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There are moments in Scripture which, like doors slightly ajar, invite us into rooms far deeper than we first imagined. One such moment occurs in the Gospel of John, where Christ says: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (John 3:14). At first glance, the comparison may seem almost grotesque; our Saviour is likened to a serpent, an emblem of death and sin. And yet, here lies one of the profoundest truths in all of Christian thought: that God redeems not merely through might, but through our deepest pain.Recall the scene in the book of Numbers. The Israelites, having once again rebelled against God, are plagued by fiery serpents. They cry out for mercy, and Moses is instructed not to remove the serpents, but to lift up a bronze image of one on a pole. All who looked upon it were healed. They were not told to pretend the serpents weren't real, nor were they told to earn their healing. They had only to look. The very image of their suffering became the conduit for their salvation.And so it is with the Cross.Christ was lifted up, not as a mere martyr, nor as a teacher, but as the one who became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). The Cross is no mere symbol; it is the divine paradox. There, the Innocent bore guilt. The Holy bore shame. The Immortal embraced death. And in that darkest moment, the door to light was thrown open.But let us not rush too quickly to the light. For many of us, the problem is not believing in Christ's victory – it is believing that our pain, our guilt, our most unmentionable failures, could possibly be included in it. We imagine the Cross as something above us, clean and exalted. But in truth, the Cross descends. It is God stooping down into the filth of our humanity. If Christ is lifted up, He is lifted up with all the sins of the world pressing down upon Him – mine and yours.This is the invitation: not to hide your wounds, but to bring them into the light of the Cross. To look upon the Crucified One and see not only the cost of love, but its healing. Your deepest pain is not too deep for Him. In fact, it is precisely where He means to meet you.Lift your eyes, then, not in despair, but in hope. The Cross does not demand perfection; it only asks you to look. And in looking, you may find not only healing, but yourself. There are no more facades, or masks, or games pretending to be okay. Beholding the crucified one, we find the power and meaning behind our suffering. Jesus can use it for our salvation. Once we stop running from our pain, we can exclaim like the legendary 5th century bishop, St. Augustine – “In my deepest wound, I saw your glory and it dazzled me.” --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

ReadingThe waters have risen and severe storms are upon us, but we do not fear drowning, for we stand firmly upon a rock. Let the sea rage, it cannot break the rock. Let the waves rise, they cannot sink the boat of Jesus. What are we to fear? Death? Life to me means Christ, and death is gain. Exile? The earth and its fullness belong to the Lord. The confiscation of goods? We brought nothing into this world, and we shall surely take nothing from it. I have only contempt for the world's threats, I find its blessings laughable. I have no fear of poverty, no desire for wealth. I am not afraid of death nor do I long to live, except for your good. I concentrate therefore on the present situation, and I urge you, my friends, to have confidence.Do you not hear the Lord saying: Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst? Will he be absent, then, when so many people united in love are gathered together? I have his promise; I am surely not going to rely on my own strength! I have what he has written; that is my staff, my security, my peaceful harbor. Let the world be in upheaval. I hold to his promise and read his message; that is my protecting wall and garrison. What message? Know that I am with you always, until the end of the world!If Christ is with me, whom shall I fear? Though the waves and the sea and the anger of princes are roused against me, they are less to me than a spider's web. Indeed, unless you, my brothers, had detained me, I would have left this very day. For I always say: Lord, your will be done; not what this fellow or that would have me do, but what you want me to do. That is my strong tower, my immovable rock, my staff that never gives way. If God wants something, let it be done! If he wants me to stay here, I am grateful. But wherever he wants me to be, I am no less grateful.Yet where I am, there you are too, and where you are, I am. For we are a single body, and the body cannot be separated from the head nor the head from the body. Distance separates us, but love unites us, and death itself cannot divide us. For though my body die, my soul will live and be mindful of my people.You are my fellow citizens, my fathers, my brothers, my sons, my limbs, my body. You are my light, sweeter to me than the visible light. For what can the rays of the sun bestow on me that is comparable to your love? The sun's light is useful in my earthly life, but your love is fashioning a crown for me in the life to come.Send us a textSupport the show

Did Jesus forget to mention a secret rapture? Discussion Questions: Read 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17. Paul describes one dramatic, public return of Christ with a shout, trumpet, and the resurrection of believers. Why do you think Paul emphasizes these visible signs instead of describing a secret return? Read John 5:28–29. Jesus says both “those who did good” and “those who did evil” will come out of the tombs at the same hour. How does this challenge the idea of two separate resurrections or two separate comings of Christ? Read 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10. Why does Paul connect Christ's return with both judgment on the wicked and relief for the suffering church? How does this strengthen our hope in times of hardship? Read Matthew 24:27–31. Why do you think Jesus compares His return to lightning flashing across the sky? What does this tell us about how obvious and undeniable His coming will be? For nearly 1,800 years, Christians believed in one visible return of Christ and one final judgment. Only in the 1800s did the idea of a “secret rapture” appear. Is it helpful to you to know that particular history? Why or why not? Read Hebrews 9:28. The writer says Christ will appear a second time “to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.” Why is Christ's return essential to completing God's plan of salvation? If Christ is returning once, visibly, and finally to judge and renew all things, how might this shape the way think? What perspectives might change if we live in the hope of His coming?

As we launch our Fall sermon series "Building PFC: Up, In, & Out" we are starting with the metaphor of Christ as the chief cornerstone. If we're not building on him, we're building on sand. If Christ is not at the center, then we are worshiping idols. Jesus says, "Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's". Caesar's face is on our coins. But whose blood courses through the veins of the church?

