Podcasts about Hold fast

Despite only having between 95,000 and 120,000 members nationwide, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has a hot political hand. To most Americans the DSA remains a mystery, but its impact is being felt in elections throughout the country. Conservatives are keeping one eye open but are largely dismissive. Establishment liberals are furious with the group. This episode puts the DSA in historical context and offers insight into how past challenges and current opposition present future opportunities for the social movement of record in the United States. Chapters Intro: 00:00:44 Max Notes: 00:01:27 Outro: 00:28:47 Resources Commentary: The Democratic Socialist Congregation The Washington Post: Don’t fear a ‘Bolshevik revolution.’ It’s a DSA fairy tale. Americans for Prosperity: On Constitution Day, here are the ways the DSA agenda undermines America’s founding UNFTR Resources Video: On The Record 09-29-26 (The Rise Of The DSA: What You Need To Know.) -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Become a member at unftr.com/memberships. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility Intro music by Hold Fast.Support the show: https://www.unftr.com/membershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brother Jim Shaw Ministries End Days Warning: Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders and the Coming of Grievous Wolves Brother Jim Shaw preaches from Acts 20 on Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders, warning that grievous wolves will enter the church, and calls listeners to repentance, watchfulness, and freedom from the idols of comfort, sports, and drink. Hold Fast in the End Days Brother Jim Shaw opens the broadcast urging listeners to hold fast, declaring that the end days are near. He marvels that modern technology, cell phones reaching anyone on the planet, GPS precise enough to find a golf ball on any course, is easily believed, yet people resist believing in Jesus. He tells the audience they were created for the glory of God but remain sinners, fallen and led by their own lusts, which want to make themselves God. Brother Jim insists there is no escape from this condition other than what happened at the cross, the blood sacrificed by the Lamb, calling every alternative, good works, any preacher, any religion, kindness itself, a deception outside of that blood. He explains that once a person accepts what Christ did at the cross and becomes reborn, fruit follows because the seed of God's word has been planted, but fruit without the blood of Christ is only deception and the respect of men. Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders Brother Jim Shaw turns to Acts chapter twenty, reading how Paul, hurrying toward Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost, sends from Miletus for the elders of the church at Ephesus. He reads Paul's account of serving the Lord with humility, tears, and temptations while the Jews lay in wait to kill him, teaching publicly and house to house, testifying both to Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. Brother Jim stresses that Paul kept preaching even knowing he was hunted, and applies this directly to listeners, warning that anyone who wants to walk the walk of Christ will come under attack, whether through people, weather, thoughts, or temptations. He reminds the audience that repentance is not a one time event, comparing it to a righteous man falling seven times yet always getting back up, and urges listeners caught in bondage or facing recurring temptation to keep fighting rather than give in to discouragement. Bound in the Spirit, Undeterred by Chains Brother Jim Shaw continues reading Acts twenty, where Paul says he goes bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what awaits him except that the Holy Ghost testifies in every city that bonds and afflictions await him. He marvels that the Spirit sent Paul out to preach while warning him of coming suffering, and reads Paul's declaration that none of these things move him, that he does not count his own life dear so that he might finish his course with joy and complete the ministry received from the Lord Jesus. Brother Jim warns listeners that the end days are near and that conveniences like radio, YouTube, electricity, and gasoline, which he calls two massive golden calves society depends on, could vanish quickly, urging people to relish God's word today rather than assume anything is guaranteed. He notes that everyone was born naked and helpless, dependent entirely on others, and has already survived hopeless positions before. Feed Yourself First, Then the Flock Brother Jim Shaw reads Paul telling the Ephesian elders that they will see his face no more, and that he is pure from the blood of all men because he did not shun to declare the whole counsel of God. He reads Paul's charge to take heed first to themselves and then to the flock over which the Holy Ghost made them overseers, to feed the church of God purchased with his own blood. Brother Jim explains that believers must feed themselves the word of God before they can care for others, noting that Christ's sheep are found everywhere, in convenience store lines, at gas stations, drywalling, or repairing an electrical panel. He then reads Paul's grim prophecy that after his departure grievous wolves will enter in, not sparing the flock, and that even men from among the believers themselves will rise up speaking perverted things to draw disciples away, a warning Paul delivered with tears for three years. Repentance, Football, and the Golden Calf of Idols Brother Jim Shaw warns listeners not to get past the simplicity of Christ or slide into bondage of rituals and traditions, insisting that real rebirth always brings change. He shares a conversation with a man who noticed he could no longer watch football the way he used to, calling it evidence of repentance and the Lord tilling the soil, and clarifies that football and money are not evil in themselves but become idols once given power over a person's heart. Brother Jim recalls his own conversion, when he could not enter a restaurant with a bar for three years or watch football for five years without crying over stadiums full of people caring only about a first down. He says he has since found peace and can enter such places again without partaking, but describes alcohol bluntly as a pharmaceutical, noting that even the world calls liquor wine and spirits, and warns that a little leaven spoils the whole loaf. Paul's Example of Labor and Giving Brother Jim Shaw finishes his reading from Acts twenty, where Paul reminds the Ephesian elders that his own hands ministered to his needs and to those with him, working, by his account elsewhere, night and day so no one could accuse him of stealing their money. He reads Paul's instruction that by such labor believers ought to support the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that it is more blessed to give than to receive, framing Paul's refusal of gold, silver, or apparel as proof his message was pure truth rather than a bribe. The account closes with Paul kneeling down and praying with the elders before Brother Jim gives his own blessing, telling listeners to stay in Jesus and fight the good fight of faith. The broadcast ends with the announcer returning to give the ministry's website, a post office box in Vero Beach, Florida, a phone number, and a mention of Brother Jim's YouTube page for further sermons.

