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00:00:00 Zechariah 1 – Exhortation to Repentance and the Vision of the Horses00:03:07 Zechariah 2 – The Vision of the Measuring Line and Redemption of Zion00:04:43 Zechariah 3 – Under the Type of Joshua the High Priest Christ the Branch Promised00:06:17 Zechariah 4 – The Vision of the Golden Candlestick and the Two Olive Trees00:08:10 Zechariah 5 – The Vision of the Flying Roll and the Ephah00:09:48 Zechariah 6 – The Vision of the Four Chariots and the Crows of Joshua00:11:56 Zechariah 7 – Hypocrisy in Fasts Reproved and the Cause of Captivity00:13:56 Zechariah 8 – The Restoration of Jerusalem and the Favor of God Promised00:17:17 Zechariah 9 – God Defendeth His Church and Christ's Coming in Humility00:20:05 Zechariah 10 – God is to be Sought Unto and Promise of Redemption00:22:07 Zechariah 11 – The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Two Staves00:24:39 Zechariah 12 – Jerusalem a Cup of Trembling and the Spirit of Grace Poured Out00:27:01 Zechariah 13 – The Fountain Opened for Sin and the Smiting of the Shepherd00:28:37 Zechariah 14 – The Coming of Christ and the Graces of His Kingdom
La Porta | Renungan Harian Katolik - Daily Meditation according to Catholic Church liturgy
Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Job 9: 1-12.14-16; Rs psalm 88: 10bc-11.12-13.14-15; Luke 9: 57-62.PLACE OF HONOR The theme for our meditation today is: Place of Honor.Today our Church celebrates the memorial of Saint Jerome. He studied law andtheology in Rome. After his conversion to Christianity and got baptized, hethen chose to embrace asceticism. In this way of life, as his focus ofattention was to study and meditation on the wisdom of God, he chose toconcentrate on studying the scriptures in the Syrian desert, a particularregion in the Middle East. For this special way of life, Pope Damasus I thenentrusted to him the work to translate the sacred scriptures from theiroriginal language into Latin, the bible version which is known to us asvulgata. He is known in the Church as an extraordinary bible scholar. Hiswell-known expression which is very familiar to all Christians that goes likethis: knowing the scriptures means knowing Jesus Christ. Not knowing thescriptures means not knowing Jesus Christ. Starting from this profound statement of Saint Jeromethat says about one who knows the scriptures knows Jesus Christ, we are quiteaware that we are in agreement with this simple question: How can people knowthe holy bible? Or a similar question would be: What can we know from thescriptures? Our common answer would be our willingness to know more on thecontents of the scriptures, and for that reason we can know more about the LordJesus Christ. This is a commitment and challenge as well for all of us. It is our common understanding that as long as wealways read, hear, meditate, and practice what are being taught from thescriptures, we actually experience the true person of Jesus Christ. Ourreadings today reveal to us one element in the teachings of Jesus. He teachesus about the place of honor in His Kingdom. The place of honor is provided forpeople who are entitled and worthy to occupy it. Who are they? When you are invited by someone as his guest of honor,you will be offered to sit in a special place, for example, right next to thehost who invites you. This is how the Lord prepares a place right next to Him,in the kingdom of heaven for those chosen. There are many conditions proposedby Jesus so that His followers can up to the standard as the chosen ones andhave rights to sit together with Him. One of the important conditions is what Jesus shows ustoday. He calls upon those who willingly and freely want to follow him by meansof abandoning their personal interests. It is sufficient for a person to makethe choice of his wholeheartedly. The prophet Job's advice for us, as he saysin this way: even though we are granted a place of honor in God, we remain obeyHis will, and never follow our own will. Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O merciful Father, May your words todaymake us even more humble and sincere, and for this we are so grateful to Youand we promise our full obedience to You. Hail Mary, full of grace ... In nameof the Father ...
Come Out of Babylon and Return to God's Ways | KIB 551 DESCRIPTION COME OUT OF BABYLON AND RETURN TO GOD'S WAYS What happens when believers stop fighting the Word of God and simply begin asking: "Father, what are Your ways?" In this special Feast of Tabernacles edition of Kingdom Intelligence Briefing, Dr. Michael Lake and Mary Lou Lake speak from the heart about their journey of learning to leave Babylon's patterns behind and increasingly align their lives with the Kingdom of God. The Feast of Tabernacles provides the backdrop for an important question: Are we allowing Scripture to define our Christianity—or are we interpreting Scripture through traditions and cultural assumptions we inherited from Babylon? Dr. Lake examines the biblical feasts as God's appointed times—divine rehearsals that point toward the work of Messiah. The spring feasts reveal what Christ accomplished in His first coming, while the fall feasts prophetically anticipate events associated with His return, His Kingdom, and ultimately the new heaven and new earth. Pasted text The discussion also confronts the historical process through which portions of Christianity became increasingly separated from their Hebraic foundations and absorbed practices from surrounding cultures. But this episode is NOT a call to religious legalism. It is a call to return to the Word. Dr. Lake explains the biblical concept of Torah as the loving instruction of the Father. Rather than viewing God's commandments through the harshness associated with Roman law, believers should understand God's instructions as revealing the pathway He established for His people. That produces one of the central principles of KIB 551: We cannot expect Kingdom results while deliberately walking according to the ways of another kingdom. Repentance realigns us with God. Obedience closes doors to the enemy. The Word renews our minds. And the Holy Spirit progressively teaches believers how to walk according to the Kingdom into which Christ has brought them. Pasted text Dr. Lake puts the principle powerfully: "You cannot outgive your disobedience." Kingdom life cannot be reduced to formulas, offerings, religious rituals, or outward appearances. God desires obedience flowing from faith and love. As believers leave Babylon, repent, and align themselves with Scripture, they progressively close doors through which the enemy has operated and learn how to walk in the blessings and freedom of God's Kingdom. Pasted text Mary Lou also shares a deeply personal message for believers who are exhausted, grieving, sick, or walking through overwhelming circumstances: LET GOD CARRY YOU. There are seasons when believers reach the end of their own strength. Surrender can be difficult—especially for someone who has experienced betrayal, trauma, disappointment, or loss. Yet surrendering ourselves into God's hands can become the beginning of restoration. Sometimes faith means standing. Sometimes faith means fighting. And sometimes faith means allowing the Father to carry us through something we cannot carry ourselves through. Pasted text KIB 551 also addresses sanctification. Maturity does not mean that temptation somehow ceases to exist. Rather, as believers grow closer to God, they increasingly recognize that sin simply costs too much. Why trade the presence of God for momentary pleasure? Why descend again into a valley from which God has already brought us? Why reopen doors Christ has helped us close? There are pleasures in the presence of God that Babylon cannot reproduce. Pasted text The episode concludes with perhaps its clearest statement of purpose: We do not obey God to make Him accept us. We obey Him because He has already accepted us in Christ. Because He loved us and gave Himself for us, our response is gratitude, surrender, obedience, and love. This Feast of Tabernacles, may the peace of God fill your home. May healing come to bodies and emotions. And may the Holy Spirit continue leading the remnant out of Babylon and deeper into the ways of the Kingdom. Pasted text Key Scriptures and Biblical Themes Leviticus 23:41 — The Feast of Tabernacles as an enduring appointed time. Zechariah 14:16–19 — The Feast of Tabernacles during Messiah's reign. Joshua 1:8 — Meditating upon and obeying God's Word. John 15:5 — Christ as the Vine and believers as the branches. Deuteronomy 28:1–68 — Blessings and curses associated with covenant faithfulness and disobedience. Hebrews 12:18–29 — Sinai, Zion, obedience, judgment, and "our God is a consuming fire." Romans 6:16–18 — Slavery to sin contrasted with obedience and righteousness. Proverbs 18:21 — Life and death in the power of the tongue. The transcript particularly emphasizes Leviticus 23:41 and the Hebrew concept of olam while discussing the enduring significance of the Feast of Tabernacles. Pasted text CHAPTERS / TIMELINE These timestamps come directly from the transcript's timestamp markers, with chapter headings describing the discussion beginning at or near those markers. 00:00 — Biblical Life TV: Empowering the Remnant 01:29 — Welcome to KIB 551 01:53 — A Special Feast of Tabernacles Conversation 02:13 — Encouragement During Difficult Times 04:58 — Mind War, Psychological Operations & New Age Thinking 08:48 — Self-Talk, Faith Teaching & New Age Parallels 12:09 — Healing, Trust & Learning to Surrender to God 16:03 — How Should Christians Approach the Biblical Feasts? 