Podcasts about holiness

Chapter 1 is the best temple prep book ever. I sat down with Jonathan Stapley, an award-winning historian to discuss his newest book, Holiness to the Lord: Latter Day Saint Temple Worship. During the show, Stapley was even surprised he won the “Best Temple Book of 2025” award! I thi https://youtu.be/1bBMcqgKKdY 0:00 Award Winning Author on LDS Temple Worship 3:20 Is Temple Worship Taboo? 10:14 Required Reading for Temple Prep 17:52 Kirtland Temple Period Demystifying the Temple Experience/Temple Prep For many, the LDS temple can feel like a secretive or taboo topic, but Stapley's new book aims to change that. He designed his first chapter to be a transparent walkthrough for anyone preparing for the temple. It covers the practical, step-by-step process of going to the temple, from talking to a local bishop and purchasing garments to making an appointment and participating in the ceremonies. Stapley explains that this level of openness is highly beneficial. Not only does it help outsiders understand the faith’s practices, but it also gives practicing Latter-day Saints a much-needed framework for discussing the temple constructively, helping them avoid being unhelpfully “cagey” or silent about their worship. Furthermore, Stapley pushes back against critics who use the private nature of the temple as a “dig” against the church, noting that the creation of sacred, “insider/outsider” boundary-maintaining spaces is a common practice across many world religions and ancient Christianity. The Myth of the “OG” Endowment When it comes to the temple’s core ceremony—the endowment—Stapley makes a striking historical observation: there is no such thing as an “OG” (original) endowment. Before temples, bishops, or apostles were even fully established in the church, Joseph Smith taught that the saints would be “endowed with power from on high,” a concept pulled directly from the biblical books of Luke and Acts. Originally, this endowment was a charismatic experience rather than a set ritual. Over time, these biblical concepts were ritualized and performed, constantly adapting to the needs of the church. Because the ceremony was initially transmitted orally, Stapley notes that the ritual has continually changed and adapted throughout its entire history. He directly challenges fundamentalist attempts to reconstruct a supposedly “original” 8-hour endowment, stating that such a platonic ideal never actually existed, and that procedural changes are a historical reality, not proof of apostasy as fundamentalists allege. A “Golden Era” for Latter-day Saint History Stapley shared that we are currently living in a “golden era” of Latter-day Saint historical research. Compared to a couple of decades ago when archive access felt like the “wild west,” there is now sustained openness and transparency, with massive resources like the Brigham Young papers available freely online. While the church still naturally redacts specific details about the temple ceremonies from third-party historical documents, Stapley isn’t bothered by this. Instead of getting bogged down in reconstructing “ticky tack” changes to the ceremonies, he is far more interested in the bigger picture: understanding what these sacred rituals actually do in the lives, minds, and communities of the believers who participate in them. Have you read his book? What are your impressions?

What if Jesus isn't meant to be part of your life, but your entire life? In this message from Colossians 3, we explore the danger of building your identity on things that can fade—success, relationships, status—and the emptiness that follows when Jesus is only added in when it's convenient. Colossians 3 walks through four movements of real transformation: letting the old life die, removing what doesn't belong, putting on the character of Christ, and allowing Jesus to reshape every area of your life. This isn't about behavior management—it's about heart transformation. If you've ever felt full but still empty, or like your faith is just one piece of your life instead of the foundation of it, this message will challenge you to rethink everything. Because Jesus didn't come to be added to your equation—He came to be your entire life.

What if holiness begins not in peak moments—but in everyday acts of restraint? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore Parshat Shemini, moving from the dramatic highs and tragic lows of the Mishkan's inauguration to the everyday discipline of kashrut. They examine why the Torah offers detailed dietary laws without a clear explanation, and how classical commentators understand their purpose—from physical health to spiritual refinement. The conversation ultimately reframes kashrut as a practice of restraint, shaping moral awareness and helping us live with intention in even the most ordinary acts.

This sermon explores Moses' return to Mount Sinai in Exodus 19, a profound "full circle moment." A year after the burning bush, Moses returns leading a freed nation. The biblical narrative slows down, dedicating 57 chapters to this encampment. Through Moses' trips up the mountain, we see God's invitation to covenant, His demand for holiness, and a stark warning against treating His presence casually.Scripture ReferencesExodus 19:1-8: God calls Israel His "treasured possession" and a "kingdom of priests."Exodus 19:9-19: God commands the people to consecrate themselves before descending in fire and thunder.Exodus 19:20-25: God warns the people not to force their way up the mountain.Exodus 20:18-21: Moses explains that the fear of God keeps them from sinning.Key PointsThe Order of the Covenant God initiates the relationship before giving rules. He reminds Israel He carried them out of Egypt on eagles' wings. Grace precedes obedience. We obey because we have been rescued, not to earn rescue.A Kingdom of Priests God calls Israel His singular "treasured possession." Their purpose is to be a "kingdom of priests." A priest brings God to the people and the people to God. God wants an entire nation to represent Him to the world.The Demand for Holiness Because we represent a holy God, we must be holy. Commands to consecrate themselves were tangible ways to separate from pagan nations. God's demands for holiness make sense when we understand our calling to represent Him accurately.Do Not Be Casual with God God repeatedly warns the people not to cross the mountain's boundary. He warns against a flippant approach to His presence. We run a great risk when we treat God's holiness and our sin lightly.The Fear of the Lord When God descends in fire, the people are terrified. Moses says, "Do not be afraid... so that the fear of God will be with you." The fear of the Lord is a deep reverence that produces obedience, drives out worldly fears, and draws us toward God.ConclusionWe are called to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. We cannot fulfill this if we approach God casually or harbor unrepentant sin. The fire of God's presence is mesmerizing and dangerous. May we cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord that draws us closer to Him.Calls to ActionCheck the Order: Obey out of gratitude for God's rescue, not to earn His love.Embrace Your Priestly Role: Represent God's ways in your workplace, school, or family.Cultivate Reverence: Identify areas where you have become casual about sin and ask the Holy Spirit to renew your reverence. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

