Podcasts about Hudson Taylor

Episode Description: The End of Anxiety — Cultivating True Faith in a Heavy World Welcome to For Zion's Sake, hosted by Sheldon N. Volk (Shelley) and June (Juni). As we kick off a new week of broadcasting, we turn our attention to a universal struggle that weighs heavily on the human heart in this day and age: Anxiety, Worry, and Sorrow. Anxiety is a default human reaction to difficult times, but scripturally, it means to be "drawn in different directions"—pulling us away from our true path. By breaking down the original biblical context and language, Shelley and Juni explore how unchecked worry stalls our spiritual fruitfulness, how anxiety serves as the root cause of deep depression, and why fully surrendering our lives into God's hands is the definitive antidote. Inside This Episode: Recognizing a "Bad Day": A humorous look at how we identify a rough start to the day—from stuck car horns on the freeway while following Hell's Angels, to turning our worries over to the One who stays up all night anyway. The Miracle of the Easter Bells: The powerful history of General Masséna's Napoleonic troops and an undefended Austrian town that chose to leave its battle in God's hands, showing that the things we fret over often never come to pass. The Blueprint of Surrender: Reflecting on the profound wisdom of legendary missionary Hudson Taylor regarding putting our plans, loved ones, and influence completely into God's care. Anxiety Defined: Examining the Greek concept of anxiety as being pulled in conflicting directions and looking at how the cares of the world systematically choke out the Word (Matthew 13:22). The Root of Depression: A sobering analysis of Proverbs 12:25, revealing how a heart weighted down by anxiety causes depression, and why the "Good Word" is the ultimate remedy. Dwelling and Cultivating: Finding absolute peace by refusing to fret over evildoers, choosing instead to rely on the faithfulness of the Lord (Psalm 37:1-3). Key Takeaway: "The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety... If you lived your namesake—Sheldon 'Nothing' Volk—you would truly learn to be anxious for nothing!" — June & Shelley Volk Connect & Support: Get in Touch: We would love to hear from you! If you want to share a testimony, request prayer, or learn more about the ministry, please write to us at: For Zion's Sake, P.O. Box 244, Kannapolis, NC 28082. Listen on Demand: Never miss an episode of our weekly broadcasts. You can replay this program and access our full archive anytime at Family Values Radio 1010 on the dedicated podcast page. Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Promises: 2 Corinthians 12:10 Have you ever felt like your weaknesses make you unusable to God? Today's promise reminds us of a life-changing truth: God uses your weakness.   In this episode, we discover why Paul could rejoice in his weaknesses instead of hiding them. God's power is revealed most clearly when we stop depending on ourselves and begin trusting Him. You'll also hear the inspiring story of missionary Hudson Taylor, whose physical limitations never prevented God from using him to reach thousands with the gospel. The same God who used Moses, David, Peter, Paul, and Hudson Taylor is still at work today. Your failures, limitations, and weaknesses do not disqualify you from His purpose. In fact, they may become the very place where His grace and power shine the brightest.   Join me as we discover the wonderful promise that God uses your weakness for His glory.

On this week’s China Compass podcast, I sit down with long-time friend, Pastor Dan, to discuss his family's rich Missionary Legacy in Asia (China + Malaysia), their relationship with Hudson Taylor, and much more... I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city to pray for every single day. Feel free to email anytime: chinacompass @ privacyport.com. Check out PrayGiveGo.us for everything else, incl. Patreon, Substack & books… Recommended Resources: His Life For Mine: A Missionary’s Story (The Life and Legacy of Joy Bausum) https://a.co/d/gY0Huyp Hudson Taylor (and China's Open Century): If I Had a Thousand Lives (Book III) https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Hudson-Taylor-Chinas-Century/dp/0340323922/ PLEASE: Check out which Chinese province your state is praying for @ PrayforChina.us! PLUS: Donate to help us fund a conference for underground Chinese Church leaders in Malaysia this fall, where Pastor Dan and I both will be teaching: MCI3.org (for security, nothing is mentioned on the site directly about the conference). Mentioned on Today's Podcast + Previously on China Compass: Guilin Mountain Chief: “I Don’t Want Your Jesus” https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/30293/episodes/47 “I Don’t Want Your Jesus”: Evangelism in the Mysterious Mountains of Guilin https://chinacall.substack.com/p/i-dont-want-your-jesus Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe & leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! And don’t forget to visit PrayGiveGo.us for books + Heb. 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

On this week’s China Compass podcast, I sit down with long-time friend, Pastor Dan, to discuss his family's rich Missionary Legacy in Asia (China + Malaysia), their relationship with Hudson Taylor, and much more... I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city to pray for every single day. Feel free to email anytime: chinacompass @ privacyport.com. Check out PrayGiveGo.us for everything else, incl. Patreon, Substack & books… Recommended Resources: His Life For Mine: A Missionary’s Story (The Life and Legacy of Joy Bausum) https://a.co/d/gY0Huyp Hudson Taylor (and China's Open Century): If I Had a Thousand Lives (Book III) https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Hudson-Taylor-Chinas-Century/dp/0340323922/ PLEASE: Check out which Chinese province your state is praying for @ PrayforChina.us! PLUS: Donate to help us fund a conference for underground Chinese Church leaders in Malaysia this fall, where Pastor Dan and I both will be teaching: MCI3.org (for security, nothing is mentioned on the site directly about the conference). Mentioned on Today's Podcast + Previously on China Compass: Guilin Mountain Chief: “I Don’t Want Your Jesus” https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/30293/episodes/47 “I Don’t Want Your Jesus”: Evangelism in the Mysterious Mountains of Guilin https://chinacall.substack.com/p/i-dont-want-your-jesus Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe & leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! And don’t forget to visit PrayGiveGo.us for books + Heb. 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

Do you have what it takes to be a missionary? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott discuss the importance of spiritual readiness, personal holiness, and character formation as someone starts to explore their calling to the mission field. Drawing from Scripture and missionary examples like Hudson Taylor, they highlight the need for intentional training, self-discipline, and a serious pursuit of sanctification. The conversation also explores the role of the local church in shaping future missionaries. Alex and Scott encourage aspiring missionaries to embrace service, accountability, and theological depth within their church communities rather than waiting for formal titles or positions. They challenge listeners to take ministry preparation as seriously as other demanding professions, pursuing both practical experience and robust doctrinal training. Key Topics The difference between a desire to serve and true readiness for missionary ministry Cultivating personal holiness, self-control, and spiritual maturity Lessons from Hudson Taylor on intentional missionary preparation The importance of local church involvement and servant leadership Developing resilience, discipline, and ownership in ministry Why theological depth and doctrinal training matter for long-term missionary effectiveness Is God calling you to missions? ABWE can help you find the opportunities and support you need to bring the gospel to the nations, plant churches, and disciple believers. Start the conversation with us today at abwe.org/sendme. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com.