Title: “Who Commands the Waves and Wind?” Part 2 Text: Acts 27:13-38 FCF: We often struggle with the paradox of God's grace and man's responsibility Prop: Because God's grace alone through faith alone saves, we must trust the Lord. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 27. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting from verse 1 and going through verse 38. You can follow along in the pew bible or whatever version you prefer. Our maritime adventure continues today. After leaving Paul, his companions, and an Alexandrian grain ship struggling to make progress to Italy, now they are docked in a place called Fair Havens. Paul attempted to convince the centurion to winter the ship in this port, but the pilot and captain of the ship have convinced him instead to try for Phoenix, a port 40 miles up the coast of Crete. The opposition of the wind and waves will continue to be an issue as we go forward, but in the midst of the tempest God gives grace and expects faith from all those aboard the ship. The rest of this story serves as a potent example of how God saves His people. Please stand with me to focus on and give honor to the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Good and Gracious God. We are humbled that You would transcend to us and commune with us in Your worship. Yet You have promised that You are among us. I pray that You would allow Your Spirit to speak to us today. To illuminate the text of the scriptures and show us Your love. I pray that You might unveil difficult mysteries to our hearts to perceive truth. And I pray that You would open eyes and give new hearts so that if there are those among us who do not truly believe on You, that today would be the day of their salvation. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: We have a LOT of text to cover. So, let's get to it. I.) God's sovereign grace alone saves, so we must trust the Lord. (13-29) a. [Slide 2] 13 - And when a moderate south wind came up, thinking that they had attained their purpose, they weighed anchor and began sailing along the shore of Crete. i. As they waited for the opportune moment to depart for Phoenix, it seemed that the wisdom of the sailors was superior to the words of the apostle. ii. At least at first. iii. A southern wind comes up from Africa allowing them to sail north west along the coast of Crete. iv. All seems to be going their way and Paul proves to be another ignorant religious nut. b. [Slide 3] 14 - But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; 15 - and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be carried along. 16 - And running under the shelter of a small island called Clauda, we were scarcely able to get the ship's boat under control. i. There are several things happening here that are shrouded in maritime understanding. ii. This violent wind called a Euraquilo, is what we might refer to as a Nor'easter. Eura is the Greek word for East wind and Aquilo is the Latin word for North wind. iii. Such winds on the Mediterranean were greatly feared by sailors. They could come up out of nowhere and usually had disastrous impacts leading to loss of cargo and life. iv. Luke tells how the ship was caught in the wind and could not face it. Meaning that though they lowered the sails and attempted to row their way back to shore while keeping the bow of the ship pointed into the wind, they were unable to do so. v. [Slide 4] This being the case, they stopped rowing and allowed the waves and wind to carry them out to sea. vi. They were driven down past a very small island called Clauda or Cauda and were, as Luke says, scarcely able to get the ship's boat under control. vii. But what is the ship's boat? viii. A large ship like this would require a smaller vessel to allow for maintenance to be done on the ship. It also would allow for the large ship to anchor in greater depths while a small complement would sail to the coast for supplies. ix. These boats were usually towed at the back of the boat during the voyage. x. Losing the ship's boat would spell certain doom for the cargo and all those aboard. xi. So, using the shelter of the tiny island of Clauda, they were able to raise the boat to the deck. c. [Slide 5] 17 - After they had hoisted it up, they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship. Fearing that they might run aground on the shallows of Syrtis, they let down the sea anchor and in this way let themselves be carried along. i. Upon successfully rescuing the boat and hoisting it up to the deck, they wrapped cables under the ship's hull. These cables would be tightened down to add even more stability to the ship's hull, keeping it from breaking apart. ii. The shallows of Syrtis are a group of sandbars and shoals off the coast of Northern Africa. At this time, it was known as a ship's graveyard having claimed many ships who had run aground. iii. Also, to keep themselves from being blown this far south, they dropped their sea anchor. iv. Unlike other anchors which are designed to hold a ship in place as it is catches on the ground under water… a Sea anchor is used to stabilize a boat's movements adding drag in deep water which allowed them to keep the bow of the ship pointed into the coming waves or winds, effectively preventing the ship from being blown over and capsizing and giving them some control over how far they were pushed by the waves. v. With the sea anchor down, the sails would remain down and as Luke says, they were carried to wherever the waves would take them. d. [Slide 6] 18 - And the next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; 19 - and on the third day they cast the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 - And since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned. i. This Nor'easter continued for 3 days dragging them along. ii. What is the danger they face? iii. They face two dangers. 1. The first is running aground on some rocks or sandbar with no land in sight. 2. The second is the waves and wind themselves. Which would constantly be blowing the ship around and filling the ship with water. iv. So how do they mitigate both of these dangers? Make the ship lighter. If the ship is lighter it will sit in the water higher. If it sits in the water higher it can travel through shallower waters and go over waves much easier. v. So that is what they do. They jettison the cargo. As we said before, this was a grain ship. By cargo, Luke probably does not mean the grain. At least not yet. vi. Cargo here means anything that is not absolutely essential. They also toss the tackle overboard. The tackle would be anything used to move and lift cargo as well as sailing and mooring equipment. vii. This would be a desperate move to be sure. To spare their lives, they must even risk being without sailing and mooring equipment. If they make it out of the storm alive, they would have to row their way to a port. viii. But their chances of finding their heading were very low. Because they had neither seen sun, nor stars for many days. This is how they navigated on the sea. By the sun and the stars and their positions. ix. Not only were they without sailing capabilities – they were also without navigation. They were blind and set adrift. x. No wonder Luke says that their hope was fading. Yes, even Luke himself is giving up hope that he would make it out alive. Beacuse as far as Luke was concerned, God could rescue Paul without saving him. xi. Once again, the voyage faces great peril and difficulty from “nature.” And once again, Paul has some words of advice for all of those on this voyage. e. [Slide 7] 21 - And when they had gone a long time without food, then Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice to not set sail from Crete and to avoid this damage and loss. 22 - “And now I advise you to be cheerful, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 - “For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, 24 - saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.' 25 - “Therefore, be cheerful, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told. 26 - “But we must run aground on some island.” i. No doubt they were not eating because of the inevitable sea sickness that would have overtaken most of the passengers aboard. ii. Nothing kills hunger like nausea. iii. Tired, sick, drenched, and afraid, Paul addresses these men with a message of hope. iv. First, he points out that his advice was to stay in Crete at Fair Havens and that advice being disregarded has led them down this path of destruction and loss. v. I don't think Paul says this as an “I told you so” but rather to motivate them to take his next piece of advice. vi. He advises that they be cheerful because just as he rightly predicted the destruction and loss, he now predicts that although the ship and all its cargo will be lost, not one member of the ship would lose their lives. vii. But how does Paul know this? viii. He explains how God's messenger, an angel, told him not to be afraid because he will surely stand before Caesar and that God has given or granted to Paul all that are sailing with him. ix. Contextually we know that this doesn't mean that all of these men will convert to Christ… but rather that all of their earthly lives will be spared from this storm. x. So, Paul reasserts his advice. They must rejoice because God will do what He has promised… xi. But then he reveals a terrifying prospect. They must abandon the hope of saving the ship and its cargo. Why? xii. He revels exactly how the ship will be lost. It will be run aground on an island. Paul was not told which one specifically. f. [Slide 8] 27 - But when the fourteenth night came, as we were being carried about in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors began to suspect that some land was approaching them. 28 - And when they took soundings, they found it to be twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took another sounding and found it to be fifteen fathoms. 29 - And fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and were praying for daybreak. i. We don't know exactly how long it was since Paul gave this advice, but on the 14th day of the storm, they were still being carried about by the Adriatic Sea. ii. Today, the Adriatic Sea is what we would call the sea between the Apennine Peninsula and the Balkan Peninsula. In the first century this would have been known as the Gulf of Adria and the Adriatic Sea would refer to central portion of the Mediterranean Sea. iii. About midnight the sailors began suspecting that they were approaching land. They no doubt began hearing the crashing of waves against something in the distance. iv. So, they began to take soundings to measure the depths. Their first measurement came in at 120 feet or 20 fathoms. Their next measurement was 90 feet. v. Knowing now that the land below them was rising, they fearfully took measures to anchor the ship in place to prevent it being dashed to pieces on the rocks. vi. They cast four anchors from the back of the ship. And they began to pray – to various gods no doubt – for daybreak to come so they could get their bearings. vii. So once again we see the cycle repeat. viii. Things are going well, things start going bad, Paul gives advice, they do not heed it, and things get worse. ix. They have tried everything in their own power to save the ship and prevent financial ruin. When all has failed, they finally beg the gods, any who might hear them, to bring them through the storm. x. In contrast, Paul told them that a God they did not serve, and never sought, had already informed him that although the ship would be lost by being run aground, not one single life aboard the ship would be lost. xi. This is the contrast of works and grace. This is the contrast of false gods and the only true God. Yahweh alone is full of grace and love. g. [Slide 9] Summary of the Point: Luke's primary point of teaching is found within the second piece of advice given by Paul. I call it advice by Paul, but really it is a Word from the Lord. God has told Paul that he will go before Caesar and that all the people aboard the ship will make it through this storm with their lives. God does this, not because these passengers aboard believe on Him, not because they have sought His face, not because they have prayed to Him, not because they are His faithful people. Indeed, God does not need to save all those on board in order to bring Paul to Caesar. But by the Word of His Sovereign grace, God chooses freely to save and preserve the life of all 276 people aboard the ship. Such a God deserves our exclusive trust and devotion. And that is exactly what Paul does. Paul is convinced that God will do as He has promised. We too must trust what God has said and reorient our lives around everything He says as truth. This is what saving faith is. Transition: [Slide 10 (blank)] Well, the situation is dire. Paul has given two pieces of advice and both have been disregarded by the passengers on board. Things continue to get worse and worse for them. And what usually happens when a group of people are in a desperate situation? Things start to get ugly as people start to get selfish. II.) It is by God's sovereign grace through faith that we are saved, so we must trust the Lord. (30-38) a. [Slide 11] 30 - But as the sailors were trying to escape from the ship and had let down the ship's boat into the sea, on the pretense of intending to lay out anchors from the bow, i. In this Maritime adventure the pattern has remained consistent. 1. Things are going well. 2. Things start NOT going well 3. Paul gives advice. 4. No one heeds his advice. ii. That cycle repeated itself twice. iii. Most recently, they were still trying to save the ship and the cargo along with the lives of the sailors even though Paul clearly said that the ship would be lost. iv. But now we omit step 1. Things don't go well again. In fact, things get worse. v. The sailors, pretending to go to tie anchors to the bow, began to take the boat of the ship for themselves and abandon everyone else and the cargo to the waves and the wind. vi. Again, we see the natural sinful and selfish nature of man. Rather than believing Paul's words and risking being shipwrecked on some island, they intended to leave those untrained at sailing to their fate. vii. But Paul speaks yet again with a warning. b. [Slide 12] 31 - Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.” i. But wait a second. God already promised them that not one life would be lost. ii. Does it matter if these sailors leave? iii. Remember, this isn't all God said. He also said the ship must run aground and be lost. iv. This forms the first of two examples demonstrating the paradoxical tension between God's sovereign grace and man's responsibility. 1. Who is going to save these men from dying in this storm? Certainly, God is. That is what the Angel said. “God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.” 2. But God's sovereign grace in that promise is not without men's responsibility to act in ways that pursue that salvation. 3. God's sovereign grace to spare these men included their participation in using their skills to run the ship aground in a controlled way so that they could all abandon the ship together and get to shore safely. 4. So, using their skills becomes an exercise of faith. 5. God ultimately doesn't need their skills to do this – but certainly abandoning the ship is done in disbelief that running aground and all of their lives being spared somehow both will be true like God said. 6. As James endeavors to demonstrate, faith that saves is woven to works. Not that faith and works save. They do not. But there is more than one kind of faith. The faith that saves is a faith that produces action. Belief without pursuit of what is believed in… is not belief at all. 7. Saying you believe zip lines are completely safe, but never going on one… means you have no idea what you are talking about. v. Paul's point is, that ultimately these sailors must act in faith that the ship will run aground and all the lives will be spared. There is no reason to try to save your own life before the ship is run aground. This is not faith in God's word. vi. This is the third time Paul has given advice in this maritime adventure. And the first two times, no one listened to him. And things have only gotten worse. vii. So, what will happen now? Have they learned their lesson? c. [Slide 13] 32 - Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it fall away. i. For the first time, someone is listening to Paul's advice. ii. The Roman soldiers, in a sense, force a response of everyone aboard the ship. They cut away the boat preventing anyone from trying to escape. iii. In doing this, they ensure that the ship runs aground, not on the beach, but in some way that the ship will not survive; just as God said. d. [Slide 14] 33 - Until the day was about to dawn, Paul was encouraging them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been constantly watching and going without eating, having taken nothing. 34 - Therefore, I encourage you to take some food, for this is for your salvation, for not a hair from the head of any of you will perish.” 35 - And having said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all. And he broke it and began to eat. i. The first thing we see Paul do after they listen to his latest piece of advice, is to reiterate his previous advice. ii. Now that they are beginning to believe God – yes, they are that desperate that they will believe Paul's God… iii. Paul now reiterates his previous advice. iv. They should be cheerful; they should take food for themselves. v. And this is the second example in this point where the sovereign grace of God is paradoxically linked with the responsibility of men. 1. Once again, we ask, who is going to save these men from dying in this storm? Certainly, God is. 2. But here, Paul encourages them to eat. And he says “for this is for your salvation, for not a hair from the head of any of you will perish.” 3. Well, is food saving them or is God saving them? 4. God is the ultimate actor in the salvation of their present lives, but just as the sailors must execute their duties as an act of faith that the ship would be lost but all the lives saved, so also everyone aboard must eat food as an act of faith in the same promise. a. Will they really believe that the ship and all its cargo will be lost, as God has said? b. Will they really believe that their lives will be spared by God? c. How would we know? d. Taking food to sustain their bodies is an act of faith. How so? i. Eating food is a confession of faith that God will save their life. ii. Eating food is an act that comes with the expectation that by taking this, they will live on the energy this food provides for many more days. iii. Eating food is a confession that these supplies will be lost soon anyway, so they might as well use them while they still have them. iv. Eating food is an act of faith in that they believe they must have strength to swim to shore, since they will run aground and they don't have a boat. v. Eating food breaks a fast to recognize that the answer has been given and they need not seek another. e. Is eating some great act of merit? Does eating require great effort on their part? No. f. Is the food they eat something that is theirs or has it been granted to them? It has been given to them, as all things have by God. g. There is deep symbolism here of the work of salvation. Luke intends for us to see the correlation between God saving these men and how God saves us. h. Christ is our spiritual food and drink. He is the bread and the water and the wine. He is the vine. We must eat and drink and live by Him… but doing so is all given to us by God. 5. God has provided their salvation and the means He uses to communicate their salvation to them is their faith in His words. 6. In a similar way, God has provided salvation to us by grace but uses His gift of ongoing faith in Christ to sustain us to the day of our salvation. vi. So, Paul breaks bread and gives thanks to God and gives an example of faith by eating. While the language here is similar to the Lord's Supper, I do not think that is what is happening here. I think Luke would make it more obvious if this was the case. vii. But we do see this at very least as a picture of that picture. This is a meal of faith to be sure. They eat while they still can, preparing to be shipwrecked and so sustain their lives and strengthen their bodies believing God that they will run aground but live through this storm. e. [Slide 15] 36 - And all of them became cheerful and they themselves also took food. 37 - And all of us in the ship were 276 persons. 38 - And when they had eaten enough, they began to lighten the ship by throwing out the wheat into the sea. i. And here we see, after faith, the last vestige of hope in their previous endeavor dies. ii. They finally lighten the ship with throwing out… probably millions of dollars' worth of wheat. iii. Just as the rich young ruler was told to sell all he had to follow Jesus… These people had a choice to make. iv. Will they believe God to the extent that they abandon hope in any other outcome than what God has said? v. Will they stay on the ship until it runs aground? vi. Will they eat enough to give them strength to swim to shore and fight for their life? vii. Will they abandon all hopes of getting their payday? viii. They believe. They eat… and they throw the wheat into the sea. ix. This is akin to crucifying yourself and following Christ. They give the wheat and their hopes at making money, and potentially even their future careers as sailors, to the depths of the earth… so that they can save what is more precious… Their lives. x. This seems a lot like the parable of Jesus. Jesus said that the gospel was like a man who found a treasure in a field and sold all he owned to purchase the field to acquire the treasure knowing that the treasure was more precious than all his riches. xi. All 276 persons aboard the ship trust what Paul's God has said. xii. We'll have to wait until next week to see what happens to them. f. [Slide 16] Summary of the Point: It is interesting to see the correlation between God saving these passenger's lives from the storm and how God saves us from sin. Sin is a raging storm tossing us about. We are all born as slaves of sin and of our father the devil. We are by nature the offspring of the serpent. Children of wrath like the rest. And just as God freely chose to save the lives of the people on board this ship, so God has freely chosen to save the souls of His elect. What God has determined to do by His Sovereign grace, will be done. But that, as we see here, includes men's response. Even though these people were told that God would spare their lives, it is clear that God would communicate that deliverance through their active faith. True and genuine belief that God would destroy the ship but save their lives, meant that they would use their skills, energy, and strength to both abandon hope in anything else and hope in His promise. In a similar way, God saves us by grace through faith. It is all of Him. He gives us new hearts to receive gifts of repentance and faith… but these gifts when received will produce action. Belief that produces action is what saving faith looks like. Conclusion: So CBC, what have we learned today and how does that inform or correct our belief and guide our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 17] Today we have seen that great paradox, that tension of God's sovereign grace and man's responsibility. God told Paul that He would spare the lives of everyone aboard the ship but that the ship would run aground on an island and be lost. If everyone aboard did not believe it would God have still saved them? I think we can answer that question with a yes. Why? Because God doesn't lie. But… Paul makes it clear that without the sailor's skill in navigating the boat safely to run aground, and without the passengers eating to sustain their life and give themselves energy and strength to swim to shore, then they cannot be saved. In this we see that part of God's grace included a means of getting them safely to an island. It included them believing God. And so, we see Ephesians 2:8-9 demonstrated for us. God saved them by His grace. He did not allow them to earn this salvation. But to be saved they must believe His word, to the extent that they live as if it were true. In a similar way God, by grace, gives new hearts to His people. Hearts now capable of receiving and responding with His gifts of repentance and faith. God removes all other responses as desirable. We see Him doing the same in this maritime adventure. All other options are unavailable and undesirable. By the end, the only option any of them had was to trust God and live in such a way that what He said would be. But even if you got completely lost in all the discussion of God's grace and man's responsibility… the good news is that all you really have to understand is that because you can't save yourself, God sent His Son to pay the ransom for many. And if you are hearing this news and wanting it and believing it, it is because one of those people whom He paid that ransom for… was you! So, trust Him! Trust what He has said and trust what He has done. Trust it so much that your entire life will now be lived in its truth. But let me get a little more specific this morning. 1.) [Slide 18] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God acts alone in saving His people. This is what grace is. a. There is one truth stated clearly by Paul and rescued by the reformers coming out of the reformation. b. The capstone of reformation theology is that God saves us by His grace alone. c. Grace is God's favor granted according to His counsel and His purposes and His will. d. It, by definition, cannot be granted based on anything a person is or does. e. God promised to save all 276 people aboard this ship. He did this without asking their permission, without seeking their input, and without considering who they worshipped. f. A great example of this is the twins Jacob and Esau. g. God says, plainly, that despite the fact that neither of them had ever done anything good or evil, having not yet been born, God chose to love Jacob. He chose to love Jacob so much that by comparison He chose to hate Esau. h. God did not look into the future to see who Jacob and Esau would be and then chose to love Jacob. i. Instead, God's love for Jacob formed who Jacob was. God's lack of love for Esau allowed Esau to carve his own wicked path. j. God's favor… changes the trajectory of a person's life. So much so that when God's grace is given, the recipient of that grace will not and indeed cannot fail in the purposes for which God has given them favor. k. And the scriptures teach us that it is by grace that God saves His people. l. Not an ineffectual grace given to every person that may or may not accomplish what He gave it to do. m. But an effectual grace which will produce the result God desires. n. If we conclude otherwise than passages that speak of God's grace being something we all need and hope in, prove to be… in a word… useless. o. If God's grace has a possibility of not working… and the reason it doesn't work is because of me… then there is literally no difference between me doing something with or without God's grace. p. But if God's grace ALWAYS produces the result God gave it for… than we can rest that when the bible says that we are saved by God's grace… that it is not only sure but also… empty of us. It doesn't depend on us at all. q. God's grace alone saves and all who are given God's saving grace will be saved. This is how it must be. There is no other real alternative if we are to give God's grace the definition the New Testament writers do. r. But… 2.) [Slide 19] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that man has a responsibility to act upon God's gifts of repentance and faith. a. God does not merely give favor… to anyone… ever… and expect them to do NOTHING with it. b. In fact, I can't think of a single example where God empowers someone to do… nothing. I can't think of a single example where God favors someone and then ends up doing everything while they do nothing. c. This is what Paul points out on the ship. God has promised to favor these men and spare their lives. But that is not without the expectation that they would believe His word to the extent that they act in such a way to live out everything He has said. Even that they exert themselves using their skills, strength and energy to make it safely to shore. d. In the scriptures we note that repentance and faith, the message that Jesus preached, are both gifts of God. They are given to men after God has communicated saving grace to them. e. Meaning that God's favor, his power, his ability is granted so that men can receive the things He gives them… namely the reception of truth that they are wicked sinners and that Jesus is a marvelous savior. f. Upon truly receiving these gifts, which God's grace enables them to do, this person does what? g. They live as though it is true. h. How might one live if God has convinced you by grace through faith that you are a wicked sinner in need of a Savior and that Jesus is that savior? i. Would you trust the One who saved you? Would you desire to obey the God who rescued you? Would you seek to know more and more about Him? j. Indeed… k. But these responses are baked into God's grace. They are a necessary and sure response every time God gives saving grace to someone. l. That is why the 1689 confession calls faith… a grace. God gives it in His grace as a gift to be received and acted upon. m. So what must we do with the grace of faith if it has been gifted to us? 3.) [Slide 20] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must trust the Lord. a. Very simply… for everyone in this room… whether you are a follower of Christ or not… b. Here is the challenge of this passage. c. Will you believe God? d. Will you trust what God has said… to the fullest degree. So much so that your entire life reorients around His Word being true. e. This is the testimony of one of your Elders. He came to faith in Christ after beginning to assume that everything in the bible was true. It wasn't long before God captured His heart. f. And this is the testimony of every flailing Christian who can't seem to make progress. g. Well Christian… do you really believe that everything God says is true… h. So much so that your entire life is lived as if it is? i. My guess is… probably not. j. Let me illustrate simply by the example of prayer. k. If God is the creator and most high God, ruler of the universe, as He says He is. If God is Holy and awesome and causes instant fear to all who approach, as He says He is and does. If Christ has suffered violent death to provide access to God's throne and purification through His blood to stand before this God as His child… as He says… l. Then why do we rarely pray? m. Ah. n. You see, all our sins… all our failures… they are a faith problem not an obedience problem. Faith and works go hand in hand remember? If we are not obeying – it is because we are not believing. o. So, we must trust the Lord. p. But let me provide some comfort to you… 4.) [Slide 21] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” All the believing ones will be saved. a. My friends, do not cheapen what John 3:16 says. b. Do not turn it into a formula for “getting saved.” c. Jesus does NOT tell Nicodemus this to explain how someone gets saved. d. Let me give you the Chris paraphrase of this verse… Ready? e. God's love for all the people groups of the world is so immense, so great, that He took His unique Son, whom He ordained since the foundation of the world to be THE substitute and Savior, and He gave Him to fulfill that purpose so that all the ones who are believing on Him would not believe in vain and suffer eternal death, but would eventually be saved and granted eternal life. f. John 3:16 is not a formula for how to get saved… it is a promise to those who continue to trust God. g. Your faith… will be counted to you as righteousness. h. It is a promise predicated on God's great love for all the peoples of the world. i. What a comfort to us who are believers. j. But it is a terrifying thought for those who are not believing. k. So, what do you do? 5.) [Slide 22] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” Though natural man is unable to understand and receive the gospel, God's grace enables men to see the truth and receive the gifts of repentance and faith. So, repent and believe the gospel. a. My friends. If you are here today… and you have seen clearly now that God is holy and will not allow even 1 sin to go unpunished. b. If you hear my voice and understand what I am saying that your sin has done nothing for you but carve your way to hell and wrath. c. If you have heard today of the grace of God and His gifts of faith and repentance and the assurances He has provided by trusting fully on Jesus as your LORD and your SAVIOR… d. Then it is reasonable for you to assume that God is calling you. e. It is reasonable to assume that God is giving you gifts of repentance and faith. f. So I implore you to use them. Turn from your sin. Trust Him enough to hate what He hates and flee what He says to flee. And believe on His Son who has paid your ransom price. Believe on Him so much that you will, from now on, endeavor to do all that He has commanded. g. Believe on Him so much that your allegiance has shifted from yourself, your will, your ways… to His. h. Become one who believes and keeps on believing on Jesus Christ alone… i. Then and only then can you inherit the promise of John 3:16. Then and only then will you know life and not death. [Slide 23 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the Puritan Richard Alleine Lord, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised goodness to your servants. You have left us nothing to ask from your hands but what you have already freely granted. Establish forever the word which you have spoken concerning your servants. Do as you have said, and let your name be magnified forever, saying, "The Lord of armies, he is the God of Israel." In Jesus' name we pray… Amen. Hallelujah. Benediction: The God who sent His Son to save, From guilt and darkness and the grave, be gracious to you and bless you And cause His face to shine upon you. Until we gather again tonight for the Lord's Supper, go in peace.

