Podcasts about ephesians

Psalm 122 Psalm 127 Ephesians 1:3-10 Romans 5:20-21 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

Psalm 123 Psalm 124 Psalm 125 Ephesians 1:11-12 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

Pastor Andy Cass A puzzle that's 99.9% finished is still 100% frustrating — because every piece matters. In this message, Legacy, Pastor Andy reminds us that God has called each of us to start, continue, and complete projects that will last beyond our lifetime. Through the stories of Abraham and Saul, we see two men, two trees, and two very different postures. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree — a symbol of faith, covenant, and legacy that would outlive him. Saul sat under a tamarisk tree — consumed by insecurity, fear, and self-preservation. One built a future; the other destroyed what was entrusted to him. TEXT: Genesis 21:33–34, 1 Samuel 22:6, Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 23:11–12, Colossians 3:23–24, Philippians 2:14–15 Big Questions: What project does God have for me to start? What project can I continue? What project does God have for me to complete? Abraham and Saul: Two Legacies, Two Trees Abraham planted a tamarisk tree — a symbol of faith, covenant, and hospitality. He looked forward, trusted God, and built something that would last. Saul sat under a tamarisk tree — a symbol of entitlement, fear, and isolation. He chose control over surrender, comfort over calling. The Contrast: Abraham's heart: humble, faithful, centered on God's promises. Saul's heart: insecure, prideful, disconnected from God's presence. Abraham planted; Saul uprooted. Posture & Attitude: Thanksgiving Gratitude Commitment Peace Reliance on the Holy Spirit and wise community Call to Action: Plant something that will outlast you — a faith, a family, a ministry, a legacy. Stay Connected: Give: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/giving Online Service: Sundays 9 AM (YouTube & Facebook Live) Connect: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/people/forms/113001 Instagram: @wearetheechochurch

In a world where it feels easier than ever to tear each other down, what would it look like if we became women who intentionally build bridges instead of burning them? In this episode, Pastor Lisa walks through the topics of connection, honor, forgiveness, and the holy work of reconciliation. This one will stretch you, bless you, and remind you of the power you carry as a builder in God's kingdom. This episode dives into the heart of what it means to be a bridge builder, a woman committed to connection, honor, and intentional growth. Pastor Lisa brings real, practical, sometimes hilarious, and incredibly convicting truth about the ways we build up or tear down the relationships God has entrusted to us. From the dangers of gossip and complaining to the beauty of forgiveness and wise building, this conversation invites us into a higher standard: becoming women who reconcile, redeem, and restore. You'll feel encouraged, challenged, and empowered to examine your own bridges and commit to building what lasts. 00:28 — The purpose of a bridge: connecting what's been separated. Pastor Lisa shares why God calls us to be "bridge builders" in the Women of Arise. 01:52 — How complaining, gossip, dishonor, and speaking death burn the very bridges we're called to build. 03:36 — Entering her 50s, Pastor Lisa reflects on the value of connection... and who's going to wipe her later in life! 05:44 — Learning not to burn bridges even after mistakes; choosing not to unfollow people just because we disagree. 07:10 — "No one can hurt me unless I allow them." 08:39 — Becoming wise builders who leave room for reconciliation. The story of keeping the porch light on for Bekah. 11:21 — Matthew 7:24-27: Jesus' teaching on the wise and foolish builders and our ability to build well. 14:00 — Being faithful with what God has given now. Not neglecting blessings simply because they don't look like what we want. 16:30 — Ways we burn bridges: dishonor, disrespect, and the power of valuing others. John Bevere's Influence on Understanding Honor. 19:27 — Gossip and slander: Proverbs 16:28. Gossip separates close friends and destroys bridges. 24:22 — Unforgiveness and bitterness: bitterness builds walls, not bridges. 25:30 — Pride and self-righteousness: how long will we wait to cross the bridge? 26:10 — Division and offense: the enemy doesn't have to destroy the church if he can divide it. 27:57 — Neglect and apathy: ignoring your husband's needs weakens the bridge of your marriage. 30:02 — Complaining and cynicism: Numbers 12. Complaining keeps us wandering when God calls us forward. 36:24 — Five ways to build bridges: Speak life (Ephesians 4:29) Choose forgiveness (Colossians 3:13) Listen with love (James 1:19) Practice gratitude Be a peacemaker 40:18 — Bridges are built intentionally - Matthew 5:9. 41:24 — The ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–19). 44:04 — Closing prayer and blessing. Plus: a reminder about the February 2026 Arise Conference. REGISTER FOR ARISE CONFERENCE 2026 TODAY! https://www.inspirechurch.live/events/arise-conference/ 

Feeling shaken? Pastor Alvin closes "The Merge" series by challenging us to see trials not as proof that God has left, but as the tools He uses to shape us into Christ's image. Discover how pain, pressure, and testing build patience, resilience, and maturity. Your salvation isn't just rescue—it's being developed. Learn to let God use every trial to form the life of Jesus in you. Scripture references: James 1:2–4 Ephesians 4:13–15 Luke 22:31–32 Acts 2:40 1 Peter 1:7–9 1 Peter 5:8 ABOUT US At Nashville Life Church, our vision is dedicated to following Jesus & building leaders. We are here to point every person to Jesus Christ. CONNECT Ready to connect? Click this link so we can stay in touch and get you connected here at Nashville Life: http://www.chrch.es/ap9bd GIVE To support this ministry & help us continue to reach people all around the world: http://www.chrch.es/3a843 PRAYER REQUESTS If you have a prayer request or need, we'd love to pray with you. Click this link to let us know how we can pray with you: https://bit.ly/3fVDSDh Follow Nashville Life Church: YouTube:    / @nashvillelifechurch   Instagram:   / nashvillelifechurch   Facebook:   / nashlifecc   Website: https://nashvillelifechurch.com/ Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iYaT0c

 In this plenary message from TGC25, Ryan Kwon exposits Ephesians 4:25–5:14. He explains that God's indicatives always lead to God's imperatives, and the grace of God gives believers a new desire to obey God's commands. In Christ, this leads to living out a new individual identity, a new collective identity, and a new familial identity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 1-4 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Hunter welcomes listeners to the fifth day of December and guides us through a heartfelt reading of Ephesians chapters 1 through 4—a slight detour to make things right after a mix-up with the daily scripture readings. As your faithful Bible reading coach, Hunter invites you to journey together through these transformative passages, emphasizing the profound truth of our new identity in Christ. Blending the wisdom of scripture with relatable reflections—think "wax on, wax off" from The Karate Kid—Hunter reminds us that the Christian life is about putting on who we truly are in Christ and letting go of what no longer defines us. The episode flows into a time of prayer, encouragement, and practical updates, including a shoutout about the new Daily Radio Bible app designed to make sharing the podcast even easier. Join Hunter as we dig deep into God's word, pray for one another, and remember that, no matter what, you are loved—no doubt about it. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Wax on, Wax off. Do you remember those words from Mr. Miyagi to Danielson in the movie Karate Kid? This passage in Ephesians today has a way of bringing that idea to mind. Our Christian life starts by putting on what we are, much like the "wax on" of the film, learning who we are in Christ—putting it on, letting it shape us. Paul spends the better part of these chapters in Ephesians reminding us who we are, encouraging us to put it on. We are in Christ. God has made us new in Christ. He took those of us who were not his people and made us his own. He took those who were not citizens and made us citizens. He adopted us as his very children. All by means of his death on the cross. This is what he's done for us. He forgave our sins, made us new by his grace. And that, my friend, is what you are: you are his, you are in him. So put that on. God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. That is who you are. Put that on. The Christian life begins and ends, and includes everything in between, by putting on Christ, living out who you already are. That's the invitation—wax on. But then comes wax off. We need to take off what we no longer are. You are not your old self. You are not the sum of all your old failures, your old feelings, lusts, desires, regrets, and shames from the past. No, take it off. That's not who you are. Put on who he says you are in him. It's by living out who you truly are that you'll have the power to put away what you're not. It doesn't go the other way around. It doesn't start with us trying to get rid of all the old stuff in order to finally live who we are. No, it begins with understanding and living in your true identity in Christ. Then you'll have the power, perspective, and presence of God within you to enable you to live that life, to take off what needs to be taken off. You can't muster this up by trying really hard. There's no physical, spiritual, emotional, or psychological regime that can equip you well en TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Matt shares his heart with you and expresses his vision for the Frontline Man ministry on today's episode.

If you hate your job, then you will want to listen to today's episode. I share with you 5 things that you must remind yourself of regularly, that will help change your perspective on the job that you work.

Most of us have heard of the Spiritual Armor of God as listed in the book of Ephesians, but why do we need this armor? What are we really fighting against? Listen in!

Please note that this episode and any subsequent episodes pertaining to the Book of Ephesians are for women only!This is a study of the Book of Ephesians. We will be using Susan Heck's study guide for structure, but I will also incorporate additional sources for commentary in the study. If you want to purchase this book, feel free to do so here:With the Master in Heavenly Places: A Ladies' Bible Study of Ephesians (With the Master Bible Studies):https://www.amazon.com/Master-Heavenly-Places-Ephesians-Studies/dp/1936141337/ref=sr_1_1?crid=K9GX3NURRX2G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SdPvydvlxPwujuCL77NNLhhRELuSmgdFZ6Xz_EGRRyrrd_lG64iwxrXEGQey-8kS.DgSw5A3QldNcvfz4nSeIfKbrzaHQDnL8OP1cEH8C6lo&dib_tag=se&keywords=susan+heck+ephesians&qid=1750106822&sprefix=susan+heck+eph%2Caps%2C220&sr=8-1She also has some free resources here:https://www.withthemaster.org/homeworkThanks for joining today, ladies!

In this episode of the Love Never Fails podcast, Minister Jeremy Squires explores the transformative power of living a Christ-centered life. Delve into the teachings of Ephesians and discover how to break free from old habits, embrace a new identity, and shine as a light in a world that often opposes God's truth. Join us as we learn to walk in victory, modify our behavior, and truly dare to be different.