Carlan Wendler • Selected Scriptures • Sundays in July

Audio Transcript Everyone, it is so good to be with you all. My name is Zeke Wetstein, and I've been here at Red Village for going on about seven years now. So my wife and I, we weren't married then, but started coming to Red Village in our first years of college at uw. And now Cassie, who's over there, and I are both on staff with InterVarsity at UW Madison, and we work with college students to help them to encounter Jesus and to learn what it means to follow Jesus with their whole lives in college and for the rest of their lives. So we help lots of Bible studies, lots of evangelism to take place on campus, but, like, right now, we're in the thick of summer, so all the college students are home. It's kind of hard to believe that we're already almost through with June. So happy late Father's Day to all the fathers in the room. I actually got to celebrate my first Father's Day last week, so baby Howie is over there now. I have celebrated Father's Day for my father before, don't worry, but it's my first time as a father. It's a joy to get to preach to you all this week and bring you the word. But first, I have a story for you. The Qing Dynasty ruled China beginning in the 1600s. And although it was still an empire by the 1800s, it was a shadow of what it once was. With the massive population growth, increased government corruption, famine, poverty, and many other woes, the once shining empire was beginning to crack. The west helped to further break down that empire. Western Europe wanted tea, silk and porcelain, but China yet had no need for any Western goods. So Britain found themselves pouring silver into China to get the things that they desired, but with nothing being bought from them in return. And any economist you could probably ask will about this too, could tell you that this economic plan is not going to work long term. So the British solution was to grow opium in British controlled India, smuggle it into China, and then have a naturally recurring demand through the opioid addiction that would ensue among the Chinese population. Now the British had a reliable means of regaining their silver in trade. The British would smuggle in opium, get paid, and then use that money to buy tea and silk and porcelain, the things that they wanted. China, however, saw the way that this influx of opium was socially destructive, draining the economy and corrupting their population. However, the Qing Dynasty tried to put a stop to the opium being brought in by the British. The British responded in full force, bringing in their navy to force the Qing Dynasty to sign a treaty putting the British in control of trade and of Hong Kong. Hudson Taylor was born in England in 1832, and although born into a Christian family, it is only when he turned 17 that he came back to faith and decided to follow Jesus with his life. He also felt God's call to go to China as a missionary. However, he wanted not only to bring the Gospel to the people of China, but to serve them as well. So he spent the next few years training to be a doctor. And so it was in 1853 that Hudson Taylor journeyed into China, and we must remember his context. He traveled to a country that received him as a foreigner, someone who was part of this opium crisis, part of the wars brought against them, part of the forced trade deals. He came into China being seen as a Westerner who had only selfish intentions and desired nothing good for China or for her people. He was also walking into a missionary culture that showed very little interest, care, or respect for Chinese culture. But this is how he engaged. For the first six years in China, he, like all the rest of the missionaries, dressed like Western Europeans and stayed only in the coastal cities. It was during this time that he fell into extreme loneliness and hardship. Hudson Taylor continued to use his skills as a doctor to help the people of China, but found his witness to be not bearing much fruit and felt totally isolated by the language and cultural barriers. In his deep loneliness, lack of missional fruit, and social ostracization by the Chinese people, he began to reflect on how he and the other missionaries had been engaging, or rather not engaging, with Chinese culture, and how the inland parts of China, which contained the majority of the population, were almost totally unreached by the Gospel. As he continued to struggle, he also became sick and eventually had to travel back to England in 1859, in the midst of the Second Opium War that was wreaking havoc on China. So we're going to leave our our story of Hudson Taylor and the Qing Dynasty here. For the moment, we're leaving him. He's a passionate follower of God who saw a people in need who were being oppressed by his own people. But his efforts to help them resulted in little fruit and in him being beaten down and worn out. So over the course of this summer, we have been studying the life of Moses. A few weeks ago, Aaron opened our series by showing us the end of Moses life. Aaron helped us to see who Moses would become. Moses as the leader of all of the people of Israel, leading them out of Egypt through the wilderness, helping to deliver God's law to them and bring them to the promised land. Wes then brought us the story of Moses birth. So we backed it up to the beginning. He helped to preach the story of God's hand in Moses early life. How God used faithful women to save Moses and bring him up in Pharaoh's own household. Will then gave us a double header. Preaching on Moses fleeing and then encountering God with the burning bush. So for those of you who are very familiar with the Prince of Egypt, this is all taking place after Moses races through the streets of Egypt on a chariot. As a teenager we didn't cover that passage in our sermon series. So Will helped us to see how Moses murdered an Egyptian in an effort to try and help his people, the Hebrews and then in fear ran away into the wilderness. God then met him through the burning bush, revealed himself to Moses and told Moses that he was chosen by God to be sent to to free the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. Then two weeks ago we had Rob Fisher Premium Mitch is kind of like Rob Fisher, but with more stories and less ads. And he preached on God's equipping of Moses. He helped us to see every time Moses was nervous or anxious or had a reason he couldn't go, wasn't the guy God helped to prepare him and send him. Then the passage right before this one, which we didn't actually get to cover last week. So chapter four 18 through 31 is all about Moses return and this commissioning by God on Moses. So as we're leading into our passage today, what's going on is God is sending Moses back into Egypt. God is sending Moses to be the person to free his people from slavery and to bring them into the promised land. Right before our passage, Moses speaks to the elders of the people of Israel and shares the words and the signs that God gave to him to prove to his people that I am is bringing his people out of Egypt. And the people, the elders of Israel became excited and were on board with this escape plan. Very excited for what God is going to bring through Moses. So our full ark as we're leading into our passage, Moses birth and redemption. Then we see his fall and his fleeing from Egypt. We see his appointing by God, his equipping by God and then finally his commissioning as he is sent back into Egypt. Alright, so our passage for today is Exodus chapter 5. We'll be going through the entire chapter. You can follow along with me in your Bibles. Exodus 5:1 23. Afterward, Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh. Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness. But Pharaoh said, who is the Lord that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover I will not let Israel go. Then they said, the God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go a three days journey into the wilderness that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God, lest he fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword. But the king of Egypt said to them, moses and Aaron, why do you take the people away from their work? Get back to your burdens. And Pharaoh said, behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens. The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their shall no longer give the people straw to make bricks as in the past. Let them go and gather straw for themselves. But the number of bricks that they made in the past, you shall impose on them. You shall by no means reduce it, for they are idle. Therefore they cry, let us go and offer sacrifices to our God. Let heavier work be laid on the men that they may labor at it and pay no regard to lying words. So the taskmasters and the foreman of the people went out and said to the people, thus says Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. Go and get your straw yourselves wherever you can find it, but your work will not be reduced in the least. So the people were scattered throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw. The taskmasters were urgent, saying, complete your work, your daily task each day as when there was straw. And the foreman of the people of Israel, whom Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and were asked, why have you not done all your task of making bricks today and yesterday as in the past? Then the four men of the people of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, why do you treat your servants like this? No straw is given to your servants, yet they say to us, make bricks. And behold, your servants are beaten. But the fault is in your own people. But. But he said, you are idle. You are idle. That is why you say, let us go and sacrifice to the Lord. Go now and work. No straw will be given you, but you must still deliver the same number of bricks. The foreman of the people of Israel saw that they were in trouble when they said, you shall by no means reduce your number of bricks, your daily task. Each day they met Moses and Aaron, who were waiting for them as they came out from Pharaoh. And they said to them, the Lord look on you and judge. Because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants and have put a sword in their hand to kill us. Then Moses turned to the Lord and said, O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me for? Since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people. And you have not delivered your people at all. Please pray with me. Jesus, we thank you for your word. We thank you for this story in the life of Moses. Please help give me words to speak. Please help give us hearts to receive the truth that you have for us in this passage. Jesus, we just pray that you would help us to be transformed by this word and to be encouraged as we are sent into the world from here. Jesus name. Amen. All right, so you can keep your Bibles open and follow along in the text as we work through this story today. So in our first two verses we see Moses and Aaron's first petition and then Pharaoh's response. There isn't much to their petition, but they do begin by proclaiming that it is the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent Moses. This isn't just the desires of men, but the desires of God. And the other main thing to note is Moses doesn't ask. His words, or rather what the Lord sends him to say, are a command to Pharaoh. Moses comes before one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful ruler in the world and demands that he let his slaves go free to worship the one true God. And I think it can be easy to overlook the courage of Moses here. This is great things faithfulness on his part. Pharaoh, however, looks at these two Hebrews and doesn't see or acknowledge that they come with the authority of God to command him. Instead, Pharaoh sees two pathetic men who belong to the race he has oppressed and enslaved. He mocks the Lord, shows none of the respect, honor or obedience due his name, and refuses to agree to the demand of the Lord that Moses brought before him. He treats the command of the Lord given to him as a request that he denies. Then in verse three, we see Moses reiterate their ask, but with a warning. And interestingly, Moses chooses to warn not of the judgment that God promised to bring upon Egypt. If Pharaoh refuses to listen, but warns of God's judgment on the Hebrews. And Pharaoh responds to this in full force. He first reprimands Moses and Aaron for taking the people away from their work. Probably referring to the way that Moses helped to rally the people with the words and signs God gave him. Then he doubles down. Not only does he send them back to their work, which seems to be brick making, but he makes their burden in enslavement worse, requiring them to find their own straw to make bricks, essentially doubling the work while requiring the same amount of output. You shall by no means reduce the number of bricks required in the past. Pharaoh then clarifies himself. He says that the reason that he is making the burden of the Hebrews heavier is because they are idle. Essentially, Pharaoh is saying that his slaves still have enough spirit in them to desire freedom. They still have enough spirit in them to desire to worship the Lord. And Pharaoh wants to crush that remaining spirit with his increased burden. And so what we see in the next few verses is probably exactly what Pharaoh hoped to accomplish among the people of Israel. First, the taskmasters, who are the Egyptian slave drivers, and the foreman, who are the Hebrews set to manage the other Hebrews. They proclaim Pharaoh's degree to the people. I will not give you straw. Go and get your straw yourselves, wherever you can find it, but your work will not be reduced in the least. And so the people scattered, trying to accomplish their impossible task. Though the taskmasters urged, the Hebrew slaves were unable to complete this impossible task. And so the Israelite foremen were beaten and questioned about their failure. So the foreman then went to complain to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh helped to complete his plot to crush the Israelite hope for freedom. He puts the blame of their increased burden on the request of Moses and Aaron. So it's over the course of these first 19 verses that Pharaoh in his shrewdness has taken the excited and faithful worship filled Israelites who are yearning for freedom. And he makes them turn against the very people who God has used to promise to bring them that freedom. Pharaoh has successfully broken the Israelites and pitted them against Moses. Then in verses 20 and 21, the angry people of Israel confront Moses and Aaron. And in some ways they try to call down God's judgment on Moses for what has happened to the Israelites. They show their anger and most of all they show that they don't think this was part of God's will. They're condemning the actions of Moses and Aaron that they took to try and free the Israelites. And Moses doesn't respond to the complaints of the people against him, or at least not in what we see. But he turns to God and like Adam in the garden, he blames God for everything that has happened. He questions why he has been sent and accuses God for not fulfilling his promises. God why have you done evil to this people? Why did you make their burdens worse? Why did you send me on this stupid quest to do scary things just to make everyone hate me? God, you said you would free your people, but all you've done is make everything worse. If I knew you were just going to make my life and everybody else's life miserable, I never would have come. And that's where our passage ends for this week. It feels like kind of a strange way to end the story, and it's not a very happy ending. In fact, really, we're only looking at a partial story. We get to see the beginning and the conflict, but no real resolution. We begin our passage in a tough spot. We see an enslaved nation, but there's hope. But we're ending with a harshly enslaved nation with crushed spirits, internal turmoil and rejection, and anger towards God. Now, as those of you in the aforementioned group who have watched the Prince of Egypt know, things do turn around and they do eventually get out of Egypt. We will even begin to see this happen next week in Exodus chapter 6, where God responds to Moses statement and questioning of God. But for today, I want to spend some time to look at this partial narrative and see what we can learn from it. It's kind of this question of like, what if? What if this is where the story ended? What if God isn't going to keep his promises and now everything is just worse? So Marvel, the superhero movie making machine, released a show a few years ago called what if? Where they took stories of some of the favorite characters and put a what if twist on them, like what if Black Panther became Star Lord? Or what if basically everybody turned into zombies? It allowed them to explore the impacts of extreme possibilities and decisions on the Marvel Universe. And I think that it's a helpful way for us to examine this story arc in Exodus. Not what if Moses became a zombie? Or what if Moses became Captain Jerusalem? But what if this was the end of the story? What if this was more of how the story of our faith went? Just like how we see pieces of our story from today. In Hudson Taylor's life, we see pieces in another story. 2000 Years ago, Jesus was sent to an oppressed people. He came down to Earth being born in the likeness of men to a virgin name Mary. He was sent to a people oppressed by sin and by death to mankind. And he lived a perfect life. He began his ministry and he preached to the people. The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news. To the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. And the people responded with excitement, or at least many of them did. They followed him by the thousands, watching him perform miracles, cast out demons, heal the sick and crippled. They listened to him teach, and they watched him as he lived out his ministry for three years. But then the unimaginable happened. The tension and the threats against him reached a climax. And one of the men closest to him betrayed him. Another of his closest followers denied him three times. And he was handed over by the leaders of the very religion he claimed to be God of to pagans so they could murder him under false accusations. And so this Jesus of Nazareth was nailed to a cross, the worst, most humiliating form of capital punishment possible. And the accusation hurled against him. That sums up the question being asked by so many. Someone called out against him. He saved others. Let him save himself. If he is the Christ of God, his chosen one, if he really is the Son of God, he will save himself. If God is really at work in this man, if he is the Son of God, he surely won't die like this. But he did. Jesus died on the cross and was buried in the tomb. I'm sure Peter, James and John and the others were asking the same question Moses did in our passage today. Why have you allowed things to go this way? Why did you choose us and ask us to leave everything behind if it's just for things to end up like this? You came and you proclaimed freedom for all people who believe. But now you're dead and no one is free. And so here lies the greatest what if of the Christian faith, probably the greatest what if in all of history. What if that was the end of the story of Jesus? Well, then everything else, everything our lives as Christians are built on, is meaningless. We are wasting our lives following a man who couldn't even save himself. But that's not the case, for Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. He is alive. His plan wasn't to save himself from dying on the cross, but to die on the cross so we all could be saved from our slavery to sin and death. And he proved he had the authority to free us by not staying dead and by rising from the dead three days later. And this is such good news. As Christians, we believe in a God who keeps his promises, who has the power and authority to do everything that he says he will. Our God has Power over every other ruler, nation, spiritual power or false God. He demonstrated that in the story of Moses through the ten plagues he brought against Egypt, bringing about the freedom of Israel. He showed that by bringing them to the promised land. He showed that by David's rule as king, defeating all his enemies. He showed that by bringing the exiles back to Jerusalem in Ezra and Nehemiah. And most of all, he showed that in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. So that leaves us with the question that I hope everyone here who doesn't yet follow Jesus with their whole life will deeply consider. What if all of this is true? What if Jesus really is who he says he is? What if you say yes to following Jesus? Now get back to our passage. So what if Moses let the story end here in Exodus 5? What if he refused to believe that God was a God who fulfilled his promises and has power and authority over even the Pharaoh of Egypt, someone who considered himself to be a son of the gods? Well then Moses would not be the person God would use to set his people free. God would still accomplish his accomplish his plans and purposes how he wills. And if Moses let his story end in Exodus 5:23 where we left off today, his story might be over, but God's story would not have been. Even if Moses doesn't believe God is in control and has power and authority over all things, it is still true. We don't ever need to ask what if God doesn't answer his promises? Or what if God doesn't fulfill his plans and accomplish his purposes? Because we know he will and we know he does. We see that in Jesus and we see that all throughout the Bible. Moses continues to wrestle with this throughout his whole life and leadership. He continues to question God when things go wrong and to doubt. But he also grows in his trust and faithfulness. And every time he stops and asks what if of God, he still continues to choose to follow God. Aaron preached on the end of Moses life a few weeks ago and we know that although there were many bumps along the road, Moses story ended with him walking with God. Despite all the what ifs along along the way, in the end he is counted among the righteous. So let's loop back to our first story. Hudson Taylor we left him in a rough spot. Ministry was hard. Most of the nation of China was unreached by the Gospel. He wasn't accepted by the people of China and is now back in England recovering from severe illness. He probably asked the question, what if I don't go back? What if this is the end of my story. When he was 17, he strongly felt sent by God to the people of China. But now that reality is setting in, the what ifs feel a lot bigger and more tempting to give into. But he didn't. Well, in England, Taylor translated the New Testament into Chinese and founded cim, the China Inland Mission. An organization dedicated to recruiting missionaries to live like locals, travel inland and witness to unreached peoples in China. He then returned and in all the difficulty continued to trust in God. He wasn't trusting that God would make his life great or that he would have a comfortable and healthy life, but trusting that as a Christian he was sent by God to make disciples of all nations and that this is Jesus way of life and it is the best life. Taylor's wife died and he suffered many other hardships. But in each what if moment he pressed into his ministry. CIM continued to grow and reach more and more of the lost in the China. Proclaiming the gospel everywhere and seeing lives be transformed. CIM and Hudson faced much more persecution, the deaths of many missionaries and much opposition. And still the gospel went forth. In each moment of doubt, Hudson Taylor continued to say yes to Jesus invitation to be a witness to the lost. The way Hudson Taylor responded to the what ifs led to thousands of people becoming Christians in China. It led to the unreached peoples of inland China receiving the gospel. It led to missionaries living among the people they were witnessing to and the founding of an organization that completely changed the spiritual climate of China. CIM is now known as omf Overseas Missionary Fellowship and Organization. Organization that still exists today to bring the gospel to unreached peoples in all of East Asia. So what if Hudson Taylor had let his story end in England in 1859? Well, large parts of China would have been unreached with the gospel. God could still have used someone else. But Hudson's meant yes. Hudson saying yes in that what if meant that he got to be the one used by God to accomplish his purposes for that time in China. So it's great that Moses and Taylor were both faithful in their what if moments. But what does that look like for us anytime we find ourselves in a spot considering if some aspect of following Jesus is worth it. We are in a little what if moment and those add up that might be with areas of holiness. Gossiping with others because it's fun, everyone else is doing it. It helps you to engage and fit in with your friends. Really in that moment we're saying what if Jesus call to gossip isn't what's best? Or what if Jesus call to not be drunk or sexually pure or to love those who hate us isn't the best way to live, especially in a place like Madison. It's pretty easy to hate those we disagree with in today's culture. I think one of the ways that I wrestle with this a lot is with money. Cassie and I try to give generously, but it is so easy for me to not think about the money that God has given to us and how it could be used. We have the things that we give to and we put those things first. But I can easily become entitled to the rest of my money and not take a step back to think how I could use it for his kingdom. Instead of make some part of my house nicer or buy something I've been wanting for a while, I need to step back and ask what if God's desire for me to use my money for his kingdom is the better way to live and then decide if I'm actually going to live that out and figure out what that means. In times past when we have done this well, it's meant giving money we saved for a vacation to something better, or giving away cars that would have been nice to have or to sell, or using date money to take a friend we were trying to share Jesus with to a sports game. We still fail at this a lot and I often catch myself not believing that Jesus way is best and wanting to use the rest of my money for me. Another huge one for all of us is with our call to share the gospel. Hudson Taylor took this very seriously. So should we? It's really easy for me to let date nights with my wife or house projects or comfort or just my busyness in general get in the way of this one. What if Jesus didn't really mean for all of us to share the gospel? Or what if it's not going to do anything anyway? None of my friends or neighbors will ever believe they're too far gone. Jesus calls each and every one of us who call ourselves Christians to be ambassadors of his gospel to the people around us, and we need to actually live that out. When we seriously try to live out the full call of a Christian, we will be faced with difficulties and lots of what ifs. If you use your money missionally for God's kingdom, you will have less money to spend on yourself and you might find yourself asking what if this isn't better? If you really are trying to witness to your neighbors and the people around you, you might be in awkward situations. You might get anxious, you'll probably have people dislike you, and you'll definitely have less time to spend doing whatever you want to do. You'll definitely have less time to spend doing whatever you want to do if you're using it to love your neighbour well. And you'll probably ask, what if this isn't the best way to live? That's what Moses asked. Why did you ever send me? What if trying to go to Pharaoh isn't the best thing for your people? What if obeying you and speaking before Pharaoh wasn't a good decision? One thing that I can assure you, God's plan for Israel was far better than for them to remain in slavery. Jesus way is better. God keeps all his promises and as creator of all things, he has designed not only us, but the best way of life. And we should be faithful in those what ifs to follow him, even when we don't understand or experience it in a way that makes sense to us. So Moses was stuck in a what if at the end of our chapter. The Israelites are stuck in a what if at the end of our chapter. And then we'll resolve that next week. But for all of us, I have only one application point as we consider where we might be falling short in our what ifs in not living life fully in the truth that Jesus way of life is the best way and the only good way. So I want you to actually write down this question and in your car, on your way home or after church or at some point later today, I want you to discuss this question with your spouse or a Christian friend. Where am I not trusting that Jesus plan is best? Where am I not trusting that Jesus plan is best? And as you discuss that, I want you to decide like what are those what ifs that you're living in right now? And then decide on something to actually do about it. Over the next few weeks, we will get to see what Moses does. We'll get to see how Moses responds in these what ifs. Let us all as Red Village, trust Jesus and follow him in all of our what ifs Also. Please pray with me, dear Jesus, Heavenly Father, we thank you that you keep all your promises. God, we thank you that you have power and authority over all people, all rulers, all spiritual powers. Jesus, we thank you that we can trust you that you will fulfill all of your promises. We can trust you that your way of life is the best way. Jesus, please help us in our what ifs. Please help us as we're doubting that your way is the best way to press in. Lord, in our conversations, help to reveal the ways that we aren't trusting you and your plan for our lives. Help us to follow you more, to trust you more, and to live our lives more conformed to Jesus. Jesus, please bless these conversations and give us wisdom in how we should live. We thank you for your word and we thank you that we get to gather here this morning. Pray all these things, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, amen. The post Making Bricks Without Straw – Exodus 5: 1-23 appeared first on Red Village Church.

