Podcasts about how christ

June 15, 2026Miguel WarrenIn Colossians 1:15–29, Paul paints a breathtaking picture of who Jesus truly is. He is the image of the invisible God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and the One who rescues us from darkness and reconciles us to God. This passage reminds us that our greatest need is not a better version of ourselves, but a bigger view of Jesus.In this message from our HELD TOGETHER series, we explore:• Why many of us have a smaller view of Jesus than Scripture describes• How Christ holds all things together, even when life feels out of control• What it means to be rescued from darkness and transferred into God's kingdom• How the gospel empowers us to bring hope to a broken worldThe same Jesus who holds the cosmos together has placed His gospel message within His people. No matter what you're facing, you can trust Him to sustain you, transform you, and use your life to shine His hope into the world.

Can a Christian truly have confidence in their salvation? If we continue to struggle with sin, how can we know where we stand before God?In this sermon from Romans 8:1-11, we explore one of the most encouraging passages in Scripture: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Paul moves from the frustration of Romans 7 to the assurance of Romans 8, showing how God has accomplished what we never could on our own.In this lesson, you'll discover: Why Romans 8 begins with hope instead of condemnation  How Christ frees us from the law of sin and death  The difference between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit  What it means to be "in Christ"  How Christians can have genuine confidence in their eternal future No matter how deeply you've struggled with sin, God's grace provides freedom, peace, and assurance for those who walk with Him.

Send us Fan MailMany of God's greatest works begin in hidden places of prayer.In this message from our series “From the Upper Room to the Living Room,” we look at 2 Timothy 1:5 and discover how sincere faith first lived in Lois and Eunice before it became visible in Timothy's life.This sermon explores:• How faith is cultivated through relationship• Why hidden intercession produces visible destiny• How Christ remains the true source of transformationThis is not a message about pressure or performance. It is a call to faithful, Christ-centered intercession rooted in the hope of the gospel.Because what is cultivated in secret… will one day become visible.

In Galatians 5:1–15, the Apostle Paul reminds believers that Christ has set His people free—not to return to slavery, but to walk in faith, freedom, and love. As false teachers attempted to lead the Galatian churches back under the burden of the law, Paul passionately calls them to stand firm in the gospel of grace and reject any message that adds human effort to salvation.This passage reveals that faith alone in Christ alone produces two things the enemy hates: true freedom in Christ and genuine brotherly love among believers. Paul warns that the Christian life is a spiritual battle where false teaching constantly threatens to distort the gospel and rob believers of the freedom Christ purchased for them. Yet the freedom found in Christ is not freedom to sin—it is freedom to joyfully serve and love one another.

Christ bore God's wrath against our sins so that we might inherit his blessings.We'll consider:- What we deserved.- How Christ suffered.- Why we're blessed.Time:AfternoonMinister:Rev. Joe PoppeTexts:Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 15Exodus 10:21—11:10Matthew 27:45–54Series:The Heidelberg Catechism

In Galatians 4:1–20, the Apostle Paul continues to remind the churches in Galatia of a powerful truth: through Christ, believers are no longer slaves but have been adopted as sons and heirs of God. Once enslaved to sin, the law, and the elementary principles of the world, we have now been set free through the redeeming work of Jesus.Paul warns against the danger of returning to the very things Christ has freed us from. Instead of living in bondage, believers are called to embrace their new identity as children of God—living in the freedom, inheritance, and relationship made possible through Christ. This passage highlights both the beauty of our adoption and the urgency of living in light of it.

In cursing the fig tree, Christ judges the fruitless and faithless.- Why Christ cursed the fig tree.- How Christ cursed the fig tree.Time:MorningMinister:Rev. Dathan PleiterTexts:Matthew 21:18–22Matthew 21:12–17Matthew 21:28–46Series:Matthew

In Galatians 3:1–14, Paul confronts the danger of self-dependence and calls believers back to a life of faith. The Galatians had begun their Christian walk by trusting in Christ, but were now being tempted to rely on their own efforts and obedience to the law. Paul reminds them that everything in the Christian life—salvation, transformation, and spiritual power—comes through faith, not works.This passage reveals that self-dependence ultimately drives us away from God, while true faith draws us closer to Him. From the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, to justification by the Father, to redemption through the Son, every part of salvation is the work of God—received by faith alone.

In this episode of House of Learning: Understanding the Doctrine of the Temple, Meghan Farner and Cory Jensen explore the temple endowment as a symbolic coronation of Jesus Christ — revealing how every element of the ceremony testifies of Christ's divine kingship, sacrificial descent, and redemptive mission.This lesson reframes kingship not as worldly power or domination, but as servant leadership, humility, sacrifice, and love. Viewers are invited to see the endowment not only as a map of their own spiritual journey, but also as a sacred witness of Christ's path of condescension, atonement, and exaltation as Eternal King.You'll learn:✨ Why all temple symbolism ultimately bears record of Jesus Christ ✨ How the endowment reflects Christ's coronation as King of Kings ✨ The spiritual meaning of royal emblems including the scepter, orb, sword, robe, and crown ✨ How Christ's descent below all things enabled humanity's ascent ✨ Why true kingship is expressed through service, humility, and sacrifice ✨ How temple symbols reveal Christ's role as Redeemer, Mediator, and Bridegroom ✨ What it means to become joint-heirs and co-creators with Christ ✨ How masculine and feminine spiritual paths complement one another in divine ascensionThis episode also explores how everyday life, parenting, service, and sacrifice become sacred pathways for embodying Christlike kingship and queenship in lived discipleship. If you've ever wondered how the temple testifies of Jesus Christ, what royal symbolism truly represents, or how divine kingship transforms ordinary life, this lesson offers profound spiritual insight and reverent clarity.

Death is the one reality no one escapes—and the one enemy no one can defeat on their own. It casts a shadow over every life, every plan, and every hope. But what if death is not the end? What if it has already been conquered? In this powerful message from 1 Corinthians 15:54–57, we explore the bold truth at the center of the Christian faith: death is not just delayed—it is defeated. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the grave has lost its victory, sin has lost its power, and fear no longer has the final word. This sermon walks through: • Why death is humanity's greatest enemy—and why it will ultimately fall • How Christ removes the sting of death by dealing with sin once and for all • What it means to live with confidence, courage, and hope in light of the resurrection • How believers can move from fear to faith because of the victory already won Whether you're wrestling with fear, facing loss, or simply seeking deeper assurance, this message will anchor your heart in the unshakable promise of the gospel. Because of Christ, death does not get the last word—Jesus does.

Are some songs actually dangerous to your soul? Pastor Paul Chapman closes out the Sacred Music series with a powerful message from Ecclesiastes 7:5 — "It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools."In this message, Pastor Paul walks through five sobering truths about the Song of Fools: its shallow sound, its promotion of sin, the corrupt scenes it creates, the spiritual force it carries, and the kind of heart it flows from. Drawing from Ecclesiastes, Colossians, Psalms, and Romans, he makes the biblical case that music is far more than preference — it is a shaping force on the mind, soul, and spirit.You'll hear about: — Why some songs function like "smiling assassins" — pleasant on the outside, pulling you away from God on the inside — How music acts as an anesthesia that numbs your discernment — The science behind why driving rhythms can induce trance-like states that bypass your judgment — Why "sin set to music is still sin" — How Christ can put a NEW song in your heart (Psalm 40:3)Whether you grew up in church or just started following Jesus, this message will challenge the soundtrack of your life and invite you to fill it with music that draws you closer to God.