Jase puts science and Scripture side by side to explore what really happens when we die, from decay and consciousness to the promise of resurrection. The guys tackle the big question head-on: did Jesus actually go to hell between the cross and the empty tomb, and what does that mean for believers like Phil who are with the Lord but still awaiting resurrection? Plus, Kim Bright sheds light on the devastating effects of microplastics on human health and offers a solution that's surprisingly simple. In this episode: Hebrews 1, verses 1–3; Hebrews 2, verses 14–15; John 2, verses 18–22; John 5, verses 16–29; Matthew 6, verses 9–10; Romans 6, verses 1–4; Ephesians 2, verses 1–7; Romans 8, verses 1–4 and 18–23; 2 Thessalonians 1, verse 9; Luke 16, verses 19–31; Luke 23, verse 43; 2 Corinthians 5, verses 1–8; Philippians 1, verses 21–24; 1 Peter 3, verses 18–20; 1 Samuel 28; Hebrews 12, verses 1–2 and 22–24; Hebrews 13; 1 Thessalonians 4, verses 13–18 “Unashamed” Episode 1222 is sponsored by: https://andrewandtodd.com or call 888-888-1172 — These guys are the real deal. Get trusted mortgage guidance and expertise from someone who shares your values! https://preborn.com/unashamed — Visit the PreBorn! website or dial #250 and use keyword BABY to donate today. https://www.puretalk.com/unashamed — Get their best unlimited plan for just $29.95 a month! https://myphdweightloss.com — Find out how Al is finally losing weight! Schedule your one-on-one consultation today by visiting the website or calling 864-644-1900. http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/show/3LY8eJ4ZBZHmsImGoDNK2l Chapters: 00:00-15:01 Jase studies physics & thermodynamics 15:02-24:53 The Holy of Holies is emptied 24:54-37:21 What happens to souls in Hell 37:22-44:30 Did Jesus go to Hell? 44:31-56:12 The solution to the microplastics problem — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christianity Isn't a Nation and The Church Isn't a National Movement   Host Curtis Chang sits down with N.T. Wright to explore the explosive themes of Ephesians, including what the Bible really says about the mission of the church—not as a lifeboat escaping to heaven, but a "small working model of new creation"—a multiethnic, multicultural community that stands against the powers and principalities of our age through truth, unity, and love. Wright discusses the church's mission in a divided world, and the rise of Christian nationalism. They address modern challenges such as misunderstandings of spiritual warfare, the communal nature of the armor of God, why the "belt of truth" matters today, and how Ephesians calls the church to resist counterfeit visions of power.   (06:12) - Has NT Wright changed his mind about the Biblical truths? (12:15) - What is Wright's "small working model of new creation"? (16:15) - The new community of Jesus Christ (22:51) - The problem of Christian nationalism  (28:16) - The Challenge of Christian Multiculturalism (29:39) - The Church's Role in Spiritual Warfare (36:56) - Is the Armor of God a communal thing? (43:05) - The biblical view of men and women is not antiquated (49:19) - A final word of encouragement from Ephesians   Join The After Party   Send Campfire Stories to: info@goodfaith.org   Donate to Good Faith   Mentioned In This Episode: N.T. Wright's The Vision of Ephesians: The Task of the Church and the Glory of God  N.T. Wright's forthcoming God's Homecoming: The Forgotten Promise of Future Renewal Lecture: How Paul Invented Christian Theology (N.T. Wright lecture)  What are the Five Elements of Christian Nationalism? Learn more: Desmond Tutu and the triumph against Apartheid  Watch: How Artistotle and the Greek philosophers influenced the idea of a soul (video) Read: How a Man Named Lesslie Changed the Way I Think   Scriptural Thoughts on Rest: Genesis 1-2 (ESV) - Male & female relationships and creation theology Ephesians 1:1-14 (ESV) - Revealing who Jesus is to the world Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) - Humankind's purpose Ephesians 6:10-20 (ESV) - The full armor of God 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (ESV) -The guarantee of the resurrection Revelation 21-22 (ESV) - Vision of new creation   More From N.T. Wright: N.T. Wright Online N.T. Wright's Speaking engagements N.T. wright's books (Amazon)   Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

"1. In Ephesians 4, Paul talks about the church growing up into maturity, with every part of the body doing its work. How can kids (and adults) begin to see themselves as part of the body of Christ, not just the future of the church but the church right now? 2. Paul tells believers to ‘walk in love' (Eph. 5:2) and to ‘walk as children of light' (Eph. 5:8). What does that look like for kids at school, at home, or even on the playground? What about adults at work? 3. Ephesians 6 tells children to obey their parents in the Lord, and parents to bring them up in the instruction of the Lord. How do you explain this to kids in a way that doesn't just feel like another rule, but helps them see God's good design for family? Do adult children still need to obey their parents? When does that stop? Additional References about spiritual gifts: Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4 You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 5-6; Psalm 119 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible Podcast, where Hunter invites us to gather around the Scriptures on this fourth day of December, day 340 in our year-long journey through the Bible. In today's episode, Hunter guides us through Ephesians chapters 5 and 6, and Psalm 119, reflecting on God's love, the call to live as children of light, and the deep longing for spiritual renewal. We meditate on the ways Scripture reminds us of God's goodness and our true identity in Christ, even in times of wandering or uncertainty. As we enter the Advent season, Hunter leads us in heartfelt prayer, encouraging us to wait, hope, and receive courage for the day ahead. Today's episode is also a time to remember and honor the generous partners who make this ministry possible, and an invitation for listeners to join in partnership and support. Gather with us, warm your spirit by the fires of God's love, and let His joy be your strength as we journey together through His Word. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Training our ears to hear God's word. What is it that we're doing each day as we gather for this podcast journey? Hunter reminds us: we're training our ears to hear the voice of our Shepherd. We're coming—day after day—to the Scriptures, not simply to accumulate knowledge, but to be attuned to the heart of God, to see who he is and who we have become in him. David, in the psalm, confesses, "I have wandered away like a lost sheep. Come and find me." Even in our wandering, even as we lose our way, there is One whose voice still finds us, who heals, restores, and makes all things new. It is David's commitment—anchored in his practice of meditating on God's word—that keeps him turning back, again and again, to the One who will not abandon or forget him. What David struggled to communicate—his yearning to be found and restored—Jesus fulfills with perfect clarity. Jesus reveals that God is good, that he is the Father of lights, the source of every good and perfect gift. All humans find their origin in him, and all are welcomed into his family. And even though we can forget this, especially in the dark nights or wandering seasons, the Scriptures are there to help us remember both who God is and who we are: redeemed, made new, and deeply loved. Let the word of God train our hearts in this way of love. Let it shape our understanding of ourselves—beloved, forgiven, renewed. Let it remind us of the Father's unwavering goodness and Jesus's invitation to be made new, again and again. That's a prayer Hunter holds for himself, for his family, and for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Legos x Ephesians 5:8-10Your daily crossover of faith and fandom! Experience daily Biblical encouragement from nerdy Christian podcasters, bloggers, and content creators. Join the Nerd of Godcast community at www.NOGSquad.com

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Jesus's reminder to "not fear those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do."Scripture References: Luke 12:4; Romans 3:23; John 1:11; John 3:16; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 1:1-4; Luke 2; Luke 11:45-12:7; John 14:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Peter 3:8-10 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

In this episode, Pastor Cindy delves into the boundless, unconditional love of the Father. She explores the various forms of love experienced in life, contrasting them with the perfect love of God. Cindy emphasizes the importance of intimate relationships with God, the transformative power of His Word, and how believers are created in God's image, endowed with dominion and authority. She addresses the ongoing spiritual battle against the empowerment of Christians and stresses the need to mature in unconditional love, drawing lessons from biblical figures like Peter. Personal anecdotes illustrate the practical application of these spiritual truths.   Scripture references: Ephesians 5:25-26, John 15:3, Romans 12:2, John 1:1-3, Genesis 1:26-28, 1 John 4:8, Psalms 139:13-18, John 3:16, Ephesians 5:1-2, Luke 5:16, John 16:26-27, John 17: 22-23, 26, John 21:15, 1 Peter 4:8, Ephesians 3:14-21.     Order your copy of Cindy's new book, NEW MOVES OF GOD Check out Cindy's TV show, CINDY STEWART LIVE. You can register for the 6-week, self paced e-course at COMPELLED TO CHANGE.  Please email Cindy with any questions or comments to cindy@cindy-stewart.com. She'd love to hear from you.  Pastor Cindy's Website  Pastor Cindy's Facebook  Pastor Cindy's Instagram Gathering Website  Gathering Facebook   Check out the other shows from KB PODCAST PRODUCTIONS: THE KINGDOM BRINGER PODCAST with Darin Eubanks Next Level Podcast with Michael McIntyre Super-Natural Living with Beth Packard KINGDOM MASTER MIND PODCAST with Ann McDonald   Podcast music from HOOKSOUNDS.COM    

John Busch continues through Ephesians 4, which speaks about how the right tools, both literal and metaphorical, are crucial for achieving spiritual goals. He explains how Ephesians highlights the heart's motives and the need for renewal in Christ. He shares that embracing trials leads to spiritual purity, and explores themes of generosity, accountability, and the Holy Spirit's role, encouraging kindness and unity among believers.

Today as we worship around our Lord's table, as we celebrate with our family their bold declaration, as we honor our King, remember His sacrifice, remember His crucifixion is so much more than our passage to Heaven. Days like today acknowledge that we are “born again” new creations in Christ! John 3:3, 5-6 (NKJV) “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” v.5-6, Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

Episode 2.62Week 4 turns to the Holy Spirit and shows how He makes our adoption real, experiential, and secure. Building on the Father's eternal plan (Ephesians 1) and the Son's costly redemption (Galatians 4), Michael and Zach walk through Romans 8:14–17 to show that believers are not spiritual orphans or fearful slaves, but Spirit-led sons and daughters. The Spirit empowers the fight against sin, replaces fear with the “Spirit of adoption,” and bears witness that we truly belong to God—teaching us to cry “Abba, Father” with both tenderness and desperation, just as Jesus did in Gethsemane. Tied to November's Pure Religion Sunday (James 1:27), the episode connects doctrine to practice: real religion moves toward the vulnerable, because God moved toward us. The hosts also unpack what it means to be heirs with Christ—a status that includes both suffering and future glory—and return to the theme of names and identity: adoption gives us a new family, a new name, and a new way to live that honors the God whose name we bear.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/-OCGORXSTmYMerch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

Ephesians 1:11-1411 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Todaywe continue to look at Ephesians 4:7-11. Weneed to understand the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the unity of the church isvitally important to sharing this great message of the Gospel of Christ to theworld around us. God has chosen the church today to do this. The New Testament churchcan best be describes as a local body of baptized believers, under thediscipline of the Word of God, being led by the Holy Spirit, exercising thegifts of the Spirit, organized under spiritual leadership for the purpose ofworship, fellowship, discipleship, evangelism, and ministry, and fulfilling theordinances of the church—the Lord's Supper and baptism. That is the localchurch. Inthat church God has placed people with various spiritual gifts to make surethat body functions properly in such a way that they are able to fulfill,complete, and carry out God's great commission. That is the purpose of thespiritual gifts. We see that specifically as we look at the passage here inEphesians chapter 4, verses 7-11.It says in verse 11, “And He Himself gavesome to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors andteachers.” Interesting,as you look at all three passages in the New Testament speaking specificallyabout spiritual gifts, you will find that in Romans 12, and also 1 Corinthians12-14, that Paul lists many gifts. Some people estimate up to 18 differentspiritual gifts were given to the church initially. But here in Ephesians 4:7,it appears that Paul is talking not so much about the gifts of the Spirit as heis talking about some of the offices that are being fulfilled because of thegift of the Spirit that were given to particular people in his day. Thefirst one Paul mentions was the Apostles. “He gave some to be apostles”.The word apostle means one who is sent with a commission. Jesus had manydisciples—even one time 70 disciples are mentioned—but we know that He onlyselected 12 apostles (Matthew 10:1-4). The disciple is a learner, a follower.But an apostle is a divinely appointed representative. For someone to be anapostle, he had to have witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts1:21-22). In Acts 1, when they were replacing Judas as one of the twelveapostles, they prayed about it, sought God's will about it, and particularlychose one person, Matthias, to become that twelfth Apostle (Acts 1:26). Today,there are no apostles in the strictest New Testament sense. These apostles laidthe foundation of the church along with the prophets as we are told in Ephesians2:19-20, “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, butfellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, havingbeen built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himselfbeing the chief corner stone.”  Oncethe foundation of the church, the New Testament church, was laid, there was nolonger a need for apostles. Today when I hear someone saying, “I'm an apostle,”I hope they mean that they are one who is sent with a commission. Because allof us as believers are sent. As Jesus said to the disciples and to theapostles, “As the Father has sent Me, even so send I you.” Every believer inthat sense is sent. We are sent with a commission to share the good news ofJesus Christ. Butthere were only twelve who laid the foundation of the church in the NewTestament. That is very important to know. Today we should not claim to be anapostle. We should claim to be a follower, a disciple of Jesus Christ. We havebeen sent even as an Apostle was sent, but we are not apostles because we didnot physically witness the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That was thequalification given in Acts 1. Aswe study these four offices of the church that are mentioned by Paul here, theyshould encourage us to be what God wants us to be with our spiritual gift inthe church so the body of Christ can function as it should. Godbless!