Today I'm sharing a lightly edited version of a conversation I first had with my two daughters exactly one year ago this week, on Father's Day. I personally enjoyed listening to it again, and even learned a few things that I had forgotten (lol), even though I am one of the actors in the story. Thank you for listening and please join our family in praying for China! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China. X is also the best way to contact me. Just follow and send a DM. You can also email me @ bfwesten at gmail dot com The China Compass Podcast is brought to you by Pray for China (PrayforChina.us): Sat, June 20 - Pray for Mangshi City in western Yunnan’s picturesque and peak-filled Dehong Prefecture, along the Myanmar border: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangshi Home to myriad mountains and minorities, Yunnan is paired with Arkansas and Louisiana for prayer. For more info: https://prayforchina.us/index.php/yunnan/ *Remember that today in China, thousands of pastors will be detained/harassed/persecuted for faithfully leading their flocks. (Heb. 13:3)* Sun, June 21 - Pray for Changxing County in northern Zhejiang’s Huzhou Prefecture, on the south shore of Lake Tai: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changxing_County Zhejiang Province is aptly paired with North Carolina for prayer. Learn more about both Zhejiang and Hudson Taylor here: https://prayforchina.us/index.php/zhejiang/ Mon, June 22 - Pray for Tingri County in Tibet’s most populous prefecture, Shigatse, in central Tibet: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tingri_County Tibet is paired for prayer with the mountain states of MT, ID, WY, (northern) UT & (northern) CO. Visits by Westerners are mostly forbidden and the vast majority have never heard the Gospel: https://prayforchina.us/index.php/tibet/ If you want to join us all this week, here are all the Chinese cities to pray for from now til June 28... https://open.substack.com/pub/chinacall/p/pray-for-china-june-22-28-2026 Who is Missionary Ben? I haven’t done this in a long time, but every now and then I am reminded I should probably give a little bit more of my background (and my China bonafides). Now I can’t divulge very much, for security reasons, but here are the basics: moved to China at the age of 19, in the early 2000s, taught myself to speak (and read) Chinese. Lived there w/ my family til I was deported in 2018. Unbeaten: The Story of My Arrest, Interrogation, and Deportation from China (Unbeaten.vip) Over those nearly 15 years, I set foot in every province, and visited hundreds of cities, towns, and villages. Alongside our evangelistic work, I helped manage a leather factory in a Muslim town, opened a yak burger/pizza restaurant on the Tibetan Plateau, served as a guide and Tibetan taxi driver, and taught English to elementary kids, high schoolers, and young adults. How I Taught Myself Mandarin (And How You Can Learn Too, But Won’t) https://chinacall.substack.com/p/how-i-taught-myself-mandarin Follow or subscribe to China Compass and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Don’t forget: Follow @chinaadventures on X, and find everything else @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, verse 2, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few!