18:58 — The Feasts Are Divine Rehearsals 19:36 — Spring Feasts, Fall Feasts & Messiah 20:43 — Leviticus 23:41: "A Statute Forever" 22:38 — Tabernacles & the Millennial Reign 26:54 — Christianity, Paganism & Religious Tradition 31:36 — Polycarp, Passover & the Early Church 34:38 — Deconstructionism vs. Biblical Truth 38:02 — Culture Does Not Redefine God's Word 40:13 — Torah: The Loving Instruction of the Father 43:49 — "You Cannot Outgive Your Disobedience" 44:10 — Obedience Opens Doors to God's Kingdom 46:00 — Avoiding Legalism in the Hebraic Roots Movement 50:41 — Babylon's System Turns Everything Toward Self 51:33 — Strengthening Believers Going Through Difficult Times 52:19 — "Let God Carry You" 54:11 — Believing God for Healing 54:59 — Dr. Lake's Personal Healing Testimony 57:52 — Sanctification & Why Sin Becomes Too Expensive 59:47 — Experiencing the Peace of God 1:01:12 — Health, Food & Biblical Dietary Principles 1:05:48 — Obedience Even When We Do Not Understand 1:07:45 — Stop Fighting the Word of God 1:08:04 — Obedience From Love, Not Religious Legalism 1:08:33 — "Because He Loved Me, I Changed My Life" 1:09:42 — Biblical Life TV Partner Message CALL TO ACTION Babylon continually asks us to define good and evil for ourselves. The Kingdom asks a different question: What has God said? The goal is not religious legalism. The goal is not earning salvation. The goal is learning to walk with the God who has already redeemed us through Jesus Christ. Examine the traditions you inherited. Examine your priorities. Examine what you allow into your home. Examine your theology. And compare everything with the Word of God. When Scripture reveals something that needs to change, do not fight the Word. Repent. Realign. Obey. And keep walking deeper into the Kingdom. If KIB 551 has encouraged or challenged you, please LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to Biblical Life TV, and SHARE this episode with someone who is learning how to come out of Babylon and walk more fully in God's ways. COMMENT BELOW: What has God shown you from His Word that required you to change something you had previously believed or practiced? PARTNER WITH BIBLICAL LIFE TV Kingdom Intelligence Briefing and Biblical Life TV are made possible through the prayers and faithful support of our partners around the world. Our purpose remains to provide deep biblical teaching that will inform, strengthen, and empower the remnant for the days ahead. The program itself describes this mission as helping believers become empowered by the Word of God to fulfill His purposes in these last days. Pasted text If Biblical Life TV has strengthened your walk with God, please prayerfully consider partnering with the ministry. Biblical Life P.O. Box 160 Seymour, Missouri 65746-0160 Online giving is available through the ministry's official resources. Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Thank you to everyone who prays, gives, shares these programs, and stands with us as we work to prepare the remnant.
What has God already given you that you haven't yet possessed? In Spiritual Authority: Sons & Daughters | Take the Land, Pastor Chad Everett continues teaching what it means to live as a mature son or daughter of God. Through faith in Christ, we are sons and daughters, heirs of God, and heirs according to the promise. But there is a difference between having an inheritance promised and actually possessing it. Looking at God's covenant with Abraham, Chad highlights two important parts of the promise: lineage and land. Our lineage speaks to our identity. We need to know who we are, whose family we belong to, and what belongs to us as heirs through Christ. Our land represents the territory God has called us to possess. Throughout Scripture, Jesus restored people to their true identity. Zacchaeus was called a son of Abraham when others called him a sinner. The woman who had been bound for 18 years was called a daughter of Abraham and set free. Their circumstances did not determine their identity. Their covenant did. As sons and daughters of God, we cannot allow disappointment, opposition, fear, bondage, or past circumstances to cause us to retreat. God has not called us simply to survive until we get to heaven. He has called us to move forward, advance His Kingdom, and possess what He has given us. Opposition does not necessarily mean you are going the wrong direction. When God opens a great and effective door, there may also be adversaries. The call is to keep advancing. “Possess the land. Take the land. Move forward. Advance.” If you've stopped moving forward because of disappointment, discouragement, struggle, or opposition, this message is a call to remember who you are, believe God's Word over what you see, get back up, and keep coming. The Roads Church - https://theroads.church
In the third week of our 'Kingdom Culture' series, Pastor John shared from Matthew 13:44-46. He emphasized that the Kingdom of Heaven is worth giving everything for, but what exactly does that look like?In His Kingdom, we see who Jesus is, what He's done, and what He's doing right now. His Kingdom showcases mercy, offers God's kindness, and it's arrival brings opportunity for life. As believers, we get the opportunity to take part in this and share the news of the Kingdom of God with as many people as we can so that they too can have an opportunity for eternal life!
In Luke 13, Jesus encounters a woman who had suffered for eighteen years and had been pushed to the margins by those around her. While religious leaders saw rules and traditions, Jesus saw someone in need of compassion and freedom. He healed her completely, revealing the heart of God's Kingdom.In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef contrasts the mercy of Christ with the hard-heartedness of religious legalism. The Pharisees were more concerned that Jesus healed on the Sabbath than they were amazed that a woman had been delivered from years of suffering. Jesus exposed the difference between God's Law and man-made traditions—and demonstrated that His Kingdom brings true freedom.Jesus then compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. It may appear insignificant from the outside, but it grows far beyond what anyone expects. What began with a small group of disciples would expand to include people from every nation, tribe, people, and language.The Kingdom is also like yeast working through dough. Its influence may not always be obvious, but God is quietly and powerfully transforming lives, resurrecting spiritually dead hearts, and advancing His purposes throughout the world.When evil appears overwhelming, do not mistake visibility for victory. The Kingdom of Christ is at work—and one day its full glory will be revealed.Pray with me.Father, may I bear witness to Your glorious Kingdom, the source of true compassion, love, and blessing. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.
As we celebrated our 25th anniversary, we welcomed back our Founding Pastor, Vance Pitman. For 25 years, we've witnessed God's faithfulness in how He's been using Hope Church to bring people to Himself. In this message, Pastor Vance preaches from Luke 4:42–43, reminding us of who Jesus is and His heart's desire to expand His kingdom, and encouraging us to keep depending on God as we seek first His Kingdom, and live on mission to expand His kingdom.
What does it mean to be sanctified? The process of sanctification comes when you continue to faithfully follow the Lord's will in your life. Once you surrender your life to Jesus, He puts His Holy Spirit within you to do His will. The more you walk with Jesus and abide with Him, day by day, He transforms you. Pastor Mark explains in today's message that every day as a follower of Jesus, the Lord is working to transform you more into His likeness. This is what sanctification is: to gradually become more like Christ. The goal is to ask yourself each day how you can shine more like Jesus. And to serve His Kingdom and will for your life.
What does it look like to invest your life in the Kingdom of God? In his final sermon as Lead Pastor of Harvest Church, Steve Henry reflects on 1 Peter 1:3–9 and the life of Peter—a regular man, imperfect and sometimes reckless, whom God called, changed, and used for His purposes. Peter's story reminds us that God gives ordinary people a purpose, meets us in our failures, and works through those who trust Him. Peter's words point us to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even through trials and suffering, our faith is being refined, our salvation is secure, and our future inheritance is kept by God. Because of who Jesus is and what He has done, our lives are worth investing in His Kingdom. Jesus is worthy of a life invested in His Kingdom: 1. We are regular people with God-given purpose. 2. We are far from perfect, but we repent and keep going. 3. We don't seem like people God can use, but we trust God to work through us anyway. The hope of the gospel is that Jesus changes lives. Through His death and resurrection, He offers forgiveness, new life, and a living hope to all who trust in Him. Though we have not seen Him, we can love Him, believe in Him, and rejoice in the salvation He provides. Join us at Harvest Church in Arroyo Grande as we grow in God's Word, experience authentic community, and worship Jesus together. We would love to have you with us. This Christian sermon is a verse-by-verse study through 1 Peter 1:3–9, with an emphasis on expository preaching, following Jesus, living with eternal hope, and investing our lives in His Kingdom. Sunday services are at 9am & 11am. Learn more at harvestarroyogrande.com.