Max and 99 are back for another round of Omnibus. They hit headlines on Carney’s airport privatization sellout and the Ebola outbreak in the DRC that’s on pace to be the worst the world has ever seen. Then they tackle listener emails on AI recursive self-improvement hype and the TESCREAL cult behind it, Greenland’s surrender of sovereignty to Trump, and why “regulation” is just a sanitized word for protection. Enjoy! Chapters Intro: 00:00:31 Headlines: 00:13:20 Emails: 00:28:40 Memberships: 01:03:21 Outro: 01:04:45 Resources Subscribe to Current Affairs Magazine. Wired: The World Forgot About Ebola. The Organization Fighting It Has Never Been More Worried Canadian Dimension: Carney’s airport privatization is a looming disaster: ‘Highway 407 of the skies’ UNFTR Resources Video: Why We’re Still Living in Milton Friedman’s Neoliberal World. -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Become a member at unftr.com/memberships. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility Intro music by Hold Fast.Support the show: https://www.unftr.com/membershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speaker: Zach Higgins. No text available. The post Hold Fast to What Lies Ahead (Hebrews 12:1-2) appeared first on Biblical Truths from West Palm Beach church of Christ.

The CLARITY Act (Digital Asset Market Clarity Act) failed to pass cloture and won’t be taken up on the Senate floor. This is very, very good news. Despite attempts until the last minute by New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand—a Democrat who is closely associated with the crypto lobby—not a single one of her colleagues came over to her side. So even she voted “no” to advance the bill. This likely means CLARITY is dead for the foreseeable future. But it doesn’t mean it’s gone. This is a victory for the banking industry and a huge blow to the Trump family who were banking (pun intended) on this bill setting up World Liberty Financial to be one of the wealthiest stablecoin firms in the world. Resources Politico: Gillibrand privately urges Dems to advance crypto bill CNBC: Trump agrees to ethics requirements in crypto Clarity Act as GOP seeks Democratic votes ABA Banking Journal: ABA, banking groups warn revised Clarity Act fails to protect community banks Unchained: Banking Groups Push Senate to Tighten CLARITY Act Stablecoin Rules, Warning of Deposit Flight decrypt: Tether Reports $1.5B Q2 Profit as USDT Supply Grows, Gold Holdings Rise UNFTR Resources Video: The CLARITY Act is DEAD: Why Trump’s Crypto Scheme Failed. Essay: The CLARITY Act is Dead (For Now). Episode: Trump is Looting the Treasury. -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Become a member at unftr.com/memberships. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility Intro music by Hold Fast.Support the show: https://www.unftr.com/membershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Fr. Michael talks about how he thinks about putting together a homily. He uses a recent Sunday Gospel and Epistle to show how he thinks about homilies and how we can link passages to our daily lives. Fr. Michael talks about the importance of reading the readings ahead of Divine Liturgy, especially if you are cantoring them.References:The Hidden Power of Silence in the Mass: A Guide for Encountering Christ in the LiturgyFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Hebrews 4:14-5:10 If Christ is our only hope for a victorious faith, we must seek victory in Christ alone.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12, Paul writes to a church troubled by confusion about the return of Christ. His response is not to fuel speculation or fear, but to anchor them again in what is true: Jesus is coming back, God remains sovereign, and the victory of Christ is certain.Yet the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Its temptation is as old as Eden: to reject God's authority and place ourselves on the throne to determine truth, morality and the direction of our lives for ourselves. Often, that drift does not happen all at once, but through small compromises over a lifetime.As we wait for Christ, we are called to remain vigilant, submit ourselves to God, and hold fast to the truth of the gospel. Our hope is not in our ability to figure out every detail of the end times or to keep ourselves secure. Our hope is in Jesus Christ, the One who reigns, the One who keeps us, and the One who is coming again.

