Podcasts about his kingdom

Read Online“I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”  Luke 21:3–4We must all see ourselves as this poor widow by offering our “whole livelihood” to Christ. Everything we have is a gift from God, and it must be offered back to God, sacrificially, as our gift to Him. The material offering made by this poor widow was two small coins worth very little. The truth is that even if you were the richest person in the world and donated all that you had to God, it would greatly pale in comparison to the gift given to us by our Lord. We are all poor in the big picture of God's grace and His Kingdom. The most any one of us can offer is symbolized by these two small coins.As you look at your own life, how willing are you to give everything you have to our Lord for His glory and service? The only appropriate “offering” we are called to give to our Lord is the “sacrifice” of our entire life. This spiritual truth is something very difficult for those who are very wealthy in the things of this world. Material wealth offers an easy way to live in comfort. Money can provide every modern convenience, entertainment, fun, worldly security and much of what this world has to offer. But money cannot buy fulfillment. It cannot satisfy us in the truest sense. This is why many people who live very luxurious lives are not truly happy.Happiness is found in sacrifice. Specifically, it is found in sacrificial love by which we dedicate everything we are and all that we have to the sole purpose of the glory of God and the furtherment of His Kingdom. Sadly, when one is rich in the things of this world, it is easy to think that offering a portion of their wealth, such as a tithe, means that they can keep and use the rest any way they want. But that's not true. Giving of ourselves completely to God and to His service does not necessarily mean that we donate all of our money to the Church. But it does mean that we offer everything to God. For many, when this complete offering is done every day, God will lead them to use their material resources for the raising of their family, to take care of their basic needs, and, at times, to even enjoy various comforts in life. But the real question is whether or not you truly live as though all you have and all you are is God's and is to be used for His glory and the furtherment of His will.Reflect, today, upon this poor widow. She was greatly blessed to have very little. This made it easier for her to remain detached from money and other forms of material wealth. And in that detachment, she gave all to God. She entrusted all to Him, and Jesus noticed and praised her. Reflect upon our Lord's reaction to you and to the offering of your life to Him. If you are holding back from our Lord, then use the witness of this poor widow to inspire you to daily dedicate everything to the service of God in accord with His holy will.My wealthy Lord, Your riches are all that matter in life. You bestow the riches of eternal salvation and countless other graces upon those who have given all to You. I do give my life to You, dear Lord. I give all that I have and all that I am. Please receive the offering of my life and use me in accord with Your holy will. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: She Gave All She Had by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Read Online“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 22:42–43What powerful words these were. As Jesus hung dying on the Cross for the salvation of the world, He hung between two thieves. These thieves represent all of us. One of them wanted Jesus to save His earthly life by coming down from the Cross and saving him at the same time. The other thief made a prayer for eternal life, asking Jesus to remember him when Jesus entered His Kingdom. To the latter, Jesus granted his request.Oftentimes we pray for earthly goods and pay little attention to eternal ones. Today, as we celebrate the last Sunday of the liturgical year, we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. On this day, we are invited to pray this prayer with the good thief, acknowledging that we are sinners deserving death, but hoping and praying for mercy and a share in the Eternal Kingdom of God.Nothing makes the soul of our Lord more joyful than saving His children. He endured suffering and death out of love. He knew that His death would destroy our death if we cling to Him in hope. On the Cross, Jesus' gaze was on eternal, not earthly, redemption. He beheld the glorious throne that He mounted. It began with a cross but would end with glory, power and splendor beyond imagination. As we honor Jesus as the great and glorious King of the Universe, we are encouraged to invite Him to establish His kingship in our lives more fully. Though Jesus' permanent, lasting and visible Kingdom will be established only in the future when He returns at the end of time, His Kingdom must begin now.The Kingdom of God is established here and now every time you allow Him to exercise His kingship in your life. As a King, Jesus desires to order your life. He demands perfect submission of your will to Him. He demands complete obedience. And He demands that you embrace this kingship of His freely, of your own choosing. These are demands of perfect love that bring about a sharing in His eternal Kingdom. How well do you do this?Throughout our world, there are many forms of governments. Democracies are thought by many to be the best form of government because no one person is capable of being the perfect king. Therefore a democracy is more of a safeguard against tyranny and abusive leadership. But when it comes to the end of time, the governance of humanity will take place by a King—the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the only one Who is capable of governing humanity with justice and love. He is the only one under Whose leadership we will all flourish. He is the only one Who will be able to establish universal peace and harmony.Reflect, today, upon the glorious end of the world when our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe, will return in splendor and majesty to judge the living and the dead and to establish His permanent and unending Kingdom. Though we are not able to comprehend what this Kingdom will be at this time, we must believe in it with faith and have supernatural hope that we will share in it. Reflect, especially, upon your mission to allow that Kingdom of grace and mercy to begin now, within the depths of your own soul. Surrender all to Him. Invite Him to reign over your thoughts, will, body and soul. Do not hesitate. Trust in this one and only glorious King Who is worthy of our total obedience. My Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, You and You alone are worthy of our total trust and surrender in all things. I do choose You as my King today. I join with the good thief and come to You with all my sin, praying that You will remember me when You come into Your glorious Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You.  Mongolo1984, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Christ is King of the Universe! We all know that and, at least in theory, we acknowledge and accept His Kingship over us. But that is where it gets tricky, because in practice, we can reject wholly or partially His Kingship over us. There is a rival to his authority and that is basically the EGO. In each soul there is a throne. Who sits in that throne? The Church celebrates this feast, not only to inform the world who we recognize as king, but also for us to examine ourselves about whether we practice our being subjects in his Kingdom. Look at the gospel today. The good thief made it to His Kingdom. Jesus promised him that he would be with Him "today" in paradise. How did he do it? He was punished for his having been a thief! He committed theft right there again. He stole the Heart of Jesus because he was sorry for his sins! Let us do the same!

We are the dwelling place of God and have a part to play in bringing about His Kingdom

Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes and their countries amidst war and upheaval in the Middle East. Pastor Abraham and Sara are living as representatives of God's love to displaced people in the Middle East. The ministry can be messy and difficult, yet they persist in demonstrating love in practical ways. And they are seeing great fruit for their ministry. Abraham and Sara will share how one woman—the widow of an imam—had heard all kinds of negative things about Christians. But when she came to the church, she found something very different: people who loved her and helped her. Listen to hear the story of how God answered the woman's prayer within 24 hours, and how a dream led her to commit her life to Jesus. Leaving Islam behind to follow Jesus comes with a cost, though. Abraham and Sara will also share what Christian persecution looks like in the region, including pressure from families or tribes as well as Islamists or government authorities. “We are planting seeds,” Sara says, “we are the tools for His Kingdom.”

