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When you look at your life, what do you really see? Do you see the limits — or do you see the glory that is still waiting to emerge?Everything changes when vision changes. That's when you start seeing as God sees; that's when you stop reacting to life, and you start shaping it instead.You're not defined by what's visible; instead, you're strengthened by what is eternal. The same Spirit that hovered over chaos in the beginning at Creation now lives inside of you — still calling light out of darkness, still turning confusion into purpose, still healing what's been broken.In Luke chapter 13, Jesus saw a certain woman who had been bent over for eighteen years. Everyone else instead only saw her pain, her poor posture, her terrible past. But Jesus saw her whole, full, well, upright, standing tall, and restored. And when He spoke what He saw, creation aligned and agreed with His word.That's what happens when Heaven becomes the lens through which you see your world. Faith starts to rise. Confidence returns. The impossible begins to yield.I want you to know that God has already forgotten all your sins, but He will never forget His promised purpose in your life. So, you have to forget what He has already forgotten and hold fast to what He still remembers about the goodness of your future that's soon to become.That is the power of the eternal God's foresight into the future. That when you see as God sees, everything straightens — your posture, your purpose, together with your forward focus and your life.
11/16/25 Message from Melinda Smith. Part of the series "Imago Dei"
THE IMAGO DEI: STRAIGHTEN ME UP
We hope this message encourages and inspires you!Want more like this from CoastLife Church?YouTube: CoastLife Church - YouTubeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mycoastlifechurchInstagram: https://instagram.com/coastlifechurch...GIVE: https://www.mycoastlifechurch.com/giveLooking to get connected? We'd love to meet you! We offer several different ways to connect and be in community: Join a Together Group, Register for CoastLife+, or become a part of our Serve Team today by visiting: CoastLife Connect Card - CoastLife Church (churchcenter.com)Give: To support and be a part of or growth and global impact click here: https://www.mycoastlifechurch.com/give
IMAGO DEI: WALKING IN GOD'S AUTHORITY
When you know who you are, you stop striving to become what you already are. Last week, we discovered that we are the Imago Dei, the visible image of the invisible God. That's deep! This week, we delve deeper.You were never meant to live for identity, but instead to live from the power of your God-ordained identity. You already carry Heaven's authentication and Heaven's validation. You walk in His authority because His Spirit gives you full backing. The revelation of who you already are is what releases the power to live differently. To see as God sees, to speak as God speaks, and to act with much assurance of one who represents The Almighty God.When you learn to live with that understanding, alignments begin to happen. Divine structures and architecture with people groups and many opportunities start coming together to facilitate God's plan and purpose for your life. Stay connected to your source, for He is the vine and we are the branches. Live aware of your divine nature and walk in the authority that already carries Heaven's endorsement.
11/9/25 Message from Andy Smith. Continuing in the series "Imago Dei"
What about if the most profound power that you will ever walk in already resides within you, awaiting only your recognition? What if your confidence, your access, and your influence hinge upon the cognitive grasp of a singular verity, which is the essence of your authentic identity?You are His masterpiece. You are His embodiment upon this Earth; His reflection, His expression, His authority manifest through your very life and existence. Shaped in His likeness, imbued with His nature, you are vested with the wherewithal to fulfil God's will and counsel in the world. You are the Imago Dei.It is insufficient to bear the title Imago Dei without the consciousness of it. When identity is obscured, the world reflects that uncertainty.Yet, when we awaken to our divine nature, as said in 2 Peter 1:3–4, creation resonates in kind. Opportunities beckon. World systems align. Your original purpose recognises you and shifts to embrace all that you carry as God's agency on Earth.
11/2/25 Message from Jeremy Lamb. Continuing the series "Imago Dei"
IMAGO DEI: LIVING IN YOUR TRUE IDENTITY AS THE IMAGE OF GOD
Featuring Pastor Malcolm Beall, Pastor Steve Pettis, Pastor Kendall Hunter, and guest, Caleb Landis.