Growing In God Podcast Title: Live by His Strength   Web Description: As Christians should we have an expectancy for less strength and less life in our physical bodies as we age? According to the Scriptures, something different is available for us. We can have the strength that comes directly from God. The Spirit of God dwelling in us can give life to our physical bodies. We need to appropriate what God has made available. Let us wait on the Lord and be renewed by His life.   Show Notes: As Christians we believe in the resurrection of Christ and the new life that is ours. But Christians grow old like everyone else and watch their strength and vigor dissipate over time until it is gone. According to the Word, we should have something different. We read in Isaiah 40 that if we wait on the Lord, we should gain strength rather than lose it. This happened for Caleb who had the same strength and vigor at eighty-five that he had when he was forty. The same was true for Moses when he was one hundred twenty years old.   When Christ begins to dwell in us, our bodies are still dead because of sin. But that does not mean we are supposed to remain in that state. It does not mean that we are supposed to believe in death and have faith that our bodies will grow weak and die. Christ being in us means that we are being reconnected to the Father, and our spirit is coming alive to the Father. And the Spirit of the Father dwelling in us will give life to our mortal bodies.   Through Christ we are plugged into God. And as Isaiah 40 states, God does not grow weary; His strength does not go away, and His vigor never drains out of Him. And when we wait on the Lord, He gives us His strength that never dissipates. Why then would we live our lives as if we were still disconnected from God like we were before receiving Christ? Do not keep drawing from the world and the world's concept of living and dying but keep appropriating the new life that Christ has made available.   Key Verses:   •       Isaiah 40:28–31. “Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength.” •       2 Corinthians 5:17. “If anyone is in Christ … old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” •       Romans 12:2. “Do not be conformed to this world.” •       Romans 8:10–11. “He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies.” •       Galatians 5:22–25. “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” •       Psalm 118:14. “The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.” •       Joshua 14:7–12. “I am eighty-five years old today. I am still as strong today as I was.” •       Deuteronomy 34:4–7. “Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old, … his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated.”   Quotes:   •       “Christ is in you. But the Spirit of Him who raised Christ from the dead must dwell in you and give life to your mortal body. So this is part of maturing in God, growing in Him, moving on in the relationship and in the purpose for which He saved us.” •       “If Christ is in me, I can begin to wait upon the Lord. I can begin to connect with God in such a way that His attributes come into my life.” •       “There's no lack of vitality in God. And Moses and others like Caleb—and we see others in the Scriptures—knew how to wait on the Lord, how to draw this energy on a daily basis. They didn't do it once or twice. They lived this way.”   Takeaways:   1.    As Christians there are ways in which we are still conditioned by the world. And one of those conditionings is to believe it is okay to grow old, get sick, and die. But the reality of becoming Christian is that we have a new life, and our experience should be different than that of the world. 2.    We have Christ in us. And because we have Christ in us, we can have the Spirit of Him who raised Christ from the dead also dwelling in us. And because His Spirit is dwelling in us, life should be infused into our mortal bodies. What prevents us from having this? 3.    All that is available in God is activated when we wait on Him, plug into Him, and draw His strength and power into our lives. But we are not really getting that if we are not consistently walking that way. We need to get out of any blindness and passivity resulting from our conditioning and go after the appropriation of all His provision.