As we begin our new Seek First series, we explore what it means to seek God's Kingdom above all else — learning the ways of the King, making space to notice His presence, and allowing His Kingdom to shape every part of our lives.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16). Our workplaces and other spaces we inhabit need Christians who understand that their presence matters. Christianity does not always produce the transformation we would expect. Some lights are too dim. It is relatively easy to do the right thing when everyone else is doing the right thing. It is easy to practice integrity in a culture of integrity. It is easy to pursue justice when justice is already valued. It is easy to refuse corruption when corruption isn't an option. But what happens when we are surrounded by dishonesty, bribery, exploitation, injustice, or unethical practices? That is when our light becomes particularly visible. It is easy to be light in a room of light, but to be light in a room of darkness is more difficult. Then we get noticed. Then we are unique. Then we may not be wanted, for our light exposes the darkness of others. God calls us to bear the fruit of His Kingdom in every season. Even during drought. Even when injustice appears to be winning. Even when corruption seems normal. We are called to bear the light of justice when injustice surrounds us. We are called to hold the light of integrity when dishonesty is profitable. We are called to extend the fruit of generosity when everyone else is pursuing more. We are called to uphold the fruit of excellence when mediocrity has become acceptable. We are called to carry the fruit of truth when lies are easier. That is what it means to be light. Sarah is a small business owner in Uganda. When she came to understand this teaching of the light she changed. She says, "I began keeping proper records, organizing my shop, and serving every customer with genuine attention and respect. My work became a daily offering to the Lord, bringing me renewed joy and purpose. I make sure my measurements are accurate and my prices are fair. I refuse to sell expired products or mislead customers. When a supplier accidentally delivered an extra sack of flour, I contacted them and returned it. My honesty opened an opportunity for me to explain that I run my business for God's glory—not merely for profit. "Before, my work was just work and my faith was for Sunday. Now every bag I lift, every coin I count, and every person who walks through my door is an opportunity to worship and to witness." To shine the light of Jesus must become our vision. Ask yourself: What do I want my life to be? Do I want to influence the environment around me? Does my integrity, excellence, treatment of others, leadership, and decision-making point people toward Jesus? Is there any wrong thing I accept because everyone is doing it? Where have I allowed "normal" to replace "right"? Change begins by asking God for help. As you journey on, go with his blessing: Wherever God takes you today, may He fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit and that you may live carefully—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.
GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcitySunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
WEEK 3: UNDERSTAND THE ASSIGNMENT ❤️
What does serving have to do with being connected to the Church?In this message from C3, Pastor Aaron Pennington looks at Jesus washing His disciples' feet in John 13 and the example He gave every person who chooses to follow Him. Jesus, our Lord and Teacher, willingly took the position of a servant and then told His disciples to follow His example. Serving isn't about recognition, position, or simply filling a need. It's about surrender. Pastor Aaron challenges us to ask whether Jesus is simply someone we learn from or truly the Lord of our lives. Following Jesus means being willing to serve, love others, and get our hands dirty for the sake of His Kingdom.The local church exists to show a lost and broken world who Jesus is, and one of the clearest ways we do that is by serving one another in love. Scripture References: John 2:5; John 13:12–15; John 13:33–35; Matthew 26:22–25; Matthew 26:49.
We often pray for God to move in our world, but Jesus teaches us to pray for something much bigger: “May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” The Kingdom of God is not just something we look forward to one day. It is eternal, personal, and at work in our lives right now.While we wait for the return of Jesus, we aren't called to sit back and simply wait. God's will begins with us. It begins in our hearts, our homes, our families, our churches, and the places where God has given us influence.The coming Kingdom gives us hope for a day when sin, sickness, sorrow, and death will be gone forever. But until that day comes, we have a part to play. We can live for Jesus, encourage others, share our faith, serve faithfully, and use our influence to expand His Kingdom. The prayer “Your will be done” is an invitation to let God's will be done through us today.Subscribe to Our Channel! New to LifeRock? Click here: liferockchurch.org/get-connectedTo support this ministry and help us reach people in our community. Click here: liferockchurch.org/giveDo you need someone to pray for you? We will pray for you. Click here: liferockchurch.org/online-prayerFollow: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeRockColumbiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/LifeRockChurchX: https://www.x.com/LifeRockChurch
9-27-26 When the Church Takes Flight | Acts 8:1–8 | Pastor Dave Roberts When the Church Takes Flight Pastor Dave Roberts Take Flight Series Harvest Festival Service
Are you tired of living like a spiritual orphan when God has called you to reign as a son or daughter in His Kingdom? In this powerful message, Rev Paul Jeyachandran unpacks Ephesians 1:5 and Galatians 4:4–7 to reveal the transformative biblical theology of divine adoption and the Spirit of Sonship . Moving beyond mere justification, true spiritual growth begins when you realise your legal transfer from slave to heir orchestrated by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Designed for Christian leadership , pastor training , and believers seeking deeper discipleship, this Ephesians 1 sermon will revolutionise your theology, reshape your biography, and empower you to cry "Abba, Father" with bold confidence. Discover how understanding your Christian identity in Christ revitalises your prayer life, church community, and daily walk. Watch now to step into your full inheritance and experience true spiritual freedom!#SpiritOfSonship #EphesiansSermon #RevPaulJeyachandran #ChristianLeadership #DivineAdoption #PastoralTraining #ChurchGrowth #Discipleship #ChristianIdentity #IDMCChurch
Rick explains about the realm of influence God has given to us ,in order to advance His Kingdom. He also cautions us to stay within the boundaries God has given us to operate in. If you're interested in Rick's book, you can order it here. https://www.amazon.ca/Prayers-that-Work-Minutes-Freedom/dp/B0B5KXGWMQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1L8H5EGWJW2R1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eK_EsFM7v94fMXfYdqnCQw_RZ_8hsV5dHJ7_0RfXBcgWZyuiU_SVLLsgWQN_GhB2H0vYMfvoWKG2JuwywtN0PAKS6Oqu1z-FNdCi2HPepbZlFcCMYLo7kvDhs0KuJ2-ilVjScjQhcRASUIq25BGv4HLYv5jTNpgx4a6Ou5vr6JwhJRtar0In4btJP4We6d7NfTMxKDiuza_P1t62Du5ifiR05bwr61UaKVkxD-JGWFAxRblq5wHX5DKjbq4BtsDK38FOoxX2S7wWSvjMYMh8ZQwFk154kNT8i1_C39cOEPo.yl019lr6DvaNCLUiDrO7JO7JGg9pLoSB7nHnIzwXoEs&dib_tag=se&keywords=prayers+that+work+rick+johnson&qid=1790610962&sprefix=prayers+that+work+%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1
Our heritage matters, our communities matter, and the places God has planted us matter
La Porta | Renungan Harian Katolik - Daily Meditation according to Catholic Church liturgy
Delivered by Theodorus Kefi and Martinus Dominikus Lanang from Saint Peter's School in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia. Job 1: 6-22; Rs psalm 17: 1-3.6-7; Luke 9: 46-50.GOD DOES NOT CLOSE HIS EYES ON US Our meditation today has the theme: God Does Not CloseHis Eyes on Us. In one occasion of the lesson in the classroom, a studentasked his teacher: "Sir, isn't it true that in heaven, God and thosearound him often talk and discuss about us on earth?" The teacher was abit confused to answer that question. However, there was a student sitting atthe back who raised his hand and wanted to give an answer. He said: "Itis. God and Satan are always arguing about our situation on earth." What the student had said was not a joke or merelywords without meaning. Regardless of whether he had the exact knowledge of itor not, what indeed happens between God and Satan is the communication betweenthem that takes place in their context and time. According to the scriptures,especially the passage from the prophet Job in today's first reading, there isa discussion between God and Satan about life of human beings in the world. Jobrepresents all human beings who are faithful but at the same time fragile, weakand of course, the target of the evil strategy of Satan and his helpers. But Godtakes control over all human beings. God knows that Satan really wants to tempt men andwomen of the world, and God allows it to happen because Satan also has hispower on the earth. Yet God restricts Satan from destroying human beings. TheLord Jesus Christ, who represents the living God in the world, has a duty toprotect and care for those who are little ones, sick, oppressed andmarginalized from the evil treatment of the Satan's power in the world. In Hishands and power, none of the people whom the Father has entrusted to Him isdestroyed and lost. Even though Satan would have all possibilities to bring troubleson the human persons who are weak and hopeless, it will not succeed to takethem out from the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. The little ones who are sick, oppressed and thesinners are certainly the most vulnerable in our society and Church who areprone to fall into the power of Satan and all his helpers. But God will notclose His eyes on these poor ones. Likewise, we who have the commitment offaith in Him often become the targets of Satan and all of his works. God alsowill not close His eyes and allow us to perish by Satan's deeds. God actually wishesthat all those whom He protects and saves eventually come to be the citizens ofHis Kingdom. They will be made greatest in His Kingdom. This serves as awarning to those who are arrogant, selfish, abusive and destructive in theworld, and who have been ruled by Satan. Today, we can see the compassionateface of the Lord Jesus as our Good Shepherd who defends and protects us all thetimes.Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord Jesus, protect us from all forms ofSatan's work to tempt and destroy us. Hail Mary, full of grace ... In name ofthe Father ...