In "I is for Imago Dei," TJ and Tory go on an adventure to discover what it means to be made in the image of God. Along the way, they learn that because every person bears God's image, we are called to treat others with dignity, kindness, and respect.Follow along as TJ and Tory learn about the God's unchanging character week after week with the ABCs of Theology! Season 5 and 6 follow this best-selling card set, and we just know your kids are going to love them. Shop all discipleship tools for kids ages 2 to 12 at tinytheologians.shop, and join our email list to be among the first to know about sales, new releases, and get all the podcast updates right in your inbox!Resources: The ABCs of TheologyFollow Us:Instagram | Website | Newsletter Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
With the recent tragic death of Christian and political activist Charlie Kirk, it is more essential than ever for us as Christians to move forward in civil dialogue with those who are not Christians about what it means to be human. From Ancient Greece and Rome to our culture today, it is clear that a lack of understanding of who God really inevitably results in not properly understanding who we are as human beings. This week we continue our conversation with historian, author, and mother Nadya Williams about what we can learn from history about the sanctity and value of human life and be encouraged to hold fast to our confession of faith, for a world that needs real hope. Nadya Williams (from the publisher website): Nadya Williams (PhD, Princeton) walked away from academia after fifteen years as a professor of history and classics. She is now a homeschool mom, book review editor at Current, and a contributing editor at Providence magazine. She is the author of Cultural Christians in the Early Church (Zondervan Academic, 2023), and numerous articles and essays in Current, Plough, Christianity Today, Front Porch Republic, Fairer Disputations, Law and Liberty, Church Life Journal, and others. She and her husband, Dan, are parents to one adult son and two children still at home. They live and homeschool in Ashland, a small town near Cleveland, Ohio.Mothers, Children, and the Body Politic (book). Free Four-Page Profiles From Watchman Fellowship: Goddess Worship: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/goddessprofile.pdfPatterns in the Cults: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/patternsprofile.pdfAstrology: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/astrologyprofile.pdfWatchtower Bible and Tract Society: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/watchtowerprofile.pdfZoroastrianism: https://www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileZoroastrianism.pdfAdditional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
In this message, Pastor Josh unpacks what it truly means to be made in the Imago Dei—the image of God. Every human life, regardless of level of development, location, dependency, or ability, carries sacred worth and divine purpose. Drawing from Genesis 1:26–27 and Jeremiah 1:5, we're reminded that our value isn't assigned by culture but given by our Creator. We may have been made from the dust, but we were made in His image.
Young adults today are 1,600% more likely to identify as transgender than people over 50. Every family may not struggle with this issue—but every family will face it. Are you ready? In this critical episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins sits down with Dr. Jeff Myers, President of Summit Ministries and author of the new book Raising Gender Confident Kids, for an unflinching conversation about one of the most pressing challenges facing Christian families today. Dr. Myers reveals why gender ideology isn't just about elevating Pride Month—it's a calculated strategy to tear down the foundations of Western civilization and biblical worldview. What You'll Discover: Why 39% of young adults now identify as LGBTQ—and what's driving this dramatic shift The shocking reality of "transgender recruitment" happening in public schools (and some private schools) How gender ideology functions as an anti-Christ religion with its own evangelism and discipleship steps Age-appropriate conversation strategies for elementary, middle school, and high school students Why middle schoolers are being specifically targeted before they complete puberty How to help your child respond when they can't tell if someone is a boy or a girl The biological truth: 6,500 cataloged differences between males and females—and why they're designed to harmonize Why teaching "Imago Dei" (being made in God's image) is now mission-critical for every Christian family Dr. Myers doesn't sugarcoat the reality: this is a well-funded, strategic assault on the biblical understanding of humanity. But he also offers hope, practical tools, and a pathway for parents to raise children who are confident in God's good design—while showing Christ's love to a generation that's been tragically deceived. Resources: Raising Gender Confident Kids book - genderconfidentkids.com https://www.summit.org/ This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: 2026 Classical Conversations Family Cruise Have you heard? The Classical Conversations 2026 CC Family Cruise will set sail on May 16, 2026. This exciting adventure is open to all CC families and alumni. It will include the National Memory Master Competition, National Commencement, and special CC family activities. Interest is booming with over 800 people interested in cruising with us and cabins are selling out fast! Book your cabin now at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026 Remember, to participate in the CC activities you need to book through the CC group. Grab your sunscreen, your beach bag. and join us on board!