Taste and See that the Lord is Good UOL Retreat in Philadelphia PA on 3/28/2026 In this episode, we look at how the Church's pre- and post-Communion prayers prepare us not just to receive the Eucharist, but to be changed by it. They help us see our need, turn us toward God, and then teach us how to carry His presence into daily life. Communion becomes not just something we receive, but something we learn to live. --- PRE-COMMUNION PRAYERS (UOC-USA PRAYER BOOK) Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Glory to You, our God, glory to You. Prayer to the Holy Spirit О Heavenly King, the Comforter, Spirit of Truth, everywhere present and filling all things. Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell in us, cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls, O Good One. Thrice-Holy Hymn Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3 times) Small Doxology Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Prayer to the Holy Trinity All-Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities for Your Name's sake. Lord, have mercy. (3 times) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. The Lord's Prayer Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our Daily Bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. (3 times) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Invocation to Jesus Christ Come, let us worship God, our King. Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ our King and our God. Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ Himself, our King and our God. Psalm 22 The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. He settles me in a place of green grass; beside restful water He leads me. He restores my soul; He guides me on the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake. For even if I walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because You are with me. Your rod and Your staff comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil and my cup overflows. Behold, Your mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord for the length of my days. Psalm 23 The earth is the Lord's and all its fullness, the world and all who live in it. For He has founded it above the seas and prepared it above the waters. Who will ascend into the mountain of the Lord and who will stand in His holy place? One whose hands are harmless and whose heart is pure, who has not received his soul in vain and has not sworn deceitfully to his neighbor. He will receive blessing from the Lord and mercy from God his Savior. This is the kind who seek the Lord, who seek the Face of the God of Jacob. Lift up your gates, you rulers and be lifted up, you eternal doors and the King of Glory will come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory. Psalm 115 I kept my Faith even when I said I am greatly afflicted. I said in my amazement: "Every person is a liar!" What shall I give to the Lord for all that He has given me? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the Name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord, in the presence of all His people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Lord, I am Your servant – and the child of Your handmaiden. You have burst my bonds apart. I will offer to You the sacrifice of praise and I will call upon the Name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, Jerusalem. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, alleluiа, alleluia, glory to You, our God. (3 times) Tropar, Tone 8 Lord, born of a Virgin, overlook my faults, purify my heart and make it a temple for Your Spotless Body and Blood. Cast me not from Your presence for You have infinitely great mercy. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;How can I who am unworthy, dare to come to the Communion of Your Holy Things? For even if I should dare to approach You with those who are worthy, my garment betrays me, for it is not a festal robe and I shall bring about the condemnation of my sinful soul. Lord, Lover of mankind, cleanse the pollution from my soul and save me. Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.Great is the multitude of my sins, Birth-Giver of God. To you, Pure One, I flee and implore salvation. Visit my sick and feeble soul and intercede with Your Son and our God, that He may grant me remission of my sins, for You alone are blessed. First Prayer – Saint Basil the Great Lord and Master, Jesus Christ our God, Wellspring of Life and Immortality, Maker of every visible and invisible thing, Co-eternal and Co-everlasting Son of the Everlasting Father: in the abundance of Your Goodness, You were incarnate in these latter times, and crucified and buried for us ungrateful and graceless people. Through Your own Blood You have renewed our nature corrupted by sin. Immortal King, though I am a sinner, accept my repentance, incline Your Ear to me and hearken to my words. I have sinned before heaven and before Your Countenance and I am not worthy to gaze upon the immensity of Your Glory. For I have provoked Your Goodness, I have transgressed Your commandments and I have not obeyed Your ordinances. But, Lord, since You do not remember evil, but are long suffering and have great mercy, You have not given me over to destruction for my lawlessness, but have continually awaited my conversion. For You, Lover of Mankind have said through Your prophet, "I desire not the death of sinners, but that they may turn from their evil ways and live." Because You do not wish, Master, that the work of Your Hands should perish, neither, do You take pleasure in the destruction of humanity. Rather, You desire that all people should be saved and come to a knowledge of the Truth. Therefore, even I, though I am unworthy of heaven, earth and of this transitory life, having given myself completely to sin becoming a slave to pleasure and defiling Your Image – yet being Your creation – I despair not of my salvation in my wretchedness. But, emboldened by Your infinite Compassion, I draw near. Therefore, Loving Christ, receive me also as You received the harlot, the thief, the publican and the prodigal. Take away the heavy burden of my sins, You Who take away the sins of the world, Who heal all human infirmity, Who call to Yourself those who are weary and heavy-laden, granting them rest. You came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Cleanse me from every stain of flesh and spirit and teach me to achieve perfect holiness in fear of You, that receiving my share of Your sacred things, I may be united to Your Holy Body and Blood and may have You dwell and abide in me with the Father and Your Holy Spirit. Yes, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, may the partaking of Your Most Pure and Life-Giving Mysteries bring me not to condemnation, nor may I partake unworthily of them. Grant that I, even to my final breath, may receive my share of Your sacred things without condemnation and thereby receive communion with the Holy Spirit as a provision for the journey to eternal life and an acceptable defense before Your Dread Judgment Seat. Lord, grant that I, together with all Your elect, may also be a partaker of immaculate good things which You have prepared for those who love You, with whom You abide and are glorified to the ages. Amen. Second Prayer — Saint John Chrysostom Lord my God, I know that I am not sufficiently worthy that You should come under the roof of the house of my soul, for it is entirely desolate and fallen in ruin and You cannot find in me a worthy place for Your head. But, as You humbled Yourself from on high for our sake, humble Yourself not to the measure of my lowliness. As You took it upon Yourself in the cave to lie in the manger for dumb animals, so take it upon Yourself now to enter into the manger of my ignorant soul and into my defiled body. Since You did not disdain to enter and eat with sinners in the house of Simon the Leper, so take it upon Yourself to likewise enter also into the house of my humble, leprous and sinful soul. As You did not cast out the harlot, a sinner much like me, who came and touched You, so have compassion on me, a sinner, coming to touch You. Since You did not detest the kiss of her sin-stained and unclean mouth, detest not my mouth, which is stained even worse and more unclean than hers as well as my sordid, unclean and shameless lips, nor my even more unclean tongue. Let the fiery coal of Your Most Pure Body and of Your Precious Blood bring me the sanctification, enlightenment and strengthening of my humble soul and body, a relief from the burden of my many transgressions, protection against every operation of the Devil, an aversion and hindrance of my base and evil habits, a mortification of my passions, an accomplishment of your Commandments, an increase in Your divine Grace and an entrance into Your Kingdom. For I do not come to You, Christ my God, in presumption, but having been given full confidence by Your Ineffable Goodness, I approach, lest I stray far from Your communion and become the prey of the wolf of souls. Therefore, I pray, Master Who alone are Holy; sanctify both my soul and body, my mind and heart and my emotions and affections. Renew me entirely, implant Your Fear in my members and make Your sanctification indelible within me. Be my helper and foundation, govern my life in peace and make me worthy to stand at your right hand with Your saints. Through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother, the pure and immaterial Powers that always serve You and of all the saints who have been well pleasing to You from the ages. Amen. Third Prayer – Saint Simeon the Translator Only Pure and Spotless Lord, Jesus Christ, Wisdom of God, Peace and Power: moved by Your ineffable mercy and love for all mankind, You took up our whole nature from the chaste and virginal blood of the one who wondrously conceived You through the coming of the Holy Spirit and by the favor of Your Eternal Father. In that nature you took it upon Yourself to undergo Your life-giving and saving Passion – the cross, the nails, the spear and death itself. Mortify in me the soul-destroying passions of the body. As you despoiled the dominion of Hades in the tomb, bury in me the spirit of evil. You raised fallen Adam through Your life-bearing Resurrection - so raise me for I am immersed in sin and counsel me in the ways of repentance. You made divine the flesh You assumed and honored it on Your Throne at the Right Hand of the Father in Your Glorious Ascension. By the communion of Your Holy Mysteries make me worthy of a place at Your Right Hand with the saved. You made Your sacred disciples precious vessels by the coming of the Comforter, the Spirit – confirm me also to be a receptacle of His Coming. You promised to come again to judge the world in righteousness – grant that I shall go to meet You in the clouds with all Your saints. For You have made and formed me that I may unceasingly praise and chant hymns to You with Your Eternal Father and Your All-Holy, Good and Life-Creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Fourth Prayer – Saint Simeon the Translator Christ my God, as though standing before Your Dread Judgment Seat which does not regard personalities awaiting judgment and rendering an account of the evils I have committed: so today before the day of my condemnation appears, I stand before Your Holy Altar in Your Sight and in the Sight of Your awesome and holy angels. Bowed low by my own conscience, I offer my wicked and lawless actions, triumphing over them by declaring them. Lord, I know my iniquities have increased beyond the number of hairs on my head. The multitude of Your loving kindness is immeasurable and the mercy of Your Goodness and Forbearance beyond description and there is no sin which overcomes Your love for all mankind. Therefore, all marvelous King and merciful Lord, cause Your wondrous mercy to touch even me, a sinner. Receive me, a sinner, as I return to You, as You received the prodigal, the thief and the harlot. As You received those who came at the eleventh hour unworthily, so receive me also, a sinner. I know that You will set these sins I have committed before me and require an accounting of the sins which I have knowingly and unpardonably committed, but neither convict me with fitting judgment, nor chastise me in Your Anger. Lord have mercy on me for though I am weak, I am also the work of Your Hands. You have granted me to revere You, Lord, but I have done evil in Your Sight. Against You only have I sinned, but I beg You, Lord, judge not Your servant for if You will severely mark iniquity, who will survive it? For I am in a sea of sin and am neither worthy nor sufficient to behold and gaze upon the height of heaven for the multitude of my innumerable sins. Who will raise me up? Who has fallen into such evils and transgressions? Lord God, in You have I hoped. Have mercy on me, God, according to Your great mercy and do not reward me, as my deeds deserve. Rather convert, uphold and deliver my soul from the evils implanted in it and from fearsome designs. I will praise and glorify You all the days of my life. For