Podcasts about His Lordship

Big Idea: God is the sovereign creator of all things, and everything He made was good – including you. So live in light of His Lordship.

Lesson Summary Jesus demonstrates His Lordship over sin, sickness, and the Sabbath. This is Part I of a two-part teaching series on Mark 2:1-3:6.   This lesson is focused on our first division: Opposition to Restoration (2:1-13). References Focus Passage: Mark 2:1-13 Watch the Video of this Lesson on YouTube The Opposition to the Servant – Part II Watch the Video of this Lesson Here (Rumble) Outline and Lesson Goal Principles and Applications Mark: Date, Audience, and Theme Credits Music: How Deep the Father’s Love for Us by Stuart Townsend Performed by Stacey Figueroa

Day 1 of our story Today's story takes place in Caesarea - Acts 10:1-8. Cornelius, a Roman soldier, a Centurion, lives there. (Pastor shares pictures of this city, still visible today!) Cornelius was one who worshiped the God of Israel but was not a full convert. He and his family were devout and God-fearing.  Then he receives a vision of an angel. The angel tells him to bring a man from Joppa named Simon known as Peter. We see Cornelius respond immediately to what the angel told him to do.    Day 2  Story moves location to Joppa where Cornelius' servant and one of his soldiers are headed - Acts 10:9-23a. Meanwhile, Peter goes up on the roof of the house he is at and goes into a trance and sees the heavens open and a sheet with all kinds of 4-footed animals, reptiles and birds. (Unclean animals according to the Torah) Then a voice tells him to eat them, but Peter says, I've never eaten anything impure or unclean.  I've obeyed the Torah!  The response from heaven, three times was, "Do not call anything pure that God has made clean." And the sheet was taken back into heaven. While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men Cornelius sent found him. The Spirit tells Peter to go downstairs to the men that were sent.  They tell Peter about the vision Cornelius had seen and Peter invites them in.   Day 3 Now our story goes on the road- Act 10:23b.  Peter and some witness head, with Cornelius' servant and soldier, to Caesarea.   Day 4 They arrive in Caesarea - Acts 10:24-48. (Pastor shares more pics of the area) Cornelius has a crowd of people gathered at his home to hear Peter when he arrives. Peter knows he's on God's mission: "You are aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me I should not call anyone impure or unclean." Cornelius retells his vision and says now they are in the presence of God to hear everything Peter has to tell them. Peter responds that he now realizes how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation those who know the Good News of Jesus Christ, Lord of ALL. He recounts the Gospel story of Jesus, He tells of the Savior's Good News and all that believe in Him receive forgiveness of sins through His name. Then suddenly the Holy Spirit fell on all of them, including the Gentiles. They were baptized in Jesus' name and ask Peter to say for a few more days.   What do we learn from this story?   Then + Now God's Agenda - God sets the agenda for His people, for individuals and for human history. God is fulfilling the New Covenant - That the day would come when the NATIONS would come to God. These are new covenant times! God Shows No Partiality - it is easy to be in our own groups and only see people like us and avoid people who don't fit our mold. But Jesus died for ALL. We are called to reach the world - therefore no partiality - God wants them all. Jesus is LORD - He is the New Covenant. Will we acknowledge His Lordship? He is the judge of the living and the dead. He is the Messiah, the Savior of the Nations, the Anointed Son of God who gave His life for all, rose, ascended and is coming back. Spirit Guided Life - God is not in a box, He sets the agenda, not us. Everything needs to be the way He deems it!   Pastor closes with the questions: Are you listening to God's Agenda for your life? Do Jesus and the Scriptures inform your daily living and actions? Do you sense and heed the Holy Spirit's promptings?   This week's READING ASSIGNMENT: Acts chapter 10 - 11.    Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/videos   Join us Sundays live or on demand from our website  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Following Jesus is more than a decision we make. It’s a lifelong walk of remaining rooted in Him. In Colossians 2:6-8, Paul reminds believers that the Christian life doesn’t move beyond Jesus, but deeper into Him. Just as we received Christ Jesus as Lord, we continue by remembering our confession of faith, rooting our lives in Christ, and rejecting anything that competes with His Lordship. This message explores what it means to keep moving forward in our faith by remaining […] The post Continue to Walk with Jesus | Pathways first appeared on Cornerstone Church.

In our lesson today, Paul preaches that the gospel words of life demanded that believers worship only Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Many people, when presented with the gospel message, believe that they can just add Jesus to the mix of gods and religious practices that they maintain.  Yet, the Bible is clear that it is not Jesus and anything, it is Jesus only.  Jesus died for us, and that is the redeeming claim of His Lordship over those who will call Him Savior.  Christ both died and rose for us.  In those two actions we see the redeeming claim and the resurrection conquest.  When He died, He gave Himself for us, but when He rose, He gave Himself to us to live within us.   This means three things to believers: First, it means our total submission.  We do not take Jesus as just our “Savior,” we can only take Him as our “Lord and Savior.”  Christ is Lord of our all, or He is not our Lord at all.  We are surrendered to Jesus Christ completely and exclusively. Second, it means His absolute ownership of all that you possess.  We have been purchased by Jesus, and His precious blood was the price that He paid.  As a believer, Jesus owns us and all that we have.  Jesus is not simply the owner of a church member's tithe.  He doesn't just own 10 percent of a Christian's wealth.  He owns it all.  The tithe is simply a tangible expression of that.  It is a symbol of all our resources, all our time, all our intellect, all our relationships, and all our deepest desires.   The Third thing it means is unquestioned obedience.  Being a Christian means total obedience in every area, our work, our witness, our friendships, our families, and our recreation.  The flesh may fear that kind of obedience.  Yet, how foolish that is to fear the One who died for us.  Jesus only wants for us, what we would want for ourselves, if we could only look at things from His perspective.   Click on the link below to hear a lesson on Paul's teaching at Ephesus. This is a live recording of The Master's Class Bible Study at LifeChange Church Wichita, KS. Amen.

A Sunday morning sermon by Pastor Brett Deal.“And the man took Jesus at His word and went on his way,” (John 4.50b). That has to be one of the most encouraging verses in the Bible if we slow down enough to read it. Seriously, how is this not one of the verses we tell our children to memorize?!Let's establish a little context. In John's Gospel, before Jesus begins to support His teaching through signs of His Lordship, He modeled baptism for us. He demonstrated the way of the Messiah that passes through the waters of repentance. He then turned water to wine at a wedding in Cana, showing us the Father's generosity that surpasses the limited best we could ever establish for ourselves. Jesus then goes to Jerusalem and, like His generosity at the wedding, He does what we cannot do for ourselves: He cleanses the Temple. He drives out our plans for or own provision, our commerce and greed, that we anointed and placed in the Temple courts. Naturally, frustrated and rebuked, we demand Jesus provide proof of authority to drive out our sacralized idols in His house, and His response is to point us to the cross. Would you stop for a second and ask the Lord to open your eyes to the idols in your life?While Jesus was making His way slowly back to Capernaum, a royal official was desperately searching for Him. Jesus left Jerusalem and spent several days in Samaria (of all places!), falling off the grid, and this man—probably a member of the wicked Herodian rule—was looking for Him everywhere. We can understand this father's urgency because his son was about to die. When Jesus popped up in Cana, the man ran to Him, begging Jesus, “Lord, come down before my child dies.” And the Lord's response was “Go, your son will live.”And here's our memory verse for the week: “And the man took Jesus at His word and went on his way.” Friend, this can be the hardest part of faith: simply walking in what Jesus has told us to do, believing. Beloved, as we start walking, taking Jesus at His word is when the testimony comes (John 4.51-53). Where is Jesus telling you to take him at His word and start walking?

