Podcasts about hope in christ

Raised: When Jesus Calls the Dead to Life – John 11:27–57 In Episode 141 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane explore one of the most powerful miracles in all of Scripture—the raising of Lazarus in John 11:27–57. As grief, doubt, hope, and faith collide, Jesus declares Himself to be “the resurrection and the life” before calling Lazarus from the tomb. Together, they unpack what this miracle reveals about the heart of God, the power of belief, and how Jesus often works in ways that stretch our faith beyond what we can see. This chapter is not only about a man being raised from the dead—it's about a Savior who brings life into every place that feels hopeless, buried, or beyond redemption. If you've ever wondered whether God can still move in what feels impossible, this conversation is a reminder that Jesus specializes in resurrection. What area of my life feels beyond hope—and am I willing to believe that Jesus still brings dead things back to life?____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

When God's people respond with generosity, real lives are changed—and doors open for hope that lasts. That has been the story behind FaithFi's partnership with Heart for Lebanon, a ministry serving families displaced by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. On today's show, we welcomed May-Lee Melki, U.S. Managing Director of Heart for Lebanon, to share what God has already made possible through the generosity of FaithFi listeners—and why the need remains urgent. Over the past few months, May-Lee and her father, Camille, have helped listeners understand the tremendous challenges facing families in Lebanon. The war has displaced thousands, placed communities under severe strain, and left many families carrying emotional, physical, and spiritual burdens. While there have been temporary pauses in the fighting, May-Lee explained that a ceasefire has not meant true peace for many families. “Families are beginning to experience different effects of the ongoing war, instability, and repeated disruption,” she said. “There's a lot of fear, and there's a lot of uncertainty.” Many are still facing food insecurity, damaged infrastructure, interrupted livelihoods, and the constant fear that conditions could worsen without warning. Generosity That Has Already Made a Difference FaithFi listeners originally set out to help 275 displaced families in Lebanon. By God's grace, that goal has now been met. Those 275 families represent more than 1,000 individuals receiving life-sustaining support through Heart for Lebanon. That support includes food, mattresses, blankets, hygiene kits, diapers for adults and children, and care for newborns entering a world marked by war and uncertainty. But the impact goes beyond supplies. May-Lee shared the story of Ibrahim, a six-year-old boy whose family had to flee in the middle of the night as violence intensified. His parents carried their children and ran into the unknown, unsure where help would come from. Through the generosity of Faith and Finance listeners and the ministry of Heart for Lebanon, Ibrahim's family received practical care and ongoing support. His mother later told the team, “Please don't stop your children's activities, even throughout the war.” Ibrahim's favorite Bible story is Jesus feeding the 5,000. For him, that story has become deeply personal. He told the team, “Jesus loves us, and I know He will not let us go hungry.” That is more than humanitarian aid. It is a picture of God's provision working through His people. Meeting Physical Needs and Building Trust Heart for Lebanon's ministry begins by meeting urgent physical needs wherever families are—whether in shelters, makeshift tent settlements, or other temporary spaces. Food, bedding, and hygiene supplies help families survive while preserving their dignity. But the ministry does not stop there. May-Lee emphasized that Heart for Lebanon is not simply dropping off supplies and leaving. Their team is present for the long haul, walking with families through an open-ended season of displacement and uncertainty. That consistent presence creates trust. And trust opens the door to deeper conversations about faith, hope, and the love of Christ. May-Lee shared the story of Najwa, a woman who first came to Heart for Lebanon looking for food for her family. Over time, through relationships with the team, she found something she had not expected. She said her heart had been longing for a kind of spiritual nourishment she did not even know existed. Through the ministry's care and the message of the gospel, Najwa came to understand that she had not been forgotten by God. That kind of transformation takes time. It does not happen through a single package of supplies. It happens as God's people listen, serve, build relationships, and bring the hope of Christ into the deepest places of need. Hope in the Midst of Crisis In times of crisis, hearts are often more open than before. But May-Lee said that what truly points people to Jesus is not only the immediacy of help but also the authenticity of a long-term relationship. Heart for Lebanon's team is made up of local believers serving other locals—many of whom are experiencing the same hardships. Some members of the team in southern Lebanon have been displaced themselves, yet they continue to serve. That shared experience gives their ministry a unique credibility. Families see that these believers are not there temporarily. They are staying, serving, and carrying the burden. As a result, families are attending Bible studies in growing numbers, asking questions about faith, and seeking spiritual truth. May-Lee shared another story of a single mother named Nawal, who said, “Even during the war, someone was still thinking about us.” Through that care, she began to understand Jesus' love in a tangible way. “He's with me even in my darkest hour,” she said. That is the opportunity before Heart for Lebanon—to model the gospel in action during an ongoing crisis. Caring for the Whole Person The needs in Lebanon are not only physical. Children have witnessed things no child should have to see. Families have lost homes, routines, stability, and a sense of safety. Heart for Lebanon is helping turn crowded shelters and temporary spaces into places of care. Their team provides trauma-informed activities, play, art, and listening—simple but meaningful ways to help children process fear and begin to experience safety again. The ministry's approach is holistic because people are whole persons, made in the image of God. Food and supplies matter. Dignity matters. Emotional care matters. And above all, eternal hope in Christ matters. May-Lee put it plainly: tangible aid is important because it restores dignity, but it also becomes a vehicle for building trust and creating relationships that can flourish for God's Kingdom. The Need Remains Great Because of the generosity of Faith and Finance listeners, more than 275 displaced families are already receiving ongoing care. We praise God for that. But the need remains tremendous. Heart for Lebanon has committed to continue supporting these families with monthly care, including food, bedding, hygiene supplies, and relational support. They also hope to expand that care to reach even more families who are still facing fear, displacement, and uncertainty. Every $90 given helps provide a full month of care for a displaced family, while also allowing Heart for Lebanon to continue building relationships and sharing the hope of Christ. If you would like to help, visit FaithFi.com/Lebanon or text the word FAITH to 98656. When God's people respond with generosity, families receive more than temporary relief. They receive care, dignity, relationship, and a glimpse of the lasting hope found only in Christ. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I received a letter from Social Security about the Social Security Fairness Act and the end of the Windfall Elimination Provision. They also deposited a lump sum into my checking account. I'm confused about why I received it, what it means, and whether I'll owe taxes on it. A friend borrowed about $500 from a company called Elastic, but the balance quickly grew to around $3,200. My family and I want to help her pay it off, but I'm concerned it may be predatory or a scam. How can we protect her, and what steps should we take? My husband and I are 57 and 54. We once had about $200,000 in savings, but after COVID and serious health and life challenges, that money is gone. We earn about $65,000 a year, have only about $500 across our accounts, and are living paycheck to paycheck. We each have about $25,000 in life insurance or retirement, but we're essentially starting over. How can we rebuild a financial plan at this stage of life? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Heart for Lebanon Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jun 21st  | Fathers day | Psalm 78:1-8In this powerful Father's Day message, Derrick Jackson opens with the remarkable story of his grandfather, a World War II veteran who landed in Normandy just days after D-Day and carried both the scars of battle and a legacy of quiet faithfulness. Through that story, Derrick draws a compelling connection to Psalm 78, where Asaph reminds God's people that every generation is responsible for passing on the stories of God's faithfulness.Why do stories matter? Because the most important stories are always one generation away from being forgotten. In Psalm 78, we discover that faith rarely dies in open rebellion—it usually dies in silence. Derrick challenges parents, grandparents, church leaders, and every believer to embrace their calling as storytellers of God's grace, mercy, provision, and salvation.This message explores three timeless truths: the stories must be heard, the stories must be told, and the stories must produce hope. Along the way, listeners are reminded that the greatest story ever told is the Gospel of Jesus Christ—the story of a Savior who lived, died, and rose again to redeem sinners and transform families for generations to come.Whether you're a parent seeking to leave a spiritual legacy, a believer who has grown silent about God's work in your life, or someone searching for hope in Christ, this message will encourage you to make sure the story survives.Do you know JESUS? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbgilmer.org/do-you-know-jesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need PRAYER? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbgilmer.org/pray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support through GIVING: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbbctx.org/giving⁠ 

Psalm 95 begins with a call to worship and ends with a warning against hardening our hearts in unbelief. The Psalmist tells us why God alone is worthy of worship, and then draws upon the experience of God's people in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of a hardened heart. The author of the book of Hebrews points to the warning in Psalm 95 to exhort us to hold fast to our hope in Christ as the one through which we are saved.DNA QuestionsDiscoverWhat are some reasons that God alone is worthy of worship?How did God's people put him to the test and to the proof?Why does the Lord say he loathed the generation that died in the wilderness?NurtureWhat does the name “Rock of Our Salvation” tell us about God's character?In what ways is it comforting to know that “we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand?” Are there ways in which that makes you uncomfortable?ActHow are we shaped by the way we worship? Are there characteristics to the way you worship that you would want to change? If so, why?Does believing that God is equally merciful and just influence how you tell unbelievers about Jesus? Does believing that God is equally merciful and just influence how you encourage and disciple fellow believers?

Closing Thought: Beloved, because we have been born of the righteous God and made His beloved children, we practice righteousness now, we endure and embrace the world's misunderstanding, we hope in Christ's return, and we pursue purity until we are made like Him. Amen?