Mothers and children were devalued in ancient Greco-Roman society. The advent of Christianity, however, introduced a radically different perspective - that every human being at every level of society has value and worth because we are all made in the image of God, the Imago Dei. What can we learn from the early Christians about valuing human life and what it means to live as a Christian in the world but not of it? We talk with historian, author, and mother Nadya Williams about these and other issues pertaining to the value and worth of human beings both in ancient societies and in our own. Nadya Williams (from the publisher website): Nadya Williams (PhD, Princeton) walked away from academia after fifteen years as a professor of history and classics. She is now a homeschool mom, book review editor at Current, and a contributing editor at Providence magazine. She is the author of Cultural Christians in the Early Church (Zondervan Academic, 2023), and numerous articles and essays in Current, Plough, Christianity Today, Front Porch Republic, Fairer Disputations, Law and Liberty, Church Life Journal, and others. She and her husband, Dan, are parents to one adult son and two children still at home. They live and homeschool in Ashland, a small town near Cleveland, Ohio.Mothers, Children, and the Body Politic (book). Free Four-Page Profiles From Watchman Fellowship: Goddess Worship: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/goddessprofile.pdfPatterns in the Cults: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/patternsprofile.pdfAstrology: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/astrologyprofile.pdfWatchtower Bible and Tract Society: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/watchtowerprofile.pdfZoroastrianism: https://www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileZoroastrianism.pdfAdditional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
10/19/25 Message from Deli Stinnett. Continuing in the series "Imago Dei"
What if lust isn't just a behavior to stop, but a blindness to heal? We've all experienced that moment, the reduction of a person to an object. It's a symptom of a world seen through a cracked mirror, shattered by the lie that our worth must be earned.In this episode, Vianca Joy dismantles the process through which lust hijacks the mind and reveals its ancient, spiritual roots in the Garden of Eden. This is more than a talk about purity; it's a battle plan for the soul. Discover how the enemy twists our God-given desires and how the healing power of the Sacraments, coupled with the revolutionary truth of the Imago Dei, can restore your sight.Learn to break free from the cycle of shame, exercise your authority in Christ over spiritual strongholds, and reclaim your ability to see yourself and others not as objects to be used, but as beloved images of God to be revered. The path to freedom begins by restoring your vision.
Featuring Pastor Malcolm Beall, Pastor Steve Pettis, Pastor Kendall Hunter, and guest Caleb Landis.
Join Pastor Jason Hatch at Redeemer Church in Midland, Texas, in this sermon as he discusses what it means and the importance of being created in the image of God. Website: redeemermidland.org Instagram: instagram.com/redeemermidland Facebook: facebook.com/RedeemerMidland At Redeemer, we seek to be a Gospel-Centered, Missional Family. We sing songs to worship our Lord, we preach the Word of God from the Bible, and we love one another. We would love to see you on a Sunday morning at 9:00 or 11:00 am at 3601 N. Lamesa Rd in Midland, Texas.
10/12/25 Message from Andy Smith. Continuing in the series "Imago Dei"
10-05-2025Revs. Keith & Mikelle Maxwell
Join Pastor Mark and Golda for a powerful conversation about being created anew in Christ Jesus from the Masterpiece series on Ephesians 2:10. Explore the difference between the old life separated from God and the new life found in Christ. Pastor Mark vulnerably shares his testimony of transformation from addiction at age 20, and discusses practical ways to test whether you're experiencing the rich and satisfying life Jesus promises. Learn about the battle between our sinful nature and the Spirit, how spiritual practices like prayer and Scripture feed your faith, and what it means to reflect God's image more clearly. Perfect for anyone questioning their relationship with God or seeking deeper transformation in Christ!#createаnew, #imagodei, #imageofGod, #transformation, #testimony, #newlife, #spiritualgrowth, #christianliving, #discipleship, #transformedbyjesus, #pausepodcast, #christianpodcast
Introduction – When People Don't Approve of You Rainey began her message with a story from her college years — a painful and funny one about rejection. She told how she dated a grad student named Noah who was brilliant, popular, and part of an elite, intellectual friend group. When she went to dinner to meet his friends, she knew she was being evaluated — an “audition dinner.” When asked about Kant's Critique of Judgment, all she could say was, “I think Kant is really good. Art also, very good. So to sum up, I am pro.” It didn't go well. Shortly after, Noah broke up with her, saying she “wasn't smart enough” and that she'd be more comfortable with someone “her speed.” It was humiliating. She had been evaluated and found lacking. Rainey then drew the connection: this kind of rejection happens to all of us. We don't always fit in. Sometimes we're not chosen, we're overlooked, or we're compared unfavorably to others — the sibling the parents brag about, the colleague the students prefer, the church that people leave for. She said, “There's no use pretending everyone will love you. That's not true. The Gospel has to be good news even when people don't like us.” If our sense of worth depends on impressing others, we become weak, reactive, and easily crushed. To show how dangerous this is, Rainey turned to Scripture. ⸻ 1. The Danger of Insecurity (Matthew 14:1–11) She read the story of Herod and John the Baptist: “Herod was greatly distressed, but because of his oath and his dinner guests, he ordered that John be beheaded…” (Matthew 14:9) Rainey highlighted that Herod didn't kill John out of hatred. He killed him out of insecurity. He wanted to look strong in front of his guests. He cared more about their approval than what was right. She said, “If Herod hadn't been so desperate for them to think he was strong, he'd have been free to ask, ‘What is right?' Instead, he asked, ‘What do they want to see?'” That's what insecurity does. When we tie our worth to others' opinions, we become unable to do what's right. We can only do what others want to see. It's