Today I'm sharing a lightly edited version of a conversation I first had with my two daughters exactly one year ago this week, on Father's Day. I personally enjoyed listening to it again, and even learned a few things that I had forgotten (lol), even though I am one of the actors in the story. Thank you for listening and please join our family in praying for China! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China. X is also the best way to contact me. Just follow and send a DM. You can also email me @ bfwesten at gmail dot com The China Compass Podcast is brought to you by Pray for China (PrayforChina.us): Sat, June 20 - Pray for Mangshi City in western Yunnan’s picturesque and peak-filled Dehong Prefecture, along the Myanmar border: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangshi Home to myriad mountains and minorities, Yunnan is paired with Arkansas and Louisiana for prayer. For more info: https://prayforchina.us/index.php/yunnan/ *Remember that today in China, thousands of pastors will be detained/harassed/persecuted for faithfully leading their flocks. (Heb. 13:3)* Sun, June 21 - Pray for Changxing County in northern Zhejiang’s Huzhou Prefecture, on the south shore of Lake Tai: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changxing_County Zhejiang Province is aptly paired with North Carolina for prayer. Learn more about both Zhejiang and Hudson Taylor here: https://prayforchina.us/index.php/zhejiang/ Mon, June 22 - Pray for Tingri County in Tibet’s most populous prefecture, Shigatse, in central Tibet: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tingri_County Tibet is paired for prayer with the mountain states of MT, ID, WY, (northern) UT & (northern) CO. Visits by Westerners are mostly forbidden and the vast majority have never heard the Gospel: https://prayforchina.us/index.php/tibet/ If you want to join us all this week, here are all the Chinese cities to pray for from now til June 28... https://open.substack.com/pub/chinacall/p/pray-for-china-june-22-28-2026 Who is Missionary Ben? I haven’t done this in a long time, but every now and then I am reminded I should probably give a little bit more of my background (and my China bonafides). Now I can’t divulge very much, for security reasons, but here are the basics: moved to China at the age of 19, in the early 2000s, taught myself to speak (and read) Chinese. Lived there w/ my family til I was deported in 2018. Unbeaten: The Story of My Arrest, Interrogation, and Deportation from China (Unbeaten.vip) Over those nearly 15 years, I set foot in every province, and visited hundreds of cities, towns, and villages. Alongside our evangelistic work, I helped manage a leather factory in a Muslim town, opened a yak burger/pizza restaurant on the Tibetan Plateau, served as a guide and Tibetan taxi driver, and taught English to elementary kids, high schoolers, and young adults. How I Taught Myself Mandarin (And How You Can Learn Too, But Won’t) https://chinacall.substack.com/p/how-i-taught-myself-mandarin Follow or subscribe to China Compass and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Don’t forget: Follow @chinaadventures on X, and find everything else @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, verse 2, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few!

In this message from Matthew 15:29–16:4, Pastor Karl examines two very different groups of people who come to Jesus — and what their approach reveals about how we receive grace.The first group comes from the Decapolis, a Gentile region with no religious standing or covenant claim. They bring broken bodies, unspoken needs, and nothing to offer — and Jesus meets them with compassion, healing, and even provision they didn't know to ask for. The second group, the Pharisees and Sadducees, arrives with suspicion and a demand for proof — and Jesus refuses to perform for them.The contrast surfaces a powerful truth: Jesus has endless compassion for those who come to him needy, but no obligation to satisfy those who come feeling entitled. Unworthiness isn't a disqualification for grace — it's the prerequisite for it.Pastor Karl unpacks why the disciples hesitated to feed the 4,000 (it wasn't that they forgot what Jesus could do — it was that they questioned who he'd do it for), what it really means to "fall from grace," and why the cross is the only reliable lens through which to interpret God's love. When we bring our "not enough" to Jesus, we find that inadequacy is exactly the raw material he's looking for.Watch all our sermons on our youtube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 8:00am, 9:30am & 11:00am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

Share a commentFreedom is one of our favorite words, but what if it's mostly a myth? We start with a blunt claim from Scripture: everyone is a slave to something. The real question isn't whether we serve a master, it's which master owns us, shapes our choices, and defines our future. That single idea reframes the whole Christian life, not as self-expression, but as surrendered allegiance to God through Jesus Christ. Then we slow way down over James 1:1 and treat it like the front door to the entire Book of James. James is famous for practical Christianity, faith in practice, and hard-edged commands that expose what we do with our money, our words, our plans, and our prayers. But none of that sticks until we accept James' opening identity: “a bondservant” (doulos), a slave who belongs to God. We also dig into authorship and why the evidence points to James as the half-brother of Jesus, which makes his story even more shocking. He once doubted and mocked Jesus, yet after the resurrection Jesus appears to him, and James becomes a leader in the Jerusalem church and a man willing to die for what he once rejected. Finally, we explore how James stacks titles in a way that powerfully supports the deity of Jesus Christ, touching on early church debates and why James 1:1 mattered to defenders of orthodox Christian doctrine. We close with Hudson Taylor's quiet humility: serving an illustrious Master. If you want a Bible study that moves from information to transformation, this is your invitation. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs clarity, and leave a review with the line that challenged you most.Get instant, biblically faithful answers to your Bible questions. https://www.wisdomonline.org/ask Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