In this special Father's Day episode of the Journey of Hope Podcast, host Elio Constantine sits down with Heart for Lebanon President Camille Melki for an encouraging conversation about the challenges fathers face in today's rapidly changing world and the hope that can only be found in Christ.From war and economic uncertainty to cultural pressures and the growing influence of technology, fathers everywhere are navigating difficult circumstances while striving to protect, provide for, and lead their families. Camille shares biblical insights on the role of fathers, pointing listeners to the example of our Heavenly Father and the enduring truths found in Scripture.Throughout the conversation, Elio and Camille explore how fathers can remain grounded in their faith, lead with integrity, and trust God even when circumstances feel beyond their control. Drawing from personal experiences, biblical examples, and the realities facing families in Lebanon and around the world, this episode offers practical encouragement for fathers seeking to lead their families well.Listeners will also hear a heartfelt reflection on God's faithfulness through life's challenges, including Elio's experience as a new father, and why prayer, Scripture, and dependence on Christ remain essential anchors for every parent.The episode concludes with a call to pray for fathers in Lebanon who are navigating conflict, economic hardship, and uncertainty while faithfully caring for their families.Show NotesThe Challenges Fathers Face Today·      Navigating war, conflict, and instability·      Providing security and stability during uncertain times·      Financial pressures and economic hardship·      Raising children in a rapidly changing culture·      The influence of technology and social media on familiesThe Biblical Role of a Father·      Protecting and providing for the family·      Leading with integrity and righteousness·      Modeling faith, patience, and forgiveness·      Pointing children toward Christ·      Reflecting the love of our Heavenly FatherLearning from Scripture·      The example of the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son·      God's love, grace, and pursuit of His children·      Proverbs 20:7 and the importance of integrity·      Finding wisdom and direction through God's WordTrusting God Through Every Season·      Remembering God's faithfulness in past circumstances·      Building confidence through prayer and Scripture·      Finding peace when situations feel beyond our control·      Trusting God's care for our children and families·      Depending on Christ rather than our own strengthA Father's Personal Journey·      Elio's experience as a new father of twins·      Walking through uncertainty during a NICU stay·      Learning to surrender fears to the Lord·      Discovering God's peace in moments of helplessnessEncouragement for Fathers·      God has not called fathers to carry every burden alone·      Faithfulness matters more than perfection·      Prayer remains one of the greatest gifts fathers can give their children·      Our ultimate hope and security are found in ChristPrayer Requests·      Pray for fathers around the world facing uncertainty and hardship.·      Pray for fathers in Lebanon navigating economic and political instability.·      Pray for wisdom, patience, and strength as parents raise their children.·      Pray that fathers would lead their families with integrity and faith.·      Pray for children to grow in their relationship with Christ.·      Pray that families would find their hope and security in God alone.Key TakeawayNo matter how challenging the circumstances may be, fathers can find strength, wisdom, and hope in Christ. By remaining rooted in Scripture, committed to prayer, and dependent on God's faithfulness, they can lead their families with confidence and integrity through every season of life.Connect & Pray With Us

Thasan in+Topa nangg sung ah+Nang lo in chin gospel song+health talk.

The sermon delivers a powerful, biblically grounded call to protect the vulnerable, centering on Jesus' solemn warning against causing little ones to stumble and the moral imperative to defend the innocent. It confronts the systemic failure to protect children from grooming, trafficking, and abuse in the UK, highlighting how political correctness and institutional neglect have enabled evil, echoing biblical warnings against perverting justice and calling evil good. Drawing from Scripture, it emphasizes that God's heart is for the fatherless and oppressed, and that parents, churches, and leaders bear responsibility to uphold righteousness, speak truth, and pursue justice with courage and compassion. The message calls believers to prayer, vigilance, and active resistance against darkness through spiritual warfare, while anchoring hope in Christ's redemptive mission and the promise of a future where God will wipe away every tear. Ultimately, it affirms that protecting the vulnerable is not optional but essential to the Christian identity, rooted in divine justice and love.

Send us your feedback — we're listeningJohn 10:10 — God Still Has More Life Ahead For You Recorded live from London, England — where faith meets the world in daily prayer and global hope. Chicago • Lagos • Singapore • Auckland • Tokyo PURPOSE • HOPE • DIRECTION midday prayer for purpose and hope • Christian encouragement for difficult seasons • finding renewed direction through Christ • God's plans for your life John 10:10 (NIV) “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” There are seasons when life can begin to feel smaller than it once did. Responsibilities take over. Routines become familiar. Difficult experiences can quietly reduce our expectations. Sometimes people reach a point where they begin to wonder whether there is anything more ahead. They continue moving forward, but deep inside they are asking questions about purpose, direction, and hope. Many people carry those questions quietly. Jesus spoke about life in a way that lifted people's eyes beyond survival. He did not come simply to help people endure their days. He came to bring life in its fullness. That does not mean a life free from challenges or disappointments. It means a life filled with His presence, His purpose, and His transforming grace. There are moments when circumstances convince us that our best days are behind us. Yet God often works in seasons that appear ordinary. New opportunities, renewed vision, deeper faith, and unexpected blessings frequently begin in places that seem small and unnoticed. The Lord is able to breathe fresh purpose into hearts that have grown discouraged. Father, thank You that my story is still being written. Thank You that You continue to work in ways I cannot always see and that Your purposes remain greater than my limitations. Jesus, help me lift my eyes beyond today's pressures and see the hope You are placing before me. Renew my vision, strengthen my faith, and remind me that You still have good things prepared ahead. Holy Spirit, awaken fresh expectation within me today. Help me recognise opportunities to grow, serve, and follow where God is leading. Replace discouragement with hope and uncertainty with renewed confidence. Across the world, from Chicago to Lagos, from Singapore to Auckland and Tokyo, may discouraged hearts discover renewed purpose, weary souls find fresh hope, and every listener experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers. Jesús, gracias por el propósito que tienes para mí. Jesus, obrigado pelo propósito que tens para mim. Jesus, salamat sa layunin Mo para sa buhay ko. Father, thank You that there is still more ahead. Amen. John 10 prayer, prayer for purpose, Christian encouragement, finding hope in Christ, midday prayer, daily prayer, purpose and direction, Christian devotion midday prayer for purpose and hope, Christian encouragement for difficult seasons, finding renewed direction through Christ, God's plans for your lifeSupport the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

Why does following Jesus sometimes feel harder than falling back into old habits? Why do we keep struggling with the same sins, patterns, and failures? If you've ever wondered whether you're simply bad at being a Christian, this message is for you.In this episode of The Dirt Path Sermon Podcast, Pastor Jason Barnett opens 1 John 3:4-10 and explores the difference between sin management and spiritual transformation. Jesus did not come merely to forgive sinners and leave them where they are. He came to destroy the works of the devil and reclaim what sin has damaged.Together we'll discover:Why living for Jesus can feel difficult in a broken worldWhat John means when he says, "sin is rebellion"How spiritual habits shape the direction of our livesWhy Christianity is about family resemblance, not behavior modificationHow Jesus is still taking ground from the enemy todayWhy you are not doomed to run on the same hamster wheel of sin and dysfunction foreverWhether you're a new believer, a mature Christian, or someone who feels stuck and discouraged, this message offers hope. The same Jesus who saved you is still at work in you.Jesus is still taking ground from the enemy, and He can take ground in your life too.Send us Fan MailLinkoln shares his story on why he started coming to Ravenna Church of the Nazarene and shares why you should consider doing the same.Ravenna Church of the Nazarene530 Main Street, Ravenna, KY 40472Support the showThe Dirt Path Sermon Podcast is a place for real sermons that speak to real life. Subscribe and walk the path with us every week.Consider visiting Ravenna Church of the Nazarene where Pastor Jason is the Senior Pastor.   Have a prayer need? Want to share something with Pastor Jason? Email dirtpathpastor@gmail.com