Paul's words in Col. 3:1-4 cut across time: they begin with the past, come into the present, and look to the future. In all these phases we are united to Christ. Union with Christ has been called the "umbrella doctrine" because it covers the entire Christian experience. "In Christ" is the fundamental expression used over and over in Paul's letters to describe the position of the Christian in this world. In Gal. 2:20 we learn that we have been united with Christ in his death. All of our subjective blessings are based on his objective work on the cross. As Michael Horton says, "If Christ remains outside of us , it's useless to us - we must cash in through personal faith in Christ." When Christ arose and ascended, we also rose and ascended with him, not bodily, but spiritually. So in our present experience on earth, we walk by faith via the enablement of the grace of Spirit, to live our daily lives so as to please him. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 we read about our future at Christ's return: the raising of our lowly bodies from the grave to be changed like unto Christ's glorious resurrection body. Thus our present spiritual union will also become physical by the power of God.

Send us a textWhat does it truly mean to be "the church" in today's world? This thought-provoking episode tackles one of Christianity's most fundamental questions – is the institutional church as we know it biblical, or have we misunderstood what scripture really teaches?The conversation begins with a candid discussion about the challenges of studying Revelation, acknowledging it as "a monumental undertaking" requiring serious scholarship and spiritual discernment. But this quickly evolves into something more foundational: questioning whether our modern church structures align with biblical teaching.One participant poses a question that resonates throughout: "If Christ is truly the head of the church, then in an institution, although Christ is present because he is being spoken about and taught, is he truly the head or is there a pastor or somebody that stands in?" This cuts to the heart of contemporary ecclesiology, challenging us to reconsider roles, structures, and authority within Christian communities.The discussion also examines how theological debates often become counterproductive "spiritual boxing matches" where winning arguments takes precedence over discovering truth. Drawing from Titus 3:9, participants remind us to "avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless."Perhaps most powerfully, the conversation emphasizes approaching scripture with profound reverence. As one participant observes, "When we enter into these rooms, we're talking about the God of the universe... This is not something to be played with." This reverence manifests as humility about our understanding and recognition that the Bible contains wisdom "enough for umpteen lifetimes and we only get one."Whether you're questioning institutional religion, seeking to understand scripture more deeply, or simply wanting thoughtful Christian conversation, this episode offers fresh perspectives on what it truly means to be the body of Christ in today's world.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Segment 1: • John MacArthur's memorial service featured a booklet he wrote on finishing well. • Reflecting on legacy forces us to ask: Am I prepared to end faithfully? • Warm fellowship at the memorial reminds us the Christian life is a community journey. Segment 2: • Dr. MacArthur urged believers: don't just grow old—finish strong. • Intellectual pursuit is good, but love for Christ, and others, must not grow cold. • Purity in thought and conduct matters, especially when nobody's watching. Segment 3: • Celine Dion's documentary reveals how idols fail when life gets tough. • Six diagnostic questions to help uncover hidden idols of the heart. • If Christ isn't enough without your idol, He won't be enough with it. Segment 4: • Church isn't just a hospital—it's also a training ground. • Practical biblical principles help households navigate sin and struggle. • Gratitude and gospel-centered living prevent families from falling into cycles of dysfunction. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

Send us a textGalatians 5Believers must stand firm in the freedom Christ has given them, not returning to the bondage of the Law. Paul warns that relying on the Law for righteousness separates them from grace. Instead, faith expressing itself through love is what truly matters. He cautions against false teachers and emphasizes that Christ has set them free. Paul explains that freedom is no excuse for sin but an opportunity to serve others in love. He contrasts the works of the flesh—such as immorality, hatred, and jealousy—with the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control. He encourages believers to walk by the Spirit, resisting sinful desires. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh and should live in step with the Spirit, producing godly character. If Christ has set us free, we must not return to anything that enslaves us. True freedom is not about doing whatever we want but about living by the Spirit and serving others in love. This chapter challenges us to examine whether we are led by the flesh or by the Spirit. The works of the flesh bring destruction, but the fruit of the Spirit produces godly character. Walking in the Spirit means surrendering to God, allowing Him to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships. We must resist sinful desires and seek to grow in love, joy, peace, and self-control. As we live by the Spirit, we reflect Christ to the world and experience the fullness of life in Him. Gracious Lord, thank You for our liberty and security in Christ. Help us to stand firm and not fall back into anything that separates us from Your grace. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may walk in love and resist the destructive and carnal deeds of the flesh. Produce in us the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Teach us to serve others humbly and live in step with the intentions of the Holy Spirit. We will crucify the flesh and live as blessed people who belong to Christ.  Thought Questions: -       Is it possible for a Christian to fall from grace? (v.4). What is the sin that causes this, and how do you prevent such a devastating mistake? -       When can your freedom in Christ become an opportunity for the flesh? How important is it to love others in everything we choose to do? -       How does the fruit of the spirit help you repel the deeds of the flesh? Choose one of each to illustrate how the light helps to repel the darkness.

If Christ is Lord of our lives, He must be Lord of our schedules. If it's not in your calendar, it's not sacred—because what you schedule reflects what you value. Families must intentionally prioritize spiritual practices, relationships, and rest to live out their faith in practical, covenantal ways. When families prioritize God in their time, they experience peace, unity, and a sense of purpose.

If Christ is Lord of our lives, He must be Lord of our schedules. If it's not in your calendar, it's not sacred—because what you schedule reflects what you value. Families must intentionally prioritize spiritual practices, relationships, and rest to live out their faith in practical, covenantal ways. When families prioritize God in their time, they experience peace, unity, and a sense of purpose.

In this episode, Dr. Leelo Bush addresses the hidden power of excuses, showing how they silently derail our God-given potential. She explains the neuroscience behind excuse-making, the difference between boundaries and excuses, and how to dismantle these mental barriers through ownership. With scriptural encouragement from Philippians 4:13 and 2 Timothy 1:7, listeners are guided toward living a life aligned with their calling—excuse-free.     What You'll Learn How to recognize the subtle language of excuses Why excuses feel justified and the brain science behind them The difference between boundaries and excuses How to replace “I can't” with ownership statements Practical strategies to retrain your mind toward courage and action Scriptural truths to overcome fear and avoidance     Quotable Moment “Ownership is the difference between a life lived by default and a life lived by design.”     Scriptures Mentioned Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Proverbs 26:13 – “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets.'” 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control.”     Resources Professional Christian Coaching and Counseling Academy: PCCCA.org/courses Private Facebook group: Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe Transcript Let's be honest. Making excuses can be cringeworthy. It's awkward for the person saying it and just as uncomfortable for the person hearing it—especially when we both know better. Yet we still do it, wrapping fear or procrastination in pretty words and hoping no one notices. It's been a while, but I've done it. How about you? Today we're going to pull back the curtain, audit those excuses, and replace them with ownership, because nothing feels better than living aligned with your calling—excuse free. Welcome to the Christian Coaching School podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Leelo Bush. I'm a master coach, author, curriculum creator, and the number one authority on Spirit-led Christian coaching. I've trained tens of thousands worldwide since 2003. And if you are ready to up-level your skills, find greater fulfillment, and employ the most powerful coaching available to mankind—let's go. Welcome back. I'm Dr. Leelo Bush, and today we're cutting through the "can't because" clutter. I've trained and certified thousands of coaches worldwide over the last 22 years, and as a result, I have watched many people rise to great heights. But unfortunately, too many people with God-given potential stay stuck because of a handful of worn-out excuses. Entering a new school year, I thought the timing of this episode would be perfect if you are stuck with excuses. We will do an audit and end their bondage today. Excuses look harmless, but they are silent dream killers. They feel justified. They can sound logical and keep you stuck. Today we're going to expose them, dismantle them, and replace them with unstoppable ownership. Since school is back in session, it's your turn. If you've been feeling the nudge to step into your calling as a Christian life coach, counselor, or specialty coach, the Professional Christian Coaching and Counseling Academy—otherwise lovingly called PCCCA—has world-class training for you to help you get there. I encourage you to visit PCCCA.org/courses where you will find all the details, because the future you are praying for isn't going to build itself. Excuses are not harmless. They quietly chip away at your confidence. They limit your opportunities and shrink the vision that God has placed in your heart. An explanation tells the truth and points toward a solution. An excuse stops the conversation, locks the door, and throws away the key. The cost of excuse-making is massive. You lose opportunities you can't get back. You delay callings God already equipped you to fulfill. And you settle for a smaller life than the one you were created to live. Here's the dangerous part: most excuses feel justified. You're tired. You've been hurt. You don't have time, money, or support. But when you stop there, you have given the excuse the final word. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” If Christ is your strength, the excuse has no authority. I remember when my daughter was in elementary school and taking ballet classes. She was really talented, and the teacher gave her solo lessons to do a solo dance in the recital. But she was terrified. When we talked about it, we decided that whenever she felt afraid, she would repeat, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And to this day, if she feels unsure about moving forward, she goes back to that scripture. We all get those feelings, but the Word has power—not because of who says it, but because it is the Word of God. We have to remember that excuses have a language, and once we recognize it, we will hear it everywhere. “I'm too busy.” “I'm not ready.” “I'm waiting for the right time.” Those can sound harmless, but they are all code for avoiding action. Look for patterns. Do you use the same excuse in your health, relationships, finances, or spiritual growth? If so, it's not circumstantial—it's habitual. Proverbs 26:13 says, “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets.'” Excuses are just imaginary lions keeping us from moving forward. But what's beneath the excuse? Excuses don't live in our words—they live in the mind and heart, wired into the brain. Every excuse we make is really a protective response from our nervous system, rooted in emotion. At the core, excuses are survival tools—the brain's way of avoiding perceived threats to our safety, identity, or sense of belonging. When you're faced with a challenge that feels overwhelming, the amygdala—the part of your brain constantly scanning for danger—lights up like a warning siren. Its job is to keep you safe, but sometimes it overreacts. It doesn't know the difference between stepping onto a stage to share your testimony and stepping in front of a hungry lion. It just says “danger” and looks for the fastest escape route. That's where excuses are born. The brain then recruits the prefrontal cortex, our reasoning center. But when you're stressed or anxious, your prefrontal cortex gets hijacked. Instead of helping you move forward, it starts manufacturing logical-sounding reasons to avoid the risk. And because those reasons sound rational, you accept them without question. This is why excuses often feel justified—they are supported by your brain's best lawyer, even when built on fear, not fact. Your brain's default wiring has three goals: avoid pain, increase pleasure, and conserve energy. This was useful when survival meant escaping predators and finding food. But in modern life, that wiring resists discomfort, challenge, or the unfamiliar—even when those lead to growth. Then there's your identity network—the deep wiring of beliefs about who you are and what's possible for you. If your internal story says, “I'm not the kind of person who succeeds at this,” your brain will work to protect that story, even if it limits you. Most people base their sense of what's possible on the past, not the future. But the past is not a good indicator of possibility. If it were, we'd never have developed planes, mobile phones, or countless other advances. People often confuse excuses with boundaries. Boundaries protect your values and priorities, coming from clarity and love. Excuses protect your comfort zone. One brings peace and alignment, the other brings guilt and frustration. Boundaries leave you feeling empowered; excuses leave you feeling smaller. Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control.” That's your wiring in Christ—the Spirit designed you for power, love, and sound judgment. Every time you challenge an excuse, you weaken the old fear pathway and strengthen the neural circuit for courage and action. This is proven neuroscience. Here's how to shift: Name your choices out loud. Instead of “I can't because,” say “I choose not to because.” This admits you have the power to change it. If you don't like the choice, change it on the spot. Interrupt excuses as they form by asking, “What's the real truth here?” Upgrade your self-talk. Replace “I don't have time” with “I haven't made time yet.” Replace “I'm bad with money” with “I haven't learned money skills yet.” Create an ownership anchor—a quick physical trigger like snapping your fingers, tapping your chest, or standing taller—to remind yourself to move from retreat to responsibility. Track your wins. Progress, even small, proves you're rewriting your story. Taking ownership isn't about perfection—it's about refusing to give your excuses the final word. Every shift reclaims more territory from fear, delay, and self-sabotage, moving you closer to the life God has for you. You don't need another year with the same old excuses. God's calling on your life is too important to keep hitting snooze. Ownership is freedom. Excuses are chains. If today's episode gave you a breakthrough or fresh perspective, share it with a friend. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. And leave a review—it helps more people find this message. The best next step is to keep growing. Find your next course at PCCCA.org/courses and step boldly into the future God has prepared for you. I'm Dr. Leelo Bush, and I'll meet you in the next episode. Before you go, I invite you to join our private Facebook group, The Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe. This is where bold, Spirit-led coaches and aspiring coaches gather to grow, get equipped, and stay encouraged. Inside, you'll find exclusive tips, training, and kingdom-minded conversations you won't find elsewhere. If you feel called to coach or want to stay sharp in your calling, this is your place. Our culture is “each one, bring one,” so invite a friend. The more the merrier. Visit facebook.com/groups/courageouschristiancoachingtribe or tap the link in the show notes. Join now so we can start pouring into you. I'll see you inside the tribe.

