Podcasts about if jesus

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J. Warner Wallace examines the way in which Jesus is described by the world's other religious systems. What role does Jesus play in these belief systems and how is He characterized? If Jesus is venerated or described accurately by these world religions, shouldn't seekers examine Christianity as their primary focus?

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner Wallace examines the way in which Jesus is described by the world's other religious systems. What role does Jesus play in these belief systems and how is He characterized? If Jesus is venerated or described accurately by these world religions, shouldn't seekers examine Christianity as their primary focus?

Patrick explores the boundaries of selling blessed objects and explains Church teaching on simony while engaging callers about the Trinity and Christ’s divinity. He responds to questions on family faith struggles and examines how Jesus is both God and man, pulling from early Church tradition for insight. The conversation shifts constantly, blending quick humor, direct advice, and moments that prompt deeper reflection. Peter - Is it wrong to sell a blessed item like a Rosary? (01:10) Lucy (email) - If Jesus never said in the New Testament that He was God, why are we so certain? (11:09) Dan - In John 7, who is Jesus talking about when He says, “he that believeth in me”? (23:03) Martine (email) - If he's always existed, "where" was Jesus before he was born? (37:17) Marie - Infant baptism. I understand that this is not licit but could be done. If I baptized my kid on my own (without a priest or deacon) would I have to confess that? (47:51) Originally Aired 08/27/2025

Send us a textEver notice how a single word can carry the weight of eternity? We dive into the Scriptural urgency of “today,” following the thread from Proverbs to Hebrews 4 and all the way to Luke 23, where Jesus turns to the thief on the cross and anchors salvation in the present tense. Along the way, we unpack why “truly, truly” isn't ornamental language—it's Christ's seal of authority—and why receiving a gift from God requires no intellectual hurdle, only faith awakened by the Spirit.We explore what paradise really is: not a lost garden to be rediscovered, but the place where God is present with His people. That insight reframes debates about timing, afterlife, and assurance. It also pushes us to examine identity through Romans 2: true Israel is marked by circumcision of the heart, not bloodline. We talk about the church as the people for whom Christ gave Himself, a holy nation drawn from every background, united by faith like Abraham, David, and the faithful remnant of every generation.This conversation isn't about winning arguments; it's about learning to hear God's voice now. We call for humility, invite listeners to test claims against Scripture, and find comfort in the Psalms' promise that God will redeem from the grave and receive His people to glory. If Jesus says “today,” why do we keep living like it's “someday”? Lean in, consider the texts with us, and let assurance do its work.If this stirred your thinking, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review with your take on “today.” Your perspective helps others find the show—and pushes this conversation deeper.Support the show

When tackling an important project, it is natural to want to divide all the tasks fairly, so everyone shares the responsibilities and weight of the job. However, in this program, Chip Ingram cautions that while that strategy may be successful in the workplace, it often causes stress, burnout, and resentment at home. Hear what God's Word says about an all-in partnership with your spouse, that is deeply rewarding and life-giving.Fighting lies with truthLie #6:Marriage is a 50-50 proposition. As long as everyone does their part everything will be okay.The truth:Marriage is a 100%-100% proposition. It is an UNCONDITIONAL commitment to an imperfect person. It's giving the other person what they need the MOST, when they DESERVE it the least, at great PERSONAL COST.Key verse:John 13:34-35Lie #7:Marriage shouldn't be this difficult. No matter how hard I work it seems like we always have issues to work through. I really wonder if it's worth it.The truth:Everything of great value requires COMMITMENT, SACRIFICE, and PERSEVERANCE. As my spouse and I face challenges and overcome them, our intimacy and joy will far outweigh our present problems.Key verse:Galatians 6:9Lie #8:I've tried hard to make this marriage work, but it's too far gone. God wants me to be happy and I know He'll understand if I get a divorce.The truth:God HATES divorce. No marriage is beyond repair. If Jesus can raise the dead, He can certainly RESURRECT my marriage.Key verse:Malachi 2:16Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesAdditional Resource MentionsMarriage Truth Cards Offer"Uninvited Guests" ResourcesConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Total Christ | Episode 3 | Missional: The Presence of God in Jesus Christ through the global Holy Spiritoriginally recorded on 9.21.25visit cpcnewhaven.orgCPC Adult Sunday StudiesFall 2025Total Christ: The Full Vision for His Church2 | MissionalMissional - The Presence of God in Jesus Christ through the Holy SpiritFrom Last Week: With the gospel as our foundation, we are radically empoweredto boldness because we know God loves us, as well as radically humbled becauseall we have is a gift of grace. Gospel-centered has to do with what God did, thework of God - covenant sealed once for all - whereas now we're moving to whereGod is and works.Where was the special saving presence of God in Old Testament times?•Eden - see lessons on Creation and the garden as the special Templepresence of God, where God dwelt among his creation and his “image.” Hewas later “occasionally” present throughout Genesis to special people of thefamily of God, their altars, Jacob's ladder, etc.•Tabernacle - Exodus 40:34-38•Not just anyone could approach it (Exod. 33.4-6) and this was whereMoses spoke to God "face-to-face" (Exod. 33.7-11)•This is what set Israel apart from all other nations - Exod. 33.15-16•Purpose of Israel - Exod. 25.8-9; 29.43-46 ("I will dwell among the people ofIsrael and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the LORD their God,who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I amthe LORD their God.").•After the heavenly model - Exod. 25.9, 40; Heb. 8.5ff.•Temple - 1 Kings 8:12-24, 27-30•All the purposes above from the Tabernacle are transferred to the Temple,the 'permanent Tabernacle'Where is the special, saving presence of God found now?Jesus “and” the Church!•Body of Jesus being the new Temple - John. 1.18 [and the rest of the gospel!],Temple's curtain ripped (Matt. 27.51, Mark 15.38, Luke 23.45), Templedestroyed and raised in 3 days, etc.2 of 5•If Jesus is the new Temple, and we are joined with Him, we too arebecoming the Temple of God (Eph. 4.11-16, 1Peter 2.4-9)•Eph. 1.22-3 & Eph. 2.19-22•1Cor. 3.16-7 - [divisions in the body led to Paul's rebuke:] "Do you not knowthat you (pl.) are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyonedestroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you (pl.)are that temple."•"On earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6.10) is a guiding principle andmotivation throughout Scripture (for another example, cf. Jn. 1.51 based onJacob at Bethel in Gen. 28.12, as well as Heb. 10.19-20)•Main Scriptural metaphors for the Church: covenant assembly/gathering,place of mission, people of God, chosen nation, remnant, family, bride, body,building/temple, city, dwelling place of God.•Notice the Church is NOT: a theater; a product to offer consumers;merely the most pragmatic way to grow; something Christians came upwith to help each other.•Note: you in plural form (“y'all”) is overwhelmingly the use in the NTYou could summarize God's purpose in the world as not selecting outindividuals to get to heaven, but rather as working to gather a community intoHis presence on earth as it is in heaven! (Cf. Eph. 2.6, Col. 3.1) We need a wholetransformation of what it means to be a Christian if this is the paradigm. Ratherthan isolated individuals who happen to believe something, to be a Christian isto be apart of a unique community with a unique mission.

This sermon, “Believe Against Hope,” centers on Romans 4 and Abraham's journey of faith, urging believers to trust God amid seemingly hopeless situations. The message emphasizes that God's promises are received not through perfect obedience to religious laws but through persistent faith, even in seasons of doubt, delay, and human error. Drawing from Abraham's story—who waited decades for God's promise and questioned God's plan—the sermon assures listeners that God's faithfulness endures beyond circumstances. Hope is found in the resurrection of Christ; because the tomb is empty, anything is possible, and believers can face every valley and trial with confidence in God's daily mercies and unfailing love. ### Detailed Notes- Paul in Romans 4 highlights Abraham as an example of unwavering faith despite impossible circumstances, urging believers to trust God when life seems hopeless.- Faith is presented not as perfection but as persistence; Abraham doubted, questioned, and even tried to act on his own, yet God remained faithful to His promise.- The promise to Abraham and his descendants was given before the Law. This communicates that God's blessing and inheritance come through faith, not adherence to religious rules.- God's process: Abraham left his home at age 75, waited 10 years without seeing the promise fulfilled, took matters into his own hands, and received God's reassurance and correction. Ultimately, the promise was fulfilled 25 years after the initial calling.- Paul teaches that in hopeless seasons—when all earthly possibilities are exhausted/failed—believers are called to “believe against hope,” trusting an unseen but faithful God.- Abraham's journey illustrates that questioning, doubting, or laughing at God's promise (e.g., both Abraham and Sarah did this) does not disqualify one from God's plan. Human error and delay do not nullify God's faithfulness.- The resurrection (“the empty tomb”) is the foundation of Christian hope. If Jesus rose from the dead, anything is possible, and all of God's promises are trustworthy and complete.- Suffering is not a sign of God's absence or disfavor; rather, enduring difficulty can shape character and lead to a deeper hope (Romans 5:1-5).- God's faithfulness is daily (“new mercies every morning”), enabling believers to face each day's challenges with hope, regardless of past or present struggles.***### Practical Applications- Practice trusting God's promises, even when outcomes are delayed or seem impossible.- When facing uncertainty, take the next step of obedience, even without full clarity about the future.- Accept that faith does not require perfection. It's okay to question, struggle, or feel weak—continue relying on God's character.- Remember God's mercies are new every morning. Start each day by thanking God for His faithfulness and asking for fresh hope.- When tempted to “fix” circumstances through human effort, pause and pray for trust and guidance rather than immediate solutions.- In suffering, look for how God is developing endurance and deeper character rather than assuming abandonment.- Share burdens with trusted believers—bring hopeless situations to God in prayer and be open to encouragement from the faith community.***### Discussion Questions1. Where in your life do you feel hopeless or unsure about God's promises?2. What do you find most difficult about waiting on God's timing?3. How have you experienced God's faithfulness after a season of doubt or failure?4. Why is it important that Abraham's promise came before the Law? How does this shape your view of God's grace?5. How can the resurrection give you hope in your current circumstances?6. What practical steps can you take this week to “believe against hope” in a challenging area?7. How does your faith community encourage or challenge you to trust God in trials?8. How do you respond when God's answer isn't quick or clear? What might need to change in your approach?9. In what ways can you remind yourself and others of God's “new mercies” each day?10. What stories from your own life can encourage someone else who feels hopeless right now?

If Jesus has all authority, then all the nations need to hear that He is Lord, and so He sends us out on the mission to make disciples.Pastor Kevin Craft

John 8:56-58, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." Jesus implied that if they were Abraham's children, they would see that Jesus was the fulfillment of the promise Abe looked forward to. Here's what Abe saw and rejoiced in. Hebrews 11:10, 13 “For he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God…All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” The question for us is this: Have we seen Jesus' day and rejoiced in it? If so, we also consider ourselves strangers and aliens on the earth as we wait expectantly for the city God has built for us. The Jew's response was their way of saying, "There is no way you could know that about Abraham!" They had no idea who they were talking with. If they had known Jesus was God, they would have hung on to every word He spoke. So it is with everyone who believes Jesus is God, the light, the life, and the source of living water. May all who read these words hang on to everything He has said. Jesus left no doubt as to who He is. He is the eternal, coexisting, almighty Son of God who took on flesh. If Jesus isn't God in the flesh, this statement makes Him appear deluded or, to the Jews, it makes Him a blasphemous imposter worthy of death. What is our takeaway from His declaration? Jesus' life is eternal life, so the life we have in us is eternal. We who believe in Him will never die. He came in the flesh so that His death would become our death, and His eternal life become ours—a life whose nature is love. 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.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Thursday morning, the 25th of September, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Gospel of John 21:9: “Then as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it and bread.”Faith has got feet, faith is a doing word, not a noun. A noun is a table or a chair. It can't move, it can't do anything, but faith is active. Don't tell people that you love them, show them that you love them. Now, the Master taught us very well. Remember, after He had been resurrected He was at a place called Peter's Landing on the Sea of Galilee. It's actually a big lake. It is 21 km long and 13 km wide, and very, very deep and full of fish. The disciples had been fishing all night. Now they were coming to land, and there was the Master, but He wasn't just standing there. He had already taken time to take flour to make bread, to catch fish, to prepare them on the fire, and He was waiting for them. That is what I love about our beloved Jesus. He is not just a talker, He is actually a doer. Now, what about you and I, today. Why don't we do something and especially for someone who can't repay us, then we know that our motive is pure. I want to say to the men, why don't you cook supper tonight? You say, “I don't cook!” Well you better learn. If Jesus can cook, you can cook too! Why don't you wash the dishes? Get up a bit earlier and do something for your family. Mow the grass! Now ladies, I am not letting you off the hook either. Why don't you sit down and watch that rugby match with your husband? “I don't like rugby.” No, he knows you don't like rugby and that is why I am saying, why don't you do it? Then he knows you are doing it because you love him and do it joyfully, and don't forget to shout for the correct team! But jokes aside, let's start to put our faith into practice, let's start doing what Jesus would have done. Let's start helping people physically, not just with a word of encouragement but following up by action.Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day,Goodbye.

These miracles increase the faith of the disciples as they contemplate a life of rejection in the world that God has transferred them out of but left them in. If Jesus is King of Creation and food, water, wind, and sickness all submit to Him, then He can carry His people through this world and into glory.

The Day of the Lord is coming. We don't know when. But Jesus is returning and so we must commit to living with purpose and pursue truth in all things as we wait for His arrival.If Jesus were coming back tomorrow, how would your today be different?Know the Scriptures and know the God you serve. Know his desires for your life. To love God with all your heart and to love others the same way.Before Jesus comes again, many will come in his name but will only be serving themselves.God's word is final. What he says will be - and it is. Scoffers disregard God's Word and what has been, and claim that God is inactive.What is immediacy for an eternal God? One who is slow to anger, quick to forgive, and patient with his creation, desiring that they not perish?Knowing that God is coming back should inspire all of us to live lives of holiness and godliness.2 Peter 3, Matthew 24:3-5, 2 Timothy 3:1-5

If Jesus can utilize the little boys lunch, He can work with us! Welcome to Sunday Service  Wish you were here!  Newsong, Colorado Springs (starts at 10:00am)  Subscribe to text updates. Text the words text alert to 94000  Subscribe to emails (bottom of page on newsongcs.com)  Listen to podcasts. Keywords newsong foursquare  Watch services on Youtube. Keyword newsongcs  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & TikTok keyword newsongcs  3 ways to give to Missions, Disaster Relief, Tithes, or Offerings  1.. newsongcs/com/give  2. Text Giving - text the word EASY to 94000 3. Mail - P.O. Box 75818 • C.S., CO 80970

This week, we will see Jesus' raising of Lazarus from the dead — the greatest and most significant miracle in the Gospel of John. If Jesus can raise the dead, is there anything he cannot do? Why then would we not trust him with our whole lives?

Send us a textThe concept of "eternal refuge" completely transforms how we understand salvation. God's everlasting arms beneath us create not a prison of legalism, but a sanctuary of grace from which we can face life's battles with confidence.Many believers live trapped in chains of fear, perpetually worried their salvation hangs by a thread of their own performance. But this message shatters that misconception. When Moses spoke of God as our eternal refuge with everlasting arms underneath us, he wasn't describing a temporary shelter but an unbreakable promise. The security of our salvation doesn't depend on our ability to maintain it, but on God's unchanging character and Christ's completed work.The substitutionary nature of Christ's death means He fully bore our punishment. If Jesus didn't actually take away all sin from His elect people, how would His sacrifice differ from the repetitive animal sacrifices under the Old Covenant? We stand justified before God not because we've never sinned, but because Christ's righteousness has been credited to our account. This divine transaction means believers face no condemnation—not because we don't sin, but because our sin was completely accounted for at Calvary.Perhaps most powerful is the revelation that God's sovereignty works alongside our responsibility. In Deuteronomy, Moses speaks of God thrusting out enemies before Israel while commanding them to destroy these enemies. This parallels our spiritual battles today. God has already defeated our spiritual enemies and now calls us to participate in their destruction from a position of security. "I've made you safe in my refuge; I've secured you in my arms; now go destroy those enemies because you cannot lose."This truth frees us to fight sin with confidence—not from fear of losing salvation, but from assurance in God's completed work and ongoing protection. Take heart in this powerful truth: God's arms are positioned to lift you up, not push you down. Rest in His refuge, trust in His finished work, and face your battles with divine confidence.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

In today's sermon, our Global Lead Pastor, Pastor Shola Okodugha, begins an introductory teaching on Favour.He first emphasizes the importance of valuing the messages God sends to His church. Every sermon is a spiritual meal for believers, the inner workings of God within His family. These messages are prophetic, designed to strengthen faith, add what is missing, and establish believers.Key Reminders on the Word:- Words are spirit and life.- Words impart life.- The Word imparts beyond the laying on of hands.- The Word can deliver a supernatural inheritance.Pastor Shola notes that one key way to mix the Word with faith is through expectation, for everything we need in life is found in the Word. He highlights that even Jesus required certain ingredients to fulfill His earthly assignment:- The Anointing - Wisdom- Favour with God and man (Ephesians 1:17)If Jesus needed these, so do we. Without them, life becomes frustrating. Jesus required favour for people to believe His calling, for His ministry to flourish, and to accomplish His mission. Pastor Shola notes that Favour can be programmed. It is both unmerited and merited at the same time. Favour is the unexplainable factor—the reason people find themselves in places they do not naturally merit.Pastor Shola's notes these points on Favour:- Favour is the highest purchasing power on earth.- It is more powerful than money.- It will give you what money can never buy.- It opens doors.- It accelerates life and ministry.- Favour is a trading tool—the X factor at every negotiation table.Scriptural Foundations for Favour:- Genesis 1:1–3 – Light was required for creation; this light also represents favour.- Luke 4:18–19 (NIV) – Jesus declared that part of His earthly mission was to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour.In concluding the sermon, PS highlights the following truths:- Favour is a divine equalizer and neutralizer—placing everyone on the same level playing field.- Life is frustrating without the favour factor.- Favour eliminates years of pain, stress, and struggle.- Favour can transform your life completely.We pray that as you listen to this sermon, your heart is stirred to believe God for a fresh release of Favour in your life.ABOUT THE NEWWe are a people of love and excellence who are result-oriented, spirit-led, word-rooted, prayer-driven, and kingdom-conscious. Led by Pst. Shola Okodugha, we are on a divine assignment to equip and raise men; to release people from strongholds that have stifled them from taking their rightful places, and to give young people an avenue for their God-given gifts to find expression.OUR CREED"As sure as God helps us,We will not give upWe will not cave inWe will not quitWe will not failWe will not dieUntil our job is doneAnd victory is won"——Partner with us to spread the influence of God all over the world. Give - https://pay.squadco.com/TheNewglobal——BROADCAST DETAILSMinister: Pastor Shola OkodughaDate: 21st/09/2025——Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the latest content: http://bit.ly/subscribethenewliveWebsite: http://wearethenew.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearethenew_global/#TheNewLive #SholaOkodugha

Your story is one of your greatest ministry tools. I meet people who feel they have nothing to offer the Lord. In their minds, they feel incapable of serving in some ministry. Yet, every one of us has a story. It's a God story. It's a story of how we met Jesus, the circumstances of your salvation, and how Jesus has changed your life.Main Points:1. When I think of the explosive growth of the New Testament church in the Book of Acts, we see two things at work. People were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and second, they shared their testimony with others.  Sadly, it seems as if today we have stopped telling our story.  But you have a story to tell. It is a story of God's grace. 2. A personal testimony is the most non-threatening way to tell an unbeliever why Jesus is important to you.  It allows you to be open about your life while giving God the glory.  You can rave about the power of Jesus to transform a life, and even someone hostile to the gospel will listen because you are not asking anything of them.  3. Your story is simply an account of how God has changed your life.  If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, then surely He has done miraculous things for you.  People are looking for evidence that God exists and that He is personally involved in people's lives.  You can't make God appear on the spot to prove His existence, but you can certainly point straight to Him by talking about how He has worked in your life.Today's Scripture Verses:John 7:46 - “No one ever spoke the way this man does.”Acts 4:33 - “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.”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

John 8:41-42, Jesus said to them, “You are doing the deeds of your father.” They said to Him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father: God." Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me.” How could they be so deceived? They were born into religious families. Have and know the Scriptures. Try not to break God's laws. Think of themselves as better than worldly people. Pray daily. Offer sacrifices. Pay tithes. Zealous to expose hypocrites and false teachers. They think God is their father, yet they have no place in their hearts for Jesus' words and want to kill Him. They don't love Him. That's sobering and convicting. How could they be so deceived? Easily. And so can anyone who has such a pedigree, thinks they know better than Jesus and can live without Him. These people were living for God. They weren't living with Him. Our churches are filled with people living for God, but who don't love Him or love with Him. Hopefully that's not true of you. May we be stunned and humbled by God's grace and love that keeps our hearts dependent on Him. The Father loves the Son, so everyone born of the Father loves the Son. In fact, it also makes sense that they also love everyone else born of the Father. It's the way they honor their Father in heaven—love their fellow brothers and sisters. If the Father loves them, we love them with Him. If Jesus loves them, we love them with Him. If someone separates from/rejects one who is born of God, he dishonors the Father and might as well kill Jesus. What Jesus said about Himself is also true of us who believe in Him. We are in this world because God sent us to live to love in His name. We did not choose Him, (did not come on our own initiative) but He chose us. Faith came to us as evidence that we have proceeded forth from God—born of God. As John wrote in his letter, "as He is, so also are we in this world" (1 John 4:17). Jesus came into this world to glorify His Father by loving with Him. We are in this world to glorify the Father by living to love with Jesus. 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.

Daily Dose of Hope September 18, 2025   Scripture –  Luke 20:20-47   Prayer: Amazing Father and Lord, Thank you for who you are.  Thank you for how you care for us.  We get distracted.  We veer away from you and your Word.  For that, we are so very sorry.  Forgive us, Lord.  Help us to abide in you.  Help us to remain close so that we can be fruitful and effective for your Kingdom.  Help us get outside ourselves and see others as you see them.  Lord, we belong to you.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional/podcast that goes along with the daily Bible reading at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We are currently deep diving into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we finish Luke 20.   In this chapter, we get a pretty clear picture of how hard the Pharisees are trying to catch Jesus saying or doing something punishable by Jewish law. They keep trying to trick him; they have no idea with whom they are dealing!   No one enjoys paying taxes, and in first century Palestine, this was a particularly sticky topic. The Jewish leaders are trying to trap Jesus so they ask him if it is lawful to pay taxes, meaning according to God's law. If Jesus says it isn't lawful, then he could get in trouble with the Romans. The Jewish authorities are hoping he will be in trouble no matter which way he answers.   But Jesus is not deceived. He asks for a coin, which had Emperor Tiberius' image stamped on it, and asked who was on it. When they said Caesar, he told them to give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what it God's. It left no room for argument and his enemies are literally stunned silent.   Jesus is making the point that we are citizens of both earth and heaven at the same time. While we have allegiance to both our nation and God, there is no question that our first and primary loyalty is to God. Jesus is Lord over all the earth, over our nation, over the church, and over our lives. Think of Paul's words in Philippians 3, But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.   After the coin incident, there are some Sadducees who want to grill him on the concept of the resurrection of the dead.  By addressing Levirate marriage, they also are trying to trap Jesus in his words.  The Sadducees, the intellectual aristocracy of the day, did not believe in resurrection.  They were pressing Jesus on the topic, hoping to make him look foolish.  If you will recall from Mark and Matthew, levirate law was intended to protect widows without a male heir.  When a brother died, leaving his wife without children, a surviving brother marries the widow with the sole intention of producing an heir.  If a son is conceived, he is actually considered to be the deceased brother's child.  In ancient near-East culture, a widow without any connection to a male would either starve or be forced to beg or prostitute herself.    Thus, the Sadducees question makes a little more sense even though it is a bit absurd.  A woman's husband dies and she marries a brother.  That brother dies and she marries another brother and so forth until she has been married to all seven brothers.  Then she dies.  Whose wife will she be at the resurrection?  Keep in mind, they ask this question knowing that they think the resurrection is false.    Jesus basically tells them they are missing the point. In the resurrection, our bodies will be different – perfect and glorious.  There will also be a change in our spiritual nature.  Jesus is saying that in regard to marriage and sexual matters, we will be like the angels (note that he did not say we will be angels but we will be like them.)    But the Sadducees were mistaken so significantly not because of this absurd question but because they didn't believe in the resurrection.  This is a fundamental aspect of Jesus' teaching and they missed it entirely.    Rather than allowing the Pharisees to continue trying to trap him, Jesus decides to ask a  hard question of them.  He asks the group, “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?”  They immediately respond, “The son of David.”  How then, Jesus asked, could David call him by the Spirit ‘Lord' when he said, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet”' (Psalm 110:1). “If David”, Jesus said, “Calls him ‘Lord,' how can he be his son?” The Pharisees were unable to answer and “from that day on no one dared to question him any longer”. Jesus' point was missed.  Of course, Jesus had descended from David. He was the Son of God.  He was the Messiah, the one the Jews had been waiting for, for hundreds of years.  He was right before their eyes and they were missing it.  How often is Jesus right before our eyes and we totally miss it? More tomorrow. Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Welcome to episode 216 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, Pastor Drew begins our study entitled Piercing Questions: From the one who was pierced. Today we will cover:- The first question Jesus asked, as recorded in the gospel of John.- “What are you seeking?”Key takeaways:· Andrew and the other disciple were seeking:o The Lamb of Godo The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the worldo The Messiah (God's promised deliverer)o JESUS· They knew enough about Jesus to know they wanted to follow Him!Quotable:· “You can pursue the right thing the wrong way.”· “If Jesus is the prize than our other pursuits are instruments of worship.”· “If our other pursuits are the prize then they are idols that steal worship.”Application:- Seek Jesus: Daily· Seek His will: Does it go against His will for your life?· Seek His righteousness: Does it lead to sin or idolatry?Connect with us:Web site: https://springbaptist.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to: https://springbaptist.org/prayer/If you haven't already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. . . .” — Mark 10:45 Last year I took a course with mission leaders from around the world. On the first day, we were asked this question: How would you describe the central, gospel message of the Bible? I spoke up with an answer that reflects my church tradition. A few others chimed in with their answers. After several people had spoken, a classmate from Ethiopia gave an answer that many of us did not expect. She said, “I think the story of the Bible centers on the story of God as a servant.” That got our attention. She went on to explain, “The Bible opens with God creating the world and caring for Adam and Eve. The rest of the Bible is the story of how God put into place a plan to serve the world through his Son, Jesus.” And then she pointed out this beautiful detail: “The Bible ends with a picture of the new Jerusalem, which we are told will not need the sun or moon because God provides the light” (Revelation 21:23). From the beginning into eternity, God serves the world and all who are in it. I had never heard the good news framed in that way, reflecting a different perspective and cultural context. If Jesus came not to be served but to serve, how does that affect the way we live each day? How should it affect the way we live? Servant God, I am humbled by your willingness to do whatever was necessary to rescue me. Help me in my life to be a reflection of your self-giving heart. Amen.

Asking for a Friend Are miracles real—or just rare coincidences we exaggerate?  In Part 2 of Asking for a Friend, Lead Pastor Steve Garcia tackles one of the most fascinating questions people ask about faith: What do I believe about miracles? From Jesus raising the dead to modern-day claims of healing, this message explores what separates the improbable from the truly impossible—and why it matters for your life today. Don't settle for shallow answers or sensational claims—dig deep into what God says about the supernatural. If Jesus really performed miracles, then maybe we need to take His message seriously too.

Hosts Pastor Robert Baltodano and Pastor Lloyd Pulley Question Timestamps: Michael, email (1:53) - Do you have any tips or passages to meditate on after seeing the video of Charlie Kirk? Mary, NJ (5:38) - Was Jesus crucified at the age of 33 or 36? John, NJ (9:05) - How do you reconcile with your brother when it comes to politics? Does 2 Timothy 2:23 relate to reconciling over politics? Jack, NJ (15:42) - How should a Christian respond to the Israel conflict? Michael, Facebook (21:19) - What was the average life-span of a man in Jesus's day? Sheila, MA (22:42) - Why are we letting politics divide us? Allan, email (28:04) - A rabbi told me that all will make it to heaven at some point, what do you think about this? Tyrone, MS (33:42) - What is the criteria to be a deacon in the church? Raquel, AL (37:33) - Can you explain the gift of discerning of spirits, and give any wisdom you may have? C. E. Logan, email (39:51) - What message did the disciples preach when Jesus sent them out? Did it give salvation, since it was before Jesus's sacrifice on the cross? Mike, NJ (43:47) - What do you think about the Jehovah's Witness's New World Translation? Lee, YouTube (46:27) - If Jesus was the Son of God, why did they call him the "Son of David?" Eric, YouTube (48:48) - Is sanctification a passive or active thing to work towards? Cathy, NJ (52:17) - Does hoarding show a lack of trust in God? Ask Your Question: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org

Introduction: Watch! (Matthew 7:15-20) Watch Out: FALSE PROPHETS! (Matt 7:15) Watch For: FRUIT! (Matt 7:16-20) What They DO. John 7:18 – The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. What They SAY. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 – Do not despise prophesies but test everything: hold fast to what is good. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Matthew 7:15-20What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Why did Jesus say BEWARE of false prophets? What exactly is the danger?What are examples of good fruit you should look for in a “prophet” (preacher, pastor)?What are examples of bad fruit?What are some topics many false prophets talk about? What are some topics they often avoid?False prophets talk about the Bible but not out of the Bible. What is the difference? BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Before we continue in our series on the Sermon and Amount, I want to say a few things.In light of the events of last week, with the death of Charlie Kirk, the murder of Charlie Kirk,absolutely horrible.But at the same time, it's horrible.It's not really shocking, is it?It's not really shocking that something like that would happen.And I would say if you are shocked that something like that could happen in our country,then you haven't been paying attention.It's not shocking because this is exactly the kind of climate that the Lord told us we would be living in.Look at 2 Timothy 3.Turn in your Bibles there for a second, please.2 Timothy 3.Paul says, "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents,ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God."Does that sound familiar at all?This is where we are.Charlie Kirk was a man who was murdered because of what he said.Because there were people that didn't like what he said. Does that sound familiar?The whole reason we're here is to worship God incarnate who came and said things that people didn't want to hear.And they murdered him for it.Yet God accomplished his purposes through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.There's a young man who spoke boldly of the Lord who was publicly executed. His name was Stephen.God used that to advance his gospel purposes. There's a young man who spoke boldly for the Lord who was publicly executed.His name was Charlie.And already we're seeing God is using that to advance his gospel.It's a little terrible for Charlie's family and friends, but Charlie himself, he's having a good day.He is experiencing the fulfillment of the hope in Jesus Christ that he believed in.He's having a good day.As we had done this last stretch of the Sermon on the Mount, last week we talked about the command that Jesus gave us to enter the narrow gate.He said, "The way is hard." And here is another reason that the way is hard.Jesus said that we have to be willing to die.That's the call to discipleship. For anyone who has followed Jesus, Charlie got that.If he were here right now, what do you think he would tell us to do?What would you tell us to go after the Lord? To seek Jesus Christ, to get in His Word?And that's what we're going to do.So I'd like you to bow your heads, please. I want you to please pray for me.To be faithful to communicate God's Word as I should, and I will pray for you to have a heart open to receive what it is the Lord wants to teach us today.Father in heaven, we live in the days that you advertised. You told us exactly what this would be like.Father, we were just singing about how worthy you are.Father, may we all, like this faithful saint this past week, Father, may we all demonstrate how worthy we consider you by our willingness to lay down our lives.It's not going to get any better until our Lord returns.Calm Lord Jesus. Open up our hearts and minds to your Word today, Father.We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.Open up your Bibles to Matthew chapter 7, and we'll be picking up in verse 15.Last Halloween, I was at work. Aaron sent me a video at the house of a mysterious knocking.She's going through the house recording this. There was this knocking. She went to the doors. She went outside.Nobody but just this constant mysterious knocking. Creepy at any time, especially on Halloween, right?Well, we found out who was knocking. We have a woodpecker problem.Oh yeah, funny for you. We got a woodpecker problem.So we got on the Internet to figure out what we need to do to deter the woodpecker.And one of the things that they recommended was getting a plastic owl.They say that owls are just like natural woodpecker predators, right?So you're going to put an owl where the woodpeckers want to come, and that scares the woodpeckers away.So I dragged the ladder out, and I climbed up the side of the house, and I lashed the owl to the raid on vent with thick twine.And you know that woodpecker came back. So I went outside.Like, what did I do wrong here? And you know, I think I see the problem.That owl doesn't look ready to attack, does he? Looks like what we got here is a hostage situation.And I think the woodpecker saw this and was like, "Oh, this house is awesome."They just take my predators and lashed them to the house.You know what I learned from this? I'm not very good at deceiving.I can't even deceive a bird. But you know, there are, unfortunately, there are a lot of people out there today who are great at deceiving.Last week we talked about entering the narrow gate. Jesus said the way is hard.He said the narrow gate is hard to find. It's hard to walk.And here's another reason the narrow gate is so hard to enter. Look at verse 15.Jesus says, "Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves."It's hard to enter the narrow gate because there are false prophets that are good at deceiving.It's hard to enter the narrow gate because you have people that are standing saying that they represent God and they don't, and they're ushering people into the wide gates.Like, well, who would fall for that? Well, according to verse 13, Jesus said many, many.If you look at the flow of Jesus' sermon here from last week to this week, here's what our Lord is saying.Jesus is saying strive to enter the narrow gate and beware of those who would mislead you away from it.I want you to draw some things down on your outline. Here's what, it's really about one word today. Watch. Watch.Watch number one right this time. Watch out. False prophets."Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves."See, God has this plan to save sinners, and the plan to save sinners, it has two tracks. One track is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ."Took away our sin, provided eternal life." That's one, that's one track.The other track that this train of salvation runs on is the gospel message being spoken through the people of God.Satan has his counterfeits. Just as God sends his people out to usher people into the narrow gate,Satan has his counterfeits leading people into the wide gate. And Jesus tells us in verse 15 about these false prophets that they're not always obvious, but they are always dangerous.Do you see that? They're not always obvious, but they are always dangerous. Let's break that down. They're not always obvious, first of all.Notice Jesus says that they're in sheep's clothing. What is sheep's clothing? That's just another way of saying, "Wool."Our Lord wasn't talking about going to the Spirit of Halloween store and buying a lamb costume. He's not talking about that.He's talking about a wool coat, because in those days that's what a shepherd wore. They wore a wool coat.So Jesus is saying false prophets are dressed as a shepherd. In other words, they look like a legitimate pastor.Oh, they sound so good and people just love them, but they're not always obvious, but they are always dangerous.That's why I look at the first word of verse 15, "Beware." Jesus didn't say, "Take note or notice." Beware. Look out for these people.Always dangerous. Jesus says they might look like shepherds, but inwardly they're wolves.Number one enemy of sheep. Inwardly evil.What does a wolf do with sheep? Does a wolf show up to feed the sheep? Does the wolf show up to care for the sheep? No.Wolves, when they show up, they're there to take. A wolf is there to get what the wolf wants. A wolf is there to destroy the sheep.And Jesus said that is what false prophets are like.Jesus said you have to beware. It's all through the Bible. All through the Bible. Read Old Testament, Deuteronomy 13, Isaiah 30, Jeremiah 14.We talked about this recently through the New Testament, Matthew chapter 24.Almost every New Testament epistle warns against false prophets.And here once again Jesus is calling us church to discernment.And you've heard me say this before, that is my biggest concern for the church at large, but that is my biggest concern for this church.It's lack of discernment.Like, well, what's discernment? Disernment is the ability to detect what's from God and what's not from God.My concern is for this church.My concern is for people here who genuinely love the Lord, genuinely love His Word, being led astray.Because more than ever we have countless opportunities to listen to junk teaching.Internet, podcasts, YouTube. Jesus tells us to beware and church never, never has it been a bigger problem because wolves have a bigger platform than ever in history.You have to discern who you follow, who you listen to, who you read. You have to discern.I'm shocked at the lack of discernment that we have in the church today.People just gobble up anything as long as it has a sticker on it that says Christian.It's not all from God. It's not.That's why Jesus tells us to beware. It's not all from God.Like, well, does it really matter? Does it really matter? I mean, come on.Aren't we just nitpicking here a little bit, Pastor Jeff? Does it really matter?Well, let me ask you this. Imagine that you woke up tomorrow morning and you had the most severe stomach cramps.I mean, it just felt like razors in your intestines and you're just like doubled over in pain, can't function, calling off work.I got to get to a doctor. Which doctor are you going to?Do you want the trendy doctor who has the most patience, who will lie to you to make you happy, but is really using you and misleading you?Or do you want the doctor who cares about you and will tell you the truth?You're like, well, it's a no-brainer, isn't it?Why isn't a no-brainer there? But when it comes to Bible teaching, we want the trendy lying guy.The wide gate leads to destruction. Does this stuff matter? Yeah, it matters, because your eternity is on the line.And you better be sure that you haven't been ushered into the wide gate by some false prophets.They're not always obvious, but they are always dangerous. They're dangerous to Christians.They're dangerous to the church. They're dangerous to our families.If Jesus, if God Himself is telling us we need to beware of these people, then we better be paying attention.Watch out for the false prophets. You're like, all right, well, how do I know?Like, if these people are out there and they're not obvious, but they're dangerous, how do I know?How do I recognize them? Well, number two in your outline, watch for fruit.Look at verses 16 through 20. Jesus tells us to beware.Look at verse 16. He says, "You will recognize them by their fruits."Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?So every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruits.A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruits.Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.Thus, you will recognize them by their fruits.I gotta tell you, this is one of the most comforting passages in the Bible.Jesus says you will recognize them. You will.Jesus didn't say, there's false prophets out there that'll lead you to hell. Good luck.You'll recognize them if you discern, if you care to discern.If you take the Lord's warning to beware, if you take that seriously, you'll recognize them.I recognize them how. Jesus said you'll recognize them by their fruits.You mean like a tree? Yeah, like a tree.You recognize a tree by what it produces, right?In the same way Jesus is telling us you recognize false prophets by what they produce.I don't really have to explain Jesus' analogy here too much, do I?Jesus illustrates it by saying, look, good trees make good fruit. Bad trees make bad fruit.Like, that's how you know. You're like, whoa, whoa, whoa, hang on, hang on, hang on.Back in verse 1 of chapter 7, I thought you said we're not supposed to judge someone's heart.That's right. You can't judge someone's heart. That's why Jesus says to judge the fruit.Jesus here is telling us, look, you have to judge by looking at what they produce.Like, well, what is that? Very simply church, it's two things.There are two things, any preacher you listen to, whether it's here or down the street or on the YouTubesor the Facebooks or whatever, wherever you're listening to preachers, you have to look at two things.In verse 1 of chapter 8, I thought you said, look, what is that?I thought you said, look, what is that?I thought you said, look, what is that?I thought you said, look, what is that?It'll come out. It always comes out eventually.What's in the heart is always revealed in actions. You will recognize them by their fruit.There's good fruit to look for.This pastor, this preacher you're listening to, you're following. There's good fruit to look for.What about things like humility and selflessness, repentance and obedience, generosity and hospitality?What about the fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?Do they seem to have a motive to want to glorify God?Are they a person that wants holiness and righteousness? Do they seem like they want to magnify Jesus?There's a lot of fruit that we can talk about, but really, I guess since we're in this current sermon series, let's boil it down to this.Let's make it this easy.This preacher that you're evaluating, is he a Beatitude guy?Because a true Christian and a true prophet, someone speaking for God, is someone who exemplifies the Beatitudes.That's what our Lord is saying. You want good fruit, you're not going to find it from a false prophet.Because nothing good comes from them.You don't get grapes from thorns.You don't get things from thistles, do you?You know, Jesus made a very powerful statement of evaluation in John 7.18.Look at this. Jesus said, "The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory."But the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.The second part of that verse, Jesus is speaking obviously of himself.That's Jesus' standard for his own identity.But here, in the first part of that verse, Jesus is giving us a clue on how to identify a false prophet.Look at this. He says, "The one who speaks on his own authority is the one who seeks his own glory."See, that's the bad fruit that you need to be looking for.That preacher that is constantly looking for more attention.It's about his branding, his image, him being the face of it. More spotlight on me, please.Ain't I great?It's all about his pride, his ego, his power. Self-centered.Watch out for that guy. Watch out for the guy that's seeking his own glory.Self-centered and self-indulgent.You know, these people will put on a pure and holy front, write this down.Eventually, false prophets are found to be full of greed and/or lust.And that comes out eventually.You're like, "Well, Pastor Jeff, it's sort of hard to evaluate this fruit,because this kind of stuff often gets covered." You're right.This is the kind of fruit that's not always so readily seen,but there is a more obvious fruit that we need to evaluate.And that's the letter B. Listen to what they say.Listen to what they say.And oh, what they say matters, by the way, because Jesus says, "Beware of false prophets."Prophets?Prophets?It's about someone giving a message, right?A couple years ago, back when we were chicken farmers,we were chicken farmers. I heard a couple people laugh.At least that's what I like to refer to myself as.But we went to the rural king and we got ourselves six leg horns.And when you buy them at the rural king, they're sexed,which means you're getting all females, right?Because we wanted them eggs.Well, our leg horns grew up.They're so cute when they're little.And then when they get to that adolescent age, they get really ugly.And then they turn into beautiful creatures.Like humans, right? I know you're thinking it.I knew you were thinking it.All right, so we had these six chickens and the one day Aaron goes,"Hey, you need to come out and look at something. I need your opinion."And I went outside and our one leg horn, again, just coming out of adolescence,but our one leg horn was like, "Ah, ah, ah!"And I'm like, "Hmm, little gene, little J-E-A-N is actually little G-E-N-E."And you know what little gene we didn't know what he was until he opened his mouth?And that's true about false prophets.You might not know what they are until they open their mouth.Listen to the message.What am I listening for?And this is discernment 101. We've talked about this stuff.Disturment 101. What are we listening for?False prophets always have a twisted view of Jesus, always.His person, His work, who Jesus is, what He did, what it means.False prophets always have this twisted view.According to the Bible, the incarnation is Jesus Christ, fully God, fully man.God became a man to die as a man for men.That's who Jesus is. That's what He did.He rose from the dead to give us eternal life.That's who Jesus is. That's what He did.And if you don't get that doctrine right, nothing else really matters, right?And it's easy to take the shots at the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Mormons and the Christian scientists.And those ones are obviously off about who Jesus is and what He did.I mean, that's so obvious. They're not really my concern.I'm more concerned about the ones who present themselves as being biblical.Listen to the message.Are they accurately representing God's Word?You've got to have discernment people.False prophets will teach some man-centered nonsenseand they like to sprinkle in some random out-of-context versesand non-discerning people say, "Well," he mentioned the Bible,"so that has to be from God."They twist Scripture to attract an audience.Do you ever wonder how they fill those massive auditoriums?Like, how do they do that?Like, if they're false prophets, how are there so many people packed in to hear them?It's because they tell people what they want to hear. That's why.They tell people what they want to hear.Their message is, they're going to talk about things like, look, God is love.That's really the only thing you need to know is God is love.Is that true? Is God love? Yes, absolutely.You see, the problem is that's the only aspect of God that they talk about.You know, the Bible at the same time talks about other attributes of Godthat are also just as true and just as important as the fact that God is love.God is love. That's all you're going to hear.And if you just believe, if you have enough faith, deep down in your heart of hearts,deep down in your hearts, way deep down in your heart, if you really believe,you're going to be physically healed and you're going to be wealthy,they say things like, you know what, you have the power to control your destiny.They say things like, it's never God's will that you lack.It is never God's will that you suffer.And then we sprinkle in a couple of verses to make it sound like I'm saying what the Bible says.And then the world comes along and they're like, oh, that's the kind of religion that I want.It puts the spotlight off of Jesus and on to me.That's the problem.Self-centered teaching attracts self-centered people.You know, we tend to measure success with numbers and then we somehow equate numbers with authenticity.Listen, huge red flag, when the focus of preaching is all about our benefits, not God's glory.I mean, that kind of preaching might be attractive to people, but not to God.So preaching, it leads to the wide path.Listen to what they say.And listen, not just listen to what they say, listen to what they never say.Listen to what they never say.Yeah, we're going to go with that.Are they teaching the whole counsel of God's Word?Or do they cherry-pick topics?It's a huge clue for false prophets.They're never going to talk about sin or repentance or denying yourself or judgment or hell.They're never going to talk about that.It's all so easy.It's nothing offensive.It's nothing that convicts.It's nothing that could possibly bring godly sorrow into your life.We're not going to talk about that.We don't want anyone to feel bad.We just want you all to feel comfortable.All the way to hell.The false prophet, listen, talks about the Bible, but not out of the Bible.And if you learn to discern the difference between those two things,you're going to be able to spot a false prophet instantly.They talk about the Bible, not out of the Bible.They're not preaching a narrow gate.And if they're not preaching a narrow gate, which gate are they leading you into again?1 Thessalonians 5, Paul says, "Do not despise prophecies, but test everything.Hold fast to what is good."Any teaching that includes here, any teaching that you hear must be tested with the Word of God.You see, in God's infinite wisdom, that's why he gave us a book.Why?Because anybody can walk around and say, "Well, this is what God says.I have a message from the Lord.Let me tell you what the Almighty is saying.Anybody can do that."But God gave us His Word in written form so that we could read it, and we can understand it,and we can compare what we hear with it, and know for sure what's from God and what's not.And here our Lord tells us, "Beware.Beware of false prophets, because not everything called Christian is from God."Satan is not going to make it obvious for us.Deception is his MO, and he's going to make sure that his false prophets wear sheep's clothing.They're going to be dressed just like a shepherd.Like that's the worship team to come back up.And church, I want you to stand.I want you to stand.We're going to get into prayer groups.So in just a moment, I want you to stand up.Go ahead, stand up.Don't be shy.And here's what I want you to do.I want you to grab a few people near.You're getting a little groups of about six or eight or so.Look, we're not going to go through and count.All right?And if you want to stand and pray by yourself, that's your business,but I want to encourage you to just grab a few people nearby, get into little groups.And here's what I want us to do today.I want us to heed the warning of Jesus.We need to pray.We need to pray for our church, for our families, for our little ones.We are bombarded more than ever with false teaching.So what I want you to do in your little prayer groups,I want you to pray just two things, all right?Number one, I want you to pray that we would know and love the Word of God.All right?And number two, that we would learn to recognize false prophets by their fruit.Those are the two things that we're praying about now.

What makes Christianity different from every other faith system in human history? As we return to our study in the book of Acts, we uncover the three extraordinary foundations that explain Christianity's existence and remarkable growth over two millennia.The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the absolute cornerstone. Without this historical reality, the Apostle Paul plainly states our faith would be "absolutely worthless." But what evidence convinced the first followers? Luke tells us Jesus presented himself alive through "many convincing proofs" over forty days. He appeared physically to Peter, the twelve apostles, James, Paul, and remarkably, to over 500 people at once. Most striking is how difficult it was for the disciples to believe what they were seeing. They dismissed early reports as "nonsense," and even when Jesus stood before them, "they still could not believe it because of their joy and amazement." Their skepticism actually strengthens the credibility of these accounts – these weren't gullible people eager to embrace a spiritual fantasy.The ascension serves as Christianity's second pillar. When Jesus was "lifted up while they were looking on," this visible departure declared his exaltation to the very throne of the universe. The disciples needed to understand Jesus wasn't simply gone, but elevated to the position of ultimate authority "at the right hand of God." The angels' promise that he would return the same way established the hope that continues to inspire believers today.The third foundation – Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit – explains the most perplexing question about early Christianity. How did fearful disciples hiding in prayer suddenly transform into bold witnesses willing to face arrest, flogging, and death? Only the empowering presence of the Spirit, personally promised by Jesus, can account for this dramatic change.As Tim Keller wisely observed, "If Jesus really rose from the dead, everything's going to be okay." His resurrection assures us he truly is Lord of all, while his Spirit enables us to know him personally, experiencing God's love directly in our hearts. Have you embraced these foundations that have transformed countless lives through the centuries?Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BKM1mcSCC0

John 8:28 So Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. Jesus couldn't do anything apart from His Father. He didn't start things and then ask His Father to bless them. If Jesus didn't do anything on His own initiative, then that means His entire life was a life of receiving, like a child receives from his parents. Jesus punctuated this point when some parents brought their children for Jesus to bless them, and His disciples tried to prevent them from interrupting their conversation on marriage. It's in Mark 10:14-15. “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Apparently, the attitude necessary for entering the kingdom of God is a humble, do-nothing-on-my-own-initiative attitude, knowing our Father in heaven loves us and gives us everything we need to glorify Him in and through Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus spoke what the Father taught Him, we speak what the Father teaches us through His Son. In this instance, Jesus prophesied that the Pharisees and rulers would crucify Him. That's what is meant by “lift up the Son of Man.” What will they know? They will see Jesus receive being crucified as from the Father in heaven. He will not resist. He will not act on His own initiative to get out of what the Father wills. When they see Him abiding in His Father's work, they will know that He is the Son of God and the Messiah. God has not called us to die for the sins of the world, so when difficult and dangerous situations arise, we don't naively ignore opportunities God provides to escape from them. However, when there is no avenue of escape, then we can expect God to give grace to suffer and love for those who cause it. Living to love with Jesus occurs as we abide in Him, doing nothing of our own initiative. Like Jesus, we are to receive all of life from the Father, with its circumstances and relationships, whether comforting and encouraging, or painful and grievous. We trust that He will give us the ideas, inclinations, motivations, and wisdom that each situation requires as we look to Him for grace. We glorify the Father through being most satisfied in His will and love as we receive what comes from our Father. Jesus said that apart from Him, we can do nothing (Jo. 15:5). The heart of Jesus is in us, so may we humble ourselves and wait on Him to initiate our words and actions. As we live abiding in Christ, others will know that we are children of God and disciples of Jesus Christ. 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.

Hosts Pastor Vincent Fernandez and Pastor Robert Baltodano Question Timestamps: Anonymous, email (1:31) - My non-believing husband and I are supporting some family members. He doesn't want to continue, but I'm torn with what the Bible says about caring for family. What should I do? Rosemary, LA (5:31) - Are there people that are chosen and not chosen, some predestined and others that are not? Diane, ID (15:05) - Will there be degrees of punishment in hell? Will your punishment end? How can a believer be happy knowing that one of their loved ones is out there suffering? Tina, email (27:16) - Why did God put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden? Does this imply he made them outside of the Garden? Why was the garden set apart if there wasn't any sin? Reggie, AL (33:31) - Is baptism necessary for salvation? Katelyn, AL (41:26) - Does the word "rod," in the passage that says "spare the rod, spoil the child," mean guidance? Liz, email (46:07) - I was asked the following questions by a Jewish man. How do you know you are following the right God, since the Bible was written by man? If your God is Jewish, why aren't you? If Jesus is so great, why are there so many church and school shootings? Steve, NY (50:42) - Can you share a spiritual truth or verse that the Lord gave to you this week? Ask Your Question: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org

John 8:17-18 Even in your law, it has been written that the testimony of two men is true. I am He who testifies about Myself, and the Father who sent Me testifies about Me." The testimony of the Father about Jesus is the same as Jesus' testimony about Himself. The Father's miraculous work through Jesus testified that Jesus was His Son. The unity of their testimony gives us confidence to recognize Jesus' lordship, entrust our lives to Him, and trust Him for our salvation. The Father's testimony through His Son is that God is love, and He is still testifying through us that He is love as we live to love with Jesus. Our testimonies are not what we do for God, but what He does for and through us. The Father testified about Jesus by working through and with Him. Be in awe at the corollary: Jesus testifies that He is with us, and we are His by loving through and with us. So we can testify about ourselves that we are His if we say the same things Jesus does and love like He loves. If Jesus sent us into this world to be the revelation of His love, He will testify about us by filling us with love for Him and love for others. What glory to God, and what a privilege and joy for Jesus and us. 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.