A Sunday morning sermon by Pastor Brett Deal.A week out from Ash Wednesday, we are now well on our way to the cross. Beloved, Lent is a challenging time in our faith because it strips away the comfortable layers of religion we use to conceal our favored idolatry. This dedicated season of repentance is a pumice stone against the callouses on the feet of our faith. With each sign Jesus scrapes against our soles on our way together to Golgotha (John 19.17-18). The healing, abrasive pumice of John's Gospel rips away our unfeeling religion, leaving our tender, living flesh in the cleansing hands of the Master (13.1-17).It's here, held in the hands of Jesus, we must choose for ourselves. Will we believe like the disciples (2.12, 22, 23; 3.36; 4.39-41, 50) or crucify Him with the crowd (5.18; 7.1; 8.37, 40; 11.53; 19.1-42). Our lives in Christ are more than the high-energy exhilaration of the triumphal entry (12.12-19). Our discipleship passes through tomb, dying to self, on our way to resurrection (12.24). Our Lenten devotion can deeply frustrate us because Jesus' wholeness confronts our religious hollowness. Like a barren fig tree, we might have the outward appearance of faith—limbs and leaves—but before Jesus the fruitlessness of our belief is exposed (Luke 13.6-9). In the glorious holiness of Jesus' presence we are confronted by our spiritual lameness (John 5.1-11).In this place of vulnerability and need, Jesus genuinely asks us: “Do you want to be well?” (5.6b). Reading John's Gospel, we see the nature of the Messiah revealed in His seven signs. There is no one else who has divine power and authority like Jesus, because only Jesus is united completely with God the Father (10.30). Jesus alone is the way, the truth, and the life (14.6). Today, on your Lenten journey with Jesus entrust yourself more fully to His Lordship and care (10.7-9; 11-18). Ask the Spirit of the Lord to search your life and invite His correction (Psalm 139.23-24).

Fr Toby sat down with the Most Reverend Bishop Peter Collins to mark an great milestone — the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of East Anglia (a Golden Jubilee, as it happens!). In a warm and wide-ranging conversation, Bishop Peter reflects on the rich history of the Diocese, from its founding to the present day, exploring the distinctive architecture of its churches and the deep faith of the communities that bring them to life. With evident fondness, His Lordship shares his thoughts on the parishes that make up this vibrant corner of the Catholic Church in England, celebrating the people whose devotion has shaped the Diocese across five decades. Whether you're a parishioner, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the life of the Church in East Anglia, this is a conversation not to be missed. Please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that we are able to be a Christian voice by your side. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.radiomaria.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For followers of Jesus Christ, every area of our lives should reflect His Lordship, and people should see a difference in the way we live. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro begins the final lesson in our study of Colossians as we review this transformation of the Gospel.

In this earnest exploration of John 14, Pastor Jason invites the congregation into a deeper understanding of Jesus as The Way, The Truth, and The Life, emphasizing that while His claim is exclusive, His invitation is radically inclusive. By contrasting the disobedience of the first Adam in the Garden of Eden with the triumphant obedience of Jesus, the "second Adam," in Gethsemane, Jason illustrates how Christ paved a unique and necessary path to restore our relationship with God. He reassures us that although there is only one way to the Father, there is "plenty of room" in the Father's house for everyone, reflecting a God who never pushes us away but constantly draws us closer with compassion and mercy. The sermon challenges believers to move beyond religious pluralism or mere inspiration and to fully embrace the unique reality of Christ's incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. Ultimately, Jason calls the community to walk in the ways of Jesus—through serving the marginalized and giving generously—believing that as they align their lives with His Lordship, they will witness the "greater things" God has promised for their city and the world.Referenced Scriptures:John 14:6Psalm 113:7-82 Corinthians 8:2John 14:1-3Romans 5:18-19Deuteronomy 30:19-20John 14:9-12John 1:18

Romans 14 focuses on Christian liberty, love, and unity within the church, and faith, love, and conscience shape our actions and relationships as believers. Christ's death and resurrection establish His Lordship over all, and love and conscience should guide our actions toward others. While we avoid passing judgment and causing others to stumble, our actions should reflect faith and gratitude to God. Our faith is personal but should be expressed in love. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Unity in Christ requires patience and understanding, and avoiding unnecessary disputes preserves church unity. The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins guest host the Rev. Sean Daenzer to study Romans 14:1-23. Why does doing the right thing sometimes feel impossible? Why do feelings of guilt follow us even when we've been forgiven? These aren't new questions. St. Paul wrote his letter to the Romans for a church he had never visited, and yet he addressed the struggles every Christian knows firsthand: the weight of the law, the persistence of sin, the sufficiency of what God has done in Christ. Romans covers enormous ground. Paul moves from the universal problem of sin through justification by faith, the role of baptism, the war between flesh and spirit, God's faithfulness to Israel, and the shape of life together in the body of Christ. There's a reason the Reformation was born in this letter. Join us on Thy Strong Word as we open up Romans, weekdays at 11am or on-demand anytime, at KFUO.org.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Pastor Colins Nwosu continued our teaching series with The Lordship of Jesus (Part 2), further exploring what it truly means to submit to Christ as Lord. Reading from Romans 14:8–9, we were reminded that whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord because Christ died and rose again to establish His Lordship over all. Today's teaching emphasised that acknowledging Jesus as Lord goes beyond verbal confession; it requires a life of complete surrender and obedience. Using the account of Saul in 1 Samuel 15, we saw that partial obedience is ultimately disobedience. Although Saul was explicitly commanded to destroy everything, he kept the choice livestock and spared King Agag, proving that partial obedience is nothing more than complete disobedience. We learned that to God, rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Drawing also from James 1:22–24 (NLT), we were challenged to be doers of the Word and not hearers only, warned against looking into the mirror of God's Word and immediately forgetting what we have seen. True alignment with the Lordship of Christ means following His instructions completely, even when they challenge our preferences or personal desires. Pastor Colins concluded with a powerful reminder from missionary S. M. Zwemer: "Unless Jesus is Lord of all, He is not Lord at all." The call was clear and personal: Christ's Lordship must extend to every area of our lives, not just the parts that are convenient or comfortable. Confession: Lord Jesus, I surrender every area of my life to Your Lordship. Help me to obey You wholeheartedly, not selectively, and to build my life upon the solid foundation of Your Word. May my actions reflect my confession, and may Your will be done in me completely. Amen.