"How should we understand the language of election and predestination in Ephesians 1 and what was Paul's purpose in emphasizing it to the Ephesian believers? How does Ephesians 2:8-10 balance God's work and our good works, and why is that balance so central to Paul's message? In today's episode, Director of Equipping, Chris Sherrod, and Watermark member Robin Clark talk about Ephesians 1-4. Robin provides us with the context of the book of Ephesians and tackles the language around predestination, helping us understand the different positions on this theological topic. To learn more about the positions of predestination, check out these Got Questions articles: https://www.gotquestions.org/predestination.html https://www.gotquestions.org/predestination-vs-free-will.html You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"

In a passionate post-Thanksgiving message fresh from the Holy Land, guest speaker (filling in for Senior Pastor Micah Stephens) unpacked 2 Peter 1, showing how every believer possesses the same “like precious faith” as the apostles through Christ's righteousness alone. Sharing vivid stories from walking Hezekiah's tunnel and floating in the Dead Sea, he reminded the congregation that Scripture is historically true and life-changing. The heart of the sermon was Peter's promise: diligently adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to our faith ensures we “never stumble” and live fruitful, grace-filled lives by partaking in God's divine nature—transforming ordinary believers into bold reflections of Jesus in a watching world.Reference Verses2 Peter 1 verses 1–15, Ephesians 2 verses 8–9, John 14 verse 12, 2 Corinthians 5 verse 21, Ephesians 1 verse 3, Acts 10 (implied), 1 John 2 verse 6, Hebrews 11 verse 6, Philippians 2 verses 12–13, Romans 8 verse 1, Romans 6 verse 11Make sure you subscribe to this channel and follow us on all our platforms to always stay up to date with our latest content!And you can always head over to our website for any general information!https://godspeak.comPrayer/NeedsIf you have any needs, or have a willingness to be used to meet various need in the body, please email info@godspeak.com. Also, let us know if you need prayer for anything.Giving is part of our worship time, and in this season, the easiest way to do that is online. If you go to our website, godspeak.com, you will see the "Give" tab in the top right corner. Or you can simply click this link https://pushpay.com/g/godspeakAny questions?Please feel free to email us, comment here, or DM us on Instagram any questions that you may have.Please Subscribe to this channel and turn on your notifications to be notified when our Livestreams start so you don't miss out! We hope you are blessed by the service!-The Godspeak Team

Pastor Micah Stephens, senior pastor of Godspeak Calvary Chapel, delivers a powerful exposition of 1 Peter 2:1–10, teaching that believers are living stones being built into a spiritual house with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. Using vivid construction imagery and personal anecdotes—like sorting warped 2x4s at Home Depot and the miraculous way a mother's breast milk customizes antibodies for her baby—Micah urges the church to lay aside malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking, to crave the pure milk of God's Word like newborns, and to draw near to Jesus daily. He explains that only through Christ are we formed into a holy, royal priesthood offering acceptable spiritual sacrifices: praise, generosity, prayer, evangelism, repentance, and ultimately our whole lives as living sacrifices. In a culture that rejects the perfect cornerstone, believers are called to build everything upon Him—finding stability, belonging, and purpose—or stumble over Him in disobedience.Reference Verses1 Peter 2 verses 1-10, Matthew 16 verse 16, Ephesians 2 verse 20, Matthew 7 verse 24, James 4 verse 8, Isaiah 28 verse 16, Psalm 118 verse 22, Isaiah 8 verse 14, Hebrews 13 verse 15, Hebrews 13 verse 16, Philippians 4 verse 18, Revelation 8 verses 3-4, Psalm 141 verse 2, Romans 15 verse 16, Philippians 2 verse 17, Psalm 51 verses 16-17, Romans 12 verse 1, 2 Peter 3 verses 8-13Make sure you subscribe to this channel and follow us on all our platforms to always stay up to date with our latest content!And you can always head over to our website for any general information!https://godspeak.comPrayer/NeedsIf you have any needs, or have a willingness to be used to meet various need in the body, please email info@godspeak.com. Also, let us know if you need prayer for anything.Giving is part of our worship time, and in this season, the easiest way to do that is online. If you go to our website, godspeak.com, you will see the "Give" tab in the top right corner. Or you can simply click this link https://pushpay.com/g/godspeakAny questions?Please feel free to email us, comment here, or DM us on Instagram any questions that you may have.Please Subscribe to this channel and turn on your notifications to be notified when our Livestreams start so you don't miss out! We hope you are blessed by the service!-The Godspeak Team

Know this: God always has a next step for us. Until we see Jesus in glory, God is not finished with us. This work of ongoing spiritual growth and development is called sanctification.Main Points:1. The basic meaning of "sanctify" is to set apart to God, for His use. This work of “setting us apart” is the ongoing spiritual growth that makes you and me more like Jesus.2. Sanctification is the work of God in our lives to call us away from sin, ungodliness, and worldliness, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, enable us to live holy and righteous lives that reflect Christ.3. Salvation is a momentary act, bringing us from spiritual death to life. It is exclusively God's work. Sanctification is an ongoing process; it is dependent on God's ongoing work in our lives, but it also requires our continuous fight against sin.Today's Scripture Verses:1 Thessalonians 4:3 - “It is God's will that you should be sanctified.”Romans 8:29 - (God is) “conforming us to the image of His Son.”  Ephesians 2:8-9 - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 - “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.”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

Today is day 337 and we are studying The Eighth Commandment. 337. As God's steward, how are you commanded to use your possessions? As I am able, I should earn my own living, care for my dependents, and give to the poor. I should use all my possessions to the glory of God and the good of creation. (Deuteronomy 15:11; Psalm 41:1; Proverbs 30:8–9; Isaiah 58:6–7; Matthew 25:14–30; Luke 14:13; Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–12; 1 Timothy 6:17–19) We will conclude today by praying The Sadhe Stanza of Psalm 119 which is verses 137-144 found on page 437 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Paul's reminder and declaration that "no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus is accursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord", except by the Holy Spirit. Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12:3; Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3; John 1:14; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; Matthew 10:1-4; 1 Timothy 1:12-14; Acts 9, 22, 26; Acts 18; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:1-7; Psalm 96:5; John 3:16; Ephesians 1:13-14 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Is there a place for anger in your Christian walk? What does it mean to be angry, and do not sin, as Paul told the Christians in Ephesus? Join us as we explore this deep emotion in our workshop of Ephesians 4.

Our culture's ideas about marriage are often broken or corrupted, with stereotypes of bitter wives and cruel or unfaithful husbands. So how should a Christian marriage be different? This week, Pastor Connor continues our series in Ephesians with a look at chapter 5. God intends for marriage to reflect the mysterious relationship between Christ and the church, so He calls husbands to love their wives sacrificially, like Christ loved the church and even laid down His life for us. Similarly, wives are to submit to their husbands' leadership in the family, just as Christ submitted to His Father and the church ought to submit to Christ. For both husbands and wives, the goal is to follow Christ and become more like Him.This weeks podcast is one you will not want to miss! Our hosts continue their discussion on the book of Ephesians, this week Pastor Connor decided to have a one on one discussion on the sensitive topic of submission in marriage, with another of our pastoral staff Patty Diliberto and get her viewpoint on the subject.If you would like to watch the video podcast, find us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMhDfGn0zfzi6XjcKkSVcFAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/discovertbcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/topekabiblechurchWebsite: https://www.discovertbc.com/

Interestingly, when you come to the subject of spiritual gifts in the NewTestament and in the church today it can be a matter of division rather thanunity. People have so many different opinions and ideas and biblical teachingsthat they're given about spiritual gifts that there's division in the churchover the gifts. That happened in the church of Corinth. It is apparent that inthis early church some believers thought because they had certain spiritualcharismatic type gifts that they were more spiritual than other people. Theywere puffed up about it. No doubt that's why Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 13, wherehe talked about love. Basically, he writes and tells us that the exercise ofthe gifts of the Spirit without the evidence of the fruit of the Spirit, whichis love, the gift “profits nothing”.  Weshould practice and exercise our spiritual gifts that we have been individuallygiven in the spirit and motivation of love to glorify God. When we do that, webuild up the body of Jesus Christ, encourage and comfort, and edify one anotheras we read in the three passages of scriptures that have to do especially withspiritual gifts. Remember the three main passages in the New Testament on thissubject are Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 14 and here in Ephesians 4.Itis important to remember as we look at the subject of Spiritual gifts that thereare difference of opinions. I personally teach that the gifts can be dividedinto three categories which are, the speaking gifts, the service gifts, and thesign gifts. For examples, in the early church the speaking gifts, would haveincluded teaching, exhortation, and prophecy. The service gifts would have includedadministration, giving, ministering, and mercy. The sign gifts would haveincluded healing, miracles, tongues and interpretation of tongues.  Whenit comes to the giving and exercising of the sign gifts, I personally believe, (andrealize that many Bible teachers and others, and some of my best friends woulddisagree with me when it comes to this particular category of gifts), that thesign gifts ceased with the completion of the New Testament being written. Thesegifts were only for the baby church. Remember in 1 Corinthians 13 when Paulwrote, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, butwhen I became a man, I put away childish things”. , I believe, Paul isindicating that when we have a complete Bible that we did not need the signedgifts. Nowthis doesn't mean that today somebody couldn't speak miraculously speak in anotherlanguage and share the gospel to someone else. It doesn't mean that someonecouldn't pray and experience a healing for themselves or for someone else. Itdoesn't mean that someone can't pray for a miracle and a miracle takes place. Ibelieve all those things are still possible. But as far as a gift to aparticular person who could walk into hospital and empty it because he or she hasthe gift of healing. I just have never met that person today. I don't believeit's necessary because we have the complete Word of God and we don't need signs. Again,this is my opinion, and I have great fellowship with pastors and friends whofeel and believe differently about this particular subject, because we love oneanother and agree the main thing is that lost people need to experience salvationthrough Jesus Christ.  Itrust this has not confused you today but that we focus on exercising our Spiritualgifts for the purpose of edifying, encouraging, and exhorting one another inthe body of Christ with love and unity, and most of all glorify the Lord JesusChrist! Godbless!

Send us a textJohn 14:16–18, Romans 8:15–16, Ephesians 2:18In this episode of The Village Church sermon podcast, Pastor Mark opens the Advent series by exploring the arrival of Jesus and His promised return. He invites us to consider what it means to live in the in-between, and he centers the message on the vital work of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. Support the showThe Village Church's sermon podcast is more than just a weekly message. It is an invitation into the great and ongoing story of God's work in the world. Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other leaders open the Scriptures not as a collection of abstract ideas but as the living, breathing witness to God's kingdom breaking into our midst. Each episode is a call—not merely to listen, but to take part, to step forward into the life of faith with renewed vision and purpose. Week by week, the pastors and leaders explore the deep rhythms of Christian discipleship—prayer, fasting, generosity—not as isolated duties but as part of a larger, richer, and more beautiful whole. They unpack these ancient practices in light of Jesus himself, the one in whom heaven and earth have come together. But they also turn their attention to the realities of everyday life—relationships, finances, the struggles and joys of being human—demonstrating how the gospel is not merely about what we believe but about how we live as God's renewed people in the present age. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com

Jase describes a creepy encounter that put him on edge when he thought he was alone in the woods and unveils a bizarre but strangely fitting analogy about handheld vacuums and mortality. Honoring Phil with an opening-day hunt leads the guys into a conversation about death, the physical reality of our bodies breaking down, and the haunting mystery of what becomes of our souls. The study of John 19 brings them to Jesus' burial, the stark imagery of New Orleans tombs, and the eerie stillness of the grave before the stone rolled away. The guys explore how the empty tomb and the launch of the new creation reshape our understanding of earthly death—and what truly happens next. In this episode: John 19, verses 28–42; John 20, verse 1; Psalm 22, verses 1–2, 27–31; Genesis 1, verses 26–28; Genesis 2, verses 7, 15–17; Genesis 3, verse 19; Genesis 3, verses 22–24; Genesis 9, verse 6; Luke 1, verses 26–38; Matthew 1, verses 18–25; Ephesians 1, verses 3–14; Acts 17, verses 24–28 “Unashamed” Episode 1220 is sponsored by: https://ponchooutdoors.com/unashamed — We love our Poncho Outdoors shirts! Get $10 off your first order & free shipping Get an extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first tank of gas when you download the FREE Upside App and use promo code UNASHAMED! https://www.puretalk.com/unashamed — Get their best unlimited plan for just $29.95 a month! https://preborn.com/unashamed — Visit the PreBorn! website or dial #250 and use keyword BABY to donate today. https://bravebooks.com/unashamed — Get 20% off AND get Missy's book “Because You're My Family” and Jep and Jessica's book “Dear Valor” free with code UNASHAMED http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/show/3LY8eJ4ZBZHmsImGoDNK2l Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00-8:05 Willie's time crunch cramps Jase's style 08:06-15:38 Zach's Jackson 5-style retirement scheme 15:39-20:28 The most important chapter in human history 20:29-29:20 Finding the lost tomb of Jesus 29:21-34:15 Jase helps a man off the fence 34:16-41:09 What happens when we die according to ChatGPT 41:10-49:30 How do we know souls exist?49:31-57:00 Dustbusters aren't great coffins — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this raw and urgent episode, Ryan and Selena respond directly to a viral clip from Dr. Emerson Eggerichs (Love & Respect) where he calls out wives who “continually mock their husbands,” put them down mentally, and secretly make fun of their opinions.If you've ever caught yourself thinking, “He's just not the man I thought I married” … this episode is for you.We dive deep into:The devastating long-term fruit of a disrespectful speech and a critical spirit (Prov 21:19, Prov 27:15)Why even “small” condescending comments, eye-rolls, and corrections are spiritual poisonGenesis 1–2 and Ephesians 5:22–33 – God's original design for husbands to WORK and wives to RESPECTThe moment a wife stops seeing her husband “in his element,” her view of him becomes dangerously incompleteThe 4 C's every wife must confront: What are you Consuming? Who are you Consulting? Who are you Complaining to? It's time to CUT it out.The 200-year plan: How today's sarcasm and discontent become tomorrow's bitterness, affairs, or divorcePractical steps to break the cycle: Repent to God → Repent to your husband → Replace criticism with gratitude → Renew your mind daily (Romans 12:2)Husbands: this isn't permission to be passive. A wife's biblical respect flows most naturally when her husband loves her as Christ loves the church. We talk about that too.Whether you're the wife struggling with disrespect or the husband feeling crushed under constant criticism—this episode will challenge and encourage you toward the fierce, gospel-centered marriage you both long for.Scriptures covered: Genesis 1–2, Ephesians 5:22–33, Proverbs 21:19, Proverbs 27:15–16, Romans 12:1–2Resources mentioned: → Join the Fierce Men brotherhood (YouTube + private community)→ Fierce Fellows on Patreon – exclusive marriage content→ Partner with Fierce Marriage: https://fiercemarriage.com/partnerIf this episode hit home, text it to a friend who needs it. Leave a rating/review—it truly helps more couples find biblical hope.Have a question? Call or text 971-333-1120 — we may answer it on the air!#ChristianMarriage #RespectYourHusband #Ephesians5 #LoveAndRespect #StopNagging #BiblicalWife #FierceMarriage

Ephesians 4 shows us how change happens in the Christian life: we put off the old self, renew our minds with God's truth, and put on the new self created in Christ. In this episode we talk through that pattern and how it plays out in marriage, parenting, friendships, our time, and our words. Head over to ThankfulHomemaker.com for full show notes on all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode.  EP 183: Killing the Sin of Selfishness Joy of Self Forgetfulness Podcasts & Posts on our Speech   RESOURCES: Join Thankful Homemaker for access to the Free Library of Resources Follow ThankfulHomemaker on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram Patreon Support Join the Thankful Homemaker Facebook Group Subscribe to the Podcast on Your Favorite App  Online Courses & Printables Thankful Homemaker Merchandise Buy Marci a Cup of Coffee xo     

N.T. Wright returns to the podcast for round three—no Malibu rooftop this time, but plenty of theological fireworks. We dig into Tom's new book on Ephesians, starting with why he thinks the scholarly consensus dismissing Pauline authorship is more about 19th-century German liberal Protestant hangover than good historical work. From there, we get into the real meat: Ephesians isn't answering the question "how do I get to heaven?" It's painting this massive cosmic picture of God's plan to unite heaven and earth in Christ—and the church's wild vocation to be what Tom calls "a small working model of new creation." We talk about how Western Christianity has shrunk Paul's vision into individual soul-sorting when the text is way more interested in what it looks like when formerly irreconcilable people come together as one new humanity. Tom pushes back on how both conservatives and liberals read their politics into the text, and we wrestle with the marriage passage in chapter 5 as the theological climax of the letter (not the culture war flashpoint we've made it). We close with a beautiful reflection on Ephesians 6 as an Advent text—the church holding the line between Christ's victory and his return. Plus, Tom's grandson sings in the New College Oxford choir, and honestly, that's the kind of intergenerational beauty Ephesians is pointing toward. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Prof. N.T. (Tom) Wright is Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. He is one of the world's leading Bible scholars, with expertise in Ancient Judaism and Early Christianity, the New Testament, and Biblical Studies. He is also Emeritus Professor at the University of St. Andrews and the former Bishop of Durham. Tom's Previous Visits to the Podcast Devilpalooza NT Wright Talks Jesus and the scholars who discuss him UPCOMING ONLINE ADVENT CLASS w/ Diana Butler Bass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join us for a transformative four-week Advent journey exploring how the four gospels speak their own revolutionary word against empire—both in their ancient context under Roman occupation and for our contemporary world shaped by capitalism, militarism, and nationalism.  This course invites you into an alternative calendar and rhythm. We'll discover how these ancient texts of resistance offer wisdom for our own moment of political turmoil, economic inequality, and ecological crisis. This class is donation-based, including 0. You can sign-up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.HomebrewedClasses.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 75,000 other people by joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 50 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe breaks down Ephesians 5 and some common errors people interpret from the text. He explains what authentic Catholic male-headship looks like. Transcript: Joe: Welcome back to Shameless Popery. I’m Joe Heschmeyer, and for many people one of the hardest biblical teachings to know what to do with is this idea of male headship. When the Bible talks with the husband as the head of his wife, what does an authentic biblical headship look like? How should we not understand these passages and how can a proper understanding of headship actually improve your marriage? I think the best place to s...

Psalm 31:1-6 Psalm 130 Ephesians 4:26-27 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

Busyness may look normal, but it's quietly draining your marriage emotionally, physically, spiritually, and sexually. In this episode, Scott, Derek, and Gabrielle unpack why most of our busyness is a choice, how to discern when to say yes or no, and practical ways to create margin, live on mission, and protect what matters most at home.Scriptures:Romans 12:1-2Ephesians 5:15-17Matthew 16:25Genesis 2:25Questions to Discuss:1. What are some of the reasons you and your spouse are overly busy in your lives and schedule?2. What is the cost of your busyness to your marriage and family? (i.e., health, money, intimacy)3. Which of your current commitments are true needs and which are really choices that reflect your lifestyle preferences or fear of missing out?4. Who in your community group or trusted circle needs to speak into your level of busyness and help you evaluate your commitments?Resources:Podcast - More Than Roommates, Episode 41 - Why Busyness Might Destroy Your Marriage (feat. Gary Thomas)Podcast - More Than Roommates, Episode 31 - Too Busy to Get Busy (Part 2 of 3 in a series on marital intimacy)Book - Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, by Peter ScazzeroBook - Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer

In this inspiring conversation, Jennifer Slattery and guest Dawn Cazedessus explore how God heals the generational wounds, shame, and limiting beliefs to create a life of influence, purpose, and freedom. Dawn shares her journey from a trailer park in rural Louisiana to leading thousands as a CEO and regional director. Her story reveals how early adversity shaped her work ethic—but also how God transformed survival-driven striving into purposeful, Spirit-led leadership. Listeners will hear Dawn’s vulnerable reflections on her positive and challenging childhood influences, scarcity versus abundant mindsets, and the emotional work required to renew her thinking and embrace her true Christ-centered identity. She speaks honestly about the discomfort of stepping into unfamiliar environments, the power of God-given hope, and the role of community in healing. Together, Jennifer and Dawn unpack how Scripture, neuroplasticity, and intentional growth plans help us move from “trailer park thinking” to the abundance mindset God desires for His children. Whether you’re navigating hardship, battling internal lies, or longing to step into God’s purpose for your life, this episode offers practical wisdom, biblical encouragement, and life-changing hope. Resource Referenced: Trailer Park CEO: 12 Leadership Cornerstones to Become a Godly Woman of Influence – A Diverse Leadership Tool Kit for Christian Women in Business by Dawn Cazedessus Discussion/Reflective Questions: Dawn shared how leaving the trailer park immediately didn't remove her "trailer park thinking". Where do you feel free externally but still stuck mentally or emotionally? What limiting belief from your past most affects how you see yourself today? What does the truth of Scripture say regarding that belief? What recurring thought patterns in your life need to be held up to God’s truth? When have you felt uncomfortable entering a new environment or opportunity? What helped (or could help) you stay present and keep moving forward? Who in your life models the kind of thinking, stability, or faith you want to grow into? What are some ways you can actively learn from them? What situations trigger a scarcity mindset for you?What would it look like to adopt an “included” or abundance mindset based on Ephesians 3:20? Dawn said Jesus was the first Person she could fully trust. How has trusting—or struggling to trust—God shaped your own story of growth? What's one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Find Dawn Cazedessus: On Instagram On Facebook Follow her writing on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you already planning for 2026? Before you sit down with your journal or vision board, we want to show you a peaceful and biblical way to actually plan your year with God, and not just present your goals to Him after the fact.We discuss:How to start your annual planning rooted in ScriptureHow to look back at your year with gratitudeA simple way to evaluate your spiritual growthHow to ask God what HE wants for your 2026How to consecrate your goals and plans to the LordHow to create quarterly plans with GodIf you're feeling unsure about what next year should look like, this episode is for you.Cheering you on,Kelsey Kemp & Audrey BagarusRESOURCES MENTIONED:Jordan Raynor - Redeeming Your Goals / https://www.jordanraynor.com/rygJordan Raynor - The Word Before Work / https://a.co/d/5kxNP0bJamie Winship - https://www.youtube.com/@identityexchangeSCRIPTURES MENTIONED:Romans 5:1 | Romans 8:1, 15–17 | 1 John 3:1 | Ephesians 1:5 | Proverbs 16 | Galatians 5:22–23 | Daniel 1:8 | Joshua 3:5 | Leviticus 20:7 | Colossians 3:23BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/scheduleFREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-processMore of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDFFOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire x Ephesians 6:10-18Your daily crossover of faith and fandom! Experience daily Biblical encouragement from nerdy Christian podcasters, bloggers and content creators. Join the Nerd of Godcast community at www.NOGSquad.com

Ephesians 4:1-6 with Pastor Greg Denham

In this episode, Professor N. T. Wright joins us to walk through Ephesians as a panoramic room with a view—sunrise to moonset—where heaven and earth meet, and spiritual warfare is real but not partisan. Drawing from his new book The Vision of Ephesians: The Task of the Church and the Glory of God, Wright argues that Paul's language about “predestination” is vocational before it's destinational: the church is chosen to live for the praise of God's glory in the present. RDM and Wright explore why Ephesians might have changed church history had the Reformers centered it as much as Romans and Galatians, how “principalities and powers” makes surprising sense in an algorithm-shaped age, and why unity and holiness aren't rival goods but twin commands. They also wade into the passages that spark the most questions—marriage in Ephesians 5, mutual submission, and the armor of God—insisting on careful reading, cultural context, and a refusal to demonize flesh-and-blood neighbors. Whether you're Christian-curious or deep in the commentaries, Wright offers a way to read Ephesians both fast (to catch the sweep) and slow (to trace the seams), with the church embodying a many-colored wisdom that refuses tribal sorting. Resources mentioned in this episode:   Keep up with Russell: Sign up for the weekly newsletter where Russell shares thoughtful takes on big questions, offers a Christian perspective on life, and recommends books and music he's enjoying. Submit a question for the show at questions@russellmoore.com  Subscribe to the Christianity Today Magazine: Special offer for listeners of The Russell Moore Show: Click here for 25% off a subscription Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Kathy Koch joins us to help parents disciple kids with confidence in God's good design. We talk about why identity confusion is rising, how to start age-appropriate conversations at home, and practical ways churches can equip families—anchored in Scripture like Genesis 1, Psalm 139, and Ephesians 2. You'll leave with hopeful, doable steps for shaping character and pointing your kids to Christ in a confusing culture.Resources Mentioned:Celebrate KidsRaising Gender-Confident KidsCelebrate Kids Podcast with Dr. Kathy Koch Get your Advent Tea Calendar Today by Piper and Leaf (use code FAM10 at checkout)Follow Us:Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteEditing 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.

In my life, I have discovered that when it comes to the choices of fear and faith, it's not always one or the other. Life produces fear, it's an emotion we feel, but with God's help, I can choose faith anyway. Though I may feel fear, I choose to trust God. Main Points:1. As Christians, we acknowledge that fear is a choice. We can also make another choice. It's the decision to live by faith. 2. Having faith doesn't diminish the reality of what we are facing, it doesn't deny it or sweep it under the rug. Faith is not pretending the hard times aren't there. Faith is choosing to believe that God is with us in our battle and that the ultimate outcome is in His hands. He is involved in every detail of our lives.3. Faith brings God into the equation. As I face my fears, I remember what the Bible says about God's character and his power. God is both loving and strong. He is compassionate and powerful.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 23:4 - “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”Psalm 86:15 - “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”Ephesians 3:20 - “God…is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.”Psalm 56:3 - “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”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

277. Breaking Through Addiction in Marriage with Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith   *DISCLAIMER* This episode is intended for adults.   1 John 1:9 AMP "If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].”   *Transcription Below*   Thank You to Our Sponsor: Leman Property Management Company   Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith are clinicians, speakers, and authors with over 20 years of combined experience in counseling, coaching, and guiding couples toward healing and transformation. Their mission is to help couples navigate the complexities of relational challenges, particularly in the aftermath of sexual addiction and betrayal trauma, fostering deep restoration and growth.   Matthew is a Professional Certified Coach (ICF) with a background in pastoral leadership, while Joanna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, EMDR practitioner, and Certified Clinical Partner Specialist through APSATS. Both hold Master of Divinity degrees and have served together on multiple church leadership teams. Currently, they co-lead their private practice, The Raabsmith Team, where they specialize in helping couples rebuild connection, trust, and intimacy.   Their passion for this work stems from their own journey of restoration. After experiencing the devastating effects of sexual addiction and betrayal in their marriage, Matthew and Joanna embarked on a years-long pursuit of reconciliation. This transformative experience led to the creation of tools like The Intimacy Pyramid™, a practical model for relational restoration and growth co-created with colleague Dan Drake.    Their first book, Building True Intimacy (2023), has sold over 1,000 copies and provides practical guidance for couples to use the Intimacy Pyramid to create enduring connections. They also founded Renewing Us Recovery™, a comprehensive program designed to support couples in the later stages of relational restoration. In November 2025, they will host the inaugural Renewing Us Couples Retreat, offering workshops and connection opportunities for couples on similar paths of recovery and growth.   Matthew and Joanna live in Memphis, Tennessee with their three young children. They prioritize self-care through shared adventures, new experiences, and a weekly game of pickleball.   Free Resource Mentioned in Episode   Building True Intimacy book   Questions and Topics Discussed: What were the warning signs that you noticed when you were newlyweds that tipped you off to believing things weren't quite as they seemed? Are there any common life circumstances, whether nature or nurture, that predispose someone to be more likely to struggle with a sexual addiction? As couples seek to thrive in marriage, will you give us an overview of the intimacy pyramid you wrote a book about?   Other Episodes Mentioned During Episode: Pornography: Protecting Children, Personal Healing, Recovery, and Victory in Christ with Sam Black Pornography Addiction and Helpful Recovery with Crystal Renaud Day   Additional Related Episodes on The Savvy Sauce: Anatomy of an Affair with Dave Carder Protecting Your Marriage Against Unfaithfulness with Dave Carder Stories Series: Recovery From Sexual Sin in Marriage with Garrett and Brenna Naufel Supernatural Restoration Story with Bob and Audrey Meisner Special Patreon Re-Release Wholehearted Quiet Time with Naomi Vacaro   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”   Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”   John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:12)   Laura Dugger: (0:13 - 1:38) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   Today's message is not intended for little ears. We'll be discussing some adult themes, and I want you to be aware before you listen to this message.   Leman Property Management Company has the apartment you will be able to call home, with over 1,700 apartment units available in Central Illinois. Visit them today at lemanproperties.com, or connect with them on Facebook.   Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith are my guests today. They are clinicians, speakers, and authors with over 20 years of combined experience in counseling, coaching, and guiding couples toward healing and transformation. Our conversation takes a few turns, from getting to hear their incredible and vulnerable story of healing and then getting tips for talking to our children about topics like sex, and also even receiving some practical wisdom and tips for enhancing our own marital enjoyment.   Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Matthew and Joanna.   Matthew Raabsmith: (1:39 - 1:40) So good to be here.   Joanna Raabsmith: (1:40 - 1:42) So glad to be here. Thanks for having us.   Laura Dugger: (1:42 - 1:51) Oh, truly my pleasure. And let's just start here. Can you share your story going back to meeting and falling in love and your first part of marriage?   Matthew Raabsmith: (1:53 - 2:17) Sure, yeah. It was a little bumpy at first, actually. So, I knew Joanna through her brother. Joanna's brother was one of my best friends, and I got to meet her whenever she would come in town and visit, and she would invade guy night. He would usually bring her along to like a Lord of the Rings movie or something, and I would be a little frustrated because I would be like, oh, you brought your sister. Great. That's wonderful.   Joanna Raabsmith: (2:18 - 2:24) A little off-putting, not super friendly. And I was like, your friend's kind of a jerk. We did not like each other at all in the beginning.   Matthew Raabsmith: (2:24 - 2:54) Not big fans. And eventually over some time, we started to realize we had a lot in common. We liked to do a lot of the same things.   And one summer that Joanna was in town, we started hanging out, started doing more and more together, and really just kind of developed a friendship, which was really fun. And at the very end of the summer, realized that there was something between us. And so, we went on one date.   Our first date, we entered a golf tournament. We won it, and that was a good sign.   Joanna Raabsmith: (2:54 - 2:55) That's a pretty good sign.   Matthew Raabsmith: (2:55 - 3:02) And we went on three more dates over the course of two months and got engaged.   Joanna Raabsmith: (3:03 - 3:07) And then two months after that, we got married.   Matthew Raabsmith: (3:07 - 3:16) Yeah. So, her brother went from like, yeah, it's cool you date my sister, to like, you're not ready to get married. But he's come around now.   Joanna Raabsmith: (3:17 - 3:19) 15 years later. Yeah.   Matthew Raabsmith: (3:19 - 3:40) And, you know, a lot of it was, I think we had a definite sense of being kind of called together, being, you know, something special about who we were as a couple. And also, a recognition that we wanted to figure out what a good marriage looked like. We were really excited about marriage, but we didn't really know what we were doing.   Joanna Raabsmith: (3:41 - 4:15) Yeah, I've had a really great model of healthy relationship. My parents have a wonderful marriage. They work really well as a team.   And so, I knew, like, I want something like that. But as soon as we got married, we realized, but how do you actually build that? There's no, like, instruction manual for, okay, here are the things to do to have a great relationship.   And so, we read books. We went to conferences. You know, we did what we could, but we still found ourselves getting stuck, not able to really create, like, that deep sense of, like, connection intimacy that we really wanted.   Matthew Raabsmith: (4:15 - 5:17) And we started kind of hunting more and more for resources. We found some incredible resources that really changed our understanding of the way relationships work, the way people work, and really, for us, shifted our entire focus of kind of what we wanted to do, even with our life. And as we started to do that, though, we still kind of found ourselves at this kind of glass wall.   We felt like no matter what we tried, there was always this kind of distance between us. And that started to grow kind of over the years that we were together. It wasn't getting better.   It was actually kind of getting worse and worse and worse. And so, Joanna had actually decided to, after we finished our first grad degree together, the idea was we were going to go be pastors. And so, we had finished our kind of theological training.   Joanna decided she wanted to get a master's in marriage and family therapy so we could do some work around marriages and ministry in that way. And her very first-class kind of just set our life in a completely different direction.   Joanna Raabsmith: (5:17 - 6:26) Yes. So, my first class in the MFT program was a two-week intensive called Shame and Guilt. So, that's a really fun two-week intensive to be a part of. And as a part of that, though, they had an anonymous pastor come and share his testimony of struggling with sex addiction, becoming sober, getting into good recovery, healing and restoration in his marriage, kind of like that whole journey. And as he was talking, something inside of me started stirring. And I knew, OK, what he's saying is resonating way too much with me right now.   I think this is the thing. This is what is keeping us stuck, not able to really create the relationship we want. And so, that day I went home and first I just kind of started talking about my class, what I learned, what this pastor had shared.   Right. And nothing. Right.   We're just kind of talking generally about it. And so, finally I couldn't do it anymore. And I just stopped and I looked him square in the eyes and I said, “Are you struggling with this in our marriage right now?”   Matthew Raabsmith: (6:26 - 8:03) Yeah. And for the first time in my life, 20 years, I had been struggling with pornography, sexual addiction, and acting out in our marriage. And for the first time in my life, I was honest.   I had lied for years, both with Joanna and everyone else. And the kind of floodgates just kind of opened up. And I finally said yes.   And it was really hearing the story, I think, is what did it for me. I think it was knowing that somebody else had made it, that their life hadn't come crashing down because that was the greatest fear for me. That the moment anyone found this out, everything in my life would be over. Everything that I loved would be gone.   And so, this kind of story of hope gave me a little bit of courage that day, to be honest. But that started a really long journey for us because there was a lot of damage that was done in both of my hiding. And now kind of this revelation, all the pain kind of came crashing down on Joanna and kind of her shoulders.   And so, we started a quite intensive recovery process. We talked about it being kind of a full-time job. I went to recovery for my addiction and for kind of my acting out behaviors. Joanna had to begin a process of healing from the trauma of this discovery. And that process took us a number of years. It really was a long kind of arduous journey, but one that we ultimately survived and now thrive in our marriage and get the incredible luxury and the kind of gift of helping other couples do that.   So, that's kind of where we find ourselves.   Laura Dugger: (8:04 - 8:30) That is incredible. I just really appreciate you sharing your story. Clearly, stories are so powerful and that's what led to some healing for you and hopefully can open the floodgates for somebody else listening.   So, if we go back in your story, then, Joanna, I'd love to start with you. What were some of those red flags in early marriage that things aren't quite as they seem?   Joanna Raabsmith: (8:31 - 10:28) Yeah, there are a few. You know, I think that, you know, one of the pieces we kind of talked about, like, OK, we knew we're still getting stuck because there's 90 percent that felt really good. But then 10 percent that was extremely chaotic, really destructive.   Right. We would get we call the pain cycles when we get emotionally dysregulated. And there would be some things that, right.   Sometimes we would get into pain cycles, get dysregulated. And I kind of understand why. Right.   Like something happened. There was the disagreement. But other times I couldn't put my finger on it.   Right. Matthew would just get really angry and really shut down. And I wouldn't be able to connect it to anything that had happened in our life.   And so, it was very confusing. It was really hard to understand what was going on. And I think kind of in the same way, when I would pull too close into that connection, that intimacy, he would pull back.   Right. And it felt like even though we both named this goal and this desire, he would never actually partner with me in it. And so, again, that was really confusing because the actions were not matching up with reality and what was happening.   And I think the other piece that was kind of true for us and true for a lot of other people is that our own sexual relationship was fraught with pain. And so, there was, again, a lot that was really good, but also a lot that was really painful and confusing. And some of the pieces just didn't connect.   Right. And I would wonder, OK, what's going on? Well, I guess this is just the reality that like this is how much we get to expect in this area of our life, right.   In our relationship. And so, it was when the pastor started describing his life and addiction and what that looked like emotionally, sexually, relationally. I was like, oh, those are all the things that I'm currently experiencing.   Here's one thing that would answer all those questions that I have. And so, I think that was part of it. He kind of told me, like, OK, this is it.   Laura Dugger: (10:28 - 11:00) That would be so eye opening. And my heart's going out to the couple who is maybe starting to identify with this. Was it and share whatever you're comfortable with from your story or the person's story who opened things up to you?   So, sexually, I'm wondering if it was for you, Joanna, if you were hoping to connect sexually and that wasn't happening and that was confusing. You didn't feel pursued. But I don't want to fill in the blanks.   So, could you elaborate?   Joanna Raabsmith: (11:00 - 12:03) Absolutely. Yeah. And we find it a lot of different ways than couples that we work with.   Right. And so, it can be sometimes on either side of the extreme. And so, for us, it was where there would be kind of times when he'd be fully present and interested and engaged. Right. And then all of a sudden, kind of like I described emotionally, he would just withdraw and not be there. And I would reach out to connect.   And that was this like non-response. And which, again, didn't match up with those other times when he was engaged and wanting to connect. And he would give some sort of excuse that didn't totally make sense.   Right. But I was kind of like, what else? What was I left with except that?   So, I would kind of believe that and go with it, even though it didn't sit right. And so, yeah, I think that was part of it. We will see on the other side for some other couples.   It's the opposite. And maybe that spouse is hypersexual in the relationship. Right.   To the point where there might be pressure, even pressure to do things sexually that people aren't comfortable with. And so, yeah, it can look a lot of different ways. But that was kind of what our disconnect looked like.   Laura Dugger: (12:04 - 12:33) That's so helpful. And there's two different directions I want to go, Matthew. So, I'll set it up.   I guess I'm thinking of the guilt and shame and how those are usually so present. So, I have two questions. Were you when Joanna came to you, were you at a point where you recognize something was off and you wanted freedom from this and or had tried freedom before?   Let's start with that and then I'll go into the other one.   Matthew Raabsmith: (12:34 - 14:40) Yeah, it really was holy timing in a lot of ways. I, you know, for a lot of years I had I hated what I did. I didn't feel like I could stop it, but didn't have a lot of interest in kind of doing anything to stop it.   I kind of just like would just say, “OK, this is going to be the last time.” And then, you know, of course it would come back. But I think at this point I had really started to see the damage that was happening to our relationship.   I could feel us growing close, growing further apart. I could see kind of Joanna and the confusion that she was having. And like she couldn't understand things.   She would ask me a lot of questions that I didn't have answers to. And so, I actually a couple of months earlier, we were at a worship service, and they had said like, “hey, if you are ready to give something up, if you feel like there's something holding you back, come forward and confess it.” And Joanna and I were sitting next to each other, and I remember feeling like the Holy Spirit just like pulling me to like get up out of my seat and I wouldn't move.   I was like, no, because she's going to ask me what I went down for. I'm going there's you know, there's a random kind of prayer partner at the front. I'm like, I'm not going and confessing this to some random person.   And so, I was ready. But I think like I said, I think there was no path forward. It was kind of confess this and everything stops and ends.   But everything like marriage ends, life ends. And so, when she when she brought this, it really did feel like God had kind of been answering a prayer that I've been praying of like, if you give me a way out, I'll take it. I'm desperate.   I want it to stop. And it felt like that. I think it was both this kind of terror and this hope that day.   And even when I said, yes, it was a little bit like, what have I done? Like, could this have been different? Should I have just gone and told someone else privately?   Right. But I think ultimately that it was out between the two of us and that we kind of knew it. We knew what we were dealing with made a huge difference.   But I mean, God had been working in my life, offering opportunities for so long. I just been saying no, no, no. And then finally, you know, I think my heart just broke and it was like, yes, OK, I'm ready for this.   Laura Dugger: (14:40 - 15:14) I love how the Holy Spirit equipped you with that humility and courage to be brave in that moment. And it's such a blessing for all of us to get to see the end or I guess not the end of the story, but you at this point in your story where you're thriving. And so, I hope that offers a lot of hope to people listening.   But let's also pause. And so, going back further in time, Matthew, this was the other part of my question. What was life and attachment and your growing up journey like?   