How do we live as a Christian under various forms of authority - from government to family? Our submission to these authorities is an act of trust in God's sovereignty. Our conduct, even in the face of injustice, should reflect Christ's example and serve as a powerful witness to others.Christians are responsible to the laws of the land and the governments and rulers who have instituted them.Good, bad or ugly, we are exhibiting our trust in God's sovereignty by submitting to the authority that is in place.We are to submit to authority until authority demands we stand against Christ. And then we must choose to stand with Christ.False accusations fail to convict when the accused lives in a way that silences the accuser.Your righteous service to an unrighteous authority is a service to the Lord and will bring blessing on your life.If Christ can endure the process of persecution without sinning, you can face the injustices of this world with the same resolve.1 Peter 2:13-3:7, Daniel 2:21, Psalm 75:6-7, Acts 4:17-20, Romans 12:18

Send us a textThe profound distinction between who we are and what we do stands at the heart of understanding God's redemptive plan. This theological deep-dive examines how salvation addresses our fundamental nature, not merely our actions.Beginning with Psalm 5:4-5, we confront a challenging truth—God hates not just evil actions but evildoers themselves. This sparks a crucial revelation: people perish not simply because they sin, but because they are sinners by nature. We explore how humanity exists in a state of spiritual death rather than merely spiritual sickness, requiring divine regeneration before we can even respond to God's gift of salvation.The conversation tackles controversial questions about Christ's atonement, challenging popular notions that Jesus died for everyone without exception. If Christ truly atoned for every person's sin, why would anyone face eternal judgment? Instead, we examine how the Trinity works in perfect harmony—the Father elects, the Son redeems precisely those the Father has chosen, and the Spirit applies salvation to the same individuals.For believers struggling with sin, this episode offers profound reassurance. The very concern about losing salvation becomes evidence of genuine faith—only those truly born again would worry about their standing with God. We unpack how Christian growth doesn't mean achieving sinless perfection but progressively "sinning less" as we mature spiritually.The relationship between God's law and His promises reveals beautiful coherence in God's character. Both originate from the same divine source and work together in His redemptive plan, even as they serve different purposes.Ready to deepen your understanding of salvation and find greater assurance in your faith journey? Listen now and discover the transformative truth that in Christ, there is no condemnation—only the lifelong process of becoming more like Him.Support the show

This week is the final week in our series on The Apostles Creed. For this week, Pastor Jeni has us look at A TON of Scripture looking at the section of the Creed on, “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, & the life everlasting.” Join us for this exciting conclusion to a wonderful sermon series on The Apostles Creed.Things to consider as you listen:1) Christ was seen by many in his resurrected human body.2) If Christ rose from the dead, we will too. If he didn't our Good News isn't very good.3) Our bodies are buried in brokenness - marred by the residue of sin, but they will be raised to life as whole & complete images of God's good design.The Life Everlasting is coming when we will be with God forever, experiencing the beauty of his good design for the earth & humanity.

August 6, 2025 Today's Reading: Acts 28:16-31Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 20:1-23; Acts 28:16-31“From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.” (Acts 28:23)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Martin Luther once said, “Anywhere you cut the pages of Scripture it bleeds the blood of Christ.” That means when we open up the Old Testament, we don't have to search for Jesus like one of those “Where's Waldo” books or strain our eyes to see him like looking at some kind of optical illusion. It's not just that the Old Testament tells us about Jesus here and there, as if Jesus is a marmot or a prairie dog, poking his head up now and then. Jesus isn't just in the Old Testament. Jesus is the Old Testament. Luther is simply echoing what Jesus says in Luke 24:44.“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”When the apostles teach and preach the gospel in the book of Acts, they turn to the Old Testament to show how the same Lord who appeared in many and various ways throughout the Torah of Moses and the prophets has now appeared in the flesh. This is Paul's strategy as he catechizes the Jews in Rome as well. Being a good apologist, and knowing his audience, Paul goes to the Old Testament to argue, persuade, and convince his Jewish hearers that Jesus is the Christ. When Paul says, like he does in Romans, that Jesus is Lord, he's saying that the Lord of the Old Testament is the same Lord who became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and was born of the Virgin Mary. The same Lord who met Abraham under the oaks of Mamre is the same Lord who was born under the Law to redeem us under the Law and to become the curse for us by dying on the tree. The same Lord who met Moses in the burning bush now meets us by becoming one with us, Immanuel, God with us. The same Lord who appeared and spoke to the prophets has now appeared as the Word made flesh. And this same Lord who is present in the books of Moses and the prophets is now the same Lord present for you in all the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation. And the prophets, apostles, and evangelists continue to bear witness to Christ crucified and risen for you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.If Christ had not been raised from death Our faith would be in vain, Our preaching but a waste of breath, Our sin and guilt remain. But now the Lord is ris'n indeed; He rules in earth and heav'n: His gospel meets a world of need– In Christ we are forgiv'n. (LSB 486:3)Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

Send us a textDelving into the heart of Galatians 3, we unpack the revolutionary concept of justification by faith that forms the foundation of authentic Christian belief. This examination reveals how profoundly misunderstood this core doctrine remains among believers today.The apostle Paul makes a startling statement that should shake the foundations of works-based religion: those attempting to achieve justification through law-keeping are actually under a curse. Why? Because the standard is absolute perfection—not just in actions but in thoughts and tendencies as well. One slip, one failure, and the entire endeavor crumbles.When we arrive at Galatians 3:13, we discover what might be the most concise expression of the gospel in Scripture: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." These simple words contain the revolutionary doctrine of substitution—Christ taking our place and suffering what we deserved. The phrase "for us" carries immense theological weight, revealing that salvation isn't merely an opportunity Christ provides but a completed transaction.This understanding of substitutionary atonement naturally leads to the doctrine of eternal security. If Christ truly became our curse-bearer, then for us to later face condemnation would constitute a form of "double jeopardy"—being punished twice for the same offense. Such a scenario would not only undermine Christ's finished work but would also make God unjust by His own standards.William Tyndale's brilliant translation of "atonement" as "at-one-ment" captures the essence of what Christ accomplished—making us permanently "at one" with God through His sacrifice. This unbreakable bond forms the foundation of our eternal security.Join us as we explore how one verse contains the entire gospel and why truly grasping justification by faith transforms everything about how we approach God, understand salvation, and live out our faith. When you comprehend what Christ has done for you, religion's anxious striving gives way to grateful, secure rest in His finished work.Support the show

Are We Abusing Grace—or Finally Getting It? Let's face it—grace makes people nervous. Say you're totally forgiven, and someone's bound to ask, “So… sin doesn't matter anymore?” Mention freedom from the Law, and suddenly you're accused of tossing out morality altogether.   In this message, “Grace Under Fire,” we take an honest, in-depth look at the toughest questions people ask about the message of God's grace, including: If I'm totally forgiven, then why confess at all? What keeps me in line if I'm under grace? Why do I still struggle if Christ lives in me? This isn't fluff or feel-good theology—it's the powerful, liberating truth of the Gospel. The kind that silences shame, dismantles fear, and anchors you in Jesus.   So, if you've ever wrestled with doubt or been grilled by others, this message will equip and encourage you in just how amazing God's grace really is. Watch now and discover grace that holds up under fire! Discussion Questions: Are we saying that sin doesn't matter? If we're totally forgiven, why confess at all? If we're under grace, what's going to keep us in line? Are we really righteous right now? If so, how do we know? If Christ is in us, why do we still struggle? What's the point of growth if we're already complete? Are we saying that the Law is bad? What about judgment day—shouldn't we still be nervous?

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI Corinthians 15The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. He died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day as prophesied in the Scriptures and witnessed by many. Some doubt His resurrection. If Christ has not risen, faith is futile, and humanity remains burdened by sin. However, Christ has been raised, guaranteeing a resurrection to eternal life for all who trust in Him. What will that look like? Paul compares the resurrection to a seed that transforms into a new body, emphasizing that the perishable will be replaced by the imperishable. Christ's return culminates in eternal victory over sin and death. Disciples have victory in Jesus now and forever. Believing this, they must remain steadfast and immovable, never losing heart in serving the risen Lord. The gospel is inspirational and resides in the heart of every believer. We believe that Jesus died, was raised on the third day, and appeared to hundreds of witnesses. We believe the tomb is empty and that our Savior has forever defeated death. If these things are not true, then all who live as Christians are truly a pitiful lot. However, the evidence is overwhelming both in history and in scripture. He has been raised, and that means we too will be raised after death, or changed at His return. Our physical bodies will perish, but new spiritual bodies will emerge and live forever. In times of trial in the flesh, our hope for life rests in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we remain steadfast in our allegiance to Him. Glorious Lord, thank You for the victory over sin and death through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the testimony that affirms His victory, filling us with hope for our future in Him. Help us to stand firm in faith, holding tightly to the hope of eternal life. We will labor for You, knowing that our efforts are not in vain. Teach us to grow in boldness, sharing the gospel and reflecting the understanding of Christ's victory. Thank You for the assurance that our King has defeated death and that our allegiance to Him will reap eternal reward.  Thought Questions: -       Why do you believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Are you prepared to present your case for Christ and His victory to friends and family? -       What will happen the moment that Christ returns? How does that information put perspective into your day and priorities in life? -       What does it mean to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord”? How are you demonstrating those qualities?