Because of Christ's humility and obedience, Godthe Father responded. “Therefore, God has highly exalted Him”.The world rejected Jesus, but the Father exalted Him. Men mocked Jesus, but theFather crowned Him. Men nailed Him to a cross, but the Father raised Him fromthe dead and seated Him at His own right hand in glory. The resurrection andascension were heaven's declaration that Jesus Christ is Lord. Thephrase “highly exalted” means super-exalted or exalted to the highest place. InEphesians 1:20–21, Paul wrote that “God seated Christ at His right hand inthe heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might anddominion”. No one is higher than Jesus. No one is greater than Jesus. Noone will ever dethrone Jesus. Heaven is moving toward one great conclusion, andthat is the complete triumph of Jesus Christ.This exaltation of Jesus includes Hisresurrection, His ascension, His heavenly reign, and His future visiblekingdom. The One who wore the crown of thorns will one day wear many crowns.Revelation 19:16 says Jesus is, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” ThenPaul continues: “and given Him a name which is above every name.” Whatis that name? Some believe it might refer to the name Jesus, but most likelyPaul is speaking about the title Lord. In verse 11, every tongue confesses thatJesus Christ is Lord. In the New Testament, Paul is declaring thatJesus Christ shares fully in the divine authority and glory of God Himself. Thisis astonishing because, in the Roman Empire, Caesar claimed to be lord, butChristians boldly proclaimed, “Jesus is Lord.” That confession often cost themtheir freedom, their possessions, and even their lives. Still today, declaringJesus as Lord is radical. Because if Jesus is Lord, He has authority over ourlives. He determines truth. He deserves obedience. He deserves worship. Hedeserves first place in our lives. Manypeople want Jesus as Savior, but not as Lord. They want forgiveness withoutsurrender. They want heaven without holiness. They want salvation withoutsubmission. But the gospel calls us to bow before Christ as Lord. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believein your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”The resurrection proves His Lordship.God exalted Jesus after Jesus humbled Himself. Thisis the principle throughout Scripture. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselvesin the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” 1 Peter 5:6 says, “Humbleyourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” Wealso know that we live in a world obsessed with self-promotion. But God'skingdom works differently. The way up is down. The way to greatness isservanthood. The pathway to honor is humility. Wesee in the Old Testament that when people humbled themselves—like Joseph,David, and Moses—God exalted them. Jesus went to the cross before ascending tothe throne. Today, maybe you feel overlooked. You might feel forgotten or misunderstood,or faithfully serving without recognition. Remember, God sees humble obedience,and your humility is never wasted. God knows how to exalt His servants in Hisperfect time and in His perfect way. Ourresponsibility is not self-promotion. Our responsibility is faithful obedience.One day every wrong will be made right when Christ reigns over all. Today,worship Jesus not only as Savior, but as your Lord. Ask yourself: Is there anyarea of my life resisting His authority? Have I surrendered my plans, myfuture, and my ambitions to Him? Am I living for my kingdom or His? The exaltedChrist deserves complete surrender. Let'spray together. Father, thank You for exalting Your Son, Jesus Christ. Weworship Him today as Lord of all. Forgive us for the areas where we haveresisted His authority. Help us to walk in humility and faithful obedience,trusting You to lift us up in Your perfect time. We pray this in Jesus' name.Amen.

