of Israel's troubles and abandonment, Your Sacred Heart was stirred with deep compassion. Pour forth that same compassion upon me, O Lord, and make me an instrument of Your mercy in the lives of others. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The mosiac of Sermon on the mount in churchSource: 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.
Join us this week on “Honest to God” as we kick off a special Ask Fr. Anything: World Cup Edition! With 48 nations, one priest, and no referees, no question is off the table. From faith and theology to culture, current events, and the challenges of living as a Catholic in today's world, Fr. takes on your questions with wisdom, humor, and pastoral insight. Whether you're looking for practical advice, deeper understanding, or just a fun conversation, this episode brings together the spirit of friendly competition and the pursuit of truth—all centered on Christ and His Church.Follow us on Instagram:@honesttogod_quest Check out our parent network:https://thequestatlanta.com/honesttogodListen On Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/honest-to-god/id1644393955Listen On Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/3rVcw6wX03ezNwowTeE6wf?si=34c6ee021e2347fe
Welcome to your daily devotion for June 11, 2026. Today, Pastor Balla shares "O Kingdoms of the Earth Sing to God" from Psalm 68:32–35. In this powerful Christian devotional and Bible study, we join the global call for all nations and rulers to praise the Lord who rides in the heavens. God's majestic voice rules over all creation, yet this same Almighty gives power and strength to His people. This psalm finds its fullest meaning in Jesus Christ—the Son of God who humbled Himself to the cross and rose victorious over sin and death. Today, He reigns as King of kings, gathering believers from every tribe into His Church. When you feel weak, remember: God gives strength through His Word and promises. Please like, share, and subscribe for more daily devotions. Support this ministry at https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph or visit https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph. Thank you for listening—God's Peace be with you.Hashtags:#Psalm68 #SingToGod #DailyDevotion #PastorBalla #KingOfKings
He who BELIEVES in the Son of God has THE WITNESS in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the TESTIMONY that God has given of His Son. 1 John 5:10-12 (NKJV) 11, And this is the TESTIMONY: that God has given us ETERNAL LIFE, and this life is in His Son. 1 John 5:10-12 (NKJV) 12, He who has the Son has LIFE; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:10-12 (NKJV)
Can God use women in ministry? It's a question that has been highly debated for generations. Some say “of course!” Others say “definitely not…” but you? You might not actually be sure… So what DOES the Bible actually reveal?? Bc in it, you'll find the prophetess Deborah… to Huldah… to Priscilla… to Philip's daughters who prophesied… Scripture reveals that God has always used women in many powerful ways to accomplish His purposes. However, stand alone, without any context, some verses quite honestly, leave literally, no room for any consideration of women in the pulpit. You see, God's Word also establishes principles of order, authority, and biblical structure within His Church. So how do we reconcile these Biblical facts? Before we begin our new series entitled, “Called, COVERED, and Commissioned,” we're starting with a special foundational message to the series titled, “To be or not to be: Women in Ministry”… We'll examine all the passages on this subject, explore what Scripture actually teaches to its context, and discover how the Bible reconciles God calling, equipping, and using women while maintaining His divine order within the Church. Email Us: info@heartofworshipchurch.com Visit Our Website: www.heartofworshipchurch.com
This Week at Genesis | Marriage, Covenant, and the One-Flesh Union Marriage is more than a cultural institution or personal arrangement—it is a covenant designed by God to reflect His faithful love for His people. In this message, we explore God's vision for marriage from Genesis 2 and Ephesians 5, examining how the union of husband and wife points beyond itself to the relationship between Christ and His Church. Together, we reflect on God's purpose for marriage, the challenges that have shaped modern understandings of it, and the invitation to live into a covenant marked by love, sacrifice, commitment, and mutual devotion. Scripture & Themes
Some ministries shape your life.Some worship leaders change how you see God.Some churches help form who you become.So what do you do when those ministries, leaders, or organizations don't survive?—In this episode, Tyler explores the pain of watching influential ministries fall apart, why those moments can feel deeply personal, and how to protect the good things God did in your life without becoming trapped by disappointment, bitterness, or confusion.The goal isn't pretending the pain isn't real.The goal is letting God purify the root system so you can move forward with hope.IN THIS EPISODE:• Why some ministry failures affect us more deeply than others• The connection between pain and impact• Remembering who the true Author was all along• How to separate God's work from human failure• Why you don't have to throw away every good thing that came from a broken ministry• Allowing God to heal the root system of your heart
Who was in the room before the Church began? In Week 1 of Build the House, Amy Perez looks at Acts 1 and the ordinary people gathered in the upper room. As they waited for God's promise, they were gathered and available, discipled and formed, empowered and sent. This message reminds us that God builds His Church through ordinary people who make room for Him.