Share a commentFreedom is one of our favorite words, but what if it's mostly a myth? We start with a blunt claim from Scripture: everyone is a slave to something. The real question isn't whether we serve a master, it's which master owns us, shapes our choices, and defines our future. That single idea reframes the whole Christian life, not as self-expression, but as surrendered allegiance to God through Jesus Christ. Then we slow way down over James 1:1 and treat it like the front door to the entire Book of James. James is famous for practical Christianity, faith in practice, and hard-edged commands that expose what we do with our money, our words, our plans, and our prayers. But none of that sticks until we accept James' opening identity: “a bondservant” (doulos), a slave who belongs to God. We also dig into authorship and why the evidence points to James as the half-brother of Jesus, which makes his story even more shocking. He once doubted and mocked Jesus, yet after the resurrection Jesus appears to him, and James becomes a leader in the Jerusalem church and a man willing to die for what he once rejected. Finally, we explore how James stacks titles in a way that powerfully supports the deity of Jesus Christ, touching on early church debates and why James 1:1 mattered to defenders of orthodox Christian doctrine. We close with Hudson Taylor's quiet humility: serving an illustrious Master. If you want a Bible study that moves from information to transformation, this is your invitation. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs clarity, and leave a review with the line that challenged you most.Get instant, biblically faithful answers to your Bible questions. https://www.wisdomonline.org/ask Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

Episódio com o tema "William Chalmers Burnes" Apresentação: Samuel Mattos William Chalmers Burnes foi um missionário que atuou na China, onde trabalhou muitas vezes junto com Hudson Taylor. Viveu uma vida onde os habitantes deste grande país puderam ver claramente no seu dia a dia a verdade do Evangelho. Confira!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harry Hudson Taylor is an Irish singer-songwriter and producer. Formerly one half of folk-pop duo Hudson Taylor, he is now stepping out on his own with a sound built on indie rock urgency, folk-rooted storytelling, and instinctive pop melody. He produces and records everything himself, playing all the instruments from first idea to finished track. That autonomy shapes the work: direct, searching, unguarded. His music follows him wherever he lands, shaped by what he carries rather than where he is. Hiding From Nature is the kind of song that arrives after something breaks open. Harry wrote it on the other side of a dark night of the soul, and that origin is audible throughout: it is not a song about going through something, but about what you see when you come out the other side. What he found on the other side was not peace exactly, but clarity. And with it, a recognition he couldn't unfeel. The ‘nature' in the title is not forests and rivers. It is the self underneath the persona, the consciousness below the identity you built to survive, which at some point stopped being protection and became a prison. Most of us know that feeling. The song is about what happens when you can't ignore it anymore. Built around the mythology of the Green Man, the ancient Celtic figure of death and rebirth whose leaf-woven face appears carved into churches and forests across Ireland and Europe, the track channels that imagery without being consumed by it. The Green Man is not decoration here. He is a way of saying: your true nature is always looking back at you, even when you have buried it under years of performance. Sonically, the track sits at the intersection of grunge-fuelled intensity and folk-rooted directness, big guitars driving forward before the bridge fractures the momentum and opens into something rawer: “Whatever makes you wake up and break through / Shackles that hold you down.” The artwork, a hand-painted portrait by artist Keir Ross, depicts Harry as the Green Man, his face emerging from the leaves. It makes the central tension of the song visible: you can construct a self, but what lies beneath keeps surfacing. Hiding From Nature marks the beginning of a larger body of work. A second single, also accompanied by its own bespoke sauce, will follow, with both releases building toward a wider project later in 2026.

Hudson Taylor was troubled. He’d left England to share the gospel about Christ in China, and ministry—though challenging—had gone well. But in 1865, as he considered sending more people to minister to a more dangerous part of the country, without protection, he felt “intense conflict.” Later, after wrestling with God in prayer, he wrote: “The Lord conquered my unbelief, and I surrendered myself to God . . . [recognizing] that all responsibility . . . and consequences must rest with him.” Moses received a call from God that likely left him troubled. As he was leading the Israelites out of Egypt, God said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea” (Exodus 14:2). This meant they were trapped between Pharaoh and a vast body of water! The Israelites trembled as “Pharaoh approached”(v. 10). Panic-stricken, they told Moses, “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” (v. 12). But Moses replied, “Do not be afraid” (v. 13). And he was right. God provided rescue and victory for His people as they rested in Him (vv. 15-31). At times, we won’t understand what God’s doing in our lives because we don’t have His view. It was during such a moment that Hudson Taylor wrote, “As his servant it was [my responsibility] to obey and to follow him.” We too can rest in God’s view and plans.

Alex discusses the growing debate about pastoral sabbaticals, the state of masculinity in the church, and whether modern ministries are producing fewer missionary-minded men like William Carey and Hudson Taylor. If the church is growing softer, what kind of Christianity are we exporting to the world?

In this episode of The World View, Alex Kocman examines several stories shaping the global conversation and asks a deeper question: why does so much of human history revolve around the person of Jesus Christ?First, the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran once again puts the Middle East at the center of global attention. But beneath the geopolitics lies a deeper reality: the world's major conflicts are tied to the competing claims of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—and ultimately to the question Jesus asked his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?”Next, Alex addresses reports of a missile strike on a school in Iran and what Christian moral teaching says about war, the dignity of human life, and the principles of just war theory developed by Augustine and Aquinas.Then we examine troubling survey data showing a decline in pro-life convictions among churchgoers, and what that reveals about the influence of culture on modern evangelicalism.Finally, Alex discusses the growing debate about pastoral sabbaticals, the state of masculinity in the church, and whether modern ministries are producing fewer missionary-minded men like William Carey and Hudson Taylor.If the church is growing softer, what kind of Christianity are we exporting to the world? https://abwe.org/https://press.founders.org/shop/order...

In this episode of The World View, Alex Kocman examines several stories shaping the global conversation and asks a deeper question: why does so much of human history revolve around the person of Jesus Christ?First, the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran once again puts the Middle East at the center of global attention. But beneath the geopolitics lies a deeper reality: the world's major conflicts are tied to the competing claims of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—and ultimately to the question Jesus asked his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?”Next, Alex addresses reports of a missile strike on a school in Iran and what Christian moral teaching says about war, the dignity of human life, and the principles of just war theory developed by Augustine and Aquinas.Then we examine troubling survey data showing a decline in pro-life convictions among churchgoers, and what that reveals about the influence of culture on modern evangelicalism.Finally, Alex discusses the growing debate about pastoral sabbaticals, the state of masculinity in the church, and whether modern ministries are producing fewer missionary-minded men like William Carey and Hudson Taylor.If the church is growing softer, what kind of Christianity are we exporting to the world? https://abwe.org/https://press.founders.org/shop/order...Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere

In this episode of The World View, Alex Kocman examines several stories shaping the global conversation and asks a deeper question: why does so much of human history revolve around the person of Jesus Christ?First, the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran once again puts the Middle East at the center of global attention. But beneath the geopolitics lies a deeper reality: the world's major conflicts are tied to the competing claims of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—and ultimately to the question Jesus asked his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?”Next, Alex addresses reports of a missile strike on a school in Iran and what Christian moral teaching says about war, the dignity of human life, and the principles of just war theory developed by Augustine and Aquinas.Then we examine troubling survey data showing a decline in pro-life convictions among churchgoers, and what that reveals about the influence of culture on modern evangelicalism.Finally, Alex discusses the growing debate about pastoral sabbaticals, the state of masculinity in the church, and whether modern ministries are producing fewer missionary-minded men like William Carey and Hudson Taylor.If the church is growing softer, what kind of Christianity are we exporting to the world? https://abwe.org/https://press.founders.org/shop/order...