In this episode, we continue the study of Matthew 13 as we wrap up this treasure-filled chapter. Through His parables, Jesus reveals more about His Kingdom and what it means to follow Him as the Messiah. Listen and continue discovering the riches of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 13. For more resources, visit BibleforCatholics.com.
In Mark 10.33, Jesus takes the Twelve aside – speaking specifically to them rather than the wider crowd – to reveal what lies ahead: His suffering and death. He tells them, “The Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles.” Immediately after Jesus reveals His impending death and resurrection, an extraordinary interaction occurs. In verse 35, the brothers James and John approach Jesus with a bold request: “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” It is a striking demand – unlike almost anything else seen from the disciples in Scripture. It reflects a mindset people sometimes bring to prayer today: approaching God demanding our own terms. Jesus responds by asking, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Though He already knew their hearts, He allowed them to speak for themselves. In verse 37, they make their request: “Grant us to sit, one at Your right hand and one at Your left, in Your glory.” In verse 38, Jesus rebukes them gently but firmly: “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptised with the baptism with which I am baptised?” Jesus redirects their focus from status to calling. Before the crown comes the cup; before reigning comes the willingness to endure suffering and persecution for the sake of the Gospel. The message remains a vital challenge for believers today: if we desire a place in His Kingdom, we cannot merely seek honour – we must be willing to pay the price of true discipleship and service. Watch the YouTube version: https://youtu.be/EorXRVlqAgs For more information on the Ministry of David Hathaway https://www.eurovision.org.uk
How do I live from a heavenly perspective? In this message from Pastor John Lindell, he unpacks what it means to live the ascended life—setting our hearts on heavenly realities, walking by faith, and living from our position with Christ rather than being limited by what we can see. Our prayer is that this message strengthens your faith to pursue God's presence, embrace the realities of His Kingdom, and live with a heaven-centered perspective.
In Luke 12, a man interrupts Jesus' teaching to ask Him to settle an inheritance dispute. Instead of becoming distracted, Jesus uses the moment to expose a deeper danger: the power of greed.In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that money itself is not the problem—the love of money is. Greed is never satisfied. It constantly demands more, tempts us to forget God, and keeps our hearts focused on temporary possessions rather than eternal realities.Jesus also connects greed with worry. When we believe our security depends on what we own, anxiety follows. But when we recognize that God owns everything—including every breath we take—we can rest in His care. He values His children, provides every good gift, and has even made believers co-heirs with Christ.Dr. Youssef challenges us to examine where our attention is fixed. Worry grows when we focus on what we might lose; peace grows when we focus on our good Father and the eternal inheritance He has promised.With every financial decision, every desire, and every concern about tomorrow, we face a choice: store up treasure for ourselves, or become rich toward God. Trust your Father, seek His Kingdom, and invest your life in what lasts forever.Join me in prayer.Lord Jesus, help me to recognize ways that I am being greedy in my life and to give over every area of worry to trust in You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.
John 18 takes us into one of the darkest nights in the Gospel of John—but through every moment, we see that Jesus is still completely in control.In this episode of Rooted & Raised, we walk through John 18 together, beginning with Jesus' arrest in the garden and the incredible moment when the soldiers step back and fall to the ground after He says, “I am He.”We also look at Peter's attempt to defend Jesus with a sword, Peter's three denials, Jesus' questioning before the high priest, and His powerful conversation with Pilate about His Kingdom and the truth.There's a huge contrast throughout this chapter: Peter is afraid, religious leaders are plotting, Pilate is conflicted, and the crowd chooses Barabbas—but Jesus remains steady through it all.John 18 reminds us that Jesus wasn't simply a victim of the events happening around Him. He knew what was coming, willingly stepped forward, and continued toward the cross.In this episode, we discuss:• Why did the soldiers fall to the ground when Jesus said, “I am He”?• Why did Jesus stop Peter from fighting?
What do you do when your strong-willed daughter pushes back, challenges your opinion, or seems determined to turn every disagreement into a battle? On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden put consistency under the spotlight and explore how parents can lead strong-willed girls without breaking their spirit—while helping them develop the wisdom, resilience, and leadership skills God can use for His Kingdom. Parenting a strong-willed girl can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield of opinions, emotions, and potential power struggles. But Biblical parenting isn't about finding a formula that guarantees the right outcome. It's about faithfully seeking the Lord, staying connected to His Word, and depending on the Holy Spirit for wisdom in the moment. Rachael and Melissa unpack the tension between overly rigid approaches and overly permissive parenting, reminding parents that consistent, steady leadership can provide the security a strong-willed girl needs to flourish. In a Raising Godly Girls Minute, AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay encourages parents to embrace respectful disagreement and remember that their daughters will inevitably develop opinions of their own. Rather than treating every difference of opinion as a battle to win, parents can model the respect, grace, and humility that build lasting relationships. Rachael and Melissa then explore practical ways to parent through conflict, including maintaining a steady response, asking whether an issue is truly a "hill worth dying on," and making genuine prayer together a place where both parent and daughter can seek the Lord's wisdom. The conversation also highlights an important truth for parents of strong-willed girls: consistency builds trust. When parents respond with gentleness and steadiness rather than allowing a daughter's outbursts to dictate the emotional temperature of the home, they demonstrate what secure leadership looks like. Over time, those repeated moments of respect and consistency can help a girl learn to navigate disagreement with wisdom rather than simply reacting from emotion. Listeners will also hear how American Heritage Girls provides girls ages 5 to 18 with opportunities to develop Christlike character, serve others, and grow into confident leaders. Through AHG Troops, the Raising Godly Girls parent resource, and resources such as the Social-Emotional Health Emphasis and Embracing Emotions Chat Sessions, families can find encouragement and practical support as they navigate the many challenges of girlhood. For every parent wondering how to respond when their strong-willed daughter digs in her heels, this episode offers a hopeful reminder: the goal isn't to win every argument. It's to faithfully walk alongside the girl God has entrusted to you, building trust over time and helping her learn to respond to conflict with wisdom, respect, humility, and prayer. Three Things to Consider: Build trust and loyalty over time by consistently respecting your daughter, especially during conflict. Not every disagreement is worth the battle—ask whether the issue is truly a "hill worth dying on." Make genuine, humble prayer together a place where both you and your daughter can seek God's wisdom and find common ground. Scriptures Referenced: Proverbs 15:1 Proverbs 26 Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools. Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.
How do I live from a heavenly perspective? In this message from Pastor John Lindell, he unpacks what it means to live the ascended life—setting our hearts on heavenly realities, walking by faith, and living from our position with Christ rather than being limited by what we can see. Our prayer is that this message strengthens your faith to pursue God's presence, embrace the realities of His Kingdom, and live with a heaven-centered perspective.
Growing In God Podcast Program Number: GIG #320 Title: The Feast of Tabernacles – An Introduction Web Description: Imagine the Kingdom of God on this earth: a time when the presence of God is always with us and leading us, when knowledge and understanding of His Word is always available, when there is no disease and people have all the food they need. Well, the Feast of Tabernacles is a remembrance of the time when the children of Israel experienced all those things in the wilderness. We pray, "Thy kingdom come on earth." But through Tabernacles, God can show us exactly what that means. Show Notes: How important is the Feast of Tabernacles to us as Christians? All the biblical feasts have relevance for us, but the Feast of Tabernacles is particularly significant to the days we are living in now. Of all the feasts, Tabernacles is the only time the Lord commanded the children of Israel to include the servants and strangers and others living in their towns. It points to the time of His Kingdom when those who were formally strangers and aliens are included, and the earth is filled with the knowledge of the Lord (Habakkuk 2:14). The observance of this feast involves living in simple booths for seven days. This was to remind the children of Israel of the time they lived in tents as they wandered in the wilderness for forty years. We usually think of the wilderness as a time when God's dealings are on us or negative things are taking place surrounding us. But the Feast of Tabernacles is about being all together joyful, about celebrating the harvest, about God reminding them, "When you were in the wilderness, I was with you." During this Feast of Tabernacles, study the Scriptures about it. Learn how it has been celebrated and the events that transpired during the feast, both in the history of Israel and in the life of Christ. It will give you something not just to remember, but to look forward to. Use your imagination and picture in your mind what those days in the wilderness would have been like when the presence of the Lord was always with them protecting them, leading them, instructing them, and providing for them. Wait on the Lord and say, "Show me, Lord. What are these days of Tabernacles? And what do they hold in store for us as believers today?" Key Verses: • Leviticus 23:34–44. "You shall live in booths for seven days." • Deuteronomy 16:13–17. "You shall rejoice in your feast." • Deuteronomy 31:10–13. "At the end of every seven years … you shall read this law in front of all Israel." • 1 Kings 8:2–6. "At the feast … the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place." • 2 Chronicles 5:1–7. "Then all the elders of Israel came, and the Levites took up the ark." • Ezra 3:1–6. "They celebrated the Feast of Booths, as it is written." • Nehemiah 8:13—9:3. "The entire assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in them." • John 7:2–14. "When it was now the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and began to teach." • John 7:37–39. "From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water." • Matthew 6:10. "Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." • John 18:36. "My kingdom is not of this world." • Romans 8:14. "All who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." • Isaiah 11:9. "The earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD." Quotes: • "We see some of these tremendous advantages of this time in the wilderness that only existed for Israel or on the earth during this time." • "God is saying, 'I want you to remember this time because I'm going to bring My Kingdom to this earth.'" • "This Feast of Tabernacles is the feast of His presence on the earth, and let us believe to see the glory of the Lord fill all the earth at this wonderful time of Tabernacles." Takeaways: 1. This feast is referred to as Sukkot, the Feast of Booths, or the Feast of Tabernacles. And one of the great titles for this feast is the Feast of the LORD. This indicates how important this time is; we are to spend it with the Lord. 2. In our Christian mindset, we often think of the wilderness as a negative experience. But the reality is that there are many aspects of the wilderness experience that describe the experience of God's Kingdom on earth. 3. Isaiah tells us that "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." And it was during Tabernacles that Yeshua (Jesus) prophesied that out of us will flow rivers of living water. So Tabernacles is about the presence of God, the knowledge of God, and the understanding of God that will flow into the earth through the believers in Christ.