a position of terrible weakness. Then she brought it home: “If I link my worth to your approval, I can't be a person who obeys God. I can only be a person who performs for you.” That's why we need good news for the insecure heart. ⸻ 2. Imago Dei – You Are Made in the Image of God Rainey's first idea for finding freedom from insecurity is the biblical truth of the Imago Dei — that every person is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). She described how all beauty and goodness in creation point to God: “The heavens declare the glory of God; day after day they pour forth speech.” – Psalm 19:1–2 Mountains, oceans, sunsets — they all reflect something of His glory. But humans are unique because we don't just reflect His glory — we resemble Him. She said, “God used His own fingers to carve the lines of your face. He held your cheeks and said, ‘Yes, that's just right.'” We are designed to show the world something of what God is like — each of us in a slightly different way. To despise yourself or wish to be someone else is to insult the Artist who made you. “The one who carved your bones is not wishing you were more like your sister.” It's beneath your dignity, Rainey said, to let your worth swing back and forth with every opinion. Your worth is not determined by the crowd — it's anchored in the Creator. Then she turned to the Third Commandment, often translated “Do not take the Lord's name in vain.” She explained that the Hebrew verb nasa means “to carry.” So the command really says: “Do not carry the name of the Lord your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7) In other words: “You carry My name. Represent Me well.” If we treat people as though they don't matter, we misrepresent the God who made them. When we devalue others, we carry His name badly — we show the world a false picture of Him. So, what are we called to show the world? Rainey told the story of Hagar in Genesis 16 — an abused, pregnant, runaway slave who meets God in the desert. God sees her, comforts her, and promises a future. In response, she names Him: “You are El Roi — the God Who Sees Me.” And Rainey said, “That's who He still is. To people no one else sees, He is the God who sees.” That's our calling as image bearers: not to impress others, but to see others as He does. The highest calling is not to be admired — it's to notice the forgotten, to look into someone's eyes and say with our presence, ‘God has not forgotten you.' When we do that — whether as a doctor, teacher, parent, or neighbor — we reveal the God who sees. That's the stable foundation of our worth: not impressing people, but bearing His image. ⸻ 3. The Gospel According to You Rainey's second major idea was that God isn't wishing you were more like anyone else — because He designed you to tell the story of His goodness in a unique way. She illustrated this through the four Gospels: • Matthew, the tax collector, wrote to show that Jesus fulfilled every prophecy — the precise, orderly Gospel for those who care about facts and fulfillment. • Mark, reflecting Peter's voice, wrote fast and action-packed — the soldier's Gospel for people who value power and results. • Luke, the doctor, wrote a polished, reasoned account — the intellectual's Gospel, highlighting compassion, reason, and human dignity. • John, the emotional “son of thunder,” wrote the love letter Gospel — passionate, personal, and poetic. Each one tells the same story of Jesus, but from a different angle. None could replace the others. Together, they give us a fuller picture of who Jesus is. Then Rainey made her point: “To celebrate Him fully, we need all four voices. And to celebrate Him even more fully, we need yours too.” She said, “The Gospel according to Coleton is that God can save anyone, even the people no one expects. The Gospel according to Rainey is that He's the reason nature is beautiful and ethics matter. And yours will sound different still — and that's exactly the point.” Each of us is meant to tell the world how Jesus has been good news to us. “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” – Psalm 107:2 God doesn't need more copies of the same person. He needs each of us to reveal a facet of His beauty that no one else can. ⸻ 4. Loaves and Fishes – You Are Enough for God to Use Finally, Rainey turned to her last idea: You are not enough — but you are enough when given to Jesus. She said, “Please don't hear me saying, ‘Believe in yourself because you are enough.' You aren't. I'm not either.” We cannot heal trauma, fix the world, or even make our loved ones wise or successful. We feel inadequate because we are inadequate. But, she said, “You are enough the way loaves and fishes were enough.” When a boy handed Jesus his meager lunch, Jesus made it feed thousands. The bread and fish weren't enough — until they were surrendered. In the same way, when we offer our homes, our talents, our dinners, our time — however small — Jesus multiplies it into something eternal. Rainey shared that she often prays before people come to her home for dinner: “Lord, take this lasagna and somehow receive glory from it.” That's how our lives work. Not because we're impressive, but because when we hand what we have to Him, He uses it to show His goodness. ⸻ 5. Closing Blessing and Prayer Rainey ended with this charge and blessing: “In an ocean of opinions, you do not have to audition for your worth. And don't make anyone else audition for theirs.” Walk in the dignity of an image bearer. Tell the Gospel according to you. And when you feel your not-enoughness, hand it to Jesus like loaves and fish — He will make it enough. She closed by praying that the Spirit would free us from comparison and insecurity, and send us out to be people who see others as God sees them. “Lord Jesus, thank You that You were unmoved by the crowd's opinion. Set our faces toward You. Free us from the tyranny of competition, and send us to the lonely, the overlooked, and the left-out — not to compete but to bless.” ⸻ Discussion Questions 1. Where are you most tempted to “audition” for approval? What does it look like to find your worth in how others see you? 2. How does the truth of being made in the Imago Dei change how you see yourself — and how you treat others? 3. Which “Gospel voice” do you most relate to — Matthew's precision, Mark's action, Luke's compassion, or John's love? What might “the gospel according to you” sound like? 4. What “loaves and fishes” could you offer to Jesus this week? (Something small you can surrender for His glory.) 5. Who around you might need to be “seen”? How could you bear God's image to them by communicating, “God sees you”?