You are the God of those who repent and we glorify You with Your Father without beginning and Your All Holy, Good and Life-Creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Fifth Prayer – Saint John of Damascus Lord and Master Jesus Christ our God, You alone have the power to absolve sin. Because You are Good and love all mankind, forgive all my iniquities committed in knowledge or in ignorance. Make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Your divine, glorious, pure and life creating Mysteries, that I may incur neither punishment nor an increase in my sins, but receive cleansing, sanctification, a pledge of the Life and the Kingdom to come, protection, an aid, a turning aside of my adversaries and the blotting out of my many transgressions. For You are a God of Mercy, Loving Kindness and Love for all mankind and we glorify You Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Sixth Prayer – Saint Basil the Great Lord, I know that I partake unworthily of Your Pure Body and Your Precious Blood, my Christ and my God. Yet emboldened by Your Loving Kindness I come to You for You have said, "Those who eat My Flesh and drink My Blood abide in Me and I in them." Therefore, be merciful, Lord and do not rebuke me, a sinner, but deal with me according to Your mercy. And let these Holy Things afford me healing, cleansing, enlightenment, protection, sanctification of soul and body, the averting of every fantasy, evil practice and operation of the devil which works within me. Let them give me confidence and love for You, amendment of life and perseverance, an increase in perfection and virtue, the fulfillment of Your Commandments, communion of the Holy Spirit and a provision for the journey to eternal life and an acceptable answer at Your Dread Judgment Seat, but neither for judgment nor condemnation. Amen. Seventh Prayer - Saint Symeon the New Theologian From lips besmirched and heart impure, from unclean tongue and sin stained soul, receive my pleas, my Christ. Neither overlook my words, my way of speech, nor my annoyingly persistent cry. Grant me the boldness to express all the things for which I long, my Christ, and teach me all that it is fitting for me to do and say. More than the harlot have I sinned. When she learned where You were visiting she brought myrrh, boldly came there and anointed Your Feet. As You, Divine Word, did not cast her out when she came in eagerness of heart, detest me not. Rather give me Your Feet, I pray, for my embrace and my kiss. With the torrent of my tears, as with an ointment of great price, let me dare to anoint them. Purify me, O Word, in my own tears and cleanse me with them. Forgive my errors; grant pardon, for You know the multitude of my sins. You also know the wounds I bear. You see the bruises of my soul. Yet You know my faith, You see my eager heart and hear my sighs. From You, my God, Creator and Redeemer, not one tear is hidden, nor even part of one. Your Eyes know my imperfection, for in Your Book are found those things which are yet unfashioned. Behold my lowliness; behold how great is my weariness. Then God of the entire world, grant me release from all my sins, that with a clean heart and conscience filled with holy fear and a contrite soul, I may partake of Your most pure and spotless Mysteries. The one who eats and drinks with a pure heart has life and divinity. For You have said, my Master, that "those who eat of My Flesh and drink of My Blood do indeed abide in Me and I am likewise found in them." My Master and my God, this saying of Christ is completely true. For one who shares in these Divine and Deifying Graces is not alone, but is with You, Christ, the Triple Radiant Light Who enlightens the whole world. You see that for this I have drawn near to You with tears and contrite soul. Thus, I dare to hope in Your good deeds for us, I partake – both rejoicing and trembling – for I am but grass in fire and behold, a strange wonder! I am refreshed with dew, beyond all words, just as in ancient times the bush burning with fire was not consumed. Therefore, thankful in mind and heart, thankful with all my body and all my soul I worship You, magnify and glorify You, my God for You are blessed both now and to all the ages. Amen. Eighth Prayer - Saint John Chrysostom Lord Jesus Christ, my God, absolve, remit, forgive and pardon me, of all the errors, transgressions and trespasses which I have committed before You – whether in knowledge or in ignorance, in words, deeds, thoughts or intentions. Through the intercession of Your All-Pure Mother, Your heavenly hosts and all the saints, who through the ages have been faithful to You, count me worthy to partake without condemnation of Your Holy and Precious Body and Blood for the healing of both soul and body and for the elimination and the cleansing of my evil thoughts. For Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, the Glory, the Honor and the Worship of the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Ninth Prayer – Saint John of Damascus I stand before the doors of Your temple and I refrain not from evil thoughts. But You, Christ my God, justified the tax collector: You showed mercy to the woman of Canaan and opened the Gates of Paradise to the Thief. Open to me the depths of Your love for all mankind and receive me as I draw near and touch You, even as You did the harlot and the woman with the issue of blood. The latter merely touched the hem of Your garment and immediately received healing and the former, clinging to Your Pure Feet, obtained the release from her sins. But, I in my pitiful state, dare to receive Your Whole Body. May I not be consumed, but receive me even as You received those others and enlighten the feelings of my soul, cleansing my sins; through the prayers of the one who gave You birth without seed and of the heavenly powers, for You are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen. POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS (UOC-USA PRAYER BOOK) Glory to You, O God! (3 times) Lord my God, I thank You that You have not rejected me, a sinner, but have allowed me to be a partaker of Your Holy Things.  I thank You that You have permitted me, though unworthy, to have a share in Your Most Pure and Heavenly Gifts. Master and Lover of Mankind, Who for our sake died and rose again and gave us these Awe-inspiring and Life-giving Mysteries for the benefit and sanctification of our souls and bodies: let these Gifts be for the healing of my own soul and body, for the averting of every adversary, the illumination of the eyes of my heart, the peace of my spiritual powers, an unashamed faith, an unfeigned love, the realizing of wisdom, the observance of Your Commandments, the receiving of Your Divine Grace and the inheritance of Your Kingdom. Preserved by them in Your holiness, may I always be mindful of Your Grace, no longer living for myself, but for You, our Master and Benefactor.  May I then pass from this life in the hope of Eternal Life and attain to the Everlasting Rest where the voice of those who feast is unceasing and the unending delight of those who behold the beauty of Your Face is inexpressible. For You, Christ our God, are truly the ineffable joy and desire of all those who love You and all creation sings Your praise to the ages of ages. Amen. Second Prayer following Communion By Saint Basil the Great I thank You, Christ, Master and God, King of the Ages and Maker of All Things, for all the Good Gifts You have given me and especially for the participation in Your Most Pure and Life-creating Mysteries. Therefore, I pray, Gracious Lord, Who loves all mankind, that You preserve me under Your protection and beneath the shadow of Your Wings. Grant that even to my final breath, I may partake worthily and with a pure conscience of Your Holy Things for the remission of my sins and for Eternal Life. For You are the Bread of Life, the Wellspring of Holiness, the Giver of all Good and we glorify You, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Third Prayer following Communion By Saint Simeon the Translator You Who willingly give Your Flesh to me as Food, Who are a Fire burning the unworthy; let me not be consumed, my Creator. Rather, enter into all my members – my joints, my inner being and my heart. Burn the thorns of my iniquities. Purify my soul and sanctify my reasoning.  Strengthen my joints and bones. Enlighten my five senses. Bind me completely with reverence for You. Always shelter, guard and keep me from every soul-corrupting word and deed. Cleanse, purify and harmonize my being. Beautify me, grant me understanding and enlighten me. Show me to be the Habitation of Your One Holy Spirit and no longer the abode of sin, that having become Your Dwelling Place because of the Communion of Your Holy Mysteries, every evil deed and passion may flee from me as from fire. As intercessors, I bring all the Saints: the leaders of the Bodiless Hosts, Your Forerunner, the Most Wise Apostles and with them, Your undefiled, Most-pure Mother. Accept their prayers Christ, my Merciful One and make me a Child of Light. For You, Good One, are the only Sanctification and Enlightenment of our souls and to You, as God and Master, we worthily render glory day by day. Amen. Fourth Prayer following Communion May Your Holy Body, Lord Jesus Christ our God, be for me Life Eternal and Your Precious Blood for the remission of my sins. May this Eucharist grant me joy, health and gladness. At Your Dread Second Coming make me, a sinner, worthy to stand at the Right Hand of Your Glory, through the intercessions of Your All-pure Mother and of all Your saints. Fifth Prayer following Communion To the Birth-Giver of God All Holy Lady, Birth-Giver of God, light of my darkened soul – my hope, my shelter and refuge, my consolation and joy; I thank you for accepting me, the unworthy one, as a communicant of the Most-pure Body and Precious Blood of your Son. In that you gave birth to the True Light, enlighten the intellectual eyes of my heart. As the one who carried the Fountain of Immortality in your womb, enliven me, slain by sin. Merciful Mother of the Most-merciful God, full of loving kindness, have mercy on me, grant me contrition and compunction of heart, humility in my thoughts, and the ability to recall my reasoning from its captivity. Make me worthy, until my final breath, to receive the sanctification of the Most Pure Mysteries without condemnation, for healing of soul and body. Grant me tears of repentance and confession, that I may chant hymns and glorify You all the days of my life, for blessed and glorified are You to the ages. Amen. Master, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3 times) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. All-Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities for Your Name's sake. Lord, have mercy. (3 times) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our Daily Bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. For Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Depending upon which Liturgy was celebrated, one of the following Tropars and Kondaks are said.Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom Tropar, Tone 8 Grace shining forth from your mouth like a beacon has enlightened the universe, disclosing to the world treasures of generosity and showing us the heights of humility.  Since you instruct us by your words, Father John Chrysostom, intercede with Christ God, the Word Himself, to save our souls. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Kondak, Tone 6 From heaven you received divine grace and by your lips you teach all to worship the one God in Trinity, All-blessed and Venerable John Chrysostom. Worthily do we extol you, for you are an instructor who reveals things divine. Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Liturgy of Saint Basil the GreatTropar, Tone 1 Your voice has gone out to all the earth and it has received your word. By it you taught divine doctrine making the nature of things, which exist, clear and giving good order to human behavior. Venerable Father and Royal Priest Basil, intercede with Christ our God, that He may save our souls. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Kondak, Tone 4 You appeared as an unshakable foundation of the Church passing down an inviolate dominion to all mortals, sealing it with your teachings, Venerable Basil, revealer of Heaven. Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.Bohorodychnyi, Tone 6 Protection of Christians not put to shame, unwavering Mediation before the Creator; despise not the prayer of sinners, but because you are good, quickly come to help us who call on you in faith. Be swift to intercede and make haste to supplicate, Birth-Giver of God, who always protects those who honor you. Lord, have mercy. (12 times) More honorable than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim. You, Who without defilement did bare God the Word, true Birth-Giver of God, we magnify You. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen Lord, have mercy. (3 times) Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.    