Welcome to today's Live to love scripture encouragement. I would like to revisit John 13:12 So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? Do you remember what Jesus knew before He washed their feet? He was conscious of His relationship with His Father. John 13:3 “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God.” What did Jesus do to them? He did what His Father was doing. In a most menial task He was conscious of His Father's heart, love, and will. This is important! Because in only a few minutes He is going to tell them that He abides in the Father and the Father abides in Him. To see Him is to see the Father. When we live to love with Jesus, that is what we are doing to them. We are showing them the life and love of the resurrected Jesus Christ. How Christ-conscious are we as we serve in His name? I hope today, we will abide in Jesus in the same way Jesus abided in His Father, regardless of how significant or insignificant the tasks are that we have to do for His glory. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

Do you truly understand how sealed, loved, and alive you are in Christ? In this episode of Words From The Word, Pastor Roderick Webster continues through the 27 blessings of Ephesians (KJV) and unpacks three more that every believer must claim today — starting with the seal that nothing and no one can break.In this episode:Blessing 7: Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise until the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13–14)Why the Holy Spirit can be grieved — and how to guard against it (Eph. 4:30)Blessing 8: Greatly loved by a God who is rich in mercy (Eph. 2:4)How Christ's love for the church sets the standard for every husbandBlessing 9: Made alive together with Christ when you were dead in sins (Eph. 2:5–6)What it means to already be seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus

⚡ Your aura isn't just "spiritual" — it's science. And if yours is weak, it's costing you your peace, your health, and your power.In this episode of the Sovereign Sisterhood Movement Podcast, trauma-informed kundalini yoga therapist Veronica Vagan breaks down the 8th Energetic Body — the AURA (your electromagnetic biofield) — and why strengthening it is the most powerful thing a first-generation cycle breaker can do.

Year A – Fourth Sunday in Lent– March 15, 2026 Pastor Megan Floyd John 9:1-41 Grace and peace to you from God and the Holy Spirit, and from Jesus Christ, who finds us where we are, and calls us to be his own. Amen. *** Just a couple of days ago, on Thursday, nearly 30 people from across lower Michigan came here to Faith for a mini retreat focused on ministry with youth and young adults. When we first started planning, I expected about eight people to come… so the fact that it became a room full of people was amazing and so incredible. These folks were pastors, lay ministers, and synod staff who chose to spend their day together because they value the place of youth and young adults in the church… and each of them knew, on some level… that this is work we need to do together. We are all aware that the programs and platforms from the 90s don't work like they used to… and that life together in a faith community is ever-changing… especially for our young people… and it's not always abundantly clear what shape it will take next. So, we came together, and trusted that God's Spirit would find us here… and guide us… and inspire us… to discern the way forward. It was really awesome! And God's Spirit did find us, and reminded us that we need each other in the body of Christ… We need to hear the testimonies and witness of our neighbors beyond our church walls, so that we can better equip ourselves… and our communities to recognize how and where God shows up… Because Christ is always seeking us… God's Spirit is always swirling around, so close, it's blowing our hair back… but if we are blind to it, we might just think it's windy. So… in our gospel story today… we are blessed to hear the testimony of a man whom Jesus found… He's a poor man, desperately poor – a beggar. It's all he can be… because he was born blind. And no one, in all of history, had ever managed to heal a person born blind. So this man is an outcast in his community. Jesus and his disciples are walking along. They walk past this blind man who is begging. The disciples are eager to learn from their Rabbi, so they ask Jesus… Whose sin caused this beggar to be blind? They don't really see the man... They don't address him… but they talk about him. They assume that his situation is a lesson on the consequences of sin. But Jesus saw him. Jesus saw that beloved man… and… he DID take the opportunity to teach his disciples a lesson. He applied spit and mud to the man's eyes and sent him away to wash. The man obeyed Jesus's command… and it was at that moment that this man became a disciple… the moment that he chose to trust Jesus… and do as Jesus commanded… and then for the first time in his life, he could see! So naturally, he's amazed and… not really sure what to do next except tell others what happened to him. But his neighbors can't believe it – some don't even recognize him. How could he possibly see? How could this possibly be the same person? No way. And the Pharisees… are blind to the miracle and solely focused on the fact that Jesus healed on the Sabbath, so Jesus must be a sinner. However, the man doesn't have a deep theological explanation for what happened… he only gives his honest answer… "I don't know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that through I was blind, now I see." And the man… this guy that Jesus found, continues to tell his story. He continues to testify to what Jesus has done for him… and each time he does… he grows in his understanding of who this man, Jesus, must be. But the religious leaders are stuck… they can't see past that Jesus violated their religious laws… they are stuck in how things have always been. They cannot see that God is doing something new through Jesus… and showing them that God's kingdom is bigger than what they ever imagined. The man continues to testify… continues to give witness to his encounter… growing bolder in the dawning of his understanding. The religious leaders choose the dark confinement of the law over the light of the world shining around them. And yet, the man is working it all out, and finally… he confidently proclaims that Jesus could only be from God. …but unfortunately… that was so offensive, they cast him out of the community… again. And again, Jesus finds him. The Lord found him, and the man recognized his God! How could he possibly do anything but give thanks and praise… that he was found…he was claimed. …he was loved …and through Christ, he was given abundant life… grace upon grace. We also suffer from blindness to what the Lord has done. Not always, ok… but we're generally out of practice. We have these moments where we're sure that the Spirit just washed over us… but then we write it off… or …we marvel at the moment, and give our thanks… but then… we forget. We don't run through the town telling others what the Lord has done! But you know what? I wanna hear about it! I DO! …I want to know what God is up to in your life! I wanna know how Jesus is finding you day after day. Just like how I was excited to tell you about how God found us this past week in our retreat… How Christ found us… and blessed us with the guiding presence of the Spirit. When you share your testimony about the moments when Christ finds you… even if you don't have a full theological explanation… only that you feel it happened… that's enough… that is sharing the Gospel! Because the first step to sharing your witness with others is to acknowledge that Christ found you… that the Spirit showed up in your life! So… the Spirit blows your hair back, and you think it's just windy …but then you pause… maybe it's more. …Maybe. …maybe write it down… and pray over it later… see what God reveals to you. See what God might be doing …through you. Your testimony not only opens your eyes to see Christ, but your testimony opens the eyes of others as well, so they can see Christ. Just like our retreat this past week… this work is better when we do it together… when we trust that our God will find us… wherever we are… and we share those experiences and help each other understand them… This brings us all closer to God and closer to each other as the full Body of Christ. The good news today is that just as Jesus found that man… an outcast from his community… and brought him into the fold, Jesus will find you… call you and claim you… and bring you under his protection… and his love. It's not a one-time thing… it's every day… the Lord finds you. And each of us is here today because the Lord found us… and because we are found… because we have been given grace upon grace …we can go to those whom God sends us… and proclaim this good news! We go confidently with a word from the Lord. …a word of love. …a word of welcome… a word of invitation… to work together… to collaborate in our ministries and in our lives… and join together in God's abundance …of grace upon grace …that we ourselves have received from the Lord. It's too good not to share! The miracle that Jesus offers in our gospel today is an invitation into abundant life, and it comes to you exactly as you are. You have been found …and you are beloved and worthy. So remember that God continues to call us into this joy of sharing our testimony… the Holy Spirit continues to invite us to share our experiences of how God is showing up for us in our families, and in our faith communities. We can boldly trust that the Spirit will guide us… and that others need this word… they need to hear that God does, indeed, find us and love us. You don't have to have it all figured out… just trust your story… and rejoice in Christ's presence. Amen.

In this episode of the Art of Catholic Podcast, Matthew Leonard sits down with Catholic Scripture scholar Curtis Mitch to unpack the doctrine of original sin and what actually happened in the Garden of Eden. They explore the biblical account of Adam and Eve, what the Church really teaches about the Fall, and how original sin affects every human person today.

In Colossians 2, Paul confronts one of the most subtle dangers facing the church: the temptation to add something to Christ. Not blatant unbelief. Not outright denial. But supplementation. In this session of our Colossians: Rooted & Renewed study, we walk carefully through Colossians chapter 2 and uncover Paul's four urgent warnings: • Don't be deluded by persuasive speech • Don't be taken captive by hollow philosophy • Don't let anyone judge you by shadows • Don't be disqualified by false humility At the heart of Paul's argument is this unshakable truth: “For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him.” (Colossians 2:9–10) Christ is not one spiritual option among many. He is the fullness. And in Him, we are complete. In this message, we explore: What it means to be rooted and built up in Christ Why “Christ Jesus the Lord” is a strategically ordered title The connection between gratitude and spiritual stability The difference between maturity and religious “extras” Why self-made religion has no power against the flesh How Old Testament shadows point to Christ as the substance What it means that our record of debt was nailed to the cross How Christ triumphed over rulers and authorities Paul's concern was not that believers would abandon Jesus. It was that they would drift toward something that looked spiritual yet quietly relocated trust. That warning still matters today. We live in a world filled with persuasive voices, self-improvement systems, spiritual influencers, and religious performance. But fullness is not found in philosophy, discipline, experiences, or rules. If you have ever wondered: Am I missing something deeper? Do I need more than Christ to grow? Why do religious rules fail to transform the heart? How do I guard my faith in a culture of endless spiritual options?