https://www.uncommen.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/April-18th.mp3 Quick Answers Are my hobbies actually a sin? Absolutely not. Hobbies, sports, and interests are good gifts meant to be enjoyed. The problem arises when these good gifts are elevated to ultimate things. When a hobby dictates your schedule, your finances, and your emotional state more than your relationship with Jesus, it has crossed the line into idolatry. How do I know if I have modern day idols in my life? Look at your schedule and your emotional reactions. If you feel devastated about missing a football game but feel absolutely nothing when you skip your daily Bible reading, your priorities are inverted. Your calendar and your bank statement will always reveal what you truly worship. Do I have to give up the things I love? No, but you have to bring them into submission under Christ. You don't necessarily have to sell your golf clubs or cancel your sports packages, but you must establish firm boundaries. Hobbies should fit into the margins of a life centered on God, not the other way around. What is the "fishing boat" excuse? It is a common justification men use to skip gathering with other believers. Men will say, "I can worship God just fine on my boat or in my deer stand." While God is present in nature, using recreation as an excuse to avoid church community is a clear sign that a hobby has taken the throne. The Subtle Creep of the Weekend Idol When most Christian men hear the word “idol,” their minds immediately jump back to ancient history. We picture the Israelites melting down their jewelry in the desert to forge a golden calf, or we imagine ancient temples filled with statues of wood and stone. Because we don't physically bow down to statues in our living rooms, we falsely assume that we are completely immune to the sin of idolatry. But the human heart is a factory for worship, and the enemy is perfectly content to let us trade golden calves for fiberglass boats, fantasy football rosters, and pristine vinyl record collections. This is the subtle, dangerous reality of modern day idols. They don't announce themselves as false gods. They enter our lives disguised as harmless hobbies, much-needed stress relief, and well-deserved weekend entertainment. You start by just wanting to catch a few football games to unwind after a brutal work week. You start by taking up golf to get some fresh air and network. You start hunting or fishing to find a little peace and quiet away from the noise of the city. These are good, natural desires. But as men, we have a terrible tendency to take things to the absolute extreme. What starts as a simple, relaxing interest slowly begins to demand more of our time, more of our money, and more of our mental bandwidth. Before you know it, you are organizing your entire family's schedule around kickoff times, dropping thousands of dollars on equipment, and spending your Monday mornings completely consumed by your fantasy league standings. The transition is so quiet that you never even realize your hobby has taken the throne of your heart. But make no mistake: anything that commands your greatest loyalty, time, and affection above Jesus Christ is functioning as a god in your life. Defeating modern day idols requires us to drop our defenses and take a brutally honest look at how we are spending the one life God has given us. Examples of Modern Day Idols in a Man's Life If you are looking for examples of modern day idols, you don't have to look very far. You simply need to look at how the average man spends his weekend. As discussed on the Uncommen podcast, the sheer volume of time and resources we dedicate to entertainment is staggering when viewed objectively. Consider the reality of the fall football season. A single NFL or college football game takes roughly three and a half hours to watch. If a man watches a Thursday night game, a college game on Saturday afternoon, a Saturday night prime-time game, two NFL games on Sunday, and Monday Night Football, he has suddenly dedicated twenty to twenty-five hours of his week solely to watching a screen. That is the equivalent of a part-time job. When twenty-five hours are sacrificed to the television, and zero hours are sacrificed to reading God's Word or leading a family devotional, football has officially become one of the most prominent modern day idols in that home. Or consider the massive, dedicated communities built around motorsports and tailgating. Men will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on luxury RVs, burn through weeks of hard-earned Paid Time Off, and completely relocate their lives to a speedway parking lot for two weeks just to watch cars drive in a circle. It is a modern-day pilgrimage. We treat sporting events with the kind of absolute devotion, financial sacrifice, and communal dedication that the early church used to reserve for the Kingdom of God. The danger isn't limited to sports. Modern day idols can be found in the quiet corners of our personal lives. It can be an obsession with building a perfect vinyl record collection, hunting down rare trading cards, or spending endless hours doom-scrolling through YouTube and TikTok videos. It can be the relentless pursuit of lowering your golf handicap while your marriage struggles to survive. The object of the obsession changes from man to man, but the spiritual result is exactly the same: we become spiritually numb, emotionally distant from our families, and completely disconnected from our God-given purpose. The "Fishing Boat" Excuse and the Heart Check When a man's hobbies begin to be challenged by his wife, his pastor, or his brothers in Christ, the immediate response is almost always a defensive justification. "I work hard all week; it's just my thing," we say. Or, we try to spiritualize the hobby to make it untouchable. This is where the infamous "fishing boat" excuse comes into play. A man will skip Sunday morning service for months at a time to go out on the lake, and when confronted, he will say, "I read my Bible while I'm out there. It's just me and the Lord on the boat. That's my worship." While God certainly created the outdoors and we can experience His presence in nature, using a hobby as an excuse to perpetually ditch the gathering of believers is a massive spiritual red flag. It is a convenient lie we tell ourselves to protect our modern day idols. We want the blessings of God without having to submit our schedules to His Lordship. To determine if you are harboring modern day idols, you have to perform a ruthless heart check. Ask yourself this highly revealing question: Do you feel as much conviction and sorrow about missing your daily Bible reading as you do about missing your team's big game? If your DVR fails to record the game, you are furious. You spend the whole day avoiding social media so the score isn't spoiled. But if you go four consecutive days without opening your Bible or spending time in prayer, do you feel any urgency? Do you feel that same level of frustration? Furthermore, if you can readily explain every detail of what happened on last week's episode of Survivor, but you couldn't even summarize the last sermon you heard or name the book of the Bible you are supposedly reading, you have a major priority issue. Modern day idols blind us to our own spiritual starvation. They feed us cheap entertainment while our souls wither away. The Great "I'm Too Busy" Myth The ultimate defense mechanism for a man protecting his modern day idols is the excuse of busyness. When a man is asked to step up and lead—whether it is joining a men's small group, volunteering in the community, or simply dedicating thirty minutes a day to family prayer—the default answer is almost always, “I am just so incredibly busy right now. I don't have the time.” But time is the ultimate lie detector. The truth is, you are never too busy for the things that you truly value. A man will look his pastor in the eye and say he cannot possibly find the time to attend a 6:30 AM Wednesday morning Bible study, but that same man will gladly wake up at 4:00 AM on a Saturday, hitch up a boat, and drive two hours to hit the water before sunrise. A man will say he doesn't have the bandwidth to mentor a younger man, but he will somehow find three hours every single night to grind through video games. You are not lacking time; you are lacking priority. When you take a hard look at your weekly routine, your modern day idols will be glaringly obvious based on where your free hours are spent. We convince ourselves that our busy season just became a busy decade, but when we finally audit our time, we realize we have thrown away thousands of hours on trivial pursuits. Eradicating modern day idols requires us to stop lying to ourselves about our schedules and start taking radical ownership of our daily choices. Practical Steps to Dethrone Your Modern Day Idols It is important to remember that the goal is not to eliminate fun from your life. God designed you to enjoy creation, to experience brotherhood through sports, and to have hobbies that allow you to decompress. The goal is proper alignment. You have to put God at the absolute center of your life and sprinkle your hobbies around Him, rather than putting your hobbies at the center and trying to squeeze God into the leftover cracks. If you are ready to smash the modern day idols in your life, here are three practical Uncommen steps you can take today: 1. Perform a Brutal Time Audit: You cannot manage what you do not measure. This week, check the screen time report on your smartphone. Track exactly how many hours you spend watching sports, gaming, or scrolling. Write the number down. Then, write down exactly how many hours you spent reading Scripture, praying with your wife, and serving your local church. The resulting ratio will expose your modern day idols instantly. Let that conviction drive you to repentance. 2....

The Resurrection is the "macro" event that flipped the world upside down—birthing concepts of human dignity, ending slave trades, and fueling civil rights movements. But behind every global shift is a "micro-encounter": an individual human heart meeting the risen Jesus. Whether it was "Little Bird" in the Rwandan genocide praying for his executioners or the disciple Thomas touching the wounds of Christ, an encounter with Jesus is something you simply cannot unsee. In John 20, we find the disciples trapped in a "Friday reality"—locked in a room by fear and trauma. Jesus enters their locked space and does three things that reorient their existence: He shows them His scars, He gives them His breath, and He identifies Himself as their Master. These aren't just historical details; they are the blueprint for our own transformation. When we encounter Jesus, our past is redeemed by His scars, our spirit is reborn by His breath, and our mission is defined by His Lordship.Support the show

In this episode, we deconstruct the root of defensiveness, revealing how it stems from a desire for control and a lack of trust in God's sovereignty. When defenses are built against correction, it robs Jesus of His Lordship and blocks the Holy Spirit's ability to train and guide. The discussion explores the "Octopus Ink" defense mechanism—the passive and aggressive reactions used to confuse, deflect, and punish those who bring hard truths. True freedom and teachability require vulnerability, surrender, and becoming a safe place for others to bring the "wounds of a friend" (Proverbs 27:6, NKJV).  Key Topics Covered:• The Root of Defensiveness: How unresolved offense, fear, and a refusal to be teachable keep strongholds in place.  • The "Octopus Ink" Mechanism: Recognizing the emotional and relational smokescreens used to escape accountability and dissuade others from speaking into our lives.  • The Five Types of Control: Identifying control marked by striving, self-pity, drama, domination, and distrust, along with the acceptable "masks" used to hide them.  • A Posture of Surrender: Learning from David's response to Shimei's curses (2 Samuel 16:10-12) and embracing radical teachability rather than seeking isolation.