THE KINGDOM OPPORTUNITYA Clarion Call to World-Changing FaithThe glorified Christ is returning—not for believers who retreated and hid, but for a Church that declared His lordship, advanced His Kingdom, and transformed the world He died to redeem.The Kingdom Opportunity is a direct challenge to the passive, inward-focused Christianity that has surrendered culture and awaited evacuation while the world burns. This is a declaration of war against the lies that have paralyzed the Church and a blueprint for the cultural transformation God has always intended.We have one Kingdom opportunity. One chance to glorify God in the middle of His enemies, surrounded by a fallen world in rebellion against Him. What we do with it will echo through eternity.The will of God is clear: He operates in this fallen world through redeemed individuals empowered by His Holy Spirit. Not someday. Now. We are His strategy. There is no plan B.This teaching dismantles the false narratives that have kept Christians silent and retreating—lies that convinced us we're supposed to lose, that culture belongs to Satan, that our only hope is escape. These lies have cost us our voice, our influence, our freedoms, and our children's future.The stakes could not be higher. The freedoms we enjoy, the prosperity we've inherited, the soul of Western civilization—all hang in the balance.Yes, it will be hard. Yes, persecution may come. But seizing this Kingdom opportunity—even at great cost—will be better for us and better for our children and generations to come. Surrender guarantees the very darkness we fear, except our children will face it without the foundations and freedoms we failed to fight for.Jesus Christ is Lord of all creation. Every sphere of society exists under His authority. He has delegated that authority to us. Will we use it, or let this opportunity slip away while waiting for an escape that was never promised?The time for passive Christianity is over.The Messiah came. The work is finished. The authority is delegated. The time is now.Will you stand up? Will you step out? Will you speak now? Will you seize the Kingdom opportunity God has placed before you—knowing that even if it costs you everything, it secures everything for those who come after?Your King is returning. What will He find you doing when He arrives?This is your Kingdom opportunity. Take it.

Invest in your spiritual growth through the One New Man app: https://app.onenewman.com/ Are you operating in faith, with authentic anointing, or settling for a counterfeit? In this episode of the Curt Landry Podcast, Rabbi Curt and Darrell Puckett talk about the Hebrew month of Kislev, a time of miracles, trust, and provision. The story of Hanukkah, which took place in this month, is a call for us today– to arise and align with truth in a culture deluded by lies, and watch the power of God to provide and restore righteousness. As we seek first His Kingdom, we can expect miracles. This is a time to continue investing in your spiritual growth and discern the time and season, seeking wisdom and guidance from God's calendar.Join Rabbi as He shares how trusting the Father causes us to grow in greater security, restoration, and generosity, and the safeguard of anchoring your life in God's instruction.

Today, Pastor Dan encourages us to enjoy the gifts the Lord has given us. We're reminded that our gifts are specifically chosen for us, and that no two people have the exact same ones. We should also be thankful for the gifts we're given, and not jealous of someone else's gifts that we lack.  Are you an encourager? A teacher? Do you have a way with kids? Have you been told you're artistic? Or organized? God has given you gifts to be used specifically for His Kingdom. Are you holding up your end of the bargain? 

Desire is part of being human—but Psalm 73:25 reminds us that nothing on earth can satisfy us the way God does. When our plans stall, doors close, or God simply says “not yet,” it’s easy to feel the sting of disappointment. Yet in those very moments, He invites us to rediscover a deeper truth: He is enough. The longings we carry—relationships, opportunities, fulfillment—are not wrong, but they are never meant to replace the One who satisfies the soul. When we release our grip on what we think we need, we often discover that God has already given us everything essential for life, peace, and joy. Highlights Our desires are real, but they can quietly take priority over God without us realizing it. God’s “no” or “not yet” often shapes our character more than His “yes.” Seasons of lack can reveal how fully God satisfies the weary and longing heart (Psalm 107:9). Blessings are gifts, not guarantees—and never substitutes for intimacy with God. Contentment grows when we trust that God withholds nothing we truly need (Psalm 23:1). God is unchanging—faithful in abundance and faithful in scarcity (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8). Choosing gratitude over discontent quiets fear and centers our hearts on His goodness. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: God Is Everything We Truly Need By Hannah Benson Bible Reading: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” - Psalm 73:25 ESV. We know that truly, there is no one in heaven that we have but God Himself, and none on earth that we ought to desire besides Him, but that is SO much easier said than done. If you’re anything like me, then there are probably so many desires tucked away in the secret corners of your heart. Hopes and dreams that you treasure in your heart like Mary. What should we do when God says “no”? When God doesn’t give us everything we ask for? How can we truly say with a heart full of faith, “there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you,” when there are other things we want as well? Think about it. What is something you long for? Perhaps a child. A spouse. A new job. About a year ago, the Lord really impressed on my heart a time in my life where every “no” from Him meant to grow and cultivate me into His image felt like a devastating blow to my plans. During one of my moments of discontentment, the Lord whispered to my weary heart, “Am I enough for you?” His words, soft and gentle yet far from condescending, brought an instant prick of conviction to my heart. When did God stop being enough for me? Of course, I thought He was enough. If someone were to ask me if He were enough, I would’ve said yes and thought I was being honest. But when did I start putting things I wanted above God? When did I start seeing the glass as half-empty instead of counting my blessings? I remember moments in my life where there were things I deeply desired - and didn’t have. Friendships are an open door to serve in media ministry, among others. In those seasons of “lack”, God taught me that I really had everything I needed. I may have desired good things, and it didn’t mean God didn’t want to eventually bless me with those things. (After all, God loves to give good gifts to His children). But God wanted to show me that He was enough for my weary soul. I didn’t need a specific job or to serve on a particular project (although that would be nice). I didn’t need to have specific friendships (although I would appreciate them if the Lord chose to bless me with them). As much as I deeply desired those gifts, the truth is, I didn’t “need” any of it. Anything God chooses to bless me with is still His and is a gift. It’s not for my own selfish gain, either, but a tool to further His Kingdom for His glory. “For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things” (Psalm 107:9 ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Dear friend, God will certainly bless you with good things. It may not look exactly like you’d thought, but it will be good. We are reassured that the Lord doesn’t change (Malachi 3:6) and again in Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) when the author writes to the Hebrews the promise that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” In our highest moments, when we’re successful, rich, and have everything we could ever want, God is good. But if God never changes, then the opposite is true, too. In our lowest moments, when we are barely making ends meet, and when we’re waiting for a miracle that we’re not even sure will come, God is still good. He loves us and will overflow our cup with His love, comfort, mercy, and grace, riches that far surpass any this world could give. I’ve been on both sides. There are times when I wrestle with a cup that feels as if it’s half-empty. I also know what it’s like to have that same glass overflowing with the love of the Lord. We can either choose to be discontented and experience growing dissatisfaction (and then nothing will ever satisfy, not even if we receive the very thing which we want). Or we can choose to trust that God has given us everything we need (2 Peter 1:3, Philippians 4:19, Psalm 23:1). It is in those moments I find my heart quiets, anxiety stills, and fear flees. And I come to realize that I’ll be okay even if I don’t get what I want because God will not withhold anything I need. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As branches in The Vine of Christ we must not only understand that we are to abide in Him and bear fruit but we must submit to the work of God the Father who is The Vinedresser in order to truly be fruitful for His Kingdom...or be cast away. Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Mark 12:29-31)!