You were far off. Now you are near. Ephesians 2:11–22 is one of the most radical passages in the New Testament. Paul declares that the dividing wall — the hostility that separated Jew and Gentile, insider and outsider — has been torn down by the blood of Christ. And in its place, God is building something new: a temple not made of stone, but of people. His people. With Jesus as the cornerstone. In this message, Pastor Jimmy walks through what it means to be brought near — united with the faithful saints of every generation, sealed and adopted by God, and built together into a dwelling place for His Spirit. If you've ever felt like an outsider, like your history disqualifies you, or like you don't belong — this passage is for you.   In this message: ✅ Why your past, your family, and your nation are not your ultimate identity ✅ How Christ's sacrifice unites believers across every generation — Old Testament saints included ✅ What it means that the veil was torn and the dividing wall came down ✅ Why the church is not a building — it's you, and the faithful gathered around you ✅ How to live boldly from a secure identity in Christ   Key Scriptures: Ephesians 2:11–22 • Galatians 3:25–29 • Hebrews 11 • Romans 10:14–17  

The unseen battle is more real than most of us realize — and the Bible has a lot more to say about it than we've been taught.Dr. Joel Muddamalle, director of theology and research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, joins Joshua Lewis to unpack the cosmic spiritual warfare woven throughout Scripture — from the Garden of Eden to the cross of Christ. Drawing on his PhD research in biblical theology under Dr. Patrick Schreiner and the late Dr. Michael Heiser, Joel walks us through the divine council worldview, the two-family household of God, and why the supernatural rebellion described in Genesis 6 and Deuteronomy 32:8–9 isn't just ancient history — it's the backstory of the gospel itself.We cover:-Eden as the mountain of God and the original household of the divine council-The sons of God (Ben Elohim), the Nephilim, and what Genesis 6 is actually describing-The Tower of Babel, the scattering of nations, and the gods placed over them-How Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension disarms the rulers and authorities-What spiritual warfare actually looks like in the everyday life of a believer0:00 – Introduction4:10 – Book's purpose12:13 – Numb to supernatural18:56 – Eden as temple24:11 – God's two-family household32:03 – “Let us” debate42:43 – Genesis 6 Nephilim54:00 – Ancient myths context1:06:05 – Babel and nations1:16:40 – Jesus and powers1:29:50 – Spiritual warfare today1:40:29 – Closing thoughtsABOUT THE GUEST:

In this episode of House of Learning: Understanding the Doctrine of the Temple, Meghan Farner and Cory Jensen explore covenants not as legal contracts or religious checklists, but as sacred relationships of love, union, and spiritual transformation with God.This lesson reframes covenant as an invitation into intimate relationship — the merging of identity, loyalty, and purpose between God and the soul. Drawing from biblical symbolism, ancient covenant patterns, and temple theology, the discussion reveals why covenant is ultimately relational rather than transactional.You'll learn:✨ Why covenant means relationship, not merely agreement ✨ How ancient covenants symbolized the merging of identity and unity of heart ✨ Why pride and spiritual superiority undermine covenant consciousness ✨ The three components of covenant: initiation, obligations, and blessings ✨ How Christ is revealed in scripture as the Bridegroom ✨ The spiritual meaning of sacred marriage symbolism ✨ The Hebrew concept of hesed (covenant love and loving-kindness) ✨ How covenant deepens personal intimacy with GodThis episode also explores how covenant relationships evolve through spiritual growth, how divine mercy supports the learning process, and why God's desire is union rather than compliance. Viewers are invited to reconsider their relationship with Christ as one of devotion, trust, love, and becoming. If you've ever felt that faith has become overly transactional, rigid, or institutional, this lesson offers a healing and expansive vision of covenant as sacred relationship and divine intimacy.

Do you ever feel your faith shrink after a setback—like hope is slipping through your fingers?In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef continues the journey of overcoming pessimism by revealing the next steps toward steady confidence in Christ. While yesterday's foundation was knowing who you are in Jesus, today tackles what happens when fear, opposition, or disappointment hits your “hot buttons” and you start expecting the worst.Through the life of Thomas, Dr. Youssef highlights how Jesus overpowers pessimism in real time:How to handle setbacks without losing confidence (John 11): Thomas assumed following Jesus to Bethany would end in death—but Jesus shattered that fear by raising Lazarus, proving His authority even over the grave.How Christ's resurrection defeats chronic doubt (John 20:25–28): Thomas demanded proof—until the risen Jesus stood before him. Encountering the living Christ transformed him from skeptic to worshiper: “My Lord and my God!”Why your hope is never tied to circumstances: Jesus is alive, reigning at the right hand of the Father, and still redeeming situations that look beyond repair.If you've been bracing for disappointment, stuck in “realistic” negativity, or quietly wondering if God will come through—this devotional will help you remember what Thomas learned firsthand: the resurrected Christ changes what's possible.Scripture Focus: Psalm 66:5 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.

Is it possible that the battles you're fighting didn't start with you?In this teaching, we're diving deep into what the Bible actually says about generational curses. Are repeated patterns of addiction, divorce, poverty, violence, occult involvement, or chronic oppression just coincidence… or could there be a spiritual root?Exodus 20:5 says God visits “the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation.” What does that really mean? And how does that apply to believers today?In this video we cover:• What a generational curse is (biblically defined)• How sin opens doors spiritually• Why patterns repeat in families• The difference between consequences and curses• How Christ breaks every curse (Galatians 3:13)• Practical steps to break generational strongholdsSome of you watching have seen the same bondage run through your bloodline for decades. Abuse. Addiction. Sexual perversion. Anger. Witchcraft. Mental torment. Poverty cycles. Divorce cycles.But here's the truth:Jesus did not die so you could manage a curse — He died to break it.To sow into this stream Monthly/ONE time/ https://bit.ly/2NRIBcM PAYPAL https://shorturl.at/eJY57www.Isaiahsaldivar.com www.Instagram.com/Isaiahsaldivar www.Facebook.com/Isaiahsaldivar www.youtube.com/IsaiahsaldivarOrder My New Book, “How To Cast Out Demons,” Here! https://a.co/d/87NYEfcTo sow www.Isaiahsaldivar.com/partner

Is selfishness destroying your marriage? If you've ever thought "I'm looking out for myself," this Words From The Word devotion will show you God's warning—and His blueprint for oneness. Pastor Roderick Webster teaches from Ephesians 5:28-31 (KJV) and reveals the truth: when self is at the center of marriage, the relationship loses its purpose and heads for destruction.Scripture paints a different picture. Husbands are called to love their wives as their own bodies, just as Christ loves and nourishes the church. When Adam saw Eve, he said, "This is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh"—he understood they were one. God still expects this in marriage today.You might be asking:What does "one flesh" actually mean in daily life?How do I love my wife the way God commands?What does "leaving and cleaving" look like practically?How do I stop selfishness from ruining my marriage?In this devotion you'll learn:Why selfishness destroys what God designed for oneness (Ephesians 5)How Christ's love for the church is your marriage modelWhat Adam understood about marriage that we must understand todayThe biblical command to leave your parents and cleave to your wifeIf this devotion challenged you, like, subscribe, and share it with a married couple who needs to hear this truth today.#WordsFromTheWord #BiblicalMarriage #Ephesians5 #KJV #ChristianMarriage00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:03 The Importance of Devotions in Marriage01:02 Biblical Foundation of Marriage01:50 The Role of Love and Submission02:14 Unity in Marriage02:35 Adam and Eve: The First Marriage03:47 Selfishness in Marriage04:25 Christ's Love for the Church07:12 The Oneness of the Body of Christ09:03 Leaving and Cleaving in Marriage10:37 Conclusion and Final Blessings