CheckoutThe God Centered Concept Academy Training Community to learn what growth in Christ isTUVU CommunitiesCheck out this link to view Kingdom Cross Roads on TV.https://jesussaid.tv/?affiliate=tswright_gccTo get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.Show NotesCan God use an ordinary house cat to save an entire family? Can a life-threatening diagnosis lead to a deeper relationship with God and a new calling?In this inspiring episode of the Kingdom Crossroads Podcast, host T.S. Wright welcomes Christian children's author Rob S. Robinson for a powerful conversation about faith, God's protection, overcoming adversity, and the life-changing power of His Word.Recorded live at the Christian Product Expo (CPE) Summer 2026 in St. Charles, Missouri, Rob shares his remarkable testimony of facing stage IV prostate cancer, experiencing God's healing, and finding strength in the promise of Psalm 118:17: "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD."Rob also introduces two children's books that combine biblical principles, engaging storytelling, and practical lessons for families.Bessie, the Cat Who Saved My FamilyA true story of God's protectionBased on a remarkable family experience from 1934, Rob shares how a stray cat named Bessie became an unexpected instrument of protection for his family. The book also includes practical safety tips to help parents teach their children about emergency preparedness, fire safety, carbon monoxide awareness, and developing a family escape plan.More Than a DonkeyHelping children discover their God-given worthThrough the story of a young donkey who wishes he were a stallion, Rob addresses childhood insecurity, rejection, abandonment, and low self-esteem. The book encourages children to recognize that they are fearfully and wonderfully made and that God can use them just as they are. It includes discussion questions and learning activities for families, children's ministries, and Vacation Bible School.Throughout this heartfelt conversation, Rob reflects on how God's Word strengthened him during his battle with cancer and inspired him to become a Christian author. He also shares how an encouraging eighth-grade teacher helped him discover his potential as a writer, reminding aspiring authors that they do not have to be perfect to begin sharing their stories.T.S. and Rob discuss the importance of developing a daily relationship with God through Scripture, speaking biblical truth into children's lives, and using our personal testimonies to encourage others.Whether you are a parent, grandparent, children's ministry leader, aspiring Christian author, or someone seeking renewed hope through difficult circumstances, this episode offers an encouraging reminder that God can work through ordinary people, unexpected situations, and even the smallest creatures to accomplish extraordinary things.Featured Scripture"I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD."Psalm 118:17 (KJV)Connect with Rob S. Robinson and explore his books: Visit Redemption Press or search for his books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.Subscribe to the Kingdom Crossroads Podcast for more inspiring conversations with Christian authors, ministry leaders, and believers sharing how God is working through their lives to advance His Kingdom.KeywordsRob S. Robinson, Kingdom Crossroads Podcast, T.S. Wright, Christian children's books, Bessie the Cat Who Saved My Family, More Than a Donkey, Christian author interview, Christian Product Expo 2026, CPE Summer 2026, Christian parenting, biblical self-esteem for children, teaching children about God, children's ministry resources, Christian family books, God's protection, faith and healing testimony, stage IV prostate cancer testimony, Psalm 118:17, power of God's Word, Christian children's literature, emergency preparedness for families, overcoming rejection, God-given purpose, Redemption Press, Christian inspiration podcast
Come Out of Babylon: Awakening Lukewarm Christians Before Judgment | KIB 550 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing DESCRIPTION Welcome to Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Episode #550 with Dr. Michael Lake and Mary Lou Lake. Why are so many Christians comfortable inside a system Scripture tells God's people to leave? In this episode, Dr. Michael Lake examines one of the most urgent calls in the Book of Revelation: "Come out of her, my people." — Revelation 18:4 The warning is significant because God addresses those inside Babylon as "my people." The problem is not simply that Babylon exists. The danger is that God's people can become entangled in its values, practices, loyalties, materialism, entertainment, counterfeit identity, and spiritual compromise. Dr. Lake and Mary Lou explore the picture of a spider's web as an illustration of the enemy's systematic methods. Ephesians 6:11 warns believers about the devil's "schemes" or "wiles." The Greek term methodeia conveys calculated, systematic deception—the kind of strategy designed to entangle people gradually rather than capture them all at once. The message then confronts lukewarm Christianity. Revelation 3 reveals that Laodicea believed it was prosperous and needed nothing, while Christ exposed its true spiritual condition. Material comfort can disguise spiritual poverty, leaving believers satisfied with Babylon while believing they are walking fully in the Kingdom. But this episode is about far more than identifying Babylon. God does not merely call His people OUT. He calls them INTO something greater. Out of darkness—into the Kingdom. Out of compromise—into covenant faithfulness. Out of mixture—into holiness. Out of counterfeit identity—into identity in Christ. Out of slavery—into the freedom of obedience. Out of Babylon—into preparation as the Bride of Christ. The contrast between Daniel and Lot provides a powerful biblical picture. Daniel lived in Babylon without allowing Babylon to live in him. Lot moved progressively from proximity to Sodom, to accommodation, and finally integration. Daniel followed the opposite path: conviction, separation, faithfulness, and ultimately godly influence. This leads to one of the central messages of KIB #550: Babylon falls. The Bride prepares. The King returns. The ultimate message of Revelation is not the greatness of Babylon—it is the supremacy and worthiness of Jesus Christ. In this episode: • Why lukewarm Christianity is fundamentally a problem of divided allegiance • Revelation 18:4 and God's command to come out of Babylon • The spider's web as a picture of systematic spiritual deception • Ephesians 6:11 and the methodeia of the devil • Why Babylon produces counterfeit identity, worship, security, and freedom • The biblical pattern beginning with Nimrod and Babel • Daniel versus Lot: two completely different responses to Babylon • Why separation does not mean abandoning society • The difference between isolation and consecration • Why covenant with God demands exclusive allegiance • The danger of material prosperity masking spiritual poverty • Why repentance must become concrete and practical • The importance of prayer and spiritual warfare for lukewarm believers • Why "come out" must always be followed by "come into" • Preparing the Bride for the returning King • Why Jesus—not Babylon—must remain the center of the end-times message The opening portion also contains Mary Lou's discussion of spiritual warfare, deception, prayer, and the difficulty believers can experience when attempting to help friends or family recognize spiritual compromise. This becomes the foundation for the episode's central question: How do we reach Christians who do not realize they are lukewarm? The introductory declaration captures the larger purpose of this teaching: believers were not called to possess merely "a little light," but to become ablaze for God and give the Kingdom a higher priority in their lives. Subscribe to Biblical Life TV, share this teaching with someone seeking deeper biblical truth, and join us in praying for God to awaken His people. The Remnant must not simply recognize Babylon. We must prepare for the King. TIMELINE 00:00 – Opening: Empowering the Remnant for the Last Days 01:29 – Welcome to KIB Episode #550 01:54 – Mary Lou: Spiritual warfare, prayer, and the fall season 03:47 – The spider web as an illustration of spiritual control 08:00 – Why some people struggle to recognize spiritual deception 11:54 – How do we reach lukewarm Christians? 13:01 – Lukewarmness, divided loyalty, and covenant compromise 14:45 – Revelation 18:4: "Come out of her, My people" 17:00 – Babylon's deception and false security 19:00 – Tradition, compromise, and Babylonian influence 24:19 – Breaking the influence of Babylon over God's people 26:10 – Ephesians 6:11 and the spider web of the devil 27:29 – Methodeia: Satan's systematic methods 29:12 – Counterfeit worship and the golden-calf principle 31:15 – Binding deception and opening spiritual eyes 32:00 – Why lukewarm Christians are valuable to the enemy 34:11 – Intercession for believers caught in Babylon 35:50 – Coming out of Babylon and into the Kingdom 36:30 – Nimrod, Babel, Daniel, and the development of Babylon 38:44 – Is Revelation 18 only about the Tribulation? 39:13 – Abraham: the biblical pattern of crossing out of Babylon 41:00 – Revelation 3 and the danger of lukewarm Christianity 43:23 – Asking God to reveal our true spiritual condition 44:07 – God disciplines those He loves 45:24 – Divided allegiance: God or the world? 47:00 – Who defines your identity, values, and worldview? 48:35 – Personal discipleship versus entertainment Christianity 51:03 – Daniel versus Lot: two responses to Babylon 52:02 – Lot: proximity → accommodation → integration 53:00 – Daniel: conviction → separation → faithfulness → influence 54:36 – Consecration does not mean isolation 55:53 – God's Kingdom versus Babylon's counterfeits 57:31 – Bricks versus living stones: discovering Kingdom identity 59:40 – Revelation 18: participation, accountability, and judgment 1:01:27 – We must preach "come into," not merely "come out" 1:02:00 – Practical areas where believers must examine allegiance 1:04:00 – Jesus—not Babylon—must remain the center 1:06:20 – Babylon falls, the Bride prepares, the King returns 1:07:00 – Revelation 18 to Revelation 19: preparing the Bride 1:08:38 – Covenant faithfulness instead of fear-driven separation 1:09:25 – Praying for the harvest out of Babylon 1:10:00 – "I will have a people, and they will be holy" 1:11:36 – Christ and His Kingdom destroy Babylon's system 1:12:52 – Closing prayer for those caught in Babylon 1:13:36 – Feast of Tabernacles encouragement and closing
This weekend, Pastor Mike led us in the second week of our Kingdom Culture series.He spoke from Matthew 13:24-43, and how we are living in the "Already, Not Yet" Kingdom.The message we proclaim today is that His Kingdom is at hand, and His Kingdom is expanding as we take the Gospel message to other people that God has put in our lives.