Read Online“A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.' His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, ‘We do not want this man to be our king.'” Luke 19:12–14There are three categories of people in this parable. The first includes those who received a gold coin and followed the master's request to “engage in trade” until he returned. The second has those who received the same command but were lazy and failed to produce any good fruit from that which our Lord has given them. And the third includes those who “despise” our Lord and do not want Him as their King.Upon the king's return, this first category of people are represented by the two servants who took the gold coins, engaged in trade, and made five and ten more. These are those who have much apostolic zeal. God not only calls us to use the gifts we have received to expand His Kingdom on earth, He also expects it of us. His expectation is a command of love. For those who understand this command, they see it as a glorious invitation to make an eternal difference in the lives of many. They do not see the apostolic works to which they are called as a burden. Rather, they see them as a joy, and that joy fuels their efforts. The result will have exponential effects for God's Kingdom.The second category of people is illustrated by the one servant who kept the one gold coin “stored away in a handkerchief” out of fear. These are the people who avoid evangelizing and furthering the Kingdom of God out of fear. Fear is paralyzing. But giving in to fear is a sin. It's a lack of faith and trust in God. Serving God will inevitably require courage on our part. It will demand that we step out of our comfort zone and do that which we may not immediately feel comfortable doing. But as that servant in the parable foretold, God is a demanding God. And He will not accept fear as an acceptable excuse not to zealously help to build the Kingdom of God.The third category of people is the category in which you definitely do not want to fall. These are those who actively work to undermine God's Kingship and reject Him as God. The world is filled with these people. The only thing we need to say about those who fall into this category is that which our Lord said of them. “Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.”Reflect, today, upon which category of people your life most fully resembles. Most likely it is one of the first two. Do you have great zeal for God's Kingdom? Are you willing to do all that you can to help build His Kingdom? Are you willing to do so even at the cost of great personal sacrifice? If so, then rejoice and know that an abundant reward awaits. But if you are one who struggles with fear, specifically, if you struggle with a fear to evangelize, to share the Gospel and to live your faith openly with humility and love, then spend more time with this parable and the fate of that one servant who hid the coin in the handkerchief. Engage in the apostolate. Commit yourself to the furtherance of God's Kingdom. Dispel all fear and know that you will never regret putting your whole heart and soul into the service of God and the building of His Kingdom. My demanding Lord, You have entrusted me with much, and You demand that I use all that You have given me to help build Your Kingdom of grace. What a privilege it is to be called by You and used by You for this apostolic mission. Please free me from all fear, dear Lord, so that I will never hesitate to serve You in the ways that You call me to serve. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Willem de Poorter, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

“When we intentionally bring awareness to our internal world—our emotions, our sensations, our impulses; we begin to see the patterns that have been driving us. And once we see them, we are no longer bound by them. Awareness creates choice. Choice creates change.”  — Dan Siegel​Friends,In this second episode of a deeper dive into Styles of Relating, we reflect on how fear, hedging, and self-protection show up in our relationships, in contrast to the moments when, by God's grace, we find ourselves relating from trust, dignity, and self-giving love instead.Nothing has exposed and transformed our own patterns more than this work. Slowly, we are learning to pause, to notice what's actually motivating our reactions, to identify when fear and shame have snuck in sideways. But here's the gift: awareness really does open space for change. And that change has brought us more joy, safety, and connection in our marriage than we ever imagined.We are grateful to be on this journey with you—toward wholeness, deeper love, and a growing trust in God and His Kingdom.It's all been prologue. The best is yet to come.For the Kingdom,Morgan & Cherie

Today's Promise: Romans 8:16 Do you ever struggle with doubt, fear, or uncertainty in your walk with God? The key to a confident, joyful Christian life begins with understanding who you are in Christ. As a child of God, you are forgiven, loved, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. You are an heir to His Kingdom, and nothing can separate you from His love. In each episode of The Daily Promise, we explore God's Word in a way that touches your heart and transforms your life. You'll discover how the Holy Spirit confirms your identity as God's child, how to live with bold faith, and how to experience peace that surpasses understanding. Just as Jesus presents us to the Father, the Spirit whispers to our hearts, reminding us: we belong to Him. Step into the freedom, confidence, and hope that come from knowing you are God's child.

In this episode, Cynthia and Jenn dive into how to access the Holy Spirit's gifts as you make disciples. They unpack 1 Corinthians 12, exploring the incredible variety of spiritual gifts—from wisdom and healing to prophecy and tongues—and how they're distributed by God for the good of the body. They talk about practical ways to discover and grow in your gifts, including listening prayer, worship, and even taking steps of faith to experiment. You'll hear personal stories, insights on spiritual gift tests, and encouragement for those who feel their gifts aren't the “big ones.” Whether you're new to disciple-making or ready to go deeper, this conversation will inspire you to ask, seek, and step out in faith. The Holy Spirit has gifts for you—are you ready to use them for His Kingdom?

Celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe with this powerful reflection from Fr. Jonathan Meyer. Today's Gospel reveals Jesus reigning from the Cross, offering mercy to the Good Thief and promising, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”   Fr. Meyer invites us to reject sin, choose Jesus, and begin living in His Kingdom right now—not someday, but today.   He also wraps up our parish REBOOT journey and challenges us to share the joy we've received with others.  

There is such joy in Thanks and Giving. This is where we have the opportunity and privilege to grow in our relationship with Jesus as we thank God for what He has done in our lives and as we invest in His Kingdom. For followers of Jesus, Thanksgiving is not just one day, but every day of our lives. Our call is to invest in what is eternal. May we be found faithful in building God's church and raising up the next generation in Christ. Let's be generous and make a significant impact for the glory of our great God. We have been blessed not simply for ourselves, but to be a blessing. Let's invest together as we build God's Kingdom today. This is our time.

About This SeriesMany of us are endlessly chasing things that will never truly satisfy. We live in a world obsessed with temporary things - money, success, approval, comfort. But Jesus invites us into His Kingdom - a way of life that turns the world's values upside down and fills us with real purpose, hope, and joy. Kingdom Come is a five-week journey that will challenge us to shift our focus from earthly pursuits to eternal priorities and to live as Kingdom people in a world that desperately needs to see and know the grace of Jesus.This Week's EpisodeIn the world's eyes, success is about power, influence, and status. But in Jesus' Kingdom, the greatest are the least, the humble are exalted, and the last become first. The upside-down nature of the Kingdom challenges us to rethink how we measure greatness.Ready For More?Check out firstchristian.com to find opportunities to connect and grow.We'd love to see you this coming Sunday on-campus or streaming online at 9 and 11am.Follow @fcccanton on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay connected!Support the show

There is such joy in Thanks and Giving. This is where we have the opportunity and privilege to grow in our relationship with Jesus as we thank God for what He has done in our lives and as we invest in His Kingdom. For followers of Jesus, Thanksgiving is not just one day, but every day of our lives. Our call is to invest in what is eternal. May we be found faithful in building God's church and raising up the next generation in Christ. Let's be generous and make a significant impact for the glory of our great God. We have been blessed not simply for ourselves, but to be a blessing. Let's invest together as we build God's Kingdom today. This is our time.

There is such joy in Thanks and Giving. This is where we have the opportunity and privilege to grow in our relationship with Jesus as we thank God for what He has done in our lives and as we invest in His Kingdom. For followers of Jesus, Thanksgiving is not just one day, but every day of our lives. Our call is to invest in what is eternal. May we be found faithful in building God's church and raising up the next generation in Christ. Let's be generous and make a significant impact for the glory of our great God. We have been blessed not simply for ourselves, but to be a blessing. Let's invest together as we build God's Kingdom today. This is our time.

Main Text: Matthew 19:13-15 (ESV) 13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.Preaching Point: God's kids must value and welcome children, in part, because their humility and trust display the very qualities God expects from everyone who belongs to His Kingdom.