How Christ's Love for the Church Redefines Marriage | Ephesians 5Marriage can be hard. The person you married changes. Circumstances shift. Feelings fade. And you're left asking, "How do I keep loving when I don't feel it anymore?"Pastor Roderick Webster addresses this struggle head-on in today's Words From The Word devotion. Opening Ephesians 5:25-33 (KJV), he reveals a love that doesn't depend on feelings, attraction, or perfection—a love modeled after Christ Himself."Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it."Christ didn't love the church because she was flawless. He loved her, died for her, sanctified her, and will one day present her to Himself as a glorious bride—spotless and beautiful. That's the standard. That's the command. And that's what God calls every Christian husband to do.WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS:- The biblical foundation for marital love (1 John 4, Ephesians 5)- Why love is a command, not a feeling- Christ's sacrificial example: He gave Himself, His blood, His life- How the church is sanctified and cleansed by the Word- The call to love your wife as your own bodySCRIPTURES REFERENCED:Ephesians 5:25-33, 1 John 4:7-12, Matthew 20:28, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Peter 1:18-21, Revelation 1:5, Genesis 2:21-24This isn't just theology—it's transformation. Let God's Word renew your marriage today.

How Christ and His Word shaped my convictions and led me to IABC Jeff Christianson's Story with IABC — Why Christ and His Word Are Enough Many people know the International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC), but fewer know the personal story behind how I came to love and serve this ministry. As the current Board President and Executive Director, I wanted to take a moment to share a bit of my journey — not to spotlight myself, but to invite a conversation with those who care deeply about Christ-centered, Scripture-sufficient soul care. My introduction to biblical counseling began in the mid-1990s during Bible college. I took an elective course called Counseling God's Way taught by Bob Hoekstra. That class immediately resonated with me because it wasn't counseling as the world defines it — it was discipleship. It was the Word of God applied to the heart, anchored in the sufficiency of Christ. From there, I was shaped by ministries like the Biblical Counseling Foundation and resources such as the Self-Confrontation Manual, which challenged me to examine my life in light of Scripture (2 Corinthians 13:5). Over time, I became familiar with the broader biblical counseling movement, including organizations like NANC (now ACBC), and I began to see distinct streams developing. What drew me toward IABC was its pastoral warmth, its local-church rootedness, and its unwavering commitment to the truth that Jesus Christ is the Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6) and that His Word is enough to equip God's people for life and godliness. This special podcast episode shares that story — how the Lord grew my convictions, clarified my calling, and led me into this lane of ministry. If you've ever wondered where IABC fits historically, or if you share a desire to "return to the Word," I invite you to listen and join the conversation. "Preach the word… fulfill your ministry." (2 Timothy 4:2–5)

Relationships shape the quality of our lives. When they're thriving, life feels steady. When they're broken, everything feels off. In week one of our new series Define the Relationship, we talk about the one thing every relationship is built on: the center. What we place at the center of our relationships determines our values, our actions, and ultimately the direction of our lives. This message challenges us to re-examine what's been holding that central place—self, career, hobbies, even family—and invites us to build every relationship on the only foundation that can truly sustain it: Jesus. When Christ is at the center, relationships are strengthened, storms are weathered, and lives are transformed. In this sermon, you'll hear: • Why the center of a relationship determines its success • How Christ-centered relationships pursue God together • What it looks like to serve one another selflessly • Why repentance and forgiveness are essential for healthy relationships Whether you're married, dating, single, or navigating friendships and family dynamics, this message will help you realign every relationship around what truly lasts.

Is deliverance prayer biblical? What makes it healthy versus unhealthy? In this episode, we explore what Scripture says about spiritual warfare, freedom from sin, and deliverance ministry. In this episode, we examine: ✓ What is deliverance prayer? ✓ Biblical foundations for spiritual warfare ✓ The difference between healthy and unhealthy deliverance practices ✓ Warning signs of manipulative deliverance ministry ✓ How Christ secures our deliverance and freedom Whether you're charismatic, cessationist, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you understand how to pursue freedom from sin in a biblically grounded way. --- PRAYER SERIES EPISODES: - Episode 0: We're Back! Prayer Series Announcement - Episode 1: Can the Saints Pray for Us? - Episode 2: Do We need Deliverance Prayer? (this episode) - Coming soon: God's Sovereignty & Prayer, How to Pray God's Will, and more! --- #VerityPodcast #DeliverancePrayer #SpiritualWarfare #ChristianTheology #BiblicalPrayer #EveryWomanATheologian #CharismaticTheology #FreedomInChrist #ChristianPodcast #TheologyForWomen #DeliveranceMinistry

How Christ visits those in darkness and remakes them.

What does it mean to call suffering “joy”? In this sermon, Rev. David Buchs explores the Christian paradox that joy is not the absence of the cross, but faith that clings to Christ through it. Drawing on Scripture—from James and Peter to the Transfiguration—this message invites listeners to see suffering not as God's punishment, but as a share in Christ's own path to glory Sunday, January 25 – Transfiguration – Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, ArkansasPreached by Rev. David BuchsKey themes include: • The difference between worldly joy and Christ's joy • Why Scripture teaches us to count suffering as joy, even when it doesn't feel like it • The necessity of the cross in Christian discipleship • How Christ's suffering reframes our own trials and hope#LutheranSermon#GraceLutheranLittleRock#LittleRockChurch#ArkansasFaith#ChristianPodcast#SundaySermon#JesusChrist#FaithAndSuffering#CrossAndGlory#BiblicalTeaching#LawAndGospel#LCMS#HopeInChrist