The story of Maria Dyer Taylor is a love story. It is the love story of a woman for her God, for the Chinese people, and for her husband. The story takes place in China and London. Maria was a remarkable woman, and her passion for God and others is sure to inspire.ResourcesHudson Taylor and Maria: A Match Made in Heaven – by John PollockDesiring God: “A Marriage of Triumph and Trials”https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-marriage-of-triumph-and-trialsWomen of Christianity: Maria Dyer Taylorhttps://womenofchristianity.com/missionarys-wives

The story of Maria Dyer Taylor is a love story. It is the love story of a woman for her God, for the Chinese people, and for her husband. The story takes place in China and London. Maria was a remarkable woman, and her passion for God and others is sure to inspire.ResourcesHudson Taylor and Maria: A Match Made in Heaven – by John PollockDesiring God: “A Marriage of Triumph and Trials”https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-marriage-of-triumph-and-trialsWomen of Christianity: Maria Dyer Taylorhttps://womenofchristianity.com/missionarys-wives

Trusting God for our financial needs feels especially real when life gets tight. When savings shrink, markets fluctuate, or expenses rise faster than income, the pressure exposes what—or who—we truly rely on. Long before budgets, retirement accounts, or emergency funds existed, one man stood on a mountain believing God could provide in the most impossible circumstances. His story in Genesis 22 gives us one of the most powerful names of God in all of Scripture: “The Lord Will Provide.” And it offers a blueprint for faithful stewardship today. Provision Is Forged in Pressure Trusting God's provision rarely happens in comfort. It's forged in seasons when resources feel thin, and the future looks uncertain. Throughout Scripture, God's people learn His faithfulness not at banquets, but in deserts. Not in surplus, but in scarcity. Whether wandering in the wilderness, facing famine, or standing before overwhelming odds, they discover that provision isn't merely about resources—it's about relationship. God is not simply someone who provides. He is the Provider. But biblical faith isn't naïve optimism, nor is it passive resignation. Faith rests in God's character, moves forward in obedience, and trusts Him with the outcome. Abraham on the Mountain Genesis 22 is one of the clearest pictures of this kind of faith. God asks Abraham to offer Isaac, his son of promise. It's a shocking command, and we're meant to feel its weight. Isaac is the one through whom God promised to build a nation “as numerous as the stars.” Without Isaac, the covenant appears to collapse. Yet Abraham obeys. Before climbing the mountain, he tells his servants, “Stay here with the donkey; the boy and I will go over there and worship; then we will come back to you” (Genesis 22:5). Notice what he says: we will come back. The author of Hebrews explains Abraham's reasoning: “He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead” (Hebrews 11:19). Abraham trusted that God's promise was more certain than the circumstances he could see. And when Abraham raised the knife, God intervened—not before the climb, not halfway up the mountain, but at the exact moment when obedience and trust met. A ram was provided in Isaac's place. It's there Abraham names the place: “The Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:14). What “The Lord Will Provide” Really Means To say God provides isn't to say He always provides in the way we expect. It means His character is generous, attentive, and faithful. He knows our needs before we ask. He meets them according to His wisdom—not our timeline. That shifts how we think about financial provision. Scripture commends diligence. “The hand of the diligent makes rich” (Proverbs 10:4). It warns against laziness. But diligence and provision are not the same thing. We work. God provides the harvest. Modern financial fear often comes from trying to secure every possible outcome. We want guarantees. We want certainty. We want control. But the great enemy of faith isn't need—it's self-reliance. When we believe we are our own providers, we shoulder a burden we were never designed to carry. The apostle Paul writes, “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Notice the scale and the source: According to His riches, not ours. Three Ways Trust Changes Our Stewardship When we truly believe God provides, three things begin to shift. 1. We Plan Without Panic Wisdom plans for the future. Scripture affirms preparation and foresight. But planning becomes idolatry when it tries to eliminate dependence. Trust allows us to budget, save, and invest without fear driving every decision. Our spreadsheets serve us—they don't rule us. 2. We Give Without Fear Generosity flows from security. If we believe God replenishes, we can release. Hudson Taylor famously said, “God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.” When God is our provider, generosity becomes an act of confidence, not recklessness. 3. We Endure Lean Seasons With Hope Scarcity is not wasted space in the life of faith. Lean seasons refine us. They remind us that our ultimate security rests not in accounts, assets, or accolades—but in the Lord who sees. Abraham learned something profound on that mountain—not just that God provides, but who God is. Provision in Scripture is relational. God provides so His people know Him more deeply and so the watching world sees His faithfulness. Faithful Stewardship Without Fear Trusting God's provision doesn't mean we stop budgeting, working, or stewarding wisely. It means we do those things without trying to control the narrative. Our responsibility is faithfulness. God's responsibility is provision. When life tightens and financial pressure mounts, Genesis 22 invites us to lift our eyes beyond the mountain in front of us and remember the name Abraham proclaimed: The Lord will provide. And He still does. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: How can I have a loving, respectful conversation with my parents—especially my dad—about whether they're truly ready for retirement and financially self-sufficient? Also, he started taking Social Security last year while still working. Should he reconsider delaying benefits, and what options does he have now? A nonprofit that owned a property has shut down, and I'd like to sell it and give the proceeds to a church. Are there special forms or steps I need to take to handle that transfer properly? I'm turning 60 and want to prepare wisely for retirement. I have a seven-figure balance across my 401(k) and investments. What should I focus on over the next several years—how much is enough, withdrawal planning, Social Security timing, and long-term care—so I won't become a burden on my kids? As I plan my estate, what does the Bible mean by leaving an inheritance to our children's children, and how should I think about what to leave my grandchildren? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue with Jeremy White Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship 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.

Share a commentStart at ground level and life looks like a mess of ruts and detours. Step back, and a pattern begins to emerge. We trace that shift in perspective through Romans 8:28 and Psalm 84:11, then watch those promises take on flesh in the story of George Müller—thief turned pastor, skeptic turned intercessor—who opened his home and his heart to England's most vulnerable children and proved that trust can build a movement.We walk through Müller's unlikely beginnings, the prayer meeting that shattered his cynicism, and the convictions that reshaped his ministry: free pews, no government salary, and a refusal to solicit funds directly. Instead, he published clear, candid reports and prayed specifically. The result was both ordinary and astonishing: five orphan houses caring for thousands, Scripture and literature flowing across nations, and missionaries like Hudson Taylor strengthened by steady support. The famous morning with 300 empty plates and a simple prayer ends with a sleepless baker and a broken milk cart at the door—not as legend, but as lived reality.Beyond the headline moments, we wrestle with the deeper claim: no good thing does God withhold from those who walk uprightly. What if good sometimes looks like pruning, delay, or detours that only make sense from a higher view? Müller's habit of placing a Bible in a young adult's right hand and a coin in the left captured the principle—hold fast to the word, and God will keep enough in the other hand. Whether you lead a nonprofit, parent through uncertainty, or carry private grief, this conversation offers a grounded, history-tested path to trust that neither manipulates nor resigns itself to fate.If this story stirred your faith, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs courage, and leave a review telling us where you saw the “higher view” break into your week._____Stephen's latest book, Legacies of Light, Volume 2, is our gift for your special donation to our ministry. Follow this link for information or to donate:https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/legaciesSupport the show

Share a commentStart at ground level and life looks like a mess of ruts and detours. Step back, and a pattern begins to emerge. We trace that shift in perspective through Romans 8:28 and Psalm 84:11, then watch those promises take on flesh in the story of George Müller—thief turned pastor, skeptic turned intercessor—who opened his home and his heart to England's most vulnerable children and proved that trust can build a movement.We walk through Müller's unlikely beginnings, the prayer meeting that shattered his cynicism, and the convictions that reshaped his ministry: free pews, no government salary, and a refusal to solicit funds directly. Instead, he published clear, candid reports and prayed specifically. The result was both ordinary and astonishing: five orphan houses caring for thousands, Scripture and literature flowing across nations, and missionaries like Hudson Taylor strengthened by steady support. The famous morning with 300 empty plates and a simple prayer ends with a sleepless baker and a broken milk cart at the door—not as legend, but as lived reality.Beyond the headline moments, we wrestle with the deeper claim: no good thing does God withhold from those who walk uprightly. What if good sometimes looks like pruning, delay, or detours that only make sense from a higher view? Müller's habit of placing a Bible in a young adult's right hand and a coin in the left captured the principle—hold fast to the word, and God will keep enough in the other hand. Whether you lead a nonprofit, parent through uncertainty, or carry private grief, this conversation offers a grounded, history-tested path to trust that neither manipulates nor resigns itself to fate.If this story stirred your faith, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs courage, and leave a review telling us where you saw the “higher view” break into your week._____Stephen's latest book, Legacies of Light, Volume 2, is our gift for your special donation to our ministry. Follow this link for information or to donate:https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/legaciesSupport the show

The story of Maria Dyer Taylor is a love story. It is the love story of a woman for her God, for the Chinese people, and for her husband. The story takes place in China and London. Maria was a remarkable woman, and her passion for God and others is sure to inspire.ResourcesHudson Taylor and Maria: A Match Made in Heaven – by John PollockDesiring God: “A Marriage of Triumph and Trials”https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-marriage-of-triumph-and-trialsWomen of Christianity: Maria Dyer Taylorhttps://womenofchristianity.com/missionarys-wives

The story of Maria Dyer Taylor is a love story. It is the love story of a woman for her God, for the Chinese people, and for her husband. The story takes place in China and London. Maria was a remarkable woman, and her passion for God and others is sure to inspire.ResourcesHudson Taylor and Maria: A Match Made in Heaven – by John PollockDesiring God: “A Marriage of Triumph and Trials”https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-marriage-of-triumph-and-trialsWomen of Christianity: Maria Dyer Taylorhttps://womenofchristianity.com/missionarys-wives