Tom Logue - November 16th 2025 A soft heart welcomes the kingdom — a hard heart keeps it out. This week, Tom continues our King and His Kingdom series in Matthew 19:1–12, where Jesus is confronted about marriage, divorce, and sexuality. In a culture — ancient and modern — that treats people and marriage as disposable, Jesus calls us back to God's original design: one man and one woman, united in covenant, not consumerism. Tom exposes how hardness of heart keeps us from being formed by God, and how the softness of surrender leads to real freedom. From Play-Doh analogies to powerful truths about covenant love and sexuality, this message challenges every listener — married or single — to yield to the Artist's hands and trust His good design. Learn more about our church: https://restoredtemecula.church Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restoredtemecula and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restoredtemecula #Matthew19 #Marriage #Divorce #Sexuality #Covenant #Freedom #KingAndHisKingdom #RestoredTemecula Share this message with someone who needs to hear it. Chapters (00:00:00) - Welcome to Restored Church(00:00:35) - Matthew 19: Release of Your Freedom(00:06:37) - Jesus Calling the Lost Sheep(00:10:03) - Pharisees Permitted Husbands to Divorce Their Wives(00:12:20) - Jesus on Divorcing His Wife(00:17:57) - Pharisees: Hard Hearts and Soft Will(00:23:26) - How to Win a Wedding: Open Hearts(00:30:52) - What is a Covenant?(00:33:28) - Marriage is a Covenant(00:34:18) - Married People: Don't Let Minivans Break Down(00:39:35) - God's Plan for Marriage(00:42:29) - God Talking About Sex(00:46:44) - Why Does God Care Who I Sleep With?(00:50:04) - Goodbye, To Be Continued Next Week(00:50:46) - Preaching on Marriage and Sexuality(00:59:39) - Responding to God's Love

When we enter the doctor's office, sometimes we need to be willing to swallow a bit of bitter medicine, but the pill will heal us when we swallow it. The same is true about the Gospel. When we hear the Gospel, we hear our own mistakes and our own sinfulness. The only way the Gospel can heal us is when we are willing to swallow the bitterness and allow the healing of the Church to save us. When it comes to the Gospel of Christ, every bitter pill is accompanied by sweetness because we are all called to His Kingdom, even though we are sinners.

When you are abundant in your generosity, you need less.Whether we realize it or not, we spend a lot of time focused on “Me”. But to fully experience the life God has for us, we must be willing to reject our own comfort for the good of others. It's not easy, and it sure isn't comfortable. But when you deny yourself, God can do so much more. Using a blueprint found in Romans 12, we'll discover that when there's more of God in you, you Self, Less. QUESTIONS FOR THE ROAD:1.Let's do a heart check: are you operating from a Cycle of Scarcity, or out of God's Abundance? 2.Take inventory of what God has given you to manage. How is God leading to you today to give back to His Kingdom?

Have you ever wondered what it really looks like to live under the reign of Jesus? Through the Sermon on the Mount, He gives us more than ancient wisdom. It's His Kingdom manifesto—a revolutionary vision for a new humanity. Not a list of impossible rules, but an invitation to a new way of being human. A way that leads to freedom, blessing, and fullness of life. Each week, we'll expose the broken systems that shape us—anger, greed, judgment, misplaced identity—and discover how Jesus flips them upside down, calling us into His narrow path that satisfies the soul. And you don't have to walk that path alone. Join a Life Group and explore the Sermon on the Mount in community—where questions, encouragement, and shared stories will help you live what Jesus is teaching.

"Would it surprise you to know that the Jesus' original disciples had questions about the end of the age? The ones who lived side-by-side with Jesus were startled one day when He made an alarming statement about what would happen in Jerusalem in a short time. This conversation led to them asking deeper questions about the full establishing of His Kingdom on the earth. The details Jesus shared with them mostly went over the heads. We, however, have the ability to examine what Jesus said and apply His answers in a way that makes it crystal clear that we are extremely close to the final fulfillment of what He shared nearly 2,000 years ago. While Matthew 24 is not all that the scriptures say about the end of the age, these words are certainly the strongest jumping-off point in this series of messages that will equip us to live as those who are properly discerning the days in which we are living."

"Would it surprise you to know that the Jesus' original disciples had questions about the end of the age? The ones who lived side-by-side with Jesus were startled one day when He made an alarming statement about what would happen in Jerusalem in a short time. This conversation led to them asking deeper questions about the full establishing of His Kingdom on the earth. The details Jesus shared with them mostly went over the heads. We, however, have the ability to examine what Jesus said and apply His answers in a way that makes it crystal clear that we are extremely close to the final fulfillment of what He shared nearly 2,000 years ago. While Matthew 24 is not all that the scriptures say about the end of the age, these words are certainly the strongest jumping-off point in this series of messages that will equip us to live as those who are properly discerning the days in which we are living."

In this episode, Father Anthony and Sister Catherine talk about sins against charity. The main sins are hating God and others, being lazy, feeling envy, and causing scandal. Without charity, faith and hope will profit us nothing, for God will not open the gates of His Kingdom except for those who love Him. To skip the catching up with us portion of this episode, skip to the 29:30 mark.

Influencers is holding a Day of Giving on Tuesday, November 25th, and Bryan Craig and Les Pearsey explain the initiative and our fundraising theology and philosophy, as well as outlining some specific projects needing funds.  Please listen and pray about how you can participate.  God is inviting us to greater influence for His Kingdom.

Part 5 of Spiritual Warfare discusses how focused, specific prayer plays a pivotal role, offering fresh insight into the Lord's Prayer. It highlights prayer not just as a method of spiritual warfare but also to discern God's will. The Lord taught His disciples to use this model prayer as an example of direct and heartfelt communication with God to further His Kingdom. Firefall Talk Radio episodes are archived, allowing you to download them for future listening or to share with others. Feel free to share them with others as the Lord leads. Please help us spread The Word.  If our teachings have been a blessing to you, please let us know by using the contact button on our website.  If you would like to support what we do, there are ways to do so on the main page for Firefall Talk Radio.  We appreciate your support and encouragement. Follow us on YouTube at The Firefall Network.    Links for all social media and streaming platforms can be found on the main page at firefalltalkradio.com.

Read OnlineAsked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,' or, ‘There it is.' For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”  Luke 17:20–21Why did the Pharisees ask Jesus this question? Why did they want to know when the Kingdom of God would come? To answer this question, we must first look at the full context of the various communications between Jesus and the Pharisees. When we do this and see the many ways that the Pharisees attempted to trap Jesus in speech and the times in which our Lord firmly rebuked the Pharisees, it seems clear that the Pharisees did not ask Jesus this question in innocence and openness. Instead, they once again were trying to trap Him. They posed a question by which they gave the appearance of believing Jesus' teachings that the Kingdom of God was coming, but they asked not in faith but in mockery and in an attempt to trip Jesus up in His answer.Jesus' answer is mysterious. It leaves little room for the Pharisees to use Jesus' speech against Him. Perhaps the Pharisees were hoping that Jesus would say that the Kingdom was coming soon, or next month, or within the year. But Jesus' answer leaves them with confusion in the face of this mystery that “the Kingdom of God is among you.”Much of what Jesus says can only be fully understood through faith. He often speaks in veiled language intentionally, because the only way to lift the veil to perceive the meaning of His teachings is to rely upon the inspired gift of faith. Faith is like a key to unlock the secrets of the mysteries of God. Faith becomes a lens through which every parable, every figure of speech, and every mystery taught by our Lord is understood. But without this inspired gift of faith, Jesus' teachings remain mysterious and incomprehensible.When you ponder these words that “the Kingdom of God is among you,” what do you understand? Are you able to use the gift of faith to unlock the meaning of this sacred teaching? Interestingly, reading Jesus' words, spoken in a veiled way, offer us the opportunity to test our own faith. If we read these words and are left in confusion, then this is a clear sign that we need to pray for and be open to the gift of faith. But if we do read Jesus' mysterious teachings and the light of understanding is given to us, then this is a clear reason to rejoice, since this comprehension is only possible through the gift of faith.Reflect, today, upon this sacred teaching of our Lord: “The Kingdom of God is among you.” Meditate on those words and pray for insight and understanding. Jesus' words are true. His Kingdom truly is everywhere, all around us and within us. It is alive and well. Do you see it? Do you perceive it? Do you see your role in building it? Use these questions as a test of your own level of faith and know that God wants to reveal to you these mysteries that are only able to be comprehended by His grace. My mysterious Lord, Your Kingdom is everywhere, all around us and within us. I do believe. Give me the eyes of faith so that I may continually perceive Your hand at work. May I always be attentive to all that You wish to reveal to me and open to the deep meaning of the mysteries You do reveal. Increase my faith, dear Lord, so that I may know You and join in the upbuilding of Your glorious Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You.Jacob Jordaens, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