How can you consciously shift timelines by changing the frequency you embody? Josh Trent welcomes Transformational and Manifestation Guide, Daniel Raphael, to the Wellness + Wisdom Podcast, episode 795, to explore how beliefs act as subconscious agreements, why manifesting is a side effect of alignment not force, how dreamporting and timeline shifting work through intuition and coherence, why trauma can dissolve faster than we think when identity loosens, and how ancient teachings, Christ consciousness, and embodied awareness reveal the blueprint for liberation already within you. 33% off the DREAMPORTING QUEST Awaken your natural ability to master frequencies and materialize your dreams. The Dreamporting Quest is a transformative journey that gives you a magic toolkit of brainwave entraining activations to ensure you can fly above the negativity in this time and shine your light to the world on a whole new level. Learn how to use the universal principles and energy techniques Daniel Raphael has learned from spiritual masters, and even lead Silicon Valley CEOs to transform their lives. Start Your Quest Get 33% off with code JOSH33 In This Episode, Daniel Raphael Uncovers: [01:20] Deprogram Your Beliefs How we've been programmed to fear or reject ancient teachings. Why beliefs are agreements that shape our reality. How Daniel experienced miracles in a cave in Java. Resources: Daniel Raphael [04:25] Dreamporting VS Manifesting The difference between dreamporting and manifesting. Why we can't use force and ego for manifesting. How everything around us changes based on the frequency we embody. Why shifting timelines is about making a decision. Resources: 784 Dr. Steven Young: How To Use Your Mind to Shift Reality At Will [08:25] Follow The Synchronicities Why reality is a game. What led Daniel to a dark night of the soul. Why dreamporting is about connecting to synchronicities. How mental and physical blocks stop us from perceiving the full reality. Why every event is redirecting us. How karma is always seeking balance. [11:30] Remote Viewing Why remote viewing is a basic part of life. The key steps to mastering remote viewing. How we're programmed out of our telepathic abilities. Why without safety we cannot experience our psychic skills. Resources: Dreamporting Quest (course): 33% off with code JOSH33 692 Paul Chek | Spirit Gym: How To Find The Truth of Your Soul + Live Your Dream [16:50] Trauma Can Be Healed Faster Than You Think Why we need to feel our emotions with both the heart and the mind. How Daniel helps his clients heal trauma within minutes. Why we need to disidentify from our wounds. The importance of tapping into our intuition to heal our trauma. Resources: 763 You Can't Heal Trauma Without "Time Travel" | Sarah Baldwin [20:55] Ego + Identity The polarity of people who don't know God and people who think they are God. Why manifestation is a side effect of alignment. How the Luciferian energy makes us identify with the ego. Why being aware of our identity dissolved the identity. [24:20] Be Guided by The Christ Consciousness How Daniel was different than other people from a very young age. Why imagination is real. How the Christ consciousness is the center, and the Luciferian energy tries to pull us off center. [27:50] Purification Process: Beware of The Dark Traps Why purification doesn't always have to come from pain. How the parasitic energies have been evolving for centuries. Why the consciousness on Earth is rising. Why we have to watch out for the traps of large organizations. Why we need to understand the darkness in order to become the light. Resources: The Lost Women of NXIVM (2019) 503 Paul Levy | Wetiko: Break Free From Collective Mass Psychosis [34:20] The Key to Manifesting Why we're only one choice away from shifting timelines. What Daniel's first experience with shifting timelines was like. How we can hold the new choice to keep what we're manifesting. What miracles Daniel has manifested by downloading a certain frequency. The importance of healthy anger. How to recognize that we've shifted timelines. [41:15] Don't Go Against Your Intuition Why intention, thought, feeling, and intuition are essential for dreamporting. How Daniel has been tested in timeline shifting. Why he refused to be on stage with famous people. How he didn't want to allow himself to become a sellout. Why safety is an illusion. The purpose of darkness in the world [46:40] Extracting Wisdom from the Bible What led Daniel to go through purification rituals. Why some scriptures were excluded from the Bible. How Christ's words have been twisted and misunderstood. Why we can change our genetics. How we can access the blueprint for liberation. [53:40] You Are Part of The Collective How our individuality impacts the collective. The power of coherence in shifting the quantum field. How Daniel's friend discovered a new brain wave. The definition of miracle. Why miracles only occur when we dissolve the illusions. [59:10] How to Stabilize Your Awareness The importance of observing our inner dialogue. How the content we consume and the people we spend time with impact our frequency. Why our subconscious is more powerful than our conscious mind. [01:02:25] Allow Yourself to Feel What You Resist Feeling Why we incarnate multiple times. How Daniel was born with lots of love, but lost it through trauma. Why there are no bad emotions. How we're shown what we resists. [01:09:05] Science VS Spirituality How science and spirituality are the same. Why we're not living in a materialistic universe. How Daniel forgot God when he was depressed. Why energy healing changed his life. [01:14:40] How to Harness Your Superpowers How Daniel channels jokes as a comedian. Why everyone has their own superpowers. How we should be taught how to harness our superpower. [01:18:10] Switch The Lens Through Which You See The World Why enlightenment is not something to get, it's already there. How nobody is a victim. Why switching our lens through which we see the world can change the reality. How wanting to be a saviour manifests in people who struggle. Why our identity only exists in our mind. "There's a very big difference between God consciousness and God complex. God complex is when it's all about you. It's an ego trap. The goal is to tune in more to your higher self and purify that channel as opposed to trying to manifest from the ego." — Daniel Raphael Leave Wellness + Wisdom a Review on Apple Podcasts

Why did Jesus stay completely silent when falsely accused? And what does that mean for you when people come after you?In Matthew 27:12-14, Jesus stands before Pilate while the religious leaders hurl accusations at Him—and He doesn't say a single word. Pilate is shocked. But Jesus's silence wasn't weakness—it was sovereign obedience.In this episode, we break down: ✓ Why Jesus chose silence over self-defense ✓ The prophetic fulfillment of Isaiah 53 ✓ How Christ's silence gives us a defense before God ✓ When YOU need to stop defending yourself ✓ Trusting God's sovereignty when falsely accused ✓ Real-life examples of choosing silence over conflictThe hard truth: Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is shut up and trust God. Not every attack needs a response. Not every accusation deserves your energy.Jesus didn't defend Himself so that WE would have a defense on Judgment Day. That changes everything.Question for you: Where in your life do you need to stand silent before your accusers?SUPPORT THIS MINISTRY: 

Why did Jesus stay completely silent when falsely accused? And what does that mean for you when people come after you?In Matthew 27:12-14, Jesus stands before Pilate while the religious leaders hurl accusations at Him—and He doesn't say a single word. Pilate is shocked. But Jesus's silence wasn't weakness—it was sovereign obedience.In this episode, we break down: ✓ Why Jesus chose silence over self-defense ✓ The prophetic fulfillment of Isaiah 53 ✓ How Christ's silence gives us a defense before God ✓ When YOU need to stop defending yourself ✓ Trusting God's sovereignty when falsely accused ✓ Real-life examples of choosing silence over conflictThe hard truth: Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is shut up and trust God. Not every attack needs a response. Not every accusation deserves your energy.Jesus didn't defend Himself so that WE would have a defense on Judgment Day. That changes everything.Question for you: Where in your life do you need to stand silent before your accusers?SUPPORT THIS MINISTRY:

Why did Jesus stay completely silent when falsely accused? And what does that mean for you when people come after you?In Matthew 27:12-14, Jesus stands before Pilate while the religious leaders hurl accusations at Him—and He doesn't say a single word. Pilate is shocked. But Jesus's silence wasn't weakness—it was sovereign obedience.In this episode, we break down: ✓ Why Jesus chose silence over self-defense ✓ The prophetic fulfillment of Isaiah 53 ✓ How Christ's silence gives us a defense before God ✓ When YOU need to stop defending yourself ✓ Trusting God's sovereignty when falsely accused ✓ Real-life examples of choosing silence over conflictThe hard truth: Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is shut up and trust God. Not every attack needs a response. Not every accusation deserves your energy.Jesus didn't defend Himself so that WE would have a defense on Judgment Day. That changes everything.Question for you: Where in your life do you need to stand silent before your accusers?SUPPORT THIS MINISTRY: 

Why did Jesus stay completely silent when falsely accused? And what does that mean for you when people come after you?In Matthew 27:12-14, Jesus stands before Pilate while the religious leaders hurl accusations at Him—and He doesn't say a single word. Pilate is shocked. But Jesus's silence wasn't weakness—it was sovereign obedience.In this episode, we break down: ✓ Why Jesus chose silence over self-defense ✓ The prophetic fulfillment of Isaiah 53 ✓ How Christ's silence gives us a defense before God ✓ When YOU need to stop defending yourself ✓ Trusting God's sovereignty when falsely accused ✓ Real-life examples of choosing silence over conflictThe hard truth: Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is shut up and trust God. Not every attack needs a response. Not every accusation deserves your energy.Jesus didn't defend Himself so that WE would have a defense on Judgment Day. That changes everything.Question for you: Where in your life do you need to stand silent before your accusers?SUPPORT THIS MINISTRY:

Joyful Sacrifice: A Life Poured Out for Christ | Philippians 2:17–18 What does it mean to live a life that is not wasted? In Philippians 2:17–18, the apostle Paul speaks of his life being “poured out as a drink offering”—and astonishingly, he rejoices in the possibility. Not because suffering is good in itself, but because a life spent for Christ is never wasted and is always marked by joy. In this sermon, we explore: What Paul means by a drink offering and why that imagery matters Why Paul can rejoice even in the face of suffering and death How Christ's once-for-all sacrifice makes joyful sacrifice possible Why a life poured out for Christ is not loss, but gain Most importantly, this passage points us back to the gospel. Before we ever speak of pouring ourselves out, we must look to Jesus Christ—the One who was poured out first. Our sacrifice does not earn God's favor; it flows from the finished work of Christ. If you've ever wondered: Is my life being spent on something that really matters? What makes sacrifice joyful instead of crushing? How does the gospel change the way we view suffering, obedience, and purpose? This message is for you.