What does God want from you the most? If you knew the answer to that question would you live differently? Chip shares, from scripture, what God is looking for from you and me. Join Chip and discover how to give God what He wants the most.Introduction: Risk, reason, and the decision-making processCase Study #1 – John's Civil War CoinsCase Study #2 – Sheila's PicassoQuestions to ponder:What are the risks?What are the potential rewards?What would you do?Why?Three Principles:Truth – What is true about the issue?Knowledge – Have you educated yourself about the issue?Faith – Do you believe it to the point of action?Case Study #3 – Ancient Treasure -Mat. 13:44-46Thesis – Total surrender is the CHANNEL through which God's best and biggest blessings flow.Definition – “Total commitment is the alignment of one's motives, resources, priorities, and goals to fulfill a specific mission, accomplish a specific task, or follow a specific person.” -Webster's DictionarySpiritual Insight – Through which lens do you view total commitment? Positive vs. NegativeThe Problem: What does total commitment look like in our relationship with God? How does it work?The Answer: Romans 12:1The Command: “OFFER your bodies”The Motivation: “The MERCY of God”The Reason: “Spiritual act of WORSHIP.”What does He want most?He wants you!All that you are and all that you have fully surrendered to Him.Why surrender to His Lordship? -Ps. 84:11Because total surrender is the channel through which God's best and biggest blessings flow.The Question: Are you ALL IN?Broadcast ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional ResourcesBecome a Monthly PartnerTrue Spirituality BookTake the Real You Assessment FreeWhat Every New Believer Needs to KnowConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

What does God want from you? When you boil it all down, what is God looking for from you and me? Chip reveals the one thing that God is looking for from his children.Introduction: “Risk, reason, and the decision-making process” –Excerpt from Harvard Business ReviewCase Study #1 – John's Civil War CoinsCase Study #2 – Sheila's PicassoQuestions to ponder:What are the risks?What are the potential rewards?What would you do?Why?Three Principles:Truth – What is true about the issue?Knowledge – Have you educated yourself about the issue?Faith – Do you believe it to the point of action?Case Study #3 – Ancient Treasure -Mat. 13:44-46Thesis – Total surrender is the CHANNEL through which God's best and biggest blessings flow.Definition – “Total commitment is the alignment of one's motives, resources, priorities, and goals to fulfill a specific mission, accomplish a specific task, or follow a specific person.” -Webster's DictionarySpiritual Insight – Through which lens do you view total commitment? Positive vs. NegativeThe Problem: What does total commitment look like in our relationship with God? How does it work?The Answer: Romans 12:1The Command: “OFFER your bodies”The Motivation: “The MERCY of God”The Reason: “Spiritual act of WORSHIP.”What does He want most?He wants you!All that you are and all that you have fully surrendered to Him.Why surrender to His Lordship? -Ps. 84:11Because total surrender is the channel through which God's best and biggest blessings flow.The Question: Are you ALL IN?Broadcast ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional ResourcesBecome a Monthly PartnerTrue Spirituality BookTake the Real You Assessment FreeWhat Every New Believer Needs to KnowConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

What causes God's blessings to flow to you and me? Chip looks at how God chooses whom He will pour out His blessings and how you can begin receiving those blessings, starting today.Introduction: “Risk, reason, and the decision-making process” –Excerpt from Harvard Business ReviewCase Study #1 – John's Civil War CoinsCase Study #2 – Sheila's PicassoQuestions to ponder:What are the risks?What are the potential rewards?What would you do?Why?Three Principles:Truth – What is true about the issue?Knowledge – Have you educated yourself about the issue?Faith – Do you believe it to the point of action?Case Study #3 – Ancient Treasure -Mat. 13:44-46Thesis – Total surrender is the CHANNEL through which God's best and biggest blessings flow.Definition – “Total commitment is the alignment of one's motives, resources, priorities, and goals to fulfill a specific mission, accomplish a specific task, or follow a specific person.” -Webster's DictionarySpiritual Insight – Through which lens do you view total commitment? Positive vs. NegativeThe Problem: What does total commitment look like in our relationship with God? How does it work?The Answer: Romans 12:1The Command: “OFFER your bodies”The Motivation: “The MERCY of God”The Reason: “Spiritual act of WORSHIP.”What does He want most?He wants you!All that you are and all that you have fully surrendered to Him.Why surrender to His Lordship? -Ps. 84:11Because total surrender is the channel through which God's best and biggest blessings flow.The Question: Are you ALL IN?Broadcast ResourcesMessage NotesAdditional ResourcesBecome a Monthly PartnerTrue Spirituality BookTake the Real You Assessment FreeWhat Every New Believer Needs to KnowConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

What does a disciple actually do? In this episode, we continue our study of Michael Heiser's What Does God Want? by exploring the everyday practices that shape believers into the likeness of Christ. Disciples don't just believe the right things—they live differently. They care for one another like family. They pursue intentional fellowship that forms the mind of Christ. They pray—not to inform God, but to depend on Him. They fast—removing distractions so they can seek Him more fully. These rhythms are not religious performance. They are not ways to earn God's favor. They are the steady practices that align our hearts with His Lordship and knit us together as a spiritual family. If you've ever wondered what spiritual growth actually looks like in real life—not in theory, not in church slogans—this episode will give you a biblical and practical framework for walking faithfully with Jesus. This is Part 1 of the final section in our series on discipleship. Next week, we'll continue with worship, confession, Scripture, suffering, and making disciples. This podcast is listener-supported. If you believe in equipping believers to discern truth, leave deception, and stand firm in Christ, you can help carry this mission forward here:

Kanishka Raffel is the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, leading the diocese since 2021. Born in England and of Sri Lankan descent, Raffel migrated to Australia as a child and initially raised as a Buddhist, he embraced Christianity during his university years. Before his current role, Raffel served as the Dean of St Andrew's Cathedral in Sydney and held pastoral positions in Canberra, Goulburn, and Western Australia. His unique background and leadership in the Anglican Church are marked by a commitment to multiculturalism and community integration. Key Points: Multiculturalism and Faith: Raffel appreciates multiculturalism as both a cultural reality and a gospel opportunity, highlighting the biblical narrative from Babel to Pentecost. Christian Hospitality: The episode stresses the importance of Christians extending hospitality, modeled after God's hospitality, as a powerful means of advancing social cohesion and community relations. Navigating Fear: Exploring the role of fear in immigration debates, Raffel points to the online world’s potential to fuel radicalisation, emphasising the need for communities to remain non-reactive and welcoming. Biblical Framework for Immigration: Raffel uses Old Testament principles of welcoming the stranger to offer insights into current immigration policies. Leadership in Multicultural Contexts: Raffel calls for gentle, gospel-shaped leadership that acknowledges immigrants' vulnerabilities and models a Christ-like posture in public discourse. Notable Quotes: "At Pentecost, the Gospel is proclaimed in many languages. In Antioch, the walls that divide the ethnic quarters come down in the church of Jesus Christ." "The openness of the people of God to the stranger culminates in the person of Jesus Christ. His Lordship is a hospitable one, not a totalitarian one." "There’s tremendous opportunity for Christians who have experienced the hospitality of God in the gospel to offer hospitality." "It's very easy for native-born Australians to underestimate how disruptive, isolated, and confusing it is to be a migrant." "Peaceable and considerate leadership is needed in today's multicultural debate, as it provides a great opportunity to engage with gospel-shaped responses." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesus saves the outcasts of society who humbly receive Him but rejects the self-righteous who proudly refuse His Lordship. Therefore, rejoice in the Savior who has come and serve the King who will come again.