As we kick off our new series through Revelation we explore the revelation of Jesus Christ, the message to the seven churches, and what happens when people truly encounter Him. Far from being a book meant to create fear or confusion, Revelation reminds us that God keeps His promises and calls His people to live differently.But before Revelation unveils the events of the end, it confronts us with a more personal question: if Jesus examined His Church today, what would He find?▶SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthernHillsLV▶Do you know Jesus as your Savior? https://www.southernhillslv.com/the-gospel▶ DONATE: https://pushpay.com/g/southernhills?src=hpp&r=monthly▶ Visit Southern Hills: https://www.southernhillslv.com/▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernhillslv▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernhillslv/Pastor Josh Teis is the founder and senior pastor of Southern Hills Church in Las Vegas. He has a Masters Degree in Bible Exposition from Pensacola Theological Seminary, and he is a Master of Divinity with Liberty University. He coaches pastors in practical leadership and time management and is a nationally sought-after speaker.
The Rev. Dr. Jeff David preaches a sermon on “Jesus Speaks to His Church” from Revelation 2:8-11.
In this powerful message from Matthew 13, we're challenged to move beyond buildings, attendance numbers, and denominational labels to discover God's vision for His Church. Through a memorable story, we are reminded that church is not about size, production, or appearances—it's about people gathered in the name of Jesus. This message explores the difference between the visible church and the invisible church, the dangers of spiritual pride, and the healing freedom that comes from trusting God with the work that only He can do.
This teaching explores the Name of God: Jehovah Rapha - The God who heals. We learn that God is a healer from the beginning in the Old Testament, from Genesis and ongoing - our God's heart is to heal. Then, in the New Testament, God was a healer through his Son Jesus. When Jesus went to heaven and left the Holy Spirit to those who believe, He became a healer through His Church.
Jesus is still building His Church through ordinary believers like you and me. He has not left us alone but has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to live as His witnesses in every moment of life. Join us as we see how the book of Acts shows that His mission continues through empowered, faithful people today.PRAYERText (904) 770-3037 if you would like a member of our prayer team to pray with or for you.NEXT STEPSAre you ready to learn more about what it means to walk with Christ, get baptized, or get connected within the church body? Click here to complete our digital connect card: https://fathom.churchcenter.com/people/forms/31883GOT QUESTIONS?Learn more about Fathom Church at http://fathom.church/WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!If you are looking for more encouragement and biblical teaching throughout the week, we hope you'll follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or download the Churchcenter app: https://churchcenter.com/setupMORE WAYS TO LISTEN:Fathom Beyond Sunday Podcast - Conversations with a biblical worldview and real life application - listen in on an engaging chat between leaders at Fathom discussing faith, life, and how we can carry the truth of the word taught on Sunday into our week Monday through Saturday.Fathom Family Podcast - Real talk on how to build a Godly marriage that is in it for the long haul while leading your kids toward their God-given potential and purpose in Christ.See all the ways to listen here: http://fathom.church/category/listen/
Jesus is still building His Church through ordinary believers like you and me. He has not left us alone but has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to live as His witnesses in every moment of life. Join us as we see how the book of Acts shows that His mission continues through empowered, faithful people today.PRAYERText (904) 770-3037 if you would like a member of our prayer team to pray with or for you.NEXT STEPSAre you ready to learn more about what it means to walk with Christ, get baptized, or get connected within the church body? Click here to complete our digital connect card: https://fathom.churchcenter.com/people/forms/31883GOT QUESTIONS?Learn more about Fathom Church at http://fathom.church/WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!If you are looking for more encouragement and biblical teaching throughout the week, we hope you'll follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or download the Churchcenter app: https://churchcenter.com/setupMORE WAYS TO LISTEN:Fathom Beyond Sunday Podcast - Conversations with a biblical worldview and real life application - listen in on an engaging chat between leaders at Fathom discussing faith, life, and how we can carry the truth of the word taught on Sunday into our week Monday through Saturday.Fathom Family Podcast - Real talk on how to build a Godly marriage that is in it for the long haul while leading your kids toward their God-given potential and purpose in Christ.See all the ways to listen here: http://fathom.church/category/listen/