Joel kicked off our Replanted sermon series by looking back at the history of Eastland Baptist Church (now Hope Church) to discover how God brings life out of death, not just in a building, but within our own souls. Drawing from Leviticus and 1 Corinthians 1:30, we see that life and holiness exist only in God's presence, and Jesus was sent to make us righteous so we can experience true, unrestricted access to the Father. Yet, even while in Christ, we can still experience spiritual drift. This drift rarely happens through a single sinful choice; rather, it happens through small, unconscious concessions and steps we fail to take in confession, community, and spiritual growth.The 100-year history of this local body of believers mirrors our personal faith journeys: from a small but vibrant 1911 "living room" faith, to a 1926 season of momentum and growth, to a gradual, quiet turning inward where a church slowly becomes a place people drive past without realizing life exists inside. Psalm 78:1–7 calls us to remember and speak the truth about our timeline. The path to being replanted does not begin with an immediate renovation or by fixing ourselves, but with honest confession. Whether our faith is alive, quiet, or reduced to a stubborn little remnant, God has already gone ahead of us, proving that death has no hold in His Kingdom.Support the show
God has gifted every believer with a unique role in His Kingdom—but what are we supposed to do with those gifts? In this message, we explore what spiritual gifts are, why God gives them, and some of the reasons we may hesitate to use them. Maybe you don't know what your spiritual gift is. Maybe you don't think your gift is important. Maybe you compare your gifting to someone else's or doubt that God could use you. Or perhaps you've seen spiritual gifts misused and are hesitant to express what God has given you. But your gift matters. You have a role to play in the body of Christ.
Why do so many sincere Christians still feel tired, anxious, disconnected, or as though something is missing from their faith?In Part 1 of this special Embracing the Way conversation, Steve and Colleen Adams introduce the message behind their upcoming book, Embracing the Way: Discovering the Life You Were Made For in Union with Christ.Drawing from their own stories, Steve and Colleen explore the difference between performance-based Christianity and a life of genuinely abiding in Christ. They discuss success, striving, identity, the competing kingdoms that shape our lives, and the realization that following Jesus was never intended to be merely about managing sin, believing the right things, or surviving until heaven.It is an invitation to something deeper: knowing God rather than simply knowing about Him, recovering the life we were created for, and learning to walk with Jesus in His Kingdom now.This episode also introduces the six movements that form the pathway of Embracing the Way: Remember, Clarify, Choose, Recover & Reprogram, Reclaim, and Walk.Learn more about Embracing The Way at https://www.embracingtheway.com/
In this powerful message from Matthew 25, “What's in Your Hands?”, we are challenged to examine what we are doing with everything God has entrusted to us. Jesus' parable of the talents reveals that God doesn't need us, but He chooses to entrust us with gifts, opportunities, resources, influence, and responsibilities for His Kingdom. The question isn't simply what we have been given, but what are we doing with what God has given us? Pastor Josiah Elias unpacks the difference between faithful stewardship and fearful inactivity, showing how our view of God directly influences the way we live, serve, and respond to His calling. The servant who buried what was entrusted to him wasn't merely inactive—his distorted perception of his master produced fear, paralysis, and ultimately disobedience. In the Kingdom of God, movement in the wrong direction is not progress, and true increase is ultimately an increase of Jesus in our lives. This message invites us to stop comparing what we have been given, stop burying what God has placed in our hands, and faithfully steward what belongs to Him. The question is simple but searching: What am I doing with what God has entrusted to me right now?
In this sobering and powerful message from Matthew 25, we are reminded that one day the King will return, and every life will be brought before Him. Jesus describes the moment when He will separate the sheep from the goats, revealing that what we value ultimately shapes how we live. Pastor Josiah Elias challenges us to look beyond religious appearance and examine the reality of our faith through the way we love, serve, and respond to the people God places directly in front of us. When the righteous ask, “When did we see You?” Jesus reveals that every act of compassion toward the hungry, thirsty, stranger, sick, or imprisoned was an act of love toward Him. This message reminds us that Jesus is often hidden in the person standing right in front of you, and the question we must ultimately answer is, “What did I do with the person standing in front of me?” As we look toward the return of Christ and the eternal reality of His Kingdom, this sermon calls us to live with compassion, generosity, humility, and genuine faith—not merely a religious appearance, but a transformed Kingdom reality. When the King returns, all will be revealed.
In this message, Pastor Chris begins our journey through the book of Colossians, leading us into its context and themes. We're so reminded of the heavenly hope we have in Jesus and how the seed of the Gospel is transforming us into His likeness.GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcitySunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC
What is your role in the Body of Christ?In Romans 12:3–8, Paul reminds us that every believer has been given gifts by God's grace. In this message, “Gifts of Grace,” Pastor Epi Garcia challenges us to see ourselves through the lens of grace—not with pride or false humility—and to recognize that God has uniquely gifted each of us to play a part in His Kingdom.Whether your gift is serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, mercy, prophecy, or something else, your gift is not about bringing attention to yourself. It is a gift of grace meant to be used for God's glory and to build up His people.The church is not something we simply attend or consume. We are the Body of Christ, and every believer has a part to play.
What if the life Jesus calls blessed looks completely different from the life the world tells us to pursue? As we begin Upside Down Kingdom Part 2, we return to the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus' radical vision for life in the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 5, Jesus begins with the Beatitudes and declares, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” While our world often measures the good life by success, status, power, comfort, and achievement, Jesus points us toward humility, surrender, mercy, righteousness, and dependence on God. His Kingdom only appears upside down because sin has distorted what we see as right side up. Over the next eight weeks, we're not simply going to read the Sermon on the Mount. We're going to let the Sermon on the Mount read us, challenge us, and transform the way we live.
In this message, Pastor Dillon Neely continues our series Book of Matthew: King of the Kingdom with a powerful look at Matthew chapter 21.Jesus enters Jerusalem and has a direct confrontation with the religious leaders. Pastor Dillon reminds us that Jesus didn't come just as a friend or a good teacher — He came as King. And where the King is, His Kingdom comes.In Matthew 21:23-46, Jesus tells two parables that still challenge us today:1. The Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)God isn't looking for just words, He's looking for a changed heart that leads to obedience. Religious activity can't save us — only surrender to Jesus can.2. The Parable of the Tenants & The Cornerstone (Matthew 21:33-46)God has entrusted us with so much, and He desires fruit from our lives. Jesus is the cornerstone — we can either build our lives on Him, or stumble over Him, but we can't ignore Him.The big question from this message: Is Jesus just riding shotgun in your life, or is He in the driver's seat?