If Jesus needed to pray, then we do too. Prayer isn't a ritual or a box to check — it's an invitation into a relationship with God. More than asking, it's about abiding in Him and letting His Word shape your heart. Prayer isn't our last response; it's our first. It's where fears are quieted, direction is found, and transformation begins — not by trying harder, but by staying close to Him. Don't leave prayer to chance. Make it your choice. Start with abiding. Start with Him.This is the official Facebook and YouTube channel of Champion Christian Center. Our mission is to love God, reach the one, and change the world. Through Bible-based sermons and devotionals, you'll learn how to understand the Word of God, fulfill God's plan for your life, and make a positive impact on the world around you. If you are local, we would love to meet you in person! We are located in Washington, PA and led by Pastors Nathan and Joie Miller.For more life changing resources, visit us at www.championcenter.com.Subscribe to our YouTube channel:/ @championcenter1To give online:https://pushpay.com/g/championchristiancenter——Champion Christian Center Facebook:/ championccenterChampion Christian Center Instagram:@championccenter

If Jesus needed to pray, then we do too. Prayer isn't a ritual or a box to check — it's an invitation into a relationship with God. More than asking, it's about abiding in Him and letting His Word shape your heart. Prayer isn't our last response; it's our first. It's where fears are quieted, direction is found, and transformation begins — not by trying harder, but by staying close to Him. Don't leave prayer to chance. Make it your choice. Start with abiding. Start with Him.This is the official Facebook and YouTube channel of Champion Christian Center. Our mission is to love God, reach the one, and change the world. Through Bible-based sermons and devotionals, you'll learn how to understand the Word of God, fulfill God's plan for your life, and make a positive impact on the world around you. If you are local, we would love to meet you in person! We are located in Washington, PA and led by Pastors Nathan and Joie Miller.For more life changing resources, visit us at www.championcenter.com.Subscribe to our YouTube channel:/ @championcenter1To give online:https://pushpay.com/g/championchristiancenter——Champion Christian Center Facebook:/ championccenterChampion Christian Center Instagram:@championccenter

If Jesus gave us one job…shouldn't we know what it is? This week at Hill City Church, we're kicking off our new series DNA by exploring the mission at the very heart of who we are: making disciples who follow Jesus with everything. In a world full of distractions and good intentions, it's easy to lose sight of what really matters. Whether you're new or have been around for years, this is your chance to re-center your life on the one thing Jesus asked us to do. Don't miss it—your purpose starts here.   Title: Mission Series: DNA Text: Matthew 28:18-20 Speaker: Josh Branham

Tuesday, 7 October 2025   Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, Matthew 13:31   “Another parable He presented them, saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens, it is like a mustard kernel, which a man, having taken, he sowed in his field'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus completed the parable of the sower. Without any intervening thoughts, it says, “Another parable He presented them.”   Whether this was actually stated one parable after another, or if this one is just placed here by Matthew categorically may be debated, but either way, the information is presented to continue to illuminate Jesus' instruction through this teaching method. Understanding this, He was “saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens, it is like a mustard kernel.'”   Two new words are introduced. The first is kokkos, a kernel of seed or simply a grain. As a different word is used for seed, that is not a great choice for translation, although some versions use it. The second word is sinapi, mustard. Strong's said the word may be derived from sinomai, to hurt. Thus, it would explain the biting flavor of the herb.   Those listening would know immediately what Jesus was referring to. Being an agrarian society, the people would understand the various seeds that were available. Further, Mom would have them all around the house for use in the kitchen. In this case, the reason for using the mustard seed in His example will be seen in the next verse, but the people would know it already.   Therefore, His words are not an explanation of the seed. Rather, they will be used as a comparison. As such, it isn't cheating to explain that the mustard seed was the smallest seed used by farmers in the land at the time. Of this eensy weensy seed, Jesus next says, “which a man, having taken, he sowed in his field.”   Mustard seeds grow into mustard plants. These bear more mustard seeds (see Genesis 1:11). Mustard seeds have many uses. They can be kept whole or ground up when used in cooking. They are prized for their nutty, spicy flavor, which is used in dishes such as curries, pickled treats, dressings, marinades, etc.   They are also used in condiments. Beyond these culinary-type applications, they are considered to have health benefits. They can also be used to make mustard oil. These and a host of other uses explain why farmers would have mustard plants in their gardens. Jesus will make His comparison as He continues.   Life application: In Mark 4, the same parable says the following (as translated by the NKJV, et al.) –   “Then He said, ‘To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth.”   This seems to be an error on Jesus' part. The mustard seed is not the smallest seed on earth. How will you take that newly presented information? If Jesus is God incarnate, wouldn't He know this? Will you now close your Bible and give up on your faith?   A few points should clear this up. The first is that despite other seeds being smaller, such as types of orchids, man doesn't sow them into the ground for food, which is what Jesus just implied in His words. There may be seeds that are smaller that are sown (point 1) for food (point 2), though. What if there are?   The word translated as earth in Mark 4 is gé. It does not necessarily mean “the inhabited globe known as Earth.” Rather, it is just as often, or even more commonly, translated as soil (Matthew 13:8), ground (Matthew 10:29), or land (Matthew 10:15), etc. In other words, there is a context to what is being said. When speaking of the coming Messiah in Matthew 4, the word is used when referring to the land (gé) of Zebulun and the land (gé) of Naphtali.   Jesus is sitting in Israel talking to people who live in an agrarian-based economy. When He tells them this is the smallest seed used for sowing in a plot of land in Israel for gardening, He is telling them both the truth and something of which they were perfectly aware.   He was not concerned about orchid seeds in the Amazon jungle, nor were His listeners. There must be a context to every statement made by Jesus, or a challenge against His words is simply given to form a pretext.   If you are presented with a difficulty in what is said in the word, don't close your Bible, curse God for having fooled you into believing He exists when He doesn't (which is kind of ridiculous, because if you are cursing God who doesn't exist, you are wasting your breath!), and then spend the rest of your life mocking Christians for being so blind.   Rather, check out what you have been told, consider the information from the context presented, and understand why Jesus says what He says. When you do, you will find that His detractors are the inane ones. Your faith is well placed. Your hope is in a real Savior who came from the true God who created all things.   Jesus Christ is not wrong in His words about the mustard seed. His detractors are the ones who will stand before Him in judgment someday. Hold fast to your faith.   Glorious God Almighty, thank You for the wisdom of Your word. It is a marvelous place for us to find the truth, to rightly direct our hope, and to find the love that extends from You for Your creatures. Thank You above all that in it, we find Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Do Jews need Jesus? It's an age-old debate with eternal ramifications. If Jesus is not the Jewish Messiah, if He is not the savior of the world, if He is not the promised redeemer God sent to restore Israel and redeem the nations (Isaiah 49:6), then bringing His message to the Jewish people is a grave threat to their security. Join us as Avi Synder teaches us that believing in Jesus isn't apostasy; it's obedience, and it leads to eternal blessing.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tucker Carlson had a fascinating discussion with Lee Strobel but then they started talking about Satan. This leads to an important question: If Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth… then why does Paul call him the god of this world? Why does the Bible say he can prowl around freely, devouring whoever he wants? Today, we're going to answer it.Check out my second channel for deep Bible study: https://www.youtube.com/@EveryWord_WD Sign up for my Debate Masterclass: https://wisedisciple.org/masterclassJoin my awesome Patreon community: www.patreon.com/WiseDiscipleAccess an exclusive offer to Logos Bible Software: www.logos.com/WiseDiscipleUse WISEDISCIPLE10 for my discount at Biblingo: https://biblingo.org/pricing/?ref=wisediscipleGet my 5 Day Bible Reading Plan here: https://www.patreon.com/collection/565289?view=expandedGet your Wise Disciple merch here: https://bit.ly/wisediscipleWant a BETTER way to communicate your Christian faith? Check out my website: www.wisedisciple.org

Jesus says, "Apart from me you can do nothing." Join us today to learn from Jesus's example of complete dependence on His Father in prayer. If Jesus, the Son of God, prayed in his struggles, we too must pray! Chapters (00:00:00) - Pray for Matthew 26(00:01:24) - What Does It Look Like to Be Fully Alive in Prayer to God(00:04:57) - Living in Temptation(00:10:32) - Praying Like Jesus(00:18:59) - Jesus' Disclosing His Heart in Prayer(00:29:03) - How to Pray For Protection From Temptation(00:35:01) - Perseverance in Christian Prayer(00:38:43) - Clifford Baptist Church Prayer

The church, both past and present, has often failed to be on the side of justice, especially in its treatment of indigenous peoples and other marginalized groups. If Jesus is truly King, then the powers and principalities of this world are not, and our joy becomes a subversive declaration of that truth. Paul's challenge in Philippians 2 is to embrace humility, to make room for one another, and to seek unity that is not mere agreement, but a shared participation in the life and love of Christ.

In today's episode, Bryan and Layne explore how the Jesus of the Book of Mormon compares with the Jesus of modern Mormonism and the unchanging Jesus of the Bible.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Finding Jesus: Book of Mormon Jesus vs. Modern LDS Jesus vs. the BibleWhen it comes to Jesus, definitions matter. In this episode, we explore three portraits: the Jesus often taught in modern-day Mormonism (LDS), the Jesus presented in the Book of Mormon (published in 1830), and the Jesus revealed in the Bible. Understanding the differences isn't just academic—it's the difference between a gospel of human progress and the good news of divine rescue.The Modern LDS View (as many were taught)Many lifelong Latter-day Saints were taught a framework where Jesus (Jehovah) is a created spirit-son of Elohim and a Heavenly Mother, the elder brother of all humans—and even of Lucifer. In that system, God the Father Himself once progressed to Godhood, and Jesus is likewise on a path of progression. This view filters into temple endowment language about “organizing” existing matter, reinforcing the idea that God is more architect than Creator. The result? A Jesus who feels closer to us by nature, but further from us in power—a Savior on the way up, rather than the eternal Lord who stoops down to save.The Book of Mormon's Higher ChristologyInterestingly, the earliest Book of Mormon language often sounds more like historic Christian claims about Christ's full deity. For example, passages highlight worship directed to Jesus and language that closely parallels biblical titles for God. Whatever one concludes about its origins, the Book of Mormon's Christological tone (especially early editions) frequently reads closer to biblical Trinitarian language than to later LDS teachings. That's a crucial observation for anyone comparing sources within the broader Latter-day Saint tradition.The Bible's Timeless Witness about JesusScripture presents an unchanging Christ—from eternity past to eternity future. “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God” John 1:1-3 NLT. Jesus isn't created; he is the eternal Son through whom all things were made. “So the Word became human and made his home among us” John 1:14 NLT. The New Testament repeatedly ascribes to Jesus names, works, and worship belonging to God alone. He is “the exact likeness of God,” the preeminent One through whom and for whom all things were created Colossians 1:15-17 NLT. He bears the personal divine name “I AM” John 8:58 NLT and claims the titles “Alpha and Omega…the Almighty” Revelation 1:8 NLT.This has massive implications. If Jesus is uncreated, then salvation rests not on our ascent to Godhood, but on God's descent to rescue sinners. The torn temple veil at Jesus' death dramatizes this shift from ritual ladders to a Person—direct access to the Father through the finished work of the Son (Matthew 27:51) NLT.Why This Matters for YouIf your background...