Jesus is still building His Church through ordinary believers like you and me. He has not left us alone but has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to live as His witnesses in every moment of life. Join us as we see how the book of Acts shows that His mission continues through empowered, faithful people today.PRAYERText (904) 770-3037 if you would like a member of our prayer team to pray with or for you.NEXT STEPSAre you ready to learn more about what it means to walk with Christ, get baptized, or get connected within the church body? Click here to complete our digital connect card: https://fathom.churchcenter.com/people/forms/31883GOT QUESTIONS?Learn more about Fathom Church at http://fathom.church/WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!If you are looking for more encouragement and biblical teaching throughout the week, we hope you'll follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or download the Churchcenter app: https://churchcenter.com/setupMORE WAYS TO LISTEN:Fathom Beyond Sunday Podcast - Conversations with a biblical worldview and real life application - listen in on an engaging chat between leaders at Fathom discussing faith, life, and how we can carry the truth of the word taught on Sunday into our week Monday through Saturday.Fathom Family Podcast - Real talk on how to build a Godly marriage that is in it for the long haul while leading your kids toward their God-given potential and purpose in Christ.See all the ways to listen here: http://fathom.church/category/listen/
Jesus is still building His Church through ordinary believers like you and me. He has not left us alone but has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to live as His witnesses in every moment of life. Join us as we see how the book of Acts shows that His mission continues through empowered, faithful people today.PRAYERText (904) 770-3037 if you would like a member of our prayer team to pray with or for you.NEXT STEPSAre you ready to learn more about what it means to walk with Christ, get baptized, or get connected within the church body? Click here to complete our digital connect card: https://fathom.churchcenter.com/people/forms/31883GOT QUESTIONS?Learn more about Fathom Church at http://fathom.church/WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!If you are looking for more encouragement and biblical teaching throughout the week, we hope you'll follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or download the Churchcenter app: https://churchcenter.com/setupMORE WAYS TO LISTEN:Fathom Beyond Sunday Podcast - Conversations with a biblical worldview and real life application - listen in on an engaging chat between leaders at Fathom discussing faith, life, and how we can carry the truth of the word taught on Sunday into our week Monday through Saturday.Fathom Family Podcast - Real talk on how to build a Godly marriage that is in it for the long haul while leading your kids toward their God-given potential and purpose in Christ.See all the ways to listen here: http://fathom.church/category/listen/
As we conclude our Sacred Community series, we're left with an important question: What have we actually done with everything we've learned?It's easy to come to church, hear a powerful message, take a few notes, and then let the busyness of life crowd it all out by Monday morning. But God's desire was never for His Word to simply inspire us. His desire is that it transforms us.The early church understood something that modern culture has forgotten. Acts 2:46 tells us that daily they met together in the temple courts and in one another's homes. They celebrated communion, shared meals, and lived life together with joyful hearts and humble spirits. Their faith wasn't confined to a church service. It was woven into their everyday relationships.Today we live in a world that is more connected digitally than ever before, yet more disconnected relationally than perhaps any generation before us. Screens have replaced conversations. Notifications have replaced eye contact. Entertainment has replaced intimacy. We can spend hours scrolling through other people's lives while feeling increasingly isolated in our own.God is calling His Church back to something deeper.Sacred community cannot thrive in isolation. Spiritual maturity doesn't happen apart from relationships. God uses people to sharpen us, challenge us, encourage us, and help us grow. The enemy understands this, which is why he works so hard to isolate believers. Isolation feels safe, but it slowly disconnects us from one of God's greatest tools for growth and healing: each other.Throughout Scripture, tables are significant places. From Abraham sharing a meal with God, to Jesus dining with sinners, to the Last Supper, to