Speaker: Zach Higgins. No text available. The post Hold Fast To What Remains (Hebrews 12:1) appeared first on Biblical Truths from West Palm Beach church of Christ.

Today we come to four short instructions that are especially important in a time when we are constantly surrounded bycompeting voices and spiritual claims. Paul writes: “Do not quench theSpirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.Abstain from every form of evil.”  FirstPaul says: “Do not quench the Spirit.” The word “quench” is normallyused of putting out a fire. The Holy Spirit is often pictured in Scripture inconnection with fire. Paul is saying, “Do not resist or suppress the work ofGod's Spirit in your life.” How can we quench the Spirit? We can ignore Hisconviction. We can knowingly hold on to sin. We can refuse to obey somethingGod has clearly shown us in His Word. We can become spiritually cold andindifferent. The Holy Spirit desires to work in us and through us. Paul tellsus: Don't put out the fire. Thenhe says: “Do not despise prophecies.” In the early church, before theNew Testament Scriptures were completed, God used prophetic utterances in aspecial way to communicate His truth. But Paul immediately gives an importantbalance. Verse 21 says: “Test all things.” In other words: Don't believeeverything simply because someone claims it came from God. That is tremendouslyimportant today. Just because someone says: “God told me…” does notautomatically make their words true. Just because a preacher says somethingwith confidence does not mean it is biblical. Just because something appears onthe Internet, television, or social media doesn't mean we should accept it. Paulsays: “Test all things.” Whatis our test? The Word of God. The Bereans in Acts 17 were commended becausethey received Paul's teaching eagerly but then: “Searched the Scripturesdaily to find out whether these things were so.” Think about that. Theyeven checked the teaching of the apostle Paul against the Scriptures! That is awonderful example for us. Don't simply ask: “Does this sound good?” Ask: “Is itbiblical?” Don't ask only: “Is this preacher popular?” Ask: “Is what he issaying consistent with God's Word?” Don't accept a teaching merely because itmakes you feel good. Test it by Scripture. ThenPaul says: “Hold fast what is good.” Once something has been tested andfound true, don't let it go. There are some truths we should hold with a firmgrip. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He died for our sins. He rose bodily fromthe grave. Salvation is by grace through faith. The Bible is God's Word. Jesusis coming again. Hold fast. Our culture changes rapidly. God's truthdoes not. Thenverse 22 says: “Abstain from every form of evil.” The Christian lifeinvolves both holding on and letting go. Hold fast to what is good. Stay awayfrom what is evil. Sometimes we ask, “How close can I get to something sinfulwithout actually crossing the line?” That is the wrong question. Paul says: “Abstain.”Move away from evil. Joseph demonstrated that in Genesis 39 when Potiphar'swife tempted him. He didn't stay there and discuss the situation. He fled. SecondTimothy 2:22 says: “Flee also youthful lusts.” There are times when themost spiritual thing we can do is simply get away from the temptation.  Thesefour instructions give us a wonderful pattern for spiritual discernment: Don'tresist the Holy Spirit. Don't reject truth merely because it challenges you. Testeverything by God's Word. Hold tightly to what is good and stay away from whatis evil. We desperately need that kind of discernment today. Let'spray. Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit and Your Word.Help us not to resist or quench the work of Your Spirit in our hearts. Give usdiscernment so that we do not believe every spiritual claim we hear. Teach usto test everything by the truth of Scripture. Help us hold fast to what is goodand faithfully reject every form of evil. In a world filled with confusion andcompeting voices, keep our hearts and minds anchored firmly in Your truth. InJesus' name, we pray. Amen.

We would love to hear from you!In the final instalment of our series for Summer 2026, Anna sums up our study of Hebrews chapters 1 to 6.

Today, we're bringing you a field recording from ISBJØRN! Skipper Manot Berger and August Sandberg were sitting down aboard the boat some days before the crew arrived and discussed the upcoming passage from Bergen, Norway to the Faroe Islands. So you get to be a fly on the wall in ISBJØRN's salon, listening in on this conversation between two experienced Skippers. Lots of good takeaways here if you are planning to sail the North Sea or the Norwegian Sea! We are spending some time discussing potential stopovers in Shetland or the Orkneys, both located half-way between Norway and the Faroes, and we also look ahead to the next passage, Faroes to Reykjavik and discuss potential routing there. This was recorded in the first week of July, 2026. If this makes your sealegs itch, come sailing with us! We actually have two open bunks on FALKEN coming up on September 21 already, she is sailing from Ensenada to Monterey Bay with Alex and Adam onboard. That is going to be such a fun trip, those guys are just the absolute best, spending time with Adam and Alex, their friendship, it just makes you adore all human beings. You can find that one and other openings on 59-North.com/bunks. We are also about to announce some extra bonus passages in the fall of 2027, probably at the end of this week, and we are also working on 2028, which is going to be a pretty exciting year for both boats. To not miss out on any of this, go to 59-north.com/newsletter and sign up to get exciting sailing opportunities and other news straight to your inbox. Also, join the crew at quarterdeck.59-north.com! Hang out with August, Andy and the rest of the 59 North team, and our wonderful community of sailors. A huge thanks to all of our members for making this podcast possible. Have a wonderful day, and HOLD FAST! -- This episode is sponsored by BVI Yacht Sales, our boat broker friends from Tortola and Annapolis. Go to bviyachtsales.com to have a look at all the cool boats they have listed right now! And if you find your dream boat elsewhere, they can be your buyers broker! 

Speaker: Zach Higgins. No text available. The post Hold Fast To Their Testimony (Hebrews 12:1-2) appeared first on Biblical Truths from West Palm Beach church of Christ.

By Mark Regoord - The triumphant return of Jesus Christ to usher in the Kingdom of God is a fundamental part of the vision we embrace. Scripture tells us that it is God' good pleasure to give us that Kingdom and we have a responsibility to walk worthy of those promises... repenting, overcoming, growing, and enduring.

Are you facing unexpected tragedies or feeling completely abandoned after making the right decisions? When your life's narrative takes a painful turn, your posture during the process matters. Like Joseph in the pit, discover how choosing to fear God in your darkest moments leads to the ultimate fulfillment of His promises today!

Sermon | Hebrews 10:19-25 | Sunday Evening Service, September 6, 2026. Preacher: Jamey Smuts This sermon examines Hebrews 10:19-25 to outline three essential responses for believers based on the finished work of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that through Christ's sacrifice, believers have confidence to enter God's presence and are called to draw near with sincerity and faith. The message urges holding fast to the confession of hope without wavering, grounded in the faithfulness of God who guarantees salvation. Additionally, it stresses the importance of mutual encouragement within the church body, urging members not to neglect gathering together as they anticipate Christ's return. Ultimately, the text calls for a life of active love and good deeds fueled by gratitude for redemption. Visit Benoni Bible Church: www.benonibiblechurch.co.za Address: 149 President Brand Rd, Rynfield, Benoni - view on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oag383xq3U2b7RQN6 Copyright © 2026, Benoni Bible Church. All rights reserved.

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOSTAugust 30, 2026MORNING WORSHIP – 10:00 AM

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga. El Toro Sailing. My US Navy pediatric nurse off-duty days were spent sailing a tiny boat in the shipping channel off the Port of Norfolk. Believe it or not I sailed an 8x4 foot single-masted, centerboard El Toro that flew across the water. An old skipper powered a battered motor boat across the waves, curling around my boat with a great rooster tail spraying, and hurled a white styrofoam block wrapped with an old rope. It landed right in my lap. The block had been hollowed out to fit 2 cold cans of beer. That was a good day! Bad days. But when the days weren't so good, when I had more downs than ups, kids got worse, some died, moms needed comforting and support when dads were away at sea, self-doubts about working pediatrics crowded my thoughts, or a well-deserved leave was cancelled, I had to learn to “hold fast.” Hold Fast at Sea. For centuries sailing was a dangerous profession, and ships were often caught in storms or rough seas. “Hold fast!” commanded sailors to secure equipment, and ropes or lines to prevent accidents or maintain safety and stability on ships especially during turbulent weather conditions. Sailors would shout “hold fast!” to each other when they needed to grab onto something firmly so that they wouldn't get thrown off balance by the towering waves. Sailors learned quickly that “hold fast” means to maintain a firm grip on something despite external forces trying to pull it away. It could come down to saving a life or “man overboard” at a time when few boys and men knew how to swim. Hold Fast Today. Over time, “hold fast” came to mean strength, perseverance and determination in facing adversity when challenges threatened to unmoor your own stability. While the old nautical term and the present day variation have distinct meanings, they share a common thread: steadfastness. Whether you're holding onto a rope during rough seas or standing up for what you believe in, “hold fast” requires unwavering commitment and resilience. The Future Will Prevail. The unprecedented conditions we find ourselves in today demand a grounded personal presence of internal strength and determination, maintaining one's grip on values, kindness, empathy, and holding on to hope. The worn out, deteriorated, broken-down, and decaying patriarchy is railing against the future. The future will prevail. We must hold fast so that it arrives. Hold fast with all the resilience you can muster even when you feel you cannot hold fast a moment longer. That is the place the tide will turn. CTA: What if we hold fast and we get things right? Check out World Economic Forum's Sustainable Development Vision for 2030 to give yourself a bit more hope: Thank you for listening. I'm glad you're here. You're invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, Subscribe & Spread this episode with a generous 5-star review & comment—it helps us all—& join us next time! AND! Stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website during reconstruction, email me [info@quartermoonstoryarts.net] to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as Quarter Moon Story Arts on Substack while I renovate that site, too. Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts Music: Entering Erdenheim by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. Enjoy my work? Share & attribute it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Revelation 3:7–13 7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. 8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' Introduction – A Church with Little Strength I. Christ Holds the Key and Opens the Door (vv.7-8) II. Christ Values Faithfulness More Than Strength (v.8) III. Christ Will Vindicate His Faithful People (vv.9-10) IV. Christ Calls His Church to Hold Fast (vv.11-13) Application: BE FAITHFUL Conclusion

This episode studies Revelation 3:7–13, focusing on Christ's identity, His commendation of the church in Philadelphia, and the promises given to the faithful. It explains the open door of ministry, the call to persevere amid opposition, deliverance from the coming hour of trial, and the rewards awaiting those who hold fast.

In today's First Reading, St Paul instructs the Thessalonians to ”stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.” Marcus unpacks today's readings.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Test all things; hold fast what is good. [NKJV]

Hold Fast to Truth - The Promise of His Return: 2 Peter 3

Revelation 2:18–29 18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. 20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, 23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. 24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. 25 Only hold fast what you have until I come. 26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'   Introduction – A Growing Church with a Serious Problem I. Christ Sees His Church Clearly (Vv. 18–19) II. Christ Condemns the Toleration of Sin (Vv. 20) III. Christ Gives Time to Repent (Vv. 21–23) IV. Christ Calls the Faithful to Hold Fast (Vv. 24–29) Application Conclusion