John 6:57-58 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever." It is obvious in Jesus' conversation with the crowd who sought Him because He had miraculously fed them that the message was that He was the true life-giving bread sent from God. In these verses, Jesus repeats the theme that began with the miracle. Jesus is the living bread sent from God. Notice Jesus emphasized the quality of life four times: the living Father, I live, the one who eats Me will live, and live forever. Would you celebrate life in Christ with me today? Look at what Jesus said. He lives because the Father lives, and the one who eats or abides in Jesus lives because He lives. Let's connect it and rejoice. We live because Jesus lives, and Jesus lives because the Father lives. Believing that Jesus was sent by the Father unites us with both the Father and the Son, which is the work of the Holy Spirit, who the Apostle Paul called, the Spirit of Life in Christ (Rom. 8:2). The Spirit of Life in Christ sets us free from the law of sin and of death. Listen to how Paul echoes Jesus' declaration that the one who eats His flesh has life forever. Romans 8:9-14. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Let me state the highlights I want to spotlight. The spirit is alive. Give life to your mortal bodies. Not live according to the flesh. Putting to death the deeds of the fleshly body, you will live. These are the sons of God! Do you get it? The bread that the fathers ate and died was the bread of the flesh. It was earthly. Our flesh is sinful. His flesh was righteous. The bread that came down from heaven, Jesus Christ, is the bread of life, and those who eat of His flesh live forever. The sons and daughters of God live by the Spirit, out of the life of Jesus, whom God sent to not only die for us, but to live for us. To live to love with Jesus happens as we abide in Him, which is to eat of His flesh. That's living life to the fullest for the glory of God. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of "giving it forward," so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.

Our text for today, properly understood and applied, can go a long way to helping you with full assurance of salvation. Recall the previous passage - Romans 8:6-8. Our passage for today is directly connected to that. It begins with a super-important connecting word, However. It shows both a connection and a contrast. If you belong to Jesus Christ, you are no longer in the flesh. Romans 8:9-11: However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So, according to verses 9, 10 and 11, we know that a Christian is a person in whom the Holy Spirit dwells and in whom Christ dwells. He or she is spiritually alive because of Christ's righteousness, and by the work of the Holy Spirit. It's not complicated to explain the difference between a Christian and a non-Christian. It's the ultimate contrast of the Haves and the Have-nots. 1 - The Haves a - Mind is set on the Spirit (6) b - In the Spirit c - Spirit of God dwells in you d - Christ is in you e - Your spirit is alive f - Spiritual life 2 - The Have-Nots a - Mind is set on death (6) b - Hostile toward God (7) c - Cannot please God (8) d - In the flesh e - Does not have the Spirit of Christ f - Does not belong to Him

The fact and the truth of theresurrection of Jesus cannot be underestimated! John Stott said,"Christianity is in its very essence a resurrection religion. The conceptof resurrection lies at its very heart, and if you remove it, Christianity isdestroyed." Paul put it this way in 1 Corinthians 15:17: “If Christ benot risen, then our faith is vain.  It isempty. It has nothing to it. And we are yet in our sins”. Yes, the Bibleteaches, and the gospels affirm, and the witnesses affirm, and history affirmsthat Jesus Christ indeed rose from the grave early that Sunday morning 2,000years ago after His crucifixion on the cross.  Theresurrection of Jesus Christ affirms to us that He is indeed the Son of God,just as He claimed to be Romans 1:4: “And declared to be the Son of God withpower, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead”. It also proves that His sacrifice forsin has been accepted and that the work of salvation is completed (Romans4:24-25). Those who trust Him can "walk in newness of life" becauseHe is alive and imparts His power to them (Romans 6:4; Gal. 2:20). Our Lord'sresurrection also declares to us that He is the Judge who will come one day andjudge the world (Acts 17:30-31). Itis no surprise, then, that Satan has attacked the truth of the Resurrection.The first lie that he spawned was that the disciples came and stole Christ'sbody (Matthew 28:11-15), but it is difficult to imagine how they could havedone this. To begin with, the tomb was carefully guarded (Matthew 27:61-66);and it would have been next to impossible for the frightened Apostles tooverpower the soldiers, open the tomb, and secure the body. But the biggestobstacle is the fact that the Apostles themselves did not believe that He wouldbe resurrected! Why, then, would they steal His body and try to perpetrate ahoax? Asecond lie is that Jesus did not really die on the cross but only swooned, andwhen He was put into the cool tomb, He revived. But Pilate carefully checkedwith the centurion to see whether Jesus was dead (Mark 15:44), and the Romansoldiers who broke the legs of the two thieves knew that Jesus had died (John19:31-34). Furthermore, how could a "cool tomb" transform Christ'sbody so that He could appear and disappear and walk through closed doors? Themessage of the Gospel rests on the death of Jesus Christ and His resurrection(1 Corinthians 15:1-8). The Apostles were sent out as witnesses of Hisresurrection (Acts 1:22), and the emphasis in the Book of Acts is on theresurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul put it plainly in 1 Corinthians 15:17-19: “Andif Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then theyalso which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only wehave hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”Thisexplains why Luke climaxed his book with a report of some of the appearances ofJesus after He had been raised from the dead. He first appeared to MaryMagdalene (John 20:11-18), then to the "other women" (Matt. 28:9-10),and then to the two men on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-22). At some time, Healso appeared to Peter (Luke 24:34) and to His half-brother James (1 Corinthians15:7).Thatevening, He appeared to the Apostles (Luke 24:36-43), but Thomas was not withthem (John 20:19-25). A week later, He appeared to the Apostles again,especially for the sake of Thomas (John 20:26-31). He appeared to seven of theApostles when they were fishing at the Sea of Galilee (John 21). He appearedseveral times to the Apostles before His ascension, teaching them and preparingthem for their ministry (Acts 1:1-12). Whenthe believers discovered that Jesus was alive, it made a tremendous differencein their lives. And it has transformed millions of lives since then like mineand yours! “Heis Risen! He is Risen Indeed!”

What did Paul mean when he wrote that Jesus was the "image" of God? If Christ wasn't created, as some cults claim, how do we explain the term "first-born of all creation?" Plus, do you know why you were created? Know what your purpose in life is? Find out as Jeff unpacks the greatness of Jesus in this week's episode.

In this powerful message from A City of Light, Pastor Tommy Orlando walks us deeper into 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul confronts a false teaching that denied the physical resurrection of Jesus—and therefore, the future resurrection hope of believers.With personal testimony and scriptural depth, Pastor Tommy reminds us that Christ's resurrection is not just an abstract doctrine—it's the cornerstone of our forgiveness, our future, and our freedom.

By Ken Loucks - Some today claim that Jesus Christ had a beginning—that He was created. But what does the Bible actually say? In this message, we open the scriptures to explore the true nature of Jesus Christ, His role in creation, and why His eternal existence is essential to the plan of salvation. If Christ was

More Than Conquerors Have you ever experienced gaps in your life between the reality you're living VERSUS the promises you see in the Bible? Romans 8 is loaded with great promises such as, “If Christ is for us, who can be against us?” and “We are more than conquerors…” and yet, our reality doesn't seem to match up with that identity? This week, we continue in our series, ONE HIT WONDERS, and we examine the gap — the gap between the reality of our day-in-day-out lives versus where we feel God is calling us to live as Christians. What we discover is that the gap is because we have an incomplete view of the power of Grace and how it should be at work in our lives, not merely as a “saving” Grace that rescues us but also as an “empowering” Grace that is designed by God to help us elevate our lives, our relationships, our situations, and ultimately the world around us as we manifest more and more of the Kingdom of God on the Earth. Romans 8 Discussion topics Where are you experiencing static in your life? (ie: where do you keep asking God to send “Descending” Grace to “rescue you”?) Relationships? Finances? Job? Health? Addictions? Failures? Etc.?  In those areas, what are some of the typical things you are saying to yourself? (ie: what are your low-frequency scripts?) Some examples: – – “My kids are always so frustrating!” – “My spouse is always so __________ [[fill in the blank]]” – “Why is there never enough money?” – “Well, my Mom/Dad was always sick, so I guess I just got their genes…” – “I guess this is just what getting old looks like…” – “The government always _________ [[fill in the blank]]” – “The world is going to hell-in-a-handbasket…” – “It is what it is…” What is ONE SCRIPT you can rewrite this week to speak Empowering Grace grounded in your Identity of Life in the Spirit? ACTION ITEM: READ ROMANS 8 with Empowering Grace in mind. Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next

The empty tomb changes everything. When Jesus conquered death through resurrection, He didn't just complete His earthly mission - He transformed human existence itself by proving that death has lost its ultimate power.In this deeply meaningful exploration of Mark 16, we confront the varied reactions to Jesus' resurrection. The women fled in fear. The disciples refused to believe. Even after multiple eyewitness accounts, many remained skeptical until personally encountering the risen Christ. This pattern of initial disbelief followed by life-altering conviction mirrors how many people respond to resurrection claims today.But what made the disciples willing to later face torture and execution without recanting? What transformed these frightened followers into bold witnesses ready to die for their testimony? Only the undeniable reality of having seen, touched, and spoken with the resurrected Jesus can explain such extraordinary commitment.The theological implications stretch far beyond mere historical curiosity. As Paul writes, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile." The resurrection validates Jesus' claims about His identity, demonstrates His power over death, and guarantees the future resurrection of all believers with glorified, imperishable bodies. It's the firstfruits promise that transforms our understanding of both life and death.This resurrection hope provides profound perspective when facing life's greatest challenges. If Jesus conquered humanity's ultimate enemy - death itself - then what problem in your life could possibly be too great for Him to overcome? The empty tomb reminds us that God's power extends beyond any limitation we might imagine.Jesus' final commission calls believers to share this good news throughout the world, a mission that continues today. His ascension to sit at God's right hand confirms His royal authority, the completion of His redemptive work, and His promise to return as King.Have you encountered the risen Christ? Has the reality of resurrection transformed how you view your problems, your future, and your purpose? Join us in discovering the power and hope found only in the One who conquered death.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Welcome to the Grace in Focus podcast. Today, Bob Wilkin and Sam Marr are answering a question about Old Testament Believers. If Christ's sacrifice for sin on the cross was sufficient for all people for all time, why did believers in the Old Testament economy still have to make sacrifices to restore fellowship? Please listen

Send us a textThe question of eternal security—whether a believer can lose their salvation—isn't just theological nitpicking. It strikes at the very heart of how we understand God's character, His promises, and the nature of the gospel itself.When Jesus speaks of taking His yoke upon us, He's describing an unbreakable bond that fundamentally changes how we view our relationship with Him. We surrender everything—our identity, desires, worldly attachments—and in return, receive something that can never be taken away. As the conversation explores, "property doesn't have a say in what the owner does with it," and believers become Christ's property through His sacrifice.This podcast dives deep into the biblical foundations for eternal security. The panelists examine key passages like Romans 8 ("no condemnation for those in Christ"), Isaiah 55 (God's "abundant pardon"), and the "golden chain" of salvation described in Romans 8:28-30. Together, these scriptures paint a picture of salvation not as something we achieve or maintain, but as God's work from beginning to end.Perhaps most powerfully, the discussion addresses a profound question: If Christ's sacrifice was sufficient to save us initially, how could it suddenly become insufficient? If salvation could be lost, it would mean Jesus might need to "go back to the cross" because His first sacrifice wasn't enough—a concept that contradicts everything scripture teaches about the finality and completeness of His work.For those who have struggled with doubts about their salvation or lived under the constant fear of losing it, this conversation offers sweet relief. Understanding God's unbreakable grip doesn't lead to license for sin but to freedom—freedom to serve Him out of gratitude rather than fear, and to rest in the knowledge that our eternal destiny is secure in His hands.What has your experience been with this teaching? Has the fear of losing salvation ever affected your relationship with God?Support the show

God proves His love for us in Christ's death, and that while we were still enemies! As a result, we bask in the hope of future salvation. God's wrath will be averted! His selfless love inspires us to trust Him. If Christ has died for us, how much more so can we trust Him to act for us? We have received the priceless gift of a reconciled relationship—this treasure is the boast of our joy.