the disciples recognizing the risen Christ at the Emmaus table, God repeatedly uses meals and conversations around tables to reveal Himself, build relationships, and transform lives.Jesus did much of His discipleship around tables. He taught, challenged, restored, encouraged, and revealed truth while sharing meals with people. The table wasn't just furniture. It became a place of ministry.Somewhere along the way, many homes traded dining room tables for TV trays. Family conversations gave way to screens and distractions. Vulnerability was replaced with busyness. We stopped making room for one another.Yet many of us can remember a time when tables were the heart of the home. Meals were shared. Stories were told. Prayers were offered. Struggles were discussed. Faith was modeled. Relationships were built. Those moments shaped lives in ways we often don't realize until years later.The call today is simple: Build tables again.Not necessarily more Bible studies. Not another church program. Not another event to attend.Build tables of fellowship.Open your homes. Invite people in. Share meals. Have conversations. Talk about what God is doing. Ask questions. Pray together. Laugh together. Cry together. Walk through life together.The Church gathers in the big house on Sundays, but the work of discipleship often happens in the little houses throughout the week.God is looking for people who will intentionally create spaces where weary people can find rest, broken people can find healing, and believers can encourage one another toward maturity in Christ.The dining room table can become an altar again.The table is where friendships deepen. The table is where faith becomes personal. The table is where generations are shaped. The table is where Jesus often reveals Himself.In a culture of distraction, the table is an invitation back to presence.Maybe the next move of God isn't found in bigger buildings or better programs. Maybe it starts with believers pulling up a few extra chairs, sharing a meal, and making room for one more person at the table.Thanks for joining us for a weekly message from DuBois Light & Life Church. Today you will hear encouraging words, worship, and a message. Our goal is that you would find Hope, Healing, and Purpose in Jesus Christ. Live from DuBois Light and Life Church.128 S 8th Street,DuBois PA 15801Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our Website at http://duboisfmc.org/, or download our app!
Welcome to your daily devotion for June 7, 2026. Today, Pastor Balla shares "O Mountain of God Mountain of Bashan" from Psalm 68:15–18. In this powerful Christian devotional and Bible study, we discover that God chooses His dwelling place not by human greatness but by His gracious promise. While Bashan's mountains tower with pride, God desires humble Zion—foreshadowing Bethlehem's manger, a carpenter's cross, and an empty tomb. Verse 18 proclaims Christ's ascension: "You ascended on high, leading a host of captives." Jesus conquered sin, death, and Satan, then received gifts to give His Church. Our risen Lord reigns from heaven and dwells with us through Word and Sacrament. If you need assurance that Christ is victorious and present, this daily prayer brings hope. Please like, share, and subscribe for more daily devotions. Support this ministry at https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph or visit https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph. Thank you for listening—God's Peace be with you.Hashtags:#Psalm68 #ChristAscended #DailyDevotion #PastorBalla #MountainOfGod
Jesus calls His Church to leave comfort, seek Holy Spirit power, reach the harvest, and proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven.
Must Christians go to church? Why do churches meet on Sundays? And should Christians regularly invite others into their homes? More and more Christians are faced with many questions regarding church involvement and hospitality. The good news is that God's Words speaks much to these questions! Join us this Sunday as we explore God's design for His Church to meet and host in Acts 2:46!
Speaker: Mike DavisThis passage and the entire story of Acts ends in a "shocking" way. The book may end, but the story does not. God continues to spread the Gospel and expand His Church to this very day.
Spirit-Filled: A Way of Life – Part 3 Tools for the Job – Continued The Christian walk isn't meant to be sustained by human effort alone; God provides supernatural tools to strengthen our faith and build up His Church. Pastor Joel Wells continues our Spirit-Filled: A Way of Life series with Part 2 of Tools for the Job, shifting the focus from the "power" gifts of the Spirit to the "vocal" gifts. Together, we'll take a deep, scriptural look at one of the most misunderstood gifts of the Spirit: speaking in tongues. Discover how we can demystify this gift and how it can be understood through God's Word and how it can stir our faith, deepen our relationship with Him, and create an expectation for a fresh encounter with God.