In today's episode, Bryan and Layne explore how the Jesus of the Book of Mormon compares with the Jesus of modern Mormonism and the unchanging Jesus of the Bible.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Finding Jesus: Book of Mormon Jesus vs. Modern LDS Jesus vs. the BibleWhen it comes to Jesus, definitions matter. In this episode, we explore three portraits: the Jesus often taught in modern-day Mormonism (LDS), the Jesus presented in the Book of Mormon (published in 1830), and the Jesus revealed in the Bible. Understanding the differences isn't just academic—it's the difference between a gospel of human progress and the good news of divine rescue.The Modern LDS View (as many were taught)Many lifelong Latter-day Saints were taught a framework where Jesus (Jehovah) is a created spirit-son of Elohim and a Heavenly Mother, the elder brother of all humans—and even of Lucifer. In that system, God the Father Himself once progressed to Godhood, and Jesus is likewise on a path of progression. This view filters into temple endowment language about “organizing” existing matter, reinforcing the idea that God is more architect than Creator. The result? A Jesus who feels closer to us by nature, but further from us in power—a Savior on the way up, rather than the eternal Lord who stoops down to save.The Book of Mormon's Higher ChristologyInterestingly, the earliest Book of Mormon language often sounds more like historic Christian claims about Christ's full deity. For example, passages highlight worship directed to Jesus and language that closely parallels biblical titles for God. Whatever one concludes about its origins, the Book of Mormon's Christological tone (especially early editions) frequently reads closer to biblical Trinitarian language than to later LDS teachings. That's a crucial observation for anyone comparing sources within the broader Latter-day Saint tradition.The Bible's Timeless Witness about JesusScripture presents an unchanging Christ—from eternity past to eternity future. “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God” John 1:1-3 NLT. Jesus isn't created; he is the eternal Son through whom all things were made. “So the Word became human and made his home among us” John 1:14 NLT. The New Testament repeatedly ascribes to Jesus names, works, and worship belonging to God alone. He is “the exact likeness of God,” the preeminent One through whom and for whom all things were created Colossians 1:15-17 NLT. He bears the personal divine name “I AM” John 8:58 NLT and claims the titles “Alpha and Omega…the Almighty” Revelation 1:8 NLT.This has massive implications. If Jesus is uncreated, then salvation rests not on our ascent to Godhood, but on God's descent to rescue sinners. The torn temple veil at Jesus' death dramatizes this shift from ritual ladders to a Person—direct access to the Father through the finished work of the Son (Matthew 27:51) NLT.Why This Matters for YouIf your background...

Saturday, 30 August 2025   “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Matthew 12:43   “And when the unclean spirit, it departs from the man, it traverses through waterless spots seeking rest, and it finds not” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of the coming of the queen of the South rising up in judgment and condemning those of Israel in that generation, noting that One greater than Solomon was there. With that complete, a new thought begins with, “And when the unclean spirit, it departs from the man.”   There are various ideas about the interpretation of the words of this parable. However, a few clues help direct the analysis. In verse 12:38, the scribes and Pharisees had asked for a sign. Jesus' response noted that a generation, evil and adulteress, sought a sign. A second clue is that in verse 12:45, He will say that it will also be as “this evil generation.”   Therefore, the words apply to those He is speaking to, referring to their inherent evil. Therefore, “the man” is referring to them. He has an unclean spirit. If Jesus were to give a sign to them, oh boy! They would see it and accept the sign as some type of sure proof that He was their Messiah, as if they were free of their evil state.   While they are basking in this condition, Jesus says of the unclean spirit that “it traverses through waterless spots.”   In these few words are three newly introduced words. The first is dierchomai. It is derived from dia, through, and erchomai, to come or go. Thus, it refers to passing through an area. A single word that suits would be traverse.   Next is anudros, it is from hudor water (think of hydrate), which is prefixed by the negative particle a. Thus, it signifies “no water,” or “waterless.” The third is topos, a spot or location. One can immediately see the etymological ancestor of topology, topographic, etc. This unclean spirit is out in arid places “seeking rest.”   The obvious meaning is that it had a home in the man. It then left the man and went searching for a new place to settle down. However, men don't frequent arid places unless they have a purpose for being there. A man with a purpose is not a suitable place for an unclean spirit because the man is focused on his business.   But such an unclean spirit needs a person who is not clearly focused. He needs someone whose ears are easily tickled and who is swayed by goofy videos on YouTube that have nothing to do with proper theology. Instead, he wants sensationalism, just like those speaking to Jesus wanted a sign to excite their minds and stimulate their otherwise dull lives. This unclean spirit has looked for a suitable place, “and it finds not.”   There are either no bodies at all in the arid places, or those who are there have brought their own water and are satisfied with their pursuits, being actively employed in a life activity that would make them unsuitable to infest. Such was the case with John the Baptist –   “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!' 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.”' 4 Now John himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matthew 3:1-6   Life application: As noted above, unclean spirits revel in those who are not grounded in life's proper pursuits and activities. When humanity gets out of focus with what has been instilled in it by the Creator, unclean spirits find easy targets to infest and inflict them.   This is why larger cities inevitably fill with people who appear absolutely immoral and even demonic. In large cities, people migrate away from hard work and industry and turn towards social programs, easy access to easy lifestyles, attraction to sensationalism, etc.   There is an increasing hunger for things that replace the idea of a Creator God who holds man accountable for their actions. It is why cities normally shift towards left-leaning ideology. For example, abortion becomes common because lovers multiply. Because of this, consequences for affairs only get in the way of more affairs.   People gravitate towards what is fascinating, miraculous, etc. A magician can set up on the corner of a busy avenue and impress the people with tricks that are unexplainable to the masses. People think they possess special powers and abilities.   The newest Nephilim video on YouTube will score a million view, but the sound preacher who carefully explains biblical doctrines may get no views at all. Jesus refused to give a sign because He would have been appealing to the masses' desire for that which is sensational.   Stay away from this type of thinking. Focus on what is right, sound, and proper. Just because something sounds exceptional does not mean it is. The magician's tricks are always explainable. When they are revealed, people say, “Duh! I see now.” And then, they go looking for another magician to tease their senses.   Lord God, help us to think clearly and logically as we view the world around us. Help us to not get caught up in sensationalism and hype, but to pursue a path of hard work, careful and circumspect conduct, and – above all – a close and personal walk with You. Amen.  

Daily Dose of Hope August 29, 2025   Scripture – Luke 13:1-21   Prayer: Father God, hear our prayer this morning.  We are awed by your power and strength.  We are amazed by your love.  Thank you, Lord, for the many ways you show in our lives to teach us and care for us.  Help us gather our scattered thoughts right now and focus on you.  In these next few moments of silence, help us (help me) be still and know that you are God...Come Holy Spirit, and help us walk through this Scripture in a way that honors you.  Show up and help us discover whatever it is you want us to learn.  This is your Word and we want to hear from you.  In Your powerful name, Amen.   Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope, a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we dive into the first half of Luke 13.   Our reading begins today with Jesus' discission about repenting.  It seems that the death of the Galileans is weighing heavy but what happened to them is not clear.  Most scholars agree that there was a group of Galileans who died at the hands of the Roman government, possibly engaging in resistance.  Keep in mind, the Galileans would have been Jewish.  After killing them, Pilate mixed their blood with the blood of animals used in sacrifices.  Of course, this would have been appalling to the Jews.   Surprisingly, Jesus in this text is not concerned with anger toward the Romans or empathy toward the Jews.  He is concerned with repentance.  He tells the group around him that their sins, whatever they are, are not less than the Galileans killed for their resistance.  Keep in mind, in that culture, there would have been a general consensus that suffering was a result of great sin.  But Jesus is clear, we are all guilty of sin in God's eyes and we need to repent.  Don't get too caught up pointing out the sins of others; we are all sinners.  Every single one of us.  Be careful who you point fingers at.   We move from there to another healing on the Sabbath.  A woman crippled for eighteen years is set free by Jesus.  If Jesus didn't seem to have compassion about the Galileans, he certainly shows it here.  The Jewish leaders insist that healing should only occur on the six working days and not on the Sabbath.  But he calls them out on that, “Don't you guys take your animals out to get water on the Sabbath?  And you won't allow me to free this poor woman from bondage?”  He doesn't hesitate to point out their hypocrisy, which has been a theme over the last few chapters.  It sure is easy to hold others to a standard to which you don't hold yourself.    We close with the final part of today's reading.  Jesus gives us two examples of what God's Kingdom is like. First, he says that the Kingdom is like a mustard seed. The listeners would have been familiar with these little seeds; they were the smallest of all the garden seeds available in Palestine during the time of Jesus. But even though they were small, these seeds could grow into a really big bush or tree. It was actually against the law to plant these seeds in a public garden because they would literally take over and choke out the other plants. It's amazing that something so little, almost invisible really, became something that took over the whole garden.   Jesus then moves from the garden to the kitchen and says the Kingdom of God is like yeast that a women mixed with sixty pounds of flour until it was all mixed through. Yeast is also really small. Of course, what we know is that the woman would not have used yeast from a little package like we have (that's a modern invention). In Jesus' time, when you prepared dough for baking, you would take a small piece of leavened dough (dough with the yeast already in it) that you had been saving, and mix it in the new batch of dough. When the new batch was done, you would take a small piece of the dough from that and save it for the next batch. So picture this: the woman has one piece of leavened dough and she takes it and works it all the way through sixty pounds of flour. That's a lot of flour!   Jesus puts these two parables together to help us get a glimpse of the Kingdom of God. You see, in God's Kingdom, small things can yield really big results. Tiny seeds can produce a big tree, so big that birds can nest in it. A little bit of yeasty dough can be mixed with flour to make enough bread to feed hundreds of people. Here are some thoughts about this:   · God's economy is different. In the world, big things are valued–big money, big jobs, big cars, big houses, big, flashy, noticeable---these are all things that indicate power, prestige, control. In God's Kingdom, it's okay for things to be small. Small, seemingly insignificant things can make a huge difference. Mustard seeds, yeast, loaves & fishes, a random act of kindness, a kind or encouraging word, spending time with God in prayer, offering a prayer over someone else, the widow's mite, a humble life lived with integrity, sharing our faith story with someone, or our willingness to serve others. Small things that all can yield huge results for God's Kingdom.   · God does the work but human action is required. In each of these parables, there is human action that was part of the growth. The seed must be planted in the ground and probably watered too. The yeast must be worked through the flour. Although God could accomplish these things on his own, he asks people to invest part of ourselves in his work. Then, God honors that obedience, he honors our effort, our willingness, and our faith, no matter how small and insignificant we think it is and he grows it exponentially.   · Things aren't always as they seem. God works in ways we cannot see or understand. Science is amazing in that it can show us what is happening under the ground with the seed and what's going on in that loaf of bread, but science can't necessarily explain why it happens. In God's Kingdom, things aren't always what they seem. This is important: we might not always see God's power at work, but it's there in the smallest and most unusual ways, changing and transforming us, guiding us, and leading us closer to Jesus.   God is at work there in ways you can't see. The chronic health issue that is so debilitating and limiting-God's at work there in ways you can't understand. Your troubled marriage, your difficult job situation, your finances-God has the ability to work in and through them (with your help) in ways you can't see or understand.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss what makes someone a real Christian.Questions Covered in This Episode:What makes a real Christian?Is everyone who claims to be a Christian a Christian?How does anyone get to define what Christianity is or is not?Why would we say a Jehovah's Witness or a Mormon is not a Christian?If Jesus is not God, does it change the nature of the atonement?How do you determine which denominations are within the family and which are not?Helpful Definitions: Arianism: Believes that Jesus was the first and greatest creature created by God, but not God.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:John 3, 1 Corinthians 5, 1-3 John, John 1The Apostles CreedNicene CreedThe Chalcedonian Creed Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcast:Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