In this episode, we're diving into one of the most powerful promises in Scripture—Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”Have you ever found yourself chasing direction, or provision and still coming up empty? God doesn't want you to chase what He's already promised to add. Jesus gives us the answer in this one verse: it's not about chasing things—it's about seeking and pursuing Him.We'll look at what “seek” means in the Greek and how “first” reveals God's divine order in our lives. When we align our hearts under His Kingdom, everything is added by Him already!Through personal reflection, scripture personalization, and faith declarations, we'll discover how to live from a place of divine order instead of striving. When God is first, everything else follows. You'll learn how seeking God first isn't just about putting Him at the top of your to-do list, but that every thought and action flows from Him being in the center—a God-centeredness position that opens the flow of divine provision, direction, and peace. When you seek first His Kingdom, you'll never come up empty-handed!Personalize Scripture With Me! Get Your Serenity Journal & Connect: https://www.jaymeelizabeth.com/CONNECT WITH JAYME ON SOCIALS: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ l⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ l ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ l ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠

We will journey through some of the most powerful short stories ever told–stories that have shaped Christian faith for centuries. These are not just simple moral lessons. These are Kingdom revelations. With simple images– a tree, a lost coin, a house being built– Jesus opens our eyes to the beauty of God's heart, our need for salvation, and what it means to live in His Kingdom under His reign. The parables are how Jesus invites us in. They are windows into the heart of God and mirrors revealing our own. They confront us, comfort us, and ultimately call us to respond to the good news that God's Kingdom has drawn near in Jesus.This week, Pastor Jim Mullins teaches out of Luke 17:11-19.WEBSITETo learn more about Redemption Tempe, find ways to get involved,  or opportunities to serve, visit our website: https://tempe.redemptionaz.com.OUR APPDownload our app redtem.in/tempeappOR text "tempe app" to 77977STAY CONNECTEDFacebook:    / redemptiontempe.  .Twitter:    / redemptiontem  Instagram:    / redemptiontempe..  .GIVINGEverything we have is a gift from the Lord because He owns it all. Therefore giving should be a priority for us who have received all we have. Giving cheerfully, sacrificially, and consistently is a part of our worship.Give Online: https://pushpay.com/g/redemptiontempe

I'm calling out to the remnant to rise up into your identity and your calling and stop being afraid. If you've felt like the Lord wanted to use you, if you felt like He had a plan for your life, if you sense something deep inside you trying to get out and that the Lord wants to do something new in your life—a new work that He wants to raise up within you—friend, today this is for you. The Lord is raising up people like never before. This is a season of revival. It is a season of awakening, and for those things to continue to come to fruition, the people of God, the remnant, must step into the places and callings that God has for their lives.Let me begin with Scripture. Mark 1:2-3 NKJV—As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” [3] “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.'”We know this speaks of John the Baptist, whom Jesus referred to. John the Baptist was a prophet prophesied by Isaiah, destined to come before Jesus walked the earth. When John baptized people in the river, he cried out for repentance and for fruits of righteousness. He proclaimed many truths that paved the way for Jesus to come on the scene and preach the Kingdom of God.Friend, I believe that in these last days, God is raising up those same kinds of people again—ones in the spirit and essence of John the Baptist, who will prepare the way of the Lord. Let me just say this: every person has a place of influence. Every person has an opportunity to be part of the remnant. Everyone can help prepare the way of the Lord. You just need to be open, fearless, and bold to do your part.The Lord wants to mobilize thousands of His remnant online to reach people that will be reached in no other way. Refuse to give into fear on this. Make that video. Post that word from the Lord. Share that reel. You are part of a movement of God's Remnant Warriors. Your voice will ripple through the waters of the online space and land in the ears of those intended by the Holy Spirit. While many decry the use of social media, the Lord refuses to be held back by religion and the entanglements of past methods. To reach a billion soul harvest means multiplied voices are needed to give voice to the message.This is you.If you have felt that tug and pull from the Holy Spirit, give in.Cast out your fears and speak in faith. To have a voice, you have to be a voice!There are some of you right now who have had a desire in your heart to create a video. You have had words coming to your heart that you think, “I've never experienced this before.” But here you find this word in your heart and mind, and you believe it's from the Holy Spirit. What should you do? Many of you desire to create a reel on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, and the people around you may decry those things, saying, “God could never use that.” But I tell you, around the earth right now, God is raising up bold voices who refuse to be held back by what everyone else is saying. They are posting those videos and sharing those words from the Lord, and they are reaching people. The reason that's in your heart right now, friend, is that God, the Holy Spirit, put it there. He put it there so you would reach a person that nobody else could reach. He has a plan for your life. He has a plan for your voice.I want to speak to those who feel insignificant or think they don't have a vast audience. As I've said before, I don't have a huge audience, but I will be faithful to speak to the one that God puts in front of the screen or allows me to speak into their ears through their earbuds, AirPods, or headphones. I will be faithful to speak into that person's spirit through the word of the Lord. God is trying to get a word of encouragement, release, revival, power, and victory to them. The same is true for you. You have a word from God. If you have any desire at all, you have a word from God.Let me also say that for some, that desire will be a calling. It will be something they are supposed to do on an ongoing basis. I feel like that's part of my calling. Not only am I a pastor, but I am someone online called to spread the gospel, share the good news of Jesus, and help raise up and encourage the remnant. I'm going to be faithful to do that, waiting on the voice of the Lord for clarity and direction. For some, that will be a calling. For others, you will have moments of divine inspiration. In those moments, you will feel something rise up inside you, and you will have a word that you feel needs to be spoken. Friend, the word in that moment is from the Lord, and He is using you as a voice for His Kingdom. You need to be bold, courageous, and fearless enough to release the word and speak it. Or maybe it's a video. Maybe you'll only do it a few times. Whatever it is, be obedient to God. Be obedient to God because the Lord desires to use you.Now let me get to the word that the Lord spoke into my heart just this morning as I was coming out of a time of prayer. As a sidenote , I step out in faith every time I do this, just as I'm calling you to do something like this. I'm stepping out in faith because the Lord has been speaking to my heart over the course of several years, encouraging me and preparing me to give the words He would speak. This is something that is still very new to me. But I'm stepping out with boldness, and I'm going to encourage you to do the very same thing.Here's the word: “I am raising up a new generation of John the Baptists. They will carry an anointing to speak and proclaim My word. They will be bold and without fear. My fire and Spirit will penetrate to the core of their being, and they will run with My word, declaring, ‘Make room and make way for the Kingdom of God.' King Jesus will be their rally cry. These bold ones will be totally sold out to Jesus, and no fear will overtake them. They will cry out in wilderness places and see their environments begin to respond. They will arise with a word of My spirit and see the anointing break the yokes. Long-held territory will begin to fall back into the hands of the Kingdom of God as these rise up into their callings. With effectiveness, they will run and not become weary, for even now I am calling them to rise up into their places and putting them into position. They will encounter doors they were never qualified to open, yet the doors will open. These bold ones will stand before the kings of their day in every realm of influence. Though they are unknown to the world, they are known to Me. I see their hearts and respond to the cry and hunger I placed in them. Many have been under the direct pressure and hiding of My hand, but they are springing forth now. I am loosing the forerunners who will prepare the way for the move of the Kingdom of God. They will not be quiet but will raise a voice in their generation. This will result in many coming into the Kingdom for such a time as this.”Friend, I am telling you that word burns in my heart, and I am so excited to see a bold and fearless remnant of people begin to rise up. I can't wait to see it. There are already so many people on social media and online, making videos, creating reels, posting words and writing books. In fact, I just talked to someone in my church the other day who said, “God is calling me to write again,” and He had just dropped a prophetic word into their heart in a way that He hadn't in a while. I was so excited to hear that, and I'm thrilled to see those voices begin to step into their callings. This is no competition. Every single person who rises up and becomes the voice God has called you to be has a sphere of influence that no one else may reach. Those people will listen to YOU; they will hear the word God has placed in YOU. YOU have an anointing for that group of people. Friend, this is your hour. This is your day. Don't be held back by religion. Don't be held back by what people think. Don't be held back by their voices. Boldly become who God has called you to be. I was just reading the other day in Scripture, Jesus had gone out and was teaching, and His family thought He was crazy. Even His mother thought something was going on with Jesus. This was the same Mary who was visited by an angel, who said, “Your son is the Son of God. Your son will be the king of the highest.” She held those prophetic words in her heart. Yet when it came time for Jesus to step into His calling and anointing in a fuller capacity, even Mary thought something was wrong with Him. The scripture says they thought He had gone crazy. Mary did change her mind and understand who Jesus really was, as the Holy Spirit had told her years earlier, but Jesus, in that moment, was told, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, calling for you.” The Bible says Jesus looked around at the crowd in the house and said, “Who are My mother and brothers?” He pointed to those around Him and said, “Those who do the will of My Father, these are My brothers and sisters and mother.” In that moment, Jesus had to choose the identity of the Son of God, the King of the world. He had to walk in that identity with boldness and courage. He did it as God in the flesh, laying aside His divinity and picking up our humanity. He walked that same road, depending on the voice of the Holy Spirit within Him, believing the word of God over Him, and stepping into it. If Jesus did that, friend, that's exactly what you and I will have to do. So I want to encourage you: don't worry about what you hear from people. Don't worry about their discouraging voices. Don't worry about the naysayers. Don't worry about those who talk about your words or decry your videos. Don't worry about those who may speak ill of you. You do what the Holy Spirit has prompted you to do, and you be obedient to the voice of Jesus. Jesus will open those doors for you and create a path for you. You'll stand before the people God has intended for you to stand before, and He'll put a word in your mouth. Whenever you feel that word in your mouth, friend, open your mouth and let the Holy Spirit come out. Let the Holy Spirit energize you and anoint you with a word that you have no wisdom to give on your own. God will use you to bring down strongholds. That is the remnant Jesus is raising at this very moment, and you're part of it.If you are one of those whom God is speaking to, if He's giving you a prophetic word, if He's calling you to make a video, write an article, start a blog, or go live on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok—do it. Do it. Press in and do it. Don't give in to the fear of man or the pressure from any source. You may be one of those the Lord is speaking about, preparing the way of the Lord, and God will multiply the message of the Kingdom by millions, reaching a harvest of souls for the Kingdom of God, and you're part of that.Let me pray for you: “Lord, Heavenly Father, Holy Spirit, I pray for my friend right now. I pray You release upon them a new anointing, a new grace, a new fervor, a new desire they've never had. Open up their heart with expectancy for things they could never do on their own, but through You they can, because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Holy Spirit, pour out with fire and unction in their heart, and give them a spirit of obedience to rise up into the new calling of God You're placing upon them now. In Jesus' name, Amen.” Be blessed.➡️Subscribe to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts.If this podcast has encouraged you and stirred your heart to seek the Lord, would you help me reach more people with this message? Subscribe to the podcast and share this episode on your social media or email the link to a friend. Together we can help people be raised up, built up, and encouraged to pursue God's presence more than ever before.Thanks for reading StrongFaith.co! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.strongfaith.co