Group Guide Use this guide to help your group discussion as you meet this week. 2 Samuel 18-19a Chet Phillips Download TranscriptMy name is Chet. I'm one of the pastors here. We'll be in second Samuel starting in chapter 18 I'm gonna take a moment to remind us how we got where we are this morning in this text and then we're gonna read the beginning of the text because It's gonna set us up well for understanding kind of the tension of what's happening here So we have David the Anointed blessed king over Israel That God went and found someone after his own heart to become king and that even has made a covenant with him That he's going to bless him that he's gonna give him sons to sit on the throne forever He's gonna work this blessing out in David's line David sins grievously against Bathsheba and Uriah and when the prophet Nathan speaks to him.He tells him that there's gonna be trouble that's going to arise out of this and we're in chapter 18 We're in the middle of some of that trouble David's oldest son Amnon had sexually assaulted his half sister who was Absalom's David's other sons whole sister and Absalom, because David does nothing, plots and murders his brother Amnon These are the two oldest sons of David. There was a third one, but he doesn't seem to be mentioned and it's likely he died Young so we've got the two oldest sons of David. Absalom then runs. He flees he's in exile for a while.Joab sees that this is distressing David. After a time, he helps bring back Absalom. Joab, that leader of David's army, Absalom comes back and eventually over time works up a rebellion Marches with the people of Israel claiming to be king on Jerusalem David flees, goes to Mahanaim. That's where we find him Now which is interesting That's where Ish-bosheth had set up his kingdom last time David was in the middle of a civil war and so David is in Mahanaim Absalom gathers the forces of Israel crosses over the Jordan towards David and that's where we pick up today Absalom is following Hushai's plan which was the one Hushai secretly on David's team which was don't go killing quickly; gather everybody and you lead the forces yourself.So we've got Absalom with a very large kind of conscripted army. All the people in Israel were prepared to fight but these guys would come fight when they need to and then go back David is with a smaller but more regular military and We pick up in verse one chapter 18 Then David mustered the men who were with him and Set over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. It doesn't tell us how many that he has.But it does tell us that he has commanders of thousands and hundreds and that he splits them into thirds We're gonna see that in just a second so it seems like he does have several thousand men That's the standing army that left with him and David sent out the army one third under the command of Joab One third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah Joab's brother Which we've seen them lead his military before and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite Which we saw him join David with 600 of his own men as they were fleeing.And the king said to the men I myself will go out with you But the men said you will not go out for if we flee they will not care about us If half of us die they will not care about us But you are worth 10,000 of us therefore it's better that you send us help from the city So David says I'm going to and they say no, you're not because you're gonna make it more complicated They're only gonna care about you it matters a whole lot if they kill you it doesn't matter if they kill us if we flee They're just gonna be trying to find you like if We've got the whole point of us going out is to keep you alive for the sake of reestablishing control here.So stay and send help from the city organized from the city King said to them whatever seems best to you. I will do So the king stood the side of the gate while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands and the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom and All the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom.So it becomes very clear to the entire army that David has instructed deal gently With Absalom for my sake now This is the tension in this story Because we have David referred to as the king the king the king the king and as king David Organizes his military and as king he sends them out to defend the kingdom and as king He is working to stop a rebellion As king he's bringing justice and righteousness and.Then at the end He doesn't sound like a king He sounds like a father So as he's sending out the military he says Deal gently with the young man Absalom because in his eyes that's still who he is He's a lad, that young man that's leading a rebellion against this Who's got a bigger army than y'all Who wishes to kill us. When y'all catch him but you'd be nice to him Be tender.Joab that's actually why I made you leader of the military because you're one of the most tender fellows. I know From what we know of Joab he is anything but gentle This is probably the only time David has ever given this instruction to his military leaders I don't think he was ever attacking the Amalekites and was like hey if you catch the king Because y'all it should be nice to him when you catch him. He just does this isn't normal.But it gets word through the whole because there's this tension with David where he's got to work justice He's got to be a king. He is the king and then but he loves his son Can you imagine trying to navigate this? How how do you How do you do that? How do you handle this when we see David trying to do both? He wants Absalom to lose But he doesn't want to lose Absalom.And he's trying to thread that needle So the army has verse six Went out into the field against Israel and the battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim And the men of Israel were defeated there by the servants of David and the loss there was great on that day 20,000 men The battle spread over the face of all the country and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword.So they spread out they're in three different groups they fight They meet them on the field of battle, but it says specifically they're fighting in the forest of Ephraim And the forest kills more people than the sword does which is a very interesting verse I think all that's trying to communicate to you was not David if you talk to the to the to the David's army and you said how do they go how did it go.And they were basically saying the forest was more help to us than our sword was Like the forest won the battle for us more than the sword did meaning that the terrain benefited us greatly David has a more well trained military that has done more things and they're in a smaller group They don't want to meet on a field in the open Because sheer numbers will out Man them they'll just they'll lose just over time so what they do is they spread out and they fight in the woods and it works out Very well for them They do some of what a famous South Carolinians did during the Revolutionary War They were like yeah, we're not lining up and just shooting it y'all but every time you ride through the woods.Good luck and we're like we like y'all and we're gonna name colleges after you so that's That's what David that's what they do they they go hide in the woods and they fight in the woods And they say the woods the forest helped us more than the sword did today in 20,000 men die, but the The brunt of that is on the people of Israel not the David side And we're gonna see in just a second the the forest playing a very active role versus nine.And Absalom happened to meet the servants of David Okay, so David's not there, but Absalom is because Absalom's doing Hushai's plan which is you go yourself and Take everybody with you so Absalom's there and he comes across some of David's servants Absalom was riding on his mule and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak and his head Caught fast in the oak and he was suspended between heaven and earth while the mule that was under him went on Absalom sees some of David's men in the forest Most likely at this point Absalom's trying to get away so he spurs his mule. He's heading off I don't know if he was looking back It doesn't tell us it may be the mule just picked a spot that the mules head fit fine.So he just shoot under there Absalom gets his head caught in an oak tree now The word head here can mean it's actual head so it's possible that he got stuck in between some branches and it actually got around his neck His head is actually stuck wedged in somewhere It can also mean his hair and one of the things we know about Absalom other than he's the most handsome man You'd ever like to meet is it he has beautiful hair To the point that he cuts it once a year and weighs it and then Tells people about it.And it's written down forever and scripture for us how much was hair weight So it's possible that it says hair that got tangled up and then he's having to hold himself up And I don't know if you've ever been snagged on something, but it's not easy to get yourself out of it And he's now dangling from a tree and his mule's like well sorry You should have cut your hair before battle and heads up.So he's dangling from a tree and the forest is helping more than the sword at this moment Verse 10 and a certain man saw it and told Joab behold I saw Absalom hanging in an oak And Joab says what we would say Joab said to the man who told him what you saw him so he comes to report hey Hey, you remember the guy we're looking for? Absalom dangling from a tree over here It'd be like you know you're just one of the random guys you're walking along and then there's someone just dangling from a tree? It's like the guy we came for you guys. He's here That's what he does he's I see him and Joab says what you saw him? Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? Why are you telling me's in a tree? Why are you telling me he's dead?I would have been glad to give you 10 pieces of silver and a belt Yeah, 10 pieces of silver and a belt you guys But the man said to Joab even if I felt in my hand the weight of a thousand pieces of silver I would not reach out my hand against the king's son for in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai for my sake protect the young man Absalom on the other hand if I had dealt Treacherously against his life and there's nothing hidden from the king then you yourself would have stood aloof.Joab said I will not not waste time with you waste time like this with you So Joab he says I saw Absalom hanging in a tree Joab says why didn't you kill him and then I would have given you 10 pieces of silver and a belt and the man says You could have given me a bag of a thousand pieces of silver I'm not killing the king's son after he told us not to and then he just keeps going He goes he told you and his brother and he had time and if I had killed him and the king found out later You're not gonna bow walking up in the middle of that and being like look at whose belt he's wearing You're gonna stand back and let me get killed. I know exactly and just like you just I don't know who this certain man was but I like him.Joab's like why didn't you just obey the king and this guy's like have you lost your mind and Just goes toe to toe with Joab and you haven't gotten anything to say except for I don't have time for this I'm not getting too big discussion with you about what I would have done later had I like what whatever So he just you know I believe I'm not waste time like this with you and he took three javelins in his hand.And he thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak so when Joab gets there Absalom Absalom still there they take three Throwing spears and thrust them into him and ten young men, Joab's armor-bearers Surrounded Absalom and struck him and killed him Then Joab blew the trumpet and the troops came back from pursuing Israel for Joab restrained them So Joab does not follow the king's order He goes and brutally kills Absalom Throws three spears into him while he's dangling there cuts him down and then ten men who were with him Striking and killing.And then he blows the trumpet because that's all Joab wanted to do we got the guy that was causing problems The battle's over like y'all come back and without Absalom there's no rebellion It stopped And the throwing of the three spears makes it seem to me first of all Joab has no intention whatsoever of following David's command And it also feels Personal vindictive maybe and it doesn't tell us I think he probably had some enjoyment of finding him like that and then some anger towards Absalom he's Joab's the one who helped to bring Absalom back From exile Absalom when he was trying to get Joab's attention Joab wouldn't come so Absalom burned down Joab's field.Joab's on the run from Absalom has been expelled from his home and had to take his own family and his household with him and Seems to be he has no mercy in his heart for him and Absalom finds a gruesome end Now we know what David asked But there's part of me who can appreciate Feeling like yeah Absalom Caught what he deserved He's risen up in rebellion against his own back When when the original the when it was Ahithophel and Hushai were both giving him plans Ahithophel said we'll go tonight Just kill David and Absalom and thinks that's a good idea and then Hushai says no, we'll kill them all and Absalom thinks that's a better idea and When he dies like this there's part of me that just goes yeah.Feels like justice was served There's actually a passage in Deuteronomy that seems like he kind of lives out I want to show you what happens here next in verse 17 it says they took Absalom and threw him into a great pit in the forest and raised over him a very great heap of stones And all Israel fled everyone to his own home Now Absalom and his lifetime had taken and set up for himself the pillar that is in the King's Valley for he said I have no son to keep my name and Remembrance he called the pillar after his own name and it is called Absalom's monument to this day We'll get to that in just a second.And Deuteronomy chapter 21 it says that if anyone is deserving of death and is hanged on a tree He's cursed by God and that you should remove him from the tree before nightfall And Absalom hanging on the tree now it just happens to him but it seems as if it's in God's Providence that this would happen and it's the same phrase that he's hanged on a tree That's what he says I found he's hanging on a tree cursed by God. He's killed and.Then the very next passage in Deuteronomy 21 says if you have a rebellious son He should be taken outside of the gates and stoned and they throw him in a pit and they throw a great heap of stones on him So that he somehow lives out Deuteronomy 21 both of the punishments and there's this He's very unceremoniously cared for he's dumped dumped in a pit stones are thrown on him and then it says hey While he was alive he made himself his own monument and what the the text is doing is going so Absalom has two stone monuments the one he made for himself and the one we made for him in the forest The one where he tried to honor himself and the one where he died in utter contempt and dishonor.We are told in the text previously that Absalom had three sons so we've seen at this point that they have all died in infancy You're at a young age so that they aren't able to carry his name on So his desire in pride to elevate himself has come to utter ruin But now we have to see what happens with David Verse 19 then Ahimaaz the son of a Zadok said let me run and carry news to the king that the Lord has delivered him from the hand of his enemies.So Ahimaaz we met him earlier. He's one of the guys that hid in the well To bring news to David. He's been helping spy. He wants he says let me run and give him the news And Joab said to him you are not to carry news today You may carry news another day, but today you shall not you shall carry no news because the king's son is dead So Ahimaaz is excited he in his mind. He just says hey let's go tell him we won let's tell him that this is today is a great day.Then Joab said today's not gonna be a great day the king's son is dead. You don't need to carry news today And he says you can carry news another day. He's even like seems like he's trying to tell him as if it's like it's not you it just is the news. You don't need to carry it Verse 21 then Joab said to the Cushite go tell the king what you have seen The Cushite bowed before Joab and ran. I find this interaction interesting as well.So Joab looks at Ahimaaz and goes don't go deliver this news. It's not gonna go well. This is bad news and then he goes you there foreigner I got news for you to take to the king and It feels like At best what Joab is doing is you don't belong to the nation of Israel so you don't need to mourn with us But it worse he's just like if David decides to kill someone Non-covenant person I got a message for you which I wonder how the Cushite felt about that but he just says hey run this message.So the Cushite who's from the Egypt area He's gonna go so he says the Cushite bow before Joab and