How Christ used elements of a Trust to set the people free; William the Conqueror; Remedies; Common Law and new law (Equity) in 1066; "Fairs"; Pie-powder courts; Statutory Trusts; Separation of funds; Corporate governments; Sacred Purpose Trusts; Church separate from State; Ekklesia = called out; Golden Calf was a trust; Burnt offerings; Corporations don't die; 2 or 3 witnesses; Defining "trust"; Q from Mark: What is the Sacred Purpose?; "Sacred" = Holy = Separate; Temple Area; Trust purposes; Witness and record; Statutory Trusts; Corporation of Christ; Representative beneficiary; State churches; Living stones of the altars; Separated offerings; Christ's words on treasuries; William the conqueror; Common Law?; Robbing widows and orphans; Church Trust to feed God's sheep; "Sovereign Citizen"?; Statute of Mortmain; Obamacare?; Cloward and Piven - overburden welfare state?; Caring about the liberty of others; Falsely seeking asylum; Investing in your neighbor; Tens, Hundreds and Thousands; Trusting your minister; Early American example; Learning to be Israel; Blind guides for modern Christians; Legal Title; Use tax; Q from Aroostook Acoustic: Melchizedek having elements of a trust; Priests receiving offerings to redistribute to others; Corporation created for limiting liability?; Fundamental elements of a corporation; Family as a corporation; Law of the father; U.S. Corporation; State-formed marriages; Understanding legal vocabulary; "Corporation sole" - Passing one head of family to another; "world" = state; Your member ID from the world; Christ's system; Abimalec; Caesar; Calling no man Father; Hung up on "Trust"; Q: Trusts don't deal in real property?; Sheep offering example; For the benefit of another party; Elements of a trust; Federal Reserve notes - redemption; "Free Church Report" book; Church recognition; Saturninas; Establishment by witness; Purposes of Christ; How you've gotten into bondage; Welfare snares; Grantor - property given entirely - not a party to the trust; Christ's purpose - conforming to it; Christ's government; Parens patria; Risk?; Walk of faith; Q: Why call it a "trust"?; "Ministry"?; Setting our neighbor free; Charity; What makes The Church holy?; Care; Q: Duncan McLeod - Christmas songs?; Melchizedek's blessing to Abraham; Sons of God by adoption?; Moses: "Let MY people go"; Making God your father; Prodigal Son parable; Freeing others; Bah Humbug kid; Giving is not seasonal; Celebrate Christ by doing what He ACTUALLY said; Church "Service"; Doers of the Word; The song of Moses and of the Lamb; Church organization; Ministers = Men you "trust" - responsibility; Offerings belong to Christ; Citizens of the United States; Overseers and Protectors; Ministers separate from the world; Holy Spirit the comforter/protector; Pilate's trial of Christ; Right Reason of Christ (logos); "Religion" duty; "ex-officio"; Record keeping; Appetite for benefits; Loving other people; Who is worthy of trust?; Social safety net unspotted by the world; Strong delusion; The grace of God; Other peoples' money; Do what Christ said.

How Christ used elements of a Trust to set the people free; William the Conqueror; Remedies; Common Law and new law (Equity) in 1066; "Fairs"; Pie-powder courts; Statutory Trusts; Separation of funds; Corporate governments; Sacred Purpose Trusts; Church separate from State; Ekklesia = called out; Golden Calf was a trust; Burnt offerings; Corporations don't die; 2 or 3 witnesses; Defining "trust"; Q from Mark: What is the Sacred Purpose?; "Sacred" = Holy = Separate; Temple Area; Trust purposes; Witness and record; Statutory Trusts; Corporation of Christ; Representative beneficiary; State churches; Living stones of the altars; Separated offerings; Christ's words on treasuries; William the conqueror; Common Law?; Robbing widows and orphans; Church Trust to feed God's sheep; "Sovereign Citizen"?; Statute of Mortmain; Obamacare?; Cloward and Piven - overburden welfare state?; Caring about the liberty of others; Falsely seeking asylum; Investing in your neighbor; Tens, Hundreds and Thousands; Trusting your minister; Early American example; Learning to be Israel; Blind guides for modern Christians; Legal Title; Use tax; Q from Aroostook Acoustic: Melchizedek having elements of a trust; Priests receiving offerings to redistribute to others; Corporation created for limiting liability?; Fundamental elements of a corporation; Family as a corporation; Law of the father; U.S. Corporation; State-formed marriages; Understanding legal vocabulary; "Corporation sole" - Passing one head of family to another; "world" = state; Your member ID from the world; Christ's system; Abimalec; Caesar; Calling no man Father; Hung up on "Trust"; Q: Trusts don't deal in real property?; Sheep offering example; For the benefit of another party; Elements of a trust; Federal Reserve notes - redemption; "Free Church Report" book; Church recognition; Saturninas; Establishment by witness; Purposes of Christ; How you've gotten into bondage; Welfare snares; Grantor - property given entirely - not a party to the trust; Christ's purpose - conforming to it; Christ's government; Parens patria; Risk?; Walk of faith; Q: Why call it a "trust"?; "Ministry"?; Setting our neighbor free; Charity; What makes The Church holy?; Care; Q: Duncan McLeod - Christmas songs?; Melchizedek's blessing to Abraham; Sons of God by adoption?; Moses: "Let MY people go"; Making God your father; Prodigal Son parable; Freeing others; Bah Humbug kid; Giving is not seasonal; Celebrate Christ by doing what He ACTUALLY said; Church "Service"; Doers of the Word; The song of Moses and of the Lamb; Church organization; Ministers = Men you "trust" - responsibility; Offerings belong to Christ; Citizens of the United States; Overseers and Protectors; Ministers separate from the world; Holy Spirit the comforter/protector; Pilate's trial of Christ; Right Reason of Christ (logos); "Religion" duty; "ex-officio"; Record keeping; Appetite for benefits; Loving other people; Who is worthy of trust?; Social safety net unspotted by the world; Strong delusion; The grace of God; Other peoples' money; Do what Christ said.

Send us a textWhat is the greatest gift we receive at Christmas?In this Day 20 Advent devotional, Cass explores the joy of the gospel through the words of William Tyndale (1494–1536) — the man who translated the Bible into English so that everyone, from ploughboy to king, could read God's Word.Tyndale describes the gospel using the Greek word Evangelion — good, merry, glad, and joyful tidings — news so wonderful it makes the heart leap for joy. This episode reflects on why the gospel is not merely information, tradition, or religion, but the good news of freedom, forgiveness, and life in Christ.Tyndale reminds us that Christ has fought and conquered sin, death, and the devil, and that all who believe are given His righteousness, His life, and His salvation — not by merit, but by grace.As we approach Christmas, this devotional calls us to refocus our hearts on what truly brings joy, and to boldly share this good news with our families, friends, neighbours, and communities.In this episode, you'll hear:Why the gospel is called “joyful tidings”How Christ's victory brings true freedom and happinessWhy the gospel alone satisfies the human heartA powerful reminder of the cost paid to give us Scripture in our own languageA call to live — and share — the joy of salvation this Christmas

In this final episode of the Psychic Liberation series, we explore the hidden esoteric technology of Jesus and why his message is still the most powerful blueprint for spiritual sovereignty, abundance, and liberation from fear.This is not religious dogma.This is not theology.This is the Christ Code—the original transmission that dissolves hierarchy, shame, punishment, and the war-based consciousness of the Lack Matrix.In this conversation, we uncover:✨ The debt–forgiveness code and why Jesus begins with “the debt is already paid”✨ How Christ embodies the Cosmic Jubilee that resets the human psyche✨ Why forgiveness is the master key to breaking trauma contracts and war consciousness✨ How the Lack Matrix inverted Jesus' message into control, shame, and spiritual abuse✨ Why “giving your life to Jesus” means living from the liberation operating system✨ How Perfect Love casts out fear and ends the psychic economy of punishment✨ Why Jesus is the original anomaly who broke the spiritual algorithm from the inside✨ The Christ Frequency as the path to creative sovereignty and true abundance✨ How empaths and sensitives can recognize Christ Consciousness as their natural state.Whether you believe Jesus was a historical figure, an archetype, a myth, or a consciousness—his teachings hold the code for exiting the Lack Matrix and returning to the Abundance Field.This episode is for you if you're:*An empath or intuitive coming out of religious trauma*A mystic or creator reclaiming your sovereignty*Someone raised in a closed belief system*A spiritual entrepreneur or anomaly leader exploring Christ Consciousness*Anyone seeking a direct, intimate connection with Source beyond hierarchyChrist didn't come to create a new cult.Christ came to end the cult of lack.If you resonate with this transmission, comment below and let me know what part activated you the most.✨ WANT TO GO DEEPER?