Christ is the least expensive Physician. He takes no fee. He desires us to bring nothing to Him but broken hearts. And when He has cured us, He desires us to bestow nothing on Him but our love. Christ heals with more ease than any other. Christ makes the devil go out with a word (Mark 9:25). Nay, He can cure with a look: Christ's look melted Peter into repentance; it was a healing look. If Christ does but cast a look upon the soul, He will heal it. Christ is the most tender-hearted Physician. He is not more full of skill than sympathy, 'He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds' (Psalm 147:3). Every groan of the patient, goes to the heart of this Physician. Christ never fails of success. Christ never undertakes to heal any, but He makes a full cure. Other physicians can only cure those who are sick, but Christ cures those who are dead! "And you has He quickened, who were dead!" (Ephesians 2:1). Christ is a Physician for the dead! Of every one whom Christ cures it may be said, "He was dead, and is alive again!" (Luke 15:32) Christ is the most bountiful Physician. Other patients enrich their physicians; but here the Physician enriches the patient. Christ elevates all His patients. He not only cures them, but crowns them! (Revelation 2:10). Christ does not only raise them from the bed, but to the throne! He gives the sick man not only health, but also Heaven!

https://newsongpeople.com/messages/risen-ascended-the-ongoing-ministry-of-jesusRisen & Ascended: The Ongoing Ministry of Jesus | Sarah BlountWhy does the resurrection still matter today? What benefits are ours because Jesus is alive? And what does His ascension mean for our daily lives?From the empty tomb to the throne of heaven, this message unpacks why Jesus' victory over death is not just a past event—but our present hope and eternal future.Discover why Jesus is not only the risen Savior but also our ever-present Advocate and the only High Priest we'll ever need.Message Notes:Luke 24:1-9 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Why does the resurrection matter to us? What benefits are ours through a once-dead-but-now-alive Lord?Christ's resurrection means the death of Jesus was enough.1 Corinthians 15:17 If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then death has power over Him and defeated Him.If death has power over Jesus, He is not God.If Jesus is not God, He cannot offer a complete sacrifice for sins.If Jesus cannot offer a complete sacrifice for sins, our sins are not completely paid for before God.If my sins are not completely paid for before God, then I am still in my sins.Therefore, if Jesus is not risen, He is unable to save.2. Christ's resurrection gives us power for new life—right now.Romans 6:5-11 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.We are not just practicing the way of Jesus, but we are also participating in His death and resurrection.Romans 8:11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. 3. Christ's resurrection guarantees our future resurrection.He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.Luke 24:50-51 … and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.Luke 24:52 And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.The GREAT JOY of the Ascension: 1. Jesus is not absent from us for even a moment.John 16:7 It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you. 2. The ascension guarantees that our bodies will be in heaven.Christ's flesh in heaven is the pledge that ours will be there too.Colossians 3:1–3 says So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 3. We have an advocate & intercessor in heavenThe cross was His sacrifice. The resurrection was His victory.The ascension is His ongoing ministry.Jesus, Our Only High Priest. (Heb. 7:27; 9:12, 25–26; 10:10–18).Jesus died in our place, and He lives to pray for us.1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;#HeIsRisen #ResurrectionSunday #Luke24 #EmptyTomb #JesusIsAlive #GospelHope #NewLifeInChrist #RisenSavior #VictoryOverSin #PowerOfTheResurrection #Romans6 #Romans8 #EasterMessage #Ascension #JesusOurAdvocate #HighPriest #ChristIsRisen #LivingHope #JesusLives #Colossians3 #1Corinthians15 #FaithInJesus #HolySpiritPower #TheCrossAndResurrection #KingJesus #EternalLife #ChristianTeaching #BiblePreaching #ChristOurIntercessor #HeavenlyHope #SeekTheThingsAbove

Send us a textSanctification—a word that sounds formal but describes the messy, beautiful process at the heart of every Christian's journey. This episode dives deep into what it means to be transformed by God from the inside out, particularly in the context of our closest relationships.We explore how marriage serves as a powerful crucible for spiritual growth. When two imperfect people commit to one another, their flaws and weaknesses become painfully evident—creating the perfect environment for God to reshape their hearts. As one participant vulnerably shares, "Marriage pulls out things of each other that make you say, 'Wait a minute.'" These moments of friction become opportunities for growth when approached with humility and Scripture.The conversation takes a profound turn when examining Christ's model of love. How does Jesus love the church? He loves the unlovely—the imperfect, the unworthy, the difficult. This realization hits hard when we consider our own relationships. If Christ can sacrifice everything for people who repeatedly fail Him, shouldn't we extend similar grace to our spouses who disappoint us?Perhaps most challenging is the acknowledgment that God's standards don't change with cultural trends. In an age where divorce parties have replaced wedding anniversaries and biblical marriage seems increasingly outdated, we're reminded that God remains "the same yesterday, today, and forever." This unchanging nature provides both comfort and challenge—His expectations remain high, but His grace remains sufficient.The episode concludes with a powerful metaphor comparing our faith journey to Peter walking on water—moments of confidence followed by sinking doubt, yet Jesus never abandons us. This pattern reflects the sanctification process itself: progress and setbacks, victories and failures, yet always moving toward holiness through Christ's unfailing presence.Join us for this raw, honest conversation about becoming holy in an unholy world. Whether you're married, single, or somewhere in between, you'll find encouragement for your own journey of transformation.Support the show

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comActs 4 Following the healing of the lame man and the proclaiming of the resurrection of Jesus, Peter and John are arrested by local Jewish leaders. Five thousand men had been converted to Christ, and the scribes and high priesthood are seeking to silence these teachers. Peter courageously announces that salvation is found in Christ alone and that he and others must continue to teach the gospel. Even under the threat of punishment, the apostles refuse to be silenced. Upon release, they pray with fellow believers, asking God for faith to speak the truth with boldness. God responds by shaking the walls and filling them with the Holy Spirit! This is followed by a time of unity, selflessness, and encouragement in the church. Barnabas becomes an example to all with his charity. Disciples of Christ are not just faithful when it is easy or accepted. Boldness and reliance on God are just as important in the face of opposition. We must lean on God, trust in Jesus, and ask for the help of the Holy Spirit. The goal is to stand firm and show people the victory and peace we have in Christ. A wonderful way to develop this strength is to gather with fellow believers, pray together, and sing of God's glory. Unity among God's people is one of God's ways of helping us be faithful in times of struggle. God's people share their faith, goods, and lives with one another. Be a Barnabas in the lives of fellow saints today.  Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Peter and John, who stood firm in proclaiming the name of Jesus. There is salvation in no one else. Fill us with the same courage to share the gospel, even when we face opposition from others. Lord God, help us never to be ashamed of our Savior. Please grant each of us the wisdom to recognize that we need one another. We need worship, fellowship, and to be “sons of encouragement” like Barnabas among Your people. Who among Your people is in need today? Lead us to help and serve them lovingly.  Thought Questions: -       What are specific situations where you find it difficult to share your faith? How can Peter and John's example help you? -       If Christ is the ultimate authority for your life, how will that affect the way you obey and interact with modern authority figures? -       How are you cultivating more unity among God's people? In what specific ways can you be an encourager to someone today?

“But now is Christ risen from the dead.” — 1 Corinthians 15:20 The whole system of Christianity rests upon the fact that “Christ is risen from the dead;” for, “If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain: ye are yet in your sins.” The divinity of Christ […]

The disciples argued about greatness, even after Jesus had washed their feet. In Luke 22, Jesus confronts their pride and redefines leadership—not as position, but as service. In a world obsessed with power and recognition, Jesus calls His followers to humility, sacrifice, and servant-hearted leadership. If Christ served at the table, how much more should we? This message invites us to trade self-promotion for Christlike servanthood.

If Christ has conquered death, then what do we have to be afraid of?...

If Christ has conquered death, then what do we have to be afraid of?...

1 Corinthians 15:17 says, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins." This means that either the tomb was empty, or Christians have an empty faith. Dr. Timothy Paul Jones (vice president for doctoral studies, professor of Christian family ministry, and chair of the department of apologetics, ethics, and philosophy at Southern Baptist Theological Studies) wrote the short book, "Did the Resurrection Really Happen?" as part of the TGC Hard Questions series. The goal of his brief book is modest. He writes, "I simply want you to recognize that the first followers of Jesus didn't claim their leader rose from the dead because of gullible ignorance or blind faith. They knew dead people stay dead." Today's show will look at his main argument as I make an evidential case for the resurrection of Jesus. Content Discussed: 0:00 Intro & Update 5:22 What's the point of the book? 8:05 Why does it matter whether Jesus resurrected or not? 10:44 Christian faith should not be blind 14:02 A resurrection is only implausible in a world where miracles are impossible. 18:42 Did the disciples copy the story from other dying and rising Gods, or did they have a Jewish expectation of a resurrection? 24:35 The resurrection is traceable to a time and place where it occurred. 39:50 What impact does a resurrection have? 43:52 CALLER: Should we live according to "What ifs"? How does God speak? Do we have souls that continue living? 1:07:12 CALLER: Is the resurrection just a story? When was the New Testament written? 2:05:07 The unrivaled power of the resurrection to explain the historical data.