ran Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab come what may let me also run after the Cushite And Joab said why will you run my son seeing that you have no reward for the news Come what may he said I will run so he said to him run Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain and out ran the Cushite to Ahimaaz really wants to go Please please please He says whatever happens. I don't care what happens. Just let me go. Let me run after him. I'll just go behind him. Let me go.And then he doesn't go behind him he runs a different way and outruns him And I think maybe Ahimaaz just like running He also might just like to be in the middle of things. I don't know we don't we don't know But we know that he out runs the Cushite so he's gonna get there first But he said I don't care I don't care how he takes the news. I just want to go.Verse 24 now David was sitting between the two gates and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall When he lifted up his eyes and looked he saw a man running alone so there's outer gate outer wall Then a House something above the gate where you can sit and watch and there's an inter gate inter wall and David's in between pacing praying I don't know But he's just kind of this is where he is and he's waiting for news waiting they're keeping an eye out on what's going on watchman sees a runner.The watchman is verse 25 called out and told the king and the king said if he is alone There is news in his mouth and he drew near and near so they can see for quite a ways We don't know how far but he could be a mile away between like we he's you know You see someone running he says someone's running he's by himself He says well he's alone he's bringing news The whole army marching back would mean one thing people coming back in a little bunches would probably mean defeat you know.But just the guy running he's bringing us some information The watchman saw another man running and the watchman called to the gate and said see another man running alone The king said he also brings news Which he split his army into Thirds so to get news from different places. It's not odd to get news from the same place with the exact same time as odd but David doesn't know that's what's about to happen.The watchman said I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of a Zadok I think he's seen Ahimaaz run before this what part of what makes me think Ahimaaz likes to run or you know Ahimaaz does his hands weird when he runs or something. I don't know but he sees him and he's like that looks like Ahimaaz running And the king said he is a good man and comes with good news not maybe wishful thinking on David's part.But it also may be that he understands how Joab usually sends news and we just saw Joab say you're not allowed to bring news because this news is bad And maybe Joab has usually picks people to honor who get to go deliver good news So when he says oh, it's Ahimaaz this is gonna be good news That's the way David takes it Then Ahimaaz cried out to the king all is well and he's just run several miles and he's run fast because he outran the Cushite All is well as one word in in Hebrew says Shalom, but he says all is well and he bowed before the king with his face to the earth and he said Blessed be the Lord your God who has delivered up the men who raised their hand against my Lord the king.And the king said is it well with the young man? Absalom So he says we won The news he gives is the news to the king justice was served But the king doesn't respond. I mean he is the King David, but he responds as the father. He got the king news and now he asks Is it well With Absalom Ahimaaz answered When Joab sent the king's servant, your servant, I saw a great commotion, but I do not know what it was.And the king said turn aside and stand here so he turned aside and stood still now Ahimaaz said twice come what may And as soon as he gets to come what may he does not tell him what happened to his son I Don't know if he changed his mind in the moment I don't know if he just wanted to be here and see it We don't know if he thought about it as he was out running the Cushite and he thought I don't know if it was when he gave the news the King David and King David doesn't respond with any sort of joy at hearing that he won but only asked about Absalom, but at this moment he just goes ah when I when I was there was the stuff going on, but I don't know.Hmm Then David says okay, we'll stand over here And then he sees a Cushite running Which I don't know if he knows him. I don't know how how that worked in their their army But he's coming up so he just has stand here and he's waiting for this piece of news And behold the Cushite came and the Cushite said good news from my Lord the king For the Lord has delivered you this day from the hand of all who rose up against you I don't know if the Cushite did a double take when he saw him as.But he was the last time he had a conversation with a person he was talking to Joab who was talking to Ahimaaz and then he took off running and then when he shows up He sees David who's talking to Ahimaaz who's obviously been running I don't know if we play the game where it was like which one of us has just run six miles but she'd probably be able to figure it out Do the other ones hadn't and so I just want to hear if he was like, huh, and then just but he did his job.The king said to the Cushite Is it well with the young man? Absalom, I asked the exact same question and the Cushite answered may the enemies of my Lord the king and all who rise up against you for evil be like that young man And the king was deeply moved Went up to the chamber over the gate and wept And as he went and he said oh my son, Absalom my son my son, Absalom Would that I had died instead of you? Oh, Absalom my son my son.So he gets the news we won Rebellion over God's given you victory God's with you and he gets the news your son is dead David's heart is broken And he just goes off It was told Joab the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people For they heard, for the people heard that day the king is grieving his son and the people stole into the city that day as people who steal in who are Shamed when they flee in battle and the king covered his face and the king cried with a loud voice Oh my son, Absalom my son David's gone up over the gatehouse and he's just weeping and he's covered his face and he's just he's broke.People hear it And they don't they don't just walk back into the city like anything good has happened They don't celebrate that they won they don't celebrate their deliverance It says they sneak in like people who lost people who don't want to make eye contact with you because they fled because they're ashamed of themselves So this this is how it comes back to the city Then Joab came into the house for the king and said you have today covered with shame The faces of all your servants who have this day saved your life and the lives of your sons and your daughters and the lives of your wives.And your concubines because you love those who hate you and hate those who love you You have made it clear today that the commanders and servants are nothing to you for today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today Then you would have been pleased So Joab shows up walks right up and it says just Let's him have it and you can you can feel Joab's hurt a little bit. Joab is is David's nephew and he's been with him and everything.And Joab says I can tell now they don't matter like we don't matter if Absalom were alive and we were all dead this you wouldn't be acting like this Verse seven now therefore a rise Go out and speak kindly to your servants for I swear by the Lord if you do not go Not a man will stay with you this night and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.Then the king arose and took his seat in the gate and the people were all told behold the king is sitting in the gate and All the people came before the king David hears Joab and he realizes he's right He goes out to the gate and he starts smoothing things back over No, Joab goes up to him and says you need to act like a king and David had just been acting like a father and There's this pull in the text Because how does David handle this well? If he only responded like a king If he looked at them as they were on their way out and said make sure Absalom doesn't last the day He'd be gone. Oh, I mean that's your son David Response in both ways he responds as a king at the end we see him sitting as a king.We see him weeping as a father if he only acts like a father then then it falls apart He doesn't handle his kingly duties. There's this tension here between the justice that needs to be carried out And the love that David has for his son and he's not able to to navigate it But how would you Your king your sons in rebellion against you. How do you navigate that? And I think as we're evaluating it we're trying to think through that I think different ones of us want to move the slider in different directions Some of us feel like yes, I don't know Can you march against your own son even though he's wrong? Maybe you don't Maybe David should just say Somebody else has got to lead this. I'm gonna step down from being king.And some of you are like that's crazy talk Get in He's causing more problems He's willing to kill you. He's wrong. I don't care that he's your son. He's chosen so many things that are wrong And we want to pull this back and forth and we have this tension between justice and love and mercy And it's not just in this story. I think this is the tension that runs throughout the Old Testament This story gives us a feel for it.But we're told that God has a glorious king who is perfect in justice and perfect in holiness created a world out of love, that he loves the world that he loves His creation that he loves Humans and we're told that we rebel We don't want his kingship. We don't want his love. We don't want him What does he do And you'll talk to people and then move that slider around Some people say why don't see why he can't just forget why can't he just love us if he loves us then he would just forgive us If there really is a God, then he's a loving God and he's a forgiving God and we're fine. It's fine He knows we're all human. He just is gonna. He's fine.And if you have a God of judgment or wrath or whatever you're confused because that's not what God's like And they just move the slider all the way over to loving father which we're told God is a loving father There's a problem with that Joab sees the problem. He says that son was gonna kill all your other sons That son was gonna kill all your children. So you're gonna kill your whole household.And it's easy if your life's been kind of calm and kind of nice and everything's been kind of and you just deal with Base level disagreements to go yeah, we're all the same and God loves us But if people have marched into your village and burned it down and raped all your family members If you've dealt with heinous wicked evil and then your answer is that God just kind of sleepily goes. It's okay That doesn't feel very loving How can he love us and not care.There's a scene in the movie Princess Bride where Princess Buttercup is being walked down the aisle, being forced to marry someone she doesn't want to marry she's walking this really old Nice king she gives him a kiss on the cheek and he says what was that for she says you've always been so nice to me And I'm not gonna see you again because after the wedding when I get to the honeymoon suite I'm gonna kill myself He pats her arm and says that's nice.And he looks at someone she kissed me and Some of us seem to be that's the God you're promoting No matter what happens you just kind of go that's nice. It's okay It's just vaguely kind And you've filed that under love, but he has no response to sin whatsoever There are others who are gonna slide it over and say no, he needs to bring justice He needs to destroy Wickedness and you'll hear people say why don't you just get rid of the bad people like why don't you just get rid of sin why doesn't he just get rid of it Because he'd have to get rid of people.And most of us want a God who judges we just want him to judge wherever the line is past us Do you know what I'm saying? I Like if I'm driving down the interstate and I'll come up behind you and you're not going as fast as me you are slow And if I'm driving up down the interstate and you come whipping up behind me you are fast Because I'm the pace car I'm driving appropriately that's the way we feel about justice That's the way we feel about mercy that's what I want the line to go right here past me Those people are the bad ones, but I'm not.And so we actually don't want a holy God we want him to be as holy as I am We don't want a just God we we want him just as holy and just as just as Get rid of the people I don't like and keeps me that's not how it works if you're going to stop the rebellion you stop the rebels And that's us you've actively made things worse. I've actively made things worse. I've been part of the problem I've been selfish I've lied I've harmed people I'm part of the problem I haven't just been an addition to the world I've taken away from it and if you think he's righteous If you think he's just and you go well, yeah, but like more good than bad that's not how justice works.That's not how judgment works If if there was a trial for a doctor who had been killing people that were his patients And his whole defense was yeah, I killed four people last year But I saved 22 So I'm a net 18 And I only killed the ones that annoying me Nobody the judges aren't gonna go well somebody that math is net 18 right okay Let him go That's not how it works That's not how justice works You don't want someone it character witness after someone has has assaulted your family and someone goes yeah, but he's like always paid his taxes Irrelevant. I don't care That's not how justice works and so when you say well I'm good over here and I'm good over here and I did this thing.But these other ones shouldn't count that's just because you want to draw the line in a place that's actually wicked Because we fail on holiness So to just forgive everybody is wrong And to just destroy everybody is right but it breaks the father's heart In this story The rebellion is over When we see the Son hanging on a tree and dying for his sin And in our story the rebellion gets to end when we see the Son hanging on a tree and dying not for his sin, but for ours.That's what God does God works out a way for his perfect love and his perfect justice to meet in a way that we could have never navigated For his perfect justice for wrath to be poured out for sin to be dealt with and his absolute love So that there might be hope rather than just getting rid of everybody And he does that in the cross that's where those two things meet in a way that is mind blowing and beautiful.So that in the cross God is more holy than you could have ever imagined to the point that his Son has to pay for the wrath But he's more loving than you could have ever understood because he's willing to pay for it so that we might be forgiven That's the hope of the cross and there is no other way There is no other way that it would have to deny the love of God or would have to deny the righteousness of God.But in the cross we have perfect love and perfect justice meeting in a way that is beyond our comprehension and when the soldiers have the right of it when they look at David and they say you're worth 10,000 of us Jesus Christ is worth 14 trillion of us so that he's capable of paying the debt So that he can save all those who come to him with his perfect Priceless blood he can pay the debt that we all deserve to pay and He can be the way that God pours out his justice and his wrath and his righteousness and his love.So that he can welcome sinners and have their debt covered So God for us is able to do what David couldn't figure out how to navigate and we see that he is perfectly just and Perfectly loving and therefore we have a hope but only only in Christ Let's pray Lord, we ask That you would set our hearts on fire with the beauty of the gospel that we at no point Would underestimate your holiness that we would not somehow tone you down or make you sleepier That we would not impose upon you some sort of wickedness that can turn a blind eye to sin.But that Lord we would also not in seeing your absolute justice Fail to see your wonderful love that reaches to the highest heavens that covers sin So Lord may we see both may we trust Jesus and may we glorify your name In Jesus' name The band's gonna come back up and we're gonna sing If you've never placed your faith in Jesus If you're counting on God being not that holy If you have a God who's only vaguely loving but doesn't deal with sin I will let you know that that is not the God of the Scriptures.But that you can have hope in Christ and if you've placed your faith in Christ Then rejoice That your hope is not found in you. It's not found in your work It's not found in your worth but it is found in the precious blood of Jesus that forgives sinners And may we sing like we're redeemed.