This episode wraps up the conversation between Tim, Joel, Judy, and Mulu. The Lintons describe the amazing Sundays their church family spends together, which run from the crack of dawn until the night. Their ministry is “organic,” focusing on making disciples of Jesus Christ who go beyond the superficial. The church in Yilan County, Taiwan is all about living life together, just like Bonhoeffer wrote about in Life Together. Along the way, they also talk about the ins and outs of worship music and the merciful discipline of children.The first part of this interview is here. Another interview with Joel and Judy can be heard here.***Desire to become a pastor? Check out New Geneva Academy. Listen to NGA's brand new podcast, "What I Wish They'd Told Me," here or watch video here.***Out of Our Minds Podcast: Pastors Who Say What They Think. For the love of Christ and His Church.Intro and outro music is Psalm of the King, Psalm 21 by My Soul Among Lions.Out of Our Minds audio, artwork, episode descriptions, and notes are property of Warhorn Media, published with permission by Transistor, Inc. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ministry is one of the greatest privileges in the world.It's also one of the easiest places to become discouraged, burned out, frustrated, isolated, or lose sight of why you started in the first place.In this trailer episode, Tyler Richardson shares the heart behind How to Survive Working for God and the vision for what this podcast will become.Through honest conversations, practical insights, real ministry experiences, and conversations with leaders from a variety of backgrounds, this podcast exists to help pastors, worship leaders, church staff members, volunteers, creatives, and ministry leaders stay HEALTHY, STRONG, and ANCHORED IN JESUS.THE GOAL IS SIMPLE:To help you love God, His Church, your family, and your calling on your final day of ministry even more than you do today.━━━━━━━━━━━━
Marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God, distorted by sin, redeemed through Christ, and meant to reflect the relationship between Christ and His Church.
Send us Fan MailToday we commemorate the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, gathered in Nicaea in A.D. 325 to defend the truth of the Orthodox Faith against the heresy of Arius. Guided by the Holy Spirit, these God-bearing Fathers boldly proclaimed the full divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ — “true God of true God” — preserving the apostolic faith handed down to the Church.In this homily, Fr. Theophan reflects on the courage, humility, and spiritual discernment of the Nicene Fathers, and what their witness means for Orthodox Christians today as we strive to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.#OrthodoxChristianity #FirstEcumenicalCouncil #NiceneFathers #Orthodoxy #CouncilOfNicaea #EasternOrthodox #NiceneCreed #ChurchFathers #OCA #OrthodoxChurchWebsite @ https://www.st-innocent.orgInstagram @ https://www.instagram.com/st.innocentchurch/Facebook @ https://fb.me/SaintInnocentMaconGeorgia Help Support St. Innocent Orthodox Church @ https://onrealm.org/siocmacon/-/form/give/now
Here in Matthew, Jesus assembled the disciples shortly before His ascension and gave them a now familiar call to action. It sounds like four commands but it's actually just one – to “make disciples.” In Greek, it's the only imperative in these two verses. But our Savior used three participles to explain how it's done. Here's how God grows His Church. Here's how the Holy Spirit makes Christians.
Joel and Judy Linton, missionaries and church planters in Yilan County, Taiwan, join Pastor Tim Bayly again. Their conversation will continue in the next episode.During this session, Joel, Judy, and Tim discuss the conversion and discipleship of a particular family that has become a central source of strength in the church plant in Yilan County (you'll hear from one of them directly during the podcast!). They also discuss the nature of language and how it shapes a people—preparing or hindering their understanding of Scripture, the necessity of discipleship (not merely conversion), and how a church should make decisions about age-specific ministries. For more about Joel and Judy's work in Taiwan, visit their website here.***Out of Our Minds Podcast: Pastors Who Say What They Think. For the love of Christ and His Church.Intro and outro music is Psalm of the King, Psalm 21 by My Soul Among Lions.Out of Our Minds audio, artwork, episode descriptions, and notes are property of Warhorn Media, published with permission by Transistor, Inc. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Every life leaves something behind. The question isn't whether we'll shape the next generation—it's what we'll shape them toward. In a world competing for the hearts, minds, and identity of our kids, it's easy to focus on our own race and forget the baton in our hand. But the Kingdom of God has always advanced through generations of ordinary people who chose to pass faith forward. Jesus is still building His Church, and He invites us to join Him in raising up the next generation of disciples, leaders, and world changers. Tune in as we explore why the Christian life is a relay race, what it means to intentionally form faith in our homes and church, and how our ceiling can become their floor. Together we'll discover how a legacy rooted in Jesus can echo far beyond our lifetime.