Share a commentWhat if the moment that changes your life is a single line on a forgotten page? Hudson Taylor's story begins with a teenage skeptic, a gospel tract, and one piercing phrase—“the finished work of Christ.” That realization doesn't make life easier; it makes obedience possible. From that grounding, he learns to trust through delayed paychecks, slumside porridge meals, and a late-night choice to give away his last coin before any warm feeling arrives.We walk through the crucible that formed his resilience: the discipline of praising before relief, the courage to see cultural offense and remove it, and the humility to lose donor approval in exchange for real rapport on the street. His choice to adopt Chinese dress and customs wasn't theater—it was neighbor-love that opened doors, even as grief, disease, and riots pushed back. Along the way, friendships with Spurgeon and Müller provide just-in-time fuel, while Taylor's own words sharpen our practice: rude people accomplish little; responsibility rests with God when we obey.At the heart of this episode are five field-tested principles you can use today: improve the character of the work you already do, deepen piety with intentional effort, remove stones of stumbling if possible, oil the wheels where relationships stick, and supplement what is lacking instead of critiquing from the sidelines. We close by tracing the legacy—hundreds of outposts, schools, and a translation effort across 18 provinces—without losing sight of the source. The work that saves is finished, which frees us to attempt the tasks that look impossible, endure the ones that are difficult, and celebrate when, at last, they are done.If this story stirred your courage, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs resilience today, and leave a review with the one principle you'll practice this week._____Stephen's latest book, Legacies of Light, Volume 2, is our gift for your special donation to our ministry. Follow this link for information or to donate:https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/legaciesSupport the show

Share a commentWhat if the moment that changes your life is a single line on a forgotten page? Hudson Taylor's story begins with a teenage skeptic, a gospel tract, and one piercing phrase—“the finished work of Christ.” That realization doesn't make life easier; it makes obedience possible. From that grounding, he learns to trust through delayed paychecks, slumside porridge meals, and a late-night choice to give away his last coin before any warm feeling arrives.We walk through the crucible that formed his resilience: the discipline of praising before relief, the courage to see cultural offense and remove it, and the humility to lose donor approval in exchange for real rapport on the street. His choice to adopt Chinese dress and customs wasn't theater—it was neighbor-love that opened doors, even as grief, disease, and riots pushed back. Along the way, friendships with Spurgeon and Müller provide just-in-time fuel, while Taylor's own words sharpen our practice: rude people accomplish little; responsibility rests with God when we obey.At the heart of this episode are five field-tested principles you can use today: improve the character of the work you already do, deepen piety with intentional effort, remove stones of stumbling if possible, oil the wheels where relationships stick, and supplement what is lacking instead of critiquing from the sidelines. We close by tracing the legacy—hundreds of outposts, schools, and a translation effort across 18 provinces—without losing sight of the source. The work that saves is finished, which frees us to attempt the tasks that look impossible, endure the ones that are difficult, and celebrate when, at last, they are done.If this story stirred your courage, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs resilience today, and leave a review with the one principle you'll practice this week._____Stephen's latest book, Legacies of Light, Volume 2, is our gift for your special donation to our ministry. Follow this link for information or to donate:https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/legaciesSupport the show

Pastor Russell Johnson continued through Ezra, exploring chapter 4 and the opposition that arose against the rebuilding of the temple. Pastor Russell opened with the story of Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, who faced relentless opposition from family, mission societies, cultural hostility, illness, financial pressure, and personal grief—yet remained faithful. He explained that the enemies in Ezra 4 were Samaritans, descendants of foreign populations resettled by Assyria, who "feared the LORD and served their own gods." Pastor Russell showed how opposition moved from subtle ("Let us build with you") to overt (discouraging, frightening, hiring lobbyists) to sustained (accusations spanning multiple Persian kings). He emphasized that "opposition often appears as cooperation" and uses "spiritual language, appeals to peace, and promises efficiency, but it quietly undermines." Pastor Russell concluded by reminding us that "God's work will always encounter opposition" and that "the great causes of God and Humanity are not defeated by the hot assaults of the Devil, but by the slow, crushing, glacier-like mass of thousands and thousands of indifferent nobodies."

Who was Hudson Taylor? What is Hudson Taylor most known for in Christian missions?

Hudson Taylor once described his early Christian journey as “determination followed by failure.” Though his path was marked by struggle, God ultimately led him into a place of rest. If you've placed your faith in Christ, how would you describe your own walk with the Lord? Is it marked by rest or failure? Join Kelly as he explores this question by focusing on the books of Deuteronomy and Galatians.www.instagram.com/thehishillpodcast/www.hishill.orgkelly@hishill.org

What does it mean to truly abide in Christ? Hudson Taylor's life answers this through his deep reliance on Jesus. Once striving in his own strength, Taylor came to realize that fruitfulness flows only from resting in Christ. His life bore lasting impact as he founded the China Inland Mission and helped bring the gospel to thousands. His story reminds us that the Christian life is not about what we do for Christ, but what He does through us as we abide in Him.

In this stirring new season of the Commands of Christ Podcast, we move from principle to practice—tracing the commands of Jesus through the lives of men and women who lived them out with passion, humility, and dependence on Him. Christ's Commands in Action invites us into the stories of ordinary individuals throughout church history who, by God's grace, lived extraordinary lives marked by obedience to the Word of Christ. From well-known names like Hudson Taylor and George Müller to lesser-known saints whose quiet faith shaped generations, each biographical sketch highlights a specific command of Jesus, showing what it looks like to put His Word into action. More than historical recollection, this season is a call to follow Christ as others have before us—not by exalting people, but by glorifying the power and presence of God working through flawed, but faithful vessels. These testimonies build our faith, exalt the risen Christ, and offer practical encouragement for how we too can walk as His disciples today. As we explore a new life each week, we'll be reminded that the same Christ who empowered them is alive in us—and that His commands are not just to be studied, but lived.

If we have not because we ask not … what does it look like to ask? https://actintl.givingfuel.com/pray

Hudson Taylor afirmó: “Un pequeño paso de obediencia vale más que un gran sueño sin acción”. Así es, la vida espiritual no se edifica con momentos extraordinarios aislados, sino con obediencias pequeñas, constantes y sinceras. No obstante, solemos menospreciar los gestos simples como pedir perdón, orar unos minutos más, animar a alguien, o resistir una tentación que parecía pequeña. De modo que hoy practiques una obediencia concreta. No esperes condiciones perfectas para obedecer; da un paso pequeño, firme y lleno de fe. Además, recuerda que la obediencia abre puertas: trae claridad donde había confusión y fortaleza donde había miedo. Así pues, cuando no sepas qué hacer, vuelve a lo último que Dios te pidió; allí encontrarás dirección. Por consiguiente, no subestimes lo pequeño. Cada acto humilde de obediencia deja huellas eternas porque el Señor Jesús honra la fidelidad más que la apariencia. La Biblia dice en Lucas 16:10: “El que es fiel en lo muy poco, también en lo más es fiel”. (RV1960).

In 19th-century England, James and Amelia Taylor famously prayed, 'Dear God, if you should give us a son, grant that he may work for you in China.' Their son, James Hudson Taylor, would go on to become the most influential missionary of the modern missionary movement. Author Vance Christie tells Hudson Taylor's story to Randy Melchert.

In 19th-century England, James and Amelia Taylor famously prayed, 'Dear God, if you should give us a son, grant that he may work for you in China.' Their son, James Hudson Taylor, would go on to become the most influential missionary of the modern missionary movement. Author Vance Christie tells Hudson Taylor's story to Randy Melchert.

In 19th-century England, James and Amelia Taylor famously prayed, 'Dear God, if you should give us a son, grant that he may work for you in China.' Their son, James Hudson Taylor, would go on to become the most influential missionary of the modern missionary movement. Author Vance Christie tells Hudson Taylor's story to Randy Melchert.

As we close this season of Cast Down Your Bucket Where You Are, we look to a woman whose obedience shaped how generations understand missionary history. Have you ever wondered how God might use your heritage, your story, or your place in life—right where you already stand—to make an eternal difference?In this final episode, Tracie and Abigail share the remarkable life of Geraldine Taylor, daughter-in-law of Hudson Taylor, who cast down her bucket exactly where God placed her. Though she served faithfully on the mission field, her greatest impact came through preserving the stories of those who carried the Gospel into China. Through her writings, Geraldine used her unique heritage and her calling to safeguard and honor these legacies which continue to inspire Christians today. Her life reminds us that the place God gives us—no matter how different than we may have expected—can become the place He uses most.If you know of someone who can be helped by listening to the Abundant Living Podcast, please share this episode with them. Please let us know what you think by rating and reviewing this podcast in your podcasting app! We love hearing from our listeners, whether through comments on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or messaging us on our website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠christianladiesfellowship.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You may also apply to be a part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our private Facebook group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, but be sure to answer all the questions and agree to the group rules when you click to join.You can also email Tracie directly at tburns@immanueljax.org. Thank you for being part of this uplifting and encouraging community of ladies who want to live abundantly for the Lord!

In 19th-century England, James and Amelia Taylor famously prayed, 'Dear God, if you should give us a son, grant that he may work for you in China.' Their son, James Hudson Taylor, would go on to become the most influential missionary of the modern missionary movement. Author Vance Christie tells Hudson Taylor's story to Randy Melchert.