The sermon centers on the unshakable assurance of eternal security, grounded in God's sovereign love and predestined purpose to conform believers to the image of His Son. Drawing from First Peter, Romans, and other Scripture, it emphasizes that salvation is not dependent on human effort or endurance but is secured by God's power, His eternal love, and the resurrection of Christ, which guarantees a living hope and an incorruptible inheritance reserved in heaven. The preacher underscores the divine preservation of believers—God's faithful keeping through faith—while affirming that human perseverance is not a work of self-effort but a fruit of the new nature imparted by the Holy Spirit. The message is both comforting and convicting, calling listeners to trust in God's unchanging character, who remains faithful even when life is marked by trials, and to find their identity and hope in Christ alone, the chief cornerstone of the church.

Becoming a Christian doesn't mean we'll have a life without difficulty. Instead, this world and its troubles do not define us. In this message, Pastor Lutzer advises us with three transforming “don'ts” to avoid minimizing God's glory in suffering. We who have placed our hope in Christ have a permanent home where all suffering will cease. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29?v=20251111

Becoming a Christian doesn't mean we'll have a life without difficulty. Instead, this world and its troubles do not define us. In this message, Pastor Lutzer advises us with three transforming "don'ts" to avoid minimizing God's glory in suffering. We who have placed our hope in Christ have a permanent home where all suffering will cease. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure reveals where we run, and we focused on Psalm 46. Nadia Gordynsky joined us to share how the loss of her son opened her eyes to the value of every unborn life and led to a ministry that now helps mothers in crisis choose life and find hope in Christ. Nadia is the Founder, President, and CEO of Save a Life International. Greg Dempster joined us to talk about the pressure leaders carry when their value is tied to performance, explaining how God invites us to stop building our lives on our own strength and to receive the care only He can give. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries. He's also been a senior leader, elder, and ministry director. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Nadia Gordynsky [ 44:39 ]Greg Dempster [ 33:09 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure reveals where we run, and we focused on Psalm 46. Nadia Gordynsky joined us to share how the loss of her son opened her eyes to the value of every unborn life and led to a ministry that now helps mothers in crisis choose life and find hope in Christ. Nadia is the Founder, President, and CEO of Save a Life International. Greg Dempster joined us to talk about the pressure leaders carry when their value is tied to performance, explaining how God invites us to stop building our lives on our own strength and to receive the care only He can give. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries. He's also been a senior leader, elder, and ministry director. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Nadia Gordynsky [ 44:39 ]Greg Dempster [ 33:09 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure reveals where we run, and we focused on Psalm 46. Nadia Gordynsky joined us to share how the loss of her son opened her eyes to the value of every unborn life and led to a ministry that now helps mothers in crisis choose life and find hope in Christ. Nadia is the Founder, President, and CEO of Save a Life International. Greg Dempster joined us to talk about the pressure leaders carry when their value is tied to performance, explaining how God invites us to stop building our lives on our own strength and to receive the care only He can give. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries. He's also been a senior leader, elder, and ministry director. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Nadia Gordynsky [ 44:39 ]Greg Dempster [ 33:09 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure reveals where we run, and we focused on Psalm 46. Nadia Gordynsky joined us to share how the loss of her son opened her eyes to the value of every unborn life and led to a ministry that now helps mothers in crisis choose life and find hope in Christ. Nadia is the Founder, President, and CEO of Save a Life International. Greg Dempster joined us to talk about the pressure leaders carry when their value is tied to performance, explaining how God invites us to stop building our lives on our own strength and to receive the care only He can give. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries. He's also been a senior leader, elder, and ministry director. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Nadia Gordynsky [ 44:39 ]Greg Dempster [ 33:09 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure reveals where we run, and we focused on Psalm 46. Nadia Gordynsky joined us to share how the loss of her son opened her eyes to the value of every unborn life and led to a ministry that now helps mothers in crisis choose life and find hope in Christ. Nadia is the Founder, President, and CEO of Save a Life International. Greg Dempster joined us to talk about the pressure leaders carry when their value is tied to performance, explaining how God invites us to stop building our lives on our own strength and to receive the care only He can give. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries. He's also been a senior leader, elder, and ministry director. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Nadia Gordynsky [ 44:39 ]Greg Dempster [ 33:09 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure reveals where we run, and we focused on Psalm 46. Nadia Gordynsky joined us to share how the loss of her son opened her eyes to the value of every unborn life and led to a ministry that now helps mothers in crisis choose life and find hope in Christ. Nadia is the Founder, President, and CEO of Save a Life International. Greg Dempster joined us to talk about the pressure leaders carry when their value is tied to performance, explaining how God invites us to stop building our lives on our own strength and to receive the care only He can give. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries. He's also been a senior leader, elder, and ministry director. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Nadia Gordynsky [ 44:39 ]Greg Dempster [ 33:09 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, "Under Pressure," which explores how pressure reveals where we run, and we focused on Psalm 46. Nadia Gordynsky joined us to share how the loss of her son opened her eyes to the value of every unborn life and led to a ministry that now helps mothers in crisis choose life and find hope in Christ. Nadia is the Founder, President, and CEO of Save a Life International. Greg Dempster joined us to talk about the pressure leaders carry when their value is tied to performance, explaining how God invites us to stop building our lives on our own strength and to receive the care only He can give. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries. He's also been a senior leader, elder, and ministry director. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Nadia Gordynsky [ 44:39 ]Greg Dempster [ 33:09 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Corinthians 1:13

What does it look like to carry the gentle love of Jesus into your everyday life?In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with author, entrepreneur, podcaster, and founder of Gentle and Lowly Co., Addie Ott. Together they explore how God uses our personal stories, creative gifts, and daily interactions to advance His Kingdom.Addie shares her powerful testimony of finding hope in Christ during her parents' divorce, how God led her to launch Gentle and Lowly Co., and why authentic Christian community is more important than ever in a culture increasingly shaped by isolation and digital distractions.This conversation is packed with encouragement for believers who want to live on mission, cultivate meaningful relationships, embrace Sabbath rest, and continually allow God to transform their hearts through His Word.In this episode, you'll learn:How God can use painful seasons to deepen your faithThe inspiration behind Gentle and Lowly Co.Why your everyday life is your mission fieldPractical ways to build authentic Christian communityHow to overcome isolation and cultivate fellowshipThe importance of vulnerability, accountability, and forgivenessUsing creativity to glorify Christ rather than ourselvesWhy Sabbath rest is a gift from GodHow to stay rooted in Jesus in a noisy, distracted worldWhether you're a creative, entrepreneur, ministry leader, or simply seeking to grow deeper in your walk with Christ, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to live intentionally for God's Kingdom.---Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

Send us Fan MailTherefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Ephesians 6:13The world is messy.  The church is going through messy stuff as well.  How do we stay committed to the Gospel even when the things around us seem hopeless at times?  We are called to put on the Full Armor Of God and stand firm.  We do this by putting our hope in Christ and not in this world or the leaders in it.  We test every word and practice discernment -- something we are lacking in.  Finally, we strive for unity.  The church is as divided as ever.  We must major on the majors and minor on the minors in terms of what divides us.  In all of this, we ask for the Lord's leading and guidance.  When we do, we can stand firm even in messy days.  