Fr. Tyler Mentzer, MIC, reminds us today, as we celebrate the feast of St. Januarius, that our Christian life is meant to bear abundant fruit for the Kingdom of God. St. Januarius lived during a time when Christianity was persecuted and not yet accepted, yet he remained faithful to Christ even unto martyrdom. From his life, we learn the fruit of perseverance—a faith that continues to bear fruit even after death. Through his courageous witness, he led others to Jesus, and even today his life continues to testify to our hope in eternal life. Like a seed planted in good soil, a life rooted in Christ can produce fruit far beyond what we ourselves may ever see. How, then, do we become good and holy soil in the world? We can look to the Blessed Virgin Mary as our model. Mary received the Word of God with an open and humble heart, allowed it to take root within her, and faithfully gave herself to God's will. To become fruitful, we too must make our hearts good soil—open to God's Word, nourished by prayer and the sacraments, and willing to persevere through difficulties. When we follow Mary's example and allow Jesus to live and work within us, our lives can become fertile ground through which God plants seeds of faith, hope, and love, bearing abundant fruit for His Kingdom. Readings for September 19th 2026: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091926.cfm © 2026 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. All rights reserved. Fair Use Policy: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/house/fair-use-policy ⭐️ Support our Ministries: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/donate... ✝️ Explore Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Plus! https://divinemercyplus.org/?source=YT ⛪️ Plan Your Visit to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy! https://www.shrineofdivinemercy.org/?... Follow Us on Social Media!
Financial freedom begins with recognizing God as the ultimate authority over everything we possess. In this message, Pastor Corey Erman teaches what it means to bring your finances fully under God's authority through obedience, stewardship, and trust. Discover how surrendering your resources to God's principles changes the way you give, manage, and view money while positioning you to fulfill His Kingdom purposes. “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' says the Lord of hosts.” - Haggai 2:8To support this ministry and help us reach the nations with revival visit RiverWPB.com or text GIVE and any amount to (855) 968-3708.
Some day, Jesus will return to bring those who followed Him to their home prepared for them in Heaven. He'll defeat the devil and put an end to sin and pain. Until then, we're called to lead a life surrendered to Him. As Pastor Bill will explain today, that's how you live a truly fulfilled and blessed life. Would Jesus find you actively pursuing God and living for Him if He returned right now? The time of His return draws nearer every day, and now is the time to make the biggest impact for His Kingdom as you can.
When God puts an invitation in front of us, it's not a casual thing—it's a life-altering proposition. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses the personal choice we make to accept God's invitations to a better way of living. Participating in His Kingdom is an individual decision, one that requires accountability and produces transformation. Pastor Allen shares about the uniqueness of Jesus and the need each of us have for salvation. Throughout the Bible, God's Word points to His provision for us, but it's up to us to accept His invitations. When we obey Him, we may think we're doing things for God, but in reality, He's doing something for us.
In this episode, our very own Seth Church has a conversation with Jordan Bochinski about fatherhood, beauty, living, a creative and worshipful life, and sanctifying your everyday life to glorify Christ. It's a compelling conversation to awaken our desire for truth, beauty and goodness to be multiplied on the Earth until His Kingdom come. Enjoy!It's officially here! Braveheart Summit 2026 registration is officially open!This November 4th through 6th we're joining together in sunny Miami with Bravehearts like you from around the world. These three days will be like no other. We will encounter the living God through His Table, worship, faith training, connection and commissioning.The Summit isn't a conference — it's a connect point for people who are hungry for MORE of God - more of His vision, His growth, His freedom and His abundant joy. Spots are limited, so don't wait. Get your ticket here. We can't wait to see you in Miami!Did you know that Braveheart is powered by God's people?People just like you with a heart to see the Gospel go forth and transform lives. If you have been impacted by a podcast, one of our series or an event - will you consider sowing into the next listener? Give here today toward someone else's freedom. Help us run with the gospel!Send us Fan MailSupport the show
When we obey God by being baptized, God meets us and responds to our obedience. Baptism is something God does for more than something we do for Him. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses the invitations God holds out to us and the importance of accepting those opportunities. He teaches specifically on water baptism, its history, and what it symbolizes: repentance, a burial and resurrection, and the beginning of a new life in Christ. Jesus Himself was baptized, and He taught His followers to do the same. If we want our lives to be transformed, then we need to take hold of every opportunity God presents us to cooperate with Him—beginning with being baptized into His Kingdom.
Read OnlineThe Sorrow and Joy of the GospelJesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.'” Luke 7:31–32The simile Jesus uses in this teaching—“We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep”—portrays a generation that is spiritually unresponsive and resistant to both the joyful and sorrowful invitations of God's grace. It may seem like a contradiction that the Gospel draws us to grace through both joy and sorrow, but both are essential movements of the heart, preparing us to receive the fullness of salvation.Joy arises from recognizing God's mercy, His abiding presence, and the hope of eternal life. Holy sorrow, on the other hand, is born when we confront our sin, contemplate Christ's suffering, and acknowledge the brokenness of the world. The Gospel “plays the flute” when it invites us to rejoice in the nearness of the Kingdom; it “sings a dirge” when it calls us to repentance and conversion. A heart attuned to God responds to both—rejoicing in His blessings and weeping over sin. To ignore either call reveals a deeper hardness of heart, a spiritual insensitivity that neither celebrates divine goodness nor grieves over what separates us from it.The context of this simile is important. After Jesus raised the only son of the widow at Nain, some of John the Baptist's disciples, who had witnessed the miracle, returned to the Fortress of Machaerus (in modern-day Jordan), where John was imprisoned. They reported to him all they had seen. In response, John sent two of them back to Jesus to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Luke 7:19).Jesus answered, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me” (Luke 7:22–23).After John's disciples departed, Jesus turned to the crowd and delivered this comparison. The children playing the flute represent the joyful proclamation of the Kingdom made manifest through Jesus' miraculous works and message. The children singing a dirge symbolize John's call to repentance and preparation for the Messiah. Both were divine invitations—one to rejoice, the other to mourn—and both were largely rejected by that generation.In Heaven, sorrow will be no more and only peace and joy will remain, but in this life, holy sorrow is an indispensable grace we must never avoid. It is one of the Beatitudes: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). This is not the despair of the world, but a spiritual sorrow—grieving over sin, injustice, and the suffering caused by separation from God. It softens the heart, purifies desire, and opens the soul to receive mercy. It prepares us to experience the joy of forgiveness, healing, spiritual renewal, and the knowledge of the Kingdom of Heaven.Therefore, we must be willing to let the Gospel lead us into both sorrow and joy: sorrow that humbles us and disposes us to repentance, and joy that lifts us into thanksgiving and hope. Only when we embrace both can we enter fully into the rhythm of the Gospel. Reflect today on the disposition of your own heart. Are you moved by the Gospel's invitation to rejoice in the nearness of God and His blessings? Are you also willing to let your heart be pierced by the sorrow that comes from recognizing sin and the suffering it causes? Ask for the grace of a heart that is fully alive—dancing to the melody of divine joy and weeping with holy sorrow over all that hinders love. By embracing both, you will be drawn more deeply into the mystery of Christ, who came to call both the joyful and the contrite into His Kingdom.My joyful and sorrowful Lord, at times You filled Your disciples with rejoicing; at other times, You permitted them to experience holy sorrow. Both are necessary, each accomplishing what is most needed in the moment. Grant me the grace to embrace both joy and sorrow, so that the full rhythm of the Gospel may take hold of my heart and draw me ever more deeply into Your Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: Jesus Preaching in the Temple, by Cesare MarianiSource: 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.