Pastor Caleb Cole kicks off Kingdom Builders—a new Project Church series on generosity—with a powerful reminder that God calls us to build His Kingdom through open-handed living and faithful stewardship. Using Scripture from 2 Corinthians 9 and 1 Timothy 6, Pastor Caleb breaks down four steps to cultivating a heart of generosity: trusting God as our source, living open-handed, being rich in good works, and staying Kingdom-minded. Through personal stories, biblical insight, and practical application, this message challenges believers to see giving not as sacrifice but as seed—an act that grows faith, freedom, and eternal impact.

God has called His people to live with open hands—ready to release whatever He's entrusted to us so He can use it for His glory. In Ezra, God's people were given a specific assignment: return to Jerusalem and rebuild His temple. They were not only called but also promised everything they needed to complete the task. God will never lead us where He will not provide. At first, their obedience and excitement collided with God's power, and they celebrated what He had done. But when opposition came, circumstances grew louder than God's promises, and their hands began to close. For 17 years, they stopped building. Through the prophet Haggai, God spoke again: “Think carefully about your ways.” We're not saved to sit. We've been set free to build His Kingdom. As we align our priorities and move together in obedience, God is preparing to do what only He can do. Whatever He asks of you—say yes. Trust Him with what seems impossible. When our obedience meets His power, He makes a way where there seems to be no way.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/5bkNssH4jzYSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

The promise of Jesus' return has been a source of hope and anticipation for believers throughout history. But what does the Bible actually say about his second coming, and how should we live in light of this promise? In the "Coming Soon" message series by Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we'll explore Scripture's teachings on Christ's return, examining what it means for our lives today and our hope for the future. We'll tackle questions about signs of His coming, the urgency of sharing the gospel, and how to live with a heart prepared and focused on His Kingdom. Join us as we grow in faith, eager for the day when Jesus will come again to make all things new.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

It's FREEDOM SUNDAY at Fierce Church — one of our most exciting days of the year!

Jarek Berga - November 9th 2025 You're already training for something — the question is, what goal are you straining toward? This week, Jarek pauses our King and His Kingdom series to share from 1 Timothy 4:6–11, a message birthed in prayer about what it truly means to “train yourself for godliness.” Using Paul's athletic metaphor, Jarek explores how spiritual formation, like physical training, requires diet and exercise — being nourished by the Word and strengthened through discipline. He contrasts legalism (trying to earn God's love) with training (responding to His love), inviting us to examine what we're ultimately living for. Whether you're in a season of growth or recovery, this message calls us to a life of perseverance, love, and purpose — straining toward the crown that lasts forever. Learn more about our church: https://restoredtemecula.church Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restoredtemecula and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restoredtemecula #1Timothy4 #SpiritualFormation #Discipline #Godliness #Grace #KingAndHisKingdom #RestoredTemecula Share this message with someone who needs to hear it. Chapters (00:00:00) - Welcome to Restored Church(00:00:53) - First Timothy(00:06:32) - "You're designed and built for something..."(00:06:52) - Paul's End Goal for His Protege, First Timothy,(00:09:49) - First Timothy 4, The Training of the Body(00:10:54) - Paul Writing to Timothy(00:14:02) - Paul Tells Timothy to Train Himself to Be godly(00:20:41) - Jesus on the Legalist(00:21:22) - Allergic reactions to work and discipline(00:25:41) - What I'm Advocating For Today(00:30:47) - Jesus' Spiritual Life(00:33:25) - Workout in the Spiritual Realm(00:37:47) - Paul to Timothy: How You Live Today Matters(00:43:49) - Prayers are a part of the Kingdom(00:49:32) - Eric Liddell: His Liberty(00:54:18) - Jesus Adorably Train(00:57:13) - Praise and Worship for Broken Hearts(01:01:34) - Prayers for the Sick and Others

God promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings when we trust Him with every area of our lives—including our finances. In Week 2 of our Kingdom Builders series, Pastor Jason unpacks what tithing truly means, what it's not, and why it's a powerful act of obedience that opens the door to God's provision, protection, and purpose. This isn't about guilt or pressure—it's about learning to put God first and live under the open window of His blessing.