Join us Sundays at 9:00 a.m. + 10:45 a.m. as we seek to be REAL People, who follow a REAL God and experience REAL Life. Learn more and fill out the Connect Card via our digital bulletin:  https://www.lifechurchlivonia.org/digitalbulletin 

Have you ever prepared a really good meal for your kids—something balanced and nourishing—and when you call them to the table, they say, “I'm not hungry”? And then you discover that just before dinner they had potato chips or a bowl of ice cream. Of course they're not hungry. They filled up on something that tasted good in the moment but didn't really nourish them. They spoiled their appetite. I think we understand this so clearly when it comes to food. But sometimes we don't recognize it in our spiritual lives. Jesus said, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry (John 6:35). And in John 4:14, he told the woman at the well the water he gives would become a spring of water welling up to eternal life. In other words, he offers real nourishment. Real satisfaction. The kind that actually fills the deepest places in us. And yet how often do we find ourselves spiritually dull, distracted, or just not very hungry for him? It may not be because we don't love God. It may simply be we've been snacking all day on other things. We live in a world of constant input. Television, social media, streaming shows, podcasts, news, endless scrolling. None of those things are automatically evil. But they can quietly crowd out our appetite for what truly feeds our souls. Have you ever noticed when you spend a long evening watching something that isn't uplifting, it's harder to turn around and open your Bible? Or when your mind has been saturated with the world's values and drama, prayer doesn't come as naturally? It's not that God has moved away. It's that we're full. The Psalmist says, O taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). That verse implies something important—you have to taste. You have to come to the table. You have to make room. I've heard from women who realized a daily habit—maybe a show they watched every night, or certain novels they devoured—wasn't helping their hearts. At first it seemed harmless. But over time they noticed their thoughts drifting, their peace shrinking, their desire for God weakening. One woman told me she began praying Romans 12:1–2 each day, asking God to renew her mind and help her not be conformed to the world. Slowly, the Holy Spirit made her aware what she was feeding on was shaping her thinking. It wasn't dramatic. It was gradual. And by God's grace, she made a change. As she removed some of that “junk food,” her appetite for Scripture grew stronger again. That's how it works. Paul wrote in Romans 6 we will be slaves to something—either to impurity or to righteousness. That may sound strong, but it's simply true. Whatever we consistently feed becomes what we crave. And cravings grow. Addictions don't usually begin in dramatic ways. They begin with small, repeated choices. One episode. One book. One click. But over time, what once felt like a small indulgence can start to control our thoughts and steal our hunger for better things. On the other hand, the same principle works beautifully in reverse. When we consistently choose righteousness—when we open God's Word even when we don't feel like it, when we pray honestly, when we listen to music or teaching that lifts our hearts—our appetite changes. We begin to crave what nourishes us. Holiness stops feeling restrictive and starts feeling freeing. Jesus described his living water as something that becomes a spring inside of us. That means satisfaction doesn't just come from outside circumstances—it flows from within. But that spring is clearer and stronger when we're not constantly dumping pollutants into it. This isn't about legalism. It's not about making a list of forbidden things. It's about asking a gentle question: What is shaping my appetite? If I'm not hungry for God, what might be filling me up instead? Maybe it's hours of television. Maybe it's social media comparison. Maybe it's reading material that stirs up thoughts you know aren't helpful. Maybe it's just constant busyness that leaves no quiet space for him. The goal isn't guilt. The goal is awareness. When you remove even a little of the junk, something beautiful happens. Hunger returns. The Word becomes sweeter. Prayer becomes more natural. Worship feels more genuine. And the wonderful thing is this: God is not standing at the table tapping his foot in frustration. He invites us. He waits for us. He prepares good things for us. It can even be relationships that spoil your appetite for God. The people closest to you shape you more than you realize. They influence how you think, what you value, what you talk about, and even how you spend your time. It's worth asking: do my closest relationships stir my hunger for God, or do they quietly dull it? I've seen the power of good friendships. When my daughter was growing up, I was so grateful she chose friends who were steady and wise. Those friendships mattered more than I can say. And the same is true for us. We never outgrow the influence of the people around us. If you're single, this becomes even more important in dating. I know how easy it is to think, “There just aren't any strong Christian men,” or “I can't seem to find a godly woman.” I understand that feeling. But if you fill your life with people who don't love the Lord, it's far more likely they'll pull you down than that you'll pull them up. We begin to compromise in small ways. We adjust. We stay quiet. We don't want to lose them. And before long, we've drifted. It doesn't happen dramatically. It happens gradually. And suddenly, our appetite for God just isn't what it used to be. Sometimes it's not relationships. Sometimes it's ambition. Careers. Recognition. The next rung on the ladder. The dream house. The title. The platform. There's nothing inherently wrong with working hard or pursuing excellence. I've had seasons of career growth that were exciting—travel, responsibility, opportunities. From the outside, it may have looked fulfilling. But I can tell you honestly: every time I thought, “This next step will finally satisfy me,” it didn't. The satisfaction was brief. Then came the next goal. The next climb. And when our minds are constantly filled with our own plans—our advancement, our dreams, our goals—there's very little room left to sit quietly at God's table. Sometimes it's material things. I love beautiful things. Clothes, homes, jewelry, design—I enjoy them. And Scripture tells us God gives us good things to enjoy. This isn't about guilt. But I've also noticed how easy it is for appreciation to turn into preoccupation. How much thought energy goes into what I wish I had? How quickly contentment slips away when I focus on what I don't have? And when that dissatisfaction grows, something else shrinks—my gratitude, my peace, even my desire to pray. Materialism is subtle. It doesn't feel like rebellion. It just slowly crowds out deeper hunger. Sometimes it's known sin. Not dramatic, headline-making sin necessarily. Sometimes it's something quieter—compromise in a relationship, pornography, dishonesty, gossip, a sharp tongue, laziness, bitterness, a negative spirit. When we hold onto something we know grieves the Lord, it creates distance. We may still go to church. We may still say the right things. But inside, something feels dull. Sin promises relief or pleasure, but it never delivers what it promises. And it absolutely spoils your appetite for God. And then there's unforgiveness. Few things close the heart like resentment. When we rehearse what someone did to us, when we refuse to release them, we don't bind them—we bind ourselves. Bitterness always backfires and makes you very self-focused. It's hard to hunger for God while holding tightly to a grudge. And remember, forgiveness doesn't say what happened was okay. It simply says, “I'm trusting God with this. I'm letting them off my hook and putting them on God's hook.” And when you release it, the monkey is off your back, and you experience new joy and freedom. Here's the beautiful truth in all of this: God is not trying to deprive us. He isn't standing over us with a list of restrictions. He simply knows nothing satisfies our souls like he does. We were made to hunger for him. When we fill up on lesser things—even good things in the wrong place—we settle for crumbs when a feast is waiting. If today you realize your appetite has been a little off, don't despair. Don't feel condemned. Just start small. Turn something off. Pick up your Bible and read it. Play worship music in the background instead of another show. Pray and ask the Lord to renew your mind. You don't have to overhaul your entire life overnight. Just get rid of some of the junk food that has cluttered your life far too long and taken up too much space in your heart and in your mind. So often we settle for so much less than what God has for us, and that, of course, is exactly the enemy's plan: to make us satisfied with junk food which then spoils our appetite for God. You will know God and the abundant life Jesus promised us in direct proportion to your appetite for him. But it won't just happen. You have to decide you really want to know God and serve him more effectively more than you want anything else. And then you put a plan in place that gets you there—some spiritual disciplines that will make a difference—like daily structured Bible reading and serious, intentional prayer time each day.