Restoring Kingdom Authority: What Adam Lost Jesus Restored | BLTV092026 Biblical Life TV DESCRIPTION Did Jesus come only to save humanity from sin—or did His redemptive work also restore something Adam surrendered in the Garden? In this edition of Biblical Life TV, Dr. Michael Lake examines the biblical theology of KINGDOM AUTHORITY. From Genesis to the Great Commission, Scripture reveals that humanity was created not merely to exist upon the earth but to represent God, exercise stewardship, guard sacred space, and function under the authority of the King. Adam was given everything he needed to fulfill that assignment. Yet the serpent did not begin by attacking Adam and Eve with overwhelming force. He began with a question: "Did God actually say…?" — Genesis 3:1 That question remains one of the enemy's most effective weapons. Has God really said this is sin? Has God really said believers have authority over the kingdom of darkness? Has God really said we can resist the devil? Has God really said His Word can be trusted? The moment the believer begins questioning what God has clearly established, the enemy attempts to separate authority from its source. Adam surrendered ground. But Jesus came to restore what was lost. This teaching examines the biblical restoration pattern: Adam lost fellowship—Christ brings reconciliation. Adam brought condemnation—Christ brings justification. Adam brought death—Christ brings resurrection life. Adam lost access to God's presence—Christ restores access. Adam corrupted humanity's calling as God's image-bearers—Christ restores the image. Adam surrendered ground to the serpent—Jesus crushes the serpent's head. Adam failed to guard sacred space—Jesus defeats the powers of darkness. Adam's dominion became corrupted—Jesus declares that ALL AUTHORITY in heaven and earth belongs to Him. Humanity lost its royal-priestly vocation—Christ creates a Kingdom of priests. Creation entered corruption—Christ ultimately brings the new creation. The Gospel is therefore not merely about getting people into heaven. It is about restoring redeemed humanity to proper relationship with God and bringing believers back under the government of Jesus Christ. ALL AUTHORITY HAS BEEN GIVEN TO CHRIST Before issuing the Great Commission, Jesus makes an extraordinary declaration: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." — Matthew 28:18 Then He says: "Go therefore…" — Matthew 28:19 The commission flows from His authority. Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples, baptize believers, and teach them to observe everything He commanded. This means discipleship itself is an exercise of Kingdom authority. Baptism is an act of allegiance. Obedience is spiritual warfare. Standing upon Scripture is spiritual warfare. Sanctification is spiritual warfare. Choosing righteousness instead of sin is spiritual warfare. Every time the believer chooses God's Word over the enemy's deception, another string of manipulation is cut. THE FIRST DIMENSION OF AUTHORITY: YOU CAN SAY NO The teaching explores the Greek word exousia, translated "authority." One of its important dimensions involves the right or freedom to act. Before redemption, humanity is enslaved to sin. In Christ, the believer can finally say: NO. No to sin. No to temptation. No to deception. No to the manipulation of the enemy. And: YES to God. YES to righteousness. YES to obedience. YES to the Word. YES to the Kingdom. Learning to exercise that choice is part of learning Kingdom authority. JESUS SHOWS US HOW AUTHORITY WORKS Matthew 4:1–11 records Satan tempting Jesus after forty days of fasting. The enemy attacked at a moment of tremendous physical weakness. Yet Jesus did not defeat temptation through emotion, physical strength, religious excitement, or a dramatic display. Three times His response was essentially: IT IS WRITTEN. The authority of the believer is therefore not based upon how powerful the believer FEELS. Authority rests upon Christ, His victory, His Word, and our obedient submission to Him. If Heaven stands behind the Word, Hell must yield to the authority of that Word. AUTHORITY OVER THE POWER OF THE ENEMY Jesus tells His disciples: "Behold, I have given you authority…over all the power of the enemy." — Luke 10:19 The episode examines an important distinction between exousia—authority—and dunamis—power. The kingdom of darkness may attempt to intimidate believers through manifestations of supernatural power. But supernatural manifestations do not cancel the authority Christ has delegated to obedient believers. The enemy wants Christians to become impressed by his power so that they forget their authority. Jesus teaches precisely the opposite. Do not become fascinated with demons. Do not become intimidated by supernatural manifestations. Do not build your identity around spiritual warfare. Rejoice that your names are written in heaven. — Luke 10:20 AUTHORITY GROWS THROUGH TRAINING David did not begin with Goliath. Before the giant came the lion and the bear. In the same way, God can use smaller battles to train believers in obedience, faith, discernment, and Kingdom authority. Every temptation presents a choice. Every spiritual conflict provides an opportunity to stand upon Scripture. Every act of obedience strengthens the believer's ability to remain faithful when greater battles arrive. God trains His people before the Goliath moment. BINDING AND LOOSING This episode also examines two important passages concerning binding and loosing: Matthew 18:15–20 Matthew 16:13–19 Matthew 18 concerns authority and discipline within the believing community. Matthew 16 takes place in the region of Caesarea Philippi, against the backdrop of Mount Hermon and the "gates of Hades." The teaching connects this location with the spiritual rebellion associated with Genesis 6 and presents Jesus' declaration as a direct challenge to the kingdom of darkness: "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." — Matthew 16:18 THE BREAKER SWITCH One of the strongest illustrations in this episode compares spiritual authority to an electrical breaker. Enormous electrical power can flow through a system. Yet a relatively small breaker can interrupt that power—not because the breaker possesses greater raw energy, but because it has the AUTHORITY and function to interrupt the circuit. The enemy may display power. The believer has been given delegated authority in Christ. The question is: Will we believe what God has said? THE BATTLE RETURNS TO GENESIS 3 The enemy still whispers: "Has God really said?" The believer must answer: YES, HE HAS. God has spoken. His Word remains true. Jesus Christ has triumphed over the kingdom of darkness. All authority belongs to Him. And believers who submit themselves to the King are called to carry out His Kingdom assignments under His authority. The closing prayer asks God to teach His people their authority, establish confidence in the validity of His Word, and deepen their trust in His righteous character so that they can be used for His glory. KEY SCRIPTURES DISCUSSED · Genesis 2:15 · Genesis 3:1 · Deuteronomy 32:4–5 · Psalm 145:17 · Matthew 4:1–11 · Matthew 16:13–19 · Matthew 18:15–20 · Matthew 28:18–20 · Luke 10:17–20 · Isaiah 40:29–31 · Isaiah 41:10 · 1 John 1:6 · Daniel 11:32 · Jude 1:9 · 1 Corinthians 5:1–5 CALL TO ACTION The enemy's question has not changed: "Has God really said?" Our answer must not change either: YES, HE HAS. Now is the time to learn the Word, trust the character of God, pursue holiness, close doors to the enemy, and learn to exercise the authority Jesus Christ has given His people. If this teaching has strengthened you, please LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to Biblical Life TV, and SHARE this episode with believers who need to understand their Kingdom authority. COMMENT BELOW: What Scripture has helped you most in understanding the believer's authority in Christ? PARTNER WITH BIBLICAL LIFE TV Biblical Life TV exists to provide Spirit-filled biblical teaching designed to nurture, prepare, and empower the remnant for the days ahead. The program opens by emphasizing the need for believers to study the Word, pursue the Kingdom, and become "ablaze with the fire of God" in this generation. Kingdom Intelligence Briefing and Biblical Life TV are made possible through the prayers and financial support of our partners worldwide. If these teachings have strengthened your walk with God and helped prepare you for the days ahead, please prayerfully consider supporting Biblical Life TV. Biblical Life P.O. Box 160 Seymour, Missouri 65746-0160 Online giving is also available through the Biblical Life store. Thank you to everyone who prays, gives, shares these programs, and stands with us as we work to prepare the remnant for the unfolding of end-times prophecy. HASHTAGS #KingdomAuthority #KingdomIntelligenceBriefing #BiblicalLifeTV #SpiritualWarfare #AuthorityInChrist #BelieversAuthority #JesusChrist #Genesis3 #GreatCommission #ArmorOfGod #Remnant #BiblicalTruth #KingdomOfGod #ChristianDiscipleship #EndTimes
Why is there so much pain in the world, and what does Jesus intend to do about it? In Luke 13:1–17, Jesus heals a woman who had suffered for eighteen years and confronts religious leaders who cared more about protecting their rules than seeing her restored. Nick Maricle explains how this story reveals the astonishing goodness of God, the deeper healing found in Christ, and our invitation to help bring His Kingdom into a broken world.• All pain exists because our world has been affected by sin, but personal suffering is not always God's punishment for a particular sin• Religious practices are meant to lead us toward God, but they can become obstacles when we value them more than God and the people He loves• Jesus invites His followers to bear fruit by sharing the gospel, pursuing reconciliation, and helping the world look more like His KingdomKey Scriptures: Luke 13:1–17Psalm 103:10Romans 2:4Ephesians 1:13–142 Corinthians 5:19Ask God to help you see people through the eyes of His Kingdom and recognize where religious habits, cultural assumptions, or personal comfort may be holding you back. Consider one practical way you can share the gospel, care for someone vulnerable, or participate in God's work of reconciliation this week. Share this message with someone who needs to know that God is astonishingly for them.Bayou City Fellowship Cypress Campus | Nick Maricle | September 13, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship
As we celebrate 10 years of ministry at Grace Capital City, Pastor Chris teaches from John 1:18 on how our church has been and will continue to be part of God revealing himself to our city and world. Praise God for His faithfulness to us this last decade!GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcitySunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC