Podcasts about if jesus

At first, Rob's friends thought he was avoiding them. They'd ask him to go somewhere and he'd say, "Sorry, I can't." Eventually he told them why he couldn't go. He had something much more important to do. He would just say, "I've got to go to my meeting." Not too many teenagers would choose going to a meeting over going with their friends, but Rob made a good choice. See, Rob is a teenage drug addict, and he's being rehabilitated through a 12-step program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. One important key to fighting his problem is attending that support group meeting several times a week. A few months ago he went back to cocaine. He had stopped going to the meetings. Actually, all of us addicts, like you and me, will only make it if we make the meetings. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Meeting Jesus, Daily Light." Our word for today from the Word of God comes from Mark 1. I'm going to begin reading at verse 35, as we get a look inside some of the intimate side of the life of Jesus Christ. It says, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed." Simon and his companions went to look for Him. And when they found Him, they said, 'Everyone is looking for You.' Jesus replied, 'Let us go somewhere else - to the nearby villages - so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.' So He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons." Now, in this passage, Jesus is doing what He does repeatedly in the gospels. He is modeling the highest priority of a busy schedule. And here is His highest priority - a regular one-on-one meeting with the Heavenly Father. If Jesus did it, we cannot possibly say we've got an excuse for not doing it. Scripture is filled with examples of this. Moses getting up to meet God in His tent of meeting. David saying, "Early will I seek You. Satisfy us in the morning with your love." You see, we need our meeting because of our addiction. We're all earth addicts; we're hooked on this world's ideas. We're hooked on this world's entertainment. We're hooked on this world's ways of treating people. We're all sin addicts as well. After following Christ for a while, Paul says, "The things that I want to do, I do not do. The things I don't want to do, I keep on doing" (Romans 7:15). We're addicted to sin. We're addicted to earth. Now, the 12-step dependency programs recognize that you can't change without regularly going to the support group meetings. Now, our support group is a support person. We cannot stay away from sin unless we have our meeting - yeah, our meeting with God - regularly. The day you skip your meeting is the day you start to slip. We're not talking about some legalistic ritual where you have check the box Christianity: read my Bible and prayed. No, not doing your duty. It's a love thing. I must be with my Lord because I love Him; I want to be faithful to Him, not unfaithful. I need to plug into His power this day, picking up fresh manna for this day, getting His daily dose of strength for this day, getting His guidance for this day. I need that to fight my addiction to sin this day and my addiction to earth stuff. Yeah, today. See, I've been hooked on things that hurt me, things that hurt others, things that hurt God. We were all addicts, and we just can't afford to miss those meetings. So, did you show up for yours today?

Jesus Followers Are Expected to Serve the Needs of Others and to Reflect Jesus to Others as We Serve their Needs – “To Serve is Christ” MESSAGE SUMMARY:  You will never be more like Jesus than when you are serving others; and your best way to witness to non-believers is for them to see Jesus in you. Your best example of service is Jesus. To serve is Christ. Jesus instructed us, regarding serving others, in Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”. Jesus, the Son of Man, did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. If Jesus came, lived, and died on earth as a servant, why would you, as a Jesus Follower, not realize that you are expected to serve? If, as Paul tell us in Romans 8:28-29, we are being conformed into the image of Jesus, then we are being taught how to serve: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.". To serve is to live as a reflection, to others, of Jesus in you.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, fill me with the simple trust that even out of the most awful evil around me, you are able to bring great good — for me, for others, and for your great glory. In Jesus' name, amen.        Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 91). Zondervan. Kindle Edition TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Inconsistencies. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Faithfulness. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Romans 8:28-29; Romans 14:18-19; Daniel 4:17; Psalms 38a:1-11. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “It's About Time: Part 2 – Overstressed, Overloaded, and Maxed Out Lives” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

We begin this week's episode by asking if Gerrit is the reincarnated Apostle Matthias? (He's not saying he is, but he is also not not saying it.) Where did the thief on the cross go when he died? If Jesus went to “paradise,” why does Peter say He preached to “spirits in prison”? We read from theologian R.C. Sproul (because nothing says “good time” like Calvinism) and then pivot to Joseph Smith's sermon teachings that reframe paradise, prison, and the afterlife in a way that resolves contradictions without doing interpretive backflips. We would love to invite you to join us on Saturday, February 28th, at 6:30 for fun, faith, and frivolity as we make predictions for the 2026 Super Bowl that occurred three weeks earlier and likely talk about who is dead and in hell, part 73. Still not convinced? What if we told you that we combed through all of our litner data to find a venue central the the largest number of litners, but ultimately settled on a location based on how close it was to Richard's house? Click the link below for tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980902400404?aff=oddtdtcreator We have had a couple of people cancel for the upcoming 2026 Summer Standard of Truth Tour scheduled for Kirtland/Palmyra, June 14th through the 20th https://pci.jotform.com/form/260194925241153 Sign up for our free monthly email: ⁠ ⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠   If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com

In this episode of The Weekly, Jay Ewing is joined by Mark Wicks for a thoughtful conversation through John 11, the story of Lazarus. Why did Jesus wait when the one He loved was sick? What does it mean when God doesn't move according to our expectations? And how does the resurrection of Lazarus shape our hope today? This episode explores the tension of delay, grief, and misunderstanding—and the powerful truth that God reveals His glory even through death. As the story unfolds, we're reminded that Jesus is not only compassionate and present in suffering, but that He is also the One who brings dead things back to life. If Jesus can raise Lazarus, and if He can raise Himself, then resurrection hope is not just for the future—it changes how we live and trust God now.

In this episode of The Weekly, Jay Ewing is joined by Mark Wicks for a thoughtful conversation through John 11, the story of Lazarus. Why did Jesus wait when the one He loved was sick? What does it mean when God doesn't move according to our expectations? And how does the resurrection of Lazarus shape our hope today? This episode explores the tension of delay, grief, and misunderstanding—and the powerful truth that God reveals His glory even through death. As the story unfolds, we're reminded that Jesus is not only compassionate and present in suffering, but that He is also the One who brings dead things back to life. If Jesus can raise Lazarus, and if He can raise Himself, then resurrection hope is not just for the future—it changes how we live and trust God now.

“Does God Change If Jesus Changed?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of divine will and the role of prayer, alongside inquiries about the potential for repentance after death and the spiritual roles of women in the Church. Other topics include the implications of civil marriage for Catholics and the necessity of Mary’s immaculate conception in relation to original sin. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:37 – At what point when someone passes away would God allow repentance if someone passes away if they are incapacitated? 15:05 – Why are we supposed to pray if it just comes down to God's will anyway? 18:32 – What kinds of roles women have as spiritual mothers of the Church just like priests have specific roles as spiritual fathers. 24:16 – How is it possible to believe that God does not change If Jesus changed quite a bit especially during his time on earth? 41:46 – If two Catholics are civilly married, would that be considered adultery or fornication? If they divorce, what does that mean spiritually for those individuals? 49:23 – If Mary could have been immaculately conceived then why could Jesus not be affected by Mary's original sin? Why was it necessary for Mary to be immaculately conceived?

Friends of the Rosary,We pray today's Rosary — the Sorrowful Mysteries — on the road.In today's main reading of the Gospel (Mark 2:23–28), Christ Jesus says:"The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath."Friends, in today's Gospel, Jesus acknowledges that he is “lord even of the sabbath.”Bishop Barron explains this mystery, "Christians should enter the public arena boldly and confidently, for we are not announcing a private or personal spirituality but rather declaring a new King under whose lordship everything must fall. If Jesus is truly Lord, then government, business, family life, the arts, sexuality, and entertainment all come properly under his headship."Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠January 20, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Is there anything in your life that's off-limits from Jesus? If Jesus is Lord, “there is not one square inch over the whole domain of our human existence,” Dutch theologian Abraham Kuyper says, “over which Christ … does not cry, mine.” In our 2026 Vision Teaching Series, we're going to explore how Jesus is Lord over every aspect of our lives—including every minute, dollar, person, inch, word, and calling.

Large crowds gathered from across Galilee, Judea, and beyond to follow Jesus. Even His enemies couldn't ignore Him—they plotted against Him because His influence was undeniable."If Jesus is Lord, then make Him the center of your life, not a footnote."The question isn't whether Jesus existed or whether He was remarkable. History confirms both. The question is: Who do we believe He is? Lord, lunatic, liar, or legend?The evidence points to one conclusion: Jesus is Lord. Now we must decide what that means for how we live today.

Why do we spend so much time judging other Christians over things God never commanded?In Romans 14, the Apostle Paul speaks directly to a problem that still exists in the church today — believers acting like they're the master instead of Jesus. We argue over opinions, preferences, traditions, and personal freedoms, while missing what it actually means to live as slaves of righteousness.In this message, Pastor Dean challenges us to stop playing God in other people's lives and start focusing on obedience, humility, and love. This isn't about ignoring sin — it's about recognizing the difference between God's commands and our opinions.If Jesus is truly your Master, then judgment isn't your job.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast, Hank says a few words about having an eternal perspective and how to develop one.Hank also answers the following questions:Can you clarify your view of the creation account and whether Adam was created with the appearance of age? James - St. Louis, MO (3:24)If Jesus became sin per 2 Corinthians 5:21, does that mean for a moment God hated Jesus because God hates sin? Jordan - KS (15:44)Why did God reject the sacrifice of Cain but accepted the sacrifice of Abel? Was it the blood? Patsy - Bradford, AZ (20:36)

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260117dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. Matthew 3:13-15 Baptism Connects Here is an interesting question: If Jesus never sinned, why did he need to be baptized? The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus endured temptations but never succumbed to them. He never sinned—not once. Not a stray thought, not a rash word, not a single misdeed. So, why did he need to be baptized? Jesus needed to be baptized “to fulfill all righteousness.” Not his righteousness—ours. Every one of us needs to be baptized into Jesus, and his baptism connects us to him. We are washed just as he was. But the water that washes us is not just water, it is water connected with Jesus’ very words—”the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Martin Luther explained: “It is certainly not the water that does such great things, but God’s Word which is in and with the water and faith which trusts this Word used with the water. For without God’s Word, the water is just plain water, and not baptism. But with this Word it is baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of rebirth by the Holy Spirit.” The little words at the end of today’s Bible passage should tell us something about our life of faith: “Then John consented.” We do nothing to initiate our contact with God, but he invites us to receive faith as a gift. Our humble “consent” is not something we do actively, but something God gives us to do in response to his grace. What a great God we have! He has connected himself to us by becoming human like us. And he has connected us to him through this simple faith-creating act of baptism. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of baptism that connects me to you, my perfect Savior, and makes me a member of God’s family. Guard and protect me, body and soul, that I may experience your love and goodness always. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260117dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. Matthew 3:13-15 Baptism Connects Here is an interesting question: If Jesus never sinned, why did he need to be baptized? The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus endured temptations but never succumbed to them. He never sinned—not once. Not a stray thought, not a rash word, not a single misdeed. So, why did he need to be baptized? Jesus needed to be baptized “to fulfill all righteousness.” Not his righteousness—ours. Every one of us needs to be baptized into Jesus, and his baptism connects us to him. We are washed just as he was. But the water that washes us is not just water, it is water connected with Jesus’ very words—”the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Martin Luther explained: “It is certainly not the water that does such great things, but God’s Word which is in and with the water and faith which trusts this Word used with the water. For without God’s Word, the water is just plain water, and not baptism. But with this Word it is baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of rebirth by the Holy Spirit.” The little words at the end of today’s Bible passage should tell us something about our life of faith: “Then John consented.” We do nothing to initiate our contact with God, but he invites us to receive faith as a gift. Our humble “consent” is not something we do actively, but something God gives us to do in response to his grace. What a great God we have! He has connected himself to us by becoming human like us. And he has connected us to him through this simple faith-creating act of baptism. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of baptism that connects me to you, my perfect Savior, and makes me a member of God’s family. Guard and protect me, body and soul, that I may experience your love and goodness always. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

“Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.’” (Mark 9:7 NLT) Two thousand years ago, Jesus put this question to the Pharisees: “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is He?” (Matthew 22:42 NLT). Some of history’s greatest minds have grappled with that question ever since. The confusion, doubt, and skepticism started early. It’s worth noting that during Jesus’ earthly ministry, many people were perplexed about who He really was. Jesus never became God, nor did Jesus ever cease to be God. His deity, which means His divine lordship—the fact that He is God—was pre-human, pre-earthly, and pre-Bethlehem. In the Incarnation, that moment when Jesus came to earth and was born of the Virgin Mary, He didn’t lay aside His deity. He was God before He was born, and He remained God after He became a man. We are given a glimpse of Jesus’ divine nature in the story of His transfiguration, as recorded in Mark 9:2–13. “Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them. Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus” (verses 2–4 NLT). According to Matthew’s description of the event, Jesus’ “face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light” (Matthew 17:2 NLT). For most of His time on earth, Jesus veiled His glory. But for one brief shining moment, God allowed Jesus’ disciples to see who He really is. God punctuated the moment with a verbal acknowledgment and a pointed instruction: “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him” (Mark 9:7 NLT). Jesus’ identity validates His words. Attention must be paid to His teachings because they come from the Son of God and God Himself. Ignoring them is not only short-sighted but also spiritually dangerous. In Matthew 16:13–20, we find a profound interaction between Jesus and His disciples that begins with a question from Jesus: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (verse 13 NLT). “‘Well,’ they replied, ‘some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets’” (verse 14 NLT). And then Jesus makes it personal. “But who do you say I am?” (verse 15 NLT, emphasis added). “Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God’” (verse 16 NLT). This may have been Peter’s finest moment. “Who do you say I am?” It’s a question everyone must answer—and a question everyone does answer, whether they realize it or not. You can’t very well say, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” and leave it at that. If Jesus is who He says He is, you must receive Him as Savior and Lord. You must obey His commands, follow His teachings, and seek His will for your life. Reflection question: Who do you believe Jesus is? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If Jesus asked you to choose the twelve men who would be his closest ministry partners, who would make your list?In today's episode, we continue our sermon series from the archives, The Gospel According to Mark, as Paul Tripp explores why Levi the tax collector would never be our pick—and how our reactions reveal hearts far more like the self-righteous scribes than we might expect.To hear more sermons from Paul, visit PaulTripp.com/Sermons.

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/0113-memorial-hilary.cfmFather Gabe Cillo, MIC, explains a truth so foundational that everything in the Christian life depends on it: Jesus Christ is truly God. Not partly divine, not a created being, not “like” God — but fully God and fully man.Father Gabe reflects on how the Church has defended this truth from the earliest centuries, especially against the Arian heresy, which claimed that the Son was created and therefore not truly God. The Church rejected this error because salvation itself depends on Christ's divinity. If Jesus were not God, He could not forgive sins, defeat demons, give us the Eucharist, or reconcile humanity with the Father. As Scripture proclaims, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1; NABRE).This truth gives believers confidence and courage. When we make the Sign of the Cross, invoke the holy name of Jesus, or adore Him in the Eucharist, we are not addressing a mere creature — we are worshiping God Himself. The demons recognize His authority because it is divine. Every knee bends at the name of Jesus because His name is the name of God.Father Gabe reminds us that the Eucharist, salvation, and every Sacrament only have power because Christ is God. Holding fast to this truth strengthens faith, deepens worship, and renews our trust in the Lord who alone can save.To grow in understanding of how Christ's divinity works through the Sacraments, explore Understanding the Sacraments, available at ShopMercy.org. Watch the full homily on YouTube and on Divine Mercy Plus, where Catholic content is free, ad-free, and faithful to Church teaching. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this week's Gospel text, Jesus is named "The Lamb of God" and Simon becomes Cephas/Peter. Elizabeth Garnsey and John Kennedy dive into these different names and the symbolism found in their stories. Plus, John offers a hot take on Anselm's theory of atonement and how it might've been misunderstood all along.Questions for Further Discussion:Themes and ApplicationNames matter deeply in this passage: Jesus is named, Simon is renamed Peter, and John the Baptizer points away from himself. How do names and labels shape identity, vocation, and calling in our own lives?Jesus does not explain, persuade, or argue. He invites. How does “come and see” challenge modern expectations that faith should be fully explained or defended upfront?Discipleship in John is deeply imitative. We become who we follow. Who or what do you notice shaping your habits, values, and imagination right now?Personal ReflectionWhich title for Jesus in this passage resonates most with you right now, and why? Lamb of God, Rabbi, Messiah, Son of God, Light, Word?What does “abiding” mean in your daily life? Where do you sense yourself truly dwelling, spiritually or emotionally?Can you recall a moment when being “seen” or “named” by someone changed how you understood yourself?Broader Spiritual ConsiderationsHow does rethinking sacrifice reshape our image of God? What might it mean to say God absorbs violence rather than demands it?The discussion frames sin less as rule-breaking and more as separation, division, and “us vs. them.” How does this understanding change repentance or reconciliation?If Jesus shows us what true humanity looks like, what habits, assumptions, or behaviors might need to be unlearned to follow him more fully?Want to have your question or comment featured on the podcast? Leave a voicemail on our Rev'd Up hotline! Call (203) 442-5002.Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

It's Monday, January 12th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Iran regime cuts nationwide internet access as protests claim 44 lives On January 8th, Iran was plunged into a nationwide internet blackout as anti-regime protests intensified, severely restricting communication across the country as demonstrations entered their second week and the death toll reached 44, reports Fox News. Before news of the latest killings came in, President Donald Trump, in an interview with Hugh Hewitt on Thursday, issued a warning to the Iranian regime. TRUMP: “I have let them know that if they start killing people -- which they tend to do during their riots, they have lots of riots -- if they do it, we're going to hit them very hard.” HEWITT: “Do you have a message for the people of Iran, President Trump?” TRUMP: “You should feel strongly about freedom. There's nothing like freedom. You're brave people. It's a shame what's happened to your country.” Ali Safavi, a member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, said the blackout coincided with violent confrontations in several regions. The victims were killed by the Revolutionary Guard and other security forces using live ammunition. The protests were sparked in December by the collapse of Iran's currency and soaring inflation, but they have since evolved into a broader movement demanding the overthrow of the Islamic Republic. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ in Iran who are suffering. VP Vance explains Trump's Western Hemisphere foreign policy In a White House briefing, Vice President J.D. Vance explained the Trump administration's foreign policy related to the Western Hemisphere. VANCE: “This is the president of peace. One of the ways that you establish peace in your own hemisphere is to make it clear that the United States is going to be respected, that the United States is willing to take power away from criminal cartel organizations and give it to legitimate governments. “That's how we see the future of the Western Hemisphere, and we think it's going to be much more peaceful than it was, certainly under [former President] Joe Biden.” Congressman: 78% of Somali Minnesotans on welfare after 10 years During a January 7th House Oversight Committee meeting, Republican Congressman Brandon Gill of Texas, age 31, asked Brendan Ballou, a former U.S. Special Counsel at the Department of Justice, a series of questions related to the abuse of taxpayer dollars by Somali-headed households in Minnesota. GILL: “Does large scale Somali immigration make Minnesota stronger or weaker?” BALLOU: “Certainly stronger.” GILL: “Do you know what percentage of Somali-headed households in Minnesota are on food stamps?” BALLOU: “No.” GILL: “54%.  Do you know what that number is for native Minnesota headed households?” BALLOU: “Well, to be clear, a majority of those …” GILL: “It's 7%. It's 7%. There's a big difference between 54% and 7%, isn't there?” BALLOU: “Excise me, sir, could I? Could I answer the question?” GILL: “Let me, let me move on. We've got a lot of questions here. What percentage of Somali-headed households in Minnesota are on Medicaid?” BALLOU: “I don't know.” GILL: “It's 73% Do you know what that number is for Minnesota native households?” BALLOU: “Again, you're using the phrase Minnesota native households, but the majority …" GILL: “The number is 18%. That's a quite an astounding difference. I think we would.” BALLOU: “Can I answer the question please?” GILL: “Let me ask you one more, and then we can go into that. What percentage of Somali-headed households are on welfare in general?” BALLOU: “I don't know." GILL: “81%. After 10 years of being in the United States, what percentage of Somali immigrant households continue to be on welfare?” BALLOU:  “I don't know.” GILL: “The number is 78%. So, even after 10 years, 78% of Somali immigrant households continue to be on welfare. Do you know what that number is for non-Somali immigrant headed households?” BALLOU: “The majority of Somali Minnesotans are as Minnesotan as any of us. They were born in the United States. It's only 8,000 of the 108,000.” GILL: “Nevertheless, the welfare usage is astoundingly different. Let me ask you again, does that make Minnesota stronger or weaker?” BALLOU: “Again, I'd like the opportunity to answer the question here. So again, the majority of Somali Minnesotans are born in the United States, as I understand.” GILL: “Okay. But what percentage of working-age Somalians, who have been in the US for 10 years or more, how many of them speak English very well?” BALLOU: “I don't know.” GILL: “About half. That seems pretty low, doesn't it?” BALLOU: “Again, I keep trying…” GILL: “Doesn't sound like something that makes our country stronger to me. And I think most Americans would agree with me on that.” Michael Reagan's legacy Michael Reagan, the adopted son of former U.S. president Ronald Reagan and his first wife, actress Jane Wyman, died of cancer on January 4th at the age of 80, reported The Epoch Times. He hosted “The Michael Reagan Show,” a nationally syndicated talk radio program, for nearly 20 years, and was a contributor to the conservative Newsmax television network. In Reagan's 1988 autobiography On the Outside Looking In and the 2004 follow-up Twice Adopted, he discussed his difficult childhood, including feelings of not belonging in his famous family, and his profound journey of faith and forgiveness. He penned Lessons My Father Taught Me in 2016, which explored the wisdom his father passed down. Christopher Ruddy, the Editor-in-Chief of NewsMax, wrote, “Mike asked his father about his plan to defeat the Soviet Union. Ronald Reagan replied, ‘It's simple, Mike. They lose. We win.' That was Reagan's genius — clarity, moral confidence, and the determination to win. “Michael believed — like his father — that Americans are part of a living chain stretching back to the Sons of Liberty. Each generation inherits the responsibility to defend freedom, share our values, and serve as a beacon of hope to the world. The torch is passed, and it must never be dropped. Ronald Reagan's greatest torchbearer was his eldest and adopted son.” Beyond physical freedom, Christ offers spiritual freedom from are sin which is the ultimate freedom. John 8:36 says, “If [Jesus], the Son, therefore, shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” Charles Spurgeon's conversion anniversary And finally, last week, on January 6th, Christians celebrated the 176th anniversary of the Christian conversion of Charles Spurgeon in 1850 at the age of 15. On his way to a scheduled appointment, a snowstorm forced him to cut short his intended journey and to turn into a Primitive Methodist chapel on Artillery Street in Colchester, England, where he believed God opened his heart to the salvation message. The text that moved him was Isaiah 45:22. It says, "Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the Earth, for I am God, and there is none else.” In April 1854, after preaching three months on probation and just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 19 years old, was called to the pastorate of London's famed New Park Street Chapel. Charles Spurgeon became known as the "Prince of Preachers,” defended the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, and opposed the liberal theological heresies in the Church of his day. May the Lord raise up more Charles Spurgeons in our day. Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, January 12th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

What if the biggest barrier between you and the life God has for you is your own disobedience? In this message, Pastor Josh challenges us to move from sentiment to substance, because surrender isn't the same as obedience. We may feel surrendered, but until we actually obey, we're still holding back. If Jesus isn't Lord of all, He isn't Lord at all.If you're new to Harbor or want to get connected in any way click this link to get your New Here gift, find upcoming events or get involved!https://harborchurch.com/connect

Is there anything in your life that's off-limits from Jesus? If Jesus is Lord, “there is not one square inch over the whole domain of our human existence,” Dutch theologian Abraham Kuyper says, “over which Christ … does not cry, mine.” In our 2026 Vision Teaching Series, we're going to explore how Jesus is Lord over every aspect of our lives—including every minute, dollar, person, inch, word, and calling.

Michael Lodge, Speaking Pastor Studies show that the majority of Christians believe it is important to share one's faith with the world. The same studies show that very few do this on a regular basis. If Jesus is the most important reality in our life that has changed us and led us to abundance in life, then how could we keep from sharing Him with those close to us in life? Today we are exploring the gospel and challenging ourselves to share it with one person this year. Click on the links below for additional Cascade Church resources. Connect Card: https://cascadechurch.org/connect Give Online: https://cascadechurch.org/give  

January 11, 2026: May God's words be spoken, may God's words be heard. Amen. Now, if you have been here these past few weeks of Christmastide and the Feast of the Epiphany, you would be right thinking that Jesus sure grows up fast, I mean we just celebrated his birth, then last week he's a kid being visited by Magi, and now he's a grown man! I mean, at this rate, a week from now should be Palm Sunday, right? Wrong. Well, sort of – Ash Wednesday is coming up in just a few weeks, so buckle up. Still, you couldn't be blamed for feeling a bit of lectionary whiplash right about now. Kinda the way you feel the day after Christmas when there's stuff in the stores for Valentine's Day, which I do NOT appreciate given that happens to be my birthday, and there is no need to rush it. But, back to the texts we heard today from the Gospel of Matthew and from Isaiah. In the gospel we here the story of Jesus' baptism. Left off of what we heard today, is what Jesus does just afterward. He is led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit where he encounters evil. And in the wake of all that has happened in our nation this past year, and most recently, this past week, it would seem a message we very much need today. I will speak more about that in a minute, but it is important to first underscore what we are hearing in today's texts – about Christ's baptism, yes, but also about our own. Our collect today, the prayer we offered at the beginning of this service, was this: “Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made…” This isn't just a dunk in some water – this is a contract with God – a covenant we make in the name of Christ, and that is sealed by the Holy Spirit. And in our passage this morning from Isaiah, we hear some of what that covenant requires of us. About the prophet, God says “I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.” Now, think about that…and then hear again the vows we all make at baptism either for ourselves, or was made by our parents, and Godparents, and we later confirmed. We promise to “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves, and striving for justice and peace among all peoples, respecting the dignity of every human being.” See, the thing is…when we are baptized, we are baptized into something…or really baptized into someone. It is an identity that comes with a calling – the calling to free the captives, fight for justice and peace, and to love and serve. We are baptized into a life of Christ – because we are the body of Christ alive in the world today. And as the body of Christ, we don't just leave the waters of baptism, grab a towel, and continue as though nothing happened. We do as he did after his baptism – we live the life we are called to live – a life of ministry in a broken world – a life of wilderness moments when we are challenged, and pushed to the brink. And Lordy, we are in the wilderness now. This past week our government continued its horrific, unconstitutional, racist, and cruel violence against the people of our nation. Renee Nicole Good, a US citizen and young mother of three, was gunned down while in her car by an ICE agent in Minneapolis this past Wednesday. Her wife, Becca Good, is left to care for their 6 year old son. The video of the attack is brutal to watch, and the lies about her and the incident by our government just add to the horror. Renee is not the first to be killed, or tortured, or imprisoned unlawfully. She sadly will not be the last. In fact, on Thursday, the very next night, two more people were shot by ICE agents in their vehicle in Portland. These are very dark days for our nation and for the world. Like many of you, I have been at more than one vigil in response – one of them just down the street from my home on the Newton Green– which is in the middle of a very red part of our Garden State. Like the other vigils, it was a community gathered in love amidst tragedy and hate. Sadly, even as we stood together, someone shouted out from a passing truck “ICE, ICE, Baby!” The cruelty of our President and his followers seems to be the point. Yet we were not deterred, and continued to stand together to be a witness to the horror that has taken yet another life. One of the things I have said at these vigils is that our faith is one that follows a man who preached love and peace, and was executed by the government because of it. Yet his resurrection taught us all that light will always overcome darkness, life is stronger than death, and love will always defeat hate. It is the only thing that can. Renee Good understood that truth. Her wife, Becca Good, said in a statement after her murder, said: “I am now left to raise our son and to continue teaching him, as Renee believed, that there are people building a better world for him. That the people who did this had fear and anger in their hearts, and we need to show them a better way.” Indeed we do. We must. Because love is the only way out of this long national nightmare. We must stand as a testament to the power of love – to heal, to restore, to change the world – because that is what we committed to in our own baptism. So, we will keep on fighting for the suffering Christ in our midst, never forgetting Renee and all the other victims. That is how we will change the world – one step, one vigil, one march, one act of kindness, one moment of courage at a time. But that does not mean the road will be easy for us. It certainly wasn't for Jesus. He had his time in the wilderness, and we are now deep within it too. Today, we are faced with a seemingly never-ending onslaught of cruelty by those who should be servants of the people. We are worn to the bone by the vitriolic hate our President, his team, and his supporters spew nearly hour by hour, all amid a daily avalanche of lies and purposeful misdirection by the ones we are supposed to trust. The purpose is to knock us off center and keep us so disoriented that we feel helpless, hopeless, and filled with rage. Why would they want this? It's simple really – it is so we respond with the same in kind. For evil knows that darkness will feed darkness, hate will fuel hate, violence will breed violence. They fan the flames to incite those who oppose them to be just like them, which will give them fodder to increase the violence in a never-ending cycle. And in moments like this, it is very tempting to give into it. Why not fight fire with fire – violence with violence, hate with hate. We feel so drawn to it, do we not, if we are honest with ourselves? But the thing is, we need to consider who tries to draw us to hate and violence. Remember what happened to Jesus in the wilderness – the evil one spoke to him – catching him when he was worn from his long journey in that place – and showing him a path forward that seemed so simple. If Jesus would only turn aside from God, everything would be great – he would be great – the evil one said. You could understand the temptation. I mean – he was promised he could turn stone into bread – that would solve all the hunger in the world. He could be made king over everyone – imagine today if you could take the power away from all the world's brutal dictators, including our own? Yet Jesus knew that isn't the path toward peace, toward wholeness, toward grace. It wasn't for him, and it most certainly isn't for us. To be clear – righteous anger at injustice is good and will propel us to act like Christ, and overturn tables of oppression. But anger rooted in hate will only lead to violence and a turning away from Christ – that can never be our way forward. No, not for those who are baptized into him. We are meant to choose another way. At that vigil the other night in Newton, the organizer wanted to close with the hymn Amazing Grace, but wasn't sure of the words. So, I stood beside her and helped lead everyone in singing those lyrics of redemption. One of those verses is: Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. Grace is God's gift to us, and it, not hate, will always lead us through the wilderness and to home – where we will be grounded in the knowledge and love of Christ, and renewed to live as we are called to live in our baptismal covenant. And folks – that will change the world. It really will. God's grace is how we will get through this. Love is how we will change it. After I spoke at the vigil in Newton, a young mother of two boys – a teen of about 14 years old or so, and the other about 10 – came up to me. The teen apparently had told his mom after listening to me that he wanted to go to church, and she – a person who had been harmed by her own church experience – wanted to know where I was a priest, feeling that it would be inclusive. Since our parish is so far from where this was, I told them of another one they should try. That conversation filled me with hope – to see young people yearning for a relationship with God. And it is certainly something seen a lot these days as church attendance by all ages is on the rise. I believe that this is a sign of the future of the church, as people seek a way forward, and they witness us living out our lives in Christ. Because so many people today are yearning for an alternative to the madness they are witnessing. In a world filled with conflict, violence, hate, war, poverty, and abuse of the environment – seekers hope to be connected to something they sense is larger than all of that – stronger than all of that – to a God that loves unconditionally, and a faith community that reflects that love openly, consistently, and with intention. They are looking for comfort and peace, yes, but most especially, they want to know that God loves them in a place that welcomes everyone, amid a world that wants to exclude them. That is why what we do here is so important. It feeds us in a time of deep hunger, but it also is food for the world. Here is where we are given the strength for our wilderness journey. Here we offer that food of life to others. Here we are reminded of our baptismal contract with God – a life of prophetic witness, rooted in the love of Christ, that calls us to speak truth, to act for justice, to stand for peace, to offer hope and love to a people in darkness. We have made a commitment to God to be the ones to speak up against those who traffic in hate and violence. To be the ones to stand against those who seek to oppress and marginalize. To be the ones to respond to hate with love and lies with truth. And especially to be the ones to counter the racist, homophobic, and sexist, words and actions by earthly rulers and proclaim in the streets, in the halls of government, in our churches, and everywhere in the world that God loves EVERYONE– NO EXCEPTIONS – and so will we. For like the prophet in Isaiah, and like our savior in whose name we are baptized, we too were given “as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.” There are many in prisons now – dungeons of bigotry and oppression, poverty, hopelessness, loneliness, and addiction. This is not time to throw the covers over our head and attend the church of the Holy Comforter. This is not a time to tune out. This is not a time to not pay attention. This is not a time to forget who we are, and whose we are. This is the time for us to be who we were born and baptized to be – prophets of his light, grace, and love – God's beloved agents of transformation. And there is nothing – no President or other leader, no ICE agent or army, no person or organization, that can stop what we, together, and by God's grace, will bring about – the overturning of evil, and the restoration of the world. They may have killed Renee Good, but by the good in each of us, rooted in the love of Christ – we will prevail. Amen. For the audio, click below, or subscribe to our iTunes Sermon Podcast by clicking here (also available on Audible): Sermon Podcast https://christchurchepiscopal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Sermon-January-11-2026-1.m4a The Rev. Diana L. Wilcox Christ Church in Bloomfield & Glen Ridge January 11, 2026 The First Sunday After The Epiphany 1st Reading – Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalm 29 2nd Reading – Acts 10:34-43 Gospel – Matthew 3:13-17 The post “The Good In Us” appeared first on Christ Episcopal Church.

Every generation asks "Who is Jesus?" but eventually it becomes deeply personal. Even John the Baptist, one of the strongest believers, wrestled with doubt while imprisoned. Yet when he doubted, he didn't turn away from Jesus - he turned TO Jesus with his questions.Jesus didn't rebuke John for his doubts. Instead, He patiently pointed to the evidence: "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the dead are raised" (Matthew 11:5). These weren't random miracles - they were fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecies about the Messiah.If Jesus isn't our Savior, we'll inevitably look for someone or something else to save us. But when we truly believe Jesus is "the one," our future becomes secure no matter what circumstances we face.The question remains: Who do YOU say Jesus is?

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (01/08/26), Hank addresses criticisms of Noah's flood being comical.Hank also answers the following questions:When a Christian struggles with fear, is going to a counselor for help permissible? Tammy - New Egypt, NJ (3:20)If Jesus became sin per 2 Corinthians 5:21, does that mean for a moment God hated Jesus because God hates sin? Jordan - KS (15:44)Why did God reject the sacrifice of Cain but accepted the sacrifice of Abel? Was it the blood? Patsy - Bradford, AZ (20:36)

When it comes to my own worldview and journey in theology and the Bible, this was a question to settle on an answer for: Did Jesus die for every person who ever lived, or only for the elect? And then there were the follow-up questions: If Jesus died for the everyone, ever, then why weren't their sins paid for? Why do they still go to Hell? And if Jesus died for a "category" of people (and we join that category through deciding to have faith), then can I ever really say that "Jesus died for me?" This is where the heart of the difference lies between Roman Catholics and Reformed Protestants on this issue: the Reformed can say "Jesus Christ loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). This is Limited Atonement, or "Particular Redemption" expressed.Watch my whole Apologetics Answers playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfSpUNYR5qo6sv8Pk8x0tmaq8lLQHHlTm&si=FlnSB-pBhZ6SSaJEMen, get real accountability and knowledge to help you become the worldview leader your family and church need. Try out the Hammer & Anvil Society FREE. Learn more ➡️ https://hammerandanvil.circle.so/c/join/join-the-hammer-anvil-society----Check out our FREE CLASS on 3 Steps for Unleashing the POWER of Presuppositional Apologetics

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 NLT) Can you think of a movie that was ruined by its ending? Maybe the final scenes were too heartbreaking. Or too happy. Or too unbelievable. Or too predictable. Or too confusing. Or too abrupt. When I was young, I had similar feelings about the story of Jesus. Ever since childhood, I’ve always had a great admiration for the historical person known as Jesus. I had seen all His movies. I thought very highly of Him. As a boy, I lived with my grandmother for a few years. I would thumb through her big family Bible and look at the illustrations of Jesus. She also had a picture of Jesus hanging on the wall. I would stare at it and think, “I wish I could have known that man, Jesus.” The one thing I didn’t like about the life of Jesus was how the story ended. I thought it should have been rewritten with a happier ending. The part about His being crucified wrecked everything for me. After all, He was on a great roll, healing people, teaching people, changing lives. But then it all suddenly came to an end. Why did they have to put Him on a cross and kill Him? It wasn’t until after I became a Christian that I realized that the crucifixion of Jesus was the specific reason He came to earth in the first place. What Jesus accomplished in thirty-three years is almost beyond comprehension. The apostle John ended his Gospel with these words: “Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25 NLT). But make no mistake: Jesus came to die. He spoke of His death frequently and in great detail with His followers. His arrest and crucifixion didn’t take Him by surprise. Jesus summed it up well when He told His disciples, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NLT). We must also remember that Jesus’ story doesn’t end with the crucifixion. He rose again on the third day. If Jesus hadn’t died, He wouldn’t have risen. If He hadn’t risen, there would be no reason for this devotion. Or for Harvest Christian Fellowship, for that matter. The apostle Paul wrote, “And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless” (1 Corinthians 15:14 NLT). Jesus was born to die so that we might live. Have you accepted the gift of eternal life that Jesus purchased with His death? If not, you can accept that gift today. If you have, are you telling other people about it? As Paul wrote to the believers in Rome, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (Romans 10:14 NLT). Reflection question: How can you share the Good News of Jesus with someone who needs to hear it? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join the Impact 360 podcast for an in-depth conversation with Robert Bowman, a leading evangelical scholar on apologetics, theology, and new religious movements. In this episode, we explore the biblical case for the deity of Christ through Bowman's book "The Incarnate Christ and His Critics: A Biblical Defense," co-authored with Ed Komoszewski.The HANDS Acronym FrameworkBowman introduces the memorable "HANDS" framework for understanding Christ's deity:Honors - Divine worship given to JesusAttributes - Divine characteristics (eternality, omnipotence)Names - Divine titles (Lord, God, I AM)Deeds - Divine actions (creation, miracles, judgment)Seat - Sharing God's throneKey Theological ConceptsThe Incarnation: Understanding Jesus as fully God and fully humanThe Paradox of Christ: How Jesus can be both eternal and born, divine and humanEarly Christian Worship: Evidence that first-century Jewish Christians worshiped Jesus as God from the beginningThe "Big Bang" of Christology: How divine Christology emerged immediately, not graduallyAddressing Common Objections"Why doesn't Jesus explicitly say 'I am God'?""If Jesus is God, who is he praying to?""Doesn't 'Son of God' mean Jesus is lesser than God?"John 1:1 translation debates ("the Word was God" vs. "the Word was a god")Resources MentionedBooks"The Incarnate Christ and His Critics: A Biblical Defense" by Robert Bowman and Ed Komoszewski"Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ" (2007) by the same authorsWebsitesInstitute for Religious Research: IRR.org - Hundreds of free articles on apologetics, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and biblical reliabilityRobert Bowman's Personal Site: RobertBowman.net - Blog, book information, and free excerptsImpact 360 Institute ProgramsPropel & Immersion - 1-2 week summer experiences for high school studentsFellows Program - 9-month gap year program for post-high school studentsWebsite: Impact360.org

Is there anything in your life that's off-limits from Jesus? If Jesus is Lord, “there is not one square inch over the whole domain of our human existence,” Dutch theologian Abraham Kuyper says, “over which Christ … does not cry, mine.” In our 2026 Vision Teaching Series, we're going to explore how Jesus is Lord over every aspect of our lives—including every minute, dollar, person, inch, word, and calling.

What if church isn't about obligation or routine—but about joy that lasts? In this stand-alone message launching our 2026 Memory Verses, Eric invites us to consider a powerful truth from Psalm 126:3: “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” This sermon explores the difference between happiness that fades and joy rooted in what God has already done for us—ultimately revealed in Jesus. If you've ever wondered, “If Jesus… then what?”, this message boldly answers: If Jesus, then joy.

If Jesus needed to fast, how much more do we need it? Fasting is not about earning merit with God, but rather a biblical discipline modeled by Jesus that deals with our flesh, creates spiritual hunger, empowers us against temptation, and produces breakthrough where nothing else will.

If Jesus is a Jesus you can carry, He can't carry you. In this message from John 1:1-5, we uncover the truth that Jesus is the eternal Word fully God, Creator, and the life-giving light who sustains all things. This isn't a small, convenient Jesus; He is the powerful source of all life and light in a dark world. Join us as we restore awe and reverence for Christ's divinity and discover how faith in Him brings true life that no darkness can overcome.Don't miss this call to meet the Jesus who is bigger than any challenge and greater than any beginning.Subscribe and journey with us through the Gospel of John in 2026!

Send us a textHappy New Year, everyone! Our entire staff here at FC 2.0 headquarters wish you nothing but the best. That's very much unlike the end-of-life journey the Italians offered their once-admired dictator at the end of WW2. If you didn't know that factoid, strap it in for a 2026 ride. David invested his time during the biggest worldwide party of the year learning such knowledge and we, loyal listeners, are always generous with what we discover. If Jesus thought it important to connect in regional dialects so we could know, so do we. Dude!!

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    A few times I will get an email about all the things I miss in a podcast over a topic or a portion of scripture… Look I only get 7 minutes before you lose your attention… so focus on the seven minutes… and don't get distracted. It's Gods word, focus on that and not on what is not being said…and that's where we are going today!    Matthew 14:22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It's a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don't be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.   PETER DID NOT SAY “LORD LET ME WALK ON WATER” HE SAID COMMAND ME TO WALK ON WATER…. Touch the heavens, speak from the throne of God and make it happen by your words and your words alone.      Peter doesn't know much… but at this point he does know one thing: If Jesus commands it- it will happen. If he speaks the word- it will fulfill its purpose. **THIS IS WHY HE NEEDED TO HEAR JESUS SPEAK THE WORD.        It is important to note that Matthew also includes several "summary verses" (e.g., Matthew 4:23, 14:14) stating that Jesus healed "many" or "all" who came to Him, implying the actual number of miracles was in the hundreds or thousands.However, the specific, detailed accounts recorded up to Matthew 14:28 are as follows:     Cleansing a Leper (Matt. 8:1–4) Jesus commands be healed Healing the Centurion's Servant (Matt. 8:5–13) You don't need to come just say the word Healing Peter's Mother-in-Law (Matt. 8:14–15) Casting out demons with his command Calming the Storm at Sea (Matt. 8:23–27) He commands it to be calm Casting Demons into a Herd of Pigs (The Gadarene Demoniacs) (Matt. 8:28–34) He commands them into the pigs Healing a Paralytic (Matt. 9:1–8 Speaks take up your Matt and walk Healing the Woman with the Issue of Blood (Matt. 9:20–22) Raising Jairus' Daughter from the Dead (Matt. 9:18–26) 10.Healing Two Blind Men (Matt. 9:27–31) 11.Healing a Mute Demoniac (Matt. 9:32–34) 12.Healing the Man with a Withered Hand (Matt. 12:9–14) He tells him to hold out his hand 13.Healing a Blind and Mute Demoniac (Matt. 12:22) 14.Feeding the 5,000 (Matt. 14:13–21) Jesus commands the disciples you feed them.   **THIS WAS THE SET UP FOR PETER! He knew that all authority was subject to his voice, his words, his authority. Nature, Supernatural and Physical.  15.Jesus Walking on the Water (Matt. 14:25–27) 16. Peter walking on Water     Things we learn: Peter did not jump out of the boat on emotion… any emotion he felt would have been fear, uncertainty in the storm. 

Sermon Summary: “Who Hijacked Christmas?”   Christians Reclaimed Christmas The sermon explains that Christmas was not stolen from Christianity—Christians intentionally reclaimed it. Long before Christ, pagan cultures celebrated the winter solstice with fleshly festivals. Believers stepped into that moment and redirected the season to focus on God sending His Son. Rather than abandoning the season, the church redeemed it for truth. The Birth Matters Because the Resurrection Matters While the resurrection is the greatest event in history, the birth had to happen first. Christmas is celebrated not because of a date on the calendar, but because without the birth there is no cross, no empty tomb, and no salvation. Celebrating Christ's birth honors the beginning of God's redemptive plan. Defending the Virgin Birth A central emphasis of the sermon is the virgin birth. Jesus was not merely born—He was conceived by the Holy Spirit. This supernatural conception is essential to Christianity. If Jesus is not born of a virgin, He is not the Son of God and Christianity becomes just another religion. The church historically elevated Christmas to defend this truth when it came under attack. Jesus Is the Good Shepherd and God's Gift Through John 10 and the illustration of the candy cane, the sermon teaches that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. The red represents His blood, the white His purity, and the shepherd's staff His care and protection. Jesus came to give abundant life and eternal life. Celebration Is Biblical Just as Israel celebrated God's miracles (such as Hanukkah), believers are encouraged to celebrate God's greatest miracle—Jesus Christ. Celebration does not equal compromise. Giving gifts reflects God's nature, because God loved and gave first. Materialism is a heart issue, not a Christmas issue. The Unseen Became Seen The sermon highlights that Christmas marks the moment when the unseen God became visible. Jesus stepped into human history, walked in our shoes, suffered, and redeemed humanity. His coming proves God did not abandon a fallen world but entered it to save it. Stand for Christ in Every Season Believers are called to stand boldly for Jesus—not just at Christmas, but in every moment of life. The world is imperfect, but Christians are light in darkness, using every opportunity to point others to Christ rather than withdrawing from culture. The Greatest Gift Still Offered The message concludes by reminding listeners that Jesus is still healing, delivering, restoring, and saving. He is the Anointed One who sets captives free. Christmas ultimately declares that God sent His Son as a ransom, offering forgiveness, healing, and eternal life to all who believe.     This sermon explains that Christians did not lose Christmas—they redeemed it. While many cultures celebrated pagan festivals around the winter solstice, believers intentionally reclaimed the season to celebrate the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ. Though Jesus was likely not born in December, the timing does not diminish the meaning. The focus is on why we celebrate, not the calendar date. The message emphasizes that the birth of Jesus is essential, because without the birth there could be no death, resurrection, or salvation. Christmas matters because it defends the virgin birth, which confirms Jesus as the only begotten Son of God, distinct from every other religious leader. If the virgin birth is denied, Christianity collapses into just another religion. Using Scripture from Isaiah, Luke, and John, the sermon highlights Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the Anointed One (Messiah), and God's help sent into the world. His supernatural conception, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection reveal that the unseen God became seen in human form. The sermon challenges believers not to abandon Christmas because of materialism or cultural misuse. A fallen world will always distort good things, but that does not negate truth. Instead, Christians are called to stand up in every moment—holidays, workplaces, families, and culture—to proclaim Christ. The message closes with a call to endurance and bold faith, urging believers to let God heal their wounds, stop focusing on imperfections, and consistently testify that Jesus is the Son of God, born of a virgin, crucified, resurrected, and still saving today. Christmas is not about traditions—it is about celebrating God's greatest gift to humanity.

The Church was established and is sustained through - God's Presence in God's People advancing God's PurposeOUTLINE:God's presence (2:1-4) God's people (2:42-46) God's purpose (2:47) QUESTIONS:Is there something you are unashamed about liking / supporting? (sports team, hobby, music, political party… etc) Why do you think it can be easier to be bold about those things than our walks with Jesus? How does seeing God's Presence, the Holy Spirit, as a fire impact what we see happening in Acts 2:1-4? (Exodus 3, 40. 2 Chronicles 7. Ezekiel 37:27) What does that tell us about God's Presence now? Acts 2:42 lists a few things the early church was devoted to. Why do you think these are listed here? Where do you feel particularly strong or weak in these areas? 2:43-46 unpacks how the Spirit filled followers of Jesus were gathering & doing life together. What are some of the things that stood out from the way they do community & fellowship? Have you ever experienced this? What could we learn from this passage about how we see community?According to v47 - who is responsible for adding people to the church? How can we join God in His purposes to advance the kingdom? In our families? Our work places? Our hobbies? If Jesus is building His Church, what does that change about how we are to live this week?

If Jesus said that faith even as small as a mustard seed could move mountains…then why are so many of your mountains still standing?Unfortunately, Christian husbands living the nice guy lie are told that all they need is a teeny tiny speck of faith. If that's the case...then...Why is your marriage still stuck, your finances capped, your health unchanged, your inner world still heavy… even though you “believe” and you've been told that “even a tiny mustard seed of faith is enough”? In fact, many Christian husbands struggle with weak faith and stagnant growth in their marriage, finances, and personal well-being, despite believing the common teaching about tiny faith. In this teaching, I'm going to show you something that might upset a lot of Sunday school lessons:Jesus never talked about the small size of your faith.He talked about the nature of it.We're going into the Greek, the interlinear, and the actual word Jesus used. Then we'll look at what mustard actually does in the wild: it's invasive, dominant, environment-transforming. And you're going to see that the faith that moves mountains is not a cute, tiny speck… it's an invasive, aggressive, environment-changing belief that crowds out doubt, fear, and passivity.Once you see this, it will change:How you prayHow you fight for your marriageHow you go after healing, provision, and breakthroughHow you interpret “unanswered” prayers in your lifeAnd if you're a Christian husband who's tired of praying tiny prayers while your marriage slowly dies… this is your wake-up call. Heaven is not asking you for a polite speck of faith. Heaven is inviting you into a wildfire faith that rewires your inner world, rewrites your story, and forcefully invades the darkness and the world around you.Stop playing the polite Christian Nice Guy role. Start becoming a masculine force to be reckoned with.

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, These are not the words of a crazy man, a lunatic, or a religious fanatic cult leader. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Lord, we worship You as the resurrection and the life. Everything and everyone around us who is not in You is in a state of perpetual death. There is no life but in You. This is what makes living to love with Jesus so exciting and hopeful. Think about it. If Jesus loves through us, then that deed lives forever for the glory of God. Every other deed is lifeless and dead. Therefore, everyone who believes in Jesus, that is, trusts in His life within as the fountain and source of his life, always lives even if he stops breathing—he's united to eternal life! What a statement about Lazarus. Even if he no longer breaths in his body, Lazarus still lives. What a comfort to Martha—and to us!

Christmas isn't just about the crib or even the cross—it's also about the crown. The prophet Isaiah predicted a coming king from the line of Jesse. In this message, Pastor Lutzer walks us through this prophecy and shows us how Jesus fulfilled it. If Jesus' first coming was fulfilled, then His second coming is assured!  To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29?v=20251111

Christmas isn't just about the crib or even the cross—it's also about the crown. The prophet Isaiah predicted a coming king from the line of Jesse. In this message, Pastor Lutzer walks us through this prophecy and shows us how Jesus fulfilled it. If Jesus' first coming was fulfilled, then His second coming is assured!  This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.  Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives.  Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.    SUPPORT:  Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/  Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/    SUBSCRIBE:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia  Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/ 

The birth of Jesus is preceded by the announcement and birth of John the Baptist. If Jesus truly is the Promised Messiah, the messenger must come first to prepare the way. Luke's presentation of John the Baptist includes the theme of reversal. When Jesus comes he will reverse the trajectory of Israel's story toward redemption, hope, and joy.

Did Jesus really change the world—or is that just something Christians say? In this episode, Pastor Doug explores the undeniable historical, cultural, and personal impact of Jesus Christ, from reshaping human dignity to transforming individual lives today. You'll be challenged to consider not only how Jesus changed history, but what that means for your own heart, purpose, and future.Support the mission of the Salty Pastor podcast! Visit our donations page at https://pushpay.com/g/thesaltypastor to help us continue sharing truth with a world in need.Discussion Questions:In what concrete ways has Jesus influenced the world we live in today?Why do some people struggle to accept the claim that Jesus truly changed history?If Jesus can change the world, what areas of your own life might need His transforming power?

Episode 2.67What does it actually mean to say that God became man?In this episode of Take 2 Theology, the incarnation of the second person of the Trinity is explored—who became incarnate, what changed, and what did not. The discussion walks through classic Christian teaching on Christ's full deity and full humanity, drawing from Scripture, the Chalcedonian Definition, and the Athanasian Creed.Key theological questions are addressed:How can Christ be one person with two natures?Why the incarnation must be assumption, not subtractionWhere Christ's obedience belongs—in His humanity, not His eternal beingWhy debates over eternal subordination matter for the Trinity and worshipThe episode also explores whether the incarnation was merely God's response to sin or central to His eternal plan, and why Christ's two wills make His obedience real rather than symbolic.If Jesus is not fully God, worship collapses. If He is not fully human, salvation fails. The incarnation stands at the center of Christian theology—and this episode explains why it still matters.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/hGHP0bZOwJEMerch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

Hope doesn't live behind us; it's being prepared ahead. We dive into Advent as a season of patient, forward-looking formation, pushing back on the rush to celebrate early and the nostalgia that quietly tells us the best days are gone. From Mary's courageous yes to the early church's costly love, we trace a simple thread: God meets us in the middle of ordinary life, and hospitality is how hope takes shape.We unpack Luke 2 with cultural clarity: the “no room” moment likely refers to a full guest room, not a failed inn, placing Jesus' birth inside a bustling home where animals warmed the night. That shift changes everything. The manger sits in the center of human life, not on the edges, and the incarnation becomes a model for how we welcome Christ now—by welcoming people whose presence may complicate our schedules and challenge our assumptions. Mary's forward-looking faith counters the despair of longing for rooms we can't return to; Advent trains us to prepare a place while Christ prepares one for us.From there, we connect the dots to the early church's witness. The gospel spread less through polished arguments and more through embodied compassion—tables set for strangers, care for the vulnerable, and courage to love beyond convenience.  As we move toward Christmas, we name the most sacred work many of us will do: set the family table, slow down enough to notice the lonely, and make room for God in the mess, the noise, and the real. If Jesus was born in a house, then our homes can become holy ground today.My hope is that this podcast helps grow your faith and equips you to accomplish your dreams and goals!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookFollow me on TikTok

The Unedited Genealogy of Jesus “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah…” — Matthew 1:1 We are accustomed to telling our stories selectively. We polish the edges, omit the failures, and highlight the moments that make us appear respectable. Scripture itself records that genealogies were often written this way—compressed, edited, and curated. Yet when Matthew opens his Gospel, he does something startling. He edits, yes—but not the way we would expect. He leaves the shame in. The family line of Jesus Christ is not a showcase of uninterrupted virtue. It is a record of sinners, scandals, and severe moral collapse. Judah and Tamar. Rahab the prostitute. Ruth the outsider. David and “the wife of Uriah.” Kings who shed innocent blood and led God's people into darkness. Matthew does not blur these names into obscurity; he underlines them. He insists that we see the Messiah standing at the end of a long, broken line. This is not carelessness—it is purposeful. God is telling us something essential about the heart of redemption. If Jesus were ashamed of broken people, He would have edited them out of His own family tree. But He did not. The people we would hide are the very people God highlights. The people we would disqualify are the people God deliberately includes. From the beginning, the incarnation declares that Jesus did not come from sanitized humanity, but from real humanity—and therefore He has come for it. Here is the first truth we must face: anyone can belong to His family. Not because sin does not matter, but because grace matters more. The genealogy preaches before Jesus ever speaks. It announces that doubt, failure, addiction, and disgrace do not place you beyond reach—they place you precisely within the kind of reach Christ came to extend. The bloodline of Jesus says to the least and the lost, “There is room.” But Matthew presses us further. This family tree also reveals that God redeems what we assume is ruined. David's greatest failure is not erased; it is transformed. From a union marked by adultery and death comes Solomon—and through Solomon, the promises of God move forward. Redemption does not deny the damage of sin, but it refuses to let sin have the final word. God takes what we are most ashamed of and makes it the very place where His life breaks through. What we call disqualifying, He calls redeemable. What we bury, He resurrects. Do not ask whether Jesus can handle your past. Look at His genealogy. Do not wonder if your worst mistake is too far gone. Look at the cross, where the Son of God was hung on a tree, covered in the full weight of human shame, so that shame would no longer own us. The question is not whether He can redeem—it is whether you will hand Him what needs redeeming. Bring it into the light. Invite Him into the place you avoid. He is not embarrassed by your story. He entered history precisely to transform it. Let Him.

Every December, something subtle happens in Christian homes. Decorations go up. Schedules fill fast. Spending increases. Stress creeps in. And somewhere in the middle of all the activity, Jesus can quietly move from the center to the edges. Most Christian men would say they believe Christmas is about Christ. Yet belief and practice do not always line up. The real question is not what we say Christmas means, but what our lives show. Keeping Christ in Christmas starts with an honest look at how we spend our time, money, attention, and spiritual energy during this season. If Jesus walked into our homes in December, would He recognize what we are celebrating? Luke 2:10–11 tells us exactly what Christmas is about. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” That announcement did not come with shopping lists, packed calendars, or pressure to perform. It came with worship, awe, and obedience. The farther we drift from that truth, the harder keeping Christ in Christmas becomes. The Lie That Keeps Men Spiritually Confirmed One […] The post Keeping Christ in Christmas appeared first on UNCOMMEN.

Christmas isn't just about the crib or even the cross—it's also about the crown. Isaiah the prophet lifts our spirits by reminding us of the future reign of Christ the King on Earth. In this message, Pastor Lutzer walks us through Isaiah's prophecy and shows us how Jesus fulfills it. If Jesus' first coming was fulfilled, then His second coming is assured!  This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

There's a question worth asking as we navigate the demands of modern life: If Jesus lived where you live, had your job, your education, your salary, your family—how would he live? It's a provocative question, one that invites us beyond surface-level Christianity into something far more transformative.But here's the deeper question: Why does it matter?__________Get more out of today's teaching by visiting our Church Online page for things like our community guide, a weekly devotional, and the teaching slides. EthosOH.com/churchonline

5:10 - What are the qualifications to be God's chosen people? / 12:54 - Will there be regret in Heaven? / 22:50 - Comment on marriages with an unbelieving spouse. / 30:30 - Why was Timothy circumsised? / 38:00 - Is Holy Spirit a title or a name? / 41:58 - If Jesus is God, who was He praying to in the garden? / 49:28 - Prayer request for wife's cancer diagnosis.

Christmas isn't just a nostalgic routine, we're being reminded of the greatest announcement in history: the King has come, the King is Lord, and the King came to save us. Don't tune out the miracle; respond, trust Him, and share the announcement that changes everything.The Announcement: The King is Here! The Announcement: The King is LORD!The Announcement: The King came to save us!Life Group Discussion:If Jesus showed up in your everyday life today, at work, school, or home, how would you honestly respond to His arrival?Where do you struggle to trust Jesus' authority, and what lies or fears make that hard?What's one area of your life right now, stress, sin, fear, or pressure, where you need to turn to Jesus for rescue instead of trying to fix it yourself?

Christmas isn't just a nostalgic routine, we're being reminded of the greatest announcement in history: the King has come, the King is Lord, and the King came to save us. Don't tune out the miracle; respond, trust Him, and share the announcement that changes everything.The Announcement: The King is Here! The Announcement: The King is LORD!The Announcement: The King came to save us!Life Group Discussion:If Jesus showed up in your everyday life today, at work, school, or home, how would you honestly respond to His arrival?Where do you struggle to trust Jesus' authority, and what lies or fears make that hard?What's one area of your life right now, stress, sin, fear, or pressure, where you need to turn to Jesus for rescue instead of trying to fix it yourself?