Drawing from Devoted to God and Hebrews 12:1–2, this message calls Christians to persevere in the lifelong pursuit of holiness. The Christian life is described as a race. This is a marathon that requires endurance, focus, and continual dependence on Christ.Believers face two primary obstacles: weights and sin. Weights are not necessarily sinful, but they distract and slow spiritual progress. Sin, on the other hand, clings closely and must be actively resisted. True growth in sanctification involves laying aside both issues. We are called to remove distractions and fight sin. We might think we do this in our own strenth. This is not true. Rather we do this while continually “putting on” Christ.The key to perseverance is fixing our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. He not only provides the ultimate example of endurance but also the power and grace we need to live out the Gospel. Through His finished work and ongoing priestly care, we are strengthened to press on in him. We are not stepping out to do, but we are walking in Christ. He has stepped out and He has done. God also provides means to help us endure:Community that encourages and guards against spiritual driftMemory of God's Word and promises to anchor our faithChurch leadership and fellowship to guide and support growthTrials and discipline, which God uses to shape us into ChristlikenessSurrounded by a “cloud of witnesses” and supported by the body of Christ, believers are called to run the Christ race with resolve. We are called to pursue holiness while encouraging others to do the same.In the end, perseverance is not about self-effort alone, but about holding fast to Christ, trusting His work, and continuing forward in faith until the race is finished.