Where are you going spiritually? We may believe in Christ, we may attend a church, but how are we following Jesus? Pastor Heath preaches from Luke 5, that following Jesus is seeing His Lordship and our lack, hearing His call and learning to let go, and understanding how to be led by His Spirit.

Spencer Davis | College RetreatIn this episode, Spencer will look at Mark 14, where Jesus stands firm before a corrupt council, declaring His Lordship and embracing the cost, while Peter crumbles by a courtyard fire out of fear of being seen. This episode contrasts courage and collapse, exposes the quiet ways we deny Christ today, and points to the hope found in Christ.College RetreatPlease leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help others grow in their faith. Click here to get our Colossians Bible study.

In examining the interrogations of Jesus by Pilate and Herod in Luke 23, we recognize the human tendency to view Christ through the lens of our own personal interests and convenience. We see that while Pilate sought political peace and Herod sought entertainment, neither was willing to confront the reality of Jesus' true identity or authority. We understand that our faith cannot be something "moderately important" or a means to get what we want from a "heavenly genie," but must instead be a total surrender to His Lordship. By looking past our own desires and distractions, we commit to following Jesus not for the "signs" He might perform or the comfort He might provide, but because He is the King of Kings whose will must become our own.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023%3A1-12&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In this conversation, we're wrestling through identity, purpose, and belonging in a way that keeps bringing us back to one core truth: our identity is not rooted in what we do, what we've built, or what we've achieved. Our identity is rooted in who we are in Christ, and who we are with Him. We're reminded that obedience is not an add-on to faith; it's the evidence of it. And the more we abide in Jesus, the more we recognize that purpose is not something we manufacture; it's something we discover in relationship. We don't find clarity by striving harder. We find clarity by staying close. As we examine Scripture, we see this pattern repeated again and again: identity precedes assignment. God doesn't hand people a calling first and hope they figure out who they are later. He establishes belonging, then He entrusts responsibility. When we understand that we belong to God, it reshapes how we make decisions, what we say yes to, and what we can finally release. Our "why" gets purified. Our motives get exposed. Our pace changes. Our ambition gets reordered under His Lordship. Ultimately, this conversation is our call back to the center: a deeper relationship with Jesus. Not using Him to fuel our goals, but yielding our goals to His leadership. Because when Jesus is Lord, we don't have to chase identity. We live from it. If you want to go deeper with me, join the waitlist for my newest offer for Christian writers and authors: • 7 minutes a day • 7 days • 7 trainings • The old way of selling books is dead. • Learn the framework for repeatable book sales beyond Amazon. Join here If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone you think it will encourage and uplift. And be sure to follow me on Instagram at Resist and Roar for more faith-filled business leadership, plus support for writers and Christian authors who want consistent book sales. I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to DM me your thoughts on the podcast, or send over your prayer requests.

Following Jesus was never meant to be done alone—devotion to Christ shows up in how we pray, give, gather, serve, and submit our lives to His Lordship. This message calls us back to wholehearted devotion, reminding us that the Church is not optional, community is spiritual warfare, and unity is one of God's loudest witnesses to the world.

Jesus confronts the religious leaders with a profound theological challenge drawn from Psalm 110, exposing their limited understanding of the Messiah as merely a human descendant of David, while Scripture reveals Him as David's Lord—demonstrating His divine authority and eternal nature. The passage underscores that true faith requires more than intellectual assent; it demands personal submission to Jesus as both Christ and Lord, the sovereign ruler seated at God's right hand. The sermon emphasizes that a diminished Christ leads to a distorted religion, where human control replaces divine sovereignty, and warns against the modern error of accepting Jesus as Savior without acknowledging His Lordship. Ultimately, the central call is to recognize Jesus as the all-encompassing Lord of life, whose authority is inescapable, and whose salvation includes both forgiveness and transformative surrender, inviting all to bow in genuine worship before the King of Kings.

The Day of Pentecost marked a pivotal moment where God united the scattered Israelites, fulfilling ancient prophecies. Jews from all nations congregated in Jerusalem, drawn by God's call, and heard the gospel in their native tongues through the Holy Spirit. Dr. Smith reveals this event signified salvation, the end of exile, and the birth of the Church, a new family open to all who believe, including Gentiles. Peter emphasized that Jesus, through His death and resurrection, sent the Holy Spirit, signifying His Lordship and Messiahship. This unified the twelve tribes into one kingdom under Christ, offering salvation and a new life to all who turn from sin and embrace Jesus.

The Day of Pentecost marked a pivotal moment where God united the scattered Israelites, fulfilling ancient prophecies. Jews from all nations congregated in Jerusalem, drawn by God's call, and heard the gospel in their native tongues through the Holy Spirit. Dr. Smith reveals this event signified salvation, the end of exile, and the birth of the Church, a new family open to all who believe, including Gentiles. Peter emphasized that Jesus, through His death and resurrection, sent the Holy Spirit, signifying His Lordship and Messiahship. This unified the twelve tribes into one kingdom under Christ, offering salvation and a new life to all who turn from sin and embrace Jesus.

Jesus confronts the religious leaders with a profound theological challenge drawn from Psalm 110, exposing their limited understanding of the Messiah as merely a human descendant of David, while Scripture reveals Him as David's Lord—demonstrating His divine authority and eternal nature. The passage underscores that true faith requires more than intellectual assent; it demands personal submission to Jesus as both Christ and Lord, the sovereign ruler seated at God's right hand. The sermon emphasizes that a diminished Christ leads to a distorted religion, where human control replaces divine sovereignty, and warns against the modern error of accepting Jesus as Savior without acknowledging His Lordship. Ultimately, the central call is to recognize Jesus as the all-encompassing Lord of life, whose authority is inescapable, and whose salvation includes both forgiveness and transformative surrender, inviting all to bow in genuine worship before the King of Kings.

When the Holy Spirit manifests the Lordship of Christ, freedom is ALWAYS the result. Any area where there is a lack of freedom, there is a lack of surrender to His Lordship.www.realchurch.us

This sermon reminds us that our identity is not defined by status, power, limitation, or circumstance, but by belonging to Christ. Those with earthly freedom and influence are called to remember they are slaves to Christ—purchased to serve Him. Those who feel constrained, indebted, or trapped are called to remember they are free in Christ—purchased to belong to Him.Wherever we find ourselves, the calling is the same:Follow Christ in your situation and declare and demonstrate His Lordship and character.Listen and be strengthened to live faithfully—right where God has placed you.

In our INTERSECTION service, Mary Beth preaches from Luke 23: 33-43.  We see Jesus upon the cross, and see His call to love, even those who may be different from us. He is Lord, and He loves us. He calls us to do the same, love all we meet.  His Lordship pushes us away from the edges of our society, but to the middle, where we smash idols and love all. 

We continue looking at what it means to follow Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Remember, Jesus as Shepherd is an aspect of His Lordship. It demonstrates how He lovingly guides, protects, and leads us in every part of our lives. Don't miss the wrap up of our series, Jesus is Lord.