Todaywe're continuing to look at the prayer, the petition, that the Apostle Paulprayed for the saints there at the church of Ephesus. The first thing he prayedfor in verse 16 is that they would “be strengthened with might through HisSpirit in the inner man”. They'd have spiritual energy to live for the LordJesus Christ and to do the will of God. Secondly, Paul prayed, “that Christmay dwell in your hearts through faith that you being rooted and groundedin love”. So, the second thing now Paul is praying for is the depth oftheir spiritual experience in Christ. How deep is your spiritual life? Youknow, so many Christians are like a mile wide and an inch deep. They display alot of Christianity until they end up in a different situation, a crisis, thenit's revealed they have no depth to their Christian life. That's what Paul ispraying for, that there would be depth in their spiritual walk with God. Heuses three words in verse 17 to speak of this depth. The first word is “dwell”.Then the second is “rooted”. The third word is “grounded”.  Theword “dwell” is a word that speaks of Christ being at home in our hearts. WhatPaul is praying for is a deeper experience between Christ and His people. Heyearns for Christ to settle down and feel at home in their hearts—not a surfacerelationship, but an ever-deepening fellowship. Not only are we at home inChrist, He's at home in our hearts. Abraham is a good illustration of this.When God and the two angels came to see Abraham after He has promised him ason, God felt at home with Abraham. He sat down to have a meal with him. Heconversed with him. He talked with him. But then, God had another thing on Hisagenda, that was the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. He didn't go to Lot'shouse. He sent the two angels because He didn't feel at home in Lot's heart.So, my friend, to dwell in our hearts means Christ is at home. He has a placewhere He can commune and fellowship with us. Jesus is always a welcome guest. Now,already we are saints. That's what Paul addressed these Christians at Ephesuswith in the very first verse of the book: “To the saints at Ephesus”. So,they're saints already. They are already in Christ. Christ is already in them.But the question is, does Christ dwell in your hearts? Is He abiding in yourheart? (John 15:7-8).  Thesecond word that we see here is the word “rooted”. The verb rootedmoves us into the plant world. The tree must get its roots deep into the soilif it is to have both nourishment and stability; and the Christian must havehis spiritual roots deep into the love of God. Psalm 1:2-3 is a perfectdescription of this word. Jeremiah 17:5-8 is agood commentary on it. One of the most important questions a Christian can askhimself is, "From what do I draw my nourishment and my stability?" Ifthere is to be power in the Christian life, then there must be depth. The rootsmust go deeper and deeper into the love of Christ. Thirdly,we see the word “grounded”. Grounded is an architectural term; it refersto the foundations on which we build. There's only one foundation that can bein our lives and that's the foundation of Jesus Christ. We know that theexperiences of life, the trials of life will expose if we're building on thefirm foundation of Jesus Christ. Which means we have depth. Jesus said it thisway in Luke 6:47-48, He is like a man building a house, whodug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.  We'redwelling in Christ. Christ is dwelling in us. We have deep roots into thefoundation, Christ Himself. “Christ is our life” (Colossians 3:4). “Forto me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).  That is then the story of our life. It's aChrist-like life. It's exchanged life, as Hudson Taylor put it.  Myfriend, that's what we need to have. That's why Paul prayed for the depth, thedepth of our love in Christ. We should pray for that not only for ourselves,but for others.  Godbless!

Daily audio recordings of CMFI Praise, Prayer and Fasting Crusade. From 13th October to 21st Nov 2025

Daily audio recordings of CMFI Praise, Prayer and Fasting Crusade. From 13th October to 21st Nov 2025

On this episode, David Wollen reflects on how this hymn points us to the joy of abiding in Christ, our true rest.

SummaryPastor Mitchell preaches a powerful missions rally sermon about spiritual growth, first love, and God's global vision for the Church. From Ephesians 4, he challenges believers to grow beyond spiritual infancy, embrace their calling, and rise up for world evangelism. Using vivid illustrations like bonsai trees, fishbowls, and missionary heroes such as William Carey and David Livingston, Pastor Mitchell reminds us that everything God touches must grow. Don't stay the same—let God expand your vision and step into your destiny.Chapters00:00 – Intro: Wayman Wednesday on Taking the Land Podcast01:30 – Discipleship and native pastors in the islands02:30 – Growth vs. spiritual immaturity04:25 – Ephesians 4: Growing up in Christ05:40 – First love: milk vs. solid food07:15 – “You've left your first love” – Revelation warning08:00 – Hudson Taylor's grave and the road not taken09:45 – Love in the arena of life11:15 – Loving people vs. loving the world13:10 – Vision and personal growth potential14:15 – Bonsai tree, fishbowl, and bound feet illustrations16:30 – The power of associations: “Who you hang out with”17:25 – Oxygen mask and choir heartbeat illustrations19:30 – Unlimited potential in Christ21:20 – Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, favor with God and man23:10 – The danger of self-obsessed generations26:30 – God's global vision for the Church27:45 – Peter and Cornelius: Gospel to the Gentiles28:55 – William Carey: the father of modern missions30:05 – David Livingston's call to Africa31:15 – Romans 10: How shall they hear without a preacher?32:40 – Discipleship: the key to world evangelism33:20 – The “absurd” world revolution of a small fellowship34:30 – Call to rise up into your destiny35:20 – Final altar call and closing prayerShow NotesALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISMLocate a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.orgWe need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at: • Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3vy1s5b • Podchaser: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-the-land-cfm-sermon-pod-43369

Today’s illegal immigration focuses podcast begins with a couple reminders and updates (0:18), followed by a lengthy conversation (me, myself, and I) about hoping to give more context to the overall immigration topic (4:18), including some interesting stories about my wife and I, and my 36 hours as an illegal migrant in the country that shall not be named (12:41), as well as the story of my illegal migrant (at least, for a time) Cuban friend, Mitchell. (39:40) Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow and/or message me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I post (among other things) daily reminders to pray for China.You can also email me @ bfwesten at gmail dot com or find everything we are involved in at PrayGiveGo.us! Unbeaten: Confronting the Lies (and Laughter) of the Chinese Communist Police The Story of My Arrest, Interrogation, and Deportation from China Unbeaten.vip A few quick updates: Pray4China.us is now an alternative to our usual domain: PrayforChina.us Chinacompass.vip takes you to our podcast home page on the FLF network Let me know if you want your own PrayforChina link! (OKSisterState.com, Praymo.org) Pray for China provinces of the week (follow @chinaadventures to see which city daily): Sun, July 20 - Yunnan is paired with Arkansas and Louisiana for prayer. Learn more and listen to my Yunnan podcast: https://prayforchina.us/index.php/yunnan/ Mon, July 21 - Zhejiang is paired with NC for prayer: https://prayforchina.us/index.php/zhejiang/ Hudson Taylor fell in love with Maria here in Zhejiang. Check out the podcast. Tue, July 22 - Tropical Guangdong is paired with Florida for prayer. For more info (and podcast): https://prayforchina.us/index.php/guangdong/ Wed, July 23 - Chongqing is paired with SE Texas for prayer: https://prayforchina.us/index.php/texas/ Thu, July 24 - Shanghai is paired with NYC for prayer. For more info, and the Shanghai podcast: https://prayforchina.us/index.php/shanghai/ Fri, July 25 - Tianjin, just east of China’s capital, is paired with Maryland for prayer. For my moving podcast about the many martyrs of Tianjin: https://prayforchina.us/index.php/tianjin/ Sat, July 26 - Guangxi is paired with Mississippi and Alabama for prayer. For the Guangxi podcast, Mountain Chief: I Don't Want Your Jesus… https://prayforchina.us/index.php/guangxi/ Follow or subscribe to China Compass and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Don’t forget: Follow @chinaadventures on X, and find everything else @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, verse 2, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few!

“I have claimed this land for God.” The words were written by John G. Paton and adorn the grave of his wife and child. It was a declaration of faith that God would bring the people of the New Hebrides, now Vanuatu, to Himself. The islanders were thought of as savages; in fact Paton slept on the grave to prevent the bodies of his wife and child from being eaten by cannibals. Paton famously said, “If I can but live and die serving and honoring the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference whether I am eaten by cannibals or by worms.” Today the islands are full of churches—even some very close to the site of Mrs. Paton's grave. Stephen McKaskel is the producer and director of a six-part video series called Missionary, which includes an episode about Paton, as well as others which tell the stories of famous missionaries. Listen as he tells why the church today needs the example of men and women sent by God and obedient to the Great Commission. Watch this behind-the-scenes video of Stephen and the team tracking down Paton's legacy in Vanuatu. He'll also share about filming in England on the path of William Tyndale, as well as stories of David Livingston, Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor and William Carey. Stephen also shares what he wants viewers and churches to take away after viewing the Missionary film series. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as providing free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

I'm still traveling (6 countries in 6 days), so today's show is a mashup of two shorter bonus episodes I recorded exactly one year ago. The first discusses John G. Paton on his birthday (May 24, 1824), as well as a little bit about his contemporary Hudson Taylor. In the second, I spill the beans about the day I was deported from NW China in 2018. Note, these have been lightly edited from the old originals, but some 2024 or otherwise time-bound references are sure to remain. My apologies in advance. Part I: The Autobiography of John G. Paton - JohnGPaton.com Part II: Deportation Day - Unbeaten.vip Here's the link to the full text version of Chapter Seven from my book, which I also mentioned: https://chinacall.substack.com/p/deportation-day-may-25-2018 Unbeaten: Confronting the Lies (and Laughter) of the Chinese Communist Police This is the story of my arrest, interrogation, and deportation from China in 2018: Unbeaten.vip Please follow/subscribe to China Compass and leave a review on your favorite platform. Also check out my books and everything else we’re involved in @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, Verse 2!