We are no longer slaves to sin, but we are slaves to Christ - but it is a servanthood of love and life that extends throughout this live and forever in eternity.

I'm starting a new series examining the gap between the Old Covenant and New Covenant by showing how God never changes. I'm starting with the topic of holiness.SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TheCombatChristian⁠ TRIVITA:Use my TRIVITA link to get started on your wellness journey: ⁠https://bit.ly/HealthyChristian⁠ Covenant Eyes: If you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of p*rn, get Covenant Eyes: ⁠https://bit.ly/Restore-Covenant⁠ USE CODE RESTORE30 at checkout to get your first 30 days FREE when you use the link ✅Other ways for you to support the ministry:

Clip of the Week-"The Lord Reigneth in Holiness" Brother Floyd Hagan From His Holiness, God calls us if we'll just turn our ear and listen. Just as God guides the innumerable salmon, geese and hummingbirds, He puts something in the soul of man that draws him back to God. Preaching against a doctrine of suppression, from the Word he proves sanctification entirely eradicates sin and enables holiness. Citing the examples of Lot, the harlot Rahab, Eli/Samuel, and Manasseh, he asks what will it take for you to seek God? Brother David Cosby  

This week, my friend Nikki from Montana is back with a great teaching on God's Sacred Holiness!  I hope you enjoy it.   Photo:  Glynda Lomax

God's very nature is holiness, and this quality lies at the heart of the image He created humanity to reflect. In episode 21 of "God's Image in Man", Duane Sheriff addresses common misconceptions about holiness, separating true biblical holiness from cultural standards and self-righteous religion.Holiness is not a list of rules or behaviors used to earn God's favor. Ephesians 4:24 reveals that the born-again spirit already possesses God's holiness—it is not achieved through striving or self-effort. Believers pursue holy living because God is holy, because we love Him and love others, and because holiness reflects God's image as a powerful witness to the world. Rather than religious performance, true holiness flows naturally from our new identity in Christ, drawing others to see the Lord through our transformed lives.Click for FREE offer ➡️ https://pastorduane.com/landing/gods-image-in-man

AbbeyoftheArts.com Abbey of the Arts Wisdom Council member Te Martin reads Cynthia Bailey Manns and invites you into 5 minutes of silence to hold a loving intention for peace, justice, and compassion to flourish in the world. Credits: All texts under fair use or with permission. Cynthia Bailey Manns, “Claimed: A Transformational Journey of Holiness, Wholeness, and Ministry” from Embodied Spirits: The Stories of Spiritual Directors of Color. (Morehouse Publishing, 2014), pg. 64

Check out this awesome show from April 3, 2025 IL: Father Sam Martin joins Patrick to discuss Patience (2:58) Patience is a fruit of the Spirit and a key part of the spiritual life (6:37) Holiness is humility and accepting help. Sometimes it is more blessed to receive than to give (13:10) Patience does coincide with slowing down, solitude and time in prayer (13:38) Contemplative life is one of the best ways we can spend our life in this planet – (20:21) Break 1 (22:03) Mark - Patience in prayer. I see signs that say keep praying. Isn't there a point where the answer is no and you should go on, or should you go on? How do you know when it's no? (28:50) Prayer is friendship and relationship and not just to make sure I am still “in the will” (30:40) Carlo - Could you describe the difference between patience and self-control? – (36:02) Break 2 (37:35) Is there something we can do in the moment to stave of impatience and foster patience in our minds? (45:13) Mary Lou I take care of my elderly mother. Patience is always on the tip of my tongue and heart. She moves really slow and bringing God into those moments where I want to rush her and God is helping me to stop and be present with her. Resources: Humility Rules by Fr. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B.

Many are not sensible enough of the necessity of holiness in order to salvation. Everyone hopes for heaven, but if everyone that hoped for heaven ever got there, heaven by this time would have been full of murderers, adulterers, common swearers, drunkards, thieves, robbers,, and licentious debauchers. It would have been full of all manner of wickedness and wicked men, such as the earth abounds with at this day. There would have been those there that are no better than wild beasts, howling wolves, and poisonous serpents; yea, devils incarnate, as Judas was.

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Our culture calls everything compassion—but when compassion is separated from holiness, it becomes corruption. Holiness is one of the most overlooked—yet essential—aspects of our identity as believers. In episode 20 of "God's Image in Man", Duane Sheriff teaches that while humanity was created in God's image to be holy, sin has perverted that image, producing counterfeit forms of holiness and self-righteousness.Even in our fallen state, we instinctively know something is wrong with sin—because holiness is embedded in our DNA as God image-bearers. Through Jesus Christ, God restores true holiness and righteousness in believers, calling us to reflect His holy nature. This message contrasts genuine biblical holiness with the world's distorted versions of morality, equipping believers to discern truth from deception. Holiness is not striving in our own strength—it is embracing who we have been recreated to be in Christ: truly righteous and truly holy.Click for FREE offer ➡️ https://pastorduane.com/landing/gods-image-in-man

Rebecca and Derek explore why God's judgment is necessary, how Jesus' death defeats sin and Satan, and why the cross is the clearest display of both divine justice and divine love. Follow Derek:XUse code IF to receive 30% off your copy of The ‘If' That Changes Everything at thegoodbook.com.Visit MoodyPublishers.com or find The Rekindled Heart wherever books are sold.Find Digital Liturgies wherever books are sold, or visit crossway.org/digitalliturgiesbook to get 30% off with a free Crossway+ account.Watch Us on YouTubeSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Unprompted, at the end of the Last Supper, Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and future believers.  In this prayer, we see the true way to heaven, a deeper understanding of holiness, and Jesus' prayer for you and me. John 17www.messagetokings.com

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! 