If Jesus makes no difference in our lives, then why would anyone serve Him? If Christ-followers live just like those who are unsaved, why would anyone follow? We would all readily acknowledge that we are not perfect, only Jesus is perfect, but wouldn't you agree that Jesus changes those who believe in Him?Main Points:1.  I believe one of the questions people around us are silently asking is, “Does Jesus make a difference in your life?” Unbelievers are watching, often without us noticing, and they are wondering, “Is she different? Is he different, now that He is a follower of Jesus?” 2. When we place our faith in Jesus and confess Him as our Lord and Savior, His Spirit comes to reside within us. God's work of sanctification begins. To “sanctify” means to set apart. God is at work in our lives to set us apart from the unbelieving world by helping us to be like Jesus in our character. 3. By the Holy Spirit, and with our cooperation, God will change us. He will change our attitude, our conversation, our choices, decisions, reactions, and our lifestyle. He will change our desires, our dreams, and our ambitions. Before our relationship with Christ, we lived only for ourselves, now we live for God and His glory.Today's Scripture Verses:Philippians 2:13 - “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”Romans 12:1-2 - “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”Philippians 1:6 - “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (04/22/25), Hank concludes his overview of the days of Holy Week, arriving at Pascha, also known as Easter. It is the day in which the body of Christ worldwide celebrates the ultimate game-changer, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. “If I face hardships in life for merely human reasons,” wrote Paul in his first letter to the Corinthian Christians, “what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.' If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” Without resurrection, Christianity crumbles. Thus, in 1 Corinthians chapter 15, the apostle Paul provides a four-part argument underscoring the irrevocable reality of Christ's resurrection. Of one thing Hank has become certain; if twenty-first-century Christians would grasp the reality of resurrection like first-century Christians did, their lives would be totally transformed.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ transforms everything about our lives—from how we face death to how we make daily decisions. In this profound conversation with Pastor Piet Van Kampen, we explore 1 Corinthians 15, perhaps the most comprehensive teaching on resurrection outside the Gospels themselves.What happens when we strip away resurrection hope from our faith? Paul's urgent message to the Corinthians reveals the devastating consequences: "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." Without the resurrection, Christianity collapses into mere moral philosophy. But with it, we possess the ultimate answer to life's greatest challenges.Pastor Van Kampen unpacks how resurrection hope provides concrete comfort during our darkest moments—whether standing at the graveside of loved ones or facing our own mortality. This hope isn't abstract theology but practical strength that enables believers to face dangers with courage, resist temptation with purpose, and invest in Kingdom work with confidence.The conversation takes a compelling turn as we examine how resurrection faith specifically informs Christian Life Resources' approach to complex ethical issues. When confronting assisted suicide, abortion, or end-of-life decisions, the resurrection provides a revolutionary perspective: this broken world with its suffering is not the final reality. Pain, disease, disability—all these will be transformed in the resurrection body.Perhaps most powerfully, Paul's words remind us that "your labor is not in vain in the Lord." In a world demanding instant results and tangible returns, resurrection faith allows us to plant seeds of truth and compassion without seeing immediate fruit. Our work has eternal significance because the One we serve conquered death itself.Whether you're struggling with grief, ethical dilemmas, or simply wondering if your faith really matters, this discussion offers the ultimate perspective shift. Christ is risen—and that changes everything.The Balance of GrayGod, doubt, and proof walk into a podcast... it goes better than you'd expect!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Apr 20, 2025 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCHNeil McClendon, Lead PastorGod's Big Picture Plan for Resurrection SundayLuke 24:36-491. That something hard to believe would happen, v. 36-43     Two responses to Jesus…          a) doubt, v. 38          b) disbelieved for joy, v. 41“"If Christ is not risen, nothing else matters. And if Christ is risen, nothing else matters.”              - Jaroslav Pelikan2. That we would have a Bible we can believe, v. 443. That Christ should suffer, v. 46     Luke 9:22Three reasons Christ had to suffer…     1) because we've all sinned and fallen short of God's standard     2) because our sin separates us from God     3) because sin requires a sacrifice for us to be reconciled to God4. That on the third day He would rise from the dead, v. 46     Some examples of the third day pattern…          a) Genesis 1:9-13- God creates dry land, vegetation, plants, trees          b) Genesis 22:4- “On the third day, Abraham saw the place…”          c) Jonah 1:17- in belly of the fish for three days and nights          d) Hosea 6:1-25. That change would be possible for everyone, v. 47     a) “of sins”     b) “in his name”     c) “to all nations” 6. That we would have the capacity to do what God requires, v. 49Mental worship…. 1 How often do you struggle with doubt and are you doubting anything these days?  2 When is the last time you experienced something so good it was hard for you to believe it? 3 What is one thing you would be willing to start believing about the Bible? 4 Have you gotten to your “third day” yet? 5 Do you need forgiveness for sin or do you need God to change how you  feel about what you did? 6 Do you ever experience this power that God promises?

QUOTE FOR REFLECTION “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”~Jesus, as recorded by John (11:25-26) “If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn't rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.” “Did the resurrection happen? Yes! But, you will be able to confront it only if you let it convince not only your reason and head, but also the commitments of your heart.”~Timothy Keller  “The New Testament writers speak as if Christ's achievement in rising from the dead was the first event of its kind in the whole history of the universe... He is the trailblazer of life... He has forced open a door that has been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought, and beaten the King of Death. Everything is different because He has done so.”~C.S. Lewis “If Christ is risen, nothing else matters. And if Christ is not risen—nothing else matters.”~Jaroslav Pelikan “...Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there. You can nail it to a cross, wrap it in winding sheets and shut it up in a tomb, but it will rise!”~Clarence W. Hall  “With Jesus, even in our darkest moments the best remains and the very best is yet to be…”~Corrie Ten BoomSERMON PASSAGE1 Corinthians 15:1-10, 17-19, 30-34, 58 (ESV) 1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”  34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless... Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” —1 Corinthians 15 What if the resurrection never happened? In this message from Pastor Andrew Archer, we reflect on the Apostle Paul's bold statement in 1 Corinthians 15—a passage that makes it clear: the resurrection of Jesus is not just important, it's essential. Without it, faith crumbles. Hope fades. Sin reigns. Death wins. But this isn't just a theological claim—it's one that has captured the attention of scholars around the world. One researcher, beginning with a modest attempt to update his resurrection bibliography, found himself overwhelmed by the sheer scope of the subject. The resurrection of Jesus remains one of the most rigorously examined events in ancient history. This video brings together the theological power of Paul's message and the intellectual depth of modern scholarship to ask: Did Jesus really rise from the dead—and what does that mean for us today? Whether you're a believer seeking deeper faith or a skeptic searching for clarity, this is a conversation worth having.

After having spoken to us about the importance of being filled with wonder at the love and mercy of God revealed to us in Christ and desiring him above all things, Saint Isaac immediately stresses that what is born from the heart must be real and concrete. It is one thing for us to use beautiful words to speak about Christ and the faith. It is another to embody the love and compassion of Christ so vitally that our actions and words transmit virtue to others. In other words, for our actions to be life-giving, they must be rooted in the experience of the living God. Otherwise, our wisdom becomes a “deposit of disgrace”. Whereas righteous activity born of the love of Christ and the experience of his mercy becomes a “treasury of hope”. How do we engage the world around us and those in it except by embodying He who is reality, love and truth. Our temporal life passes so quickly and Isaac tells us that if we love it then our way of life is defiled or we have been deprived of knowledge. He writes: “the fear of death distresses a man with a guilty conscience, but the man with a good witness within himself longs for death as for life.“  If Christ is the center of our life then we will have no fear or anxiety. The only thing that we take out of this world is our vice or virtue. Everything passes away like a dream disappearing in the morning. All that we have received is pure gift; coming to us through baptism and faith where we are called by the Lord - called by name - to enter into his life and to love as he loved. Indeed it is an interesting thing that Isaac begins his Ascetical Homilies by emphasizing wonder, desire, urgent longing and God‘s desire for us as well how freely He has given us everything that is good. Isaac set us upon a path that helps us keep our focus upon God and God alone. All of our spiritual disciplines must serve to help us love and give ourselves in love or they are hollow. Likewise, all that we receive must be responded to with gratitude. There is only one thing that keeps us from experiencing the richness of God's grace and mercy. It is our failure to turn towards him through a lack of trust or appreciation for His generosity. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:08:47 Catherine Opie: Apologies I missed last weeks zoom due to being offline. What page are we on today? 00:10:29 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 118 paragraph 34 00:19:12 Catherine Opie: Things move slower down here in Australasia

If Christ is our sole mediator, why does the Church encourage prayer to saints? We explore the biblical foundation for intercession, along with Catholic teaching on mediums, Purgatory, and receiving glorified bodies in Heaven. Questions Covered: 07:21 – What is the Catholic stand about mediums? 15:29 – Can we speak to people in the past in any other way apart from pagan means? 18:57 – Why do we pray to Saints when Jesus says there is only one intercessor? 37:27 – Did Pope John Paul II originate the idea of receiving our glorified bodies in Heaven? 47:00 – Can you explain what Purgatory is like for people? Can you pray for yourself in Purgatory

Welcome to the Amen Podcast, where we believe that the gospel changes everything. Today's message explores Matthew 22:41-46, where Jesus challenges the Pharisees with a profound question about his identity.Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:41-46Now, while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus, asked them a question, saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said to him, "The Son of David." He said to them, "How is it then, that David in the spirit calls him Lord, saying, 'The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet?' If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?" And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.The Big Revelation: Jesus is More Than You ThinkI was watching surfing with my son Leon recently. He had a sudden interest in it, partly because he wanted to connect with something I enjoy, but also because he's spent enough time in the water himself to understand the scale of those waves.When you don't surf or go to the ocean much, every wave looks the same. It all blends together - same guy, same wave, over and over. But the closer you get to surfing, the bigger the experience becomes.It's the same with the Lord. The closer you get to God, the bigger He gets to you.The Pharisees were far from God, even though Jesus—God Himself—stood right before them. This distance is evident in their approach to Jesus with questions meant to trap Him.A Question That Silenced the Religious LeadersThroughout Holy Week, Jesus faced continual challenges from His enemies. After answering their questions perfectly, Jesus turns the tables. He asks them: "What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?"They quickly answered "Son of David," as any Jewish person would. This wasn't wrong - Matthew's gospel begins by identifying Jesus as "the Son of David, the son of Abraham" to connect Him to messianic prophecy.But Jesus pushes deeper: "How is it then that David, inspired by the Spirit, calls him Lord?" quoting Psalm 110:1. Jesus points out a paradox they couldn't resolve: Why would David call his own descendant "Lord"?The Pharisees had no answer. They couldn't reconcile how the Messiah could be both David's son (his descendant) and David's Lord (his superior).The Big Problem Behind Our Small ProblemsThe Pharisees missed something crucial: They thought the Messiah would be merely a national leader who would free them from Rome. They saw their biggest problem as Roman occupation.But Jesus reveals that the Messiah's role is much bigger—universal, not just national. Their actual problem wasn't Rome but sin and death. This required a Messiah greater than they imagined—not just the Son of David but the Son of God.When God appears bigger to us, our problems don't necessarily get smaller. Instead, we realize that our true problem—sin and death—is actually much larger than our daily concerns. But this realization gives us peace because we have a Savior big enough to handle our greatest problem.The Waves of Sin and DeathThink about surfing again. From the beach, waves might look manageable. But as you paddle out and get closer, you realize their true size and power. The closer Jesus got to the cross, the more real His suffering became. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He sweat drops of blood as the "wave" of our sin loomed before Him.Yet Jesus paddled toward that wave willingly, holding nothing back. The crushing weight of sin and death—our biggest problem—overwhelmed Him completely. But three days later, He rose from the dead, defeating what was previously undefeatable.If Jesus conquered sin and death—our greatest problem—then why do we let smaller problems defeat us? When we see God as truly big, we recognize how holy He is and how sinful we are. But we also see that if Christ defeated our biggest problem, then no matter how overwhelming our daily challenges seem, they're nothing compared to what Jesus has already overcome for us.Living in Light of the ResurrectionThis perspective change comes from spending time with God—praying, reading Scripture, attending church, and surrounding yourself with believers. Don't let small problems consume you when your biggest problem has already been solved.What scares you about your problems? Maybe it's taxes, and you worry: "What if they take all my money?" But dig deeper, and the fear is really: "What if I'm not going to be all right?" which ultimately points to fear of death.Or with relationships: when someone breaks up with you, what you feel isn't just rejection—it's as if you're going to die. These "small" problems mask our ultimate fear of sin and death.But once you realize Jesus has taken care of sin and death, you can face any challenge with confidence. If Christ is with you through your problems, and He has already handled your biggest problem, then you can handle whatever comes your way.After the Amen: ApplicationLokelani's Amen: We often worry about the wrong things—small problems instead of the big one. What's freeing is living in confidence knowing that the answer to my biggest problem is settled. Why am I consumed by smaller worries when Jesus has already answered my greatest need?Alex's Amen: My small problem that feels big is fear that people will discover "I'm not that awesome" and leave me. This fear is really about sin winning in my life. But sin won't win—it's already been defeated. And I'll never be alone because the One who loves me most will never leave or forsake me.That's how the gospel changes everything in our lives. We make small problems the big problem when they're not. But Christ is bigger than we think, and our biggest problem has already been answered.Do you want to be encouraged throughout your week? Subscribe to Amen Podcast on Substack, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @amenepodcast and visit amenepodcast.com to support our ministry.Until next time, go out and be the church! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

If Christ took on flesh in multiple alien worlds, would He have more than one glorified body & sit on multiple thrones? Jimmy Akin explores Weird Questions…