Embracing the reality that we are redeemed by Christ alone. He has declared us His, through His sacrifice, by His purpose and for His purpose. This is what makes baptism such a powerful testimony. And I'm telling you, this side of Heaven, baptism is one of the most Heavenly things we can do.
Romans 4, ABRAHAM BELIEVED in God who gives life to the dead and CALLS THOSE THINGS which do not exist as though they did; ABRAHAM BELIEVED, and became the father of nations. So NOT BEING WEAK IN FAITH, he did not consider his own body, He DID NOT WAVER AT THE PROMISE of God through unbelief, but was STRENGTHENED IN FAITH, giving glory to God, And being FULLY CONVINCED that what GOD HAD PROMISED He was also able to perform.
Let's start with this, Pentecost— “Feast of Weeks” celebration of the harvest, right after Passover, where the first fruit offerings were brought to the Lord. It's also when the Law was given to the children of Israel. It simply means the fiftieth. 50 days after Resurrection Sunday came Pentecost Sunday. This event was so significant that Jesus told the disciples that it was better for them if He leave so that the Holy Spirit could come. John 16:7 (AMP) “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, THE HELPER (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him, the Holy Spirit to you to be in close fellowship with you.”
In Matthew chapter 16 Jesus states emphatically to His Disciples that He is building an enterprise called The Church. He promises that regardless of the opposition, His Church would prevail and He invites His Disciples to get involved when He pledges to give them the "keys to the Kingdom of Heaven." Today the call and the promise are still the same. God is inviting us to take part in what He is building – His Church, which is in His hands...
Tell us what you think about this podcast!In this series, Bishop Rader Johnson explores the 7 biblical relationships that illustrate the connection between Christ and His Church, beginning with The Shepherd and His Sheep. For more lessons and sermons, follow our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@GBT
Tell us what you think about this podcast!In this series, Bishop Rader Johnson explores the 7 biblical relationships that illustrate the connection between Christ and His Church, beginning with The Shepherd and His Sheep. For more lessons and sermons, follow our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@GBT
Tell us what you think about this podcast!In this series, Bishop Rader Johnson explores the 7 biblical relationships that illustrate the connection between Christ and His Church, beginning with The Shepherd and His Sheep. For more lessons and sermons, follow our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@GBT
For today’s episode, we’ve gone back to the vault for an episode on how to know if your church is ready to be revitalized. In this re-released episode from the archives, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss five key indicators that a church may be prepared to enter a season of church revitalization, spiritual renewal, and gospel renewal. Whether your congregation is struggling, plateaued, or simply seeking renewed mission and health, this conversation offers practical insight for pastors, church leaders, and revitalization teams. In this episode, the team explores: Why humility is essential for church revitalization How a renewed passion for evangelism and community outreach signals readiness for change Why submitting fully to biblical authority matters in church renewal The importance of faith-filled risk-taking in revitalizing dying churches How belief in God's power to restore struggling churches fuels long-term renewal 5 Ways to Know Your Church Is Ready to Be Revitalized Humble hearts: “This is the Lord's church, not ours.” A desire to reach the community with the gospel: “This is our mission field.” Commitment to biblical authority: “The Word of God is our guide.” Willingness to take risks and do whatever it takes: “We are desperate to see God move.” Faith that God can revitalize dying churches: “God isn't done with us yet.” Resources Related to This Episode: Falling in Love with Jesus (Again) by David Jackson Flickering Lamps: Christ and His Church by Henry and Richard Blackaby God's Not Done with Your Church by Mark Hallock If you’re praying for church renewal, leading through congregational change, or exploring how to revitalize a declining church, this episode will encourage and equip you for the journey.