Your eyes aren't neutral—they're gateways shaping your desires and devotion. In this week's episode, Costi Hinn explains why what you watch matters more than you think.

Read Online“You belong to what is below, I belong to what is above. You belong to this world, but I do not belong to this world. That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins.” John 8:23–24Tensions were growing as Jesus gradually unveiled the deeper reality of Who He is, while the Pharisees remained blind to the truth, obstinate in their opposition. When Jesus said, “you will die in your sins,” He was not speaking of a sin committed out of weakness or confusion. He was speaking about the Pharisees' fundamental and grave sin of refusing to accept Him as “I AM,” the Messiah and Son of God.Chapter 8 in John's Gospel reveals this growing tension. In today's Gospel, Jesus becomes exceptionally clear about His messianic identity, taking upon Himself the awesome name of Yahweh: I AM. Chapter 8 concludes with Jesus stating, “You belong to your father the devil and you willingly carry out your father's desires” (John 8:44). This so angered the Jews that they tried to stone Him. Why did Jesus agitate the Pharisees and others who refused to believe in Him? It certainly wasn't to be argumentative. The agitation came from the truth He proclaimed about Himself and the Pharisees' need to believe in Him. He was unveiling His identity and inviting people to believe in Him so they could receive the gift of eternal life. The truth, however, that He was the Messiah, the Son of God, and the great I AM, was more than the self-righteous Pharisees could handle. Jesus' divine identity did not fit into their expectations of Who the Messiah would be. Furthermore, when Jesus revealed the truth of Who He was with such clarity, the Pharisees realized that much of what they believed about the Messiah was wrong; that was hard for them to accept because they didn't want to change.We have much to learn from the Pharisees. There are many things God asks of us that are difficult to accept. First, within the larger context of secular society, God's pure and holy truth is often met with resistance, ignored, or even dismissed outright. When disciples of Christ live their faith openly and proclaim the full message of the Gospel in the public square, they are frequently attacked as judgmental, outdated, or disconnected from modernity. Opposition to the Gospel manifests itself in numerous ways—especially in academic institutions that push relativism, secular news outlets that downplay or marginalize Christian values, political parties that advance agendas contrary to the moral law, bureaucratic workplaces driven by profit and power rather than ethics, and even within our own families, where faith can become a point of contention and division.The broader societal context is not the only place God's truth is met with resistance. In each of our souls, God's holy truth demands total surrender to His will and obedience to His commands. God—the all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving Creator of all things—alone knows what is best for us. Holiness requires ongoing conversion, change, and humble repentance. Rejection of God's truth leaves us angry and defensive, just like the Pharisees. Openness to God's truth demands change. As the old saying goes, “Change is the only thing that remains the same.” Change is difficult, especially when God's pure light and truth reveal that we have walked down the wrong path, believed lies, failed to love, and misunderstood the Gospel and the demands that the great I AM expects of us.Reflect today on the Pharisees and their fierce opposition to Jesus. As you do, humbly consider any ways that you are obstinate and unwilling to change. The only people in this world who do not need to change are those who have already arrived at the perfection of Divine Union, freed of every earthly sin and attachment to sin. The rest of us still have a long road of conversion, purification, and humbling repentance. Do not take the path of the Pharisees. Eagerly run to the difficult and demanding truth God speaks to you so that you will come to know God's power and true identity in your life, accepting Him as your Lord and Messiah. My demanding Lord, You call me to perfection because You love me. Because of my sin, I often resist the many ways that You speak to me, trying to draw me into the full truth. Please open my heart and remove all obstinacy so that I will willingly change so as to ascend the glorious staircase toward Divine Union. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image via Adobe StockSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Send us Fan MailDeuteronomy 14–15 teaches that God's people are set apart as His treasured possession and are called to reflect His holiness in every area of life. Through laws about clean living, caring for the poor, canceling debts, and releasing servants, the Lord shows His compassion and justice. These commands reveal that obedience flows from remembering God's grace and redemption. Holiness is not superiority, but faithful representation—living in a way that displays God's mercy, generosity, and covenant love to others.Support the showStay engaged with new and up-to-date content, including newsletters, articles, podcasts, etc. Download the Teach Me the Bible App from any app store or Apple TV/Roku device.

This weekend, we took a look at 2 Corinthians 6:1–7:1, where Paul invites us into a kind of freedom that is deeper than cultural definitions or personal autonomy—a freedom rooted in the gospel and lived out with hearts wide open.This passage shows us that true Christian freedom isn't the absence of hardship, but the ability to endure honestly, live transparently, and remain anchored in Christ through every circumstance. As we receive God's Word and open our hearts to Him, we begin to experience the kind of freedom that reshapes our relationships, our affections, and our everyday lives.Paul calls us to live intentionally in light of our new identity in Christ—turning from anything that competes with the gospel and embracing the expansive, life-giving freedom found in Him.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.orgConnect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity!Instagram: @integrity_churchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/

Christ United Sermon Series - NewSong Mar 22 - Return to (W)holiness Luke 12:22–34 ~ Rev. Brian Hasty Christ United Church Mobile, Alabama

Christ United Sermon Series - NewSong Mar 22 - Return to (W)holiness Luke 12:22–34 ~ Rev. Brian Hasty Christ United Church Mobile, Alabama

Christ United Sermon Series - Sanctuary Mar 15 - Return to (W)holiness Luke 11:1-4 ~ Rev. Brian Hasty Christ United Church Mobile, Alabama 

Christ United Sermon Series - NewSong Mar 15 - Return to (W)holiness Luke 11:1-4 ~ Vanessa Reyner Christ United Church Mobile, Alabama

Christ United Sermon Series - NewSong Mar 22 - Return to (W)holiness Luke 12:22–34 ~ Rev. Brian Hasty Christ United Church Mobile, Alabama

Christ United Sermon Series - NewSong Mar 22 - Return to (W)holiness Luke 12:22–34 ~ Rev. Brian Hasty Christ United Church Mobile, Alabama

Christ United Sermon Series - Sanctuary Mar 15 - Return to (W)holiness Luke 11:1-4 ~ Rev. Brian Hasty Christ United Church Mobile, Alabama 

Christ United Sermon Series - NewSong Mar 15 - Return to (W)holiness Luke 11:1-4 ~ Vanessa Reyner Christ United Church Mobile, Alabama

“Holiness produces usefulness — and usefulness produces fruit.” In this message, Pastor David Grobler continues the “-ness” series by focusing on usefulness in the life of a believer. Building from godliness, faithfulness, thankfulness, and holiness, this message reveals that a life set apart for God naturally becomes a life that God can use. Through Paul's teaching in 2 Timothy, we see that in a great house there are vessels for honor and dishonor — not based on their material, but on their condition. God is not looking for perfection, but for purity and readiness. When we cleanse ourselves and pursue holiness, we position ourselves to be useful in the Master's hands. Usefulness is not about status — it's about availability, character, and obedience. A useful life is one that serves others, carries God's authority, and ultimately produces fruit that glorifies Him. When God can use you, He can work through you to impact others, draw them to truth, and even rescue them from deception.