In this inspiring interview, Dan Steiner joins Hearts of Oak to share how he left a successful career as a trucking executive after encountering Jesus Christ and felt called to confront abortion as both a moral and spiritual crisis.  He explains the remarkable growth of Preborn, which began as a single pregnancy clinic in Indiana and has become the largest pro-life organization in the world. Through free ultrasounds, practical support (maternity clothes, baby supplies, housing, and medical care), and compassionate counseling, Preborn has helped save over 80,000 babies in a single year. Steiner emphasizes that Preborn's mission pairs life-saving work with sharing the gospel, helping women and their children find not only physical rescue but eternal hope in Christ.  He also discusses the shift in the abortion industry toward online chemical abortions and how Preborn has adapted with digital outreach, phone counseling, and telehealth to reach women earlier. A powerful conversation about faith, obedience, compassion, and the vital role of the church in standing for truth. "LORD, WHAT CAN I DO?" This is what PreBorn! Founder, Dan Steiner, asked himself as he thought of the 800,000 babies being slaughtered each week at the hands of abortionists. This issue of abortion is the DEFINING issue of OUR generation. You are NOT powerless in the mission to save the lives of babies at risk for abortion. You are a KEY instrument in the power source God desires to use to SAVE BABIES and SAVE SOULS. Just as God called Dan Steiner, PreBorn!'s Founder, to save babies and save souls… you are being called. Connect with and support PreBorn...

Ignatius of Antioch lived so close to the time of the apostles that his life serves as a bridge between the New Testament church and the generations that followed.In this episode, Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston introduce listeners to Ignatius of Antioch, an early church leader whose courage, writings, and final journey to Rome continue to challenge and encourage Christians today.Ignatius was arrested for being a Christian and sentenced to die in the Roman arena. Yet instead of responding with panic or bitterness, his letters reveal confidence, joy, and unwavering hope in Christ. Through his story, we see the importance of church unity, the danger of false teaching, and the eternal perspective that has sustained believers through suffering for nearly 2,000 years.Chapters:01:00 Who Was Ignatius of Antioch?Ignatius of Antioch was one of the earliest and most influential leaders in church history. His life serves as a bridge between the New Testament church and the generations that followed.02:00 Antioch and the Early ChurchAntioch was one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire and a major center for early Christian discipleship, missionary work, and church growth. It was also the city where followers of Jesus were first called Christians.05:15 Ignatius as Bishop of AntiochIgnatius served as the third bishop of Antioch, overseeing a network of house churches spread throughout the city and surrounding region. 07:00 Ignatius' Final Journey to RomeAfter being arrested for his faith, Ignatius was taken from Antioch to Rome to face execution in the arena. Along the way, believers came out to meet him, and hoped to rescue him from his fate.11:30 The Letters of IgnatiusDuring his journey to Rome, Ignatius wrote seven letters that still offer a valuable glimpse into the life of the early church. In them, he addressed church unity, false teaching, faithful leadership, suffering, and perseverance.13:30 Why Church History Still MattersStudying Ignatius reminds Christians that many of the challenges we face today are not new. The early church also dealt with fear, division, doctrinal confusion, cultural pressure, and suffering, yet Christ faithfully sustained His people.17:00 What Ignatius Teaches Us About Eternal HopeIgnatius' final journey points believers to a deeper question: Is Christ truly our greatest treasure? “Ignatius understood something profound; Death is not the end for the believer, and he submitted wholly to the will of God.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

This sermon addresses the powerful impact of negativity on our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Pastor Blake examines how negativity distorts our view of reality and influences our decision-making, while positivity and hope rooted in Christ can transform our lives. Drawing from Romans 8, he emphasizes that despite present sufferings, believers have hope in Christ's redemptive power. The message challenges listeners to interrupt negative thought patterns with biblical truth, practice spiritual affirmations, and reframe circumstances through God's perspective. The central truth is that God can redeem any negative situation for good, just as He transformed the worst moment in history—the crucifixion—into the greatest victory through the resurrection.

Believers are to live transformed lives in response to God’s saving work. Because of their secure hope in Christ, they are to fix their minds on His future grace, turn from former sinful desires, and reflect God’s holy character. This call is grounded in reverent awe, since God is both Father and Judge, and in gratitude for redemption through the precious blood of Christ. Ultimately, a life of holiness flows from hope, is shaped by God’s character, and is motivated by the cost of salvation.

Believers are to live transformed lives in response to God’s saving work. Because of their secure hope in Christ, they are to fix their minds on His future grace, turn from former sinful desires, and reflect God’s holy character. This call is grounded in reverent awe, since God is both Father and Judge, and in gratitude for redemption through the precious blood of Christ. Ultimately, a life of holiness flows from hope, is shaped by God’s character, and is motivated by the cost of salvation.

Believers are to live transformed lives in response to God’s saving work. Because of their secure hope in Christ, they are to fix their minds on His future grace, turn from former sinful desires, and reflect God’s holy character. This call is grounded in reverent awe, since God is both Father and Judge, and in gratitude for redemption through the precious blood of Christ. Ultimately, a life of holiness flows from hope, is shaped by God’s character, and is motivated by the cost of salvation.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we wrapped up our weekly theme, “Discipleship.” Stefano Fehr joined us to share how Call of Hope is ministering in Muslim countries through practical care, discipleship, and gospel outreach among refugees and Muslim-background believers. Stefano is president of Call of Hope, a ministry among Muslims for over 120 years, and Chief Operating Officer of Evangelical Karmel Mission. Lana Silk also joined us to give an update on Iran, explaining the oppression facing women, children, and believers while sharing how Christians continue to minister with courage and hope in Christ. Lana is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Transform Iran. We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “You thought you had a relationship with Jesus, but you did not. How did God convict and reach you?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Stefano Fehr [ 36:02 ]Lana Silk [ 11:34 ]Call Segment [ 51:03 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we wrapped up our weekly theme, “Discipleship.” Stefano Fehr joined us to share how Call of Hope is ministering in Muslim countries through practical care, discipleship, and gospel outreach among refugees and Muslim-background believers. Stefano is president of Call of Hope, a ministry among Muslims for over 120 years, and Chief Operating Officer of Evangelical Karmel Mission. Lana Silk also joined us to give an update on Iran, explaining the oppression facing women, children, and believers while sharing how Christians continue to minister with courage and hope in Christ. Lana is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Transform Iran. We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “You thought you had a relationship with Jesus, but you did not. How did God convict and reach you?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Stefano Fehr [ 36:02 ]Lana Silk [ 11:34 ]Call Segment [ 51:03 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we wrapped up our weekly theme, “Discipleship.” Stefano Fehr joined us to share how Call of Hope is ministering in Muslim countries through practical care, discipleship, and gospel outreach among refugees and Muslim-background believers. Stefano is president of Call of Hope, a ministry among Muslims for over 120 years, and Chief Operating Officer of Evangelical Karmel Mission. Lana Silk also joined us to give an update on Iran, explaining the oppression facing women, children, and believers while sharing how Christians continue to minister with courage and hope in Christ. Lana is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Transform Iran. We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “You thought you had a relationship with Jesus, but you did not. How did God convict and reach you?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Stefano Fehr [ 36:02 ]Lana Silk [ 11:34 ]Call Segment [ 51:03 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we wrapped up our weekly theme, “Discipleship.” Stefano Fehr joined us to share how Call of Hope is ministering in Muslim countries through practical care, discipleship, and gospel outreach among refugees and Muslim-background believers. Stefano is president of Call of Hope, a ministry among Muslims for over 120 years, and Chief Operating Officer of Evangelical Karmel Mission. Lana Silk also joined us to give an update on Iran, explaining the oppression facing women, children, and believers while sharing how Christians continue to minister with courage and hope in Christ. Lana is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Transform Iran. We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “You thought you had a relationship with Jesus, but you did not. How did God convict and reach you?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Stefano Fehr [ 36:02 ]Lana Silk [ 11:34 ]Call Segment [ 51:03 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we wrapped up our weekly theme, “Discipleship.” Stefano Fehr joined us to share how Call of Hope is ministering in Muslim countries through practical care, discipleship, and gospel outreach among refugees and Muslim-background believers. Stefano is president of Call of Hope, a ministry among Muslims for over 120 years, and Chief Operating Officer of Evangelical Karmel Mission. Lana Silk also joined us to give an update on Iran, explaining the oppression facing women, children, and believers while sharing how Christians continue to minister with courage and hope in Christ. Lana is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Transform Iran. We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “You thought you had a relationship with Jesus, but you did not. How did God convict and reach you?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Stefano Fehr [ 36:02 ]Lana Silk [ 11:34 ]Call Segment [ 51:03 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we wrapped up our weekly theme, “Discipleship.” Stefano Fehr joined us to share how Call of Hope is ministering in Muslim countries through practical care, discipleship, and gospel outreach among refugees and Muslim-background believers. Stefano is president of Call of Hope, a ministry among Muslims for over 120 years, and Chief Operating Officer of Evangelical Karmel Mission. Lana Silk also joined us to give an update on Iran, explaining the oppression facing women, children, and believers while sharing how Christians continue to minister with courage and hope in Christ. Lana is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Transform Iran. We then opened up the phone lines to hear from our listeners. We posed the question, “You thought you had a relationship with Jesus, but you did not. How did God convict and reach you?” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Stefano Fehr [ 36:02 ]Lana Silk [ 11:34 ]Call Segment [ 51:03 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prayer Moment 1 of 5 in JunePrayer for Understanding that God is Good, Despite Suffering in the World 1. Truth in Suffering: Pray that Buddhists will understand that suffering does not mean God is absent or unkind (John 16:33).2. God's Character: Pray that they will see God as compassionate and present, not distant from pain (Psalm 34:18).3. Hope: Pray that they will find hope in Christ, who brings purpose and redemption through suffering (Romans 8:28). 