“Did Jesus really appear to 500 people at once?” This episode explores this intriguing question while also addressing topics such as the relationship between good works and grace in mortal sin, and how Catholics can affirm the Filioque without compromising the Trinity. Tune in for a thoughtful examination of these essential aspects of faith. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:38 – Did Jesus really appear to 500 people at once? 04:31 – Do good works earn grace if I'm in mortal sin? 06:31 – How can Catholics affirm the Filioque without compromising the Trinity? 10:51 – Why does the Angelus say “conceived by the Spirit” before “be it done”? 15:09 – Can someone avoid sin without grace? 17:16 – If Jesus finished His sacrifice, why do we still suffer? 20:24 – What's the significance of confirmation? 28:38 – Where are Jesus' and Mary's bodies now? What is Heaven? 35:58 – How can Jesus be both divine and human? 38:09 – When did the liturgy of the word begin? 45:35 – Why do even trained exorcists risk being deceived by demons? 51:41 – Must a Doctor of the Church be a canonized saint?

“How Can Jesus be both God and Son?” This episode explores the complex doctrine of the Hypostatic Union, while also addressing varied questions such as the identity of the Black Hebrew Israelites, the significance of Godparents, and the role of the two witnesses in Revelation. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:20 – Are the Black Hebrew Israelites the Real Jews? 13:59 – Who are the two witnesses at the end time in Revelation 11? 19:11 – What are some tips on selecting God Parents? 29:10 – If Jesus is the most high God, how can He have a Father? 39:07 – Can you clarify the Hypostatic union? 49:11 – Can a Roman Catholic appreciate St. Gregory Palamas's energy essence distinction? 52:31 – How are Catholics to understand Ephesians 2 considering the contradiction in James ?

Patrick handles questions from callers about selling blessed items and explains the Church's stance on simony, warning against treating spiritual goods as commodities. He picks apart misunderstandings about Christ’s divinity, rooting his answers in Scripture and the testimony of the earliest Christians, and engages in a spirited back-and-forth with a Pentecostal caller about the Trinity, grounding his replies both historically and theologically. When a mother wonders what to do about baptism for her child against her husband’s wishes, Patrick lays out the responsibilities and options with practical clarity. Peter - Is it wrong to sell a blessed item like a Rosary? (01:10) Lucy (email) - If Jesus never said in the New Testament that He was God, why are we so certain? (11:09) Dan - In John 7, who is Jesus talking about when He says, “he that believeth in me”? (23:03) Martine (email) - If he's always existed, "where" was Jesus before he was born? (37:17) Marie - Infant baptism. I understand that this is not licit but could be done. If I baptized my kid on my own (without a priest or deacon) would I have to confess that? (47:51)

If Jesus hadn't ascended and applied the blood to the mercy seat in Heaven, it would be as if an Israelite has slain a Lamb and not applied the blood to the doorpost on the night of Passover in Egypt. If Jesus hadn't ascended, He would not have been able to pour out His Spirit from the Heavens. His ascension is critical to our covering, our cleansing, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and in this revelation lives an invitation for us, also, to be ascended with Him! Come stand in awe with us as we magnify Jesus for this great work He has accomplished. THE BRAVEHEART SUMMIT REGISTRATION IS LIVE! Secure your spot today! What is the Braveheart Summit? It is a rallying point for Bravehearts. If you're hungry for God, eager for true connection with others, and ready to grow deep in the faith of the gospel, this Summit is for you. Whether you've been running with Braveheart for years or are new to our podcast or free video series, you're invited to join us in this holy gathering. The Summit is not an end point, it's a launching point. We purpose to gather, to magnify Jesus, to uplift the body of Christ and to return home on mission refreshed, radiant and ready to run.Details - November 6th-8th in San Antonio, Texas Click here to register. Click here to pay it forward. Send us a textSupport the show

What are the implications of Jesus's radical ethics of love and shalom? How far are Christ followers meant to go with the compassion and witness of the gospel? Philosopher Tom Crisp (Biola University) reflects on how a powerful religious experience transformed his academic career and personal faith. Once focused on metaphysics and abstract philosophy, Crisp was confronted in 2009 by the radical compassion of Jesus in the Gospels. That moment led him toward the Catholic Worker movement, the teachings of Dorothy Day, and ultimately, deep involvement in labour and immigrant justice through Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE). He describes participating in civil disobedience, forming solidarity with marginalized communities, and serving as a nonviolent presence in immigration courts where migrants face arrest and deportation. Through these stories, Crisp testifies to the cost and invitation of discipleship: following Jesus into the margins with courage, humility, and love. Episode Highlights “What struck me was Jesus's deep compassion, mercy, fiery concern for people in the margins. And it came to me as deeply convicting.” “I immersed myself in the writings of Dorothy Day… she's had an enormous influence on how I've come to think about what it would look like to be a Jesus follower in our context.” “I was having this very powerful sense of God's presence, feeling broken by it, feeling like I'd hit a turning point in my life.” “If Jesus really is the Jesus of the margins that I'm seeing in the Gospels, then I need to figure out how to get to the margins.” “This isn't a matter of guilt, it's invitation… we're always being invited further in.” “When you're with someone who's been separated from their children, when you're with someone who's shaking with fear… it's just a completely different thing.” “So a horrific violation of human rights is happening around us in our immigration courts, and it's happening here in Orange County.” “We are trying to be a presence of love for everybody there.” Helpful Links and Resources Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) Shalom Ethics: Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself, by Thomas M. Crisp The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical, by Shane Claiborne About Tom Crisp Tom Crisp is professor of philosophy at Biola University, specializing in ethics and justice. After completing his PhD at Notre Dame, Crisp shifted his academic work toward Christian ethics following a transformative religious experience in 2009. He is a community member of the Orange County Catholic Worker and active in Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE), advocating for immigrant and labour rights through nonviolent action and accompaniment. Show Notes Religious Experience and Transformation Tom Crisp recounts his 2009 religious awakening while reading the Gospels. “Fire—my soul is blowing apart, I need to quit my job.” Realization of Jesus's “deep compassion, mercy, fiery concern for people in the margins.” Movement from abstract philosophy to Neighbour Love Command. Catholic Worker movement and Dorothy Day Influence of Shane Claiborne's The Irresistible Revolution and new monastic movement. Encounter with Dorothy Day's writings as a model of radical discipleship. Involvement with the Orange County Catholic Worker community. Attraction to Catholicism Inspired by Notre Dame liturgy and Benedictine practices. Influenced by saints like St. Francis, Maximilian Kolbe, Oscar Romero. “As I spend time in Catholic spaces, I feel the presence of this cloud of witnesses.” CLUE and Nonviolent Action History of CLUE: founded by Rev. James Lawson, trained in Gandhian nonviolence, connected to Martin Luther King Jr. Focus on labour justice and immigrant rights. Training in nonviolent presence, civil disobedience, and accompaniment. Example: shutting down LAX in a five-hundred-person protest for hotel workers. Court Observation and Migrant Accompaniment CLUE partnership with Orange County Rapid Response Network. ICE arrests of migrants who believed they had lawful parole status. “A horrific violation of human rights is happening around us in our immigration courts.” Strategy of nonviolent presence to “dramatize bureaucratic and physical violence.” Clergy presence offers spiritual authority and comfort. Judges and ICE agents sometimes allow moments of prayer or comfort before deportation. “We want to accompany migrants into this dark, dark space and be there as a source of comfort to them.” Formation and Solidarity “When you're with someone who's been separated from their children, when you're with someone who is shaking with fear … it's just a completely different thing.” Experience of humility, solidarity, and courage among migrants and workers. Philosophy, theology, and action integrated in discipleship. Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46 Key Takeaways: + The Identity Jesus Claims Daniel 7:13-14 Acts 17:30-31 "I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God? That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic-on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg-or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." – C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity. "The sane man does not believe that he is God; the sane man does not believe that he will rise from the dead. If Jesus said those things, He was either speaking the truth, or He was insane." – G. K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man. + The Judgment Jesus Delivers + The Criteria by which Jesus Judges John 10:14–15 Matthew 10:40–42 1 Corinthians 4:9–13  Galatians 6:10 1 John 3:14 1 John 3:16–18 3 John 5–8

If Jesus is our mediator, does He have ongoing work to do? Is there biblical support for purgatory? My pastor rejects the idea of “accepting” or “receiving” Christ. What are your thoughts? My boyfriend and I are constantly discussing the problem of evil in this world. Why does God allow it?