True dominion only comes when you reflect God's holy image. Rev. Dr. Joseph Baah Obeng uses Genesis to remind us that we are God-made, not self-made. When your life feels broken, your Creator has the power to fix you completely. Learn how to reclaim your royal identity, walk in humility, and boldly carry the presence of God every day.

Are you trying to fight spiritual battles without God's license? Rev. Dr. Joseph Baah Obeng issues a stark warning: using the name of Jesus without bearing His holy image will leave you powerless and frustrated, much like the Sons of Sceva. Discover why true dominion requires total submission to your Creator. Learn to approach God with childlike faith and humility, seeking His daily blessing to activate the divine potential already inside you.

Why are your prayers of binding and loosening not working? Rev. Dr. Joseph Baah Obeng issues a powerful warning: you cannot exercise God's authority if you refuse to bear His holy image. Using the story of the Sons of Sceva, he explains that demons recognize who truly belongs to God. To conquer the spiritual battles in your life, you must stop compromising and return to a life of purity, obedience, and total reliance on the Word.

Your Creator knows exactly how to fix what is broken in your life. Rev. Dr. Joseph Baah Obeng reflects on Genesis to remind believers that we are God-made, meaning God has the ultimate power to restore and rebuild our lives when we fall off course. Discover why bearing God's holy image, rather than just "being yourself", is the true key to unlocking your divine inheritance and walking in total dominion.

Sermon Date: 03/22/2026; Pastor Bill Bryson; Scripture Passage: Colossians 2:10-15Support the show

Sermon Date: 03/22/2026; Pastor Bill Bryson; Scripture Passage: Galatians 5:16-25Support the show

Jude 20–25 lays out a steady path for worn-down believers built around three directions: inward, outward, and upward. Inwardly, it calls believers to take responsibility for their faith by building on a solid foundation through prayer in the Spirit, staying rooted in God's love, and holding onto hope in Christ's coming mercy. That kind of hope lifts the heart out of present discouragement and anchors it in future restoration. Outwardly, faith shows up as action—offering patient mercy to those who doubt and stepping in urgently to help those drifting toward danger. Upwardly, the passage reminds believers that God is the one who keeps, strengthens, and ultimately presents them blameless with joy. Together, this creates a simple rhythm: stay grounded in God, reach out to others with compassion, and trust fully in His power to finish what He started.

Pastor Jordan continues the Unshakable message series – exploring God's design for holiness and the importance of guarding what lies beneath the surface of our lives. Discover how believers are called to pursue purity, honor others, and rely on the Holy Spirit to live with unshakable integrity.

2 Corinthians 6:3-7:1. Malachi Tresler. "Stay with the true gospel, even when it looks weak."

Last Sunday our thoughts were on the subject of "The Holiness of God." But God's holiness is only a part of the true picture of God. Today we look at God's nature, not just as a God of power, majesty, and splendor, but also a God who is near us, as the song says, "He walks with me and He talks with me." He is a God who is a God of love. The Apostle Paul said in Romans 5:8, "God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Let's unfold what God's love really means to us all. For more information on the Campground, insider tips and FAQ's, listen to our General Ocean Lakes Podcast, Campground Conversations. 

Looking for some direction in life? Or maybe some affection? Or perhaps you are struggling to live a holy life? Paul's prayer at the end of 1 Thessalonians 3 teaches us where it is we will find the help we are looking for – God! This is the will of God for you, your sanctification! But be assured, he doesn't leave us to our own devices to reach any great heights of holiness. Instead, he has reached down to us in his Son and made us his own holy and beloved children. And so, even as we are instructed how to walk and to please God, like Paul we can pray with confidence that "he may establish our hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints."

In this powerful and thought‑provoking episode of the hosts,Tina and Britt slow down and invite listeners into a deeper reverence for who God truly is. Centered on the theme “The Holiness of God,” this episode features Britt reading an extended, convicting teaching drawn from Learning from Leviticus by biblical commentator Warren Wiersbe, exploring why God's holiness is not optional—but foundational to the Christian life.Together, Tina and Britt reflect on how modern Christianity has often lost its awe and reverence for a holy God, and why rediscovering God's holiness changes everything—from how we view sin, to how we worship, to how we live out our faith in everyday life. This episode walks through the book of Leviticus, connecting Old Testament sacrificial law to the finished work of Jesus Christ, and showing how holiness begins at the altar and continues through obedience, discipline, and genuine fellowship with God.Listeners will be challenged to consider how personal holiness impacts families, churches, and even entire communities. The conversation addresses difficult but necessary truths about sin, repentance, worship, spiritual discipline, and living to please God alone—not for appearances, but for His glory.If you're longing for deeper spiritual growth, a renewed fear of the Lord, and a faith that leaves a lasting legacy for future generations, this episode will both encourage and convict your heart.Why the holiness of God is central to the gospelWhat the book of Leviticus teaches believers todayHow Jesus Christ fulfills the sacrificial systemThe difference between emotional worship and Spirit‑led holinessWhy holiness is personal, communal, and transformativeHow walking in holiness shapes your legacy for generations

Tanya Luna March 15th, 2026

In this episode, Costi Hinn addresses the battle against lust head-on, unpacking Jesus' warning in Matthew 5 and explaining why pornography is spiritually destructive to the mind, marriage, and relationship with God. He also provides practical steps for repentance, accountability, and lasting change.Read Fight Like a Man by Emeal 'E.Z.' Zwayne for practical, biblical guidance on pursuing purity and fighting sexual temptation. Get the book here:https://livingwaters.com/store/books/fight-like-a-man/

In this episode of Pray the Word on Leviticus 15:31, David Platt challenges believers to reflect on their own lives regarding spiritual purity.We want to invite you to something we look forward to every year: Secret Church.This year, we'll study the life of Elijah. We'll pray specifically for those who are suffering for their faith, and we'll act together to make Jesus known among the nations. Early registration at the best rate is now open through February 17.Register at radical.net/secretchurchExplore more content from Radical.