Wholesome entertainment that deals authentically with real life and honors God can feel almost impossible to find. Where can Christian parents turn for stories that inspire, edify, and wrestle with tough issues—without sacrificing biblical truth? Catherine welcomes acclaimed author Felicia Ferguson, whose award-winning women’s fiction is making waves for all the right reasons. Felicia, who holds master’s degrees in health care administration and speech language pathology, writes novels featuring strong female characters who face trauma, tragedy, and real-world dilemmas—always anchored by Christian faith and ethical choices. Together, they discuss how fiction can model kingdom impact, spark empathy, and equip Christians of all ages to handle adversity with faith. Felicia Ferguson reveals the inspiration behind her latest works, including "When Secrets Come Calling" and "The Choices She Made." She shares how her own professional and personal experiences—like navigating the loss of a parent or working with dementia patients—inspire her realistic, hope-filled storylines. Key Insights & HighlightsWrestling with Trauma through Faith Felicia's characters don’t avoid pain or gloss over difficult situations—like sexual assault, family secrets, or dementia. Instead, they walk through the challenges, lean into God, and make decisions rooted in biblical principles. The Power of Redemptive Fiction As Catherine notes, many Christian entertainment options simply sanitize secular stories without offering real answers or hope. In contrast, Felicia Ferguson’s novels show what it looks like to grieve, heal, and find identity in Christ—even if life doesn’t tie up with a pretty bow. Identity Beyond Circumstance A recurring theme in the conversation is pursuing an identity rooted not in career, family roles, or past mistakes—but in being a beloved child of God. In Felicia’s words: "Who I am intrinsically is who God created me to be." Stories That Heal and Equip Whether it’s helping readers process trauma or showing how to biblically navigate hard conversations, Felicia Ferguson’s ultimate goal is kingdom impact: “I want my characters to have that same experience because...I don’t see that enough in the Christian market.” Real-Life Application Catherine and Felicia discuss how stories—whether on the page or in real life—can prepare us as parents to face giants, support our kids through hardships, and remind us that healing and hope are possible through Christ. Guest Bio Felicia Ferguson is an award-winning author with master’s degrees in Health Care Administration and Speech Language Pathology. After a decade in the Florida Panhandle and a career as a speech therapist, Felicia now writes full-time from Colorado. Her passion is crafting women’s fiction featuring strong female leads who confront trauma and tragedy using biblical principles. Felicia’s uniquely encouraging perspective blends professional expertise with a heartfelt desire for kingdom impact, both in fiction and in life. Episode Resources Felicia’s Website & Book Links "When Secrets Come Calling" "The Choices She Made" Catherine Segars Resources Do you and your children have wholesome models for processing trauma, wrestling with identity, and making faith-based decisions? In a culture that defines us by achievements, roles, or wounds, how can you point your family toward finding identity and hope in Christ? Tune in for encouragement, inspiration, and summer reading that truly makes a difference! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Walking through the aisles of a home décor store, surrounded by signs declaring "Peace," "Joy," "Hope," and "Strength" — it's a lovely sight, but Emily Rose Massey asks the question most of us don't stop to consider: are those words actually rooted in anything real? Because hope that isn't anchored in Christ is just a sentiment — beautiful to display, but powerless when the storms come. In this episode, Emily draws a clear and urgent distinction between the hollow encouragement the world offers and the true, anchored hope that only God's Word can produce in the hearts of His people. True hope, Emily reminds us, is not something we can conjure through positive thinking or a well-timed pep talk. It is a gift given by the Holy Spirit, cultivated through Scripture, and grounded in the unshakable faithfulness of God. Romans 15:4 tells us that everything written in the Word was written for our instruction — so that through perseverance and the encouragement of Scripture, we might have hope. That hope lifts our eyes above the chaos of our circumstances and fixes them on what is eternal. And it is that eternal perspective — the certainty of a heavenly home and the return of Christ — that fuels us to keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how dark things become. Today's Bible Verse "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." — Romans 15:4, NASB Ponder Today Hope rooted in anything other than Christ is empty. Decorative signs, motivational quotes, and self-encouragement have their place — but they cannot sustain you through real suffering. Only hope anchored in Christ holds when the storm hits. True hope is a gift from the Holy Spirit, given through Scripture. The more we fill our hearts and minds with God's Word, the more our capacity for genuine, sustaining hope grows. This is not passive — it requires intentional, daily engagement with the Bible. An eternal perspective is your greatest weapon against despair. When you remember that this world is not your home, the chaos around you loses its power to define you. Being heavenly-minded during earthly trials is what keeps hope alive. Your feelings of hopelessness are not the final word. As children of God, we are called to move beyond what we feel and remind our hearts of what is true. The Holy Spirit is ready to help us in our weakness — we simply need to ask. The hope you carry is meant to be shared. You have been given an anchor in a world that is desperately adrift. That message of hope in Christ is not just for you — it is good news for the lost and hurting people around you. A Prayer for You Today Dear Heavenly Father, You have given me the gift of faith in Your Son, and my hope is not built on what this world offers — fleeting and fragile — but on what is eternal and settled. Help me guard my heart when my circumstances tempt me to give in to despair. Remind me that the chaos of this world cannot cause me to sink, because I am anchored in the hope of the heavenly home that awaits me. May I carry that message of hope to the lost and hurting around me. In Jesus' name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer helped anchor your soul in something deeper than circumstances, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to keep your hope fixed firmly on Christ every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview When your loving, hopeful life provides an opportunity, be ready to share the gospel.Digging Deeper    A loving life (vv. 8-12)1. In this passage, Peter calls us, as believers, to have a unifying and affectionate love for one another (v. 8).  Gospel Communities are intended to be “a family of disciples on mission” who, among other things, have a “unifying and affectionate love for one another.”  What do you feel could be done to see this love be sustained and grow in Gospel Community?2. Among followers of Jesus, we may have lots of differences and yet, in Christ, have common ground in the most important matters. What has been your experience of this sort of Christian unity? Have you seen God knit your heart to another brother or sister in Christ with whom you might not have a lot in common (on a merely human level)? Please share.3. Our love for one another inside the church is actually one of the most powerful things we can do for people outside it. Have you ever seen (or experienced) Christian community that made someone on the outside stop and ask questions?4. Verses 9b - 12 are intended by Peter to help motivate us to, instead of repaying evil for evil, bless and do good to those who mistreat us. What specifically in these verses do you find helpful in motivating you to live the sort of life Peter is calling us to live?    A ready response (vv. 13 - 17)5. The sermon describes a progression — trust, live out, speak, and now share — where the gospel moves from inside us, outward to the church, and then out to the world. Does that progression feel natural to you, or does it feel like a big jump when it gets to sharing? What makes that last step feel different?6. “A different hope will shape a distinctive life, which will get questions for which we need a ready response.”  What are some of the ways you would say your life is distinctive from people who do not believe in Jesus because of your hope in Christ? 7. If someone in your life asked you today, "Why are you the way you are?" — what would you say? Take a shot at it together as a group.8. Think of one person in your life who doesn't know Jesus — a neighbor, coworker, family member, friend. Without sharing too much detail, what's one word that describes how you feel when you think about having a spiritual conversation with them?9. To what degree would you say you are ready to speak of Christ and his saving work in your life with someone who might ask you about “the hope that is in you”?  10. If you don't feel ready to do so, what might be a good next step toward becoming more ready? Prayer

Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla reflects on Psalm 66:16–20 and the believer's joyful testimony of God's faithfulness in prayer. In this LCMS Lutheran devotional, the psalmist invites all who fear God to hear how the Lord listens, forgives, and preserves His people through steadfast love. This ESV Bible-based devotion emphasizes repentance, prayer, and confidence in God's mercy through Jesus Christ. Christians do not approach God trusting in their own righteousness, but through the saving work of Christ crucified and risen. Because of His death and resurrection, believers have access to the Father and confidence that their prayers are heard. Even in seasons of suffering or delayed answers, God's steadfast love never fails. This Christ-centered devotion encourages faith, repentance, and trust in the promises of God. Subscribe for daily Lutheran devotions, Gospel teaching, and biblical encouragement rooted in Scripture and the Lutheran confession of faith for Christians seeking peace and hope in Christ today.Buy Me a Coffeehttps://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph⸻Hashtags:#DailyDevotion #Psalm66 #LCMS #Lutheran #PrayerAndFaith