God is looking for people who will think like servants and live like stewards—those who see everything they have as entrusted to them for His Kingdom. A multiplier mindset isn't about status or success; it's about humility, hard work, and sacrifice for the sake of Jesus. When we live with this kind of mindset, our lives will not make sense apart from the reality of heaven.

When we read our Bibles, we hear over and over again that God alone rules over all. But as we look around to our culture and to our own hearts, it often feels like something else is on the throne - money.In our text this week, Jesus shows us what it looks like to live faithfully to Him by believing that He is better than our wallets. He won't give us a budget. He won't tell us what we can or can't spend our money on. But He gives us a promise: investing our hearts in His Kingdom is the best investment we can ever make.Matthew 6:1-4; 19-34

Christ dwells in us as the building blocks of something grand—His Kingdom. What does your building look like?

St. Luke 8: 41-56 Drawing on St. Nikolai Velimirović's image of divine grace as electricity, this homily on the raising of Jairus' daughter (Luke 8:41–56) invites us to become  living conduits through whom God's uncreated energy continually flows. Christ's tender command, "Talitha koum," reveals the greater reality that in Him even death is but sleep, for the fire of His love transforms all who see with eyes full of light into partakers of His eternal life. Homily on Jairus' Daughter  St. Luke 8:41–56 Glory to Jesus Christ! It is a blessing to be with you this morning. I have really appreciated your hospitality throughout this weekend. In his homily on this beautiful event in the history of our salvation, St Nikolai Velimirović compares our Lord to electricity—or perhaps to magnetism, and to light. What he is describing is what we in the West call grace. The idea is that the Lord's uncreated energy – His spiritual electricity - is continually available; and those who allow themselves to be connected to Him become receptacles and conduits of that spiritual electricity—of that grace, of that beautiful light.  We see this especially at Pascha, when the priest sings "Come receive the light," and one candle lights another, and the flame spreads from person to person. Magnetism is a similar image: not only does it attract, but it also bestows magnetism in a lesser degree to some of the objects it touches. This a lovely and apt metaphor—though, as St Nikolai warns, don't take it too far or you'll end up spouting heresy– for instance, a screwdriver that has received magnetism from a magnetic source retains the magnetism even after the source is removed.  As we discussed yesterday, anything that is removed from the Source of Divine Energy loses its spiritual life.  Going back to the metaphor of electricity, our hope is not to become a sort of battery that receives grace and then stores it separate from its source; rather, our hope is to increasingly become pure conduits of divine energy through whom it continually flows.  Switching metaphors again, Jesus Christ describes this as living water in the Gospel according to St. John when He says; If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (St. John 7:37; also St. John 4:14) The grace that we share as Christians is flowing to and through us from its source, and that source is God. There is another lesson here.  St. Nikolai points out that there were many people in the crowd that day, but only one was healed. Let me develop a point from yesterday's talk.  You may remember my sharing that the scripture about the newly healed blind man seeing "trees walking" as a metaphor for our need to work on seeing the world as it really is.      A related scriptural metaphor from Christ Himself has to do with the "eye of darkness;"    "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" (St. Matthew 6:22-23). In part, these are eyes that fail to see the Lord even when He is present among us. Imagine that He turned to you and healed you after you had endured fourteen years of suffering. How would you respond? Lord willing, you would respond with thanksgiving and joy; a thanksgiving and joy that never fades. But the eye of darkness might quickly slip from thankfulness and joy back into bitterness and think or say: "Where have you been these fourteen years?" Do you see the trap? Do you see how such a response, such an attitude, misses the whole point of God's work among us — it's kind of like saying to Christ the God-man when He appears in His glory to bring us into His Kingdom; "O Lord, I thought you'd be taller." The eye of darkness is a terrible thing. For those who see truly, the world is permeated with the grace of God.  Let us strive increasingly to the world with these eyes of light. Another lesson the Fathers draw from this story is that the healing itself wasn't even the main point. Do you remember the plot line we are following in the Gospel lesson? A ruler of the synagogue—a leader of the Jews—comes to Christ and begs: "My daughter lies dying. Please come to our house." As the Lord goes with him, the crowd presses in around Him. And even along the way, miracles happen. This is a lesson we need to learn: with the Lord, there is no such thing as "along the way." His grace is always active. Every moment with Him is transformed in Him and by Him.  For the Christian, every moment of grace is an experience of eternal glory… and that moments lead in time to the next which is similarly transformed and transformative. For the Christian, after such an encounter, there is no darkness left to return to, only life in Christ so full that we can say with St Paul, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." (Galatians 2:20)  When we are connected to Him in this way, His grace—like living water, or electricity, or magnetism, or light—flows through us and straightening our connections with the world around us. This is what St Seraphim of Sarov meant when he said, "Acquire the Holy Spirit, and thousands around you will be saved."   And this is the same things that we celebrate in the life of St. Nektarios, whose memory we celebrate today, when we proclaim this verse at Orthros: "Since thou drunkest the nectar of life eternal, thou gushest, O Nektarios, streams of healings. Again, there is no such thing as being merely "on the way"; rather, all of life is "along the Way"—in Christ, growing in Him forever.  Every moment is an opportunity to grow and share in this, the great Mystery of the Sacrament of our salvation. Now, about this man—Jairus. Jairus had great power in his community and a relationship with God through the Law. Yet here he found himself powerless in the face of death. Everyone who tries to find salvation through secular power or the Law alone eventually meets that same limit. At that time, the Jews were deeply divided over what death meant and whether there was truly a resurrection. So this became a teaching moment for the Lord. The other Gospels describe how the mourners had gathered, the flutes were playing lamentations, and the house was filled with grief. A twelve-year-old girl—the only child of a leader in the community—had died. And Jairus, for all his authority, was utterly powerless. To make the moment even more striking, Jesus said something that caused the people to laugh Him to scorn: "She is not dead, but sleeping."  He said this precisely so that they would affirm—beyond any doubt—that she was truly dead: the body cold, the breath gone. And then, having confirmed the reality of death, He revealed the greater reality of life. He went in, took her by the hand with such tenderness; this pointed out most clearly in the version shared by St. Mark, in which he is recorded as having said in Aramaic, "Talitha koum"—literally, "Little lamb, arise." (Mark 5:41) "Talitha" is a term of affection, something like "little lambkin." And she arose and He told her parents to give her something to eat. All those who had mocked Him now faced undeniable evidence of a miracle. They could not rationalize it away or pretend they were mistaken. They had declared her dead—and now she was alive. There was only one explanation: the life-giving power of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him is life, and in Him there can be no death. (John 1:4; John 11:25) Now, here is a more difficult lesson.  Some steak for us to chew on.  Jesus did not spend His earthly ministry going to every grieving parent to restore every child. I'm sure that's hard for you to hear—it's hard for me, too. But He did not come simply to prolong life in this world; He came to transfigure it. What good would it be to restore someone to this mortal life, only for them to die again after a few years? Instead, He performed this miracle so that we would know that when He says, "I go to prepare a [better] place for you," that He has the power to fulfill that promise. (John 14:2-3) There will be times—there have already been times—when we are the ones saying, "She is dead." But the Church uses a different language: "fallen asleep" and "in blessed repose." These are not naive phrases. They are reminders that for the Christian, death is but a rest before the age to come. (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14) And honestly, we long for that age, don't we? Life in this world can be exhausting —wars, suffering, the loss of children, — all the griefs that weigh us down. But as we sing in our funeral service; in the age to come, there will be "no sighing, no sorrow, no sickness, but life everlasting"  This is the time, quoting both the funeral and Revelation, "God will wipe away every tear." If I may change metaphors one last time: our God, who was earlier described as electricity, is also called a consuming fire. (Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews 12:29) Those of us raised in the South have heard preachers use that image as a warning. But for the Christian—for the ones who live in Christ so completely that it is no longer they who live but Christ who lives in them (Galatians 2:20)—that fire is not torment but glory. It is the radiant warmth of divine love. For those purified by grace, the fire of God becomes the very source of joy and life. So when you find yourself saying, "Our beloved, our little lamb, is dead," remember this: our Lord, who loves our beloved even more than we do, holds her hand and says, just as He did in today's Gospel, "My dearest one, arise." That is the future that awaits all who have given their lives to Him. May we be strengthened by this as we grow in Him. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Jesus invites us to live sacrificial lives for His Kingdom. We willingly offer Him our time, resources, and very lives for His purposes. Join us for this special Commitment Sunday as we each engage sacrificially with our Now is the Time initiative to make a Kingdom Impact.