What do we mean when we say Jesus “takes away the sins of the world”? Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks unpack how sin ruptures relationship—with God, others, creation, and even our own hearts—and how Christ repairs that rupture. We explore justice, mercy, and why divine love doesn't erase consequences but enters them, heals us, and restores right worship and communion. We also contrast Adam's fall with Christ's redeeming love and consider our part: God saves us with our cooperation. Through it all we keep the three lenses clear—honesty with self, charity toward others, under a living relationship with God.Key IdeasSin's effects: rupture with God, one another, creation, and self; shame, blame, mistrust, and debt remain until healed.How Christ “takes away” sin: self-sacrificing love enters our wounds, satisfies justice, restores communion, and divinizes us by union with Him.Mercy doesn't cancel consequences: relationships still need repair, trust-building, and inner healing—grace empowers the work.Not a spectator sport: “created without us; redeemed with us”—our free cooperation (repentance, worship, acts of love) matters.From Fall to fullness: covenant history rises and falls until Christ; in Him, grace sustains steady growth toward holiness.Links & ReferencesScripture named (no links):The Fall and its ruptures (Genesis 3).“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).Healings linked to faith (e.g., Mark 5:34; Luke 7:50; Luke 8:48).Liturgy referenced (no link): Agnus Dei (“Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world…”).CTAIf this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend.Questions or thoughts? Email FatherAndJoe@gmail.comTagsFather and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, sin, redemption, salvation, justice and mercy, healing, holiness, rupture and repair, Genesis 3, John 1:29, Agnus Dei, sacrificial love, Eucharist, reconciliation, cooperation with grace, trust, covenant, Adam and Eve, divinization, sanctification, interior healing, relationships, responsibility, spiritual growth, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality

"True wisdom and righteousness are highly prized—but exceedingly rare. In this sermon on Ecclesiastes 7:15–29, we explore Solomon's sobering yet hopeful teaching about human sinfulness, the scarcity of righteousness, and the ultimate value of fearing God.The world often assumes people are inherently good, or that small compromises are acceptable, but Scripture repeatedly shows that there is no one righteous on earth. Solomon uses practical examples—from speech and hypocrisy to sexual immorality—to demonstrate the pervasive sinfulness of mankind.Yet there is hope: through fear of the Lord, we are delivered from sin, justified by faith, and drawn into sanctification. All true wisdom, righteousness, and redemption are found in Christ, and only by turning to Him can we be truly wise and righteous.In this message, you will discover:• Why fearing God is the antidote to both pride and folly• The rarity and value of genuine righteousness• How human sinfulness is undeniable, yet salvation is offered through faith• The connection between wisdom, righteousness, and sanctification• How Christ embodies all wisdom and righteousness, giving hope for our lives"

Did Jesus appear far more after the Resurrection than most Catholics have ever learned? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Michael Lichens, who wrote the introduction, to dive into the astonishing and deeply moving accounts of Christ appearing throughout history — not only in Scripture, but in documented apparitions to saints, mystics, and ordinary people.Drawing from the incredible new book published by Sophia Institute Press, World of Jesus' Apparitions by Wincenty Laszewski, we uncover apparitions of the Risen Lord you were never taught in CCD — from early Christianity all the way to modern times.

In this message, we explore one of the most misunderstood and transformative passages in Scripture: Ephesians 5–6. When Paul teaches believers to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ,” he reveals a Gospel-centered blueprint for marriage, parenting, leadership, and everyday relationships. This teaching walks through how Jesus completely flips power dynamics, reshapes our view of authority, and calls both the strong and the weak into a new way of relating — a way modeled after His own humility and sacrificial love. You'll learn: • Why mutual submission was revolutionary in the ancient world • How the Gospel elevates your position before God and lowers your posture before others • What biblical submission actually is — and what it's not • How Christ-like love transforms marriages, families, and workplaces • Why humility and sacrifice create flourishing relationships Whether you're navigating marriage, parenting, friendships, or leadership, this message will challenge and encourage you to live out the Gospel in every relationship.

Holiness is Contagious: Why God's Power is Bigger Than Your Spouse's SinAre you afraid the world will pull you down? Worried that your unbelieving spouse will contaminate your faith? In this powerful message from 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, Pastor Alex destroys “little God theology” and reveals a truth that will change how you see marriage, friendship, and evangelism forever: holiness is contagious.We're continuing our series through Corinthians with one of the most challenging passages in Scripture. Paul addresses two critical groups: Christian couples considering divorce and believers married to unbelievers. Both situations reveal something radical about God's character that most churches get wrong.This message unpacks: • The communicable and incommunicable attributes of God (immutable, infinite, impassable) • Why “little God theology” keeps Christians trapped in fear • What Jesus actually said about divorce in Matthew 5, 19, and Mark 10 • The counter-cultural call to stay married—even to unbelievers • What it means that an unbelieving spouse is “sanctified” through their believing partner • Why your holiness won't contaminate—it will transform • The biblical destruction of the “chair illustration” youth pastors use • How Christ touching the leper proves God pulls people UP, not downHere's the truth that will set you free: When Christ touched the leper, the leper didn't infect Jesus—Jesus healed the leper. That's how powerful God's holiness is. And that same holiness lives in YOU.Paul's message is astronomically counter-cultural. In a Greco-Roman world where “no-fault divorce” was as easy as walking out the door, Paul says: stay married. Why? Because your holiness is contagious. Your unbelieving spouse will be made holy. Your children will be holy. Not saved automatically—but positioned in a power sphere where God's transforming holiness operates.This isn't about tolerating abuse or staying in danger—Christians always err on the side of life. But it IS about understanding that you don't save people by avoiding them. You save them by being in their lives while God does the heavy lifting.We end with a powerful reflection on communion and what it means that the table can heal—because what it points to is REAL.Join us at House Church Kauai as we learn to be disciples, not just Christians—people with fruit, not just a title.House Church Kauai - Meeting in our garage, staying together in the rain, believing God for a tentSupport this ministry: housechurchkauai.com Get full access to Amen Podcast at amenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Holiness is Contagious: Why God's Power is Bigger Than Your Spouse's SinAre you afraid the world will pull you down? Worried that your unbelieving spouse will contaminate your faith? In this powerful message from 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, Pastor Alex destroys “little God theology” and reveals a truth that will change how you see marriage, friendship, and evangelism forever: holiness is contagious.We're continuing our series through Corinthians with one of the most challenging passages in Scripture. Paul addresses two critical groups: Christian couples considering divorce and believers married to unbelievers. Both situations reveal something radical about God's character that most churches get wrong.This message unpacks: • The communicable and incommunicable attributes of God (immutable, infinite, impassable) • Why “little God theology” keeps Christians trapped in fear • What Jesus actually said about divorce in Matthew 5, 19, and Mark 10 • The counter-cultural call to stay married—even to unbelievers • What it means that an unbelieving spouse is “sanctified” through their believing partner • Why your holiness won't contaminate—it will transform • The biblical destruction of the “chair illustration” youth pastors use • How Christ touching the leper proves God pulls people UP, not downHere's the truth that will set you free: When Christ touched the leper, the leper didn't infect Jesus—Jesus healed the leper. That's how powerful God's holiness is. And that same holiness lives in YOU.Paul's message is astronomically counter-cultural. In a Greco-Roman world where “no-fault divorce” was as easy as walking out the door, Paul says: stay married. Why? Because your holiness is contagious. Your unbelieving spouse will be made holy. Your children will be holy. Not saved automatically—but positioned in a power sphere where God's transforming holiness operates.This isn't about tolerating abuse or staying in danger—Christians always err on the side of life. But it IS about understanding that you don't save people by avoiding them. You save them by being in their lives while God does the heavy lifting.We end with a powerful reflection on communion and what it means that the table can heal—because what it points to is REAL.Join us at House Church Kauai as we learn to be disciples, not just Christians—people with fruit, not just a title.House Church Kauai - Meeting in our garage, staying together in the rain, believing God for a tentSupport this ministry: housechurchkauai.com Get full access to Amen Podcast at amenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Do you have people whom you can lean on for accountability, encouragement, and exhortation? In this episode, Jeff and Dougal discuss: Going all in on spiritual formation in life's transitions. How Christ can heal the wounds of our past and use them to lift others.Three life habits: Model, Mentor, Message. Avoiding isolation.  Key Takeaways: Advice to high school seniors: When you go off to college, step it up big time. Not only will it be good for you and your relationship with the Lord, but it will be good for your grades, too. Spiritual formation, disciple making, and Bible studies can bring you more success in areas that are not obviously related.  Not all men in prison are bad people. Many made stupid decisions and don't want to continue making those decisions. Many are enthusiastic about life and are redeemed. A peer group, built on trust and accountability, can help you craft and understand your life's calling and purpose.   "Do not get isolated. You must have accountability. You've got to have eyeball to eyeball accountability with other men." —  Dougal Cameron Episode References: Prison Entrepreneurship Program: https://www.pep.org/Halftime: https://halftime.org/ About Dougal Cameron: Dougal A. Cameron is President of Cameron Management. Dougal began his career as an accountant with Arthur Young & Company (now, Ernst & Young). He was an asset and project manager with Gerald D. Hines from 1985 to 1991, where he was responsible for Central Business District Class A assets, including Bank of America Center, JP Morgan Chase Tower, Pennzoil Place, and One and Two Shell Plazas. From 1991 to 1994, Dougal was an owner and principal of a local money management firm. He purchased his first building, 3000 Richmond Avenue, in 1995 when he formed Cameron Management.Since then, Cameron Management has owned and managed buildings in Houston and San Antonio in both single ownership and joint venture partnerships. Dougal built a firm that owns, finances, leases, and manages all of its office buildings in an integrated fashion. He enjoys mentoring young entrepreneurs and encouraging others through service in both non-profit and Christian ministry organizations.  Cameron Management's Vision is to honor God and serve people. Its Mission is to be the standard of excellence in serving its tenants with rigor.  Its Values are based on integrity, teamwork, and freedom. Cameron Management is 100% owned by its employees. Connect with Dougal Cameron:Website: https://cameronmanagement.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougal-cameron-243875/   Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-upEmail: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