Discover what it means to be God's masterpiece in this powerful sermon from Pastor Mark! Through an inspiring video and biblical teaching, explore how God transforms us from our old life into a brand new creation in Christ Jesus. Learn about the battle between your old sinful nature and the new nature given by the Holy Spirit, and understand how being "in Christ" changes everything. Pastor Mark shares his personal testimony of transformation and explains how to be filled with the Holy Spirit daily. Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or seeking spiritual renewal, this message offers hope and practical guidance for living the abundant life Jesus promised!#GodsMasterpiece, #NewLifeInChrist, #HolySpiritFilled, #BornAgain, #TransformedByJesus, #ChristianSermon, #FaithJourney, #Ephesians210, #NeighborhoodChurch, #Masterpiece
Send us a Text Message about the podcastWhat if the path back to purpose winds through a kitchen? I sit down with Jeff Reynolds, a chef whose story spans late-teen addiction, a decade in a grunge-era band, a pandemic crisis, a dusted-off Bible, and a calling he once ran from. The turning point is startlingly human—a night of fear and honesty at home—followed by small, faithful steps: reading John, hard questions that outgrew a brother's answers, and a four-hour lunch with a pastor that reframed “ministry” as more than a pulpit.We walk through Jeff's craft and recovery, and into his work at World Relief's commercial learning kitchen, where refugees and immigrants rebuild livelihoods far beyond the 90-day resettlement window. He explains how culinary training becomes a vehicle for dignity, micro-enterprise, and healing from trauma. Along the way, he learns the language of spice markets, the etiquette of cross-cultural respect, and a deeper theology of the Imago Dei that holds firm in a plural space—open about faith, never coercive, always grounded in love and truth. The result is a kitchen that functions as classroom and community hub, where cinnamon and cardamom carry stories across continents.Jeff also shares the discernment he and his wife, Lori, are navigating now—what shepherding a flock could look like, why stewardship precedes promotion, and how intentional practices like daily prayer can anchor a life that once drifted. His three takeaways are simple and strong: keep praying for prodigals, hold your calling with open hands, and make space for God every day. If you need a reminder that vocation can be redeemed and redirected, this conversation will meet you right where you are.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review so others can find Above the Noise. What part of Jeff's journey speaks to yours?Leave reviewFollow and ShareSend Text Message New WebsiteBuy Me A Coffee Support the show#abovethenoise24# faith#reconciliation#race#racialreconciliationWe appreciate your support: Buy Me A CoffeeStay in touch: Email us at: abovethenoise24@gmail.com Facebook: @abovethenoise24 Instagram: abovethenoise24 Podcast art by Mario Christie.
What does it mean that humanity was made to "have dominion"? In this fourth episode of our Imago Dei series, Greg and Nathan unpack the kingly calling at the heart of being made in God's image. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture paints a royal picture of humanity—not as tyrants or owners, but as vice-regents under the true King. We'll explore how the Bible uses royal language to describe human purpose, how sin has distorted our rule, and how Jesus—our Servant King—restores and redefines our authority through grace. From stewarding the earth to resisting evil and creating beauty, this episode is a deep dive into what it looks like to reign in life the way God intended. Whether you feel powerless or prideful, this episode will remind you: you were made to rule—but only under the rule of Christ. You were made for more than survival—you were made for responsible rulership. Through Christ, we don't grasp at power; we receive grace to serve. Kingship, in God's Kingdom, always looks like love with authority and order shaped by mercy.
In this thought-provoking workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Mike McGarry explores how a proper understanding of the Imago Dei—the image of God—shapes our identity and discipleship. Arguing that much of today's cultural confusion stems from forgetting what it means to be human, Mike walks through the biblical storyline of creation, fall, redemption, and glorification to show how the Imago Dei is a unifying thread throughout Scripture. He also offers practical insight into why this matters for youth and family discipleship today.Mike is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as an ordained youth pastor for nearly twenty years in Massachusetts. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, with an emphasis on Ministry to Emerging Generations, and is the author of multiple books on youth ministry.Rooted Resources:Youth Pastor TheologianIconic: Being God's Image in Your World (Real World Theology) by Mike McGarryCalvin, Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life, and The Image of God for Youth: Part 1 by Dan WolfFollow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts
WNS - Genesis 2: The Imago Dei by Sunnybrook Christian Church
Sunday, September 21, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "Who was Jesus the ordinary man, as represented across the three Abrahamic faith traditions?"
“...Work plays a critical role in God's mission. As the Imago Dei, we are made to reflect the image of a Creator God, and we join him in making something of the world. To demonstrate the breadth and nuance of God's character, we need women and men to be vitally engaged in workplaces, homes, and organizations across our communities, utilizing the full extent of their God-given gifts.” In Women, Work, and Calling: Step Into Your Place in God's World,” author Joanna Meyer provides vision, encouragement, and practical guidance for women as they navigate work and it's demands. In this episode, Joanna and Autumn discuss themes from the book by asking, What is God's design for human work, and how does that theological vision inform our daily work? How does God use the circumstances of our work to shape us? What unique challenges do women face in their work and leadership? How can women and men partner to work together in a way that honors God's design?(Originally released September 11, 2024)Resources mentioned in this episode:Women, Work, and Calling by Joanna MeyerHalf the Church by Carolyn Custis JamesDenver Institute for Faith and WorkWomen, Work, and Calling
Today we zoom in on the heart of Catholic education: every human life bears unalienable dignity. Drawing on a recent papal remark and the doctrine of the Imago Dei, Jonathan unpacks what this means in classrooms and staffrooms: how we speak, how we correct, how we form culture. You'll hear practical ways to recognize Christ in the “hardest to love,” build a community that refuses utilitarianism, and keep Catholic identity at the center of school life.You'll learn:Why Imago Dei is the engine of Catholic pedagogyHow language, expectations, and mercy shape a school's cultureDaily practices to honor dignity—especially with difficult students/colleaguesShare with a colleague and subscribe for daily Catholic education & mission content.Find out about booking Jonathan to come and speak at your school or eventhttps://jonathandoyle.co/Book a coaching call with me right now - For Principal's and Leaders in Catholic Educationhttps://jonathandoyle.co/Come and join Jonathan for his daily Youtube videos:https://www.youtube.com/@onecatholicteacher/videosFind Jonathan on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jdoylespeaks/
Join Greg & Nathan as they continue their discussion in their series the Imago Dei. What if bearing God's image isn't just about who we are—but also about what we're called to do? In this third episode of The Imago Dei series, Greg and Nathan dive into the priestly role of humanity, asking: What does it mean that part of bearing God's image is being a priest? Drawing from key Scriptures like 1 Peter 2:9, Genesis 2:15, and Exodus 19:5–6, they explore how every believer is invited to draw near to God—and to help others do the same. From Eden to the cross, from sacred temples to ordinary lives, the priestly calling runs deep: to intercede, to steward sacred space, and to carry God's presence into a broken world. In this episode, they discuss: The surprising priestly parallels in the Garden of Eden How Old Testament priests shape our understanding of spiritual life today Why prayer is more than a quiet moment—it's priestly work What it means to be part of a royal priesthood in Christ How Jesus, our Great High Priest, redefines our identity and mission And how living as priests impacts everything from our parenting to our pain Whether you're in ministry or the marketplace, a seasoned believer or exploring faith, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to see your life as sacred—and your presence as a vessel of God's mercy.
You'll enjoy this conversation with Maddie! Check out her bio below and go follow her on Tiktok! "My name is Maddie, and I am a 22-year-old recent college graduate. I consider myself to be a Pro-Life activist. I was raised in a Christian-Conservative home, so my worldview has been wholly shaped bythe authority of Scripture. God has placed the desire in my heart to advocate against abortion and for all humans, preborn and born alike, tohave equal protection under the law. I refuse to be silent on the injustice being committed against the Imago Dei.In His sovereign plan, God has given me a unique perspective on the sanctity of life as it relates to IVF. My brother and I were both conceived through the process of IVF. When I became informed on the ethical horrors of IVF, I wrestled with what that meant about my own existence and how I could reconcile that with my Pro-Life convictions."Check out more:-- https://grtl.org/i-am-an-ivf-survivor-why-being-pro-ivf-is-not-pro-life/-- https://www.tiktok.com/@that.conservative.girl
Sunday, September 14, 2025 | You Asked For It | Pastor Michelle preaches in our summer 2025 series based on the questions our congregation has asked for, this week answering: "Does God make mistakes or have regrets?"