Have you ever had a mentor who meant the world to you — someone whose guidance shaped you, whose presence steadied you, and whose absence you cannot quite imagine navigating without? The bond between a mentor and a mentee is one of the most formative relationships a person can have, and when that relationship changes or ends, the loss can feel staggering. Second Kings 2 gives us one of Scripture's most vivid and tender portraits of exactly that kind of transition. Elisha had followed Elijah faithfully for years, staying by his side through every step, refusing to leave him even three times on the road to the Jordan. When Elijah asks what he can do for Elisha before he is taken away, Elisha's answer is remarkable in its depth: let me inherit a double portion of your spirit. It is the request of someone who understands that the mission must continue, who honors his mentor so deeply that he wants to carry the torch forward and carry it well. And then the chariot of fire came, the whirlwind took Elijah, and Elisha saw him no more. What follows is one of the most powerful demonstrations of inherited spiritual legacy in all of Scripture: Elisha picks up the cloak, strikes the water, and the Jordan divides. The same God who worked through Elijah was still present and active. Missions can change hands, leaders can pass, and relationships can shift — but in the power of a bond built on honor, trust, and faith, God is always with us. Today's Bible Verse "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?" 'Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,' Elisha replied."— 2 Kings 2:9, NIV Ponder Today God places specific people in our lives for specific seasons, and His purposes do not end when those seasons do. The transition from Elijah to Elisha, Moses to Joshua, and John the Baptist to Jesus all reveal a God who orchestrates the passing of a torch with intentional care and continuity. A request for more of a mentor's spirit is one of the deepest forms of honor. Elisha was not asking for comfort or an easier road. He was asking to be equipped to carry the mission forward even more faithfully than before — out of love and respect for what Elijah had given him. Fear and grief can coexist with faithful forward movement. Elisha likely felt both dread and sorrow at losing Elijah. His request for a double portion was not the absence of fear — it may have been his way of choosing faith over it. What mentors deposit in us does not leave when they do. The courage, wisdom, and faith that Elijah poured into Elisha showed up the moment Elisha struck the water and the Jordan divided. The investment of a faithful mentor outlasts their presence. God is always with us through the transitions — even the ones that feel like loss. When a cherished relationship changes or ends, He does not leave us without guidance or strength. He continues to lead, equip, and show up for those who trust Him. A Prayer for You Today God, thank You for the mentors in my life who have guided and equipped me. Thank You for showing me how to hold fast to their teachings as a lasting gift, even when the relationship changes or they are gone. It is not easy to lose a close relationship with someone I admire, yet somehow they remain in my heart. Please fill me with Your courage when I have to let go, and give me faith to believe I can step up and step into a new role when a relationship changes hands. I need Your wisdom always. Keep guiding me to relationships that inspire me to grow better amid all the changes You lead me through. In Your precious name, Amen. Want More? This week, we're excited to introduce The Good Word, a new way to receive weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement right in your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga. El Toro Sailing. My US Navy pediatric nurse off-duty days were spent sailing a tiny boat in the shipping channel off the Port of Norfolk. Believe it or not I sailed an 8x4 foot single-masted, centerboard El Toro that flew across the water. An old skipper powered a battered motor boat across the waves, curling around my boat with a great rooster tail spraying, and hurled a white styrofoam block wrapped with an old rope. It landed right in my lap. The block had been hollowed out to fit 2 cold cans of beer. That was a good day! Bad days. But when the days weren't so good, when I had more downs than ups, kids got worse, some died, moms needed comforting and support when dads were away at sea, self-doubts about working pediatrics crowded my thoughts, or a well-deserved leave was cancelled, I had to learn to “hold fast.” Hold Fast at Sea. For centuries sailing was a dangerous profession, and ships were often caught in storms or rough seas. “Hold fast!” commanded sailors to secure equipment, and ropes or lines to prevent accidents or maintain safety and stability on ships especially during turbulent weather conditions. Sailors would shout “hold fast!” to each other when they needed to grab onto something firmly so that they wouldn't get thrown off balance by the towering waves. Sailors learned quickly that “hold fast” means to maintain a firm grip on something despite external forces trying to pull it away. It could come down to saving a life or “man overboard” at a time when few boys and men knew how to swim. Hold Fast Today. Over time, “hold fast” came to mean strength, perseverance and determination in facing adversity when challenges threatened to unmoor your own stability. While the old nautical term and the present day variation have distinct meanings, they share a common thread: steadfastness. Whether you're holding onto a rope during rough seas or standing up for what you believe in, “hold fast” requires unwavering commitment and resilience. The Future Will Prevail. The unprecedented conditions we find ourselves in today demand a grounded personal presence of internal strength and determination, maintaining one's grip on values, kindness, empathy, and holding on to hope. The worn out, deteriorated, broken-down, and decaying patriarchy is railing against the future. The future will prevail. We must hold fast so that it arrives. Hold fast with all the resilience you can muster even when you feel you cannot hold fast a moment longer. That is the place the tide will turn.   CTA: What if we hold fast and we get things right? Check out World Economic Forum's Sustainable Development Vision for 2030 to give yourself a bit more hope: Thank you for listening. I'm glad you're here.   You're invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, Subscribe & Spread this episode with a generous 5-star review & comment—it helps us all—& join us next time! AND!  Stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website during reconstruction, email me [info@quartermoonstoryarts.net] to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as Quarter Moon Story Arts on Substack while I renovate that site, too. Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts Music: Entering Erdenheim by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. Enjoy my work? Share & attribute it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source. 

Hold Fast to Truth - Anatomy of a False Teaching: 2 Peter 2:11-22