In this week's sermon, Pastor Stephen Mizell continues our "Stronger" series from the book of Ephesians, diving deep into what it means to have spiritual vision. Drawing from Ephesians 1:15-23, Pastor Stephen reveals why we live in a culture flooded with information but starving for wisdom—and how God wants to open our eyes to see what really matters. This isn't about physical sight; it's about spiritual insight. When life gets overwhelming and circumstances feel out of control, what you see determines how you stand. Pastor Stephen shares powerful illustrations and personal stories that will help you understand the difference between wandering aimlessly and walking with divine purpose. You'll discover: Why vision is the difference between wandering and walking with purpose The three specific things God wants you to see when your spiritual eyes are opened How Christ's current reign (not future reign) changes everything about your circumstances A powerful daily prayer and proclamation to transform your perspective Why your problems may feel over your head, but they're still under His feet Whether you're a new believer struggling to find direction or a seasoned Christian who needs fresh perspective on God's plan for your life, this message will equip you to see more clearly and stand more firmly.

In a world that defines us by our politics, performance, and popularity, Pastor Stephen Mizell delivers a powerful reminder of where our true identity is found. This week, we begin a 9-week journey through the book of Ephesians, starting with the foundational truth that will anchor everything else: who we are in Christ. Pastor Stephen addresses the identity crisis plaguing both culture and the church, challenging listeners to stop chasing approval in all the wrong places. Whether you identify more as Republican or Democrat than as a follower of Jesus, or find your worth in your job title, success, or appearance, this message will redirect your focus to the unshakeable foundation of your identity in Christ. In this episode, you'll discover: Why identity chasing often reveals an absence of love The difference between worldly labels and Christ-given identity How God chose you intentionally before you had any achievements or qualifications What it means that Christ's redemption purchased your complete freedom Why the Holy Spirit's seal guarantees your security in God's family How to stop allowing past failures to define your present identity Key Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14 This message is perfect for: New believers wondering about their place in God's family Seasoned Christians struggling with identity issues Anyone tired of performing for acceptance and approval Those carrying shame from their past Episode Highlights: The difference between discovering identity vs. receiving it Why adoption means you can't lose your place in God's family How Christ's actions prove His love beyond just words The Holy Spirit as God's "down payment" on your future Why God's grace isn't as fragile as we sometimes think Don't miss this foundation-setting message that will prepare you for the entire Ephesians series. Your identity isn't fragile - it's secured by the Alpha and Omega, the One who began your story and will complete it. #Identity #Ephesians #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Sermon #Grace #Redemption About Our Church: Open Door Church is committed to reaching Northeastern North Carolina with the good news of Jesus Christ. We are an independent, non-affiliated fellowship with a love of Jesus that connects us to a larger purpose in life. visitopendoor.com

In week two of our bible study, Living Right Side Up in an Upside Down World, Nicole walks through Daniel 2—Nebuchadnezzar’s disturbing dream, the failure of Babylon’s “wise men,” and Daniel’s prayerful response. The chapter unveils a core biblical truth: earthly kingdoms crumble, but God’s kingdom endures. Learn how to respond to a crisis like Daniel, place your trust in what lasts, and live for the unshakable kingdom. Get Our Free Daniel Study Guide (15 minutes/day): nicoleunice.com/daniel What We Cover - Why Nebuchadnezzar demanded both the dream and its interpretation—and what that reveals about fear and power. How Daniel models holy courage: don’t panic—pray, gather your people, seek God. The big picture: God rules history; earthly empires are temporary. How Christ is the cornerstone of a different kind of kingdom that will never be shaken. Key Bible Study Scriptures Daniel 2 (the dream, the statue, and God’s revelation) Isaiah 40 (nations are a drop in a bucket before God) Psalm 2 (earthly rulers rage; God reigns) Luke 20:17; 1 Peter 2:6–7 (Christ the cornerstone) James 1:5 (ask for wisdom) Big Takeaways God rules history—even when rulers rage or cultures shift. Earthly kingdoms are temporary—don’t anchor your identity to what won’t last. Crisis is a cue for prayer—Daniel gathers friends and seeks God’s wisdom. Live for the unshakable kingdom—align loyalties, time, and decisions with Jesus’ reign. This Week's Reflection Questions Where am I subtly placing trust in temporary kingdoms (success, security, institutions, relationships)? When a crisis hits—big or small—do I panic or pray? What one step can shift me toward Daniel’s pattern this week? In what practical ways can I seek first the Kingdom in my work, home, and relationships right now? Resources & Next Steps: Free Daniel Study Guide (15 minutes/day): nicoleunice.com/daniel Share this episode with a friend or small group and study Daniel together. Connect with Nicole: Weekly newsletter: nicoleunice.com/realtalk Instagram & Facebook: @nicoleunice YouTube Bonus: A quick dive on how to pray for wisdom like Daniel—and what to do while you wait for God’s answer. https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it really mean to be a faithful leader in God's church?In this powerful message from 1 Corinthians 4:1-6, we dive deep into what biblical leadership actually looks like. Spoiler alert: it's not about being the captain of the ship or seeking approval from others.Paul reveals that church leaders are called to be "under-rowers" - the lowest servants on the boat - whose only job is to faithfully bring God's treasures from His storehouse (the Word) to His people. No adding their own spin, no taking ingredients out, just pure faithfulness to what God has already provided.Key takeaways:* Why seeking human approval (or even self-approval) misses the point entirely* How God will reveal everything hidden in darkness on judgment day* Why taking sin seriously is actually an act of love for the church* The difference between living as citizens of heaven vs. blending in with the culture around us* How Christ became the ultimate faithful steward, paying our debt with His lifeThe challenge: If we want to change our communities, we can't live and act like our communities. We're called to be IN the world, but not OF the world.This isn't your typical Sunday morning message - it's raw, real, and challenges us to live with eternal perspective in a culture that's obsessed with temporary approval.Recorded live at House Church Kauai - where kids run around, faith gets real, and the garage becomes a place of transformation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com