We continue exploring what it means to submit to Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Jesus as Shepherd is an aspect of His Lordship. It demonstrates how He lovingly guides, protects, and leads us in every part of our lives.

Jesus as the Shepherd reveals a tender yet powerful aspect of His Lordship. His constant guidance, care, and leading is crucial to our daily lives. When we follow His voice, we find direction, peace, and freedom from poverty in all its forms. Join us as we continue our series, Jesus Is Lord. Discover how the Shepherd's heart shapes our daily walk with Him.

You may have heard of a war movie from the 1940"s called, "God is My Co-Pilot". Bur if you think that God is just your co-pilot, perhaps you need to switch seats! God is the sovereign Lord of the universe and rules over every aspect of His creation. Have you submitted to His Lordship and sovereignty, and handed over the controls of your life to Him? Dr. Barnhouse reminds us that God is in control on Dr. Barnhouse and the Bible. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/791/29

There is a four word phrase in the Lord's Prayer that not only embodies the mindset for prayer, but also for everything in our life as believers. Humbly and sincerely asking for the Lord's will to be done shows our desire to see the world brought to Christ, while declaring our gratitude to Him for all He has done to transform us. So it is vital that we are willing to fully surrender ourselves to His Lordship, asking Him to make this the greatest hunger of our heart and mind.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7z_kQy1RyU&t=2289s

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“We cannot continue to send our children to Caesar for their education and be surprised when they come home as Romans.” “We mustn't live like those with ‘little faith' who compromise for the sake of food and clothing. What we do matters. And not every job is a good job.” “I understand that there are different expressions of Christianity in different cultures. Contextualization is essential for the growth and expansion of the church. But there is a difference between contextualization and compromise. Using goat's milk for communion in a culture that has never heard of wine or grapes is contextualization; sacrificing the goat is compromise. Having a Saturday night service because we have run out of room in all four Sunday services is contextualization; having a Saturday night service to accommodate and/or appease people who are ‘too busy' on Sunday is compromise.”~Voddie Baucham (March 11, 1969 to September 25, 2025), American pastor and author, who left this world too early “If God is Creator of the Universe, then it must follow that He is the Lord of the whole universe. No part of the world is outside of His Lordship. That means no part of my life must be outside of His Lordship.”~R.C Sproul, American theologian (1939-2017) “When Jesus is truly our Lord, He directs our lives, and we gladly obey Him. Indeed we bring every part of our lives under His lordship - our home and family, our sexuality and marriage, our job or unemployment, our money and possessions, our ambitions and recreations.”~John Stott, British theologian (1921-2011)SERMON PASSAGE1 Peter 2:1-12 (NIV) 1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:     “See, I lay a stone in Zion,       a chosen and precious cornerstone,       and the one who trusts in him       will never be put to shame.”   7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,     “The stone the builders rejected       has become the cornerstone,” 8 and,     “A stone that causes people to stumble       and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

In this first part of the Walking by Faith series, we explore what true biblical faith really is. The Bible says it's impossible, not just difficult, to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6). But faith is more than just belief. Belief acknowledges truth, but faith acts on it. Abraham didn't just believe God's promises; he left home and followed. The heroes of Hebrews 11 weren't remembered for what they believed, but for what they did by faith. Many today confuse belief with saving faith, but Scripture is clear: we are saved by grace through faith, a faith marked by repentance, surrender, obedience, and transformation. The question is not simply, “Do you believe in Jesus?” The real question is: “Have you placed your faith in Him, turning from sin, surrendering to His Lordship, and living daily by faith?”

Pat welcomes guitarist, singer and songwriter James Walbourne to the Zoom Room to promote the new His Lordship album "Bored Animal" and discuss his career in music with Pretenders and The Rails!Credit Photo of James Walbourne by Photographer Larry NieheusSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pastor Micah Klutinoty in John 17:1-5 reminds us that Jesus, the eternal Son of glory, stepped into the world of shame to accomplish through the cross what no one else could—securing salvation and eternal life for those who believe. His prayer acknowledges His coming glory through the cross, His Lordship over all, the gift of eternal life, the finished work of redemption, and His eternal divine glory.

Jesus came to bring the Kingdom of God – God's rule and reign. It did not come as everyone expected. People had to change their mind (repent) and believe in Jesus the King. In this panoramic look at the acts of Jesus after He announced the Kingdom we see the nature of His Kingdom and what happens 'When The Kingdom Comes' among us. As you listen, expect God's Kingdom to invade your life. Allow Him to change your thinking and embrace His Lordship in your heart. This message is available at https://www.preachtheword.com now in MP3 audio format...

On His way to Jerusalem to give His life on the Cross, Jesus turns aside to the crowd following Him ... summoning those that would follow Him to wholehearted allegiance to His Lordship in thier lives. (Lk 14:26) As we do so, we find the abundant life Jesus said He came to give. (Jn 10:10)

Sometimes the Jesus we want isn't the Jesus we get. As Jesus begins His journey to the cross, He reveals His true identity—and it demands a response. The crowds shout “Hosanna,” hoping for the kind of king they expected. But Jesus came not just to save, but to rule. His Lordship means dethroning ourselves and surrendering fully to Him. From the fig tree that appeared alive but bore no fruit, to the temple He cleared with righteous authority, Jesus exposes spiritual hypocrisy and calls us to full submission. He is King, Judge, and Lord of all—and when we welcome Him in, He comes with authority, ready to purify our hearts and realign our lives with His mission and His ways. That purification may bring disruption, but it's a holy disruption—a reordering of our lives under His rule. It challenges us to ask: does Jesus have access to every area of our lives—our time, our resources, our giftings—or are we still holding the reins?You can join our OneLife Sunday morning gatherings via livestream at 8:45am and 10;30am CST every Sunday morning. Or if you're local to the Bay Area of Houston, we'd love to have you join us in person Saturdays at 5pm and Sundays at 8:45am, 10:30am, or 12:30pm!Subscribe to our YouTube channel to join us live on Sunday mornings: https://www.youtube.com/@onelifechurch381Listen to more messages from OneLife Church at https://www.onelifehouston.com/messagesIf you would like to give to OneLife Church, you can do that here https://www.onelifehouston.com/giveAt OneLife, we want to be and make disciples of Jesus who love God, one another, and our world. We are God's people making much of Jesus in everyday life for the good of the neighborhoods in the Bay Area of Houston and beyond.For more information about us and our gatherings, visit https://www.onelifehouston.comConnect with us over social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onelifehouston​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onelifechurch