Matthew Raabsmith: (15:15 - 18:09) Yeah, I didn't know that at the time. Right. I a lot of this I figured out in the last couple of years of recovery.   You know, if you would have asked me, you know, as I was growing up about my life, I would have told you I had the perfect family. I had the perfect life. I think I did not realize that some of the things that I was going through weren't perfect, were harder.   And part of that was because I think the way my family dynamic worked was we just swept everything under the rug. You know, whatever happened, we just kind of went, OK, and moved on from. And I learned to do that as a kid.   And that meant a lot of emotional chaos. There was a lot of physical chaos and kind of volatility in our house growing up. And even though I had parents who are still married to this day, have stayed together and have tried to create kind of a stable life.   There was a lot of emotional and kind of relational instability. We moved around a lot. And then once we started moving, I found myself more and more kind of isolated at school. I started dealing with bullying and some things that really kind of left me not knowing how to deal with the pain that I was going through. And so, my way of stuffing things under the rug was getting, you know, escaping, you know, kind of escaping into anything that I could. I watched a lot of TV.   I was a latchkey kid, so I would come home. I'd watch TV a lot in the afternoon and then TV kind of just turned to more and more. And I was exposed pretty young to pornography, actually at a church camp.   I was at a summer church camp. Someone brought a Playboy magazine, and I was exposed to pornography. And I kind of felt that high, that rush.   And that just became kind of a mode of my escape. Right. Of whatever I could do to engage sexually, whether with my mind or with others.   That's how I could get out of the pain I was in. That's how I could stop feeling kind of the chaos that I was having and not realizing that it was becoming this kind of adaptive habit, that it would just be this thing I would go back to more and more. And I grew up at a time that technology was still emerging.   So, I can remember when we got our first computer and no one was talking about safeguards or anything. And so, it was just kind of exposure. Here you go.   Here's everything you could ever want and don't need. And that really became my life. And the more and more that I did, the better and better I got at lying and hiding and even being kind of vulnerable in kind of fake ways.   I would mention things like, yeah, we all have this struggle. And even Joanna, I had told like, you know, that was a struggle of mine in the past, but I've moved on from it. Right.   I told myself and other people just kind of lie after lie after lie so that I could have really this double life. I could appear one way and then I could be acting a completely different way, kind of in the dark.   Laura Dugger: (18:10 - 20:41) Yeah. And that makes sense. I'm thinking back to two episodes.   We did one with a male, Sam Black from Covenant Eyes, and he speaks so much of the origins of pornography and that foothold that Satan gets. And so many times it is in childhood, unwittingly you're exposed and then what it can turn into. And then Crystal Renaud Day came on to share a lot of females struggle with this as well.   And so, I'll link to those if those are a help.   And now a brief message from our sponsor. 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For me, I had to figure out what had really gone on in my life and what was really happening.   Because, like I said, I had become such an expert at hiding from myself and others that I didn't really know how to live any other way. And so, I, you know, Joanna kind of handed me a list of everything this pastor had done. She was like, here you go.   Right. She kind of handed me that list and was like, good luck. And so, I dove in.   I went to a men's intensive. And I think that was probably one of the key places for me to tell my story for the first time. I really took a look at my life and had some people help me take a look and recognize the trauma that I had as a kid exposure that I had experienced and what that really meant to me and helped me understand what I was doing.   But also, kind of what I was doing to myself, how I was really kind of killing myself from the inside out and preventing myself from having the kind of relationship I wanted with God and other people. And so, that discovery was in really ways kind of invigorating for me. I felt like I was living for the first time.   I think I had started to kind of get out of this kind of burden, this fear of always being caught. I told Joanna kind of the history of everything that had happened in my life and our relationship. And so, I was feeling this kind of renewed sense of like energy and excitement of like, this is good.   I want this life. I want the life there that I'm not in constant kind of fear and in constant kind of connection to this thing I hate. And so, which is really different than what Joanna was experiencing.   Joanna Raabsmith: (22:30 - 25:07) Yeah. So, for me, it was very jarring in the beginning. Everything I thought was real came crashing down around me.   And that was especially jarring because I had left kind of the direction, the path that I was on. Right. We talked about our story earlier.   It included two months of dating, two months of engagement before we got married. And that also included me dropping out of law school, getting married and moving to California to pursue a ministry degree so we could work as pastors together or do something together. And so, in that moment, all of that came crashing down.   And I kind of was very lost, not just in our relationship, but in kind of what in the world am I even doing here? What am I going to do moving forward if he doesn't choose recovery? Right.   And so, just all of those question marks, all in that one moment of him answering that question affirmative. And so, so there was like that heaviness on one side and then on the other side was this relief of finally everything I've been experiencing makes sense. Right. Finally, I feel like I actually know what's going on. And because of that, there could maybe be a path forward for us as well. So, is this very, very weird dichotomy in that moment? And so, but I think I knew right away, like, I can't be vulnerable. I can't be intimate with him anymore. Right.   I have to step back in our relationship and wait and see what he chooses to do. Is he going to choose to do the work of recovery and get healthy and start to be honest and safe or not? And so, that's so we kind of did kind of there's some space for a very long period of time while we focused on our own individual recoveries.   And that, again, was a little bumpy for me. This is over a decade ago. And so, there is very little information about what partners experience.   We call it betrayal trauma, and that just wasn't a very common word at the time. And so, some of the resources I plugged into came from a more we would call it codependent, co-addict focus, which just really didn't fit. So, I struggled to find resources that felt like they fit for my journey.   But once I did, it all again, my own healing process started to make sense. And it was so like freeing and liberating to understand. Like, oh, OK, this is what I'm going through. This is why I feel this way.   This is what it looks like to heal and move forward. And so, kind of beginning that process was so important because then when Matthew was kind of in a healthy, safe place, I was as well, and we can start to step in towards each other on that kind of more couples' journey at that point.   Laura Dugger: (25:07 - 25:17) I love how you did that wisely, though, separate first, not rushing into couples at that time. Absolutely.   Matthew Raabsmith: (25:18 - 26:33) Appreciate you calling it wise. I think we were terrified. Yeah, we'll take God's help.   I think he was like, you guys just work on your own stuff for a while. And in some ways, like I said, it was we didn't know what we were doing. But I think we knew we wanted there to be a future between the two of us.   But we knew it had to be completely different in some ways than what we had before, which was scary because we liked what we had before. Like we had a really great marriage in many ways. Right.   There was this portion of it, this hidden portion that was really infecting and killing it all. But what we did have together, we didn't want to totally lose. It just was really hard to know, especially early on, what's going to come forward.   Like, who are we still going to be as we go forward? Are we still going to be a couple who does things together? Right. Who works together? Or is that all kind of going to have to be different? Is that the only way that we have kind of moving forward?   And so, that was that was probably the hardest part was having like this sense of like not wanting to lose us. We were like, if we lost that, that was going to be miserable. And I think a lot of our work was about how do we eventually reclaim this marriage that we want, that we love?   Laura Dugger: (26:34 - 27:04) Yes, because from what I'm sensing, you're friends with each other, you're on purpose or on mission with God. He did a course correction change, putting you on this path to help couples. But your desire to work together, it's like He still honored that in the ministry of reconciliation.   And I'm assuming abundantly blessed it beyond what you could ever dreamed up what we're doing now.   Joanna Raabsmith: (27:04 - 27:42) Right. It's been amazing to see what God has done, how he's used our story, which is so fitting because it was someone sharing their story that brought our healing. And I think because of that and it wasn't right away; it took some time to get to the place where we felt open to God using our story to bring healing to others. But we found as we stepped into that, that we have received such a blessing.   Right. And just being able to sit with other couples in that journey and see them go from that place of pain and confusion to this place of restoration and thriving. Like there is no better work that we could have imagined for ourselves.   Laura Dugger: (27:42 - 28:09) Love that. And really, you did have to pioneer a path. There weren't many resources at that time.   So, that's another reason I'm grateful you can share your story, because I hope it unlocks freedom for others. So, if we're turning more outward now and you're helping as you work with couples, how do you help them identify the difference between sexual struggles and sexual addiction?   Matthew Raabsmith: (28:10 - 30:15) Yeah, that's a great question. And I think that it really kind of exists on a spectrum. And so, everything kind of exists under what we call problematic sexual behavior or unwanted sexual behavior.   Whenever someone is acting in a way sexually that doesn't align with their values. And then the question is, is how often, how compulsive, right? How habituated, right?   How really embedded is that practice? Because the more and more embedded it is and the more and more that I continue to act on that, seeing the damage that it's doing, that's really what qualifies as the addiction. The addiction is when I know that this is causing harm and I and I feel that even though I want to stop it and I've tried to stop.   Right. I can't stop the 12 steps has a great line. They say addicts, you know, addicts have no problem stopping.   It's staying stopped. That's hard for an addict. Right.   And so, that's usually a sign that there's an addiction. And really what that means is that just means that I'm going to have to be even more kind of thorough and scrupulous in my willingness to change a lot. Because if I have built an addictive lifestyle, that means everything I do kind of functions to support that lifestyle.   Right. And so, my part of that was this hiding. I lied about everything.   I would lie about anything just to make sure that I was in control of the narrative. And so, for me, it was recognizing that if I was going to move forward free of my addiction, then it had to begin with honesty, with this kind of radical honesty and transparency and growing in that consistently, because that was the way that I manifested this addiction and kind of kept it going. And so, that's really what the addiction is about, is recognizing what are the kind of pieces in my life that are supporting this addiction to continue to exist?   And how is God going to dismantle those things? Right. And how am I going to be a part of that dismantling?   Laura Dugger: (30:16 - 30:33) That's well said. And also, I'm curious, are there any common life circumstances, whether that's nature or nurture, that are more likely to predispose someone to more likely have this struggle with sexual addiction?   Matthew Raabsmith: (30:34 - 32:30) I mean, there are, I think, you know, the things that we tend to look for are trauma and trauma comes in so many different forms. So, trauma is more it's rare that it's a single event. It's often more a kind of consistent occurrences.   As I mentioned, you know, I can't speak to kind of one event in my life that I say this was the traumatic moment in which everything changed. But it was more of the chaos. And so, I grew up in a family that could be really, really, really loving and incredibly encouraging and fun and silly and in a heartbeat switch into one that was verbally and physically just chaotic and terrifying.   And it was that chaos that kept me on edge. What it did was it created in me kind of a system of always wanting to be on high alert. And that would exhaust me.   That would kind of wear me out. And I would want to kind of numb that kind of feeling away. And so, I think those traumas, I do think early exposure.   Right. I mean, I was exposed early before my brain was ready to really understand what it was dealing with. And I think the third component that we often see is a low level or a kind of really a void of sexual education.   There was I'm sure I had a small talk with my dad at some point, but we were not talking about pornography. We weren't talking about bodies. We weren't talking about sex from a kind of healthy, good way.   I grew up in the church, and it was kind of don't do this until you're married and then you'll be fine. Right. That was the sexual education message.   And so, those things, right, trauma, exposure and lack of kind of education usually forms in someone a difficulty of knowing what they're doing, knowing that it's destroying them before it's really kind of gotten a deep hole.   Joanna Raabsmith: (32:30 - 33:20) I think like the brain. The brain aspect to when we talk about addiction, there are usually chemicals involved in addiction being formed, being created. And so, I think also co-occurring disorders, right, that emotional pain, also things like anxiety, depression, ADHD, where my brain really likes the dopamine it gets from sexual acting out. Right.   And you can actually need it to feel OK. That can also be a factor in kind of especially that addictive side of these behaviors. When my brain gets really attached to that dopamine release that it's getting because maybe I have some other things going on or I just have emotional pain.   I don't know what to deal with, how to handle it, how to regulate that in a healthy way.   Laura Dugger: (33:20 - 34:30) There's so many good points there. I'll just highlight one because there's a profound piece that you were talking about with early exposure to evil and the corruption of it is extremely harmful. And yet not being exposed to God's good design for sex and hopefully being coached by our parents, that is both of those play a part in the addiction. And so, I'm thinking even as we shift to think about parents, I know I've had parents come to me and just say, I don't want to talk about this with my kids.   I don't want to rob their innocence. And my approach is if God made it, this is good. We can talk to them.   You're not robbing their innocence when you're sharing the good age-appropriate parts of sex. And it's so great to be that first one to share with them. And I think it does the opposite of what we would expect.   We're afraid that that might make them hyper sexualized. But would you speak to that? Any encouragement for parents?   Matthew Raabsmith: (34:30 - 36:37) Yeah, it's tricky. I mean, even as parents, we've got kids and its still kind of navigating it. But I do think what it does is it lets someone learn the things they need to in the timeline they need to.   I think part of one of the things is that, you know, really good sexual education starts young. I mean, they start six and seven years old or even younger, just talking about our bodies. Right.   Because I think that's part of it. Really, this is about understanding the goodness of our bodies. This body was created by God, the maker of heaven and earth, and he called it good.   And so, I think part of a good sexual education begins with that. And then, what's really nice is once you've started the conversation, that means if your children are exposed or if they're presented with things that don't line up with what they've been hearing, they now feel safe to come and talk about that. Because that's really what this was about.   I didn't feel safe to talk about what I was exposed to, what people were doing. Right. And what people were encouraging me to engage in.   And so, you know, my parents would ask me how it's going. I would not tell them anything because it wasn't a conversation that they were having with me. And so, I didn't think it was a conversation I was going to have with them.   And so, that meant that as I found myself further and further away from my values, I felt like, who am I going to share this with? And so, part of having the conversation is it normalizes with our kids that this is OK to talk about, which is actually what adults need. I mean, part of our work with couples as adults, we have to get them talking about sex and body parts.   I mean, it's amazing to have 30, 40, and 50-year-olds in our offices and in our sessions. And they're so uncomfortable. Right.   They don't want to talk about sex. They don't want to talk about their bodies. They don't want to talk about what their bodies do.   Right. And we keep being like, this is God's good stuff. Right.   There is goodness here. But you have to begin by talking about it. Right.   Having these conversations.   