Imagine if a quarter of our country suddenly had to flee their homes—unsure where they would sleep, how they would eat, or what tomorrow might bring. That is the kind of crisis many families in Lebanon are facing today. Innocent men, women, and children are caught in the middle of another humanitarian disaster, and the needs are urgent. But even in the pain and uncertainty, God is opening doors for His people to bring practical help and the hope of Christ. This quarter, FaithFi is partnering with Heart for Lebanon, a trusted ministry serving families on the ground with food, shelter, trauma care, and gospel-centered support. Camille Melki, co-founder and CEO of Heart for Lebanon, joined us today to share what families are experiencing—and how believers can respond. A Ministry Born in Crisis Camille knows the pain of war personally. He was just nine years old when Lebanon's brutal 15-year civil war began in 1975. His wife, Hoda, was eight. Decades later, in 2006, another conflict led them to launch Heart for Lebanon. The mission was clear from the beginning: to move people from despair to hope in Christ. Today, Lebanon's situation remains complicated and heartbreaking. Families from different religious and ethnic backgrounds are being displaced and forced into unfamiliar communities. Many have lost homes, loved ones, and any sense of security. Yet Camille sees something else as well: a bold opportunity to share the gospel with people who may never have had access to it before. As he put it, while innocent civilians continue to pay the highest price, “the mission of the church is still the same.” Families Facing Fear, Loss, and Trauma Many families in Lebanon have been displaced more than once. They are living with broken infrastructure, overwhelmed systems, and the emotional weight of war. Children, especially, are carrying deep trauma from what they have seen and heard. Camille shared the story of Gaia, a woman from Syria who had fled war with her husband and daughter and settled in southern Lebanon. She and her family came to faith through Heart for Lebanon's Hope Evangelical Church. Then the violence reached their neighborhood. Gaia had just spoken with her neighbors before lunch. Minutes later, those neighbors were killed in attacks. Her home was badly damaged, and she and her husband—who is terminally ill with cancer—were injured. When Heart for Lebanon's team finally reconnected with Gaia, and she was able to return to church, she said that hearing the Word of God made the heavy burden on her heart feel lighter. The fear had not disappeared completely, but she no longer felt alone. Through Heart for Lebanon, she experienced the tangible love of Christ. Caring for Children in the Shadows of War Heart for Lebanon also works with children through its Children at Risk programs. One of the ministry's leaders, Freddy, described how thousands of children are living in the shadows of war. Hallways once meant for learning have become shelters. Children have seen things no child should ever have to witness. The ministry responds with trauma-informed care through play, art, listening, and prayer. The goal is not merely to provide temporary relief, but to help children process fear and experience the peace of Christ. Camille shared the story of Ahmad, a 10-year-old Kurdish boy living in Lebanon with his parents, who recently came to know the love and hope found in Jesus. The sounds of rockets and explosions filled Ahmad with fear, especially for his 10-month-old brother. Whenever he heard missiles nearby, he would try to protect the baby with his small hands. His mother encouraged him through God's promises and prayed with him. Ahmad said he still sometimes remembers the sounds, but now he prays instead of panicking. Remembering that Jesus is with him helps him feel safer. Camille also shared that Yasmin, a third-grade student, did not miss a single day of prayer during the war. She prayed for her younger siblings and reminded them of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. Her faith helped her encourage others in the middle of fear. Meeting Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Needs One of the distinctives of Heart for Lebanon is its commitment to care for the whole person. Camille explained that poverty exists on three levels: physical, emotional, and spiritual. That means the ministry provides essentials such as food packages, mattresses, pillows, blankets, and hygiene kits. But those physical gifts are only the beginning. Heart for Lebanon's team also takes time to listen to families' stories, pray with them, share Scripture, and build relationships of trust. Camille described this movement as going from transactional care to relational care—and then to transformational care. When trust is built, the door opens for gospel conversations. Families who have never heard the good news of Jesus are introduced to the hope found in Him. Many come from Muslim backgrounds—Kurds, Sunnis, and Shias—but Camille emphasized that what matters most is not who they were before Christ, but who they are in Him. How Your Gift Can Help Heart for Lebanon is currently serving more than 2,000 displaced families, many of whom were forced from their homes in southern Lebanon. A gift of $90 can help provide a full month of support for one displaced family, including food, bedding, hygiene supplies, compassionate care, and gospel-centered support. FaithFi's goal is to help reach 275 displaced families. A gift of $180 could help two families. A gift of $450 could help five. This is a meaningful opportunity to serve families who have lost nearly everything and to help open the door to lasting hope in Christ. To give, text FAITH to 98656, or visit FaithFi.com/Lebanon. A Time to Give Generously In times of crisis, the church has an opportunity to become a living witness to the compassion of Christ. Families in Lebanon need food, shelter, safety, and care—but above all, they need the hope of the gospel. Through Heart for Lebanon, believers can help meet urgent needs while pointing families to the One who never leaves or forsakes His people. Give generously today at FaithFi.com/Lebanon. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have property in South Carolina that I'd like to sell, and I'm looking for a Christian realtor to help. After the sale, I'd like to give about 90% of the proceeds to charity. Who would you recommend to help me handle this wisely? I have investments and a financial advisor, and we're meeting soon. I heard you discuss aligning investments with biblical values. Where can I find a resource to help me evaluate whether my current companies or funds reflect those values? I inherited my mom's home through a Lady Bird deed and recently sold it. I have three questions: Where should I consider investing the proceeds, and are annuities a good option? Will I owe capital gains tax? And how should I think about tithing on this money? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Heart for Lebanon National Christian Foundation (NCF) List of Faith-Based Investment Funds Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does grace actually mean? Does God's grace give Christians permission to continue living in sin? In this sermon from Romans 6:15–23, we examine Paul's powerful teaching on slavery, obedience, righteousness, sanctification, and eternal life.Paul reminds us that everyone serves a master. We either present ourselves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience and righteousness, which lead to sanctification and eternal life. Grace is not a license for rebellion — it is the invitation to belong fully to God.This lesson explores: Romans 6:15–23  The difference between slavery to sin and slavery to God  Isaiah's encounter with God in Isaiah 6  Sanctification and daily obedience  The “form of teaching” and the transforming power of the gospel  “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life” 

Heaven isn't an endless, joyless routine—it's the believer's eternal home of joyful service, full understanding, and exuberant worship. In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef paints a biblical picture of what awaits those who belong to Christ: Joyful service without distraction: In the New Jerusalem, God's servants will serve Him with eager delight—not as a chore, but as the overflow of perfected love (Revelation 22:3). Full knowledge and clarity at last: The questions that haunt us now—pain, suffering, evil—will be answered when we see the Lord face to face and know fully as we are fully known (1 Corinthians 13:12). Worship that fills heaven: Heaven resounds with praise—“Hallelujah!”—as the redeemed celebrate God's salvation, glory, and power (Revelation 19:1). And when the enemy presses in with temptation, spiritual struggle, brokenness, and fear, this devotional urges you to remember what's coming: a day when Satan's reach ends, sorrow is finished, and Christ's promise stands—“I am coming soon… My reward is with me” (Revelation 22:12–14). Until then, we rejoice in the cleansing power of Jesus' blood and keep our eyes fixed on Him—steadfast in hope as we await the day He returns or calls us home. Prayer: Father, thank You for the eternal home You have prepared for me. Thank You that one day I will no longer face temptations and struggles. Thank You for sending Your Son to atone for my sins. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Revelation for Today, A Vision of Heaven: LISTEN NOW| WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

The Vanity of Life Under the Sun Without the Son, Pt. 13Living Among the DeadEcclesiastes 9:1–12 | King's Chapel Live StreamEcclesiastes 9 confronts one of the hardest realities of life. Death touches everyone.Life under the sun often feels unfair, unjust, unpredictable, and unkind. The same struggles come to the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the unrighteous. No amount of wisdom, success, or effort can fully shield us from pain, loss, or uncertainty.This passage forces us to wrestle honestly with the brokenness of life in a fallen world.But Ecclesiastes does not leave us in despair.In the middle of life's uncertainty, we are reminded of a deeper hope. God holds His people in His hands. God sets His favor on His people. And through His Son, we are given a hope stronger than death itself.This message points us beyond the futility of life under the sun to the joy and security found in Christ. While this world is temporary and fragile, those who belong to Jesus are never abandoned or forgotten.If you have been wrestling with fear, discouragement, suffering, or questions about the meaning of life, this sermon is a reminder that even in a broken world, there is lasting hope in the Son.Connect with King's Chapel in Longwood, FL - ▶️ www.kingschapelfl.com▶️ https://www.facebook.com/KingsChapelfl▶️ https://www.instagram.com/kingschapelfl/For the GLORY of our Great GodFor the GOOD of our NeighborEcclesiastes 9 sermon, hope in suffering sermon, life and death Bible teaching, meaning of life Ecclesiastes, hope in Christ sermon, King's Chapel Longwood FL, biblical hope in hard times, God has us in His hands

Have you ever scrambled at the last minute to clean up your house, knowing guests were on the way? Often, we've treated the coming of Jesus this way. Many throughout history have tried to predict the day and time in order to make frantic preparations. The Thessalonians were anxious about this day, too. What they needed most, though, was not a timeline but to return to the basics of their hope in Christ and what it looks like to live in his light. For anyone who trusts in Jesus, his second coming should not cause fear, but encourage a hopeful, faithful, eyes-wide-open life, until he sets all things right.

The most misunderstood doctrine in the Bible is the doctrine of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is coming again.

I AM: Understanding the Identity of Jesus with David Guzik GET THE STUDY BIBLE In Episode 137 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane are joined by Bible teacher and author David Guzik for a rich conversation on the powerful “I AM” statements found throughout the Gospel of John. From “I am the Bread of Life” to “I am the Good Shepherd,” these declarations reveal the nature, authority, and divinity of Jesus in profound ways. Together, they unpack the Old Testament significance behind these statements, what they reveal about the heart of God, and how each one invites us into deeper trust and intimacy with Christ. David brings pastoral wisdom and biblical insight that will help listeners not only understand these passages more clearly—but encounter Jesus more personally. If you've ever wanted to know Jesus more deeply through the Gospel of John, this episode is for you. David is the teaching pastor at Calvary Chapel of Santa Barbara, husband to Inga-Lill, and a former missionary to Germany. He's best known for his extensive Bible commentary, which you can access for free at EnduringWord.com.  Reflection Question: Which “I AM” statement of Jesus speaks most deeply to the season I'm in right now—and why? ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams Connect with David Guzik: Website: enduringword.com ____________________________________   Get Jamie's Newest Book: Living Loved: An 8-week Journey to Living Fully Loved