Sometimes the Jesus we want isn't the Jesus we get. As Jesus begins His journey to the cross, He reveals His true identity—and it demands a response. The crowds shout “Hosanna,” hoping for the kind of king they expected. But Jesus came not just to save, but to rule. His Lordship means dethroning ourselves and surrendering fully to Him. From the fig tree that appeared alive but bore no fruit, to the temple He cleared with righteous authority, Jesus exposes spiritual hypocrisy and calls us to full submission. He is King, Judge, and Lord of all—and when we welcome Him in, He comes with authority, ready to purify our hearts and realign our lives with His mission and His ways. That purification may bring disruption, but it's a holy disruption—a reordering of our lives under His rule. It challenges us to ask: does Jesus have access to every area of our lives—our time, our resources, our giftings—or are we still holding the reins?You can join our OneLife Sunday morning gatherings via livestream at 8:45am and 10;30am CST every Sunday morning. Or if you're local to the Bay Area of Houston, we'd love to have you join us in person Saturdays at 5pm and Sundays at 8:45am, 10:30am, or 12:30pm!Subscribe to our YouTube channel to join us live on Sunday mornings: https://www.youtube.com/@onelifechurch381Listen to more messages from OneLife Church at https://www.onelifehouston.com/messagesIf you would like to give to OneLife Church, you can do that here https://www.onelifehouston.com/giveAt OneLife, we want to be and make disciples of Jesus who love God, one another, and our world. We are God's people making much of Jesus in everyday life for the good of the neighborhoods in the Bay Area of Houston and beyond.For more information about us and our gatherings, visit https://www.onelifehouston.comConnect with us over social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onelifehouston​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onelifechurch

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 15 Jesus continues His discourse with the Apostles. Jesus identifies Himself as “the true vine.” His followers are like branches that draw nutrients from Him. To “abide in Him” is to be connected to Jesus, to hear His words, and to gain strength from His power. This must result in good fruit born by the branches. To bear the fruit of good works is to prove to be His disciple. Love binds the Vine to the branches. Jesus has shown His love by laying down His life for His friends. His friends show love in return by keeping His commandments and loving one another. The world hates Jesus and His followers, but love will define His people. Jesus again promises the Apostles that the Holy Spirit will help them in their work.  As noted in the previous chapter, some of this content is unique to the Apostles. The Holy Spirit would testify through the Apostles in miraculous ways. The Holy Spirit is also at work for us; He teaches us through the scripture. Many other elements of this chapter apply to us all. Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches. We must remain connected to Him and bear fruit, lest we be cut away by the Father. Specifically, Jesus demands that we keep His commandments and love our fellow believers. We will be maligned by the world for serving Jesus because people of the world reject His Lordship. But fellow Christians should always be a source of love and support.   Creator God, we know that You have made us to bring honor to You. And that means living obedient lives and loving others the way You love us. Will You help us see how desperately we need Jesus to do these things? Show us how to connect to Jesus and how to draw our strength and direction from Him. We are committed to bearing the good fruit of obedience and love in a world of disobedience and hate. Show us how to love Christians in an enduring way, and please help us through the presence and teachings of Your Holy Spirit. Thought Questions: -       Are you abiding in Christ and bearing fruit through His strength? What examples in your life demonstrate this process to others? -       The Lord has commanded us to love one another. Can your faith be a saving faith if you do not actively love and serve Christians? -       The worldly have no excuse for living in sin and disregarding the King. How can you help them see their need for Jesus?

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 7 Jesus' unbelieving brothers encourage Him to go to Jerusalem and publicly work miracles. Jesus refuses and later goes up more privately, and He eventually enters the temple and teaches the people. He gives all glory to His Father for His words of wisdom. Though many believed in Jesus when He acknowledged having come from the Father, many Jewish leaders sought to kill Him. Jesus makes a series of beautiful claims. He is soon to return to His Father. All who come to Him with spiritual thirst will be gifted a flowing river of living water. Those who believe in Him will be given the Holy Spirit. These messages divide the crowd. Some proclaim Him as the Christ, but the Pharisees will not believe and become even more angry.  Even Jesus' brothers had doubts about Him before His resurrection from the dead. Jesus continues to be patient with them and with all His disciples in His teaching. He is also insistent that He has come from the Father, and He has all authority to teach and would be returning to the Father. The kingdom would leave no middle ground for disciples to believe in His blessing without also trusting in His Lordship. Jesus will come and take us home with Him. He will fill us with eternal life and the Holy Spirit. But there cannot be doubt within us. We must confidently assert Him to be “the Prophet” and “the Christ”, even in the face of those who reject Him.  God of Grace, You have shown Your deep love for us in sending Jesus to guide us back to You. Thank You for His ministry, His wisdom, and the undeniable proofs of His Sonship. So many will not believe in Him. So many are inconsistent in their willingness to obey Him. We pray for the resolve to put our lives in the hands of the Prophet and to surrender to Him as the Christ. Please fill us with salvation from Your Holy Spirit. We also ask for boldness to always defend Your honor and to invite others to surrender to Jesus. Thought Questions: -       Many hated Jesus because He exposed their sinful deeds to be evil. Do you also have to see sin as evil to be a follower of Jesus? -       Jesus always redirected glory away from Himself and to the Father. In what ways should we be openly redirecting all praise to God?   -       The Pharisees rejected all testimony about Jesus. What leads hearts to be that hard to truth, and how do you avoid that same fate?

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 5 Jesus returns to Jerusalem and heals a man who has been lame for 38 years. The Jews begin to persecute Jesus for healing on the Sabbath day. Jesus responds by proclaiming that He is carrying out His Father's work. The leaders understand Jesus to be claiming a special relationship with God, so they seek to kill Him. Jesus claims to be sent by God and presents testimony to prove it. Firstly, the preaching of John the Baptist verifies the deity of Jesus. Secondly, the miracles of Jesus prove His heavenly power. Thirdly, the Old Testament scripture, including the teachings of Moses, prophesy concerning Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus has the authority to speak for God and He will be the final judge over all men on the last day! It must have been incredible to be healed by Jesus after 38 years of illness. Jesus levels a powerful message to the healed man: “Do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” Surely this man lived the rest of his days in faithfulness to God. The Jewish leaders were too busy arguing about Sabbath rules to see the amazing things Christ was doing. We must be like the healed man and not the Pharisees. We are healed from a life of sin by Jesus. And we are charged with faithfulness in His honor. Jesus has proven His power to save and direct us. If we stay humble, we will have compassion for everyone who needs Jesus.  Dear Father, before Jesus found us, we were burdened by sin and unable to stand justified on our own. But Your Son has saved us by His grace. Help us to live every day in thankfulness to Him. He has also directed us to flee from sin and honor His Lordship. Please teach us how to do those things joyfully. Strengthen us to have hearts of faith that believe the testimony about Jesus, and hearts that lovingly adore Him and care about others as much as He does. We will love Him and live in readiness for His return. Thought Questions: -       What has Jesus healed in you that was previously a heavy burden? Are you thankful enough to “not sin anymore” in His honor? -       Jesus provided testimony to prove His Lordship. What evidence would you provide to convince someone Jesus is God? -       Jesus is coming again in the final judgment. Are you ready for that day to come? How do you do your best to stay ready?