What does it really mean to be prophetic? In Episode 2 of our Imago Dei series, Greg and Nathan explore the powerful, often misunderstood role of the prophet—not as a fortune-teller, but as a meaning-maker. Big Idea: Bearing God's image means helping others interpret life through the lens of Scripture. Through a thoughtful discussion, they unpack what it means to assign meaning to events, emotions, and moments in a world hungry for clarity. From the calling of ancient prophets to the quiet, everyday witness of modern believers, this episode explores how we, as image-bearers of God, can speak truth, bring hope, and reframe reality for those around us. Topics include: The true biblical role of a prophet How the prophetic function reflects the Imago Dei Why all Christians share this calling today What it looks like to "assign meaning" in everyday conversations How Jesus perfectly embodies this role What this means for your life and voice as a follower of Christ Whether you're new to the concept or eager to go deeper, this conversation will encourage you to see your everyday words and presence as part of a sacred calling—to help others see God more clearly in the story of their lives. Listen now and rediscover the prophetic dignity woven into your humanity.
Re-dropping a classic episode from 2023: Harry and Rafe address some listener questions surrounding great saints, why so much focus on Imago Dei, and all the great stuff we have learned doing the Buf for all these years.*****As always, you can reach the Buf at bufnagle@bufnagle.com*****As you know, this is an independent podcast so your hosts also carry all the expenses of running this podcast. As such, some of you have asked how you can help out. Well, here's the answer: support us on Buy Me a Coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/bufnagleOn this page, you can do a really nice thing like send us a couple dollars to help cover the cost of recording and hosting and microphones and research and all that. Any little bit really helps! Thank you in advance!!!
Beauty is not a luxury—it's a vital, transformative force that shapes souls, redeems culture, and unlocks the creative potential God has placed in us all. In this inspiring and intensely practical episode, Catherine welcomes Isaac and Emily Gay to “Christian Parent, Crazy World” for a discussion that is anything but superficial. Together, they tackle the overlooked virtue of beauty in the church and in the home—a topic with power to reach the lost and restore what has been tragically neglected in the Western church. Isaac and Emily Gay share their hearts, talents, and hard-won wisdom from years of artistic leadership, ministry, and motherhood. With backgrounds in theater, worship, and church planting, they know firsthand the struggle of being artists in a culture—and a faith community—that too often sidelines creativity in favor of utilitarian metrics. Their mission? To help the modern church reclaim its historical role as a cultivator of beauty and creativity, both in its worship and its community life. Key topics explored in this episode: The Forgotten Virtue: Catherine and her guests outline how beauty once held a central place in the church, only to be pushed aside by industrial-age utilitarianism, soul-counting, and a focus on productivity at the expense of creativity. Healing the Rift: Catherine dives into the history of how secularism, dualism, and fundamentalist thinking fractured the relationship between church and creative souls. A Biblical Blueprint for Collaboration: Drawing from Exodus and the story of Bezalel and Oholiab—the first individuals filled with the Holy Spirit for the purpose of art—Emily and Isaac urge pastors and church leaders to actively commission and empower artists, forging genuine partnerships for the sake of the Gospel. The Culture-Shaping Power of Art: Isaac shares a provocative example from pop culture—Lil Nas X’s infamous “satanic shoes”—to illustrate how the world hasn’t forgotten art’s power, but the church has. The consequences? Hollywood and secular creatives have filled the cultural void abandoned by faith communities. Personal Stories and Honest Confessions: Catherine, Emily, and Isaac each open up about their individual struggles—feeling misunderstood, pressured to produce, and at times outright rejected by faith communities. Their honesty will resonate with parents, pastors, and anyone grappling with their creative calling. Reimagining Success: The conversation challenges the prevailing idea that only overtly “productive” or evangelical art is worthwhile, calling for a holistic embrace of beauty as a means of forming souls, shaping culture, and expressing the fullness of the Imago Dei. Have you ever wondered why the church has lost its cultural influence to Hollywood? Are you, or your children, gifted in the arts and unsure of how that fits in God’s kingdom? Are you a church leader looking to be a force for good in our culture? Emily and Isaac’s insights will encourage you to see artistic expression as a calling worthy of investment—and essential to the church’s mission in the world. This episode is essential listening for parents, pastors, creatives, and anyone longing to see God redeem our culture through something as simple—and as sacred—as beauty. Don’t miss this heartfelt and hope-filled conversation that just might change the way you see art, faith, parenthood, and the power of beauty to shape the world for good. Guest Bios: Isaac and Emily Gay are artists, worship leaders, and church planters in Buffalo, NY. With backgrounds in acting, worship, and the arts, they’ve helped lead church planting and prayer movements while building creative communities both locally and online. Parents of three boys, they are passionate about the power of beauty, creativity, and play—at home, in the church, and in culture. Episode Resources: Isaac’s Website & Instagram The Parallel Society The Prodigal by Isaac Gay For resources, free guides for parents, and more on nurturing creativity in your kids, visit catherine@catherinesegars.com. Stay curious. Stay creative. Let’s raise a new generation of culture-makers—one story, painting, song, or act of love at a time. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
What does it really mean to be made in the image of God? In this series, Imago Dei, Greg and Nathan dive into one of the most foundational truths of the Bible: that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26–27). But what does that actually mean? How does it shape our identity, purpose, and relationships? Through honest conversation and practical insight, they tackle key questions like: How are humans different from animals and angels? What's the difference between being like God and being God? What does the image of God say about our worth—even in a broken world? How does it affect the way we relate to others, steward creation, and find our purpose? And how does Jesus show us what it really means to live as true image-bearers? Whether you're new to theology or looking for a deeper understanding of your identity in Christ, this episode lays the groundwork for a powerful journey through the doctrine of the Imago Dei. Subscribe now and join Greg and Nathan as they explore what it means to be human, made in the image of God.