Jesus invites us to live sacrificial lives for His Kingdom. We willingly offer Him our time, resources, and very lives for His purposes. Join us for this special Commitment Sunday as we each engage sacrificially with our Now is the Time initiative to make a Kingdom Impact.

About This SeriesMany of us are endlessly chasing things that will never truly satisfy. We live in a world obsessed with temporary things—money, success, approval, comfort. But Jesus invites us into His Kingdom—a way of life that turns the world's values upside down and fills us with real purpose, hope, and joy. Kingdom Come is a five-week journey that will challenge us to shift our focus from earthly pursuits to eternal priorities and to live as Kingdom people in a world that desperately needs to see and know the grace of Jesus.This Week's EpisodeWe spend our lives chasing after temporary things. But Jesus gives us a radical command: seek first the Kingdom of God. What if our priorities were different? What if, instead of striving for temporary things, we realign our lives with what truly matters and trust that when we put God first, everything else falls into place?Ready For More?Check out firstchristian.com to find opportunities to connect and grow.We'd love to see you this coming Sunday on-campus or streaming online at 9 and 11am.Follow @fcccanton on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay connected!Support the show

The promise of Jesus' return has been a source of hope and anticipation for believers throughout history. But what does the Bible actually say about his second coming, and how should we live in light of this promise? In the "Coming Soon" message series by Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we'll explore Scripture's teachings on Christ's return, examining what it means for our lives today and our hope for the future. We'll tackle questions about signs of His coming, the urgency of sharing the gospel, and how to live with a heart prepared and focused on His Kingdom. Join us as we grow in faith, eager for the day when Jesus will come again to make all things new.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Read Online“The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones.”  Luke 16:10What are the “small matters” in life? Most likely, if you asked many different people from all walks of life this question, then you would receive many different answers. But if we consider the context of this statement of Jesus, then it is clear that one of the primary small matters of which He speaks is our use of money.Many people live as though the attainment of wealth were of the highest importance. There are many who dream of becoming rich. Some regularly play the lottery in the very unlikely hope that they will hit it big. Others dedicate themselves to much hard work in their careers so that they can advance, make more money and, so they believe, become happier as they become wealthier. And others regularly daydream about what they would do if they were rich. But from the perspective of God, material wealth is a very small and unimportant matter. Money is useful insofar as it is one of the ordinary means by which we go about providing for ourselves and our families. But it truly is small in importance when it comes to the divine perspective. With that said, one way to be entrusted by Jesus with “great” matters is to use your money appropriately. We become “trustworthy” in this small matter of money when we only give it the value that it has. In other words, we must see money only as one means to the end of fulfilling God's perfect will. When we work to rid ourselves of excessive desires and dreams of riches, and when we use what we have in accord with God's will, then this act on our part will open the door to our Lord to entrust us with much more. What is that “much more?” It's the spiritual matters that pertain to our eternal salvation and the salvation of others. God wants to entrust to you the great responsibility of building His Kingdom on earth. He wants to use you to share His saving message with others. But He will first wait until you show yourself trustworthy in small matters, such as using your money well. And then, as you fulfill His will in these less important ways, you will begin to see Him call you to greater works. Reflect, today, upon the fact that God wants great things from you. The goal of all of our lives is to be used by God in incredible ways. If this is something you desire, then do every small act in your life with great care. Show many small acts of kindness. Try to be thoughtful of others. Put others' needs before your own. And commit yourself to using the money you have for God's glory and in accord with His will. As you do these small things, you will begin to be amazed at how God is able to begin entrusting you with more, and, through you, great things will happen that have eternal effects in your life and in the lives of others. My trustworthy Lord, You were entrusted with the greatest good ever known. Your Father in Heaven entrusted to You the salvation of the world. Please help me to share in this task by being faithful to Your holy will in every small way. As I seek to serve You in the small matters of life, I pray that I will be able to be used for even greater ones. My life is Yours, dear Lord. Use me as You will. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Let Your Light Shine by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Ever wonder why Jesus didn't recruit from the religious elite? In this powerful episode of Raising The Standard, Josh Khachadourian breaks down the 5 strategic traits Jesus looked for in His disciples—and why these same characteristics are essential for Kingdom-driven men today.Jesus didn't go after scholars or theologians. He walked straight to the marketplace and chose builders, business owners, and risk-takers with calloused hands and the courage to bet everything on a moment's notice. These weren't random choices—they were strategic decisions that reveal what Christ needs in men who will advance His Kingdom.In this episode, you'll discover:✅ Why Jesus recruited BUILDERS who owned businesses, homes, and had families (and why you need to be building something right now)✅ The shocking truth about discretionary time and money—why the disciples could leave their businesses for 3 years and what that means for your financial stewardship✅ How community experience qualified the disciples for Kingdom work (and why isolation is disqualifying you from your assignment)✅ Why high risk tolerance was non-negotiable for fishermen on the Sea of Galilee—and why playing it safe is the riskiest move you can make✅ The power of swift, high-risk decision making—why the disciples dropped their nets immediately and what's holding you back from decisivenessThis episode is for you if you want:- Biblical masculinity principles that create real transformation- Strategic insight into Jesus' leadership and disciple selection- Practical coaching questions to challenge your current trajectory- Tools to step into your full Kingdom assignment- To understand what qualifies a man for greater responsibility in God's KingdomPowerful coaching questions inside:- What are you building right now that Jesus could point to?- Do you have margin? Could you step away if God called you today?- Who's in your corner holding you accountable?- Where are you playing it safe instead of stepping into risk?- What decision are you avoiding that God has already spoken to you about?Josh Khachadourian is the author of "Kingdom Driven: The Definitive Guide for How Driven Christian Men Can Dominate In Life" and founder of the Standard 59 Mastermind—a brotherhood of Kingdom-driven men connecting with God, mastering their minds, multiplying their finances, and taking dominion.CONNECT WITH JOSH:

This Sunday, Pastor Suzy Silk continued our sermon series, Making Sense of the Church, with a teaching on the Church as an Army. In the book of Ephesians, Paul describes a spiritual battle believers are engaged in and how God has prepared us to fight together for the expansion of His Kingdom. On the cross, Jesus defeated Satan, sin, death, and hell and has sent out His disciples in His authority to declare His victory. In light of this, we are able to stand firm in the faith, knowing that He has rescued us, brought us into His kingdom, and we await the day He will return in His full glory.