Joanna Raabsmith: (36:38 - 37:54) I tell all the parents I work with, your kids are going to pick up a narrative about what sex is and what sexuality is, whether you want them to or not. And so, would you rather be the first person to step in and give them a healthy view, a healthy narrative to understand? Right.   And this is beyond kind of the nuts and bolts that everything our kids are learning. They're trying to find a deeper meaning. They don't think it's unconscious when they're young. Right. But they're taking it and they're going, what meaning does this have for me? How does this inform my self-worth, my view of my own value as a human in my body?   And how does it inform my experience of the world and my safety in the world? And am I empowered to make decisions? Am I connected?   Do I belong? Right. All of those questions are asking.   And so, as they're confronted with issues of sexuality, it's going to inform those things. And the world will not give them a healthy narrative about it. Right.   And so, being able as a parent to step in and give them that healthy meaning, that narrative, that understanding of their worth and their safety as they're piecing together kind of sexuality, again, at that age-appropriate level is so important.   Laura Dugger: (37:54 - 38:30) Guess what? We are no longer an audio only podcast. We now have video included as well.   If you want to view the conversation each week, make sure you watch our videos. We're on YouTube and you can access videos or find answers to any of your other questions about the podcast when you visit thesavvysauce.com. And I love that you're talking about this with couples you work with.   So, will you give us an overview of the intimacy pyramid that you actually wrote a book about and you teach to couples?   Joanna Raabsmith: (38:30 - 38:31) Absolutely.   Matthew Raabsmith: (38:31 - 39:15) Yeah. I mean, it was born out of our journey because, as you said, we wandered for a while and we felt a little bit like Israel, just kind of, you know, knowing that the Promised Land was out there, but never really feeling like we could find it. And when we started to piece together, I think the kind of relationship that we had dreamed of reclaiming, we really ask ourselves, how can we make this a more direct, a simpler process, not just for couples who went through what we went through, but really for any couple who's hungry for this, for the couple like us when we were first starting.   It really wants an amazing marriage. And so, we really focused on a kind of simplistic idea of what are the core kind of foundational levels of building really healthy intimacy.   Joanna Raabsmith: (39:16 - 40:10) Yeah. So, the intimacy pyramid, it's actually a triangle. There's a visual that goes along with it.   So, if you imagine the different levels of the triangle, very similar to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, starting at the bottom, you have to start with honesty. And so, we definitely experienced that reality in our own relationship. Right.   This is something we learned from Couples in Betrayal, but like Matthew said, we realized this is where every couple starts. Am I willing to be fully open, fully honest and transparent in this relationship? Am I being my authentic self?   Right. And after that level of honesty, that's when we start to build safety. And that has to do with our ability to communicate in really healthy, constructive ways.   Even when it's hard, even when we're disagreeing, even when we feel like yelling at each other. Are we able to show up with that belief that we both have the same goal? We're trying to build something together.   Matthew Raabsmith: (40:10 - 41:57) And with honesty and safety, that's where we get to work on trust as a couple. That's that next level. And trust is where we start to be more partners, where we're really starting to kind of lean in, work together, kind of be courageous and saying, “Hey, this isn't just my life anymore, right?”   This is our life together. And as that trust is established, this is what allows for the incredible work of vulnerability. And there's been all these studies about vulnerability over the last few years and how important it is.   What we recognize, though, is vulnerability on top of nothing is actually really risky and kind of even dangerous. It's vulnerability that's built on healthy trust where we step in and we do share some of those deeper pains in those wounds, those fears. We start to really heal some of those kind of early traumas that we experience.   It's in that vulnerability. That's what allows a couple to be truly intimate. And it's when they've worked through each of these levels, what we find is these couples, when they reach this kind of this intimacy level, they're passionate about who they are as a couple. They love kind of their relationship itself. They have a purpose to it. They have a sense that like our marriage, our relationship exists for a reason, but they're also really playful.   They're silly. They're really kind of comfortable in their own skin. And it's those five levels really working together that allows them to experience a relationship that gives life. I think one of the things we know is that when God creates, it gives life. And so, God created marriage not to burden us, right? Not to kind of, you know, not even just to get us through, you know, kind of surviving life, but actually to bring more life.   Right. And not just life within the relationship itself, but life outside of it.   Laura Dugger: (41:58 - 42:22) Oh, I love it. And you're also working with couples. I've heard you speak before about the working on offering your spouse the gift of self-awareness. And so, what could couples expect? How do you actually work with them to grow in self-awareness and recognize things like the emotional process they go through in marriage?   Joanna Raabsmith: (42:22 - 43:48) Absolutely. So, awareness. So, in our book, we obviously detail the intimacy period much more.   And that's Building True Intimacy is the name of the book. But each of those levels we just walked through have different components that go into that. And awareness is kind of like one of the most important components of that honesty foundation.   So, we have to start with awareness and we can't really build anything if there's a lack of self-awareness. And so, when we work with couples, one of the first places we start is we kind of look at the past. Are they aware of what they've been through, what those experiences are, and how those experiences have shaped them into the person that is now in the present, showing up with their spouse.   Right. And so, once I start to have that insight from my past, from those experiences, how they shape me, I can better understand my present. What are the things that I feel and why do I feel those things in particular?   Right. And then when I feel those things in a relationship, and these are typically those kind of heavier, more challenging, more painful emotions. How do I respond?   How am I showing up? Because the reality is that all of us cope with emotional pain the same way we cope with physical pain. We go into fight or flight.   That part of our brain gets triggered and we respond with these kind of destructive relational coping behaviors that then hurt my partner.   Matthew Raabsmith: (43:48 - 46:22) Yeah. Like, for example, I told you about that chaos I experienced as a kid. And so, those would always happen around conflicts.   My parents would disagree about something. There would be some type of argument about, you know, and it could be anything where we were going for dinner or what color the curtains were. Right.   But it would create this chaotic environment. So, as I got married, the thing that I didn't like the least was any type of conflict. Joanna and I would get in when I could sense us disagreeing and we are both passionate.   We have opinions and we believe things and we get into this kind of disagreement and argument. It would freak my system out. And I didn't realize that because I didn't really know my past.   I didn't know what was going on. I would just really do anything to shut it down. I get angry and I try to get loud, or I just walk away in the middle of a conversation.   As Joanna was talking, I would just leave the room and my acting out was just a further manifestation of that kind of leaving the relationship. And so, part of my healing journey was to learn about my story and recognize, oh, OK, I can see what's happening. And what's really interesting is it still happens in our life today.   I've been in recovery for 12 years. I still feel the same things. Now it's more like when my kids are getting involved.   Right. And there's energy in the room and people are online. And then I go, oh, yeah, there it is.   There's my system again. It's starting to feel unsafe. It's starting to feel alone. And I know what it wants to do. It wants to get angry, or it wants to just shut down and walk away. And what's incredible is that we've learned the ability to see where we're at but also speak directly to that.   And so, what I get to do for myself now is I get to go, “OK, I know I'm feeling unsafe and I know I'm feeling alone. And I know I want to get angry to solve it, but it won't do it. But here's the truth. The truth is that I'm safe in God's economy. I'm empowered. I have an incredible partner in my life. I've never been alone. I've always had someone there for me. And Joanna is the perfect example of that.”   And that totally changes my sense of really kind of where I am. And it changes how I show up. I tend to be much more calm.   I ask questions rather than make demands. And it's that ability to kind of see where we're at and shift. That's just been such a game changer for our family and just for our own relationship.   We still have to work on it. You know, it doesn't always look that pretty. Right.   But when we do, it's amazing how different it goes.   Laura Dugger: (46:24 - 46:44) And then I just think of the generational impacts that has when people are willing to do the work. And so, if there's a brave couple out there who wants to seek their own help and healing, can you share where they can go for help, including the Raabsmith team and all that you have to offer?   Matthew Raabsmith: (46:46 - 47:30) Yeah, you know, we would love them to connect with us because I think one of the things we recognize was having guides along the way. I mean, we had to figure a lot out ourselves, but we also had some really incredible guides, some mentors, some coaches, some therapists. And so, we always just say, hey, connect with us.   You can find us at raabsmithteam.com. We have a heart for couples who want restoration and reconciliation because that's what we're getting to live and experience. And what's cool is our whole team, they're couples who've been through this work, but who also have been professionally trained to help other couples to just continue to guide and to grow relationships so that they're thriving and they're kind of giving that life.   Joanna Raabsmith: (47:30 - 48:10) Absolutely. We also love to give out resources. And so, we have the kind of we call it the honest connection.   And so, again, if you're starting this journey or even this is for any couple who wants deeper connection, deeper intimacy, learning how to do that on a daily basis in small ways is so important. And so, we have a worksheet that couples can take and use. We're happy to provide that for them for free and kind of try this for 30 days and notice the changes that you experience in your relationship.   And so, that's a great starting point wherever you are in relationship to begin that journey of connection.   Matthew Raabsmith: (48:10 - 48:14) And you just go to raabsmithteam.com/free and that resource is all yours.   Laura Dugger: (48:15 - 48:26) Wonderful. Add links for that in the show notes for today's episode. And is this then for any couple worldwide, nationwide?   Can you work with people?   Matthew Raabsmith: (48:27 - 48:55) We have we've got couples across the world, which is really fun. It's been really neat just to see the way that God has used our work. One of the things when we first started this journey, we started getting couples calling us saying, “Hey, I don't have anybody in my area that specializes in this, that understands this journey. Can I work with you?” And so, we kind of felt a calling to say we want to make sure that we connect with people wherever they are. And so, absolutely.   If you can hear our voice, you can work with us.   Laura Dugger: (48:55 - 49:14) I love that. And just as a little bonus practical tip, you kind of mentioned being proactive to thriving in marriage. Is there any encouragement that you could share or a specific practical tip that anybody could start to incorporate if they want to take their marriage to that thriving level?   Matthew Raabsmith: (49:15 - 50:12) Yeah, I think just the ability to slow down. We have a  nine, seven and six-year-old. We own our own business, and we like life and life can get incredibly fast.   And I think what we have found is when, as I was mentioning, when I learned the ability just to slow down, even if I don't fully just know myself slowing down and checking in, just where am I at right now? Where's my heart? Right. Where do I want to be?   I think I realize that so often my values and my actions aren't aligned when I'm moving too quickly. I'm not being the person that I want to be. And we see that in so many couples. We meet so many couples and there are two really great people who have a hard time working together. They have a hard time kind of being a team.   And it's usually because they're working so fast. They don't realize they're kind of working against each other. So, slowing down, I think, is such a big thing.   Joanna Raabsmith: (50:12 - 51:18) Another piece that's, again, really easy to start right away. A lot of couples we work with, and I think probably even us when we start a relationship, was there were two individuals in a relationship, and it was kind of either me or you. And starting to understand there's this third thing between you, the relationship. There's a third almost entity that really needs care. It needs nurture. It needs you to focus on its needs from time to time.   And so, beginning to approach the day, even approach conversations with this question of like, what does our relationship need right now? And even as you're trying to make decisions, what is the way we can decide this in a way that's good for our relationship or what decision benefits our relationship rather than does it benefit you or me? Because when you get into that struggle, it can become a competition.   It can become transactional really quickly. So, starting to ask that question, starting to talk about the needs and caring for the relationship very intentionally can be a way to shift that.   Laura Dugger: (51:20 - 51:38) Thank you for sharing that. I think that leads into my last question, because you already know we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for both of you, Matthew and Joanna, what is your savvy sauce?   Matthew Raabsmith: (51:39 - 52:22) I kind of mentioned this, but I think it's the willingness to be honest. I was so willing to lie to myself and kind of really hide from other people. And I didn't even know that I was doing it.   But as I have learned to be more honest in really kind of healthy ways, right. You can dump, you can whine, you can complain, you can get angry. But truly being honest meant just looking at what I was feeling and trying to kind of figure that out and name that.   As I have learned that ability to be honest with myself and with others, it has just opened up a new world of possibilities. And it has shown me how many people care for me; how much God cares for me. So, I think that honesty is something I just want to practice more and more every day.   Joanna Raabsmith: (52:22 - 53:30) I think for me, just in my own journey and working with so many partners, that importance of being able to make empowered decisions in my life. Right. That I am really intentionally choosing the direction I'm going in life.   Realizing that instead of going into this more helpless, powerless victim stance is such a difference. And really the only thing that changes a lot of times is mindset. You don't have to overhaul your entire life.   Right. You have to add in like four hours of self-care and all of these things. But starting to shift that mindset into, wait, I have power in the decisions I make.   And one of the ways that's really important to do that is growing that self-awareness. I cannot make empowered decisions if I'm not aware of where I'm at emotionally, physically, spiritually. Right.   If I'm not aware of my needs on a regular basis. And so, slowing down to check those things in, sometimes even multiple times in the day if you're not used to that. So, you're more connected to yourself, to what you need, what you want.   So, you can start making those empowered decisions.   Laura Dugger: (53:32 - 54:00) I love that. It's just so enjoyable to host a very lively couple who's humble and you've done your work. And then you're willing to share all this overflow of goodness with all of us.   So, I think my prayer is that the Lord would richly bless you for this open-handed generosity of wisdom and your story and experience that you've shared with us and modeled for us today. So, thank you to both of you for being my guest.   Joanna Raabsmith: (54:00 - 54:03) Thank you so much. It's a joy being here.   Laura Dugger: (54:05 - 57:47) One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

It's time to work what God placed in you. In part two of his message “Let's Go to Work,” Touré Roberts reveals how God designed us for enterprise, purpose, and impact long before we ever saw it in ourselves. Drawing from Ephesians 2, James 2, and John 9, he shows how faith isn't passive — it's activated when we build, create, serve, and walk out what God already planted within. You are God's workmanship — His poem — crafted with intention, rhythm, and capacity. The gifts, ideas, and abilities in you aren't random; they are part of a divine ecosystem of productivity waiting to flow through your life. This message will challenge limiting beliefs, ignite your design, and call you into the kind of work that transforms lives — including your own. It's not just time to believe. It's time to build — your calling, your purpose, and your kingdom business. Message: “Let's Go to Work, Part II” Scripture: James 2:14-18, Ephesians 2:10, John 9:4 (NKJV) Speaker: Touré Roberts Date: Nov. 30, 2025 ✨ Welcome to Your Moment of Transformation You don't have to walk this journey alone. Let Jesus guide your steps and fill your life with purpose and peace.