9/7/25 Message from Andy Smith on Christ formed in us.
When people believe that bad ideas make people unworthy of their humanity, then what begins with hashtags and de-platforming can end with bullets and bombs. __________ Get the latest on the Truth Rising documentary at truthrising.com.
In this insightful episode of the Compared to Who? podcast, host Heather Creekmore welcomes bestselling author, speaker, and Bible teacher Lisa Whittle to discuss her new book, Body and Soul, and the powerful concept of "whole body theology." Together, they delve into the intersection of faith and body image, explore what it means to have a biblical foundation for how we view our bodies, and confront the complicated journey many Christians face with body image and self-worth. Key Points & Takeaways: Whole Body Theology Defined:Lisa shares her journey into developing a “whole body theology” — a comprehensive, biblical belief system that addresses our entire personhood (body, soul, and spirit). This theology is designed to give believers a scriptural foundation for making body-related decisions, rather than relying solely on diet culture or secular self-esteem movements. The Need for a Biblical Approach:Both Heather and Lisa highlight the shortcomings of how the Church often compartmentalizes spiritual and physical health, or accidentally echoes secular body positivity without offering a theological alternative. Lisa asserts that lasting body image peace is grounded in spiritual transformation and discipleship, not just new diets or positive mantras. Personal Body Image Stories:Lisa vulnerably recounts her own "complicated" story with body image, including familial pressures, diet culture, and early struggles with eating disorders. She reveals how the truth of Scripture and God’s view of her body brought genuine freedom, something diets and cultural messages never provided. Discipleship Around Body Image:The conversation stresses the Church’s responsibility to disciple believers in whole body theology, integrating faith and embodied life. Lisa advocates for developing a framework where everyday choices with food, movement, rest, and even work are filtered through the lens of glorifying God. Misuse of Scripture in Body Image:Common verses like “your body is a temple” or “fearfully and wonderfully made” are often misapplied, leading to shame, diet obsession, or misunderstanding. True whole body theology digs deeper into Scripture for a holistic, grace-filled perspective rather than cherry-picking verses to fit societal standards. Rejecting Judgement & Assumptions:Both speakers caution against judging others' bodies from the outside or assuming someone's spiritual health by body size. Such partiality is unbiblical and harmful, and they call for more compassion and understanding within the Church community. Dangers of Diet and Body Positivity Culture:Lisa and Heather warn against simply swinging from diet culture to secular body positivity without a biblical root. They challenge listeners not to accept cultural solutions but to pursue God’s truth for genuine freedom and transformation. About Lisa’s Bible Study (Body and Soul):Lisa explains how her new six-week Bible study walks individuals or groups through the process of building a whole body theology. With videos, scripture dives, reflection questions, and practical steps, participants learn to draw their body beliefs from Scripture—not from culture. Practical Encouragements: Lasting body image freedom comes from aligning your beliefs about your body with God’s Word, not with fleeting diets or positive slogans. True discipleship includes how we steward, honor, and view our physical selves as integral to spiritual life. It’s time for the Church and its people to lead—not follow—in honest, compassionate, gospel-oriented conversations about body image. Get Connected & Resources: Heather Creekmore’s 40 Day Body Image Journey:Sign up at improvebodyimage.com to dig deep into Scripture and pursue body image freedom. In His Image Conference:Join Heather outside Dallas, Texas, this November—early registration details are here: https://www.wonderfullymadenutritioncounseling.com/events/in-his-image-body-image-conference-for-teen-girls-and-women-2025 Get Lisa Whittle’s Book:Body and Soul: A Six-Week Bible Study is available on Amazon (affiliate link), LisaWhittle.com, and wherever books are sold. Connect with Heather:Visit heathercreekmore.com for more encouragement, resources, and podcast info. Thanks for tuning in to Compared to Who? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who needs biblical hope for their body image journey! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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